NEC launches world’s first contactless hybrid finger scanner

Pulse 2011, TOKYO, JAPAN: NEC Corp. announced the commercial launch of the world’s first device to simultaneously acquire fingerprint and finger vein characteristics without physical contact. Worldwide shipment of the “HS100-10 Contactless Hybrid Finger Scanner” (HS100-10) is scheduled to begin in May 2011.

The HS100-10’s simultaneous acquisition of both fingerprint and finger vein information makes it particularly difficult for impostors to deceive the authentication system using it. Moreover, the system’s contactless sensor is robust against the characteristics of fingers that are exceedingly dry or moist with exceptional accuracy, which is difficult for conventional contact-based fingerprint authentication devices.

Furthermore, the HS100-10’s USB interface allows users to connect with a PC in order to logon to its operating system or unlock its screensaver in both a stand-alone environment and an ActiveDirectory environment.

The HS100-10 is also compatible with major access management software, including IBM’s “Tivoli Access Manager for Enterprise Single Sign-On” and Novell’s “Novell SecureLogin.” This combination of support for ID and access management with biometric data significantly reduces user concerns regarding the proliferation of user IDs and passwords.

NEC holds the No.1 position in a number of fingerprint and face recognition fields based on accuracy evaluations carried out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Moreover, NEC’s possession of the world’s highest level original recognition algorithm is supported by the company’s diverse range of customers who utilize NEC products. The HS100-10 was developed utilizing these business-proven technologies and know-how.

Looking forward, NEC will provide the “Hybrid Finger Authentication Development Library” in order for the HS100-10 to be used with a broad range of business packages and user applications. Future, development plans include a steady rollout of solutions linked with business applications such as electronic medical records system.

Currently, there is an increasing demand for more stringent management of personal authentication and internal controls geared for business and government. Under these conditions, fingerprint authentication is a highly accurate and secure technique that is already used for a wide variety of purposes. When used in combination with NEC’s originally developed vein authentication advancements, these biometric authentication technologies are a formidable defense against identity theft.

NEC will continue to promote the development and sales of products and services that capitalize on advanced biometric authentication technologies as part of its ongoing contributions to a safer, more secure society.