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

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • 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.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.