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Soft biometrics back driving and gaming
NEWS The Department of Homeland Security has sparked concerns after it tested a crowdscanning system that identifies faces in crowds called the Biometric Optical Surveillance System (BOSS). In Ohio, US, Attorney General Mike DeWine faced demands to turn off the state’s new facial recognition software until new rules are in place to prevent its misuse.
research
NIST finds ageing does not affect iris systems and adds iris to PIV cards
A
geing of the human eye will not affect the performance of iris scanning biometric systems, according to the latest research from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This follows widespread concern that ageing could be a barrier to the efficiency of iris recognition systems. Using two large operational datasets, it found no evidence of a widespread iris ageing effect. It found iris measurements were constant over periods of up to nine years. This is consistent with the ability to enrol most individuals and see no degradation in overall recognition accuracy. NIST has also issued a publication that broadens agency security options for Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards. Biometric Data Specifications for Personal Identity Verification (Special Publication 800-76-2) adds iris images as biometric identifiers and on-card fingerprint comparison as options for the cards.
Human Recognition Systems (HRS) has integrated its advanced access control solution, MSite, with the UK Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). CSCS is a not-for-profit company. MSite will validate a CSCS card and upon its presentation and biometric authentication via a hand geometry template, the solution ensures only employees with the correct permissions and CSCS accreditations are granted site access.
soft biometrics
Soft biometrics back driving and gaming
S
oft biometrics typically capture biometrics to determine gender
or intent, rather than to identify and authenticate individuals. Recent developments focus on drivers and gamers. A new app can tell drivers when they are drowsy behind the wheel and prevent people from getting into road accidents, reports PSFK. Cafe Amazon in Thailand has developed an app that can monitor drivers for signs of sleepiness. When it detects signs, the app will direct the driver to the nearest cafe. In order to use the app, the phone or device needs to be mounted on a vehicle’s windshield with a clear view of the driver’s face to monitor head and eye motions for signs of drowsiness. Intel is looking for beta testers based in China and the US for its Pocket Avatars app for iOS and Android that harnesses facial recognition technology to let users send messages through 3D avatars. Users will need an iPhone 5, iPad 3, iPad 4, Galaxy S3 or S4 to participate. The app uses the camera on a smartphone or tablet to track facial expressions while the user talks and then maps them onto an avatar. The list of possible avatars includes cartoon characters, film or TV personalities, sports stars, musicians, team mascots, or family pets. Intel was recently reported to be considering implemented a camera equipped with facial recognition software into TVs to help personalise offerings for each user in a household. Extreme Reality, based in Herzelia, Israel, has patented software technology for enabling full-body, 3D motion control on any device via a standard 2D camera, reports Cnet. Unlike Microsoft’s Kinect gesture controller, which requires a special camera and sensor, Extreme Reality’s Motion software recognises and tracks the three dimensions of a user’s skeletal joints and then converts the joint movement into a continuous dynamic motion. Microsoft is reported to have announced it won’t require users of its upcoming Xbox One game console to connect its Kinect camera in order to play. Microsoft had said the Xbox One console would require users to connect the Kinect even if the camera was not needed at that time. Microsoft had also dropped a requirement that the Xbox One be connected to the internet at all times. ...Continued on page 12
EVENTS CALENDAR 15–17 October 2013 London, UK Biometrics Exhibition and Conference 2013 The conference runs from 15–17 October, while the exhibition runs from 16–17 October. Now in its fifteenth year, the annual Biometrics Show brings together biometric suppliers and users. More information: www.biometrics2013.com
5–7 November 2013 Frankfurt, Germany ID World International Congress The ID WORLD International Congress is a showcase on the evolving world of RFID, biometrics and smart card technologies, and is the only international forum that looks at the advanced ID industry as a whole, rather than focusing on a specific technology or vertical sector. More information: http://www.mesago.de/en/IDW/ home.htm
12–14 November 2013 Greater Boston, Massachusetts, US Technologies for Homeland Security The 13th annual IEEE conference on Technologies for Homeland Security will bring together innovators from leading academic, industry, business, Homeland Security Centers of Excellence, and government programmes to provide a forum to discuss ideas, concepts, and experimental results. Produced by IEEE with technical support from DHS S&T, IEEE Boston Section, IEEE Biometrics Council, and IEEE-USA and organisational support from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Raytheon, Battelle, and MITRE, this year’s event will once again showcase selected technical paper and posters highlighting emerging technologies in the areas of cyber security, attack and disaster preparation, recovery, and response, land and maritime border security biometrics and forensics. More information: ieee-hst.org
13–14 November 2013 London, UK Transport Security Expo Transport Security Expo brings experts from government, military, law enforcement and security services face to face with the aviation, maritime and public transport industries, to assess the threat level, examine the countermeasures in place and, where necessary, recommend strategies to deal with these threats. More information: www.transec.com
19–21 November 2013 Paris, France Cartes 2013 Exhibition and Conference CARTES Secure Connexions Event 2013 is a comprehensive event including trade show, conferences and awards that is dedicated to the digital security and smart technology sector and its innovations. More information: www.cartes.com
3–4 December 2013 London, UK World BORDERPOL Congress The Borderpol Conference and Exhibition is aimed at those in the border protection, management or security industry and supply products or services to border agencies and security forces. More information: http://www.borderpol-event.org
3 September 2013
Biometric Technology Today
NEWS/COMMENT ...Continued from page 3 Some gamers had voiced concerns that the Kinect camera, which can track users in the dark and has facial recognition capabilities, could allow spying from external agencies.
retail
could provide instantaneous face recognition that would be almost impossible to spoof. A team at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, India, writing in the International Journal of Computational Intelligence Studies explain how the pattern of blood vessels just beneath the skin of our faces is as unique as a fingerprint, iris or other characteristic. It can be revealed easily with an infra-red thermal imaging camera.
transmission, allowing it to act as projection surface. At the same time, the plate reflects light specularly, which produces the contrast required for fingerprint sensing.
hand biometrics
SignWave Unlock app Facial biometrics power maps hand geometry secure retail payments Tabletop combines attelle has released SignWave Unlock, iometrics that provide high levels of image display and a new app for the Leap Motion 3D security and an intuitive customer B motion control device that allows users to fingerprint recognition experience might be the solution for
B
secure mobile payments according to researchers Frost & Sullivan. This comes as PayPal trials of ‘facial recognition’based mobile app for payments have met with criticism on security grounds. As the facial recognition element of the solution is in fact carried out by a person and is not technology-based there are concerns that PayPal’s trial is a diversion from technological development of biometrically enabled mobile payments. Finnish company Uniqul, for example, has launched a face recognition payment system that enables customers to pay without having a wallet, card or mobile phone. Uniqul users set up an account linked to a credit card. Cameras at checkout counters and facial recognition software will have recognised the customer before he or she even reaches the checkout and payment will be taken when the customer signs their name. Frost & Sullivan global program director, ICT in financial services, Jean-Noel Georges, says, “We expect to see biometrics becoming increasingly prevalent over the course of the next three to four years, driven by a desire among vendors and consumers alike to be better protected when accessing mobile services.” Shoppers in 12 stores in Richmond UK are using a PayPal app for iOS, Windows OS or Android to see which nearby shops accept PayPal. Shoppers then pay for their purchases using PayPal and show a photograph of themselves on the mobile app to the shopkeeper who verifies their identify by checking that the person holding the phone is the same as the person shown on the photograph.
R&D
Vessel mapping takes face recognition to next level
R
esearchers believe that a thermal imaging scan that maps facial blood vessels
12
Biometric Technology Today
R
esearchers Christian Holz and Patrick Baudisch have developed Fiberio, a rear-projected multitouch table that identifies users biometrically based on their fingerprints. Fiberio is able to display an image and sense fingerprints at the same time. Fiberio accomplishes this using a large fibre optic plate. The plate diffuses light on
interact with computers in natural ways. SignWave Unlock requires a wave of a hand in front of the Leap Motion Controller; the app verifies the user’s identity and unlocks the computer. The Leap Motion Controller lets users pinch, grab and move objects by naturally moving their hands over the controller. The $79.99 device launched in July and will be available at Best Buy outlets in the US.
COMMENT As Biometric Technology Today went to press, Apple shook the biometrics world with the launch of the iPhone 5s with 360 degree readability fingerprint recognition based on capacitive technology. The ‘home’ button of the new iPhone5s is now also a Touch ID fingerprint sensor that allows users to unlock their phone with their finger and to make iTunes purchases without the need to enter their Apple password. A number of biometric firms had already pinned their colours to the iOS mast; Aoptix has just released a software development kit (SDK) for its Stratus MX hardware and app package. Stratus MX transforms the iPhone 4 or 4S into a full-fledged biometrics scanning tool. Also this summer Precise Biometrics Tactivo for iPhone 5 fingerprint biometricsbased case, has been approved by Apple and is now ready for global launch. Biometric Technology Today went to press before it was possible to get our hands on the new iPhone and see its fingerprint biometrics in action, but the industry will be watching consumer reactions to the usability of the feature with great interest.
Even hints that the iPhone might include biometrics put the biometric sector in the spotlight, with Businessweek reporting giant leaps in the price of stock for fingerprint recognition firms Precise Biometrics, Fingerprint Cards and Norwegian Idex. In recent weeks Fingerprint Cards has received its largest mass production order so far of over 3.1m units for its swipe sensor technology for the Asian smartphone and tablet market. Fingerprint Cards points out that this new order from partner CrucialTec targets the Japanese market, but will act as a springboard for further launches in other Asian markets. Apple’s iPhone has low penetration in some Asian markets, such as China, but Apple is now fighting hard for market share with the latest launches of the lower cost 5C and the 5s. Consumer use of biometrics technology, in gaming, social networks and now, more than ever, on mobile phones is teetering on the edge of mass adoption. The iPhone 5s launch may mark a tipping point. This year’s Biometrics Show in London from 15–17 October (see show preview page 9) will showcase many of the latest biometric solutions and their real world use. I look forward to meeting many of you there. Tracey Caldwell
September 2013
research
NIST finds ageing does not affect iris systems and adds iris to PIV cards
A
geing of the human eye will not affect the performance of iris scanning biometric systems, according to the latest research from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This follows widespread concern that ageing could be a barrier to the efficiency of iris recognition systems. Using two large operational datasets, it found no evidence of a widespread iris ageing effect. It found iris measurements were constant over periods of up to nine years. This is consistent with the ability to enrol most individuals and see no degradation in overall recognition accuracy. NIST has also issued a publication that broadens agency security options for Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards. Biometric Data Specifications for Personal Identity Verification (Special Publication 800-76-2) adds iris images as biometric identifiers and on-card fingerprint comparison as options for the cards.
Human Recognition Systems (HRS) has integrated its advanced access control solution, MSite, with the UK Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). CSCS is a not-for-profit company. MSite will validate a CSCS card and upon its presentation and biometric authentication via a hand geometry template, the solution ensures only employees with the correct permissions and CSCS accreditations are granted site access.
soft biometrics
Soft biometrics back driving and gaming
S
oft biometrics typically capture biometrics to determine gender
or intent, rather than to identify and authenticate individuals. Recent developments focus on drivers and gamers. A new app can tell drivers when they are drowsy behind the wheel and prevent people from getting into road accidents, reports PSFK. Cafe Amazon in Thailand has developed an app that can monitor drivers for signs of sleepiness. When it detects signs, the app will direct the driver to the nearest cafe. In order to use the app, the phone or device needs to be mounted on a vehicle’s windshield with a clear view of the driver’s face to monitor head and eye motions for signs of drowsiness. Intel is looking for beta testers based in China and the US for its Pocket Avatars app for iOS and Android that harnesses facial recognition technology to let users send messages through 3D avatars. Users will need an iPhone 5, iPad 3, iPad 4, Galaxy S3 or S4 to participate. The app uses the camera on a smartphone or tablet to track facial expressions while the user talks and then maps them onto an avatar. The list of possible avatars includes cartoon characters, film or TV personalities, sports stars, musicians, team mascots, or family pets. Intel was recently reported to be considering implemented a camera equipped with facial recognition software into TVs to help personalise offerings for each user in a household. Extreme Reality, based in Herzelia, Israel, has patented software technology for enabling full-body, 3D motion control on any device via a standard 2D camera, reports Cnet. Unlike Microsoft’s Kinect gesture controller, which requires a special camera and sensor, Extreme Reality’s Motion software recognises and tracks the three dimensions of a user’s skeletal joints and then converts the joint movement into a continuous dynamic motion. Microsoft is reported to have announced it won’t require users of its upcoming Xbox One game console to connect its Kinect camera in order to play. Microsoft had said the Xbox One console would require users to connect the Kinect even if the camera was not needed at that time. Microsoft had also dropped a requirement that the Xbox One be connected to the internet at all times. ...Continued on page 12
EVENTS CALENDAR 15–17 October 2013 London, UK Biometrics Exhibition and Conference 2013 The conference runs from 15–17 October, while the exhibition runs from 16–17 October. Now in its fifteenth year, the annual Biometrics Show brings together biometric suppliers and users. More information: www.biometrics2013.com
5–7 November 2013 Frankfurt, Germany ID World International Congress The ID WORLD International Congress is a showcase on the evolving world of RFID, biometrics and smart card technologies, and is the only international forum that looks at the advanced ID industry as a whole, rather than focusing on a specific technology or vertical sector. More information: http://www.mesago.de/en/IDW/ home.htm
12–14 November 2013 Greater Boston, Massachusetts, US Technologies for Homeland Security The 13th annual IEEE conference on Technologies for Homeland Security will bring together innovators from leading academic, industry, business, Homeland Security Centers of Excellence, and government programmes to provide a forum to discuss ideas, concepts, and experimental results. Produced by IEEE with technical support from DHS S&T, IEEE Boston Section, IEEE Biometrics Council, and IEEE-USA and organisational support from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Raytheon, Battelle, and MITRE, this year’s event will once again showcase selected technical paper and posters highlighting emerging technologies in the areas of cyber security, attack and disaster preparation, recovery, and response, land and maritime border security biometrics and forensics. More information: ieee-hst.org
13–14 November 2013 London, UK Transport Security Expo Transport Security Expo brings experts from government, military, law enforcement and security services face to face with the aviation, maritime and public transport industries, to assess the threat level, examine the countermeasures in place and, where necessary, recommend strategies to deal with these threats. More information: www.transec.com
19–21 November 2013 Paris, France Cartes 2013 Exhibition and Conference CARTES Secure Connexions Event 2013 is a comprehensive event including trade show, conferences and awards that is dedicated to the digital security and smart technology sector and its innovations. More information: www.cartes.com
3–4 December 2013 London, UK World BORDERPOL Congress The Borderpol Conference and Exhibition is aimed at those in the border protection, management or security industry and supply products or services to border agencies and security forces. More information: http://www.borderpol-event.org
3 September 2013
Biometric Technology Today
NEWS/COMMENT ...Continued from page 3 Some gamers had voiced concerns that the Kinect camera, which can track users in the dark and has facial recognition capabilities, could allow spying from external agencies.
retail
could provide instantaneous face recognition that would be almost impossible to spoof. A team at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, India, writing in the International Journal of Computational Intelligence Studies explain how the pattern of blood vessels just beneath the skin of our faces is as unique as a fingerprint, iris or other characteristic. It can be revealed easily with an infra-red thermal imaging camera.
transmission, allowing it to act as projection surface. At the same time, the plate reflects light specularly, which produces the contrast required for fingerprint sensing.
hand biometrics
SignWave Unlock app Facial biometrics power maps hand geometry secure retail payments Tabletop combines attelle has released SignWave Unlock, iometrics that provide high levels of image display and a new app for the Leap Motion 3D security and an intuitive customer B motion control device that allows users to fingerprint recognition experience might be the solution for
B
secure mobile payments according to researchers Frost & Sullivan. This comes as PayPal trials of ‘facial recognition’based mobile app for payments have met with criticism on security grounds. As the facial recognition element of the solution is in fact carried out by a person and is not technology-based there are concerns that PayPal’s trial is a diversion from technological development of biometrically enabled mobile payments. Finnish company Uniqul, for example, has launched a face recognition payment system that enables customers to pay without having a wallet, card or mobile phone. Uniqul users set up an account linked to a credit card. Cameras at checkout counters and facial recognition software will have recognised the customer before he or she even reaches the checkout and payment will be taken when the customer signs their name. Frost & Sullivan global program director, ICT in financial services, Jean-Noel Georges, says, “We expect to see biometrics becoming increasingly prevalent over the course of the next three to four years, driven by a desire among vendors and consumers alike to be better protected when accessing mobile services.” Shoppers in 12 stores in Richmond UK are using a PayPal app for iOS, Windows OS or Android to see which nearby shops accept PayPal. Shoppers then pay for their purchases using PayPal and show a photograph of themselves on the mobile app to the shopkeeper who verifies their identify by checking that the person holding the phone is the same as the person shown on the photograph.
R&D
Vessel mapping takes face recognition to next level
R
esearchers believe that a thermal imaging scan that maps facial blood vessels
12
Biometric Technology Today
R
esearchers Christian Holz and Patrick Baudisch have developed Fiberio, a rear-projected multitouch table that identifies users biometrically based on their fingerprints. Fiberio is able to display an image and sense fingerprints at the same time. Fiberio accomplishes this using a large fibre optic plate. The plate diffuses light on
interact with computers in natural ways. SignWave Unlock requires a wave of a hand in front of the Leap Motion Controller; the app verifies the user’s identity and unlocks the computer. The Leap Motion Controller lets users pinch, grab and move objects by naturally moving their hands over the controller. The $79.99 device launched in July and will be available at Best Buy outlets in the US.
COMMENT As Biometric Technology Today went to press, Apple shook the biometrics world with the launch of the iPhone 5s with 360 degree readability fingerprint recognition based on capacitive technology. The ‘home’ button of the new iPhone5s is now also a Touch ID fingerprint sensor that allows users to unlock their phone with their finger and to make iTunes purchases without the need to enter their Apple password. A number of biometric firms had already pinned their colours to the iOS mast; Aoptix has just released a software development kit (SDK) for its Stratus MX hardware and app package. Stratus MX transforms the iPhone 4 or 4S into a full-fledged biometrics scanning tool. Also this summer Precise Biometrics Tactivo for iPhone 5 fingerprint biometricsbased case, has been approved by Apple and is now ready for global launch. Biometric Technology Today went to press before it was possible to get our hands on the new iPhone and see its fingerprint biometrics in action, but the industry will be watching consumer reactions to the usability of the feature with great interest.
Even hints that the iPhone might include biometrics put the biometric sector in the spotlight, with Businessweek reporting giant leaps in the price of stock for fingerprint recognition firms Precise Biometrics, Fingerprint Cards and Norwegian Idex. In recent weeks Fingerprint Cards has received its largest mass production order so far of over 3.1m units for its swipe sensor technology for the Asian smartphone and tablet market. Fingerprint Cards points out that this new order from partner CrucialTec targets the Japanese market, but will act as a springboard for further launches in other Asian markets. Apple’s iPhone has low penetration in some Asian markets, such as China, but Apple is now fighting hard for market share with the latest launches of the lower cost 5C and the 5s. Consumer use of biometrics technology, in gaming, social networks and now, more than ever, on mobile phones is teetering on the edge of mass adoption. The iPhone 5s launch may mark a tipping point. This year’s Biometrics Show in London from 15–17 October (see show preview page 9) will showcase many of the latest biometric solutions and their real world use. I look forward to meeting many of you there. Tracey Caldwell
September 2013