Multi-modal biometric database searching methods

摘要

The present invention provides techniques for efficient searching of a multi-modal biometric database. Nested searching improves search efficiency by using the results of a previous biometric modality search to limit the search population for subsequent biometric searches. The method can also be used in combinations of non-biometric searches limiting subsequent biometric searches or vice versa.

主权项

1. A multimodal biometric search method implemented on a biometric engine and comprising the steps of:
receiving, at a biometric engine, a first biometric probe of a first biometric modality and a second biometric probe of a second biometric modality, wherein the first biometric modality is any biometric feature that can be digitally analyzed, and the second biometric modality is different from the first biometric modality; comparing the first biometric probe against a set of biometric templates of the first biometric modality; identifying a first subset of matching candidates from the set of biometric templates of the first biometric modality; comparing the second biometric probe against a set of biometric templates of the second biometric modality, wherein the set of biometric templates of the second biometric modality are limited to biometric templates of the second biometric modality associated with the identified first subset of matching candidates from the set of biometric templates of the first biometric modality; and identifying a second subset of matching candidates from the set of biometric templates of the second biometric modality.