Biometric Standoff Detection:  Examining the Technologies, Implementations, and Developments of Biometric Systems

Biometric systems are used independently or in tandem with other systems to establish a person’s identity, such as for surveillance and monitoring (law enforcement trying to track persons of interest) or to ensure identification for security (a person’s face unlocking a phone). Performing these observations at a significant physical standoff is important for organizations clandestinely monitoring individuals to ensure they do not pose a security risk and to provide security to the everyday lives of those interacting with online services. Characteristics capable of being monitored include facial features (facial recognition), distinguishing features (tattoos, vein patterns), acoustic patterns (voice), and repetitive characteristics (arm motions, gait). Active research includes increasing the standoff distance biometric capability of systems and extracting a person of interest, visually from crowds and acoustically from a cacophony of voices. This report details available state-of-the art hardware and software that provide biometric identification at increasing standoffs and degrees of noise. Standoff biometric-sensing options and pros and cons of these systems (with a focus on homeland defense and security) are discussed. Ways in which hyperspectral data fusion can be used to bring further certainty to identification and allow more conclusions to be remotely drawn about a person’s emotional state or motivation are also examined.