The Evolution Range
What is it? A range of fingerprint scanners from UK Biometrics
International Ltd.
What does it do? A system that was originally developed for military use, the Evolution range utilises a multi-spectral, subdermal fingerprint recognition system. The range amazingly scans and recognises the blood vessels in the finger, as well as the fingertip surface – making it “spoof proof” according to UK Biometrics, as fake fingerprints alone will not be accepted. Rather gruesomely yet practically, the scanner can detect living flesh from non-living flesh or other organic and synthetic materials. It is also able to scan dirty, greasy or paint-covered fingers and those in latex gloves. As there is no key or swipe card to be lost, copied, hacked or “buddied” there is greater security to the yacht and those onboard. A management report can
provide data of who has accessed which areas and when, and certain areas can be allocated limited access to crew or guests. The system can be fitted by a qualified IT technician to any network with an existing CAT5 backbone or electronic conduits.
How much is it? From £3,000 for a simple system to control passerelle access
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Biometrics allays fear that swipe cards could fall into the wrong hands
A SMALL north Northumberland nursery has installed the latest hi-tech biometric security to ensure the safety of children and staff.
Lucker Nature Kindergarten, at Lucker, near Belford, has installed a biometric 'fingerprint entry' access system.
Manager Hollie Walker said that while the biometric locks improved security at the nursery, the system also made access easier for carers and parents.
The new system, supplied by Newcastle-based UKB International Ltd, allows nursery personnel to register parents' fingerprints in seconds.
Parents then simply press their fingerprint on a sensor pad at the door to gain fast, easy entry to the nursery.
They can leave or collect their children without fuss while unregistered visitors must ring a bell and wait for a member of staff.
The new system also means a member of staff is not needed to answer the door, but can concentrate on supervising the children, maintaining staff-child room ratios.
The biometric scanner identifies key points on the user's fingerprint. No actual fingerprint is stored since the scan is converted into data which is then encrypted and retained for future comparison. The encrypted data is only held by the nursery making it fully data compliant.
Mrs Walker said: "Our new biometric access system means greater security for children and staff, which is a paramount concern to us.
"Fingerprint entry means only registered parents and staff can access the nursery and they can do so easily without having to wait for a staff member to answer the door.
"If we had installed a swipe card security system, people could easily forget or lose their cards, and we would be concerned the cards could fall into the wrong hands.
"Now we can be certain that only people registered on our biometric system can gain entry to the nursery"
Lucker Nature Kindergarten holds a 'Good' Ofsted report in all areas of their childcare and education. Another Ofsted report praised the biometric entry system as 'protecting children from harm'.
Located in the original old village school, Lucker Nature Kindergarten provides child care for 15 children between the ages of 12 months and five years.
In addition to a secure, homely atmosphere, Lucker Nature Kindergarten offers a unique 'magic woods' natural learning environment.
The nursery also offers a holiday club for children up to eight.
It was established in 1998, by Lorraine Pattison whose daughter Hollie manages the nursery. Hollie's sister, Katie, is deputy manager.
Both are qualified nursery nurses, while Hollie holds an additional qualification in playwork, and is working towards her Early Years Professional Status and Katie has additional qualifications in health and social care and special educational needs.
UKB International, regional support manager, Craig White, said: "Security is of paramount concern at Lucker Nature Kindergarten and the management has specified the only key which cannot be lost, stolen, forged or hacked – the human fingerprint.
"Now staff, management and parents are comforted knowing only authorised persons can gain access."
Manager Hollie Walker said that while the biometric locks improved security at the nursery, the system also made access easier for carers and parents.
The new system, supplied by Newcastle-based UKB International Ltd, allows nursery personnel to register parents' fingerprints in seconds.
Parents then simply press their fingerprint on a sensor pad at the door to gain fast, easy entry to the nursery.
They can leave or collect their children without fuss while unregistered visitors must ring a bell and wait for a member of staff.
The new system also means a member of staff is not needed to answer the door, but can concentrate on supervising the children, maintaining staff-child room ratios.
The biometric scanner identifies key points on the user's fingerprint. No actual fingerprint is stored since the scan is converted into data which is then encrypted and retained for future comparison. The encrypted data is only held by the nursery making it fully data compliant.
Mrs Walker said: "Our new biometric access system means greater security for children and staff, which is a paramount concern to us.
"Fingerprint entry means only registered parents and staff can access the nursery and they can do so easily without having to wait for a staff member to answer the door.
"If we had installed a swipe card security system, people could easily forget or lose their cards, and we would be concerned the cards could fall into the wrong hands.
"Now we can be certain that only people registered on our biometric system can gain entry to the nursery"
Lucker Nature Kindergarten holds a 'Good' Ofsted report in all areas of their childcare and education. Another Ofsted report praised the biometric entry system as 'protecting children from harm'.
Located in the original old village school, Lucker Nature Kindergarten provides child care for 15 children between the ages of 12 months and five years.
In addition to a secure, homely atmosphere, Lucker Nature Kindergarten offers a unique 'magic woods' natural learning environment.
The nursery also offers a holiday club for children up to eight.
It was established in 1998, by Lorraine Pattison whose daughter Hollie manages the nursery. Hollie's sister, Katie, is deputy manager.
Both are qualified nursery nurses, while Hollie holds an additional qualification in playwork, and is working towards her Early Years Professional Status and Katie has additional qualifications in health and social care and special educational needs.
UKB International, regional support manager, Craig White, said: "Security is of paramount concern at Lucker Nature Kindergarten and the management has specified the only key which cannot be lost, stolen, forged or hacked – the human fingerprint.
"Now staff, management and parents are comforted knowing only authorised persons can gain access."
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Biometric fingerprint entry access system protects children from harm at Lucker Nature Kindergarten
Located in the sleepy coastal hamlet of Lucker in the original old village school, Lucker Nature Kindergarten provides child care for fifteen children between the ages of twelve months and five years. In addition to a secure, homely atmosphere, Lucker Nature Kindergarten offers a unique ‘magic woods’ natural learning environment The nursery offers wrap around care between 8.30am and 5.30pm with a holiday club for children up to eight years of age. Lucker Nature Kindergarten was established in 1998, by Lorraine Pattison whose daughter Hollie Walker manages the nursery.
Lucker Nature Kindergarten at Lucker near Belford has installed a biometric fingerprint entry access system promoting the ‘Every Child Matters’ initiative. This new system provides additional protection for children and nursery staff. Manager Hollie Walker specified the biometric locks to raise security while making access easier for carers and parents.
The new system, supplied by Newcastle based UKB International Ltd, allows nursery personnel to register parent’s fingerprints in seconds. Parents then simply press their fingerprint on a sensor pad at the door to gain fast, easy access. They can leave or collect their children without fuss while un-registered visitors must ring a bell and wait for a member of staff. The new biometric system means a member of staff is not needed to answer the door, but can concentrate on supervising the children, maintaining staff-child room ratios.
The biometric scanner identifies key points on the users fingerprint. No actual fingerprint is stored since the scan is converted into data which is then encrypted and retained for future comparison. The encrypted data is only held by the nursery making it fully data compliant.
Nursery manager Hollie Walker says: “Our new biometric access system means greater security for children and staff, which is a paramount concern to us. Fingerprint entry means only registered parents and staff can access the nursery and they can do so easily without having to wait for a staff member to answer the door. If we had installed a swipe card security system people could easily forget or lose their cards, and we would be concerned the cards could fall into the wrong hands. Now we can be certain that only people registered on our biometric system can gain entry to the nursery”
Lucker Nature Kindergarten holds a ‘Good’ OFSTED report in all areas of their childcare and education. Another OFSTED report praised the biometric entry system as ‘Protecting children from harm’.
UKB International Regional Support Manager Craig White says: “Security is a paramount concern at Lucker Nature Kindergarten and the management has specified the only key which cannot be lost, stolen, forged or hacked – the human fingerprint. Now staff, management and parents are comforted knowing only authorised persons can gain access to the nursery.”
Lucker Nature Kindergarten at Lucker near Belford has installed a biometric fingerprint entry access system promoting the ‘Every Child Matters’ initiative. This new system provides additional protection for children and nursery staff. Manager Hollie Walker specified the biometric locks to raise security while making access easier for carers and parents.
The new system, supplied by Newcastle based UKB International Ltd, allows nursery personnel to register parent’s fingerprints in seconds. Parents then simply press their fingerprint on a sensor pad at the door to gain fast, easy access. They can leave or collect their children without fuss while un-registered visitors must ring a bell and wait for a member of staff. The new biometric system means a member of staff is not needed to answer the door, but can concentrate on supervising the children, maintaining staff-child room ratios.
The biometric scanner identifies key points on the users fingerprint. No actual fingerprint is stored since the scan is converted into data which is then encrypted and retained for future comparison. The encrypted data is only held by the nursery making it fully data compliant.
Nursery manager Hollie Walker says: “Our new biometric access system means greater security for children and staff, which is a paramount concern to us. Fingerprint entry means only registered parents and staff can access the nursery and they can do so easily without having to wait for a staff member to answer the door. If we had installed a swipe card security system people could easily forget or lose their cards, and we would be concerned the cards could fall into the wrong hands. Now we can be certain that only people registered on our biometric system can gain entry to the nursery”
Lucker Nature Kindergarten holds a ‘Good’ OFSTED report in all areas of their childcare and education. Another OFSTED report praised the biometric entry system as ‘Protecting children from harm’.
UKB International Regional Support Manager Craig White says: “Security is a paramount concern at Lucker Nature Kindergarten and the management has specified the only key which cannot be lost, stolen, forged or hacked – the human fingerprint. Now staff, management and parents are comforted knowing only authorised persons can gain access to the nursery.”
Friday, 6 February 2009
Croydon nursery biometric system “not over zealous”
A nursery has introduced finger-scanning alarms in a bid to improve security.
Red Robin nursery in Thornton Heath has installed the biometric system meaning staff and parents must scan themselves in to reach their children.
Owners Ian and Wendy Benjamin claimed the device had given parents peace of mind at a time of heightened worries.
Mr Benjamin said: “I think with nurseries now you can never be too cautious.
“We put in the system not just to be more secure but so parents can feel more secure. That is half of the worry.”
He said he decided to install the extra security measure after visiting other nurseries where you walked through the main door and were straight away in the nursery with the children.
At the Red Robin, parents must first enter a “holding area” where the biometric scanner is located and only after they have had their fingerprint scanned can they enter the main nursery.
The biometric device uses a four-point scanner to read a finger, but cannot be used to replicate someone’s unique fingerprint.
A new parent initially is scanned in three times and the four-point layout is sent to a handheld device for authorisation. When given, the parent can then scan in and out at their leisure.
Mr Benjamin added: “We do get a lot of questions from people frightened of giving their fingerprint details but there is no scope for fraud.”
And he dismissed ideas the security system was overzealous, citing many nurseries now with CCTV and other security features.
He believes his is the first nursery in the country to have the security system, more often seen in a James Bond film than a local nursery, and thinks others will soon follow suit.
The system is currently being trialled with a small number of parents after being used on staff members. If successful, the scanner will be rolled out across all parents.
Friday, 16 January 2009
UKB International feature in the December / January issue of Imaging and Machine Vision Europe magazine
Fingerprints and irises provide a unique reference point to verify a person's
identity in biometric security and access control applications. Greg Blackman
looks at the uses of biometric measurements
The debate still rages in the UK over the effectiveness and necessity of the
Home Office’s plans to issue ID cards as part of the national identity scheme.
The scheme was set up to provide a secure system of personal identification to
UK citizens, and as of 24 November 2008, foreign nationals living in the UK can
apply for ID cards at enrolment centres around the country.
Along with standard information, such as name, gender and date of birth, the
ID cards will contain biometric data that will be stored on a National Identity
Register (NIR). Fingerprints and a face image will both be stored on the NIR
and on the chip of the card. Leaving aside the ethical arguments surrounding
this topic, the advantage of using biometric data in addition to the standard
information is that it confirms not just that you have a valid identity card,
but that the card belongs to you.
Essentially, biometrics is the measurement of physiological or behavioural characteristics
used to verify a person’s identity. These can include face, fingerprint, and
iris recognition, as well as DNA fingerprinting and voice and signature recognition.
Automated biometric recognition techniques use complex algorithms to identify
unique patterns within images of the distinguishing trait and match them to an
individual’s file stored on a database. In this way a person’s eye or finger
can act as an ID card, providing them with access to buildings or secure areas.
Fingerprint recognition
Arches, loops and whorls make up the basic pattern of a fingerprint, and their
use as a method of identification is well established. Taking an ink imprint
of a criminal’s finger is a common procedure for most police departments. ‘Fingerprints
were arguably the second major step forward for biometrics, the first being the
signature,’ comments Paul Easton, communications director at UKB International,
a company providing access security products and services.
UKB International provides fingerprint scanners with multispectral sub-dermal
technology. ‘A multispectral imager collects information from below the surface
of the skin by reading the sub-dermal collagen ridges that form the fingerprint,
in addition to scanning the print itself,’ says Easton.
Easton explains that one of the problems with first generation scanners is that
they are dependent on contact of the fingerprint ridges with the sensor. Therefore,
anything that interfered with this resulted in an inadequate image. ‘If fingertips
were worn, dirty or wet, or the subject did not place their print exactly on
the centre of the scanner, the scanner would reject the match. Basically, the
door or switch would not work,’ he says.
Human Recognition Systems’ iris recognition equipment has been used in a project
to implement biometric methadone dispensers in prisons across England.
Multispectral sub-dermal scanners verify identity even if the fingerprint is
abraded, dirty, wet, or covered by a latex work glove. The systems are also much
harder to fool. Latex moulds of a valid fingerprint will not activate the switching
mechanism. Easton views the technique as highly robust. ‘Although both iris and
facial recognition systems are currently commercially deployed, neither is as
robust as multispectral fingerprint recognition.’
UKB International supplied its fingerprint scanners to provide gate access at
a major US theme park. A temporary fingerprint database was set up whereby visitors’ fingerprints
were held on file for the duration of their ticket, and scanners at turnstiles
provided them with easy access to rides. Easton notes that it was relatively
easy to set up a multi-tiered biometric security system, where customers were given basic
park access, whereas maintenance personnel were provided with ‘all area’ access.
The scanners provide access to millions of people and are still in operation.
Easton states: ‘Tickets, swipe cards or fobs can all be lost, stolen or “buddied”,
that is to say, passed to unauthorised persons. In addition, there is a cost
element to providing these tokens.’ Biometrics, however, can provide greater
assurance that the individual at the gate is the person who has paid.
Most commercially available fingerprint scanners involve contact of the finger
with the scanner plate. The University of Kentucky is currently developing a
fingerprint scanning technique using structured light to generate a 3D image
of the finger. A bar pattern of light is projected onto the surface of the finger
and from the distortion in the pattern, as seen by a camera placed in close proximity
to the projector, software is able to generate a 3D image.
Dr Daniel Lau, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering at the University of Kentucky, explains that contactbased fingerprint
scanners present a problem for image analysis software as the finger’s skin undergoes
a tremendous amount of distortion from pressing against the scanner. This is
especially problematic when rolling the finger across a scanner plate and leads
to a drop in recognition performance. The work being carried out at the University
of Kentucky uses a noncontact scanner to generate a 3D image of the fingerprint,
which can be virtually flattened and analysed and which minimises the problem
of image distortion associated with contact scanners.
Providing effective biometric solutions for a specific building or business is
relatively easy to achieve, as there are a limited number of employees and the
images produced by the scanners will be compatible with those on the database.
However, providing the latest fingerprint scanner, such as the one being developed
at the University of Kentucky, to national law enforcement bodies like the FBI
and expecting it to make matches from an existing fingerprint archive generated
from ink imprints is more difficult.
‘One of the great challenges for this kind of technology is making the images
compatible with fingerprint data already collected by the various law enforcement
agencies,’ says Lau. ‘The problem with using fingerprint scanners is that the
image algorithms have to filter the scanned image in such as way as to mimic
the ink records.’
Currently, the 3D scanning technology being developed at the University of Kentucky
gives a very high recognition rate between scans from the same device, but the
percentage drops significantly when it comes to comparing images from a 3D scan
with those from a 2D scan. Improving the compatibility with existing fingerprint
records is one area on which Lau’s research focuses.
Lau’s team is also using structured light to generate 3D images of the face for
facial recognition. ‘An advantage with fingerprint recognition is that it’s a
cooperative technique,’ says Lau. ‘The individual places their finger in the
scanner to give a reading. In many instances, face recognition is carried out
in an uncooperative environment, where changes in lighting and head orientation
add to the problems of obtaining a positive match.
‘Three-dimensional techniques overcome many of these issues by being able to
subtract out the shadows caused by different lighting conditions and rotate the
image to view the head at the correct angle. However, at present, the vast majority
of photo ID is two-dimensional and the challenge lies in being able to match
3D images with the 2D records.’
Multispectral sub-dermal scanners verify identity even if the fingerprint is
covered by a latex work glove. Image courtesy of UKB International. Iris recognition
Iris recognition systems utilise the unique patterning on the iris to identify
individuals, which is formed from the first year of life and remains stable from
then on. Simon Appleton, project manager at the Liverpool company Human Recognition
Systems (HRS) in the UK, views iris recognition as being one of the most accurate
of all biometric tests. ‘Statistically, it is more accurate than DNA fingerprinting.
It’s also non-contact, as the individual simply presents their eye to the device,
which avoids problems with hygiene,’ he says.
HRS supplies systems that recognise people and their behaviours, and has been
working with the UK Department of Health to implement biometric methadone dispensers
in prisons across England. The project aims to ensure inmates receive the prescribed
dose of methadone, a drug used to treat recovering heroin addicts.
According to recent figures from the National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
responsible for the administration of correctional services in England and Wales,
approximately 83,000 offenders are housed in prisons across England and Wales
and more than half of these have some form of drug dependency problem.
Methadone is still a dangerous drug and overdoses can damage health and potentially
prove fatal. Appleton comments: ‘Manually dispensing the drug is subject to human
error and staff can also be fooled by prisoners claiming to be someone else in
order to take their prescription.’ The system supplied by HRS uses iris or fingerprint
recognition to identify the prisoner and dispense the correct dose according
to patient files stored on computer.
Work on iris recognition algorithms was pioneered by John Daugman of the University
of Cambridge Computer Laboratory, and many of today’s commercially-available
iris recognition equipment are based on this in some form.
‘The prevalence of biometrics will only accelerate as more work is carried out
and as the technology matures,’ states Lau of the University of Kentucky. ‘Iris
recognition, in particular, is greatly improving. The image quality of high-resolution
cameras is increasing to the point where, soon, cameras will be able to capture
images of people walking down the street and zoom in on the eye with sufficient
image quality as to make an accurate identification.’
HRS is currently developing iris recognition technology to do just that. ‘Current
technology is limited to the individual presenting their eyes to the device at
a distance of approximately 30cm,’ says Appleton. ‘The product under development
is still at the R&D stage, but aims to be able to make a positive identification
without the person having to stop moving.’
The use of biometrics as a method of identification is increasing and many companies
and organisations are becoming aware of the advantages of the technology. Easton
of UKB International comments: ‘Biometric technology has an application anywhere
a lock or switch needs to be operated by someone or a group – and not by others.
Basic security technology has not changed in centuries. With locks, a bolt is
either in or out. A switch is on or off. Biometrics provides a new key, unique
to the individual. A key that can never be lost, stolen, buddied, copied or hacked.’
identity in biometric security and access control applications. Greg Blackman
looks at the uses of biometric measurements
The debate still rages in the UK over the effectiveness and necessity of the
Home Office’s plans to issue ID cards as part of the national identity scheme.
The scheme was set up to provide a secure system of personal identification to
UK citizens, and as of 24 November 2008, foreign nationals living in the UK can
apply for ID cards at enrolment centres around the country.
Along with standard information, such as name, gender and date of birth, the
ID cards will contain biometric data that will be stored on a National Identity
Register (NIR). Fingerprints and a face image will both be stored on the NIR
and on the chip of the card. Leaving aside the ethical arguments surrounding
this topic, the advantage of using biometric data in addition to the standard
information is that it confirms not just that you have a valid identity card,
but that the card belongs to you.
Essentially, biometrics is the measurement of physiological or behavioural characteristics
used to verify a person’s identity. These can include face, fingerprint, and
iris recognition, as well as DNA fingerprinting and voice and signature recognition.
Automated biometric recognition techniques use complex algorithms to identify
unique patterns within images of the distinguishing trait and match them to an
individual’s file stored on a database. In this way a person’s eye or finger
can act as an ID card, providing them with access to buildings or secure areas.
Fingerprint recognition
Arches, loops and whorls make up the basic pattern of a fingerprint, and their
use as a method of identification is well established. Taking an ink imprint
of a criminal’s finger is a common procedure for most police departments. ‘Fingerprints
were arguably the second major step forward for biometrics, the first being the
signature,’ comments Paul Easton, communications director at UKB International,
a company providing access security products and services.
UKB International provides fingerprint scanners with multispectral sub-dermal
technology. ‘A multispectral imager collects information from below the surface
of the skin by reading the sub-dermal collagen ridges that form the fingerprint,
in addition to scanning the print itself,’ says Easton.
Easton explains that one of the problems with first generation scanners is that
they are dependent on contact of the fingerprint ridges with the sensor. Therefore,
anything that interfered with this resulted in an inadequate image. ‘If fingertips
were worn, dirty or wet, or the subject did not place their print exactly on
the centre of the scanner, the scanner would reject the match. Basically, the
door or switch would not work,’ he says.
Human Recognition Systems’ iris recognition equipment has been used in a project
to implement biometric methadone dispensers in prisons across England.
Multispectral sub-dermal scanners verify identity even if the fingerprint is
abraded, dirty, wet, or covered by a latex work glove. The systems are also much
harder to fool. Latex moulds of a valid fingerprint will not activate the switching
mechanism. Easton views the technique as highly robust. ‘Although both iris and
facial recognition systems are currently commercially deployed, neither is as
robust as multispectral fingerprint recognition.’
UKB International supplied its fingerprint scanners to provide gate access at
a major US theme park. A temporary fingerprint database was set up whereby visitors’ fingerprints
were held on file for the duration of their ticket, and scanners at turnstiles
provided them with easy access to rides. Easton notes that it was relatively
easy to set up a multi-tiered biometric security system, where customers were given basic
park access, whereas maintenance personnel were provided with ‘all area’ access.
The scanners provide access to millions of people and are still in operation.
Easton states: ‘Tickets, swipe cards or fobs can all be lost, stolen or “buddied”,
that is to say, passed to unauthorised persons. In addition, there is a cost
element to providing these tokens.’ Biometrics, however, can provide greater
assurance that the individual at the gate is the person who has paid.
Most commercially available fingerprint scanners involve contact of the finger
with the scanner plate. The University of Kentucky is currently developing a
fingerprint scanning technique using structured light to generate a 3D image
of the finger. A bar pattern of light is projected onto the surface of the finger
and from the distortion in the pattern, as seen by a camera placed in close proximity
to the projector, software is able to generate a 3D image.
Dr Daniel Lau, associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering at the University of Kentucky, explains that contactbased fingerprint
scanners present a problem for image analysis software as the finger’s skin undergoes
a tremendous amount of distortion from pressing against the scanner. This is
especially problematic when rolling the finger across a scanner plate and leads
to a drop in recognition performance. The work being carried out at the University
of Kentucky uses a noncontact scanner to generate a 3D image of the fingerprint,
which can be virtually flattened and analysed and which minimises the problem
of image distortion associated with contact scanners.
Providing effective biometric solutions for a specific building or business is
relatively easy to achieve, as there are a limited number of employees and the
images produced by the scanners will be compatible with those on the database.
However, providing the latest fingerprint scanner, such as the one being developed
at the University of Kentucky, to national law enforcement bodies like the FBI
and expecting it to make matches from an existing fingerprint archive generated
from ink imprints is more difficult.
‘One of the great challenges for this kind of technology is making the images
compatible with fingerprint data already collected by the various law enforcement
agencies,’ says Lau. ‘The problem with using fingerprint scanners is that the
image algorithms have to filter the scanned image in such as way as to mimic
the ink records.’
Currently, the 3D scanning technology being developed at the University of Kentucky
gives a very high recognition rate between scans from the same device, but the
percentage drops significantly when it comes to comparing images from a 3D scan
with those from a 2D scan. Improving the compatibility with existing fingerprint
records is one area on which Lau’s research focuses.
Lau’s team is also using structured light to generate 3D images of the face for
facial recognition. ‘An advantage with fingerprint recognition is that it’s a
cooperative technique,’ says Lau. ‘The individual places their finger in the
scanner to give a reading. In many instances, face recognition is carried out
in an uncooperative environment, where changes in lighting and head orientation
add to the problems of obtaining a positive match.
‘Three-dimensional techniques overcome many of these issues by being able to
subtract out the shadows caused by different lighting conditions and rotate the
image to view the head at the correct angle. However, at present, the vast majority
of photo ID is two-dimensional and the challenge lies in being able to match
3D images with the 2D records.’
Multispectral sub-dermal scanners verify identity even if the fingerprint is
covered by a latex work glove. Image courtesy of UKB International. Iris recognition
Iris recognition systems utilise the unique patterning on the iris to identify
individuals, which is formed from the first year of life and remains stable from
then on. Simon Appleton, project manager at the Liverpool company Human Recognition
Systems (HRS) in the UK, views iris recognition as being one of the most accurate
of all biometric tests. ‘Statistically, it is more accurate than DNA fingerprinting.
It’s also non-contact, as the individual simply presents their eye to the device,
which avoids problems with hygiene,’ he says.
HRS supplies systems that recognise people and their behaviours, and has been
working with the UK Department of Health to implement biometric methadone dispensers
in prisons across England. The project aims to ensure inmates receive the prescribed
dose of methadone, a drug used to treat recovering heroin addicts.
According to recent figures from the National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
responsible for the administration of correctional services in England and Wales,
approximately 83,000 offenders are housed in prisons across England and Wales
and more than half of these have some form of drug dependency problem.
Methadone is still a dangerous drug and overdoses can damage health and potentially
prove fatal. Appleton comments: ‘Manually dispensing the drug is subject to human
error and staff can also be fooled by prisoners claiming to be someone else in
order to take their prescription.’ The system supplied by HRS uses iris or fingerprint
recognition to identify the prisoner and dispense the correct dose according
to patient files stored on computer.
Work on iris recognition algorithms was pioneered by John Daugman of the University
of Cambridge Computer Laboratory, and many of today’s commercially-available
iris recognition equipment are based on this in some form.
‘The prevalence of biometrics will only accelerate as more work is carried out
and as the technology matures,’ states Lau of the University of Kentucky. ‘Iris
recognition, in particular, is greatly improving. The image quality of high-resolution
cameras is increasing to the point where, soon, cameras will be able to capture
images of people walking down the street and zoom in on the eye with sufficient
image quality as to make an accurate identification.’
HRS is currently developing iris recognition technology to do just that. ‘Current
technology is limited to the individual presenting their eyes to the device at
a distance of approximately 30cm,’ says Appleton. ‘The product under development
is still at the R&D stage, but aims to be able to make a positive identification
without the person having to stop moving.’
The use of biometrics as a method of identification is increasing and many companies
and organisations are becoming aware of the advantages of the technology. Easton
of UKB International comments: ‘Biometric technology has an application anywhere
a lock or switch needs to be operated by someone or a group – and not by others.
Basic security technology has not changed in centuries. With locks, a bolt is
either in or out. A switch is on or off. Biometrics provides a new key, unique
to the individual. A key that can never be lost, stolen, buddied, copied or hacked.’
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
UKB International protects Fernhurst Court Nursery children from harm
Founded in 2004, Fernhurst Court Nursery is based in a listed building. The nursery is registered to care for up to eighty children aged between thee months and five years. Fernhurst Court Nursery in Blackburn has installed a Fingerprint Entry biometric access system to protect children and nursery staff. Owners specified the biometric locks to raise security while making access easier for carers and parents.
The new system, supplied by the Manchester office of UKB International Ltd allows nursery personnel to register parent’s fingerprints in seconds. Parents then simply press their fingerprint on a sensor pad at the door to gain fast, easy access. They can leave or collect their children without fuss while un-registered visitors must ring a bell and wait for a member of staff. The new biometric system means a member of staff no longer needs to monitor every parent entering the building.
The biometric scanner identifies key points on the users fingerprint. No actual fingerprint is stored since the scan is converted into data which is then encrypted and retained for future comparison. The encrypted data is only held by the nursery making it fully data compliant.
Fernhurst Court Nursery Manager Amanda Newsham says: “Our new biometric access system means greater security for children and staff, which is a paramount concern to us. Fingerprint entry means only registered parents and staff can access the nursery and they can do so easily without having to wait for a staff member to answer the door. With our previous key code security system people could forget the code, and we were concerned the code could fall into the wrong hands. Now we can be certain that only people registered on our biometric system can gain entry to the nursery”
Fernhurst Court Nursery recently attained a ‘Good’ OFSTED report in all areas of their childcare and education. Another OFSTED report praised the biometric entry system as ‘Protecting children from harm’.
UKB International Ltd Director Chris Williams says: “Security is a paramount concern at Fernhurst Court Nursery and the owners have specified the only key which cannot be lost, stolen, forged or hacked – the human fingerprint.”
The new system, supplied by the Manchester office of UKB International Ltd allows nursery personnel to register parent’s fingerprints in seconds. Parents then simply press their fingerprint on a sensor pad at the door to gain fast, easy access. They can leave or collect their children without fuss while un-registered visitors must ring a bell and wait for a member of staff. The new biometric system means a member of staff no longer needs to monitor every parent entering the building.
The biometric scanner identifies key points on the users fingerprint. No actual fingerprint is stored since the scan is converted into data which is then encrypted and retained for future comparison. The encrypted data is only held by the nursery making it fully data compliant.
Fernhurst Court Nursery Manager Amanda Newsham says: “Our new biometric access system means greater security for children and staff, which is a paramount concern to us. Fingerprint entry means only registered parents and staff can access the nursery and they can do so easily without having to wait for a staff member to answer the door. With our previous key code security system people could forget the code, and we were concerned the code could fall into the wrong hands. Now we can be certain that only people registered on our biometric system can gain entry to the nursery”
Fernhurst Court Nursery recently attained a ‘Good’ OFSTED report in all areas of their childcare and education. Another OFSTED report praised the biometric entry system as ‘Protecting children from harm’.
UKB International Ltd Director Chris Williams says: “Security is a paramount concern at Fernhurst Court Nursery and the owners have specified the only key which cannot be lost, stolen, forged or hacked – the human fingerprint.”
UKB International Chief Technical Officer addresses Construction Excellence Event
UKB Chief Technical Officer Jon Telford will talk about ‘Developments In New Technology’ at the Construction Excellence Event held in Durham City on Wednesday 12th November. Jon will be joined by Gary Parkinson, Project Manager for the £50 million steam autoclave facility at Derwenthaugh Eco-Park under construction by the Clugston Group. The pair will profile the robust, ‘spoof-proof’ Integrated Biometric Turnstile (IBT) developed specifically for the construction industry.
http://www.ukbiometrics.co.uk/construction.php
http://www.ukbiometrics.co.uk/construction.php
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