生物特征识别系统由复杂的硬件和软件组成，这些硬件和软件旨在测量人体特征，将特征与数据库进行比较，并根据从此匹配过程中获得的识别信息，为给定的应用程序做出决策。在诸如执法，访问控制，银行以及广泛的商业和行政系统等领域，使用生物识别系统进行积极的个人识别正在经历快速增长。在更广泛的应用环境中，生物识别系统正在对医疗保健和人类计算机界面的增强产生革命性的影响，包括通过植入式设备对体内特定人类状况进行体内识别以及自动执行挽救生命的药物治疗。集成传感器，信号/图像处理，计算机和大容量存储技术的持续快速发展有望使这些
Biometric systems are composed of complex hardware and software designed to measure a signature of the human body, compare the signature to a database and render a decision for a given application based on the identification achieved from this matching process. Use of biometric systems for positive personal identification is experiencing rapid growth in such areas as law enforcement, access control, banking and a wide range of business and administrative systems. In an even broader application context, biometric systems are having a revolutionary impact on health care and the enhancement of the human computer interface, including in vivo identification of specific human conditions via implantable devices and the automated administration of life-saving medical therapies. The continued rapid advance of integrated sensor, signal/image processing, computer and mass storage technology promises to extend these applications further into our daily lives with even the most inanimate objects able to identify, interact with and assist their users. Biometric Systems graduates are in demand and placement rates are high. Northrup-Grumman, for example, has a summer internship program that has led to many employment offers and full-time jobs.