Vein Scan System: An Alternative Form of Identification

• November 27th, 2006 | Authentication

Authentication of personal identification has been pushed to the forefront of politics recently, but most of the debate has been surrounding the issuance of ID cards and RFID tagging.  However, these are not the only ways to ascertain identity as shown by a new finger vein scanning system developed in tandem by Hitachi and Sumitomo Reality & Development Co.

The system works by inserting your hand into the slot where the lithium battery powered device then scans and reads a map of your veins.  The manufacturers claim the batteries will have a one years long lifespan at a rate of ten scans per day.  Currently it is not designed for large scale adoption having the capability of storing only 10 identities.  It will be available in the spring of 2007, priced at ~$1,250.

[via Plastic Bamboo]