HandID: Capturing fingerprints from a hand wave

HandID develops systems and devices for the fast capture of contactless, freely posed fingerprints, palm prints, and hand geometry. We capture fingerprints from a hand wave.

How did HandID start?

Taking advantage of plummeting digital camera costs and increasing computer-controlled macro photography capabilities of commercial off-the-shelf chip-cameras as well as the computational expertise of Carnegie Mellon University and the forensic science knowledge of Duquesne University Law School, we designed a direct high-contrast, high-resolution imaging system to simultaneously obtain 1000 ppi images of all 10 rolled-equivalent finger and both palm friction ridge patterns and minutiae within less than 5 seconds. We received research funding to develop these concepts and now operate as a spin-off company to further develop and help bring to market related products.

What is the HandID approach?

Our approach is to obtain print images and measurements from contactless, freely posed hands by combining one or more over the counter cameras and one or more oblique blue and/or special spot lights, possibly configured in various angles, in combinations appropriate for the desired use, all operating sequentially in millions of a second.

By obviating the rolling of fingers, we enable truly high-throughput processing. We also eliminate sequencing errors by having physically distinct right and left hand non-contact placement areas and by simultaneously capturing all 10 digits and both palms, or other combinations as needed. We eliminate the need for routine cleaning of a glass platen by eliminating any glass platen and instead directly image hands in the air Ði.e., capture is contactless. For the same reason, we eliminate hygiene concerns.

What has HandID done?

We have validated our patented approach in various configurations and environments. Our five principal pursuits are:

1. Frontal capture
   of one or both hands simultaneously, which yields any combination of flat fingerprints, palm prints and hand geometry.

2. Finger capture
   of one of more fingers simultaneously, which gives a small footprint device yielding flat fingerprints or optionally, rolled fingerprint for one finger.

3. Palm capture
   of one or more palms simultaneously. (In low resolution, can even do palm reading.)

4. Hand and face capture
   simultaneously, which gives multi-modal capture of frontal hand capture options (above) with face capture, sufficient for face recognition as well as print matching.

5. Rolled 10 print capture
   instantaneously, which gives rolled fingerprints, palm prints, and hand geometry.

These offer advantages to booking stations, border entry, secure transactions, access control, and they enable the next generation of fingerprint matching.

What is HandID's goal?

Our goal is to dramatically improve the capture and processing of hand information.

What is HandID's strategy?

Our strategy is to further develop and bring to market a host of products along the lines of our five principal pursuits (frontal capture, finger capture, palm capture, hand and face capture, and rolled 10 print capture). We license our technology to academic instutions engaged in related research and to commercial companies focused on specific markets.

Contact information

HandShot, LLC
1 Leighton St #1501
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 800-0619
info@handid.net