Archive for December, 2010

Secugen Hamster Plus Fingerprint Scanner – the new age in fingerprinting technology

Friday, December 24th, 2010

Fingerprints are a unique property of an individual. No two humans – even identical twins – have exactly the same fingerprints. Even two fingers from the same hand of an individual fail to give a 100% match. This uniqueness of fingerprints has rendered it to be a widely used biometric in the world of identification.

Secugen, one of the world’s largest fingerprint device vendors, has come up with Secugen Hamster Plus for making fingerprinting experience easier and much more convenient. It is an improvised and updated version of Secugen’s versatile fingerprint reader and promises to be a lot more user-friendly. The Secugen Hamster Plus USB Fingerprint Scanner is designed in a compact manner and armed with Auto-on and Smart-capture facilities. The company guarantees that the Secugen sensor attached with the fingerprint reader is by far the most advanced. Equipped with SEIR fingerprint biometric technology, this fingerprint reader contains a prism that is absolutely resistant to shock, vibration, corrosion and even scratches.

Secugen Hamster Plus works in two ways. Firstly, the Auto-on senses the presence of any finger in its vicinity. Auto-on is devised with the Automatic Finger Placement Detection Technology that allows it to scan the finger immediately after the finger touches the sensor.

In the next step, the Smart Capture takes over. By adjusting the brightness of the Secugen sensor, the Smart Capture aids in capturing distortion-free images. The scanner’s optics ensures high quality images of even the most difficult fingers including dry, moist, scarred or aged fingers.

Thus the light-weight, portable Secugen Hamster Plus heralds a new era in fingerprinting technology. It lets one’s fingers act as digital passwords that can never be lost or forgotten and therefore can be used thoroughly for authentication and verification purposes.

With a USB connection and a Driver CD, this optical fingerprint reader totally enhances user-friendliness and can be safely used in Medical information systems, Bank and Financial systems or even in personal computers.

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Iris Recognition – an Authentic method of Identification

Friday, December 24th, 2010

The type of biometric authentication which utilizes pattern recognition techniques based on high-resolution and distortion-free images of the irises of the human eyes is called iris recognition. Iris is an internal organ whose texture remains stable throughout life and thus it serves as an indisputable passport to establishing identity of an individual. Today the iris recognition system has become one of the most widely deployed methods of verification.

This system encompasses the four basic methods – computer vision, pattern recognition, optics and statistical inference. By employing simple mathematical analysis of the random patterns of a person’s iris, the system delivers an authentic identity verification of the person. The scan is very similar to taking a photograph and can be performed from a distance of about 10 cm to even a few meters away and the person is not required to touch any equipment for the test. Even contact lenses or spectacles cannot impede the efficacy of the iris scanner. Because of the convenience and high accuracy this method has rapidly grown into one of the most reliable methods of identification and confirmation worldwide.

Iris scanning was first developed by John Daugman at Cambridge University. He propounded the iris recognition algorithm called IrisCode which has a stupendous false match rate and naturally it caught the world’s attention. Till this day, Daugman’s algorithm finds application in numerous places – security screening at airports, access to restricted areas, border security control, identification of detainees and even in schools and hospitals.

To put an end to the theft of new-born infants, the iris recognition method has been deployed in many hospitals globally which has produced a wonderful result. This system allows the entry of authorized persons into the baby’s stations – doctors, nurses and the baby’s mother by enrolling their iris. Only a glance into the camera is required which immediately generates a unique IrisCode which is specific to that person only. Later when the person needs entry, he has to match his iris with the recorded version. Once the infant is released, its mother’s image is deleted and she can no longer gain access to the station.

Thus because of its very low margin-of-error and lightning speed, iris recognition is now one of the most trusted ways of confirming an identity.

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Futronic FS80 Fingerprint Scanner: A Revolution in Fingerprinting

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

Fingerprints are the impressions left by the patterns of the ridges of the finger pads of a human being – be it the finger or the palm of the hand, the toe or the sole of the foot. These are unique in the fact that no two humans can have exactly the same fingerprints which includes even identical twins. Not only that, even two fingers from the same hand of an individual never give a 100% match. That is why, since time immemorial this amazing property of fingerprints has been utilized as irrefutable evidence in establishing the identity of an individual.

Futronic has launched the Futronic FS80 data fingerprint scanner which is one of the most sophisticated fingerprint scanners available. The USB fingerprint scanner is a most reliable and user-friendly device made of crown glass of thickness 14 mm, thus making it much more rigid than the usual optical type or semi-conductor fingerprint scanners.

One of the big advantages of Futronic FS80 is that it has been devised using the CMOS sensor technology which captures absolutely distortion-free images at a superb speed. 4 infra-red LEDs are present in it which provide light to scan the finger and even the intensity of the lights can be adjusted as and when required to get a sharp and clear image of fingers which are wet, dry or even scarred.

The Futronic Fingerprint Scanner is one notch higher than all the other fingerprint scanners available in the market today as it can even differentiate between a real human finger and fake ones. Special electronic circuits are inbuilt are in it to support the Live Finger Detection technology. Thus it has the power to sense and reject fingerprints obtained from play-doh made fingers or those from silicone rubber.

The Futronic FS80 is extremely advanced and it supports Windows XP , Windows Vista, Windows 7 or even MS Windows 2000. It ensures extremely accurate and distinct image recognition with the accuracy its SDK being of the range of FAR-10-6 and FAR-10-2. It is very convenient to use with just a finger touch at the time of logon.

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Cross Match Verifier 300 – Transforming Fingerprinting Technology

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

The impressions left by the patterns of the ridges of the finger pads of a human being are called fingerprints which can be obtained from the finger or the palm of the hand, the toe or the sole of the foot. Fingerprints serve a an integral part of investigative measures as no two humans – including identical twins – can ever have exactly the same fingerprint. Not only that, the uniqueness of fingerprint also lies in the fact that even two fingers of the same individual can never produce an identical match and thus since time immemorial, fingerprints have served as an indisputable evidence in establishing the identity of an individual.

Cross Match, one of the global leaders in fingerprinting technology has launched the Cross Match Verifier 300 LC 2.0 USB Fingerprint Scanner which promises to provide more accurate, swift and reliable results in fingerprinting. The 1 pound fingerprint reader serves as an excellent choice for users as it is available with USB and is easily applicable in high volume processing environments. The compact size with the splash resistant, non-condensing qualities makes the Cross Match 300 Fingerprint Scanner an obvious choice amongst users.

The advanced illumination technique makes the process of fingerprinting a much more smooth and convenient one. The improvised technology helps it to capture foolproof high-resolution images (500 ppi) of marked or stained fingers and doubled with the polycarbonate lexan case, the fingerprint scanner has become a perfect choice for verification and identification programs.

One of the biggest advantages of this single fingerprint capture device is that the cable remains absolutely attached even during rough handling. Not only that, even the lexan case comes at a very reasonable cost thus enhancing its user-friendliness even further. Even a kiosk-ready version of the fingerprint scanner is also available in the market now.

Naturally the Cross Match Verifier 300 finds its use in a wide array of areas such as hospital record identification and verification, school attendance and even in correctional facilities. Without a shadow of doubt, it has transformed the very way fingerprinting was done and is now an indispensable part of many global projects like border entry and exit control and Child ID programmes.

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Biometrics – The ultimate guarantee to security

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

The process of identifying and recognizing human beings based on their physical and behavioral traits is called biometrics. Fingerprints, face recognition, iris recognition, DNA matching are some of the popular biometric parameters. Even one’s gait, voice, and typing rhythm also serve as parameters for biometrics. When people’s access to secure areas is obtained by matching their physical characteristics through a computerized method it is known as biometric access control.

Biometric security nowadays has become the most accurate and reliable method of security as it is based on the physical attributes of a person which are bound to be unaltered. Unlike PIN numbers or cards, there is no chance of biometrics to be stolen or lost or to be left back at home. It is completely unique to a person and can never be used by another person. Thus it authenticates people and stores in its database for further matching whenever the person requires entry into that secure area.

Biometric access control is gaining popularity by the day as it ensures maximum security and can be utilized in averting potential terror attacks as well. Biometrics is slowly finding its way in many fields – border security control, banks, offices, hospitals, schools, airports.

In offices, deploying biometric attendance systems has proved to be successful in tracking employee attendance. Instead of punching a time-card, the employee is only required to put his hand or a finger on the fingerprint reader sensor. These systems eliminate buddy punching and give correct records of employee attendance and their time period in the offices, thus helping in payroll processing as well.

Even in hospitals, biometrics has provided great help and has made things a lot more convenient. More and more hospitals are inclining towards fingerprint access control systems as they ensure the safest process of verification and recording of attendance of its doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. Even iris recognition – another very authentic method of biometrics has been adopted by many hospitals to stall the abduction of infants. In this process, the iris of the doctors, nurses and the mother are recorded and thus it removes the possibility of the entry of any unauthorized person.

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Biometric Fingerprinting – The latest trend

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

When identification and recognition of humans are based on their physical attributes, it is referred to as biometrics. It may involve fingerprints or DNA recognition or even iris recognition. Even one’s voice, gait or typing rhythm too at times serves as basic parameters for biometrics.

The process of biometric authentication through fingerprint matching is assumed to be the most successful and has become the latest trend all over the globe. A biometric fingerprint reader records the impressions left by the patterns of the ridges of the finger pads of a human being. A fingerprint is entirely unique to a certain person. Thus it authenticates people and stores the imprints to be matched further whenever required therefore assuring of the safest and most trustworthy method of verification. It has by far been the most reliable and accurate way of recognizing a person and has become an irrefutable parameter of identification.

With its growing popularity, today companies are coming up with new fingerprint readers based on newer technologies every day to make fingerprint identification process easier and hassle free. These USB fingerprint readers are equipped with optical sensors which are resistant to shock, corrosion or vibration and can sense the touch of a finger in its vicinity. The advanced technology ensures that under any circumstance, it can take a clear and distortion-free image of a finger irrespective of whether it is scarred, moist or even aged.

Fingerprinting is now utilized in many major areas. Airports, border security control, banks, schools, colleges, offices have currently resorted to fingerprinting. Fingerprint attendance has been adopted in many institutions including hospitals worldwide. Hospitals have even embraced fingerprint matching processes as part of access control. Biometric fingerprint readers are used to match previously recorded fingerprint data of the doctors, nurses and other staff of a hospital and permit their entry as that is the most secure method. Nowadays some hospitals even use the scanning and analysis of the sub-thermal palm vein patterns of their employees. This ensures that accurate identification is obtained even if there are cuts or abrasions on the skin.

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Use of biometric fingerprint reader in hospitals

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

Biometrics is a science based on the measurement and analysis of uniquely identifiable physical characteristics of a human being. The physical characteristics can range from DNA to eye retina, facial pattern to voice pattern and fingerprints and hand measurement. However, fingerprints have come across as the most commonly used biometric and hence the wide-spread popularity of biometric fingerprint reader.

Though the use of fingerprint reader has mostly been restricted to intelligence agencies, today such biometric devices find a wide range of application—from corporate houses to police stations, from research institutes to hospitals. Use of fingerprint reader in hospitals is a welcome change. It is in particular essential for geriatric hospitals and homes. Geriatric hospitals are homes mainly to the elderly and more often than not the residents include patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other mental illnesses. Hence it is important to control access and attendance of such patients. Biometric fingerprint readers and fingerprint attendance systems can be integrated with the control center of the hospital to achieve this aim.

In hospitals using fingerprint reader, digital fingerprints and additional information about residents, staff and regular visitors are enrolled at the reception. Then these fingerprint data are sent to the numerous devices installed at different access points. The data is according to the access levels. For instance, both residents and staffs would have access to shared areas, but restricted areas would be accessible to select members of the staff only. On the other hand visitors would rarely have access beyond the visitor’s chamber. Before entering a particular area the entrant will have to place his/her fingers on the fingerprint reader, wherein his/her fingerprint will be scanned and matched with the database. If this identification process is successful access is granted.

Now that USB fingerprint readers are also available, setting up such advanced security systems in hospitals has become all the more hassle free and easier to operate. Fingerprint readers and fingerprint attendance systems ensure both patient security and information security and help to prevent untoward incidents.

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Use of electronic signature software growing by the day

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

In today’s worlds when most business transactions are made through the Internet electronic signatures finds an immense relevance. According to the US Code an electronic signature is “an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.” A more reliable form of electronic signatures is the biometric signature. Instead of replacing handwritten signatures biometric signature are signatures digitalized throughout the writing process. Instead of scanning the paper containing the signature, the signature is digitalized during the signing process itself. To facilitate the process the signature is taken, not on paper, but on certain biometric devices such as electronic signature pads, tablet PCs, pen pads etc.

Electronic signature pads and the like are a way forward in the attempt to establish a world free from papers. They play a significant role in online transactions which are rapidly becoming the norm of the day. Electronic signature softwares such as signature verification systems ensure that the e-documents containing e-signatures are legally binding.

However, the validity of electronic signatures has been a disputable issue. Most laws regarding electronic signatures were created in the mid-90s when the world was yet to wake up to such biometric devices. But in view of the growing demand and popularity of e-commerce and online transactions, there was a pressing need to amend the existing laws to be inclusive of issues concerning electronic signatures. Today most countries have included a framework for electronic signatures in the laws dealing with information technology.

Electronic signature software finds wide application in the banking sector. They are an essential part of e-banking, e-mortgage, online loan applications and approval systems. Amended laws in most countries have also boosted the use of digital and electronic signatures in the banking sectors. In fact use of high-end electronic signature software has led to the capture of high-quality cryptographic digital signatures which, in turn, ensures that these biometric signatures have the same authenticity, integrity and non-repudiation as their paper equivalents.

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Suprema BioMini USB Fingerprint Scanner

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

Fingerprint identification has been an indispensible part of criminal investigations since ages. But in recent times the otherwise laborious and time-consuming procedure has become accessible to the masses thanks to the sweep of technology in this field. Automated fingerprint identifier and USB fingerprint scanners have made fingerprint registering and fingerprint matching hassle free. As a result, biometric security which was the hallmark of intelligence agencies even a few decades ago is today easily accessible by the rest of the human population.

From police stations to banks to hospitals to corporate houses, biometric fingerprint scanners find their utility in many walks of life. Needless to say, there is no dearth of fingerprint scanners in the market. One reliable USB fingerprint scanner, among the many, is the Suprema BioMini USB Fingerprint Scanner from the stable of Suprema.

Suprema BioMini USB Fingerprint Scanner is ANSI-378 and ISO 19794-2 compliant and provides easy fingerprint capturing in a desktop and networking environment. Its 500dpi optical fingerprints sensor makes it ideal for biometric security systems. It is compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, vista and 7. It also supports Linux (Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu ) with Kernel 2.6.1 along with multiple programming languages such as Visual C++, .NET, Visual Basic, and Delphi. The fingerprint templates are compatibles with SFM3000/3500 modules. The 288×320 resolution images and USB 2.0 high speed connectivity makes it perfect for any identification, authentication, verification and scanning based applications.

The fingerprint algorithm applied by Suprema BioMini is among the world’s best with top results in NIST MINEX tests and FVC2004/2006. The interoperable template format standards are also NIST certified. The 1:100,000 per second matching speed brings it at par with the fastest of fingerprint scanners and justifies its extensive use in fields as diverse as fingerprint access control,fingerprint time and attendance applications, fingerprint based computer login, E-Commerce, B2B transactions, banking and financial applications, point of sales machines so on and so forth.

Suprema BioMini price is also one of its USP with the scratch free and impact electrostatic discharge damage resistant coming at only US$89.

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FS50 FIPS 201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

Futronic FS50 FIPS 201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner is a fingerprint scanner from the stable of Futronic. It is meant for single or dual flat fingerprints as well as single rolled fingerprints.

The new age fingerprint scanner is FBI certified and has been approved by US General Services Administration. It also fulfils the US FIPS 201 (Federal Information Processing Standard 201) for PIV (Personal Identification Verification) of Federal Employees and Contractors. Moreover it is PIV-071006 Image Quality Specifications compliant. These certifications make this fingerprint scanner find extensive application in automated fingerprint identification and fingerprint access control systems around the world.

Futronic FS50 fingerprint scanner is deemed suitable for a wide range of high-traffic applications-from criminal identification to e-Passport, from border control to driver license, and from elections to national identity cards. Its sensor resolution of 500 dpiand 800×750 pixels image size ensures extremely high quality image capturing without any distortion. Also, its infra-red illumination makes scanning wet, dry , scarred or blurred fingerprints more efficient.

The scanner features a platen area of 1.6″x1.5″ in dimension. The large platen area provides the scope to scan up to 2 flat fingerprints simultaneously or 1 rolled fingerprint. Its rugged sensor consists of a thick 33mm crown glass prism. The anti-scratch coating on the prism, its robust built and an operating temperature range of -10 degree Celsius to +55 degree Celsius makes Futronic FS50 fingerprint scanner efficient for usage in harsh environments for a long term basis.

FS50 FIPS201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner supports all leading OS including Windows 2000/20003/XP/Vista/7 (both 32 bit and 64 bit), Linux with kernel 2.4 or after (for both x86 and ARM9) as well as MAC OS. The 2M standard USB Cable that comes with this USB 2.0 compatible scanner ensures quick data transfer. On top of it, the unique Secret Code Feature protects it from unauthorized use.

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