NEC tests fingerprint device for infants

Source: NEC. Fingerprinting babies.

NEC has announced the development of the world’s first* fingerprint sensing device prototype that is capable of capturing the fingerprints of newborns and infants.

Fingerprint identification for infants and newborns has traditionally been very difficult due to the size and delicacy of their fingers. This is especially true when using existing large fingerprint capture devices.

The device, researched and developed in conjunction with Michigan State University**, underwent extensive testing in the field in Dayalbagh, India. The prototype device successfully captured the fingerprint images of over 300 children, including more than 100 from infants younger than six months. One infant was just six hours old***.

NEC’s new device measures D72mm x W35mm x H7.5mm and weighs under 50g. The device rests securely in the operator’s hand, making it exceptionally portable and allowing for easy, accurate capture of infant fingerprints.

The new device adopts a combination of a 1,270 pixels per inch (ppi) high resolution CMOS image sensor for high quality image capture and a special glass plate formed from bundled fiberglass for image enhancement. Using the device, fingerprint images are captured within a few seconds. An operator simply holds the infant’s finger and places it on the sensor surface. A preview of the image is displayed on a portable device to which the sensor is connected and the image can be saved with the click of a switch on the device. The switch and the preview window simplify the entire capturing process, making fingerprint imaging comfortable for both the child and the operator.

“The provision of these technologies based on this prototype will allow NEC to contribute to the solution of important social problems, such as the optimised management of immunisation and food supplies, and the reliable management of birth certification, by ensuring precise verification of the identity of newborns and infants through fingerprint authentication,” said Ryoji Hayashi, GM, 2nd Government and Public Solutions Division, NEC.

*According to NEC as of October 14, 2016.

**http://biometrics.cse.msu.edu/

***The study had the proper Institutional Review Board approval, and parental consent was acquired before taking the fingerprints of children.

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