Palm vein authentication works by comparing the pattern of veins in the palm (which appear as blue lines) of a person being authenticated with a pattern stored in a database. Vascular patterns are unique to each individual, according to Fujitsu research — even identical twins have different patterns. And since the vascular patterns exist inside the body, they cannot be stolen by means of photography, voice recording or fingerprints, thereby making this method of biometric authentication more secure than others.[1]

Figure. 1. Palm vein Authentication Technology

HOW SECURE IS THE TECHNOLOGY?

As the patterns of an individuals two hands differ, the hand used on registration must be used for logging in. No two people in the world share a palm vein pattern – even those of identical twins differ. And if you registered your profile as a child, it'll still be recognized as you grow, as an individual's patterns of veins are established in uterus (before birth). Over and above the devices ability to perform personal authentication was verified taking into account the age factor, the state of the person whether drunk or not, just after a bath etc.

ADVANTAGES

In addition to the palm, vein authentication can be done using the vascular pattern on the back of a hand or a finger. However, the palm vein pattern is the most complex and covers the widest area, because the palm has no hair, it is easier to photograph its vascular pattern. The palm also has no significant variations in skin color compared with fingers or back of the hand, where the color can darken in certain areas.[2]

WHAT CAN PALM VEIN TECHNOLOGY BE USED FOR?

• Personal identification

This type of biometrics-based authentication technology provides means to identify a person with more accuracy than face recognition or fingerprints.

• Workforce communication

Palm vein recognition technology can be used in supervising and directing employees' actions, like checking the time of arrival to work or the time spent at the workplace.

• Access Control

Prevention of unauthorized access to valuable information or equipment using palm vein scans is more secure than using passwords.

• Healthcare

Palm vein scans can be linked to patients' medical history and used for identifying them and quickly accessing necessary information.

• Banking

For financial operations held both online and offline, palm vein recognition can serve as a digital signature, effectively replacing other means of authorization. [3]

References:

1. https://www.fujitsu.com/downloads/COMP/ffna/palm-vein/palmsecure_wp.pdf
2. https://www.ijert.org/palm-vein-technology
3. https://recfaces.com/articles/palm-vein-scan

Cite this article:

Nithyasri S (2022), Palm vein Authentication Technology, Anatechmaz, pp. 39