Identification, please!

1 "Iris Scan please," the bank's computer voice tells you. You step up and the computer reads your eye, comparing it to the stored file it has of your iris. The images had better match - otherwise, you won't be able to get your money.

2 Many science fiction films have used technologies such as iris, fingerprint, or voice scans as part of the story. Well, folks, believe it or not, these seemingly advanced technologies may soon be prevalent at work, the bank, the airport, and your local prison. The iris scan, fingerprint scan, and voice scan are all examples of biometrics, an exploding area of automatic personal identification technology. Basically, biometrics uses various means of identity verification based on an individual's unique physiological and/or behavioral characteristics. These tests generally compare the captured image to a stored image, checking for matches in the particular pattern or characteristic being tested.

3 Biometrics technologies can be used to verify fingerprints, voices, irises, body heat patterns, facial images, handprints, signatures, and even computer keystroke rhythms. To increase accuracy, multiple biometrics verification systems can be employed. Biometrics verification is currently in use in some airports, prisons, and hospitals to help control restricted access areas, and is being used by law enforcement and government agencies as well.

4 Biometrics identification systems have a number of advantages over password or PIN (personal identification number) systems.

Primarily, the individual who is to be identified has to be physically present to be identified.

Secondarily, there are no passwords to remember, forget, forge, lose, or steal.

5 Biometrics technology has recently become much more accessible, mainly due to the fact that the costs associated with implementing the technology are plummeting. Many companies have begun to adopt biometrics identification systems, which often employ scanners and embedded cameras, to give their large computer networks stronger security than a mere password-only protection system could ever provide.

6 Perhaps the simplest and most affordable form of biometrics is the voice scan. All that is required for a simple voice scan is a computer, microphone, and the correct software (microphones are commonly included with computers). The software records the subject's voice and compares it with a stored voice sample for identification purposes.

7 For added security, finger and handprint scans can also be employed. Fingerprint scans compare a print scan to a stored file, while handprint scans measure a hand's unique geometric aspects.

8 Iris scans currently give the highest level of accuracy among the available biometrics systems. Full facial scans are currently being implemented at border crossings and airports. Facial scanning equipment can actually track and identify moving faces within a crowd.

9 The potential of biometrics is exciting and encouraging. There is little doubt that continued development, testing, and application will improve current technologies. Soon, the days of car keys, passwords, and PINs will be gone. Just don't leave home without your fingerprints!

Picture #87

Adapted from NetWeek.

Predicting

Before you read

Look at these phrases from the text about biometrics technology. What do you think the term biometrics technology means? Write a definition.

iris scan stored image

voice scan fingerprint scan

identity verification embedded cameras

physiological and/or behavioral characteristics stored file

biometrics technology:

Scanning

Reading

Scan the text to check your prediction. Then read the whole text.

Recognizing

purpose

Picture #88

After you read

Check (✓) the writer's main purpose in writing the text.

1. to compare biometrics with other identification technologies

2. to discuss the pros and cons of biometrics technology

3. to inform people about biometrics technology

4. to persuade people to invest in biometrics technology

Understanding

details

B

Mark each sentence true (T), false (F), or does not give the information (?).

? 1. Some people object to the use of biometrics technology.

2. Biometrics technology is not in use now.

3. Biometrics technology is a big industry.

4. Biometrics technology can measure many different things.

5. Fingerprint and handprint scans measure the same things.

6. All biometrics technologies are equally accurate.

7. Biometrics technology verifies identity more accurately than passwords and PINs.

8. There can be problems with biometrics technology.

9. Biometrics technology uses stored information to verify identity.

Relating reading to personal experience

Picture #89

Answer

these questions.

1. Which biometrics identification systems in the article are used in your country? Where are they used?

2. What are the advantages of biometrics technology? The disadvantages?

3. Are you against using biometrics identification systems in any particular places (for example, school, work, apartment buildings, banks, hospitals, or airports)? If so, why?

Unit 5 • Technology

READING 3