Biometrics, Identity, & Security

Since 2014, our research group at the Maryland Test Facility has been testing the performance of biometric and identity technologies for the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T). 

We have tested dozens of commercial biometric (fingerprint, iris, and face) and identity systems by embedding these devices in realistic scenarios simulating different use-cases.  This testing measures how well the technologies work for test volunteers diverse in race, age, and gender revealing much about how fast, accurate, usable, satisfying, and equitable these technologies are. 

This page links to public presentations and opinion pieces and other information related to this work.  For technical publications, please visit the publications page.

Standards:

• ISO/IEC DIS 19795-10 Biometric performance testing and reporting — Part 10: Quantifying biometric system performance variation across demographic groups.

Opinion:

• The Real Problem with Face Recognition is not What You Thought
• 'Bias' in Face Recognition: Some Facts
• Where's the Bias in Face Recognition
• Who is the User of a Biometric Identity System

Public Presentations:

• Assessing variation in human skin tone to inform face recognition system design, NIST IFPC 2022.
• Estimating relative skin reflectance and measuring its effect on recognition. NIST IFPC 2019
• Usability and perceptions of self-service biometric technology. NIST IBPC 2016
• Efficient test design for biometric exit scenarios. NIST IBPC 2016

More Information:

• Maryland Test Facility
• DHS S&T - What is the MdTF
• DHS S&T - What is the Biometric Technology Rally
• WACV Demographics Workshop
• SAIC - Biometrics