Examining the Reliability of a Hand Geometry Identify Verification Device for Use in Access Control.

Controlling the access to secure government facilities has become increasingly important as these systems are entrusted with more sensitive applications. Unauthorized access could be very detrimental to our nations security. The use of biometric measures, one of which hand geometry, may represent a possible solution. This thesis looks at one hand geometry identification device, and determines its effectiveness as a function of the rejection threshold setting, a time lapse in use, and the construction of reference templates. Rejection thresholds of 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 three weeks of inactivity by the test subjects and construction of the reference templates from 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 individual hand readings were examined. The application of hand geometry identification technology for protecting Command, Control, and Communications facilities was then discussed. This study used the ID-3D Hand Geometry Identifier built by Recognition Systems, Inc. of San Jose, California. This device was very effective in producing low Type I and Type II error rates during 6300 trails covering all situations examined. This technology has great potential for protecting C3 facilities and systems.