Biometric Identification Systems

Biometric type identification devices are the highest level of authentication available on the market to day. They utilize a part of the human body to confirm who you are. This is accomplished by a number of different methods.

Fingerprint

readers sample the tips of your fingers and compare them either to an existing database of templates or a template that is encoded on the credential that you carry. (Smart Cards). The two major types of fingerprint readers are Capacitance type and Optical type. Capacitance type readers measure the peaks and valleys of the ridges of your fingerprint. Optical type essentially takes a photograph and compares it to a database of that type.

Hand Geometry

readers are larger devices and work very well. They sample the entire hand and are usually combined with a PIN code or other credential.

Iris

scanners take a snapshot of your Iris when you place you eye close enough to its camera. The picture of your iris is then compared to your enrolled Iris photo and authorization is either granted or denied. This is a rare biometric authentication device, but new technologies will bring it more into daily use in the future.

Retinal

scanners work much in the same way as Iris scanners but go even further and sample the connection between your eye and the optic nerve. There is a bundle of veins there that is unique to you much in the way your fingerprint is. The retinal scanner requires a up close and personal sampling and is very exact. The technology has been around for years, but due to the cost and perceived invasiveness, it has not caught on.

Voice

recognition is implemented with a microphone and a computer application. The software samples your voice with a preconfigured group of words and will pass the authorization or deny code to an access control system.

Biometric Manufacturers

Bioscrypt

Identix

Recognition Source

Panasonic

Telephone Entry Systems

A Telephone Entry Systems is a two-way communications device tied into a phone line to control access into a facility. They are designed for easy access to entries and gated areas from a regular phone call. A visitor or guest will arrive at your entry and select from a LCD menu on the telephone entry system to make a phone call to the tenant. The tenant then has the option of remotely granting access by pressing a preconfigured number on their phone keypad. Telephone entry systems can be configured to have cameras installed inside them to provide a tenant with video verification of who is at the entry. More sophisticated system can integrate card access into the telephone entry systems. This is an excellent way to control the access into an apartment, condo or business complex.

Some Manufacturers Include;

Door King

SES

Aegis

Intercom Systems

Standard Intercom systems are hard wired from the “call” station, or entry point, to each answering device. Remote opening of entries is handled in the same way. Intercom systems can have substantial up front costs but the long term maintenance of this system is minimal. They come in a variety of colors, handset styles, hands-free styles and materials. Video Intercom systems provide verifiable images of the person(s) at the “call” station. Most commonly installed into new construction apartment complexes.

Some Manufacturers Include;

Aiphone

Talk-A-Phone

Emergency Intercom Systems

Emergency Intercom Systems are excellent for two way notification and verification of unattended parking lots, garages, campuses and large spread out facilities. Usually configured into tall phone booth like structures with general lighting, emergency lighting strobes, two way voice communication, PTZ cameras and painted bright red to be very noticeable from a distance. These help to provide the visitor, guest, employee or student an obvious location to go to obtain help incase of a personal emergency.

Some Manufacturers Include;

Talk-A-Phone