Overview
ISO/IEC 11694-6:2014 is an international standard specifying the use of biometric data on optical memory cards employing the linear recording method. As part six of the ISO/IEC 11694 series, it defines how biometric information is organized and accessed on optical memory cards according to the logical data structure outlined in ISO/IEC 11694-5. This standard ensures reliable storage and interoperability of biometric data for enhanced identification and personal verification systems using optical memory cards.
Key Topics
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Biometric Data on Optical Cards
The standard describes a structured approach for storing biometric data such as fingerprints, facial images, iris scans, and signatures on optical memory cards. Biometric data can be encoded or raw, and the standard facilitates their interchange using predefined tags.
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Logical Data Structure
ISO/IEC 11694-6 relies on the logical data format introduced in ISO/IEC 11694-5, enabling applications to read biometric data as discrete items identified by standardized tags.
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Biometric Tag Ranges
To categorize biometric data, the standard defines specific ranges of tags for different biometric types:
- 2000–2999: Encoded facial or head biometrics (face, ear)
- 3000–3999: Encoded finger biometrics (fingerprints, finger attributes)
- 4000–4999: Encoded eye biometrics (iris, retina)
- 5000–5999: Encoded hand or foot biometrics (hand geometry, palm prints)
- 6000–6999: Raw images (e.g., facial portraits)
- 7000–7999: Raw images of fingerprints
- 8000–8999: Pen-based signature data
- 12200–12299: Molecular or cellular data (DNA, body odor)
- 12300–12399: Behavioral biometrics (gait, voice, keystroke)
- 12400–12799 and 12800–12899: Other biometric data, conforming or not to the Common Biometric Exchange Formats Framework (CBEFF)
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Support for CBEFF Formats
The standard endorses the use of biometric data formatted according to the Common Biometric Exchange Formats Framework (ISO/IEC 19785-1). It includes assigned tags for CBEFF-conforming biometrics such as finger minutiae, face images, iris data, and signature/time series data.
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Interoperability and Data Discovery
To facilitate reading applications in discovering relevant biometric data, ISO/IEC 11694-6 supports the use of a reserved tag (12900) containing headers referencing CBEFF files stored on the card. This allows software to identify and parse biometric content efficiently, even when unknown or new tags are present.
Applications
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Secure Identification Cards
Governments and organizations can issue optical memory cards with embedded biometric data for identity verification in passports, driver licenses, and access control cards.
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Biometric Authentication Systems
The standard supports interoperability among biometric readers and systems that utilize optical memory cards to store and retrieve templates such as fingerprint or facial data for authentication.
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Multi-Modal Biometric Storage
Cards can contain multiple types of biometric data, enabling flexible and robust multi-modal identity verification.
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Law Enforcement and Border Control
Optical memory cards compliant with ISO/IEC 11694-6 can be employed by authorities requiring reliable biometric identification methods that conform to international standards.
Related Standards
Conclusion
ISO/IEC 11694-6:2014 standardizes the secure and efficient storage and interchange of biometric data on optical memory cards using the linear recording method. By leveraging logical data structures and an established tagging system aligned with recognized biometric standards such as CBEFF, it enhances interoperability and adoption of biometric technology in identification applications worldwide. This standard is essential for developers and organizations implementing biometric-enabled optical memory cards for secure personal identification and authentication systems.
Open preview (PDF)Identification cards — Optical memory cards — Linear recording method — Part 6: Use of biometrics on an optical memory card