• Reconstructing 3D face from a single 2D image

    Researchers develop software to make the 3D reconstruction of a face from a single 2D image faster and more accurate; this will be especially useful for recovering 3D shapes when there is only one image to work from, such as an image from a CCTV camera

  • Digitus Biometrics shows networked access control solution

    Georgia-based biometric specialist shows a networked version of its stand-alone fingerprint access control system; the new version adds encrypted TCP/IP communications, enabling security administrators to control Digitus units anywhere in the world from a single location

  • Finger-vein biometrics on the rise

    A system developed by Hitachi transmits infra-red light into a part of the finger being scanned, which is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood, causing the person’s vein pattern to show up as dark lines; the image can be captured by a special digital camera; some say the technology will replace fingerprint biometrics for ATMs, car locks, and more

  • More schools turn to biometrics

    Many parents object to their children being fingeprinted in school — the fingerprints are used to identify students in the cafeteria, library, and even to take attendance in class — and there is the question of cost, but school administrators see many benefits in installing biometric systems

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  • Role of U.S. companies in building China's internal security system reviewed

    The Chinese government decided last year to invest heavily in security technology — especially intelligent CCTVs equipped with facial recognition capabilities; the Chinese say it has to do with security for the Summer Olympics; the sheer scope and breadth of the project, though, means that the new security system aims to strengthen the government’s ability to repress basic freedoms; role of U.S. companies questioned

  • Lumidigm completes $7 million funding round

    VCs continue to show interest in biometric technologies; Series C funds will support customer-centric deployments of multispectral imaging fingerprint systems

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  • New method dramatically increases accuracy of facial recognition systems

    University of Glasgow researchers develop a method to increase the accuracy of face recognition biometrics: A computer “averages” 20 pictures of an individual into a morphed portrait; tests show that the new method increases accuracy of a facial recognition system from 54 percent to 100 percent

  • New ID requirement go into effect along U.S. border

    Beginning Thursday, U.S. and Canadian citizens crossing the border between the two countries will have to show a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license before allowing to cross; business leaders worry this will have a chilling effect on local economies along the border

  • General Dynamics wins $100 million passport card contract

    The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will allow U.S. residents to travel by land and sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda using a passport card rather than a traditional passport (travel by air, and travel to other countries, would still require a passport); General Dynamics wins contract to produce the cards

  • Atlanta's Hartsfield second in U.S. to collect ten fingerprints

    DHS begins collecting ten fingerprints from international visitors at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Washington Dulles airport began doing so in late November; eight additional U.S. airports to implement ten-fingerprint requirement in 2008