A Biometric Vision

A Biometric system should perform perfectly its function of verification or identification. Without any variability of performance, with zero failures and in a pleasant manner.

How is this Achieved?

By requiring good process capability. In order to provide automatic identification within a biometric product the process capability of the system i.e. the minimization of variance within the system becomes a paramount requirement. Not an easy task in biometric systems where the human subjects form part of the system. My view is the performance of a biometric is established this side of the lens or transducer ( i.e. in the real world ). All biometric algorithms whether based on advanced statistical or neural techniques have in the end to determine if the trait measured corresponds to the subject being identified or not. Minimizing variance in the location, rendition, and presentation of the trait simplifies, quickens and solidifies the whole biometric process. This tenet holds for whatever biometric matching algorithm is subsequently applied.

Veincheck Development Work

Development work has concentrated on multi user vein pattern readers and personal vein based biometric keys ( Biokeys & Biowatches ).

Biokey

These are simple risc based image or DSP processing engines allied to low resolution CMOS IR. linear or area arrays. The user either wears the unit on the wrist or draws the Biokey across the dorsal surface of the hand. The subcutaneous IR. absorption pattern is recorded within a reference template. The template can hold spatial and or frequency components of the absorption pattern. Subsequent scans are compared against this original recording, a match updates the template and enables the transmission of an encrypted access code.

Simple Algorithms

During training the user is rewarded by a jingle for good scans, this simple technique trains the user in presenting consistent scans and minimizes the complexity and cost of Biokeys and Biowatches.

Potential Applications

Applications envisaged are vehicle access and use, plus network security. The Biowatch is initially aimed at military and police use before ramping up production for commercial and domestic. applications. Once strapped to a recognised wrist the Biowatch will provide secure near field authorization codes to weapons, vehicles, security and computer systems.

Generic Multi User Vein Readers

My work in this field has concentrated on establishing a good process capability for vein image acquisitions. In multi user systems vein structures can be imaged beneath the palm or dorsal surfaces of the hand. Biometrics (in my view ) is about consistent and reliable measurements. Developers of vein based biometric processes should concentrate on obtaining repeatable, reliable and consistent vein images. In my own work I have concentrated on obtaining repeatable vein images by measuring the ratio of black / white pixels within the binarized vein images. The optical, ergonomic and aesthetic design is then amended until consistent binary ratios are obtained. A second tenet for vein biometric developers is to ensure that the equipment never records a misaligned or distorted image. Narrow field LCD information displays, help ensure that the subject is optimally positioned in front of the equipment. Pressure transducers in sub palm readers which only activate on even centred hand pressure will also help minimize false reads.

Biometrics and Personal Privacy

Biometric technologies can be used to enhance liberty, privacy and security, or they can be used to control, manage and enslave society. It depends on how and by who the technology is applied. Recent developments to fingerprint the population of an entire country are at best misguided, at worst they fill me with a foreboding for the consequences of biometrics. The question one needs to ask is: Are the reductions in fraud losses to society worth the consequences the application of a biometric system might entrain through the loss of personal privacy and liberty?

Criminal Attack
A second question; is will it work, will a single generic biometric technology provide an effective counter measure to organized crime? In my opinion this is very doubtful. Biometric systems have yet to be attacked by sophisticated criminals with serious money. Once this attack starts many biometric systems will be found wanting and many users will ask "How did we chose a biometric trait that's left on every item we touch or recorded in every photograph taken."

Better Solutions
A better more secure solution is to use a biometric trait that's not on general view, one that's an internal characteristic of an individual. Better still is to couple this trait with other elements of security ( something one has, something one knows ) and to distribute the database such that each and every individual secures his or her own biometric templates.

Smartcards
Worn or carried smartcards essentially Biokeys and Biowatches can securely carry these individual biometric templates and issue a secure encrypted digital signature as required. Digital signatures can be used to sign electronic documents, or engage in electronic commerce as well as secure cars, homes and personal possessions.

Smart Secure Products
Smart products that recognise specific digital signatures will be developed so we can look forward to a future where if you leave your camera on the beach it will be there on your return.

Your In Control
You control how your biowatch or biokey works, you decide what information you want it to transmit and to which services you want it transmitted. If a new Government is elected or takes over that you don't like, leave it in the drawer or turn those public service options off and go back to using money.

Biometric Future It's in our hands

This is the civilised biometric future I want to bring about, a biometric future where the people own and control their own biometric systems and data. The Biokey and Biowatch technologies are ready for development. What I require is a market pull by informed readers and opinion former's to bring this biometric vision to a reality. Do you really want a future where you can be tracked from the cradle to the grave by generic biometric systems or do you want a personal civilised biometric future?
If you want the latter, write to your favourite bank or technology company ( with a .cc to me ) saying these are the biometric technologies that you want, need and deserve. Together we may be able to pull this technology into being.

Consultation Services

If you are developing vein based biometric systems and have concluded a license agreement with the BTG and would welcome a personal appearance at your upcoming product launch or additional know-how input from the originator please contact me.

Please Write To Me ( Especially if you can assist with Manufacturing, Marketing & Distribution )