Palmprint Recognition
Uses dermal ridge patterns across the palm for identification, distinct from vein-based methods.
Overview
Palmprint recognition analyzes ridge detail across the palm, offering a larger surface area than fingerprints for feature extraction.
How it works
- Capture the palm using optical or contactless sensors.
- Extract ridge minutiae and orientation fields.
- Match against enrolled templates.
Common use cases
- Law-enforcement forensic databases
- Secure facility access
- Research on hand-based biometrics
Strengths and limitations
Strengths: Large feature area; resistant to minor cuts.
Limitations: Bulkier sensors; less standardized than fingerprints.
Key terms
- Palmprint: Ridge patterns of the palm surface.
- Minutiae: Ridge endings and bifurcations used for matching.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are palmprints used?
In forensics and access control systems where more surface area improves matching.
How is palmprint different from palm vein?
Palmprint uses surface ridge patterns; palm vein uses sub-dermal vascular patterns captured with NIR illumination.