Overview
ISO/IEC 2382-37:2022 - "Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics" is an international vocabulary standard that provides a systematic, harmonized set of terms and definitions for the field of biometric recognition of human beings. Published as the third edition in 2022 and prepared by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 37 (Biometrics), the standard reconciles variant terms used in earlier biometric standards, clarifies preferred terminology, and organizes entries into a consistent numbering scheme (37.xx).
Key points:
- Focuses on vocabulary specific to biometric recognition (biological and behavioural characteristics).
- Excludes mode-specific terms and core concepts from other fields (e.g., pattern recognition, biology, mathematics).
- Entries follow a consistent format (entry number, preferred/admitted/deprecated terms, definition, examples, notes).
- No normative references; intended as a reference vocabulary.
Key topics and technical scope
ISO/IEC 2382-37:2022 defines and categorizes terms across the biometric domain, including:
- General concepts - e.g., biometric characteristic, biometric recognition and preferred usages (deprecated noun use of “biometric”).
- Biometric systems - e.g., biometric system, biometric capture subsystem, biometric identification system, biometric verification system, multimodal, multibiometric, monobiometric, biometric fusion.
- Data constructs - e.g., biometric data, biometric data record, anonymized biometric data record, biometric application database.
- Devices, functioning, interaction, personnel, application and performance - structured term sets covering sensors, capture processes, transactions, operator roles and measurement/performance vocabulary.
- Numbering and editorial practice - all terms begin with “37” to indicate SC 37; third edition added new terms and revised others while preserving earlier term numbers.
Practical applications
This vocabulary standard enables:
- Consistent technical documentation, specifications and requirement statements for biometric systems.
- Clear communication in procurement, interoperability testing, regulatory submissions and compliance reports.
- Harmonized terminology for standards development, research papers, user guides, training materials and legal/policy drafting.
- Reduced ambiguity when integrating biometric components (capture devices, algorithms, databases) from multiple vendors.
Who should use this standard
- Biometrics standardizers and standards committees (ISO/IEC and national bodies)
- System architects, product managers and R&D teams developing biometric systems
- Security engineers, identity management and access control professionals
- Procurement officers, compliance and legal teams, and researchers in biometrics
Related standards
- Other parts of the ISO/IEC 2382 vocabulary series
- ISO 10241-1 editorial guidance (used for the systematic order and entry format)
