Signing on with your fingerprints

Article Abstract:

Several companies are developing devices and computer software that will enable identification of people using their fingerprints. Two companies, American Biometric and Sony, are shipping products that enable this. They consist of a scanner that reads a user's fingerprints, and software for comparing prints to a scanned-in database. The scan is converted into a template and is compared to the database, using reference points to enable quick matching. Currently too expensive for private use, the products are likely to be installed by banks at teller windows and ATMs, and used to control access at companies and installations concerned about their security. American Biometric's product is the Biomouse and costs about $250. Sony produced their product in cooperation with a software company, I/O Software Inc. It is called Secure Suite and costs about $350.

Canada, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing, Computerized Security Sys, Card-Related Equip NEC, Usage, Innovations, Computer software industry, Software industry, Computer peripherals industry, Personal identification products industry, Security measures, Input devices (Computers), Fingerprints, American Biometric, I/O Software Inc.

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Quantum code: secrets in the light

Article Abstract:

Physicists have begun to search for methods of encrypting sensitive computer data communications through the use of photons. Currently, most computer communications are encrypted using mathematics which have been vulnerable to hackers decoding. Physicists have approached the problem of security by looking for ways to physically, rather than mathematically protect data. The new quantum cryptography can physically detect if a message is tampered with by sensing changes in the light impulses, if a change is detected the message destroys itself and the recipient will know something has been tampered with because they have not received the message.

Product development, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Research & Development, Scientific Research and Development Services, Radio & TV communications equipment, Encryption/Decryption Equip, Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing, Physicists, Research, High technology industry, Research and development, Industrial research, Research institutes, Cryptographic equipment, Electronics industry, Cryptography

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Lights! Camera! Keyboard!

Article Abstract:

Sony's new Vaio Picturebook subnotebook computer incorporates a built-in digital camera as its most distinct feature. It is built with a Pentium I 266 mghz processor, 64 megabytes of memory, a 4.1 giga-byte hard drive, 56K modem and an unusually wide screen and it includes software for editing digital pictures. At a cost of $2300, it is possible to buy a more powerful subnotebook and a separate higher resolution digital camera for the same amount.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Notebook computer, Sony Vaio Picturebook (Pentium-based subnotebook)

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