• Researchers developing biometric intent scanners

    Researchers with the Canadian defense department are currently exploring how to analyze an individual’s hostile intent to intercept them before they commit a hostile act; researchers with the Canadian Defense Research and Development aim to push biometric identification to a new level where scanning technology can actually read peoples’ minds; researchers are hoping to use the “biometrics of intent” to distinguish if an individual who appears nervous and is pacing at an airport is simply anxious or actually dangerous; scientists say the goal is difficult, but not impossible; they are still far from achieving their goals and research is in its early phases

  • Identical twins -- the ultimate test for biometrics

    Researchers recently concluded that facial biometric technologies were not accurate enough to distinguish between pairs of identical twins; researchers took photos of over 126 pairs of identical twins in a variety of conditions of varying quality to provide different test conditions for biometric scanners; the photos were tested against three of the highest performing facial recognition and found that under real world circumstances the systems could not accurately distinguish twins; researchers recommend calibrating facial recognition algorithms to analyze minute facial characteristics as well as high-resolution photos to increase accuracy

  • Biometric industry becomes increasingly consolidated

    As the biometrics market continues to expand, larger firms have begun to acquire smaller companies that are developing cutting edge technology; analysts believe that the industry will become increasingly consolidated in the next three to five years; several key biometrics firms were recently acquired in major deals; L-1 Identity Solutions was acquired by Safran, Cogent Systems was bought by 3M, and ActivIdentity announced that it would become a part of Assa Abloy

  • Tightening airport ID screening loopholes

    Last month a wanted murderer escaped authorities by boarding an international flight with a shoddy fake ID revealing a continuing weakness of airport security; despite being significantly older and bearing little resemblance to the man in the photo, security screeners at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport waived him through; TSA screeners have limited tools at their disposal to verify an individual’s documents and largely rely on a magnifying glass, a blacklight, and their eyes; critics propose implementing a biometric system to verify a passengers identity to prevent terrorists from using forged documents to enter the country

  • VoiceVault releases new version of its voice biometric software

    VoiceVault recently announced the launch of VoiceVault Fusion, the upgraded version of its core product; VoiceVault Fusion now relies on two separate verification engines that operate symbiotically to identify an individual over the telephone, web, or on tablets and smartphones; the new version features increased accuracy, multiple verification methods, and is easier to install and integrate