Vein pattern recognition
Vein pattern recognition is a biometric personal identification technology based on the unique subcutaneous vein pattern, using infrared scanning for contactless and high-precision authentication.
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What is vein pattern recognition
Vein pattern recognition is a biometric technology that uses the unique subcutaneous pattern of the veins of the palm or finger to identify a person. Unlike fingerprints or face geometry, the vein pattern is an internal biometric feature, which makes it practically impossible to forge. The technology is actively used in access control systems, in the banking sphere (for confirming operations) and in government systems. In Russia, vein pattern recognition is used at critical information infrastructure (CII) facilities and in access control systems (ACS) to ensure the maximum level of security.
How vein pattern recognition works
The vein pattern recognition process includes several sequential stages, each of which is critically important for ensuring high accuracy and reliability of identification. The first stage is infrared scanning. The device irradiates the hand in the near infrared range (the wavelength is usually 700-1000 nm). Hemoglobin in the veins absorbs infrared radiation, creating a unique contrast pattern recorded by a special high-resolution camera. The second stage is template creation. The system analyzes the vascular pattern, identifies characteristic branching and intersection points, and measures the angles and distances between them. On the basis of these data, a mathematical model is created — a biometric template that usually occupies from 500 bytes to 2 KB. The third stage is comparison. During authentication, the system scans the user's veins, creates a new template and compares it with the one saved in the database. The comparison process takes less than 1 second. The technology works contactlessly, which makes it hygienic and convenient. Unlike fingerprints, the vein pattern cannot be left on a surface or copied.
Advantages and disadvantages of the technology
The implementation of vein pattern recognition gives organizations the following advantages. Maximum protection from forgeries — the subcutaneous pattern cannot be copied, photographed or reproduced without access to a living hand. Even if an attacker gets access to the biometric template, he will not be able to use it for authentication, since the system requires live scanning. High accuracy — the technology is one of the most reliable biometric methods, with a FAR (False Acceptance Rate) of less than 0.0001% and FRR (False Rejection Rate) of less than 0.01%. Contactlessness — provides hygiene and no need to touch surfaces. Resistance to external factors — the technology does not depend on the state of the skin, dirt, cuts or humidity. However, there are also disadvantages: the cost of equipment for vein scanning is higher than for fingerprints; the technology may work incorrectly with strong edema or injuries of the limbs.
Use in various spheres
The technology is used in various spheres requiring a high level of security and accuracy of identification. In the banking sphere, it is used to confirm large transactions, access to safe-deposit boxes, log in to mobile banking applications and identify clients in branches. In corporate security — for access control to server rooms, data centers (DC) and other critical premises, as well as for employee time and attendance accounting. In government institutions — for identification at checkpoints, access to state secrets, in electronic voting systems. In healthcare — for error-free patient identification, prevention of substitution of medical records, access control to medicines and narcotic drugs. In the transport industry — for identifying pilots, drivers and other employees on whom the safety of passengers depends.
Integration with other systems
Vein pattern recognition can be integrated with other biometric methods (multimodal biometrics) to increase reliability and protection from attacks. Together with face geometry recognition or voice biometrics, the system provides almost 100% identification accuracy. Integration with existing ACS and biometric terminals is usually carried out through standard Wiegand, TCP/IP or RS-485 protocols. For government systems, certification of equipment by FSTEC of Russia is required. The technology can also integrate with access management systems (ACS), time and attendance systems, corporate portals through API, as well as with video surveillance systems.
Legislative aspects and requirements
The use of biometric data, including the vein pattern, is regulated by Federal Law No. 152-FZ "On Personal Data". Organizations collecting and processing biometrics are obliged to obtain the written consent of the subject, ensure data protection using certified CIPF and notify Roskomnadzor. For use in government systems and at CII facilities, compliance with the requirements of 187-FZ and orders of FSTEC of Russia is also necessary. Biometric templates must not be stored in an open form.
Choosing a solution and implementation
The choice of a vein pattern recognition system requires a professional approach and consideration of many factors. It is necessary to assess the number of users, throughput, operating conditions, requirements for integration with existing systems and the budget. Vein scanners differ in type (finger or palm), form factor, performance and functionality. The design service will help determine the optimal architecture, select equipment, integrate the technology with existing ACS.
Frequently asked questions
How is vein recognition different from fingerprints?
Fingerprints are an external feature that can be copied, left on a surface or damaged. Vein pattern is an internal subcutaneous feature that cannot be copied or forged. The technology is also contactless and independent of the state of the skin, which makes it more reliable.
Where is vein pattern recognition used?
The technology is used in access control systems for especially protected facilities, in banking systems to confirm transactions, at checkpoints and in government systems, including CII facilities. It is also used in healthcare for patient identification and in the transport industry.
Can a vein recognition system be fooled?
The vein pattern is an internal biometric feature that cannot be copied, photographed or reproduced without access to a living hand. Even if an attacker gets access to the template, he will not be able to use it for authentication, since the system requires live scanning. Modern systems also use liveness detection.
How does vein recognition integrate with ACS?
ACS with vein pattern recognition support are installed on turnstiles and doors for employee identification. This ensures the maximum level of security. Data is stored locally or in a protected database. Such solutions are often integrated with biometric terminals via Wiegand, TCP/IP or RS-485 protocols.
What equipment is needed for vein recognition?
To operate the system, a vein scanner is required, which can be made in the form of a standalone terminal or an embedded module. The scanner uses an IR camera to obtain an image of the veins and a built-in processor to create a biometric template. A server is also needed to store templates and manage access.
What is the difference between a palm and a finger vein scanner?
A finger scanner reads the vein pattern of one finger, takes up less space and is often used in smartphones and compact terminals. A palm scanner analyzes a larger area with more veins, which provides higher accuracy and reliability. The choice depends on the required security level.
What laws regulate the use of biometrics in Russia?
The use of biometric data, including the vein pattern, is regulated by Federal Law No. 152-FZ "On Personal Data". For use in government systems and at CII facilities, compliance with the requirements of 187-FZ and orders of FSTEC of Russia is also required.
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Vein pattern recognition
Vein pattern recognition is a biometric personal identification technology based on the unique subcutaneous vein pattern, using infrared scanning for contactless and high-precision authentication.
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