Consumer-level biometrics growing

We associate biometric access control with high-security facilities and controled areas — and even when biometrics is applied in the personal realm, we usually find it in banking or acees to one’s computer or laptop. A California-based company thought that there was no reason why biometrcis should not be used by consumers for simpler tasks, such as entering one’s home. Lake Forest, California-based Weiser is now offering SmartLock, a home access control system for about $200. The battery-operated system requires three swipes of a finger for the owner to register his or her fingerprint. The instruction manual offers the rather gruesome but prudent suggestion that you register two fingers for each person in the house just in case one digit gets inadvertently removed and you need to get inside in a hurry.

Toronto Star’s reporter Steve Maxwell writes that his first few attempts at actually opening the lock with his registered fingers proved hit-and-miss until he realized that he needed to wake the system up with a touch of his finger first before swiping. Wake-up triggers a light on top of the lock body and takes just half a second. Parents note: Maxwell’s older kids got pretty good at waking and swiping and opening the lock, but he doubts anyone under 5 or 6 years old could operate the SmartScan reliably without help. He is also usre, though, that consumer-level biometrics will no-doubt get easier to use as time goes on. Note that the lock also comes with a set of keys, just in case something bad happens to the lock or your two registered fingers. Also note this: SmartScan is smart. One can register individual fingerprints for access all the time, or only during specific periods of the day.

MORE: Biometrics is slowly coming to the automotive market. Siemens, for example, will be offering the ATRD M10, a fingerprint scanning system for your car. If there is no match to your saved fingerprint, the car will not start-up. The driver has to insert the key into the ignition and then place his or her finger on the device and wait for the LED light to turn green. Once it does, the driver is good to go. This product comes with additional features to ensure it is fit for many situations: It comes with the ability to save up to ten finger prints if you have others that drive your car; additionally, it features a valet mode, meaning that if you are going out somewhere that offers valet, you have the option to turn the finger scanner off so they can drive your car.

There is no word yet on when it is scheduled to be released or how much it costs.