Similar efforts at the University of Kentucky and commercial partner FlashCan 3D are developing systems that scan a hand to generate a 3D image in real time and convert that image to simulate a 2D rolled fingerprint. The technology uses structured striped lighting where illumination is projected on a fingerprint in a pattern.
“This type of lighting allows the collection of extra information, such as the depth of fingerprint ridges,” says associate professor of electrical and computer engineering Daniel L. Lau. “It is important to understand that for a remote fingerprint system to be practical, it must make use of relatively low-cost consumer cameras that can work at low levels of lighting.”
The relatively higher cost of a remote fingerprint system is a factor, considering the camera, the lighting source, and other hardware and software. But so is the relatively large size of such a system compared to a conventional fingerprinting approach. Nevertheless, for cases where higher levels of accuracy are required such as homeland security and highly classified access to government facilities, remote fingerprint readers can prove useful.
Iris-recognition systems use pictures of the iris, which is unique, stable, and reliable. These flexible, non-contact, non-invasive systems also offer speed and unmatched accuracy compared to other security alternatives at distances of 3 to 10 in.
Recent developments have advanced facial-recognition systems, too. For instance, the Face LogOn Xpress software from XID Technologies visually recognizes computer users when they log on. Enabled by the company’s facial-synthesis and recognition technology, it works with readily available low-cost Web cameras.
Used in surveillance applications, Cognitec’s FaceVACS technology accurately recognizes people regardless of their facial expression, age, or other variables like hairstyle, glasses, or lighting changes. Also, Oki Electric Industry Co. developed image-processing hardware IP to enable face-detection functions in an IC. Known as the Face Sensing Engine (FSE), this face-processing middleware targets high-end mobile phones and digital cameras.
Recognition Systems markets the HandKey and HandPunch access control products (now re-branded as Schlage HandKey and HandPuch products). These products are based on an image-acquisition system originally developed at Michigan State University to test imaging’s usefulness in hand-recognition biometrics. The system comprises a light source, a camera, a single mirror, and flat surface with five pegs on it (Fig. 5).
After capturing the image of the hand, the system extracts key features for authentication and identification, such as the widths and lengths of a finger at various locations. Users place their hand palm down on the flat surface. The five pegs serve as control points for the users’ right hand. Controls are available to change the lightsource output intensity and the camera’s focal length. The mirror projects the side view of the hand onto the camera. All of this information is fed into a computer for analysis. Current research involves identifying new features that would permit better discrimination between different hands as well as deformable models.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
One measure of interest in biometrics can be seen in the large number of hardware- and software-development tools on the market. As part of National Instruments’ LabVIEW platform, the BiometricsVIEW CM fingerprint scanner toolkit lets developers easily integrate Verifier 300 fingerprint scanners, which come by way of Cross Match Technologies, to their applications.
The toolkit also works with the Crypto-G comprehensive cryptographic library from Vartor Technology Solutions. Meanwhile, Lithuania-based Neurotechnology offers the Verifinger 6.0 softwaredevelopment kit for fingerprint recognition and the VeriLook 3.2 software-development kit for facial recognition.
A MATTER OF PRIVACY
So what are the social ramifications of these new security technologies? It depends on who you ask. Some people welcome improved methods that safeguard and verify their identities. On the other hand, not everyone is willing to provide such private data, fearing it may get into the wrong hands and be misused. The dangers of identity theft have increased in the 21st century on all levels, from personal finances to national security.
Still, progress can be seen in the biometrics purview. Two years ago, several biometric techniques were applied to the new passport introduced by a dozen nations from the European Union. This e-passport uses a digital photograph of the bearer taken to exact specifications for machine facial recognition.
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