Effectiveness of Biometrics Systems

The acquisition and analization of biometrical characteristics is natural and equipped with a reliable measurement error, Although the individual's biometrical traits, which were saved into the system, may temporarily change due to external influences, this will not affect the user's identification. It is not possible for the digital images that are taken of the user's specified biometrical traits to always be 100% identical. Therefore, during matching, identity is not examined, but rather sufficient similarity.

There are two recognized units of measurement used for the effectiveness and security of a biometrics system:

False Rejection Rate (FRR): The FRR is the frequency (measured in percent) that the authorized user has been rejected. The FRR is advantageous because false entries are inconvenient although they do not impair the security. The average rate for NovaCHRON systems is less than 1%.
False Acceptance Rate (FAR): The false acceptance rate (measured in percent) is the frequency that unauthorized users are accepted as authorized users. The FAR is a security measure in that false acceptances lead to damaging of the systems. The FAR is seen as an important criteria for the quality of a biometrical resolution. The average value for NovaCHRON systems is at 0,0001%.

Both values can fluctuate due to changes in tolerance thresholds within the system although they are directly related to one another: decrease in the FAR leads to an increase in the FFR and vice versa.