ECG-Based Authentication

Abstract

A biometric system performs template matching of acquired biometric data against template biometric data [17.1]. These biometric data can be acquired from several sources like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ear, face, facial thermogram, fingerprints, gait, hand geometry, hand veins, iris, keystroke, odor, palm print, retina, signature, voice, etc. According to previous research, DNA, iris and odor provide high measurement for biometric identifiers including universalities, distinctiveness and performance [17.1]. DNA provides a one dimensional ultimate unique code for accurate identification for a person, except for the case of identical twins. In biological terms “Central Dogma” refers to the basic concept that, in nature, genetic information generally flows from the DNA to RNA (ribonucleic acid) to protein. Eventually protein is responsible for the uniqueness provided by other biometric data (finger print, iris, face, retina, etc.). Therefore, it can be inferred that the uniqueness provided by the existing biometric entities is inherited from the uniqueness of DNA. It is imperative to note that shape of the hand or palm print or face or even the shape of particular organs like the heart has distinctive features which can be useful for successful identification. The composition, mechanism and electrical activity of the human heart inherit uniqueness from the individuality of DNA. An electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the electrical activities of the heart. Figure 17.1 shows the inheritance of uniqueness for ECG inherited from the DNA.