Biometrics Security News and Information

The Heinous Crimes Of Hate In Boston

The Boston Bombings

It has been awhile since I have blogged, I just merely took a few days off from the crazy world of writing.  More good news though, I have closed in on a couple of more writing deals, and Chapter 2 of the behemoth book I am writing now sees some light at the end of the tunnel.  Anyways, you are probably wondering why I am writing about the above topic mentioned.  I have been meaning to write about it.  Of course, I am sure you know what I feel about it. 

I think it is a deplorable act, and the person whom they have caught should be tried under the full force of the justice system we have here in the United States.  Enough said.  It is at very sad and horrible moments like these unfortunately, which brings the people and the nation together as one. 

And, it is under trying times like these when security officials review what went wrong, and what could be done better for next time.  Keep in mind that the suspects were caught on video surveillance tapes. As a result of this, a bunch of experts have now forecasted that because of this, there will be an uptick in the demand for video surveillance technologies. 

The details:  “IMS Research has projected that worldwide revenue for the video-surveillance will reach $US20.5 billion in 2016, up 114 percent from US$9.6 billion in 2010, though the firm believes this figure could rise even further, taking into account recent events like the Boston bombing . . . According to IMS (now a part of IHS), researchers are now in the process of updating this forecast as it believes recent events like the Boston bombing could increase spending and conceivably fuel growth.”  (SOURCE:   http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/research-firm-suggests-spending-on-video-surveillance-likely-to-increase-following-boston-bombing/).

My Take

As the research firm has pointed out, this is some pretty serious growth rates which are projected to happen (of course, reality could dictate just the opposite).  But, in the research findings, it was also pointed out that the video surveillance is also a very unpredictable one as well. 

This is so because there are so many variables at play in this particular market segment.  This can be due to the budgets of the businesses and the governments which want to deploy a CCTV system, or even the prevailing economic conditions at the time. 

In today’s environment, business and state/local governments are literally in survival mode with their budgets (though the likes of Apple and Google with billions of cash are not in survival mode), so purchasing a CCTV system is much more of a luxury than a necessity. 

But, there are two factors which will fuel the demand at least for video surveillance systems (notice that I have used CCTV interchangeably—it really is the same thing).  First, the Biometrics market, especially that of facial recognition, will be a big boon to CCTV systems.  This is so because the two technologies can be meshed and work quite well together. 

For example, while the CCTV system can capture the raw images and footage of people on the move, often trying to identify the suspect is left at the hands of a trained professional-which can take time, and can lead to error.  But with the implementation of facial recognition, the suspect in question can also be identified in just a matter of mere seconds. 

But of course, there is also room for error here as well, so it will take some human judgement as well to make the final call.  Second, rather than having CCTV cameras just operate alone, and have to go through each reel of film separately to identify a suspect, the technology has evolved to the point now that all of the CCTV systems can be networked together, and all of the images stored into one central database and server, which results in the very easy distribution of raw footage amongst a whole host of law enforcement agencies, ranging from the federal all the way down to the most local. 

But be warned about CCTV systems.  They can be very covertly used, and cries of civil liberties and privacy rights violations will abound.  And if the evidence is not presented properly in a court of law with due diligence, the court will most likely err on the side of the suspect, and let a totally guilty suspect walk free in the streets again and commit the same heinous crimes all over again. 

Just some food for thought.

'Tis Q1 Earnings Season . . .

The Start of Q2

Boy, I have been out of the loop from the Biometrics industry for so long that I forgot Q2 has actually started, and that earnings season is also well under way.  So without further ado, two major Biometric companies have announced their Financial results: Precise Biometrics and Aware.

The Details On Precise Biometrics

The financials on this one:  “Precise Biometrics has announced a strong start to 2013, boasting impressive sales statistics for the period ending March 31, 2013, totaling US$2.53 million (SEK 16.8 million). Available cash at the end of the quarter was US$1.16 million, and the group’s operating result for the quarter was US$-150,698 (SEK -1.0 million).”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/precise-biometrics-reports-q1-results-shows-strong-start/). 

So as you can see, this particular vendor is off to the races in a very good way for this year.  Precise Biometrics has always been one of those companies which no matter what, or the economic conditions.  It was cited that probably the biggest catalyst for Precise Biometric’s stellar growth rate has been its Tactivo product line (which is essentially a smart casing), and received a very prestigious certification from the US government.  Just based on that, this vendor’s stock price jumped as much as 12%.

The Details On Aware, Inc.

Here are the financials on this US based Biometrics vendor:  “ Aware, Inc. has reported its financial results for the first quarter of this year, ending March 31, 2013. Revenue for the first quarter of 2013 was $5.6 million, an increase of 15% compared to $4.9 million in the same quarter last year. Operating income before patent related income in the first quarter of 2013 was $2.0 million compared to $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2012. Net income for the first quarter of 2013 was $1.9 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, which compares to net income of $1.1 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the same period a year ago.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/aware-reports-q1-financial-results/).

Aware cited the main reasons for their good financials and growth rate were due to a huge sale made by the federal government, stronger than expected sales in the international scene, and sales of licenses to its various OEM customers.  This particular vendor does have a very good product line, as I saw them firsthand at the BCC 2012 conference held in Tampa.

It’s not just earnings season in the Biometrics industry, it is all over.  But traditionally, in the face of doom and gloom, the Biometrics industry has always done very well. Why is this so?  Well, it all comes down to one thing:  People need to feel safe, which is one of the key components of the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Problems With The New iPhone? A Must-Read

The iPhone

Well, as you may have noticed or not, I took a brief hiatus from blogging from the past week or so.  The reason?  Well, I was back in the hospital for some more heart related issues, and now I am back, full force, and today, is my first full day back at my full time job. 

Some disappointing news though over the course of the last week, it looks like that my iris recognition article has been postponed for publication, it looks like that it will not appear for publication until much later this year.  It really broke my heart, after I was promised that it would be published in the summer time, as a two part series. 

On other news, I am now thinking of upgrading my very basic cell phone now to an iPhone.  I mean hey, it’s time to look like the rich and famous right?  Anyways, with this in mind, I came across a news wire in which Biometrics may actually delay the production of the next iPhone. 

The details:  “The next iPhone was set to be released this June, though it’s possible the device’s anticipated fingerprint sensor is causing a delay and will push that date deeper into the calendar year . . . According to a report in Reuters, a supply chain source in Taiwan said Apple had been trying to find a coating material that did not interfere with the fingerprint sensor, and that this effort could be holding up the entire process.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/fingerprint-sensor-could-be-causing-delay-in-iphone-5s-production/).

My Take

Now, while all of this news is totally unconfirmed, it appears that (and which can be seen up above) that it is not the actual fingerprint sensor production which is causing the delays, but rather, it is a special type of coating on it, which is supposed to be used in conjunction with it. 

Even more interesting, it appears that Apple will release two versions of its newest iPhone: The 5S which will contain the fingerprint reader, and of course, a much cheaper version of the newest iPhone which won’t contain the fingerprint reader.  Hmm, a novel choice for the customer.  This wise business decision does make sense to me,  after all, I am sure that there are customers who won’t want to use the fingerprint reader. 

And providing another tool without it, just to me, means great customer service.  But, these aren’t just the latest woes to hit Apple lately.  Much to my surprise, their stock hit a 52 week low at $392, versus its peak $700+/share back last year in September. The cause for this?

Apparently, Apple had to return some 8,000,000+ iPhones because of defects in manufacturing and its appearance.  I know worse things have hit Apple before, and they have come out of the hole before.  But it is interesting, because this is the first time that Biometrics in my years of writing has actually held up the production process of an overall gadget. 

This just illustrates how complex the production process can be in creating a smartphone.  Just one thing, like a fingerprint sensor coating can hang up the entire process wow.  This sounds eerily similar to the Boeing 787, where the company had to outsource a bulk of its parts and components, and look at where it is now. 

Still trying to get off the ground, and costing customers billions and billions of dollars in lost revenue.  Hmm, to outsource or not, or bring things back to the good ‘ole American manufacturing scene?  Who knows, but to me the latter choice sounds much, much better.

Why Cops Should Not Overstep Their Bounds With Biometrics

To Florida We Go

Ah yes, sunny FL.  I love this state, I have been there numerous times, to compete at the national TKD tournaments (in Fort Lauderdale), and to attend the BCC’s which was held in Tampa.  I plan to go back again this year, and even hopefully take some vacation time to Disneyworld while I am down there.  Anyways, you are probably wondering why I am even at all talking about Florida. 

Well, today, I came across a news wire in which a bulk of the law enforcement agencies there are planning to deploy Biometrics, namely that of facial recognition.  Some of the inside goop on this one:  “Local police forces in Florida are looking to start using facial recognition software to identify suspected criminals . . . system has just been approved for use in the city of Oviedo, and has been in use in some districts since last year . . . The software, developed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, is being used by 150 agencies in Florida, and is free for law enforcement agencies.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/facial-recognition-approved-for-law-enforcement-in-oviedo-fl/).

My Take

Hmm, what I think about this?  Well, for the law enforcement officials, it is of course good news.  After all, they now have another, rather sophisticated in their arsenal that they can use now in capturing wanted felons.  For the longest time, it is the fingerprint which has been associated with law enforcement, and in fact, it has been fingerprint recognition which has provided the means for cops as well as federal agents to track down their suspects, especially with the use of the huge fingerprint databases which are in the possession of the FBI. 

Now, it comes down to facial recognition.  In some ways I am supportive of this, because now the cop on the beat will have an extra tool to make sure that they don’t arrest the wrong person.  From what I gather these days, I don’t think cops are not too much worried about getting shot at as much as they are in being named in a wrongful arrest lawsuit. 

The software used in this facial recognition has been apparently developed by a local law enforcement agency (but probably had the actual app for it developed somewhere in India and China), it is free for use and distribution (which is even better news), and is at the present time deployed across some 150 local police stations.  Now, what do I think is wrong with it? 

As much as I might sound as a hypocrite, I think everything is wrong with it.  Now that the public will be aware of these facial recognition systems being used, they will be much more on guard, and much more apprehensive when they are pulled over and stopped for just a mere traffic citation. 

There could very well be a total mistrust for cops (as if it doesn’t exist already) given the covert nature in which facial recognition could be used (for example, it can be used very well in conjunction with CCTV camera systems, and can literally be deployed anywhere and anytime, without anybody’s knowledge). 

To support this hypothesis, there was once a certain situation in which facial recognition was being used very covertly in a football stadium to keep tabs on the spectators whom were at this venue. 

And once people found it, boy, did it cause a sheer uproar, until law enforcement officials eventually had to pull the plug on the entire project.  And the what I hate most is, now cops can have free will and whim to do whatever they want with the facial recognition systems that they been “entrusted” with, and make the innocent victim feel totally powerless. 

This is best summarized in this quote:  “[this] . . . system is somewhat controversial because it allows law enforcement to search through driver’s license photos, even if you’ve never been accused of a crime.” (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/facial-recognition-approved-for-law-enforcement-in-oviedo-fl/).  

Personally, I think there should be a system of checks and balances here.  Law enforcement officials cannot be given total free reign of such a potentially covert Biometric technology, and they should be held accountable by a review board for any misactions or misdeeds which take place which have occurred.  You know, sort of like a review board when a cop fires a shot and kills somebody. 

The same thing should happen as Biometric technologies are being used more and more.  Perhaps this review board could consist of individuals from the public in order to ensure that fairness and unbiasednessess are being enforced. 

Yes, we are a nation of laws and free will, but the accountability has to go on both sides.  As much as the average American is expected to obey the law, so too are cops expected not to violate our civil liberties and not to in any way overstep the bounds to which they have been endowed and entrusted with.

A New Product From Google: Are You Ready For It?

The Giant Known As Google

Ya know, Google is a topic I have hardly ever written about in this blog. It is a behemoth just like Microsoft, and Morpho (in the Biometrics world), and people are touting that its stock should be worth now $1000/share.  A bit expensive if you ask me.  But all this aside, what do you use Google for?  True, there are tons of apps for it, and they even have their own smartphone, but just curious as to uses what the most. 

Personally, I use Google for my search engine queries, and I do use Google maps for getting around (I gave up on Mapquest a long time ago, after it steered me in the wrong direction who knows how many times).  But that is all use it for.  Well, today, I came across a new tool which is being developed by Google.  It is called the “Google Glass”. 

Some details of this:  “Google Glass is a wearable computer product that sits on a user’s face like a pair of glasses. The company has been flaunting prototypes and demonstration videos for quite some time, and many in the online community are desperate to get their hands on this latest gadget.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/baidus-baidu-eye-is-similar-to-google-glass-and-could-support-facial-recognition/).  I did some research into it, but didn’t really find out too much more about it.  In fact, I am not even sure what kinds of apps this thing is supposed to serve.  To me, it sounds like that a user has to wear a pair of glasses (or something similar), and face a unique experience of sorts.  And now, one of Google’s primary competitors, known as “Baidu” has also launched a very similar project.  It’s details:  “Known internatlly as project Baidu Eye, the device will be mounted on a headset with a small LCD screen, and will allow users to make image and voice searches as well as to conduct facial recognition matches.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201304/baidus-baidu-eye-is-similar-to-google-glass-and-could-support-facial-recognition/). 

My Take

OK, I guess we can piece all of this together, and surmise, that this is just a brand new way and very sophisticated way of searching for information and data on the web, using spatial and image queues.  After more research on the web, Wikipedia summarizes this quite nicely:  “Google Glass is a wearable computer with a head-mounted display (HMD) that is being developed by Google in the Project Glass research and development project,^[3] with the mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer.^[4] Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format,^[5] that can interact with the Internet via natural language voice commands.”  (SOURCE:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Glass). 

Although Google is very hush hush about releasing all of the technical details into this project, it seems like to me one can pretty much conduct their usual web surfing activities by merely wearing a pair of glasses.  In fact, from what I have read, Google has been trying to find partners to help make these special glasses, and has even touted some of the biggest sunglass makers to pitch in. 

And now, you might be asking, where does Biometrics fit exactly into all of this?  Well, both search engine providers (Baidu and Google) are looking at implementing facial recognition into these special glasses in order to confirm the identity of the user who has these fancy things on themselves. 

My view on all this?  Well, both projects are still under much research and development by both Baidu and Google, so again, not a lot of tech information is out there yet.  But, my initial thoughts are why?  Why do we need all of this fancy technology, when sitting in front of a computer and typing in a few keywords takes only a minute or two, and within seconds, you search results come up in Google (and I am assuming the same in Baidu as well). 

Now, I am not saying that there is not a need for all of this, but is the average consumer actually going to buy this and use these fancy glasses in front of their computer?  I don’t think so, and at least not me.  I am happy doing things the old fashioned way, I don’t need to wear any glasses except my sunglasses as we approach the summer months (finally). 

But, according to the newswire, it seems like both Baidu and Google are very hesitant about using facial recognition, on the premise of privacy rights issues, and keeping the facial recognition templates secure over the internet.  But if these projects do take off, and facial recognition is implemented, it could be a very lucrative market for the facial recognition vendors. 

Why?  Well, they will be piggybacking off the likes of some very major brand names that everybody knows of.

Will Small Business Be The Victim Of Big Government???

Our Federal Government

Well, how was everybody’s Easter weekend?  Nothing too much happening here, I have been delayed in any blog postings because of sheer busyness and tons of doctor’s appointments.  But here we are, and today I am back in full blogging mode.  And as you can tell, what the topic of today’s posting is.  It is a subject I loathe to talk about, because it makes me sick to my stomach. 

With all of us Americans suffering, it just makes me so mad that our own government can’t do anything to help us out.  Oh well, I have written about this before, so no need to go and on about it.  The reason I bring this topic up at all is that I came across a news wire today (actually, it came out last week), that a major aerospace as well defense provider, Lockheed Martin, has just announced plans to team up with Silicon Valley companies in order to help meet the technology, IT, and security needs of the Federal Government. 

The details:  “Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Space Systems Company today announced an initiative aimed at expanding its collaboration with Silicon Valley companies to meet the diverse technology needs of the federal government . . . Called the Lockheed Martin Silicon Valley Alliance, this technology hub will provide the federal government with greater visibility into innovative technology solutions developed locally, including affordable software and cyber security solutions. For example, a game developer’s software could improve the realism of a military simulation system . . . Technology companies will gain greater access to Department of Defense, NASA and other U.S. government markets, with Lockheed Martin facilitating partnerships that mature innovations into products that meet federal requirements.”  (SOURCE:  http://findbiometrics.com/lockheed-martin-launches-technology-hub-to-connect-silicon-valley-innovators-with-federal-government-needs/). 

My Take

I think that the premise of this whole approach is a novel idea, and I think it could work well.  No matter what I feel about our Federal Government, I do honestly have to admit that they do have a huge vast of resources that small business owners can pick from, and for the most part that are free or very low of charge to use.  Probably the best example of this is myself. 

When I first started out my first Biometrics business back in 2001 or so, I was new to the whole process of entrepreneurship, and starting up a new business, despite the fact that I had an MBA.  I asked many people for help, and I was pointed to the Small Business Administration located at the College of Dupage, nearby Wheaton.  The resources I found there were immense for small business owners just like myself. 

And best of all, I was assigned to a counselor (or actually an adviser), who provided me with free advice and free appointments whenever I needed it.  It came to the point that I was using this same person week after week (and probably very well abusing my free priviliges), and out of the goodness of her heart, she provided me all the help I requested. 

I would send over business plans, presentations, articles, everything, and gladly she looked over everything and provided the help and guidance I needed.  Then came the day she decided to retire, and immediately after that, I felt totally lost. 

But, I made it in the end, because of the knowledge she gave me, I had the confidence in my own abilities to move on forward (in fact I think her name is Bonnie McLaren, so if you are out there reading this blog, thanks for all of your help, and I do commend your efforts!!). 

All of this is a shining example of what the Federal Government can do for us average Americans who are trying to make it big in Corporate America.  And I think that the approach that Lockheed Martin is using to help startups in Silicon Valley is great.  After all, now these guys can get access to very key and very knowledgable people in the government (and believe me, I met some at the BCC 2012 conference last year). 

But most importantly, now these startups will literally have a “leg up” when it comes time to apply for and win a very lucrative government contract (the reason I say this is that with this strategic partnership, many of these startups can bypass most of the hoops when bidding for government work).  But, one sentence in the above quote sort of scares me. 

And that is the example of a gamer creating a new app and the Federal Government using that knowledge to build something for their own uses.  While this can be a good thing for name recognition for a startup, my only fears are that what if the Federal Government decides to use this method to literally steal the ideas and innovation of entrepreneurs? 

This country was founded partly on the idea of a capitalistic and entreprenueral driven economy, so if the above does happen, couldn’t the worse occur?  Maybe it is just my fears and huge skepticism of the Federal Government hindering my thought process, but this is something definitely that small business owners need to think about: 

If the Federal Government wants your ideas, then you should receive just compensation for it.

Let Us Take Off Into The Clouds Once Again

To The Cloud We Go

I think that you probably all know by now that one of my most favorite topics to blabber about is the cloud.  I deal with the cloud all day at my day job, and at night I write about it and how it can fit with Biometrics.  T

he cloud is a murky topic, and many people have their differing views as to what it really entails.  You can talk about it to an IT geek, you can talk about it to a business leader, but it all comes down to one thing: Taking all the physical IT stuff you have and making it virtual. 

And the bottom line for any business owner is that their IT stuff can be set up in seconds, and is very cheap compared to the other alternative, which is owning everything outright.  A perfect example of this is if you are using Microsoft Exchange. 

Many people know that owning the server, and even the licensing is just way too expensive.  And on top of that, given how buggy the whole thing is, you need to hire a full time Exchange administrator just to make sure that all everything is working.  And this means more money. 

But by putting all the Exchange stuff in the cloud, you can have an e-mail system up and running and minutes, add all the users you need, and basically own an entire server for a fairly low monthly rent.  Best of all, you are not responsible for any of those pesky software upgrades and hardware upgrades as well either. 

I have been envisioning a Biometrics based cloud system for quite some time, and even had an article published on it.  So far in the industry, a full blown cloud implementation has not been implemented (a lot of people out there may beg to differ, but in my humble view, this type of implementation has not happened the way I view it). 

But today, we make some progress on this front, as two leading Biometric vendors (Fujitsu and ImageWare Systems, Inc.) have just announced a strategic partnership to further propel their solution into the cloud.

Some details:  “Fujitsu today announced a contract with ImageWare Systems, Inc. (OTCQB: IWSY), a leader in multi-modal biometric security management solutions, to enable the deployment of a new multi-modal biometric identity management solution and model. The cloud-based offering is built on the Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform (FGCP) and features ImageWare’s CloudID(TM) product suite, anchored by ImageWare’s patented multi-modal Biometric Engine(R). The products will be licensed on a service or transactional basis . . . The solution is expected to be introduced in North America in April, which will make it possible to collaborate on a global expansion model in the near future . . . solution allows companies to choose their own cloud system, control their own architecture and customize applications . . . This adaptable, modular structure can be scaled, modified, and enhanced as business requirements evolve.”  (SOURCE:  http://findbiometrics.com/fujitsu-and-imageware-systems-enter-into-contract-to-enable-the-delivery-of-cloud-based-biometric-multi-modal-solutions/).   

My Take 

The exact details of what this alliance means and the exact specifics were not totally clear, nor were they revealed.  But, as best as I can piece together, the results of this particular partnership will take place in April (which is just around the corner), and is supposed to be taken off on a global scale just shortly thereafter.  This cloud based solution is designed to fit a number of key industries which include:

*Healthcare;

*Retail;

*Facilities Management;

*The Energy industry;

*Law Enforcement. 

Apparently also, this solution is designed to fit the bill for both verification and identification needs, and will allow the customer (I assume this includes the Fortune 500 and the small to medium sized businesses out there) to choose their own Biometrics based cloud platform, have complete control over it, and most importantly customize their cloud based platform to however they need it or want it. 

As for me, despite the lack of the specific details on it, I am excited by it.  At least they are hitting on the key buzzwords I have been advocating for such a long time.  By the sounds of it, we could very well be that much closer to having a 100% based Biometrics cloud infrastructure, the way envision it. 

And, if you are wondering just how envision this, download my article, and you will find out.  It can be downloaded here: 

http://www.biometricnews.net/Publications/Biometrics_Article_Biometrics_In_The_Cloud.pdf

The Land Of Mickey Offering Better Security For Customers

Biometrics In The Land Of Disney

How many of you out there have visited either Disneyland or Disneyworld?  I am talking about the theme park in Orlando.  My beautiful wife Anita and I plan to visit it this theme park in September, when we visit BCC 2013 (yes, I am already planning ahead).  Apparently, being very naïve and ignorant to the whole thing, I did not realize that you could actually spend the night in a hotel at the actual park.  I was always under the impression that one had to stay at hotels in nearby locales ( I am sure though, after reading more about Disneyworld, that this is a much cheaper option). 

Anyways, there are millions upon millions of visitors that visit this magical kingdom.  Of course, that means great revenue for the actual business which owns the theme park.  One can only speculate is how do they keep track of so many visitors and issue out so many tickets, and keep those lines moving?  Well, I am not familiar at all with the ticketing schemes or the layout that they have, but I am sure they do have an efficient system to keep everything moving, and most importantly, keeping those customers happy. 

Well, today, I discovered a huge answer to this question:  the use of Biometrics.  Much to my chagrin, I never realized that Disneyworld actually used this technology.  From what I can gather, Disneyworld has been using Biometrics, especially that of fingerprint recognition, for a very long time, dating all the way back to the early 90’s.  Apparently, this system was only available to those who were staying at the theme park.  I guess that gave exclusive status for those who were camped out there for a week or so, in order to ensure that they vacation experience was a stellar five star thing.  But, Disneyworld is expanding the use of fingerprint recognition to those customers whom are also annual pass holders. 

The details:  “Annual passholders for Walt Disney World in Florida can now register biometrics and move quickly through the park, bypassing lines . . . It’s my impression that Disney does this mostly for the purposes of making sure that discounted longer-term passes aren’t shared among different individuals. It’s not hard, however, envisioning that this might point the way toward future security applications.” (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201303/walt-disney-world-introduces-biometric-verification-for-passholders/).

My Take

And, another new thing I realized about Disneyworld . . . the Biometric system which was put into place can actually be used to create like a personalized, biometric based ticket for the customer.  The fingerprint recognition templates are stored into the database for a period of about a month, and then the data is purged. 

And surprisingly, no issues of privacy rights have been raised (I guess in this aspect, people are just more interested in the pigging out aspect and enjoying their vacation time . . . I think that privacy rights issues are probably the last thing on their mind). 

As I write this, I think about all of the data which can be collected on customers based upon their Biometrics, and the potential to keep track of their buying patterns in order to improve the customer experience here. 

Of course, all of this falls into the realm of data warehousing, and massive data analysis, but just think about the potential here.  Within seconds or perhaps minutes, so much market research can be done and applied just based upon the fingerprint template. 

Hmm, is this another avenue for the Biometrics industry to possibly explore?  Using Biometric templates of all kinds and types to conduct large scale market research like this?  It currently is being done, but with actual movements of people responses to certain stimuli, such as looking at rapid eye patterns, level of sweat, etc.  I have written about this before. 

Even another interesting thought came to me . . . given the vast expanse of Disneyworld, and all of the business and revenue they accumulate, the management there can very easily segment and classify the types of customers they are dealing with, just based upon their fingerprint recognition template. 

For instance, such classification schemes can include the customers who just visit periodically, those that visit every year, those that reside inside the theme park, those that live outside the theme park in outside hotels (I am sure that many more classifications are possible, but this is what comes across my mind right now). 

The data analysis which can be done here is just tremendous.  And finally, another thought, perhaps Disneyworld should also explore using other Biometric technologies to help keep lines moving, keeping customers happy, and most importantly, getting repeat business??? 

In this regard such technologies which would work great are iris recognition and even facial recognition . . .

To The Parents In The United States - Read This

Complaints and More Complaints

Just the other day (can’t remember exactly, but I know it was sometime this week), I wrote about a good news Biometric, in that the technology is going to be used on school busses in order to keep track of the kids as they and enter depart.  I also had mentioned that it is novel idea, in the off chance that something horrible happened to the school bus (like an accident, etc.). 

For the most part, it has received a warm welcome, although I am sure that it has received some opposition (it’s only natural).  Well, today, I sort of bring some bad news Biometrics, in that an installation which was supposed to happen is now not going to, after parental opposition to it. 

The details of it:  “The installation of a palm vein payment system from Fujitsu has been delayed at Bossier Parish Schools in Louisiana, just days after the system was announced .  . . Reported in KSLA, some parents raised concerns about privacy and felt they had no notice before implementation . . . A letter signed by the district superintendent has gone out to parents clarifying the aspects of the system, including the fact that this is not a mandatory system and that parents can opt-out without impacting their child’s participating in the school’s food service program.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201303/installation-of-fujitsu-palm-scanners-in-louisiana-school-district-delayed/).

My Take

Well, truthfully, I am pretty surprised about this.  Palm recognition (or really, it is just vein pattern recognition from underneath the palm) is very much a non obtrusive kind of technology, and it is non contactless-meaning, the end user has no contact with the sensor, or even with the entire technology for that matter. 

So really, there should be no issues with regards to privacy rights concerns, or even hygiene issues (other Biometric technologies this very one – such as fingerprint recognition and hand geometry recognition).  So, why would the parents not want to use this system, if it gives the kids an alternate way to pay for their lunches?  Issues of privacy were raised, but come on, the vein pattern is basically invisible to the outside world, and other users. 

For that matter, even the Biometric templates which are stored in the palm recognition system are also encrypted.  The only thing I can surmise from the news wire is that this particular implementation was going to cost the school system like almost $400,000, which would have been payable over a five year time span.  Some seventy one of these scanners were to be deployed, across thirty five schools.  Could cost be a factor?  I very well think so. 

Perhaps the parents are fearing a great tuition hike for to offset the cost of implementing this thing?  Very well could be likely.  But, my hats off to the principal of the school, whom actually took the time and effort to write a detailed letter to the parents, explaining the features and the benefits of the whole thing, with an opt out option should they choose not to use the palm recognition devices. 

But apparently, it did not work.  And on top of this, another school system has stopped the same type of implementation from the same Biometrics vendor, also claiming violation of privacy rights.  To the parents out there, I do understand your fears, but come on, get a life.  Your kid is not going to get sick from using this system, and their vein pattern which will be scanned gets converted into a mathematical file which is rendered useless to the outside world if the in the off chance the template database is ever hacked into. 

Look at my posting from the other day.  Do you want your kid to starve one day just because you forgot to give them lunch money?  Biometrics is meant to help in this regard, not put the kids life in danger.  Try to understand this.  There are so many other poor countries around the world who are implementing the same type of Biometric technology, and the families are so grateful that their kids have a chance to at least eat something. 

But I also wonder, perhaps the Biometric vendor should also give a demonstration of palm recognition to the question parents in order to quell their fears and doubts?  Perhaps they should.

How Religion & Biometrics Can Come Together

The Muslim Faith

Everybody knows that this culture is full of intrigue, mystique, and wonder.  Unfortunately, this faith is also very much tied to the tragic events of 9/11.  As a Christian, I have nothing against this faith.  I totally respect, and if anything else, I have nothing but admiration for it.  I think there is a lot, that we as Americans can learn from it. 

Although I do not know really a lot about Islam, from what I hear and understand, it is truly a beautiful faith, which inspires nothing but love and respect for each other.  I really don’t get into a religious spiel, but I thought I would bring this up in today’s post, because it is quite relevant, in my opinion.  The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which probably contains one of the world’s largest concentrations of Muslims, is set to use Biometrics to allow people to enter its most religious event, called “The Hajj”. 

Here are some details of this:  “Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry is set to introduce biometric centers to issue visas to religious pilgrims and visitors of the Kingdom . . . Reported in Arab News, Khaled said the new system will help to speed up the entry procedures of visitors, and in particular, for the millions of religious pilgrims that come to the country each year . . . It will also enable authorities to know those foreigners who have been banned from entering the Kingdom before issuing new visas as well as to identify fake visa applicants,” Prince Khaled said.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.biometricupdate.com/201303/saudi-arabian-foreign-ministry-set-to-introduce-biometric-centers-for-visitors-pilgrims/). 

My Take

Keep in mind that these are truly biometric centers, in which people can enroll in their Biometrics (I am assuming primarily fingerprint recognition and iris recognition will be used the most) in order to make their holy pilgrimage.  In the years I have written about Biometrics, this is probably truly a first. 

I know that Biometrics can be a very sensitive issue to particular cultures, especially where contact is required with the sensor.  I think it is great that Saudi Arabia is welcoming the use of Biometrics, it means that the people there are more accepting of it day by day.  I really never have written anything before where religion and culture welcomed Biometric so much. 

And in another first, it seems that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also going to introduce a program similar to that what is found in the United States, where low risk travelers as well as frequent business travelers will be able to enter the kingdom with just the mere flash of a Biometric trait. 

I think that here in the United States, where the public is still skeptical of Biometrics, we can learn a lot from Saudi Arabia in this particular circumstance.