Fingerprint Analysis

• In the latter half of the 19th Century, the science of fingerprinting came into use. As each person has a distinctive pattern regarding the tips of their fingers, this pattern can be used as a method of identification -- mostly used in the world of law enforcement. Biometric fingerprint scanners do roughly the same thing, scanning fingers for the unique differences in each individual. It is also the simplest, cheapest and most common biometric device. Simple versions can be bought for personal computers, only needing to be plugged into the USB port.
  
  

Eye Scanners

• Another common type of biometric device is the eye scanner. The objective of these devices is to differentiate individuals based on the structure of the eye. Most eye scanning biometric devices measure the cornea; however, there are retinal measurement counterparts as well. Generally, these relatively sophisticated and advanced biometric devices are used only in high security areas, as well as in many airports around the world.
  
  

Facial Recognition

• The symmetry of the face also serves as a useful analysis area for biometric devices. Facial scanners are a relatively new technology, but can serve to identify potentially dangerous individuals using public transportation. The technology is already used within most major casinos to identify cheats or other individuals that have been banned from the casino.
  
  

Typing Metrics

• A more unusual type of biometric device exists within computers, not measuring a physical characteristic, but instead measuring behavior. Typing biometrics can be employed within computers as a secondary security device, providing additional security to fingerprint analysis software. Typing biometrics measures several criteria surrounding typing behavior; this includes time between keys, as well as typing speed.