Personal identification based on forearm skin texture analysis and multi-modal imaging

Bianconi, E. Chirikhina, F. Smeraldi, C. Bontozoglou and P. Xiao, Skin Research and Technology, DOI:10.1111/srt.12348, 2016

Abstract:

Background/purpose

We investigate the use of skin texture features from the inner forearm as a means for personal identification. The forearm offers a number of potential advantages in that it is a fairly accessible area, and, compared with other zones such as fingertips, is less exposed to the elements and more shielded from wear.

Methods

We extract and combine skin textural features from two imaging devices (optical and capacitive) with the aim of discriminating between different individuals. Skin texture images from 43 subjects were acquired from three different body parts (back of the hand, forearm and palm); testing used the two sensors either separately or in combination.

Results

Skin texture features from the forearm proved effective for discriminating between different individuals with overall recognition accuracy approaching 96%.

Conclusions

We found that skin texture features from the forearm are highly individual-specific and therefore suitable for personal identification. Interestingly, forearm skin texture features yielded significantly better accuracy compared to the skin of the back of the hand and of the palm of the same subjects.

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