The Biometric Search API enables real-time 1:N user searches by utilizing facial biometrics. The primary use case is to ensure that a user does not already have an account before enrolling their biometric data.

Use Case

Use Case 1: Ensuring Unique User Enrollment

Scenario:
When onboarding a new user, the platform must ensure that a user does not already have an existing account within the system. This verification step prevents a user from registering duplicate accounts, intentionally or unintentionally, and maintains the integrity of the platform.

Steps for Unique User Enrollment:

Step 1: Collect the user’s biometric data by initiating either a Proof Transaction or a Selfie Transaction.

Step 2: Once the transaction is completed, call the Biometric Search Identify API and provide the Operation ID.

Step 3: Review the results returned by the Identify API.

Step 4 (a): If an existing account is found, process the returned account identifier according to the desired business logic.

Step 4 (b): If no existing account is found, proceed with user enrollment as described in Enroll User Credentials from Proof or Enroll User Credentials from Selfie.

Use Case 2: Authenticating a User via 1:N Search

Scenario:
1-to-Many authentication is ideal for customers who prefer not to prompt users for a username during authentication. In this scenario, the user simply provides a Selfie, and the authID platform identifies the user if they already exist in the system. The platform then returns a match, along with the associated username, streamlining the authentication process.

Steps for 1-to-Many Authentication:

Step 1: Initiate a Selfie Transaction

Step 2: After the transaction is completed, call the Identify API and provide the Operation ID.

Step 3: Inspect the results returned by the Identify API.

Step 4a: If an existing account is found, process the returned username according to desired business logic.

Step 4b: If an existing account is not found, alert the user that their account is not found and process with retry or enrollment logic.

The following sections are covered under the Biometric Search: