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Iris scanning measures patterns on the coloured part of the eye - the iris.

The tissue has a unique pattern of markings which does not change and is different
for each eye.

Iris scanners read from the outer edge towards the pupil, detecting and plotting the
markings.

Data is saved and stored within a chip, on a passport or ID card for example, which
will be verified when the eye is scanned in future.

While iris scanning is fast and accurate, its accuracy can be affected by objects
obscuring the eye and may not be suitable for people with cataracts.



     
 
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hsing fingerprints is the oldest method of identification.

In the digital world, the fingerprint is electronically read by a sensor plate.

The corrugated ridges of the skin are non-continuous and form a pattern that has
distinguishing features, or minutiae.

The minutiae can be plotted and joined up to form a template that can be stored and
compared against fingerprints in the future.

Some readings may be affected by fingerprints that have been damaged through
injury and some sensors may not be able to read fingers that are too wet or too dry.

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4 brief glance at the face is enough for most people to identify one another. Face
recognition technology can be just as swift.

2D face recognition involves making a unique template from measurements between

key points on the face.

This can be done from a live image or from a clear photograph - a method being
used with the issue of new biometric passports in the h .

Face recognition is being used by some authorities to scan crowds to identify

suspects whose faces have been logged on a database.

However, some of the technology may be easy to fool through ageing or face
coverings and there are privacy concerns over surveillance uses.

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