The near future might not be filled with robotic maids and walking cyborgs who recognize and respond to us; in some ways, having another body in the house — even a cybernetic organism with living tissue over a metal endoskeleton — might not be that practical anyway (unless you find yourself in need of protection from shape-shifting killing machines from the future). However, the technology of homes and buildings that recognize us and respond to our facial features, our behavior and our fingerprints is not science fiction — it is here now.
Clearly home automation is becoming the new norm; and many aspects of the smart home envisaged in the 1950s by Ray Bradbury and his ilk are now part of many people’s everyday lives — from facial recognition apps to hand readers, fingerprint scanners and iris readers, biometric solutions are making home and business security safer, more convenient and more reliable. Some of the latest technology in this field will be displayed at the ISC West show in Las Vegas, and we are happy to give you a sample of some of the products you will find there.
Biometric Cards Read by Proximity and Smart Card Readers
Zwipe’s biometric card can now be used by organizations to add biometric authorization to their verification process without having to implement biometric readers. An on-card fingerprint scanner with 3D capacitive technology resides on the contactless Zwipe Access biometric card, which is compatible with all popular ISO 14443 proximity and smart card readers as well as DESFIRE EV1 and MIFARE Classic. Without having to change out their existing card readers, the Zwipe Access biometric card allows organizations to provide a biometric upgrade to access control systems using legacy proximity card or smart card readers.
“While our original biometric card has been popular with smart card reader users, proximity readers continue to be the de facto standard for access control throughout the world,” said Kim Humborstad, Zwipe CEO. “Eliminating the problems of solely deploying PINs and standard cards, the contactless Zwipe Access biometric card reads the user’s fingerprint in less than a second. Only then will the card system activate the lock. This is much more secure than simply using a standard smart or proximity card, which verifies only something users carry, the card itself.”
Zwipe Access biometric cards provide the enhanced security benefits of two-factor biometric authentication without any changes to their existing access control system, software or readers. They simply add the card into their system in the same way they incorporate their present proximity cards.
At ISC West, Zwipe will display the card in booth 5055, and information is available at www.zwipe.com.
App with Facial, Behavioral Recognition
IMID Mobile is a smartphone app designed to give security personnel mobility in the secure access experience. Like IMID Access, IMID Mobile identifies authorized users based on a fusion of biometric identifiers, including facial and behavioral recognition. Authorized users registered in the IMID Access system will also be automatically recognized by the IMID Mobile app. As such, security personnel will be able to identify authorized users via the app, providing a seamless secure access experience.
IMID Mobile provides security personnel with additional information in real time, including authorized users, alerts to unauthorized use, or individuals who are accompanying identified authorized users. The app can be installed in commercially available smartphones and downloadable directly from the Android store.
IMID Mobile will be demonstrated in ISC West booth 32087, and information is available at www.fstbm.com.
Fingerprint Scanners Support Proximity RFID
ekey is expanding its standalone solution by introducing RFID support to the ekey home product family. Now ekey fingerprint scanners, including the wall-mounted, integra, and euro outlet-mounted units, support close proximity contactless RFID secure smart cards.
It is an embedded function that does not require any special wiring or installation, so dealers and users alike have the option of using either fingerprint or RFID cards to open a door; communicate with a third party system using Wiegand interface; or interface with automation systems such as Crestron or Control 4, using UDP network interface.
The ekey RFID uses fingerprint and close proximity (about a 3-inch range) contactless RFID high speed (13.56 MHz frequency) secure smart cards (MIFARE DESFire EV1 ISO / IEC 14443A compliant). It is available for single door application without requiring computer and network setup.
It will be featured at ISC West booth 20137. For information, visit www.ekeyusa.com.
Multi-Technology Card Reader Can Be Customized in the Field
The Schlage HandKey-II hand geometry reader by Allegion provides increased security at any door, ensuring that the right person is at the right place at the right time.
Susie Osowski, product manager, biometrics, Allegion, described this as a new product enhancement to their current HandKey-II product line. “We are adding new features and functionality that will benefit both our access control and workforce management markets,” she said.
The product features enhanced communication options (native Ethernet, PoE, and optional Wi-Fi) and compatibility with Allegion’s aptiQ reader and credential lines, along with new firewall penetration and SSL offerings.
These enhancements make the product easier to install and customize in the field. Firmware and custom formats can be loaded remotely and by the end user. Furthermore, if a customer is already an existing user of aptiQ credentials, those credentials and the HandReader can be seamlessly used to secure critical areas in the facility.
“The most exciting part of this release is definitely the new communication options that will allow our product to be quickly and securely installed,” Osowski says. “Plus, the inclusion of an embedded multi-technology card reader will allow our customers more options in the field when needing to utilize their existing credentials from Allegion.”
You can check it out at booth 18063 at ISC West, or visit or visit www.allegion.com.
Iris Recognition Enhances NEXUS Program
Iris ID, in collaboration with IBM, is providing iris recognition technology to the Canada Border Services Agency’s NEXUS program. Enrolled travelers can now clear customs by simply looking into a camera that uses the eye’s iris as proof of identity.
The biometric technology will improve security and expedite border clearance processes between Canada and the U.S. More than one million pre-approved members of the program will be able to use the authentication process at eight international airports in Canada; 19 land ports of entry; and approximately 430 marine locations. Members also benefit from expedited security screening lines in preclearance areas at dedicated immigration lanes at more than 100 participating U.S. airports.
Charles Koo, CEO and president of Iris ID said, “We are excited to work with IBM to make the enhancements to the NEXUS program. Iris ID’s iCAM 7 Series and IrisAccelerator back-end matching engine are integral parts of the changes to the Nexus program. A similar system is also being used by Canadian Air Transport Security Authority across 29 major international airports in Canada for employee identity management and access control.”
Iris recognition is non-contact and quick, offering high accuracy from 6 inches to 3 feet from the eye. With the enhancements, pre-screened frequent travelers can be identified quickly, allowing security personnel to better focus on high-risk travelers.
“IBM is always looking for innovative ways to improve the lives of Canadians, so boosting security and reducing time spent in lines at border crossings is something we’re proud to be part of,” said John Fursey, VP and partner public sector leader Canada.
For information, visit Iris ID’s booth 3037 at ISC West or visit www.irisid.com.
Facial Recognition Provides Hands-Free Door Access
BioCam300 is an IP-based, stand-alone access control camera. It combines long-range facial recognition, HD IP video surveillance and time & attendance, and can operate with no computer or panel needed, for quick and easy installs requiring no special wiring. It can also be tied into any existing third party Wiegand panel for greater security.
BioCam300 unlocks doors upon positive face recognition once authorized users walk within 12 feet of it. Its built-in infrared illuminators ensure accurate face recognition even in low-light conditions. It can remember up to 400 faces and can keep a log of 100,000 transactions. This latest offering from ZKAccess represents a new security product category (long-range face recognition and access control).
“Access control is a very crowded, commoditized space these days,” said Larry Reed, CEO, ZKAccess, a division of ZKTeco. “Dealers are primarily challenged with preserving profit margins, differentiating their company and reducing training time on new products. BioCam300 addresses all these concerns since it’s in limited distribution and there are no competing products.” Reed explained that it installs no differently than any traditional keypad or card-based system and connects directly to the door lock or any third-party Wiegand panel.
“The only difference with Biocam300 is the face reader, which takes all of 30 seconds to learn and operate,” he added. “With Biocam300, there’s practically no learning curve at all. Door access is granted by simply glancing at the BioCam300 while approaching the door. What can be simpler?”
This product will be shown at ISC West booth 6077. For information, visit www.zkaccess.com.
