This document proposes developing an algorithm to identify individuals using their unique baseline brainwave patterns as a biometric. It aims to address identification issues with traditional methods, anticipate ethical issues, and determine the technology's legal position. The document reviews previous related research and defines objectives to develop an identification algorithm, highlight ethical impacts, and assess legality. It outlines preliminary design plans to achieve the objectives, including methods for acquiring, transforming, storing, and comparing brainwave data to identify individuals.

1. A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Baseline Brainwave
Biometrics

2. Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
www.oliviamoran.me
Olivia Moran is a leading training specialist who specialises in E-Learning instructional design
and is a certified Moodle expert. She has been working as a trainer and course developer for 3
years developing and delivery training courses for traditional classroom, blended learning and
E-learning.
Courses Olivia Moran Has Delivered:
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ABOUT THIS PAPER
This paper was written as part of a group collaboration between Olivia Moran, Eric Nichols and
Barry Feehily. It was submitted to the University of Ulster as part of the Masters in Computing
and Information Systems Management, Intelligent Systems and Design.

3. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
1. ABSTRACT remain oblivious to the community of card
scanners, shoulder surfers and thieves who
constantly strive to come up with new and
Traditional as well as modern methods of
more innovative ways to steal their money and
identification are not capable of protecting
more importantly their identities. The
the vast amounts of confidential data that
majority of passwords do not provide a
exists worldwide. Identity fraud has become a
satisfactory level of security. They can easily
billion pound industry (Travis 2006). This
be forgotten, stolen should they be written
document proposes the development of an
down, overheard and even guessed.
algorithm that can be used to identify an
individual using their unique baseline
Modern approaches namely biometrics offer
brainwave pattern. It addresses the need to
much more acceptable levels of security and
anticipate the ethical issues that will arise
protection for both individuals and
from the use of this biometric. It also
corporations. The concept of biometrics is not
purposes to determine the legal position of
new. It has been around since the 1920’s
such a biometric technology in light of current
when the Federal Bureau of Investigation
legislation. Relevant research previously
(F.B.I) in the United States (U.S.) introduced
conducted and their contributions are
fingerprinting technologies for the purpose of
examined in depth. The aims and objectives
identifying criminals. Since the beginning of
of the proposed research are clearly defined
its existence biometrics has developed into
and the rationale underlying this choice of
many forms, but not without each bringing
research is explained. All the methods and
their own limitations and shortfalls. The types
preliminary design required for the
most widely used today include retina, facial,
achievement of the proposed objectives are
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (D.N.A.) and iris
highlighted. The necessity of the proposed
recognition. Retina scanning has not been
research along with the potential
introduced to the same extent as facial, D.N.A.
contributions it could make to the field of
and iris recognition. Retina scanning is
biometrics is argued.
concerned with the measurement of the
retina’s blood vessel patterns. The process of
2. INTRODUCTION obtaining the retina scan is considered
personally invasive; time consuming and
The current methods available for requires a very skilled operator.
identification of individual’s to present date
have had limited success in the fight against Facial recognition examines the different
fraud, identity theft and terrorism. features found on an individual’s face and
Techniques traditionally used such as personal then analyses them in an attempt to establish
identification numbers (P.I.N.’s) and passwords their identity. Challenges in terms of
have many weaknesses and can easily be taken developing hardware that will successfully
advantage of by well clued in criminals. map the features of the face reliably and
Everyday, people worldwide key their P.I.N.’s accurately have not yet been fully addressed.
into automatic teller machines (A.T.M.’s), send A number of ethical issues have been raised
them over unsecured and unencrypted about the widespread use of this type of
networks and enter them in full view into technology mainly relating to the privacy
credit card machines in retail shops. They rights of individual’s. In 2001, facial scanning

4. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
received a substantial amount of bad press Iris scanning along with the other forms of
when the F.B.I. in the U.S. tested out this biometrics mentioned cannot be used in
technology on every person entering the isolation if they wish to be effective. They
‘Raymond James Stadium’ during the need to offer a multimodal means of
superbowl. This process was undertaken in identification. A system only offering iris
complete secrecy thus creating a climate of recognition would exclude a substantial part
distrust towards such technologies. of the population who have either been born
without an iris or lost it through an accident.
D.N.A. testing is used to measure the genetic The exclusion of users with disabilities could
make up i.e. genetic signature, which makes be deemed unethical and discriminatory and
an individual unique. The results of the test even illegal under the legislation currently
can take a long time to compile compared to governing certain countries.
other methods such as facial and iris
recognition. It is also incapable of The limitations and weaknesses associated
distinguishing monozygotic twins i.e. twins with the biometric technologies mentioned
who come from the same embryo. D.N.A. could be overcome by a relatively new
testing requires the acquisition of a sample of biometric technology called ‘Baseline
an individual’s D.N.A.. This sample is obtained Brainwave Biometrics’. Such a technology
by taking a sample of cells from the inner side could be used in isolation as studies show
of the cheek using a swab. Again, ethical ‚every single individual has a unique and
issues arise with the application of this unchanging baseline brainwave pattern‛
technology. Some religions consider the Lawson (2002). This process would require no
collection of such a sample to be a breech of action on the part of the user once enrolled
their religious beliefs. and a biometric profile constructed. A remote
brainwave biometric system would not be
Iris recognition involves analysing an personally invasive in any way and therefore
individual’s iris. The iris is made up of a would cause no discomfort or inconvenience
unique pattern, which is different in each eye to the user. It would also not pose any health
and even among monzygotic twins. The risks, as the scanners would not emit any
process of identifying people using this infrared lights. It would also be relatively
technology involves standing at a camera that impossible to replicate the baseline brainwave
uses an infrared light in order to obtain an in a manner that could trick such a system.
image of the iris. The medical effect of this
light on the health of individual’s still remains This document proposes the development of
debatable. Independent medical personnel an algorithm to analyse baseline brainwave
who do not have an interest in the commercial patterns, for the express purpose of
application of this technololgy need to carry identification of individuals. It aims to identify
out further studies to find a conclusive answer. the ethical issues that will arise from the use
Problems arise when the subject being of baseline brainwave biometrics. It proposes
identified suddenly moves their head or turns that the legality of using such a biometric
away from the scanner. In this case, it is technology also be established. It will
unable to successfully carry out identification. examine the work already done in this field of
study as well as the contributions that are
relevant and lay the foundation for the

5. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
proposed work. The aims and objectives are
defined and the rationale for undertaking Some of the same concepts considered during
such work is argued. The methods and their research apply to the proposed research
preliminary design used to accomplish these being put forward in this document. The
defined objectives are explained in detail. The process used by Thorpe et al (2005) involved
significance of this proposed research as well the capture of the subjects EEG signals which
as its contribution to this field of study will be they describe as representations of ‚the
highlighted. electrical activity in the brain as measured
from outside of the skull . . . EEG’s are
3. BACKGROUND normally acquired by using a set of electrodes
that must make contact with the skin on the
LITERATURE scalp. These signals are amplified and
digitized‛ Thorpe et al (2005). Presently
Lawson carried out some of the earliest work technology does not exist that enables
done in the field of brainwave biometrics. capturing to be carried out remotely and,
Lawson conducted numerous experiments therefore, a similar means of capturing EEG
involving people with disabilities. The signals will be used by the authors. It is hoped
objective of these tests was ‚to help people that such technology will be developed in the
overcome mental disabilities, by teaching future.
them how to alter or normalize a specific
brainwave pattern‛. During this study he Millan & Marcel (2006) have conducted a
found that ‚A person has the ability to alter significant amount of research into the area of
most of their own brainwave patterns, they brain computer interfaces. This work is
cannot alter what is referred to as their concerned mostly with the ‚bulk response of
baseline brainwave pattern‛ Lawson (2002). the brain‛ when exposed to a mental stimulus
Lawson concluded that since such a brainwave i.e. making a person think of an image and
is unique to an individual, and can be then reading the brain’s total bulk response.
measured, then it could be used as a Similar principles apply to Millians’ research as
biometric. These brainwaves are basically that being proposed but differ due to the fact
electrical signals called electroencephalogr that it would only be concerned with one type
-aphy (EEG’s), which emit from the brain. of brainwave the baseline brainwave. It
Lawson coined the term ‚EEG Fingerprint‛. would not require a subject to think about a
particular thing i.e. an image. His work
Another study was undertaken by Thorpe et al concentrated on the authentication of
(2005), which involved anlaysing individuals individuals whereas the proposed research
brainwave patterns to extract information would focus on identification only.
that could be used to control certain functions
on a computer. They argue that this kind of
research focusing on the brainwave patterns
4. PROPOSED WORK
has only been made possible due to the fact
that ‚in recent years the cost of computers 4.1 Objectives
with sufficient processing power to analyze
EEG signals in real-time has become 1. To develop an algorithm which will
affordable‛. successfully identify an individuals’

6. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
baseline brainwave pattern from a aspects if not managed correctly could have a
database consisting of ten billion binary detrimental effect on the implementation of
patterns. this technology and ultimately its success.
2. To highlight the ethical issues associated It is also essential to establish how such a
with the use of baseline brainwave biometric technology would stand against
biometric technologies and the potential current legislation. There is obviously no point
impacts of these issues on the introduction creating a technology that cannot be used
of these technologies. because it is both illegal and unethical.
3. To identify the legality of the utilisation of 4.3 Methodology & Preliminary
baseline brainwave biometric technologies
Design
in terms of the current legislation
governing the European Union (E.U.), the
This section outlines the methods and designs
U.S. as well as International Law.
that will be used for the achievement of the
stated objectives.
4.2 Rationale
4.3.1. Method for the achievement of
Presently, technology does not exist which
Objective 1
allows remote identification of individuals
using biometric techniques. Brainwave
biometrics has the potential to overcome this An algorithm will be produced through the
current limitation. Such a system would completion of both primary and secondary
require an algorithm to compare baseline research. The primary research will involve
brainwave patterns and distinguish unique creating something new; the techniques that
identifiers within these patterns. These will be used to develop and use the algorithm
patterns could potentially be checked against to identify individuals.
a database consisting of ten billion binary
patterns. The United State’s Census Bureau’s The algorithm will be concerned with three
have made a prediction that the world’s main areas.
population will reach between nine and ten
billion people by 2050 (See Appendix 1). 1. The acquisition of a baseline brainwave
Assuming this predication to be relatively pattern.
accurate the algorithm proposed will be
sufficient to meet the needs of a worldwide 2. The transference of the collected
population for at least the next 40 years. brainwave into a unique binary format,
which can be analysed to identify unique
It is necessary to carry out research to identify characteristics.
the ethical issues that will arise from using a
biometric technology of this kind. This field of 3. The comparison of the baseline brainwave
research is in its early stages and the impacts to stored records for a match.
of this technology on areas such as such as
privacy, users with disabilities and religious
concerns have not yet been established. These

7. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
It is hoped that a scanner would be developed guaranteed by using the following pseudo
which would enable the scanning of an code:
individuals’ baseline brainwave pattern to be
carried out remotely. Such technology would  The subject brainwave is obtained.
ensure complete ease of use as no action
would be required from users. The hardware  While this process is undertaken the
needed to detect these extremely weak following will be done. (wave being read
brainwaves has not yet been developed. != start of wave); //will last milliseconds
However when it is, an algorithm will be
required that will separate brainwaves from  Read in and record start to end of wave.
the baseline brainwave.
Next, the collected brainwave patterns need
The proposed research will require full user to be transformed into a binary format so that
participation as a result of these limitations it can then be analysed to extract the baseline
with existing hardware. It will be concerned brainwave pattern and its unique identifiers.
only with the collection of brainwaves from a A number of factors need to be considered
single individual at any one time. The design during this stage, including the wavelength,
of the algorithm will be such that it will use amplitude and frequency of each crest and
low coupling. This will ensure that the trough found in the brainwave pattern. These
algorithm can be altered at a later date to parameters must be converted into their
allow for the separation of brainwaves from corresponding binary codes. Each baseline
multiple persons, when hardware is advanced brainwave pattern is unique and therefore,
enough to cater for this implementation. the resulting binary data will be absolutely
distinct.
The acquisition of the baseline brainwave
pattern will involve the use of a device that A system comprising of a database containing
must be worn by the subject as outlined in up to 10,000,000,000 binary digits is proposed.
figure 1. This device amplifies the brainwaves There will be no duplication of these binary
so that they are strong enough to be detected digits with each corresponding directly to the
by an E.E.G. reader. parameters of up to 10,000,000,000 unique
individuals’ baseline brainwaves.
Figure 1:
Finally, the algorithm will compare the
subjects’ baseline brainwave pattern to stored
records to determine a match. The
comparison of brainwaves against a database
of ten billion brainwaves would take an
Source: http://www.ibva.com unacceptable and unreasonable amount of
time. Consequently, a method that uses a
The brainwave will then be stored. This binary searching algorithm is proposed. This
brainwave for comparison reasons will have will conduct a search on an ordered list with
both a start and an end to its binary structure. data being stored in multiple databases. For a
The efficiency of this process will be process such as this to work, a number of steps
need to be taken. The first would involve

8. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
determining exactly which database should be 4.3.2 Method for the achievement of
searched. The first few binary numbers of Objective 2
each brainwave pattern could satisfy this
purpose. For example, all patterns starting The main ethical issues arising from the use of
with 00101 would be in one database and all brainwave biometrics will be identified. The
the patterns with a pattern of 00110 would be identification will be made possible through
in another database. both primary and secondary research. The
primary research will involve interviewing
Once the relevant database is located a binary ethic experts in the field of biometrics.
searching algorithm can be applied to the Interviews will also be conducted with people
data that it contains. This will determine who are expert biometric system operators.
whether the data is found or not found. Such These groups of people have an in-depth
an undertaking would involve an enormous understanding of the ethical implications
amount of off-line processing to insert every associated with the use of biometric
binary brainwave in order to its binary technologies. Different focus groups will also
number. Insertion algorithms already exist be utilised. This will be necessary to
which would successfully carry out this process, determine the general attitudes, assumptions
therefore, the scope of the proposed research and opinions of individuals in relation to
will not cover this aspect. different ethical issues. Three groups will be
used, the first consisting of individuals who
The proposed research will focus on the search have never used any sort of biometric
of the database during this stage. Secondary technology. The second will include people
research will be necessary to identify and who use biometric technologies on a daily
critically analyse the different comparison basis and the third will be made up of
algorithms in order to find the most individuals who are biometric system
appropriate one that will provide one operators. This will enable the authors to
hundred percent accuracy in the quickest time. analyse the views of the different types of
Among these will be the hamming distance people who could be affected by this
algorithm. technology.
These three steps will serve to identify every All of the people involved in this qualitative
pattern that has a match in the database. At research will be participating of their own free
the same time it is critical that such a process will and will not be coerced i.e. through
does not produce a false match. To this end monetary means or deception in any way to
the proposed research will have to look in take part. The procedures and activities that
depth at previous work completed in the area will be undertaken during the activities will be
of baseline brainwave patterns to find the explained to all participates in detail prior to
proper number of bits that will be needed to the collection of the research data. All
encode each individuals’ baseline brainwave participates will be allowed to remain
into a unique dataset. This will require the anonymous should they wish to do so. They
researchers to examine academic journals, shall also be able to leave the study at any
conference papers and research papers in time should they decide that they no longer
depth. want to take part. At all stages during the
research, the authors will behave in a

9. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
respectful and honest manner towards all intensively. Weaknesses in the security of such
participants. As argued by Willig (2000) a system will most likely occur at three main
‚Researchers should protect their participants points. Firstly, when information is being sent
from any harm or loss, and they should aim to from the scanner to the database it could
preserve their psychological well-being and possibly be intercepted. It is therefore
dignity at all times‛. essential that this information be encrypted.
In this instance, if malicious characters obtain
The secondary research will take the form of the message it is of no use to them, as they
examining informational and technical cannot decipher its content. Secondly, the
resources in an effort to compose a literature sensor could be possibly tampered with and
review that will fully highlight work already thirdly, an individual could enter an
done in this area. This will involve looking at organisation under the disguise of an
academic journals, conference papers and employee and set up a profile. There are
accredited websites. From these the authors encryption techniques already available that
will be able to build upon the research already would suffice which are already widely
conducted and acknowledge the contributions accepted and standardised. The other two
made by other researches in this field. weak points would need to be addressed.
4.3.3 Method for the achievement of This research also proposes to highlight the
Objective 3 true extent of worldwide governmental
interest in this field of study. ‚Potential
The rapid progression of the use of Biometrics impact that government might use of these
has raised concerns from a legal point of view, technologies might have on personal freedom
especially the legislation concerning privacy ... The government could use some unforeseen
and the protection of data. If a brainwave technological advances to compile biometric
biometric system was to be introduced it records for the real-time tracking of
would have to comply with legal requirements individuals‛ Wayman (2000).
that are currently in place. Take for example
‘The Data Protection Act (1998)’ in Ireland. The identification of the most influential
According to this act personal data can only be legislation as well as establishing
collected for a specific purpose and should be government’s level of interest will involve the
adequate, relevant and not excessive for the completion of both primary and secondary
purpose for which it is collected and research. This primary research will involve
processed. In addition it must be accurate and carrying out interviews with legal experts who
up to date. Appropriate security measures are experts in the field of biometrics and
must be in place to protect it. If a company is especially legislation governing people’s right
found to be in breech of the requirements of to privacy and protection of data. People who
this act they can be prosecuted. play a role in the creation of such legislation
and policy will also be interviewed, as they will
This legislation and others similar to it put a be able to predict future legislative and policy
lot of pressure on system designers and trends.
operators to ensure that they create a system
that is absolutely secure. This makes security
an essential element that must be considered

10. © Olivia Moran [www.oliviamoran.me] Baseline Brainwave Biometrics
4.4 Timeline 6. BIBILIOGRAPHY
It is predicted that the methodologies outlined IBVA (2006) ‚The body is the soil of the mind‛
will take at least three years to complete given [Internet], Accessed: 06 November 2006.
a team consisting of three researchers. Lawson, W.J. (2002) ‚The New Wave -
Biometric Access & Neural Control‛ [Internet],
5. CONCLUSION Accessed: 06 November 2006.
This document proposed the construction of MILLIAN, J. & Marcel, S. (2006) ‚Person
an algorithm that would enable baseline Authentication using Brainwaves (EEG) and
brainwave patterns to be measured in an Maximum A Posteriori Model Adaptation‛
effort to identify an individual. Research was IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and
also proposed that would bring to light the Machine Intelligence, Special Issue on
ethical and legal issues that arise from the use Biometrics‛ [Internet], Accessed: 02 November
of such technology. It examined research 2006.
previously undertaken in this field and the
contributions that it made. The objectives of The United State’s Census Bureau (2006)
the proposed research were defined and the ‚Total Midyear Population for the World: 1920
importance of undertaking such work was – 2050‛ [Internet], Accessed: 02 December
argued. The procedures and preliminary 2006.
designs that the researchers intend to use to
achieve the objectives were clearly laid out. THORPE, J. & OORSCHOT & SOMAYAJI, A
(2005) ‚Pass-thoughts: Authenticating with
The potential that lies in the construction of a Our Minds‛ Highlights from the 2005 New
brainwave biometric technology knows no Security Paradigms Workshop [Internet],
boundaries. Requiring no action from users it Accessed: 6 November 2006.
would be the only biometric technology of its
kind. Security breaches would be no more TRAVIS, A. (2006) ‚Identity fraud cost
with people not foolishly turning off security estimated by Home Office at ₤1.7bn a year‛
features because of the inconvience that they The Guardian [Internet], Accessed: 10
cause and the systems themselves being December 2006
fooled. Identity theft would be relatively
impossible with credit card fraud being no Wayman, J.L. (2000) ‚Federal Biometric
more and unauthorised access being a thing of Technology Legislation‛ Computer [Internet],
the past. Users with disabilities would no 33(2), pp. 76-80. Accessed: 3 November 2006.
longer be bound to the limitations of the
physical world in which they live. This Willig, C. (2001) ‚Introducing qualitative
research should it be successful in the research in psychology: Adventures in theory
achievement of the proposed objectives, will and method‛ Buckingham: Open University
undoubtedly progress society towards the Press.
creation of a safer and a more inclusive
society.