Introduction

Abstract

The use of biometric systems, which recognize individuals based on their physical characteristics rather than their knowledge (e.g., a password) or objects (e.g., a smartcard), is expanding and is increasingly a component of daily life for many people.

In this context, biometric systems based on palmprints are generally well accepted by users because they are not perceived as too intrusive or privacy-sensitive. Unfortunately, traditional systems for palmprint recognition rely on touch-based acquisitions with pegs that constrain the position of the hand, reducing their ease of use.

This book aims at making palmprint recognition easier to use and more accepted in daily-life applications. Innovative, original methods for touchless and less-constrained palmprint recognition are presented that overcome the typical constraints and limits described above.