• 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

  • Biometrics market expected to hit $12 billion in 2015

    A new report estimates that the global biometrics market will hit $12 billion by 2015; the market is currently valued at $5 billion; fingerprint identification technology will see the biggest gains growing to $6 billion by 2015; the market for face, iris, vein, and voice recognition will expand to $3.5 billion; large government ID and security programs are key drivers in fueling growth

  • Low cost, easy to use fingerprint scanner hopes to be game changer

    iEvo has just introduced a low cost, easy to install fingerprint scanner that can accurately scan fingerprints through dust, dirt, water, grease, and even latex gloves; the U.K.-based company has specifically designed the technology with the needs of consumers in mind; its features emphasize easy installation, low maintenance, and aesthetics to appeal to designers, installers, as well as safety officials; the company believes that poorly designed early fingerprint technology that did not cater to the end user hampered the industry

  • Biometric firm that targets drunk workers secures $2.1 million

    TruTouch technologies recently secured an additional $2.1 million in venture capital funding after its initial ten year $60 million investment; the company sells non-invasive alcohol intoxication detection devices that use infrared light; its technology is primarily aimed at preventing workplace injuries and detecting drunk drivers, but is also applied to diagnostic medicine; TruTouch has also recently inked a deal with Takata Corp. to install its devices in cars; the device would measure a driver’s alcohol level and if they are over the limit ignition is blocked

  • Ontario casinos implement ground breaking facial recognition technology

    Casinos in Ontario are introducing ground breaking facial recognition technology in May; in tests, the system has had a 91 percent success rate in identifying problematic gamblers; all gamblers will be required to have their faces digitally scanned and run through a database before entering; the technology includes sophisticated privacy guards to ensure privacy and identity protection; it will cost $3 to $5 million to implement and will scan more than fifty million people a year

  • Multi-biometrics combined in one system

    Lithuania’s Neurotechnology releases software that integrates fingerprint, iris, facial, and palm-print biometrics into a single system; MegaMatcher 4.0, Neurotechnology has incorporated palm-print technology along with the latest versions of its VeriFinger, VeriEye, and VeriLook biometric software development kits, all of which are built on a common architecture and feature a common programming interface

  • Portable device helps officers ID uncooperative suspects

    A portable fingerprint scanner helps police in a Florida town to identify people who refuse to identify themselves; the portable device searches the database of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which has more than 5.5 million criminal records; it also crosschecks a FBI database of wanted persons, sex offender registry and known or suspected terrorists

  • Face recognition on the go

    New mobile phone software recognizes friends in real time; the smart phone’s camera picks out faces in the crowd and tags them with names — so that their latest entries in Facebook, LinkedIn, or tweet appears on the smart phone’s screen

  • Hoyos shows cheap, dollar bill-size iris scanner

    Hoyos shows a small iris scanner which will allow scanning on the go; at just 5.5 inches wide, 4 inches tall, and 3 inches deep, the company’s latest iris scanner is not only a quarter of the size of the device’s previous iteration, the EyeSwipe Mini, but a quarter of its cost: the unit’s price is just $1,499

  • Voice biometrics company Persay sold for $6.7 million

    Persay, which was spun off from Comverse Technology Inc. subsidiary Verint Systems Inc. in 2000, raised $10.4 million in four financing rounds; the sale price is lower than the amount invested in the company

  • Biometrics goes mainstream -- and changes the way we live

    Biometrics will begin reaching a mainstream audience, changing the way we live; one change: we will see the beginning of the end of the wallet as it begins to move into our smart phones in ways that make it clear what is happening to the common observer

  • Hoyos Corporation (formerly Global Rainmakers): Identifying 50 people per minute

    The company says its HBOX device can scan fifty people a minute; it is used by the Philadelphia Port Authority as well as Bank of America at lobby entry points; the company made headlines recently with an ambitious city-wide deployment in Leon, Mexico