3-D Light System May Revolutionize Fingerprinting 71
coondoggie writes "The US Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate recently awarded almost $420,000 to a Kentucky company to further develop a contactless finger print/biometric system. The goal is a machine that can snap 10 fingerprints in high resolution in less than 10 seconds, without human intervention. This goal is beginning to look feasible. FlashScan3D is working with the University of Kentucky's Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments, and has developed a technique called 'structured light illumination' (WIPO patent description), where a pattern of dots or stripes is projected onto a curved or irregular surface."
Oh, boy! (Score:3, Funny)
The US Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate...
Stop right there. Already, I don't like it!
Re:Great! (Score:2, Funny)
Balanced on the head of a pin is also an equilibrium state. But it is inherently unstable.
Re:Great! (Score:4, Funny)
Yes, that's what my "police state" comment was referring to. Of course, why stop there? They might catch even more terrorists if they take more fingerprints.
Fingerprinting for Freedom! Did you already give a fingerprint today? Your fingerprint too could belong to a terrorist, so get fingerprinted now! Never forget: fingerprint early, and fingerprint often!
Re:Oh, boy! (Score:2, Funny)
Interesting summary. If there is no human intervention, whose fingerprints are snapped?