Generation of Cancellable and Irrevocable Fingerprint Biometric Templates Using Quadrant Shift Modulation Transformation
Received: 11 May 2025 | Revised: 25 July 2025 and 12 August 2025 | Accepted: 14 August 2025 | Online: 8 September 2025
Corresponding author: K. Kanagalakshmi
Abstract
Cancellable biometrics support multiplicity by allowing the generation of multiple secure templates from the same biometric data. In recent years, biometric technologies have advanced beyond conventional identification and authentication techniques, making template protection an increasingly critical requirement. Because biometric data are unique to each individual, it is essential to preserve and cross-reference original features across applications. However, once compromised, biometric data cannot be recovered, highlighting the need for secure, revocable representations. In this study, we present Quadrant Shift Modulation (QSM), a patented technique designed to achieve both cancelability and irrevocability of biometric traits. Biometric authentication remains a reliable and user-friendly method of personal identification, yet protecting stored biometric data from malicious attacks remains challenging. The proposed QSM algorithm focuses on creating and protecting fingerprint templates by employing quadrant shift and quadrant swap operations to generate cancellable templates. Experimental evaluation using the Fingerprint Verification Competition 2004 (FVC2004) dataset demonstrates that the QSM system achieves 97.79% accuracy, an average Genuine Acceptance Rate (GAR) of 92.25%, and a False Rejection Rate (FRR) of 7.75%, confirming its effectiveness.
Keywords:
biometrics, fingerprint, bit-shifting, cancellable template, minutiae points, transformation, Q-shift, Q-swapDownloads
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