Snowflake Previews Touchless Vein Pattern Recognition

A Memphis, Tenn.-based biometric company has unveiled a prototype of an identity verification system using vein pattern recognition.

Snowflake Technologies, a two-year old unit of Luminetx Corp., which itself developed vein recognition technologies for health care applications, will demonstrate its Enterprise Biometrics system at the ISC West conference in Las Vegas next week.

Unlike other biometric devices, the Snowflake prototype is “touchless.” A user places his hand below an optical reader, which scans the palm. The system uses a Luminetx-developed algorithm to translate some 700 data points within the subcutaneous vein image into a numeric key, said Brad Silver, Snowflake’s vice president of business development.

The palm scan compares to the 35 to 125 data points fingerprint recognition offers, while at the same time, is far less invasive than iris scanning.

Potential applications could include access control; time and attendance; transaction recording; and audit trail creation. “In some cases a palm scan can be done faster that a signature. Also, it can’t be defrauded or spoofed,” Silver says.

The system can also be networked into other security and building systems, whether legacy or IP-based. “I don’t care how you want to hook it up. It’s going to hum in any environment,” Silver stated.

Silver declined to discuss price points, but emphasized the degree of value that Enterprise Biometrics offers across a wide range of corporate security application. Cost estimates, featured in an article at findBiometrics.com by Imran Khan, a research associate for AutoID & Security, in 2006, put per-unit vein recognition cost $2,000 to $4,000, compared to hand geometry readers and fingerprint scanners are priced at $1,200 and $500, respectively.

The product will be ready for full market rollout in the fourth quarter 2008. Beta-testing will begin mid-summer, Silver said.

During ISC West, Snowflake will be demonstrating the prototype at booth 70-137. The scanner is also featured in the video link below.

About the Author

Steven Titch is editor of Network-Centric Security magazine.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.