ID by Vein

Crooks and criminals beware: identification security is about to get tighter than ever.

Easydentic Group, a biometric industry based in France, announced that they will be now using finger vein security for UK and European markets.

Finger vein security was first developed by Hitachi and is based on the the lattice work of minute blood vessels under the skin. This new technology is already employed in Japan by thousands of cash machines and 20,000 more finger vein authentication systems will be introduced to shops and kiosks belonging to two Japanese companies. These devices will protect customers by requiring store workers to identify themselves before accessing the customer database.

Hitachi explains how the process works:

“Based on the patterns of veins in one’s finger or hand, vascular pattern recognition (VPR) provides the ease of use of hand geometry with much improved accuracy, smaller readers and contact less use. Hitachi’s finger vein system scans the veins one’s fingers and then match the vein patterns of their respective pre-established templates.

As near infrared light generated by Bank of LEDs (light emitting diodes) penetrates the body tissue, it is reflected in the hemoglobin in the blood. A CCD (charge coupled device) camera (which uses a small, rectangular piece of silicon to receive incoming light) captures the image of the vein pattern through this reflected light. Image processing constructs a finger vein pattern from the camera image. This pattern is compressed and digitized so that it can be registered as a template or digitized image that it compares to the stored template of the user, and determines whether there is a match, using patter-matching techniques. The actual algorithms used in the process differ from vendor to vendor.”

It is claimed to be much more secure and reliable than fingerprints or retinas because, while those can be lifted or scanned without the individual’s awareness, it is highly unlikely that a person’s finger vein profile can be taken without their realization.

Even at the suggested possibility of hacking off the finger, Hitachi explains that the blood flow from the disconnected finger would not allow authentication.

Hitachi has also expanded their line to include finger vein technology for steering wheels and reports that this science is making significant improvements making it worth while to keep track of.

Antarctic Ozone Hole

Sometimes, bigger isn’t better. In the case of the ozone hole, it sucks.

NASA (Ozone Hole Watch) reports that 2008′s Antarctic ozone hole is the fifth biggest on record at a maximum area of 10.5 million square miles, and although it’s not as big as 2006′s, which was a record 29 million square miles (think the size of North America), it’s still a major issue of concern.

What is the ozone hole and why is everyone making such a big deal about it?

The ozone hole refers to the seasonal depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer in a large area over Antarctica. It’s making people worried because the ozone layer is Earth’s natural protection, shielding our planet (and all its life forms) from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation, by absorbing it.

Why is the ozone layer depleting?

There are many reasons, both natural and man-made. Large fires and certain types of marine life produce one stable form of chlorine that can reach the stratosphere, and events such as volcanic eruptions can also have an indirect effect on ozone levels, but keep in mind that natural sources make up roughly only 16% of the problem; the other 84% are from man-based contributions, mostly from chlorofluorocarbons (try saying that three times really fast), or CFCs (hairspray, cleaners, coolants, etc.)

Are governments doing anything about it?

The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty that bans CFCs. It’s doing a great job, however, there are still many things to do and accomplish within that ban.

Is there a connection between global warming and the ozone hole?

Yes. Scientists are concerned that continual global warming (Earth’s temperature rising, creating a greenhouse effect) will accelerate ozone destruction and increase stratospheric ozone depletion. And by the way, despite what certain Russian-watching politicians might say, you betcha both these disasters are influenced by human activity.

What are some negative consequences?

An ozone hole affects humans, animals, and the ecosystem. Solar radiation can produce varying outcomes and this is a great site that addresses a lot of the harmful results.

How can we avoid putting more pressure on the ozone layer and what can we do to help?

Be ozone friendly! It’s not that difficult especially if you’re already a green consumer because most of the same guidelines apply. Buy products that are labeled as “CFC free” or “ozone friendly” and choose appliances that don’t depend on CFCs. Also, spread the word. Let people know about what’s happening or direct them to this blog (sorry, I couldn’t help self-advertising just a little).

So now you know. Leave me some comments about what you thought about this post and corrections or suggestions are always welcome. Thanks!