Archive for January, 2011

Suprema Biomini USB Fingerprint Scanner

Monday, January 31st, 2011

The Suprema Biomini USB fingerprint scanner proves to be a significant part of biometric security in any organization. The features and capabilities of the Suprema Biomini USB fingerprint scanner are such that its use is not just limited to offices, but also extends to police stations, banks, hospitals and major corporate houses. The device is designed to be extremely robust and reliable and features extensive fingerprint capture capabilities. This biometric security device is most suited to a desktop and networking environment.

The Suprema Biomini USB fingerprint scanner comes equipped with an award-winning fingerprint algorithm. This has helped the biometric security device capture the top rank in FVC 2004, 2006 and NIST MINEX tests. This fingerprint scanner provides an unmatched and versatile platform for development. It thus proves to be an extremely useful biometric security solution for leading security companies, hardware manufacturers and system integrators. The Suprema Biomini’s price also makes it a more appealing solution for security agencies and corporate houses.

The Suprema Biomini USB fingerprint scanner has been designed to be scratch and impact resistant that lends it durability. This biometric security device measures 66 X 90 X 58 mm. It is known to operate best in the temperature range of -10 to 50 degrees centigrade. The optical sensors on the Suprema Biomini USB fingerprint scanner are capable of capturing images with the resolution of 288X 288 pixels. The biometric security device is compatible with Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista as well as Linux.

The USB fingerprint scanner supports multiple device handling and has a plug and play USB 2.0 high speed interface. For this reason the Suprema Biomini USB fingerprint scanner offers the benefit of diverse applications. It can also be customized with the inclusion of fingerprint based SDKs which are readily available in the market. The range of applications supported by this biometric security device is financial applications, B2B transactions, banking, E-commerce, point of sales machines, fingerprint based computer logins, fingerprint access controls, fingerprint time and attendance applications and much more. The Suprema Biomini price comes off to be quite reasonable at a US $89.

Nitgen Fingkey Hamster USB Fingerprint Reader

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Nitgen Fingkey Hamster USB Fingerprint Reader comes from the stable of Nitgen, the world’s leading biometric company. It is a coming of age fingerprint readers that can detect fake or forgery fingerprint thanks to its Live Finger Detection (LFD) function. The biometric device has certifications from MIC, FCC, CE, and WHQL and has gained worldwide popularity as a simple and accurate identification system.

Nitgen Fingkey Hamster USB Fingerprint Reader is a plug and play device with a USB interface with full speed/high speed support that comes with Nitgen Fingkey Hamster driver. Nitgen Fingkey Hamster driver supports multiple OS including Windows Vista/XP/ 7/98/ME/2000. It renders the application of passwords in your computer useless as it successfully provides access control. With its highly accurate user identification algorithm, the driver safeguards sensitive information containing systems and provides access to authorized personnel only. As a result Nitgen Fingkey Hamster USB Fingerprint Reader finds widespread application in fingerprint or biometric-based computer login, fingerprint access control systems, fingerprint time and attendance systems, PC/workstation security, internet content security, and any other password-based application.

The fingerprint reader consists of high-quality, rugged, maintenance-free optical fingerprint sensors. It has a working temperature of -20 to 60 degree Celsius. The ultra-precise 500 dpi resolution ensures excellent quality fingerprint images. Another novel aspect is the “Auto-on” feature that automatically turns on the sensor as soon as it detects a finger. Nitgen Fingkey Hamster USB Fingerprint Reader supports all essential applications including fingerprint recognition, fingerprint verification, fingerprint scanning, fingerprint authentication, and fingerprint matching applications.

But the hallmark of the fingerprint reader remains its LFD feature. It is impossible to fool a system empowered by Nitgen Fingkey Hamster with a fake finger. The device rejects a spoof finger immediately. This fake fingerprint detection capability makes the device suitable for systems protecting medical information, national security information, banking and financial security information and ecommerce information.

Iris recognition Systems In Banks

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Iris recognition is a method of biometric authentication using pattern-recognition techniques which are based on high-resolution images of the iris of an individual’s eyes. Iris recognition systems efficiency is rarely impeded by glasses or contact lenses. Iris technology has the smallest outlier group of all biometric technologies. Also because of its speed of comparison, iris recognition is the only biometric technology that is well-suited for one-to-many identification. A key advantage of Iris scanning is its template longevity, or stability, as barring trauma, a single enrollment can last a lifetime. The use of Iris recognition system significantly increases security level of systems because it eliminates problems like lost, stolen or loaned ID cards, and forgotten or guessed PINs.

A biometric Iris scanner provides automatic identification of an individual based on a unique feature or characteristic possessed by the individual. Iris recognition is regarded as the most reliable and accurate biometric identification system available. Iris recognition systems are also considered the most secured ones in terms of confidential information, while older systems using the secret PIN number could be easily hacked, but this system which depends on scanning the eye Iris is more secure. Thus the impossibility of counterfeiting the eye’s iris in any way is very high.

Recently Jordan Commercial bank as an application to the strategic plan in utilizing the cutting edge technologies in banking and financial industry, and keeping up with the latest developments in the financial sector, and as a goal to develop customer service according to more secure standards, the bank recently launched the Iris Recognition/Iris scanning System in some of its branches to perform all financial transactions without the need to use the personal identification card for the customer.

Since banks involve a huge amount of data and a large number of footfalls, the data security becomes the highest priority. Also in such a case scenario where financial data is of key importance, securing the transaction records accessibility to authorized personnel or customer is of utmost priority. Iris recognition systems thus become the most reliable and the most secure security systems for banks.

Futronic FS88

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Security and confidentiality has various degrees of requirements and Information technology has dynamic applications to answer it. Biometrics Systems are one of the most widely available access control systems widely used by organizations across the world for purposes of security as well as accountability.

In recent times, there are large numbers of Biometric Systems that are commercially available. Such Biometric systems are based on unique characteristics of human being. The most common, reliable and successful system is the one based on Finger Prints. In this system, users are made to put their thumb/index finger (or any specified finger) in the finger reader. The system then compares the finger print that is read with that in the central database for authentication.

Futronic being a global provider of advanced fingerprint recognition hardware and software products came out with FUTRONIC FS88 to customers who need enhanced portable security in identity management. Futronic having proprietary fingerprint recognition algorithm, also develops and manufactures products for physical access control, computer and network logon, identity management and E-commerce.

The much awaited FS88 is now on the market shelves. It is an upgraded version of the FS80 USB2.0 Fingerprint Scanner from Futronic. Already certified by the FBI to be compliant with PIV-071006 Image Quality Specification for Single Finger Reader, FS88 also meets the US Federal Information Processing Standard 201(FIPS 201) for Personal Identification Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors now. This enhanced version of the FS80 is also listed in the US General Services Administration (GSA) FIPS 201 Evaluation Program Approved Product List.

FS88 uses advanced CMOS sensor technology and precise optical system to meet the rigorous requirement on fingerprint image quality of PIV-071006. Its fingerprint scanning window is crown glass with a thickness of 14mm that resists scratches and other stress to ensure long term heavy duty usage. It is a robust but cost effective single finger capture device and ideal for border control, identity card, driver license, election and any type of civilian AFIS application.

Special electronic circuit is built into FS88 to do Live Finger Detection (LFD). With appropriate software in PC, user can select this LFD feature so that only live finger’s fingerprint will be scanned into PC.

It easily rejects fake fingers made from silicone rubber, play-doh, etc. The LFD feature is included in all Futronic standard software.

The factory-programmed unique serial number in the USB Device Descriptor of each FS88 ensures that each of the Futronic FS88 is traceable.

Application Programming Interface (API) for FS88 to capture fingerprint image on various platforms is available for various versions of Windows, Linux and Mac.

FS88 module is a smaller and lighter version of FS88 for customers who want to integrate FS88 into their own products, such as handheld POS machine, portable voter registration station, etc. FS88 module is same as FS88 but without plastic shell and USB cable so that it can be embedded into any target system.

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

Monday, January 24th, 2011

FS50 FIPS 201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner is a coming of age access control device from Futronic, a global provider of fingerprint recognition hardware and software. The USP of this fingerprint reader is that it can scan both single and dual flat fingerprints as well as single rolled fingerprints.

This FBI certified and US General Services Administration approved fingerprint scanner boasts of meeting the US Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201) for Personal Identification Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors. On top of that, being PIV-071006 Image Quality Specifications compliant, Futronic FS50 fingerprint scanner has become the preferred fingerprint scanner for many identification and verification applications.

Apart from its use in criminal identification, the scanner finds extensive application in many high-traffic access control systems-border control, election, identity card, driver license, e-passport etc. With a sensor resolution of 500 dpi and image size of 800×750 pixels, the fingerprint scanner ensures high quality images almost devoid of distortions. Another feature that makes the Futronic FS50 stand out from other similar biometric devices is the infra-red illumination which ensures improved images for wet, dry, blurred, or scarred fingerprint samples.

The sturdy physical features are the other high points of the Futronic FS50 fingerprint scanner. The rugged optical sensor consists of a thick 33mm crown glass prism with anti-scratch coating. The robust built of the device makes it suitable for heavy duty usage in both indoor and outdoor environments. The operating temperature lies in the range of -10 degree Celsius to +55 degree Celsius.

Futronic FS50 can be easily integrated into most professional systems as it supports all leading OS–Windows 2000/20003/XP/Vista/7 (both 32 bit and 64 bit), Linux with kernel 2.4 or after (for both x86 and ARM9) and MAC OS. Also, to ensure quick data transfer a 2M standard USB Cable comes with the scanner as part of the product package. A factory-programmed unique serial number checks unauthorized use of the device. All in all, the FS50 FIPS 201/PIV Compliant Two Finger Scanner USB Fingerprint Scanner meets all the pre-requisites of an advanced fingerprint scanner and leaves little room for complaints.

Electronic signatures replacing their paper equivalents

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Among many things that Internet has revolutionized, business transaction is one. With most transactions being made through the World Wide Web these days, electronic signatures are fast replacing their paper equivalents.

The US Code defines an electronic signature as “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.” But keeping concerns about signature forging in mind, a more reliable form of electronic signature has been developed known as biometric signature. Biometric signature is a signature taken on a biometric device and digitalized throughout the writing process. Instead of replacing a handwritten signature with a scanned version of the paper containing the signature, a biometric signature is digitalized during the signing process itself. The biometric device used in the process is generally a pen pad, an electronic signature pad or a tablet PC.

Biometric signatures find extensive application in banking transactions. They help consumers save valuable time and facilitate processes such as e-banking, e-mortgage, and online loan applications and approval. Moreover to further legalize transactions through electronic signatures, most banks use electronic signature software such as a signature verification system. This ensures that the e-documents containing e-signatures are legally binding.

But in spite of the measures being taken, electronic signatures continue to remain a disputable issue. The problems originate since most existing laws concerning electronic signatures were created in the mid-90s when an electronic signature pad was still unthinkable. But with the growing popularity of e-commerce and the increasing prevalence of online transactions, the need to amend such laws to include issues regarding electronic signatures taken through a biometric device has become imperative. As a result most countries, today, have included laws relating to electronic signature and electronic signature software into their constitution. This has boosted the use of digital and electronic signatures in the banking sectors. Moreover, with advancement in the technology, high-end electronic signature pads ensure the capture of high- quality cryptographic digital signatures. Such electronic signatures have the same integrity, authenticity and non-repudiation of on-paper signatures.

Biometric Fingerprint Readers in Banks

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Fingerprint readers, or scanners, are the most popular and most common form of biometric security devices used. Biometric fingerprint reader consists of an automated method of recognizing a person based on unique physical characteristic which is his fingerprint. Each type of biometric fingerprint reader system is different in application and consists of at least one similarity. Here the biometric is based upon a distinguishable human attribute which is a person’s fingerprint. Although there are biometric systems based on iris, facial pattern and even voice pattern.

Today fingerprint reader devices are by far the most popular form of biometric security used. There are a variety of systems available in the market which is intended for general and mass market usage. Huge bulky fingerprint scanners are a thing of the past. USB Fingerprint readers are now replacing them gradually. Now a fingerprint scanning device can be small enough to be incorporated into a laptop for security.

Fingerprint scanning essentially provides an identification of a person based on the acquisition and recognition of those unique patterns and ridges in a fingerprint. The biometric fingerprint reader’s identification process will change slightly between products and systems. The basis of identification is usually nearly the same. Standard systems are comprised of a sensor for scanning a fingerprint and a processor which stores the fingerprint database and software which compares and matches the fingerprint to the predefined database. Within the database, a fingerprint is usually matched to a reference number, or PIN number which is then matched to a person’s name or account.

In large corporations especially banks, biometrics plays a huge role in employee identification and security. Many data centers have jumped on the bandwagon and have implemented biometric fingerprint readers to enhance remote access and management by adding another layer of network security for system administrators. Biometric fingerprint scanner like the USB fingerprint readers which are extremely mobile and compact are also being used increasingly to track attendance and work hours for employees. Banks also involve a huge amount of data and a large number of footfalls. Here data security is of the highest priority because financial data is of key importance along with securing the transaction records and its accessibility to authorized personnel or customer. Biometric fingerprint reader systems are increasingly becoming the most reliable and the most secure security systems for banks. Today companies have realized that fingerprint scanning is an effective means of security.

Crossmatch Verifier 320 LC- Fastest Dual Finger Scanner

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Fingerprints are the most widely used biometric parameters in the world today. Fingerprints are impressions left by the patterns of the ridges of fingers, or toes. It has been observed that no two fingers, even if they belong to the same hand, provide a 10% fingerprint match. Owing to this unique nature of fingerprints, fingerprint based security systems have become immensely popular today.

Crossmatch Verifier 320 Dual finger USB Fingerprint Scanner is a two fingerprint auto-capturing device form the house of Cross Match, one of the global leaders in fingerprinting technology. It is the fastest dual finger scanner in the market and thereby ideal for both low and high volume programs. The fast, accurate and reliable results produced by the scanner makes it ideal for fingerprint based security systems.

Crossmatch verifier 320 LC provides the opportunity to record two flat fingerprints simultaneously as well as a rolled fingerprint thanks to its large platen area. The FBI appendix F certified fingerprint scanner also features enhanced ambient light rejection that helps it to capture foolproof high-resolution images (500 ppi) of even marked or stained fingers. Being a fast fingerprint scanner the capture rate is very high at 15 fps and average linearity and rectilinearity is less than one pixel.

The fingerprint scanner is light-weight, weighing just 620 grams and has an operating temperature range of 35 degree Fahrenheit to 100 degree Fahrenheit. Under normal working conditions the device has a life span of 45,000 hours, i.e. it can be used continuously for 5 years.

To easily integrate this device into fingerprint based security systems, the product comes with a free fingerprint recognition software development kit. It supports both Windows XP Professional SP2 and Windows Vista 32.

Crossmatch Verifier 320 Dual Finger USB Fingerprint Scanner comes with USB 2.0 connectivity which ensures fast data transfer. It can be used in a wide range fields such as border and port security, law enforcement and court systems, homeland security, finance, healthcare, correctional facilities, fingerprint access control, B2B transactions, and driver’s license among many others. The rugged exterior combined with the mounting bracket makes it easy to use in rough environments as well.

Clinical Research Organizations

Friday, January 21st, 2011

The clinical research organizations’ projected revenue for 2010 was $20 billion, representing approximately one-third of total pharma and biotech R&D spending. Clinical research organizations is a service organization that provides support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the form of outsourced pharmaceutical research services (for both drugs and medical devices).Clinical Research Organizations range from large, international full service organizations to small, niche specialty groups and can offer their clients the experience of moving a new drug or device from its conception to FDA marketing approval without the drug sponsor having to maintain a staff for these services.

The complexity of work involved can be determined by the amount of research and development in key bio medical issues such as non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia. Clinical research organizations involve handling of expensive and sophisticated equipments, a vast amount of human resource working across various shifts and a huge amount of interdepartmental interaction. Security in an organizational structure involving such vast infrastructure and corresponding footfall becomes a very important issue.

Here the role of biometric access control solutions becomes crucial. This kind of security system provides fingerprint access control using biometric security and biometric attendance systems. Biometric access control systems limit the admission of an individual on a given protected area. Especially in a building filled with doctors, researchers, and administrative/security staff coming in and out, the human resource management becomes difficult and tedious without a proper control access system.

One can choose a biometric attendance access system to limit who can enter or exit certain areas on your premises from a wide range of products. A fingerprint access control is the ideal way to identify exactly who a person is that is trying to access an area. This eliminates unwanted or forced access and ensures territorial security.

Biometrics is also replacing conventional methods of identification and security checks such as physical checks, photo IDs, tokens, and passwords. There is an increasing need to secure human resource, assets, information, and facilities by use of biometric attendance through use of biometric security or biometric access control systems.

Besides access control to particular areas or sections of a building, biometrics is now extensively used in checking attendance and work hours of employees. Biometric attendance and biometric security thus extensively supports and compliments a clinical research organization in its efficient running.

Biometric Fingerprinting: finding application in newer fields

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Biometric is the science of identification and recognition of humans on the basis of their physical attributes. The parameters for such identification vary from fingerprints to retina, from iris to voice.

However, over the years fingerprint has emerged to be the most useful parameter for biometric recognition. This has made the world sit up and take notice of the efficacy of a biometric fingerprint reader. Though initially developed for criminal identification by intelligence agencies, a fingerprint reader is today very much a part of every industry and corporate house which aims to safeguard its intelligence resource.

A fingerprint reader scans the impression left by the patterns of the ridges on a human finger and then matches it with the sample data already stored in the system. Now the patterns of the ridges in the human finger are extremely unique in nature. It has been observed that even the fingerprints from two different fingers form the same hand fail to give a match. This unique nature of fingerprints makes a biometric fingerprint reader the safest and most trustworthy device as far as verification is considered.

Moreover, with the advancement in the science of biometrics, new-age products such as a USB fingerprint reader and the like have ensured deliverance of clear and distortion-free images from even wet or scarred fingers.

As discussed earlier, fingerprint readers are no longer restricted for use by the federal agencies. Today, the method of fingerprint matching finds extensive application in a wide range of systems, one of the most popular being fingerprint attendance systems and access control systems. For instance in a clinical research organization the research laboratories become a restricted area meant to be used by researchers and authorities only. In such a scenario a fingerprint reader successfully serves the purpose of restricting admittance.

Also, in clinical trial studies, often cross-study participation of patients is not allowed. In these cases as well, a biometric fingerprint reader can be used to scan and enrol fingerprints of patients.