• Biometric scans at Aussie bars spark privacy law controversy

    Bars and nightclubs in Australia are implementing more stringent verification procedures by requiring prospective patrons to submit to fingerprint scans, photos, and ID inspections; government officials are concerned with the new trend; Australian Federal Privacy Commissioner says that he lacks the authority to audit the system and that there are no regulations in the industry that govern how the data is collected, stored, used, or shared

  • Biometric wallet keeps your money safe

    Luxury goods maker Dunhill has designed a “virtually indestructible” wallet that uses a biometric fingerprint scanner to deter muggers and pickpockets; the wallet will only open when the owner’s fingerprint is verified using a scanner similar to those currently on many laptops; additional security features include a Bluetooth sensor that can be synced to any Bluetooth enabled mobile device; when the wallet is more than fifteen feet away from the mobile device, it will sound an alarm alerting the owner that the wallet has been taken away

  • Clothes as silent witnesses

    New research seeks to recover fingerprint ridge detail and impressions from fabrics — a technique that has up until now proved difficult; it is the first time in more than thirty years that fingerprints on fabrics have been a major focus for research and the team has already had a number of successes; the technique, known as vacuum metal deposition (VMD), uses gold and zinc to recover the fingerprint

  • 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

  • New scanner allows distant fingerprint reading

    A prototype scanning device can scan fingerprints from up to two meters away, an approach that could prove especially useful at security checkpoints in places like Iraq and Afghanistan; the scanner detects fingerprints by shining polarized light onto a person’s hand and analyzing the reflection using two cameras configured to detect different polarizations; in addition to checkpoints in the field, the device could make authorization more efficient in lots of settings: instead of punching a keypad code or pressing fingers to a scanner, individuals could simply hold up a hand and walk toward a security door while the device checks their identity

  • 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