ION fingerprint reader addresses challenge of infant biometrics
13 September, 2018
category: Biometrics, Health
Researchers at the University of California San Diego created a biometric reader that accurately and conveniently captures infant biometrics as early as the day of birth. Called ION, it is a non-contact optical scanner that images the fingers and palm and stores them as encrypted templates. The handheld device is rugged, portable, and works with laptops and mobile devices.
Not only did we take into account the child’s physiology and reflexes, but also what would be culturally acceptable in different countries
Globally, infant and child identification is needed for health care delivery and other critical services, especially in developing areas.
The developers explain that other biometric readers have unsuccessfully applied adult technologies to fingerprinting children. ION was developed from the ground up with infants and caregivers in mind.
According to an article from UC San Diego Health, the technology was conceived to accommodate the size, movements and behaviors of an infant. “Not only did we take into account the child’s physiology and reflexes, but also what would be culturally acceptable in different countries,” says Eliah Aronoff-Spencer, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and developer of ION. “For example, in some areas, facial photography is shunned, but photography of hands is acceptable.”
While it was specifically designed for use in the challenging infant biometrics environment, the reader can be used with adults as well.
