Fujitsu PalmSecure Delivers Biometric Protection for Notebook Data

While attendinga recentpress event in New YorkCity, we checked outan excitingnew security product from Fujitsu called the PalmSecure. The new PalmSecurewill officially be announced next month, but ithas already made its debut onnetwork televisionas a featured high-techgadget on CSI New York.


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In getting a "hands on" demo (no pun intended) of the device, we could clearly see that the future of biometric data security will never be the same.


The device plugs right into yournotebook via any USB port (view large image)



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Rather than scanning the fingerprint of an authorized user, the Palm Secure actually scans the pattern of veins running through the palm of the hand. To make things even more complicated (and more secure), the device also looks at the blood flowing through the veins. So if you are concerned that someone might decide to sever your hand and use it to access your MP3 collection or top secret government documents, fear not.

How it Works


Pictured here is the Palm Secure in its optional "stand" (view large image)



You can rest your palm on this stand while the reader scans the veins and blood flow in your palm (view large image)

In order to "scan" your palm, you simply place your hand above the PalmSecure and hold it steady. If you move your hand, the software will prompt you to keep your hand steady. Within a few seconds, the software displays an image that looks oddly like an actual x-ray.


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Unfortunately the "x-ray-like" image did not appear in our photo. However you can see the area where the image comes up briefly. You may observe from the main screen that the software interface is very simple to operate, perhaps even easier than some traditional biometric finger software interfaces.

The Palm Secure scanning offers a much more secure method of protection than any other device to date. Fujitsu stated the accuracy of a false rejection rateis 0.01% and a false acceptance rate of less than 0.00008 %. This is significanly higher than current biometric finger scanners which have a false rejection rate of 5% or more. The PalmSecure will also have a better chance of acceptace by the public for useat ATM banking terminal personal identification -- the method is contactless and you don't have to press your hand to a reader like with a finger scan. People don't like the idea of using fingerprint readers in public places due to sanity concerns among others. Read more on this technology from Fujitsu here.

this article adapted from and originally posted by Barry Doyle on TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

I wish Barry had captured the X-Ray picture this device takes of the hand's veins. It was so cool! Or disgusting looking, depending on how you perceive such things.

Data security isn't that exciting of course, more of a necessary evil. However, it was neat to see this device.

 

Hmmm, pretty neat, the blood flowing through veins concept is quite a good idea, must of learned in worse case scenerios, such may be the case!

 

That's what Shigeru Sasaki, director of Fujitsu’s Media Solutions Laboratory, says according to Fujitsu's website. With a fingerprint scanner you are touching an area the size of your fingertip. With the "optional" stand for the PalmSecure you are touching an area that seems considerably larger: three fingers, plus the area near your wrist. I don't think people who are concerned about touching something with the tip of their finger would be more comfortable with this product. When you interact with an ATM you still have to touch the screen or number pad, so there is no benefit from the point of view of personal hygiene.

I would also like to see some reviews under real world conditions. For example, how does the PalmSecure handle reduced or increased blood flow through the veins due to illness, changing weather, or other environmental factors?

 

Looks really cool. I wondering how big it is. Looks kinda big in the pictures to be practical.

 

good points, back to developing a cheap retina scan device...

 

The unit itse'f is pretty small and you don't need the stand to operate it. The stand just helps you learn where to place your hand. A nice woman from Fujitsu showed us how it works both ways.

 

Did the nice woman from Fujitsu also show you the followup model to the P7120 notebook?

 

negative, I guess she wasn't that nice