ISO/IEC 19794-11:2013

Overview

ISO/IEC 19794-11:2013 defines a biometric data interchange format for processed signature/sign dynamic data used in biometric comparison and signature verification. Targeted at data extracted from time-series input (digitizing tablets, pen-based devices, advanced pen systems), the standard specifies what behavioral features are recorded and how they are packaged into a biometric interchange record. It is a segmentation-based format (significant dynamic events) that complements sample-point formats such as ISO/IEC 19794-7.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Data scope: Processed signature/sign behavioural data derived from time-series capture (no application-specific rules).
• Dynamic-event data: Mandatory capture of X, Y coordinates, pressure (F), time (T) and event type for each significant event: pen-down, pen-up, and turning point.
• Signature/sign representation: Each representation begins with pen-down and ends with pen-up; representations are recorded as a header plus a sequence of dynamic-event data and overall feature data.
• Coordinate system & byte order: Uses a 2D Cartesian writing-plane coordinate system (X increases to the right, Y increases upward). Multi-byte quantities use big-endian byte order (most significant byte first).
• Interoperability & extensibility: Includes a set of mandatory features for interoperability and supports proprietary/extensions (regulated similarly to ISO/IEC 19794-7).
• Conformance: Records and systems must meet structural and value-relationship requirements defined in Clause 8; Annex A provides conformance testing methodology.
• Packaging & registration: Can be embedded in CBEFF-compliant BIRs; format owner and type identifiers are registered (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 37, format type id 16).
• Encoding guidance: Annex B provides an ASN.1 specification and Packed Encoding Rules to assist implementation.
• Security note: Time-stamping and cryptographic protection are recommended but are outside the standard’s scope.

Applications and who uses it

• Signature verification and authentication systems that compare behavioral features rather than raw sample streams.
• Biometric vendors and device manufacturers (digitizing tablets, smart pens) implementing interoperable data export/import.
• System integrators and security architects building identity verification, e-signature, banking, and document-signing solutions.
• Forensic examiners and researchers analyzing dynamic signature features while maintaining portability.

The format is useful where compact, feature-oriented signature data is needed for analysis across different algorithms while preserving interoperability.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 19794-1 (Framework)
• ISO/IEC 19794-7 (Signature/sign time series data - sample-point format)
• ISO/IEC 19785-2 (CBEFF registration procedures)

Keywords: ISO/IEC 19794-11:2013, biometric data interchange formats, signature processed dynamic data, dynamic-event data, pen-down pen-up turning point, CBEFF, ASN.1, signature verification.