Apple patent purchase points to possible biometric functionality

A new patent purchased by technology company Apple from three engineers in Oregon may point to a possibility of biometric capabilities in future devices from the company, according to a Macgasm article. The patent deals with utilizing fingerprint sensors embedded into flat-panel displays for authenticating identity. Such technology could lead to sensors being placed underneath the touch-screens that have become staples of Apples most prevalent devices.


There is a documented need to make collection devices simpler and less expensive while being lightweight and field ready. Many federal defense and law enforcement agencies have similar documented portable collection device requirements with slightly nuanced differences for various operational environments.  Additionally, the high training costs for current field equipment, as documented by US Customs and Border Protection, represent a significant hurdle for fielding devices effectively. It would be preferable if a ubiquitous device, already familiar to government agents, was leveraged to cut down on equipment and training costs.


Of course this leads to leveraging the iPhone as a collection device for fingerprints, through its flat screen, as well as face and iris, through the camera. In 2009, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published guidance and operational requirements for Mobile ID devices that can be used for enrollment, identification and verification functions.  NIST also developed a prototype software interface application for the iPhone demonstrating how biometric services could be achieved.


With luck having Apple becoming involved with biometric collection will lead to a host of intuitive and easy to use equipment being fielded.


For more information please follow the link:http://www.thirdfactor.com/2010/08/12/apple-patent-purchase-points-to-possible-biometricfunctionality