Contact-Less User Interfaces Are Becoming A Part Of Our New Future - Part 1

As we progress toward a more contact-less future, given the current precarious situation we find ourselves facing, with the pandemic today causing upheaval to our daily lives....

We decided to share a new post to discuss some contact-less options that already exist in today's world and articles that we have written over the last 10 years or so.


Voice control is one area that we have embraced in recent years with the advent of Google Voice, Home, Amazon Alexa, Echo etc among other offerings.

Below find a number of articles that we have written, that provide some interesting reading about some of the options already available to us. Some of the products listed below do not exist anymore but talented researchers are constantly creating new and improved products that might help us progress through this new world...

Facial Recognition Technology Has Really Come Of Age Thanks To Apple Iphone - Check Out This facial Recognition Security Device From About 10 Years Ago

Almost 10 years ago we wrote an article about some facial recognition technology and especially one particular product that we also sold a number of.

The post we wrote in December 2009 was one of the last posts that year, but proved to be wildly popular. I dont know why exactly.

I have sold about 4 of these units and I believe my customers are still using them today.

Face Recognition Security - For Doors

I have been touting the use of biometric access control systems, especially residential fingerprint controlled door locks, for quite some time.

Recent experience installing some of these products has lead me to understand some of the pitfalls of the technology, especially age related syndromes that affect interface operation by elder users.

Here is a new product, recently released that adopts a variation in biometric access technology.

Facial recognition technology is still in it's infancy compared to other existing biometric systems (like fingerprints etc). Embrace the world of advanced time attendance systems. Beautifully designed to compliment any imaginable décor, this facial identification time attendance system recognizes faces in 3D by utilizing the internal dual sensor and dual camera that allows it to establish an incredible facial recognition algorithm in a fraction of a second.

At a Glance...

• Lock and unlocks doors
• Face recognition technology
• Record employee attendance
• Time keeping and data logging
• Export and Import from a TXT file
• Download recorded data via USB or TCP/IP
• Included software for detailed record keeping and analysis

(source...)

Biometric Access Control With Face Recognition Technology

RCG Security products distributes some brilliant technology designed for the access control market.

The FxGuard Pro offers the most accurate
facial identification and verification
technology available today. The technology
is user-friendly and highly intuitive with
verification time of less than 1 second.
For added security, FxGuard Pro adopts
dual-factor authentication (right token
and right face). The system is suitable for
access control at public exhibitions and
business & government premises.



• The first facial recognition application that runs primarily on TCP/IP.
• Easy integration with corporate LAN.
• Proven speed and accuracy.
• Cross-platform compatibility.
• Built-in infrared sensor and RFID reader.
• Perfect for access control and time-and-attendance application.
• Facial verification takes less than 1 second.

FxGuard Pro can easily integrate with
corporate Local Area Network (LAN) and
PC workstation or server. It is the first facial
recognition solution that runs primarily on
TCP/IP. This ensures cross-platform
compatibility and users don’t need to install
special software on any PC. With its
user-friendly Web Administration Interface,
clients can easily setup, maintain and access
information in the device by only using an
Internet browser.

FxGuard Pro biometric access
control can help to reduce security
cost with automated, unmanned
entry points. All required software
is embedded in the device and no
dedicated computer is required.
This reduces cost of maintenance.

(source...)

Face ID - The Future Of Access Control Has Started.

In December 2009, we wrote an article about this fabulous product and it's infancy in the world of access control.

We are very pleased to see it has survived and entered it's teenage years.

Hanvon are the brains behind this superbly designed and engineered product aimed at hospitals, research labs, banks and large employers to handle time and access identification of employees.

Simple to use, convenient, anti-bacterial, protective and above all else accurate, this product has and will continue to improve our access.

The video after the jump gives a small glimpse of how this product works...

Face Recognition Security - For Doors

I have been touting the use of biometric access control systems, especially residential fingerprint controlled door locks, for quite some time.

Recent experience installing some of these products has lead me to understand some of the pitfalls of the technology, especially age related syndromes that affect interface operation by elder users.

Here is a new product, recently released that adopts a variation in biometric access technology.

Facial recognition technology is still in it's infancy compared to other existing biometric systems (like fingerprints etc). Embrace the world of advanced time attendance systems. Beautifully designed to compliment any imaginable décor, this facial identification time attendance system recognizes faces in 3D by utilizing the internal dual sensor and dual camera that allows it to establish an incredible facial recognition algorithm in a fraction of a second.

At a Glance...

• Lock and unlocks doors
• Face recognition technology
• Record employee attendance
• Time keeping and data logging
• Export and Import from a TXT file
• Download recorded data via USB or TCP/IP
• Included software for detailed record keeping and analysis

(source...)

Facial Recogniton Technology tested by US Dept Of Homeland Security

We began selling an imported Facial Recognition device earlier this year and have been testing it for the last few months. It is surprisingly accurate.

Now, a report surfaces that the US Department of Homeland Security recently conducted it's own test of some technology produced by NEC.

In the benchmark test, the 2D technology produced results like 92% accuracy from a criminal database of 1.6 million persons and a 95% accuracy from a database of visa applicants.

NEC says they largely focus on an individual’s eyes, mouth, or nose, while largely ignoring certain other features, for example the eyebrows. The Nikkei (Japan’s leading business daily) tested the technology just recently if it’s able to recognize the face of an NEC researcher through photos that were taken in 1987 and 2010.

NEC now expects the technology to be used for crime investigations or immigration control, for example. (source...)

Our product sells for about $480 and can be used as an interface for access control. You can use it like a time clock/attendance system, control access to secure facilities or specifically to ensure your employees are arriving at work (not getting a work mate to sign them in).

Morpho - Contactless 3D Facial Recognition Interface

We first discussed this product, way back in February 2008.

The Vision Access 3D Facial Recognition Interface was subsequently acquired by Idemia, a French company specializing in biometric access control devices. 

Under the company's brand name Morpho, they offer some different products tailored to the financial, telecommunications, identity, security and IoT (internet of things) industries.

With modern day technological products continuing to evolve, the market is flooded with many styles and types of devices to whet our appetites.

Morpho are part of a €3BN annual turnover company that has been around for many years and has earned a reputation for quality and longevity.

Based in France, they employ over 22000 people worldwide, with representation in about 55 countries, including the USA.

With customers desiring more efficient and higher quality access control systems, Morpho are the cutting edge industry leader in biometric products.

The Morpho 3D Face Recognition Interface (pictured above) works like shown in the video below...

The ability to enjoy hands free access control, using a local database of authorized face images offers commercial locations a superior and professional experience that is incredibly secure and very easy to manage,

Check the source below for more on the company.

(source...)

David-Link Systems - Biometric Access Control Solutions Simplified

David-Link are a southern California based company specializing in biometric access control and time clock/employee attendance products and services.

They offer unique branded super-high quality fingerprint readers and facial recognition devices, like the one pictured here. This particular model also doubles as an intercom system, so it's a perfect modern solution for high trafficked environments that may require increased security levels.

David-Link, established in 2008 are building a reputation for providing cost effective high quality products that dramatically improve business control systems, reduce costs and provide timely and accurate reporting.

Not only biometric fingerprint time and attendance systems, facial recognition devices, they also introduced a line of biometric safes that are superbly manufactured and competitively priced. They also provide older style time clock systems with employee punch cards. Also among their product line are laminators, designed for office environments. Laminators are often used for making employee identification badges and signs.

There are many options available in todays market and separating the wheat from the chaff can be a daunting task. With David-Link at the cutting edge of modern, sophisticated technology, combining with their experience in the time clocks of yesteryear, their especially trained and qualified technicians provide timely support and installations across America.

(source...)

Electronic Door Locks - Are They Worth The Price?

I have never been a strong proponent of electronic locking products, due to the constant maintenance required to keep them operating at maximum efficiency and certain other issues like poor component constructions, prone to not working in adverse weather conditions etc etc.

Every so often, I am asked to recommend electronic locking products. Having been in the physical security industry over 25 years and worked in multiple continents, I have seen many and varied applications.

The electronic components in security products started way back in the early 20th century when the first electric strike was installed in an upmarket New York apartment complex.

Up until that time, multi-level apartment complexes required doormen and an escorted elevator trip. The advantage that the electric strike presented was the ability to enjoy a secure entrance unmanned 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at a significantly reduced cost.

Most electronic hardwired systems available today are required to be "fail-safe". This means that if the power fails or is interrupted, the device is un-secure. Many product manufacturers started putting in battery back-ups in their products to assist with security necessities.

The advent of wireless systems actually negates the fail-safe mentality until the battery runs out.....but even still many products have an in-built lithium polymer long life battery, to provide just enough power until the main source batteries can be recharged or replaced. (this can also be illegal in a public building due to the fire and building code - depending on your location)

Technology is advancing rapidly and products are slowly becoming better quality and experiencing longer lives, however I still feel it necessary to recommend to my clients to maintain that mechanical back-up "just in case".

This is expressly why the locksmith industry will continue to exist, much to the angst of some.

Locksmiths, for over 2 centuries have been designing, maintaining and creating systems and products designed to protect the assets of the marketplace. Locksmiths will continue to do so for the next 200 years, I'm sure.

When asked "Should We?".....my first answer is based on determining the true benefits. But I always will recommend a mechanical backup.

The true benefits could be, no more keys to worry about (what about the proximity card - doesnt this just take the place of a key?), the ability to perform audit trails (on sophisticated systems), combination entry (negates the need for a key, but requires a code to be remembered - this could lead to codes being shared - leading to a major security issue).

One of the best advances today is the advent of Bio-metric systems. Finger print or Iris identification systems can negate the need for a key or the need to remember a combination (you cannot lend your finger or eye to someone else - can you?). Facial recognition systems are also a new entrant to the market.

The marketplace should also remember that electronic security products are still expensive and not as generally reliable as mechanical security products. Locksmiths can provide restricted key control systems that enable end users to control who has keys to their properties. This is one of the least expensive and most secure methods for protecting assets, often without the need to replace costly hardware.

IQ - Clever Key Control And Management System

Loxtore RFID Systems AB, are a well known Swedish company producing some technologically advanced RFID key management systems that are especially useful to automotive dealerships and hospitals intent on managing and controlling secure access to their properties.

One such product is shown in the video above. It is fairly easy to use and all keys are totally track-able.

Other controlled access facilities include police stations, military storage houses, gun ranges, power plants, schools and universities, casino's, hotels, property management companies and especially security companies - mobile patrol services/guards.

Almost any corporate facility employs many staff that require controlled access to offices and secure areas. There are modern day physical and electronic access control devices like master key systems, HID/magnetic card or swipe systems, biometric entry devices including fingerprint readers, retina scanners, facial recognition cameras even CCTV.

Statement on Fingerprint Recognition Issue

A little over 6 years ago we wrote an article about issues with the fingerprint sensor affecting Apple iPhones.

The article here explains some of the pitfalls of biometric fingerprint technology and the ease in which some biometric fingerprint scanners can be hacked.

Just yesterday, Samsung made us aware at MWC 2019 (Mobile World Conference) of a simple hack through their new flagship S10 Galaxy phone that defeats the security protocols embedded within.

Similarly to other older known issues with competing brands of fingerprint sensors, used in door locks, safes, vehicles, time clocks etc, the hack involves simply covering the phone screen with a cheap and widely sold screen protector.

The hack can occur when already enrolled fingerprints are stored in the system but by using a screen protector, the sensor becomes "smudged" leaving the product susceptible to virtually any fingerprint.

It has been well know throughout security industry circles (for a great many years) that many fingerprint scanners can be defeated by simply covering the sensor/scanner in clear sticky tape. This effectively stores the last used correct fingerprint and mimics it too easily, by just using any finger on a taped sensor.

Samsung released a statement about 15 hours ago that you can read in the source below.

Will you trust your home or office security or even the security of your cellphone to a vulnerable fingerprint sensor?

Apple decided to remove the fingerprint sensor from their products in subsequent models for the proven, significantly more secure facial recognition technology that is much harder to compromise.

(source...)

Seat Recognition Technolgy To Replace Facial Recognition Technology In Cars Of The Future

Japanese researchers have developed new technology aimed at preventing the incidence of automobile theft.

Seat recognition technology employs a range of sensors embedded in a car seat designed to measure key attributes of the driver. The technology is still in it's infancy but could lead to other advancements is security product design that passively protect our precious auto property.

"The way the technology works is pretty simple. The seat is retrofitted with 360 different sensors. Those sensors take into account things like your weight, the highest value of pressure on the seat, and where you come in contact with the seat. The idea is that we all sit in car seats relatively the same way each time, so the seat should be able to tell who is sitting in it, ensuring that the person is the owner of the car rather than a car thief."

(source...)

iPhone 5S Fingerprint Scanner Hacked - Faith In Biometric Fingerprint Control Begins To Decline

Apple's new iPhone 5S has only been out a few days now, but already some enterprizing German hackers have discovered a flaw with the biometric fingerprint access control function.
(The video after the jump shows how the hack works. )

It is no secret that I have mentioned reasonably often in the recent past about the limitations of fingerprint biometrics.

A few years ago, I was offering (what I thought was) a brilliant product that used a fingerprint scanner as the access control solution. It turns out that I couldnt have been more wrong. I discovered, through significant trial and error that biometric fingerprint scanners are faulty by design.

I think that one of the reasons that fingerprint identification became the rage, a few years ago, was because law enforcement and investigation services have been using the technology for many years to assist with forensic investigations. While it has proved to greatly assist investigators with identifying suspects, the technology must have been misinterpreted when someone thought they could use the technology as an access control solution.

After selling numerous fingerprint scanner products to concerned customers, I was disappointed to discover that most of the products available incurred serious sensitivity issues. Specifically, that people over aged 55 had enormous difficulty operating the devices unless the scanner sensitivity was turned down to zero. This directly reduced the perceived security of the devices. But that was not the only problem...

Artificial Intelligence Now Capable Of Bypassing Fingerprint Security

Artificial Intelligence has grown in recent years to such a point that according to a team of 5 NYU researchers, fingerprint identification, found in many products today, including but not limited to deadbolt locks, entrance sets, electric strike user interfaces, access control and time clocks, among other modern day electronic products, is now able to contravene the once thought of high security alternative to mechanical key entry systems.

We have previously touted the benefits of biometric fingerprint security scanners that were/are included in a great many differing products, including a (now discontinued) high security deadbolt lock that we sold many years ago. We realized the error of our ways, when a number of older clients were finding tremendous difficulty in registering and using the fingerprint deadbolt locks we once recommended. Specifically we found that if you were over 55 years of age, your fingerprints wear more quickly as you age. This proved to be an impediment to future sales of fingerprint operated biometric products because many elder users would have been the primary beneficiaries of keyless, fingerprint operated lock systems.

It is obvious that Apple, recognized the limitations of fingerprint identification systems when they decided to discontinue fingerprint readers in many of their largest selling product lines, like the iPhone, the iPad and other products. Many competing product manufacturers also included fingerprint readers in a host of other products, hoping to also cash in on the once burgeoning sector of the electronics products markets.

An excerpt from the article quoted in the source below explains....

"Named ‘DeepMasterPrints’, the set of fake fingerprints was generated by the NYU scientists using a neural network to be some sort of ‘master key’ for biometric authentication systems that have an error rate of one in a thousand. To work this well, DeepMasterPrints takes advantage of two properties fingerprint authentication systems have: that they scan only a part of the finger at any given time and not the whole finger; and that some features of fingerprints are more common than others. 

So, the weakness in the system here, explains The Guardian, is that fingerprint scanners never blend all the partial images to match a full fingerprint against a full record. Instead, they just compare a partial scan against partial records. This means that attackers need only match one of tens or even hundreds of recorded fingerprints in order to gain access into a secured system.

The scientists’ presented their research paper at a biometrics conference in Los Angeles in October. “The underlying method is likely to have broad applications in fingerprint security as well as fingerprint synthesis,” said NYU’s Philip Bontrager, the lead author of the paper in a statement to Gizmodo. “A similar setup to ours could be used for nefarious purposes, but it would likely not have the success rate we reported unless they optimized it for a smartphone system."

Naturally, as a security services and products provider, we try to remain updated on issues affecting security products and services to enable us to provide our growing lists of customers with updated information regarding products and services aimed at minimizing issues and mitigating security loopholes.

Apple, introduced facial recognition in many of their products, which seems to be becoming quite widely accepted across the wider marketplace.

We highly recommend consulting your local trained and qualified locksmith technician, who can advise you on great quality secure products that will provide continued secure access to your properties and security systems.

At Master Key Systems America LLC, we provide Extreme Security Bilock Restricted mechanical key systems that are virtually unparalleled across the world for bump proof and virtually pick proof locks and cylinders that use virtually copy proof, unique color coded keys. We can produce complex master key systems that can operate up to 1.7 billion separate locks.

There are other brands of high security mechanical key systems that also offer quality security. Contact your local professional locksmith to learn more.

(source...)

To Touch Or Not To Touch...

Yesterdays article, "Has Tapplock Collapsed?" is seeing viral circulation and obviously is hitting a nerve.

We have continued to write multiple articles over the last 10 years about pro's and con's relating to biometric and specifically fingerprint access control products.

As you can see by our above link about fingerprint products, there are many options available across the wider marketplace, hoping to cash in on the fingerprint recognition phenomena, as well as conflicting arguments i have suggested, that fingerprint access control also comes with severe limitations.

Our first foray into biometric fingerprint products was with the Bioaxxis Thumblock Deadbolt. Bioaxxis unfortunately couldnt survive the early years of the burgeoning fingerprint controlled door lock market. Their product was stellar. It worked very simply and was self preserving, even though they suffered from the debilitating issue of security control.

Specifically, the need to reduce or turn down the security of the image recognition of the scanner to enable sufficient operations of the product. This unfortunate attribute contributed greatly to the products demise and I suspect the wider market too.










The Tapplock article further reinforces the current-age issues relating to quality control. There is a penchant in recent years, especially since the beginning of the modern internet era, (Circa 1995 - And the beginning of Netscape Navigator - The beginning of The World Wide Web), to design and build new products without an element of care - but to quickly release to market to capitalize on new money. This unfortunate realization shows that the modern era, while showing significant improvements to our lives, is also moving far too quickly for our own benefits.

Bioaxxis also came out with their commercial product a year later. The Bioaxxis Thumblock Handle, with Key, Fingerprint, Proximity Pad and Digital Pad Entry, checked off multiple desires for total access control.

We installed and sold about 7 of these fabulous products until we recognized that biometric fingerprint access control technology was seriously flawed and the best market for the promising technology was in the aged care arena, where elderly users (who were constantly losing their keys and their ability to remember PIN codes) couldnt (for the most part) lose their fingers. The issues about scanner sensitivity almost killed the fingerprint market and combined with poor quality, rushed to market manufacturing from cheap manufacturing facilities abroad, has even seen stock market darling and leading technology company Apple, remove the readers from their most popular product the iPhone.

Touch control products have made their way into many aspects of all our lives, but I suggest that security is not one that we will see to continue, due to the obvious shortcomings.

I believe that facial recognition technolgy, Iris scanners and voice recognition will enter the mainstream far more rapidly and with better security features than fingerprint technology could have ever hope to achieve.