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

  1. Capture the palm using optical or contactless sensors.
  2. Extract ridge minutiae and orientation fields.
  3. 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