Work in progress - The biometric signal processing laboratory at the U.S. Naval Academy

A biometric is a distinct, robust, and measurable physical and/or physiological characteristic of a person which can be used to identify, or verify their identity. Additionally, the term biometrics refers to the automated recognition of an individual using one or more of these characteristics. The more commonly used biometrics includes fingerprints, face, and iris. Biometrics has proven to be a solution to a number of security-related applications where accurate identification or verification of individuals is required. The technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and efforts have been made to incorporate the study of this field into our undergraduate curriculum. To support the education of our undergraduates in biometric theories and technologies, we have developed a biometric signal processing laboratory in the Electrical Engineering department at the United States Naval Academy. This paper summarizes the equipment and activities associated with this lab.