Fingerprint identification hardware (Java)

William H. Saito (william@iosoftware.com)
Mon, 14 Jul 1997 08:19:08 -0700

From: "William H. Saito" <william@iosoftware.com>
To: "'java-security@java.sun.com'" <java-security@web2.javasoft.com>
Subject: Fingerprint identification hardware (Java)
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 08:19:08 -0700

Our company noticed that JavaCard deals with security and thought you
could use the following information. Specifically, since we are also
working with SmartCard vendors, but in a broader sense, biometric
security, we would like to incorporate this security technology into
Java as well.

With many companies looking for alternative security options for their
computer systems, biometric devices, which can verify a person's
identity through a personal characteristic, is being looked at more
closely. I wanted to introduce you to the Sony Fingerprint
Identification Unit (FIU). The Sony FIU is a device that can read and
verify fingerprints for access into a variety of applications. This
device can give an added security feature to your clients and is ideal
for network and building security. The FIU can be easily integrated
into any system or can be used as a stand-alone unit.

The Sony FIU is unique because it is the only self-contained device with
a CCD, internal CPU, custom LSI, and non-volatile memory in something
the size of a desktop mouse. The FIU does all of the processing
internally and does not require any extra hardware to perform. I/O
Software is currently the only company in the United States involved
with the sales and technical support of the FIU.

Because of this unique design, it can work well without the use of a
host computer. Specifically, since it can do all of the enrollment and
verification by itself, it is well suited for stand-alone applications
such as outfitting safes, doors, locks, etc... This is where other
biometric devices become impraticle since they require an independent
host computer to do all of the processing separately.

We were wondering if this device and/or software combination would be a
welcome addition to an already existing security specification. We
would also like to ask you to keep us in mind should you incorporate
biometric security in future versions on Java. I/O Software currently
has evaluation kits available if you would like to look at the Sony FIU
more closely.

If you have any questions about the FIU, SDK, or the FIS-002 Secure
Logon System for Windows NT, please contact me at (909) 222-7600 or
check out our web page at http://www.iosoftware.com/fiu/

=================================
William Saito
I/O Software, Inc.
(909) 222-7600
(909) 222-7601 FAX
http://www.iosoftware.com