Choosing Biometrics that Will Work for You (internal article)

In the wake of international terrorism, biometrics devices are mushrooming all around the world. The United States has implemented face recognition to ensure that terrorists in its list of database do not slip through its borders. The Singapore immigration has implemented iris scan at one of its checkpoints to facilitate the immigration process for motorists traveling between Singapore and Malaysia. Schools and offices are installing biometrics devices to restrict and control individual access while large organizations are replacing traditional punch card devices with biometrics to better manage time and attendance.

Without a doubt, biometrics is here to stay. This is because traditional security and access devices still depend heavily on "what we have" (keys, cards) and "what we know" (personal identification number 'PIN'). This means it is still subject to loss and abuse. Biometrics, on the other hand, relies on "what we are". As a result, after the first fingerprint biometrics system was introduced about 30 years ago, market awareness for biometrics solutions is finally gaining momentum, and security sensitive organizations like government agencies, financial institutes, multinational enterprises and utility management companies are among the early adopters.

In the biometrics market, hand geometry and fingerprint scan are the most commonly deployed solutions. Thanks to the Hollywood blockbuster, "The Minority Report" we are also familiar with iris scan, while face and voice recognition already has a popular following. However, brace yourself for this: the vascular (vein and capillaries) pattern at the back of your hand can also be a unique identifier. Considering the fact that biometrics is the science of measuring the behavioral and/or physiological characteristics of an individual, basically any part of the body can be used in biometrics. The reason for the different emerging technologies is because each biometrics system possesses one or two significant advantages and suffers in other aspects.

While consumers are spoilt for choices, they are also left mulling over the best system because in evaluating a cost effective system, one not only considers overall costs but the product usability, flexibility of use, maintenance costs, user convenience, accuracy, and security.

When the hand vascular pattern recognition technology was introduced in the market a few years ago, the other biometrics players did not pay much heed to it because after all, any part of the body can be used as biometrics, including ear shape and even body odour. In addition, little research has hitherto been conducted on hand vascular pattern biometrics. However, as time went by, this new technology has silenced the naysayers and created a stir among the other players. This is because hand vascular pattern biometrics boasts of several key advantages and benefits.

1) High Usability
The VP-II provides ultimate system "usability" of 99.98% (the percentage of unspecified adult population that is capable of using a system). By nature of biometrics products, if one user in a user group cannot use a system, somehow, the entire group cannot adopt the system. High usability directly results in high security because the biometrics technology, unlike other popular biometrics technology, does not provide a back door, such as a key or numeric password. Fingerprint devices suffer from usability because some users have faint fingerprints while iris and retina scan devices may not be appropriate for people with eye diseases. On the other hand, hand vascular pattern will only be unusable if the user has severe burnt wounds on both hands (each hand is unique and either hand can be used for identification), or if both hands are missing.

2) High Accuracy
The False Acceptance Rate (FAR) is the probability that another individual is falsely recognized as the lawful owner of the reference data. The VP-II has a FAR of 0.0001%.
The False Rejection Rate (FRR) is the probability for the lawful owner of the reference data to be falsely rejected when presenting his verification data. The VP-II has a FRR of 0.1%

3) Security (prevents duplication)
The sensor of VP-II does not require physical contact, so it prevents enrolment of non-biometrics patterns and fraudulent use of biometrics features (like system-residual biometrics patterns). In comparison, most fingerprint scanners require users to press a finger onto the scanner in order to capture the print. There is also increased security because of the sensor's capability to sense the user's temperature, which implies that the hand must be a 'live' one.

4) User convenience
Since there is no direct contact with the user's vein for authentication, the device offers users a peace of mind. In addition, since it involves the back of the hand, it is less invasive and poses minimal positioning problems.

5) Reliable performance under harsh environmental conditions
Since the VP-II scans beneath the skin surface, it can be relied to perform reliably even if the user's hand is dirty, wet or have surface scars. Its robust physical features also make it more resistant to damages and wear and tear, as well as under poor environmental and weather conditions. This makes it suitable for places such as construction sites, military bases, factories, etc. In addition, since the sensor is located within the scanner it also means it is less prone to damage and therefore requires less replacement and maintenance efforts.

The product line-up of Hand Vascular Pattern Recognition System (VP-II™) is the result of innovative biometrics person identification technology. This revolutionary technology originated from a conventional vein pattern recognition system. The system verifies or recognises human users by utilising a state-of-the-art recognition algorithm based on hand vascular pattern extracted by an infrared optical sensor system.

VEID PTE. LTD. is a Singapore based distributor for the VP-II, a hand vascular pattern person identification system. Incorporated in November 2002, we made our first market entry in May 2003. Having consolidated our presence in Singapore, we are currently expanding our operations in other South East Asian counties, namely Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia. More information can be found at our website www.veid.net (Singapore).