A team of researchers, led by Wenyao Xu, assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has developed a biometric scanner that verifies a computer user’s identity by recognizing the geometry of their heart, according to a report in The University Network.
Biometric scanners use physical features as an alternative to password protection. The most common biometric scanner uses fingerprints for authentication. Retinal scanning is another well-known biometric identification technique.
This is the first time a full organ has been used as an identifier. The device, which took Xu and his team three years to develop, uses the size, shape and movement of the heart to make an identification and operates via radar. The device takes eight seconds to record an initial imprint of the user’s heart. After that, the scanner monitors the user to make sure only authorized individuals can access the computer.
