If you’re a fan of Sci-Fi Movies, then you must have seen plenty of different ways to identify people and make sure that the person is the correct one. You have probably gone through finger-printing tests yourselves, and you might have even chanced upon one of those ‘iris tests’, depending on your industry or security clearance. In your smartphone, if you have fingerprints added as security, only you can unlock it. You even use face id if your smartphone has that feature which checks your face and unlocks your smartphone.

However, there is another player in the arena that you may have never heard of: the tongue print. Just like the fingerprints, our tongue prints are also capable of doing identification and enhanced security implementations. Because our tongue prints are as unique as fingerprints and special too. In this thread, we're gonna see what is the tongue print identification method and how it works and is it powerful enough to change Face ID and Fingerprint in the near future? Let's check this out starting from some basics.

The World Of Biometrics:

Biometric authentication is a method of personal identification and has gained popularity in the recent years. The necessity for security in cases of bank details, transactions, etc., has propelled the research in the field of biometrics. In biometric authentication, the input sample is compared against a sample template to identify the person. Fingerprint, palm print, iris scan, signature scan, etc., are the different biometric methods in use.
Typically, a biometric-scanning device takes data about an individual’s physical (or behavioral) attributes and then converts it into a form of digital information that can be read and accessed whenever required. This form of identification is quite successful as compared to other methods, which require individuals to carry physical objects, like cards or keys, as these physical attributes cannot be ‘misplaced’ or ‘lost’.
Once an individual’s specific attribute is inspected, it is compared with a huge assortment of data of people’s physical attributes. This has been an effective method of identification for decades, but researchers are always looking for new ways to move technology forward to be more efficient and effective.
Recently, there has been an increased interest in tongue prints as a biometric tool. This review highlights the uniqueness of tongue prints and its advantages over other biometric methods. Different methods of tongue print collection, classification, and its potential application in the field of forensic dentistry are also discussed.

Attributes Measurement:
There are two major attributes are measured for tongue Id Recognition.

1.Tongue Shapes
2.Tongue Texture / Surface

Tongue Shapes:
➽ Tongue shape is unique to everyone. Some people have the long tongue, some have short tongue and even there are so many varieties in it. Such as narrow tongue, wide tongue, round-shaped, oval-shaped, triangle-shaped etc. These shapes are as unique and very identical to the person as Iris scan and fingerprints.

➽ Tongue Texture:
Another featured attribute is Tongue texture. Every tongue contains different types of surface or texture. That means even your tongue shape and size is similar to someone, but both of the people have different textured surface. The tongue consists of a huge number of taste buds along with wrinkles, ridges, seams, and even unique birthmarks that will retain for the lifetime to every individual.

Tongue Print Versus Other Biometric Systems:

So, this is the question we all are interested in. For that, let's compare Tongue Print with all the other identification methods for clear thoughts.

The different biometric systems that are employed for security purposes are - the fingerprint, retinal scan, skin color, voice check, palm print, face scan, signature check, etc. Each of these systems has their own advantages and disadvantages.

The disadvantages of each system make it vulnerable to the security breach and also a hassle for identification purposes.

Fingerprints can be eroded, changed due to work, altered by surgery, and subjected to injuries and burns, so they are not stable.

When voice is considered, it is affected by sicknesses such as cold and cough. In case of extreme emotional states, there are chances of misspoken words. The retinal scan is highly sensitive. It is dependent on the user and can be affected by bright light and diseases such as cataract and astigmatism.
We all know that Face Id is also not safe. especially, many face ids fail for the twins. Or even if someone has a similar face, face id unlocks.

Skin color is also one type of biometric system, but it presents with stability problem as considerable differences are seen with age, burns, diseases, and use of skin creams or medications.

Whereas,

Numerous advantages exist in using tongue print over other biometric systems such as fingerprint, voice check, and retinal scan:

First off, every tongue is different in terms of certain aspects like shape and texture. Also, it is the only organ actually housed inside the body (the mouth, to be more specific), but it can easily be stuck out for inspection. Other forms of identification involve eyes or fingerprints, which are already exposed, whereas the tongue is well concealed and cannot be inspected without the subject knowing about it. Since it is an internal organ, it can be easily exposed for inspection and the exposed surface carries the required information.
The physiological texture and shape remain constant.
It is well protected from the external environment, and so it is not affected by external factors.
It is also a reliable proof of life.
Even if you sleep or doing something else, no one can be easily pulled out your Tongue and scan it normally. As our Tongue is always placed inside the mouth, you can’t leave any Tongue Id Recognition on anything even by mistake. It can’t be copied or mimicked easily like Iris scans and fingerprints.

That is why, in recent years, tongue print is gaining momentum as an important tool in biometric authentication.

Tongue Print Collection and Identification:
Tongue prints can be obtained in different ways.

➽ A simple visual inspection of the tongue reveals many features such as the color of the tongue, mobility, surface textural variations, and any other special characteristics if present. Digital photographs of the tongue can be captured and matched with a database for verification. They can also be used to identify the shape of the tongue. The shape of the tongue is obtained by joining three reference points.

➽ Three-dimensional analysis of the tongue is a viable option for assessment. Analysis of the tongue can be performed by taking an alginate impression followed by cast preparation. This helps in capturing the unique features and reproducing them onto a cast which can be used for study purposes.
Many studies have been researched into preparing a proper algorithm for tongue image analysis.

Conclusion:
Looking at this facts, I'm sure that tongue print identification methods are going to revolutionize identification methods. The research is in the process and soon it will be out there in the area to defeat the Face- ID, and Fingerprint scan methods. But obviously, you don’t have to touch your tongue to the smartphone or device. You can unlock or do any work in smartphone via 2D or 3D Tongue Id Recognition Infrared sensor and light sensor.

What do you think about Tongue ID Recognition Method? Do you think it is better than Face ID and Fingerprints? What is your favorite identification method among many discussed in this thread? Share your thoughts in the comment box below and I'll join you in the conversation. See you soon with one more interesting tech topic.