‘Hand vein’ reader launched by Internal Biometrics
14 April, 2005
category: Biometrics
The Spartan Shield, which uses a biometric pattern of hand veins as the distinguishing identification characteristic, was unveiled recently by Internal Biometrics Corp., Tuscon, Ariz., during the International Security Conference in Las Vegas. Nev.
New vein pattern recognition (VPR) biometric security device debuts
Las Vegas, Nev – Internal Biometrics Corporation (www. InternalBiometrics. com) of Tucson, AZ, displayed its “Spartan Shield” access control device at the International Security Conference convention here, April 6-8. The Spartan Shield uses the unique biometric pattern of hand veins to distinguish one person from the next. Processing is not affected by race, skin discolorations, hair, age spots – even vinyl gloves. Enrollment of both hands allows the user to authenticate with either hand. Response is under a second.
Vein patterns are a hidden, intrinsic internal rather than external biometric, making it much more difficult to “steal” from a person. Concerns that giving one’s fingerprints, which are generally used in criminal investigations, are also mitigated. Fingerprinting is currently the most commonly-used biometric, but the Spartan Shield’s VPR technology is an excellent alternative because of its inherent higher security, comparable price, and easy installation.
The device, described by Valorie S. Valencia, co-founder of Phoenix, Ariz.-based Authenti-Corp, “is very unobtrusive. I want one on my door.” “Vein-pattern recognition is new in the U. S. and is not yet commercially deployed, but it is gaining significant popularity in Asia,” said Walter Hamilton, chairman of the International Biometrics Industry Association. “It has exacted strong support from my friends and colleagues in that trade association in Japan.” Fujitsu Corporation of Japan uses palm vein pattern recognition in its “PalmPrint” biometric device. The “PalmPrint” is being used by Suraga Bank and the Tokyo Mitsubishi Bank. Techsphere Corporation of South Korea also uses vein pattern recognition in its VP-II series of biometric scanners. “We are the only U. S. company we know of doing this,” said Rob Pira, President of Internal Biometrics Corporation.
Rob Pira and his partners are degreed engineers who have spent the last three years developing the Spartan Shield. For further information, contact Rob Pira at 520-591-1210.