Some people think biometrics is the future. Others think it is here now. Biometrics is the science of measuring the unique physical characteristics of a person, such as a voice, face or fingerprint.
These personal features are analysed and stored as "bioprints" in a reference database, on a smart card or an embedded chip. They are used to verify the identity of the person by comparing them to the previously stored bioprints

Don't punch buddies!
York-based Mitrefinch, a provider of time and attendance management solutions, has added a new reader to it biometric range. As an optional add-on to the TMS system or access control packages, the new design incorporates technology which allows the reader to enrol a fingerprint in less than 10 seconds, with the ability to verify a fingerprint in less than two seconds.

The reader is manufactured using a coating on the sensor element which, in testing, has withstood wear at more than one million uses. Managing director Andrew Simpson commented: "This new reader will help to combat fraud by preventing occurrences of syndicate/corporate clockings or buddy-punching."

Mitrefinch is a family-owned business, with more than 22 years experience in the time and attendance management field.

One in the eye!
Biometric identification could soon become an everyday reality at Heathrow Airport, with the backing of the International Air Transport Association. Measures are being introduced to test the future viability of passport-free travel.

EyeTicket Corporation is installing iris recognition units at immigration points in a move which will speed up immigration queues and reduce airport congestion.

Amsterdam's Schipol airport has operated a similar scheme since the end of last year with successful results.

More efficient than checking fingerprints or hand configurations, iris scanning is believed to be one of the most accurate forms of biometric technology.

  • Red-M of Slough, a specialist in advanced wireless networking solutions, is working with tracking technology specialists BlueTags to trial an advanced wireless security system intended to revolutionise passenger processing and security measures at airports.

    The trial, taking place at Billund, Denmark's second largest airport, is based on Red-M's Genos wirelessware, in conjunction with BlueTags' tracking technology, to identify and monitor passengers from the moment they arrive at the airport until their flight departs.

    Frequent and business travellers are now authenticated electronically so they do not need to go through all the traditional security processes at the airport.

    On arrival at the security check, information related to the passenger's unique Bluetooth identification appears on a screen in front of the security officer.

    Information such as a photograph, fingerprint or iris scan can be stored on the tag, allowing the officer to swiftly ascertain the BlueTag carrier's identity and allow the individual to proceed.

    Advice Centre
    Visitors to IFSEC will be presented with the latest developments in this increasingly important area, as there will be a Biometrics Village within the main body of the show.

    This new feature will incorporate an IFSEC Biometrics Advice Centre, offering visitors an insider's guide to this dynamic area of the market.

    Event manager Richard Clarke commented: "This technology is evidently coming into its own, and it needs to be seen in context to be fully appreciated."

    The write stuff
    The SMARTpen (from LCI-SMARTpen) is a revolutionary biometric technology which offers irrefutable proof of a person's identity across any distance, from a simple signature.

    SMARTpen writes exactly like a normal ballpoint pen, but uses advanced technology to measure, encode and match the unique dynamics of the way a person signs their name.

    SMARTpen works by capturing the biometric attributes which are exclusive to each person's signature, including the speed and acceleration of a signature, the pressure used when writing and the angle at which the pen is held.

    By combining biometric authentication with electronic signatures, digital signatures and device identification to symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, the SMARTpen provides security in a user-friendly manner.

    Just one glance
    Panasonic has moved into biometrics with new developments in iris recognition technology for cameras, desktop/laptops and access control systems.

       The company will display at IFSEC its BM-ET100US Authenticam with Iridian's PrivateID software to ensure data access security on desktops / laptops. The high speed, high precision one glance identification system – said to have an error rate of less than 1/100,000 – is described as "one of the world's most advanced access and entry point security identification systems".

       It is aimed at financial institutions, offices, labs, traffic control centres, airports and prisons.

    New field for Bewator
    Fingerprint Cards and Bewator have signed a licence agreement on biometric fingerprint systems technology for the development of biometric door-lock products and their distribution.

       This will enable Bewator to enhance its product line with a fully standalone biometric door-lock system. The fingerprint door lock will operate without cards, unlocking the door exclusively by means of a fingerprint from any of ten registered users for each door.

    Last year, Fingerprint Cards extended the development of its embedded fingerprint system with the FPC1010 area sensor, the FPC2000 processor and the DAD algorithm to allow an embedded system that would not require users to claim their identities using cards or user names.

    Managing director Paul Webb believes the agreement brings Bewator UK closer to a complete portfolio of security solutions. He commented: "Moving into this new technology field provides us with the ability to replace or complement card and PIN-based systems, adding value for our customers."

    Suitable for supervision
    On Guard Plus Ltd, an electronic monitoring systems integrator, has extended its VerQuis range with the launch of VQhmu, a fingerprint and voice verification solution.

       This is designed to meet the evolving needs of a range of community-based criminal justice supervision programmes.

    In one such scheme – the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme – Securicor Custodial Services, using OGPL technology, provides a monitoring service to target a small percentage of young offenders responsible for a high volume of youth crime.

    The initiative originally used OGPL's voice verification solution VQvoice, but business development manager Stephen Freathy explained: "Our experience with home-based ISSP orders identified a need to incorporate an additional layer of biometrics to supplement the voice.

    "This would prove especially val-uable where the home lacked a fixed line telephone or where there was a lot of domestic background noise."

    It has the appearance of a telephone handset but incorporates within the strong metal case a scanner which can store up to 100 fingerprints.

    Integrate into access
    The 800 Series Verid fingerprint system from Third Millennium can be integrated into virtually any access control system.

       Designed to be installed between the front-end PIN device and the door controller, the reader provides a fast, reliable and accurate method of checking the identity of the user.

       The 900 Series allows for even greater flexibility in the design and communication set-up for the system. The user template can be stored on, for example, a magnetic stripe or proximity card.

    Portable verification
    From On Guard Plus (see picture) to the EnGuard ID from TSSI, a production, management and verification system for secure identity documents used in border crossing, visa and employee identification schemes.

    Most current systems produce photo ID documents and rely on visual examination to verify that both the document is genuine and the person is correct. EnGuard ID is said to bring a new level of security through the use of secure machine readable authentication of the document and fingerprint verification for confirming that the correct person is present.

    The system offers either on-line or off-line verification through the use of the portable verification station. The identity can be proven from an office, PC or power source.

    Low cost barcode storage media can be used, making it suitable for more demanding environments where funding is limited and smart cards would not be viable. This product was shortlisted for the Security Industry Awards at IFSEC.

    Handy access

    The HandKey from Kantech Systems uses a field-proven hand geometry technology which maps and verifies the size and shape of a hand in less than a second. The benefits of biometrics were once reserved for high security applications, but tens of thousands of HandKeys are now installed in applications ranging from health clubs and day care centres to laboratories, prisons and nuclear power plants. The HandKey provides security and convenience at an affordable price. It is specifically designed to work in conjunction with card-based access control and can easily be added to an existing system at the point it is needed the most. Writing in the January edition of Security Installer, our Bench Testers explained: “The HandKey converts the image of a hand into a nine-byte template, stored for comparison and verification purposes. “Along with the requirement for an ID input either from the built-in keypad or an external reader, it provides a significant improvement in access security. “The hand reader is very easy to use with an informative combination of visual and audible feedback. But the outward appearance may arouse mixed feelings. ”Construction is fairly robust, while installation and programming are reasonably straightforward.”

    FACE it

    From Dectel comes the Smart FACE id CCTV system, based around the use of face recognition technology. The system identifies the faces of known offenders, giving managers prompt information and alerting patrolling store detectives. Suitably signposted, Smart FACE id acts as a deterrent, but also enables retailers to plan effective and appropriate responses to a known security risk in time to protect staff, merchandise and reputation.

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    Security Installer