ISO/IEC 19794-15:2017

Overview

ISO/IEC 19794-15:2017 defines a standardized biometric data interchange format specifically for palm crease image data. The document specifies a data record format for storing, recording, and transmitting palm crease biometric images to enable interoperable exchange and comparison across devices, vendors and systems. It covers mandatory and optional elements such as scanning parameters, image metadata, compression options and vendor-specific extensions. Records formatted to this standard can be recorded on machine‑readable media or transmitted via data communication channels.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 19794-15:2017, palm crease image data, biometric data interchange format, palm crease biometrics, interoperability

Key Topics

• Data record structure: Defines required and optional data elements for palm crease image records and their relationships (e.g., image blocks, extended data blocks).
• Image capture requirements: Specifies spatial sampling rate, bit-depth, illumination, pixel aspect ratio, scan sequence and standard pose to ensure consistent image quality.
• Image format and compression: Supports compressed or uncompressed images and references common image codecs (e.g., JPEG, JPEG 2000) for interchange.
• Metadata elements: Includes capture date/time, capture device type, image width/height, image color, image background, horizontal/vertical resolution, and a quality block for assessment metrics.
• Conformance and testing: Annex A provides a conformance testing methodology; systems claim support through an Implementation Conformance Statement (ICS).
• XML encoding: Annex B contains an XML schema and Annex C provides sample XML for BDIR/BDB encodings, enabling integration with XML-based workflows.
• CBEFF compatibility: The format can be wrapped in a CBEFF-compliant Biometric Information Record (BIR) to support the Common Biometric Exchange Formats Framework.

Keywords: scanning parameters, image capture, bit-depth, XML schema, conformance testing

Applications

• System integrators and solution vendors: Ensure cross-vendor interoperability for palm-based recognition systems.
• Government and border control: Standardized palm crease exchange for identity verification and watchlist matching.
• Law enforcement and forensics: Consistent image records for comparison and evidence exchange.
• Device manufacturers and mobile/web service providers: Implement compliant capture and transmission for palm biometric features in apps and devices.
• Test labs and certification bodies: Use conformance testing methodology to validate implementations.

Keywords: biometric interoperability, palm biometric exchange, device manufacturers, law enforcement

Related Standards

• ISO/IEC 19794-1 (Framework for biometric data interchange formats)
• ISO/IEC 19785-1 (CBEFF - Common Biometric Exchange Formats Framework)
• ISO/IEC 10918 (JPEG), ISO/IEC 15444 (JPEG 2000), ISO/IEC 14495 (lossless image compression)

Using ISO/IEC 19794-15:2017 helps organizations implement reliable, interoperable palm crease biometric exchange that supports both storage and real-time transmission while preserving image quality and enabling cross-platform comparison.