The future of biometrics: 3D-printed fingerprints

Image Source: economist.com

Biometric technologies have purposes beyond security infrastructure support. They make way for next-generation identification and verification solutions and prevention of identity theft and fraud, among others. Thus, biometrics is one of the critical components of a successful operation of an organization, establishment, and government agency. The most commonly implemented or studied biometrics are the following: face, iris, voice, signature, hand geometry, and fingerprint. Employee identification, electronic banking, law enforcement, and healthcare services are a few of the fields that have upgraded their operations through the integration of biometric technologies.

Image Source: biometrika.it

However, just like any technology, biometric systems have vulnerabilities. There are cases when their accuracy is compromised. It is then critical to have a reasonable evaluation of the performance of any biometric system in an operational setting before its deployment. A research partnership between Michigan State University and National Institute of Standards and Technology tested the accuracy of a fingerprint matching system by coming up with the first 3D-printed fingerprint. The researchers projected 2D images on a generic 3D finger surface, which then fabricates the 3D fingerprint in a commercial 3D printer.

Image Source: dailymail.co.uk

This system avoids the laborious task of running millions of fingerprint images through the biometric system's matching software, which can be inaccurate. 3D fingerprinting is helpful to both sensor manufacturers and algorithm developers to boost hardware and software fingerprint matching systems. Moreover, 3D fingerprinting will also contribute to the potential touchless fingerprint sensing solutions being developed.

 To read more news on biomedical studies, visit this Riyesh R. Menon blog.

Biomedical engineering as a discipline

Image Source: ep.jhu.edu

Biomedical engineering is one of the fastest growing fields of medical technology. From laboratory instrumentation to the computer analysis of the human genome, it is considered one of the fields that have achieved astounding achievements over the past few years.

In the United States, it is estimated that there are now around 15,000 biomedical engineers in various companies, particularly in the healthcare industry. Riyesh Menon of Greater New York, is one of these young practitioners who have high hopes for the field. Mr. Menon has a master’s degree in biomedical engineer from Rutgers University. He has worked as a product development engineer at The Dow Chemical Company, where was involved in the research and development of new healthcare products such as shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, body washes, and soaps containing proprietary chemicals. He has also helped the company develop and analyze innovative, cost-effective, and superior formulation methodologies for healthcare products.

Image Source: nicolsoneng.com

Today, Mr. Menon works as a product development engineer in New York by helping a medical technology company that is dedicated on providing the best patient care and innovative solutions in orthopedic extremity surgery, neurosurgery, spine surgery, and reconstructive and general surgery. Among the projects that he has handled include the development mechanisms and systems of neuro-critical care products such as external drainage devices, shunts and catheters.

Like Mr. Menon, more and more people are now pursuing a career in biomedical engineering. From manufacturing companies and hospitals to research facilities and universities, biomedical engineers have play a vital role in developing solutions to problems in biology and medicine.

Image Source: bu.edu

More discussions on the critical role of biomedical engineers in improving the healthcare system are featured on this Riyesh Menon blog.