Abstract
M.Sc. (Information Technology)
Biometrics is a unique method used to identify humans by distinct biological characterises. In
recent years biometrics are showing up everywhere from homes, workplaces, schools and
banks. This identification method is rapidly replacing existing methods such as passwords
since it offers a higher level of security compared to existing methods.
Fingerprints are the most common biometric choice. However fingerprint biometrics is
showing limitations. Since fingerprints are an external trait, it can be exposed to many
situations (cuts, dirt, wear and tear, and skin conditions) that may impact the biometric
captured. These factors can cause security and usability issues. There have been a number
of successful attempts such as alteration of fingerprints and gummy fingers which are used to
bypass fingerprint readers.
An emerging biometric called finger-vein recognition was invented to overcome the issues
that fingerprint biometrics have. Finger-vein recognition which is based on the vascular
patterns that exist inside the finger, claim to have superior usability characteristics where less
false acceptance or rejections occur. Since the finger-vein recognition is based on an
internal trait it is assumed that external factors such as scars or even dirt will not affect the
biometric collected. This dissertation aims to investigate the limitations of fingerprints and to
determine whether finger-vein recognition can address these limitations.
During the course of the dissertation applicable fields such as construction and mining will be
identified for finger-vein recognition where fingerprint recognition has shown weakness.
Together, fingerprint and finger-vein technologies will be used in a mining industry to perform
minor experiments. The results of these experiments will be used to determine if finger-vein
addresses the fundamental limitations of fingerprint biometrics in these industries.
The main purposes of the dissertation will be to investigate finger-vein technology, the
applicable fields and whether finger-vein recognition can solve the problems fingerprint
recognition imposes in certain industries.