Biometric sensors recognize personal or behavioral traits and are primarily used for identification, authentication and monitoring purposes. In short, biometric sensors are transducers that convert biometric inputs like fingerprints, voice, vein patterns or facial traits into an electrical signal. The biometric sensors market was valued at $780 million in 2015. According to analysts at Technavio, the market is poised to grow at a CAGR of around 12% by 2020.
Here are some of the latest developments in the biometric sensors market as identified by Technavio’s researchers:
Mobile biometrics payment
With smartphone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung creating features like fingerprint mobile payment technology, the use of biometrics to make mobile payments is sure to increase in the next few years. Some of the most commonly used biometrics in mobile devices include fingerprint sensors, voice recognition and facial recognition sensors. Regarded as one of the easiest and most secure payment methods, payment through mobile biometrics has emerged as a current trend in the global biometric sensors market.
Multimodal biometrics
A combination of two or more biometric technologies, multimodal biometrics is used to identify and verify individuals. There are situations wherein a single biometric identification system does not provide the accurate and exact match of the identity of an individual – it is in this context that multimodal biometrics are used to obtain more reliable, secure and accurate information that helps in avoiding spoofing attacks. These biometrics are widely used for border control, as they help local and international law enforcement agencies quickly identify criminals and track them across borders, thereby ensuring safe entry and exit of citizens and travelers. Countries like the US, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong are already using multimodal biometrics for this purpose.
Biometric mobile apps
Another major development in the global biometric sensors market is the emergence of low-cost and portable biometric scanners on smart phones, which help law enforcement officials easily identify suspects and scan through their criminal history based on their face, iris, and fingerprint data. One excellent example is the 3D FaceMatch biometric developed by NXT-ID, which is being used by the Palm Bay Police Department in Florida to enroll inmates in local detention centers.
Touchless sensing technology
The most recent development has been the emergence of touchless sensing technology. This is especially important give the fact that a fingerprint scan requires the end-user to place his or her finger on a plain glass surface, which can lead to smudged or deformed images. Touchless sensing technology allows for the generation of 3D fingerprint scans without causing any slippage, deformation, or smearing of fingerprints.
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