ISO IEC 2382-37-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — Vocabulary — Part 37: Biometrics (ISO/IEC 2382-37:2022). This international vocabulary standard provides a harmonized set of terms and definitions used for biometric recognition of human beings, reconciling variant terms from pre-existing biometric standards and organizing entries into a consistent numbering scheme for use across specifications, documentation and testing.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 2382-37:2022 establishes a systematic description of concepts in the field of biometrics pertaining to recognition of human beings. It defines preferred and admitted terms, clarifies deprecated usages, and excludes mode-specific or discipline-specific concepts (e.g., low-level pattern-recognition, biology or mathematics) except where directly relevant to biometric vocabulary. The document is intended as a reference vocabulary to improve clarity and interoperability across biometric standards, procurement and technical documentation.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition).
• Publication date: 29 March 2022.
• Publisher: Joint publication by ISO and IEC (ISO/IEC).
• ICS / categories: 35.020; 01.040.35 (information technology / vocabularies; biometrics-related ICS classifications).
• Edition / version: 3rd edition (2022).
• Number of pages: 34 pages (typical published PDF length).

Scope

Provides standardized terms and definitions covering concepts used in biometric recognition systems. The scope includes general concepts (e.g., biometric characteristic, biometric recognition), system architecture and components (capture, processing, comparison, storage), data constructs (biometric data records, templates, anonymization), device and functioning vocabulary, interaction and transaction terms, personnel roles, application contexts and performance-related terminology. Mode-specific jargon (specific sensor modalities or deep algorithm internals) and broader discipline-specific concepts remain outside the core scope.

Key topics and requirements

• Harmonized definitions for biometric concepts (preferred, admitted and deprecated terms).
• Vocabulary for biometric system components: capture subsystems, matchers, enrolment, identification and verification modes.
• Data and record terminology: biometric data, biometric template, biometric data record, anonymized records and application databases.
• Device- and function-related terms: sensors, acquisition, signal processing, and presentation/interaction vocabulary.
• Personnel and operational roles: operator, enrolment administrator, verifier, inspector and associated responsibilities.
• Application and performance terms: application scenarios, error-rate terminology, performance reporting vocabulary and test-related concepts (to align with performance and PAD standards).

Typical use and users

This vocabulary is used by standards developers, biometric product vendors, system integrators, test laboratories, procurement teams, regulators and researchers to ensure consistent terminology in specifications, test reports, product documentation, procurement contracts, compliance filings and academic publications. It is especially useful when multiple stakeholders (vendors, testers, customers, and oversight bodies) must share unambiguous definitions.

Related standards

Closely related documents from ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 37 and other series include the broader ISO/IEC 2382 vocabulary series (other parts), biometric data interchange formats (ISO/IEC 19794 series), biometric performance testing (ISO/IEC 19795 series), presentation attack detection (ISO/IEC 30107 series) and privacy/protection guidance for biometric information. These documents are typically used together with ISO/IEC 2382-37 to define interfaces, data formats, testing and security expectations.

Keywords

biometrics, biometric vocabulary, biometric terminology, biometric system, biometric data, enrolment, verification, identification, biometric template, presentation attack detection, performance testing

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 2382-37:2022 is the international vocabulary standard defining terms and definitions for biometrics used in information technology and biometric recognition systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers harmonized terminology for biometric concepts, systems, data constructs, devices, functioning, interaction, personnel, application contexts and performance-related vocabulary; it excludes discipline- or mode-specific technical content that belongs to other standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Standards bodies, biometric vendors, integrators, test laboratories, procurement officers, regulators and researchers use it to ensure consistent language across specifications, testing and documentation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the 3rd edition published in March 2022 and is currently the published edition; work to revise and further develop the part is tracked by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 37 (future committee drafts have been started to continue updates).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 37 of the ISO/IEC 2382 series (vocabulary for information technology) and is intended to be used alongside other SC 37 standards (e.g., the 19794, 19795 and 30107 series) for comprehensive biometric system specification and assessment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: biometric, biometric data, biometric system, enrolment, verification, identification, biometric template, presentation attack detection (PAD), performance testing, vocabulary.