InfoSecurity

Jun 13, 2006
Fujitsu launches authentication device without human contact

NEW DELHI -- Fujitsu Asia Pte Ltd., leading IT and communications solutions provider, recently launched the Palm Secure palm vein biometric authentication device for the Indian market. The device has received great reviews at the recently held CeBIT 2006 trade show held in the German city of Hannover where it was exhibited. The PalmSecure is a more compact and efficient version of the award-winning Palm Vein authentication device launched for the ASEAN and India markets by Fujitsu.

Engineered using Fujitsu's award-winning palm vein authentication technology, the PalmSecure emits near-infrared rays that are subsequently absorbed by deoxidised haemoglobin present in blood flowing through a user's palm veins. This causes an image of the palm to be captured as a vein pattern, which is then verified against the user's pre-registered pattern to grant or deny access to a physical location or computer network.

As veins are internal in the body and have a wealth of differentiating features, assuming a false identity through forgery is extremely difficult, thereby enabling an extremely high level of security.

The Palm Secure exhibits a false acceptance rate (FAR) of less than 0.00008 percent and a false rejection rate (FRR) of only 0.01 percent based on Fujitsu's internal research. The FAR is the rate at which an unauthorised person is falsely granted access, while the FRR is the rate at which an authorised person is not recognised as such.

The device captures a vein pattern only if haemoglobin is actively flowing through a user's veins. Additionally, research by Fujitsu indicates that no two individuals - not even identical twins - have vein paterns that are exactly alike. These factors give the Palm Secure an edge over competing biometric identification products.

In addition, a user only needs to place his palm above the device - without having to touch it - for a vein pattern to be captured. Thus, the Palm Secure is a contactless, hygienic solution, suitable for deployment in locations or networks with high human traffic. Furthermore, palm vein authentication is not compromised by external factors such as bodily scars, skin abrasions and wounds.

The Palm Secure offers several improvements over its predecessor the Palm Vein, such as:

• Smaller footprint;
• Faster authentication;
• Wider operable temperature range;
• Greater connectivity;
• Enhanced worldwide technical support.

Chandran Sashi Kanth, India business manager, Fujitsu said: "Fujitsu's palm vein authentication technology was commercialised in 2004 and has since been deployed by financial institutions, universities, libraries, government offices and private enterprises. We are extremely proud to use this award-winning technology to develop the Palm Secure and position ourselves as a dominant player in the dynamic biometrics market."