Identica reports that vascular biometrics used in pilot tests
According to Identica Corporation, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing vascular biometrics as part of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. The TWIC program seeks to implement a card-based access control and identification system for identifying workers at U.S. ports; biometrics is a future component of the verification process used with this credential.
Vascular biometrics refers to the technology of using scanners to identify and recognize a person based on their veins; developers of this technology found that the layout of veins varies by individuals, much like fingerprints. Some vascular technologies analyze a finger; others have used the central parts of the hand.
Biometrics has been a challenge for the TWIC program, since the port environment typically involves outdoor perimeter locations for access control and identity verification, and also may involve mobile units for identification of workers on site. Identica is offering a heated outdoor enclosure for the units that are designed to withstand poor weather conditions.