Hamburg biometrics specialists DERMALOG are unveiling a newly developed software upgrade for the companys fingerprint scanner ZF1 at the CeBIT 2008 that makes fake finger detection and or live recognition a reality.  The security of the device, which has been successfully used by German registry offices since November 2007, is significantly increased thanks to the new module.

International biometric comparison tests have proven that fingerprint identification is the most reliable form of biometric identification.  Consequently, fingerprints are now integrated into the new electronic passports worldwide.  By mid-2009, all European Union member states will issue passports with electronically archived fingerprints.  German registry offices have been using the ZF1 fingerprint scanner from Hamburg-based DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH successfully since November 1, 2007.  The German Bundesdruckerei chose DERMALOG because the ZF1 fulfils the BSI Standard TR-PDU.  The respective certification DERMALOG ZF1 received in January 2007. A total of 14,000 of the 19,000 readers used by around 5,500 German registry offices are DERMALOG ZF1.

The ZF1 is the worlds smallest optical fingerprint scanner for capturing individual fingers and was specifically developed for civilian application in fingerprint identification and verification.  Its ergonomic design ensures maximum user friendliness, given that fingers are intuitively positioned in the optimum position.  Since the fingerprint image comprises a small file size of just 10 kilobytes in the WSQ format, the ZF1 is ideal for combined use with RFID applications, such as used in the German ePassport.

In the years to come, border checkpoints around the world will be equipped with automatic passport and fingerprint readers, which will make it possible to read the new biometric passports at so-called "Autogates" for extremely fast and effective border control and immigration procedures.  Verifying whether or not the fingerprints are those of real live fingers is more and more evolving into a critical factor.

DERMALOG has read the signs of the times correctly: The worlds first optical fingerprint scanner, the ZF1, which creates images of particularly high quality thanks to total reflection technology, now also comes with an optional live recognition or fake finger detection module that automatically prevents the utilization of forged fingerprints.  This makes the fingerprint live scanner even more secure.  The technology, which was developed by DERMALOG, analyzes a variety of typical finger characteristics and subsequently recognizes whether it is genuine or whether someone is attempting to place a fingerprint dummy such as plastic fingers or artificial finger tips on the scanner.  The ZF1 was already prepared for this live recognition function in its development phase, and thanks to the software upgrade the function can now be activated.  Existing devices can be upgraded quickly and easily.  New ZF1 customers have the option to add this module at their discretion.

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