• A first: biometrics used to sentence criminal

    A judge ruled that biometric facial recognition could be submitted as evidence marking the first time such evidence has been used in a criminal trial; this move surprised many legal and scientific experts as facial recognition technology does not follow basic legal standards required for evidence; the decision may or not become a legal precedent as it was not made by a California appellate or supreme court

  • Nuance launches new voice biometric software, expands capabilities

    Last week Nuance Communications launched new versions of its VocalPassword and FreeSpeech programs; drawing on the technological expertise of PerSay, a voice biometrics company that it recently acquired, these programs feature increased accuracy, greater security, and better identity theft protection; Nuance is one of the world’s largest biometrics company with a market cap of nearly $5.5 billion

  • Algorithm can turn 2D images into 3D biometrics

    Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a way to construct 3-dimensional faces from flat 2-dimensional images; the computer algorithm analyzes an image and constructs a 3-dimensional model based on viewing angle and illumination; using this technique computers can more accurately identify individuals as computers often have a hard time distinguishing between individuals with flat images; this algorithm can also be used to identify criminals caught on security camera

  • Four biometric identification tools combined in a single system

    A Lithuania-based company recently announced the release of its latest software that integrates fingerprint, iris, facial, and palm print biometrics into a single system; the combination of multiple biometric analysis tools in a single software helps to identify individuals faster and increases reliability beyond the use of just fingerprint analysis or iris scanners alone