BS ISO/IEC 39794-5:2019

What is ISO/IEC 39794‑5 - Biometric face image data about?  

Biometrics data needs to be compatible across formats for large-scale application. The ISO/IEC 39794 series provides standard biometric data interchange formats for different types of biometric characteristics. ISO/IEC 39794 series supports interoperability and biometric data interchange among biometric applications and systems. 

ISO/IEC 39794-5 specifies the following: 

• Generic extensible data interchange formats for the representation of face image data: A tagged binary data format based on an extensible specification in ASN.1 and a textual data format based on an XML schema definition that are both capable of holding the same information 
• Examples of data record contents 
• Application specific requirements, recommendations, and best practices in data acquisition 
• Conformance test assertions and conformance test procedures applicable to this document 

ISO/IEC 39794‑1 describes standard data format for digital face images. The standardization of face image data interchange formats is used to provide interoperability between biometric applications and systems. 

Who is ISO/IEC 39794‑5 - Biometric face image data for? 

ISO/IEC 39794‑5  on face image data interchange formats is useful for: 

• IT firms / software programmers that work on biometric system coding 
• Biometric system suppliers 
• Managers and procurement officials considering the purchase of a biometric system in e.g., construction, local authorities (including health and education) and emergency services 
• Specialist security suppliers 
• Licensing trade and nightclub managers 

Why should you use ISO/IEC 39794‑5 - Biometric face image data ?  

Biometric data interchange formats enable the interoperability of different biometric systems. Face images are used to verify the identity of individuals. Digital face images are used in many applications including human examination as well as computer-automated face recognition. Photographic formats are standardized, e.g., for passports and driver licences. There is a need for a standard data format for digital face images to enable interoperability, which ISO/IEC 39794‑5 provides. 

ISO/IEC 39794‑5 provides you with a generic face image data format for face recognition applications requiring exchange of face image data. Typical applications are automated face biometric verification and identification and human verification of a biometric claim by comparison of data subjects against face images, including examination of face images with sufficient details. 

ISO/IEC 39794‑5 describes application specific profiles including scene constraints, photographic properties and digital image attributes like image spatial sampling rate, image size, etc. 

Complying with ISO/IEC 39794-5 works as reassurance to senior management, customers, and stakeholders that activity associated with the biometric data interchange system is aligned with best practices.