New fingerprinting technology to boost security

Although fingerprinting has always been used to determine identity, advances in technology have emerged to make it much more effective, given the importance of safety and security today. The EU-funded INGRESS (Innovative technology for fingerprint live scanners) project is developing new technology to take fingerprint images. It is incorporating more biometrics related to the finger that overcome limitations in taking fingerprints, such as superficial skin diseases.

To achieve its aims, the project is working on a solution to capture subsurface fingerprint data in order to create a sharper and more comprehensive image using advanced ultrasound and tomography technologies. It is also creating high-tech, high-resolution fingerprint sensors and testing them against standard sensors.

At the same time, INGRESS is looking at legal, ethical and societal considerations in developing these novel solutions to ensure compliance with EU privacy and data protection requirements. The ultimate aim is to create a validated tool that can assist in establishing identity more effectively in areas such as border control and law enforcement.

Already, the team has investigated different acquisition techniques and looked at advanced ways to detect altered fingerprints. It closely studied data protection and privacy laws in order to design the new technology within this framework. Ongoing work will help validate the superior speed, accuracy and quality of the new fingerprinting concept, paving the way to its adoption.

The implementation of live fingerprint scanners at passport control and other sensitive points would decrease the time used for checking citizens' identities. Eventually, the technology could be used in electronic identity documents, as well as in credit cards, loyalty cards and e-documents that include fingerprints. This could take society to a higher level in safety, offer security that makes it easier and safer to travel, and contribute to a host of identity-specific applications.