Biometrics

U.K. introduces first-in-the-world shoeprint database
Forensic Science Service asks shoe manufacturers to provide sole impressions; more than 1,000 Nike trainers are enrolled already; Cinderella analysis guides police to the suspect
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Dutch to permit citizens to scan own ePassports for errors
European law permits citizens to review and correct personal data; Rochford Thompson installs RFID readers in application offices; privacy issues continue to hamper ePassport usage
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Lack of readers delays ePassport roll-out
Although more than thirty countries have begun issuing the documents, few have installed (or turned on) the neccesary readers; many wait for market saturization, but often governments are to blame for failing to develop proper privacy regulations
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Bioscrypt selected for Canadian airport I.D.authentication system
Company follows up purchase of A4Vision with a foray northwards; primary contractor Labcal will incorporate Bioscrypt’s fingerprint algorithims into its handheld I.D. readers; twenty-nine airports effected
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NYC employees to punch in using hand geometry scanners
Move sparks cries of “geoslavery,” but mayor denies claims he intends to introduce iris scans and voice recognition systems; managing employee response key to a succesful biometrics roll-out; buddy-punching remains a critical problem
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Maine lawmakers revolt against Real ID Act
State is first in the nation to pass a resolution demanding the act be repealed, but eight others are considering it too; legislators upset over $185 million cost and doubt the program’s utility; privacy advocates call it a national nightmare
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3M, Authentix and others launch International Authentication Association
Industry group will serve as a spokesman and lobbyist with media and government; eighteen companies band together to raise awareness of new anti-counterfeiting techniques; Johnson and Johnson’s David Howard is named chairman
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Reliability continues to plague TWIC
Lockheed wins a major $70 million contract, but low bidding may hide quality issues; “bait and switch” says one critic; cards said to suffer 50 percent error rates with unacceptable processing times; flimsy card stock at issue
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London Olympics to sport photometric stereo facial recognition technology
Intriguing approach uses a single camera and multiple sequential flashes to develop a “facial skin signature”; software uses slightly differing shadows to generate a 3D image of higher quality than conventional facial recognition systems; skin color and tone can both be identified
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Lockheed wins $70 million TWIC port worker contract
Company will supply 850,000 with biometric I.D. cards; technical challenges appear to have been overcome; BearingPoint loses out again on a major biometrics project; TSA to officially announce award soon
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Bioscrypt snatches up A4Vision in stock swap
Deal brings together Bioscrypt’s strength in fingerprint algorithims with A4Visions’s 3D facial recognition technology; company will now offer off-the-shelf finished readers for both finger and 3D face biometrics; investors add another $8 million to the venture
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Northrop Grumman anounces $95 million in new U.S. biometric deals
One day after announcing a $75 million contract to provide DoD with an integrated biometrics system, company announces three other deals owrth $20 million
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Digital fingerprints, with roots in WWII, attract attention
Identifying a users “fist” permits stronger password protection; even Web surfing habits can be used to detect on-line fraud; writeprints offer a method of identifying bulletin board users by their grammar and syntax; privacy experts express concern
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NIST discovers ideal height for fingerscanning machines
Improper installation can lead to slower enrollment times and higher error rates; 26 inches causes better image quality, but 36 inches makes the process go smoother
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Zombie masters move into the 21st century
Oak Ridge scientists identify thirty distinct compounds emitted from rotting bodies; data will help train dogs, but cunning investors may see opportunities for handheld sensor devices; report recalls a fingerscanning device intended for the deceased
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