BS ISO/IEC 39794-4:2019

What is ISO/IEC 39794-4 - biometric finger 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 39794-4 specifies the following: 

• Generic extensible data interchange formats for the representation of friction ridge 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 39794-4 is designed to accommodate both plain (flat) or rolled fingerprint images. Biometric systems perform better if the volar pad of the finger is centred both horizontally and vertically in the image capture area. Therefore, when capturing a fingerprint image, the centre of the fingerprint image should be located in the approximate centre of the image capture area. 

ISO/IEC 39794-4 is also designed to accommodate images from the palm of the hand or from the side of the hand opposite the thumb. When capturing a palmprint image, the centre of the palm or writer’s palm image area should be located in the approximate centre of the image capture area. 

Who is ISO/IEC 39794-4 - biometric finger image data for? 

ISO/IEC 39794-4  on biometric finger image data interchange 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 39794-4 - biometric finger image data?  

Biometric data interchange formats enable the interoperability of different biometric systems. Biometric data are sensitive data and subject to attack, cryptographic protection is required in interchange environments. Biometrics-related profiles, security evaluation and performance evaluation also play an important role. Biometric interfaces are essential to facilitate easy integration and usage of biometric components. 

ISO/IEC 39794-4 provides you with image representation requirements. Use of the captured or processed image allows interoperability among biometric systems relying on minutiae-based, pattern-based or other algorithms. Thus, data from the captured finger image offers the developer more freedom in choosing or combining comparison algorithms. 

ISO/IEC 39794-4 is useful for those applications requiring the exchange of raw or processed fingerprint and other friction ridge images (for example, palm images) that may not necessarily be limited in the amount of resources available for data storage or transmitting time. It is also used for the exchange of scanned fingerprints containing detailed image pixel information. 

ISO/IEC 39794-4 supports both binary and XML encoding, to support a spectrum of user requirements. With XML, this document meets the requirements of modern IT architectures. With binary encoding this document is also able to be used in bandwidth or storage constrained environments. 

Complying with ISO/IEC 39794-4 works as reassurance to senior management, customers, and stakeholders that activity associated with the biometric data interchange system is aligned with best practices.