Fujitsu launches compact Palm Vein Biometric Authentication Device

Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories Limited has announced the joint development and commercial introduction of a significantly more compact and higher performance model of their original award-winning contactless palm vein biometric authentication device. Targeting a major expansion of its biometric security systems business, Fujitsu will market the new device worldwide under the PalmSecure brand beginning immediately. The new PalmSecure model is being exhibited at CeBIT 2006, being held in Hannover, Germany.

Retaining the highly acclaimed features of its original palm vein authentication device - high authentication accuracy and application versatility, a biometric identifier internal to the body that makes forgery extremely difficult, hygienic and non-invasive authentication for greater user acceptance - the new Fujitsu PalmSecure model features dramatically faster authentication speed, a 35mm x 35mm sensor that is one-fourth the size of the previous model, an expanded operable temperature range, and lower cost. The smaller sensor footprint will provide greater flexibility and ease of implementation in current applications, including personal computers, ATMs, and room access systems, and greatly expand the range of potential new applications, in such areas as copiers and other office equipment, as well as electronic medical records and other solutions requiring highly secure authentication.

In conjunction with the new product launch, Fujitsu is enhancing its worldwide support for PalmSecure. The company will provide a software development kit (available in English and Japanese) that includes sample applications and authentication rate evaluation tools, as well as a dedicated technical support website.

First commercially introduced in Japan in July 2004, Fujitsu's contactless palm vein authentication technology has been adopted by major Japanese financial institutions, universities, libraries, governmental organizations and private enterprises, with over 10,000 units deployed in a variety of applications. Moreover, since demonstrating the technology at last year's CeBIT in Hannover, and its subsequent commercial launch outside Japan a few months later in June 2005, the technology has generated considerable international interest, including active business discussions with several public and private sector organizations. Adding to this momentum, Fujitsu's palm vein authentication technology was honored with The Wall Street Journal 2005 Technology Innovation Award in the Security (Network) category and the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), "Best of Innovations" Award for Biometrics.

Leveraging its new leading-edge product, enhanced technical support, global PalmSecure brand and worldwide network of group companies, Fujitsu aims to capture a significant share of the expanding global market for advanced biometric security systems. The PalmSecure Sensor and PalmSecure Software Development Kit (SDK) will be available for delivery from the end of April 2006 in Japan, and from the end of June 2006 elsewhere.