Xiaomi 30 juni

OnePlus confirms that the OnePlus 2 will indeed sport a fingerprint sensor

OnePlus, in its parade of announcing each and every specification of the upcoming OnePlus 2 flagship in separate posts, has announced today that the phone will sport a fingerprint sensor. It was a much-rumored feature of the device (and will probably be coming to the upcoming line of Nexus devices as well, thanks to official support in Android M), and now it’s confirmed.

We told you earlier today about a couple of photos that leaked showing — appropriately — a fingerprint sensor on the back of a device that could potentially be the next OnePlus phone. That device has a metal build, a wood back cover, and appears to have bezels on the top and bottom that just about as thin as razors.

Other OnePlus 2 specs that have been announced up to this point include its Snapdragon 810 processor, and its USB Type-C port for charging and data syncing. Additionally, Carl Pei has mentioned that the phone will cost more than $322, and that it will be officially announced by way of a special virtual reality press conference on July 27th.

With the OnePlus 2, the fingerprint sensor is done right. It’s refined and lightning quick, unlocking your device faster than TouchID. The average person checks their phone over 200 times per day. If you spend just three seconds inputting a PIN number or pattern, that’s over an hour of your time gone each week.
On the OnePlus 2, one quick tap takes you right to your homescreen. With the ability to store up to five fingerprint profiles, it’s fast, it’s safe, and it’s secure. Your smartphone is your most personal device, and its security should be personal, too.

With Android M, Google is introducing official support for fingerprint sensors. While Samsung and other manufacturers have long been building their own solutions, Apple has benefitted from a unified ecosystem through developers who have taken advantage of Touch ID. And with Google adding support for these sensors in Android M, it seems likely that the company would — as usual — use its Nexus line to demo the technology.

Fingerprint recognition

Fingerprint recognition or fingerprint authentication refers to the automated method of verifying a match between two human fingerprints. Fingerprints are one of many forms of biometrics used to identify individuals and verify their identity.

Background[edit]

The analysis of fingerprints for matching purposes generally requires the comparison of several features of the print pattern. These include patterns, which are aggregate characteristics of ridges, and minutia points, which are unique features found within the patterns.^[1] It is also necessary to know the structure and properties of human skinin order to successfully employ some of the imaging technologies.

Patterns[edit]

The three basic patterns of fingerprint ridges are the arch, loop, and whorl:

• arch: The ridges enter from one side of the finger, rise in the center forming an arc, and then exit the other side of the finger.
• loop: The ridges enter from one side of a finger, form a curve, and then exit on that same side.
• whorl: Ridges form circularly around a central point on the finger.

Scientists have found that family members often share the same general fingerprint patterns, leading to the belief that these patterns are inherited.^[2]

The arch pattern.

The loop pattern.

The major minutia features of fingerprint ridges are ridge ending, bifurcation, and short ridge (or dot). The ridge ending is the point at which a ridge terminates. Bifurcations are points at which a single ridge splits into two ridges. Short ridges (or dots) are ridges which are significantly shorter than the average ridge length on the fingerprint. Minutiae and patterns are very important in the analysis of fingerprints since no two fingers have been shown to be identical.^[3]

Ridge ending.

Bifurcation.

Fingerprint sensors[edit]

A fingerprint sensor is an aelectronic device used to capture a digital image of the fingerprint pattern. The captured image is called a live scan. This live scan is digitally processed to create a biometric template (a collection of extracted features) which is stored and used for matching. This is an overview of some of the more commonly used fingerprint sensor technologies.

Optical[edit]

Optical fingerprint imaging involves capturing a digital image of the print using visible light. This type of sensor is, in essence, a specialized digital camera. The top layer of the sensor, where the finger is placed, is known as the touch surface. Beneath this layer is a light-emitting phosphor layer which illuminates the surface of the finger. The light reflected from the finger passes through the phosphor layer to an array of solid state pixels (a charge-coupled device) which captures a visual image of the fingerprint. A scratched or dirty touch surface can cause a bad image of the fingerprint. A disadvantage of this type of sensor is the fact that the imaging capabilities are affected by the quality of skin on the finger. For instance, a dirty or marked finger is difficult to image properly. Also, it is possible for an individual to erode the outer layer of skin on the fingertips to the point where the fingerprint is no longer visible. It can also be easily fooled by an image of a fingerprint if not coupled with a "live finger" detector. However, unlike capacitive sensors, this sensor technology is not susceptible to electrostatic discharge damage.^[4]

Fingerprints can be read from a distance.^[1]

Ultrasonic[edit]

Ultrasonic sensors make use of the principles of medical ultrasonography in order to create visual images of the fingerprint. Unlike optical imaging, ultrasonic sensors use very high frequency sound waves to penetrate the epidermal layer of skin. The sound waves are generated using piezoelectric transducers and reflected energy is also measured using piezoelectric materials. Since the dermal skin layer exhibits the same characteristic pattern of the fingerprint, the reflected wave measurements can be used to form an image of the fingerprint. This eliminates the need for clean, undamaged epidermal skin and a clean sensing surface.^[5]

Capacitance[edit]

Capacitance sensors use principles associated with capacitance in order to form fingerprint images. In this method of imaging, the sensor array pixels each act as one plate of a parallel-plate capacitor, the dermal layer (which is electrically conductive) acts as the other plate, and the non-conductive epidermal layer acts as a dielectric.

Passive capacitance[edit]

A passive capacitance sensor use the principle outlined above to form an image of the fingerprint patterns on the dermal layer of skin. Each sensor pixel is used to measure the capacitance at that point of the array. The capacitance varies between the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint due to the fact that the volume between the dermal layer and sensing element in valleys contains an air gap. The dielectric constant of the epidermis and the area of the sensing element are known values. The measured capacitance values are then used to distinguish between fingerprint ridges and valleys.^[6]

Active capacitance[edit]

Active capacitance sensors use a charging cycle to apply a voltage to the skin before measurement takes place. The application of voltage charges the effective capacitor. The electric field between the finger and sensor follows the pattern of the ridges in the dermal skin layer. On the discharge cycle, the voltage across the dermal layer and sensing element is compared against a reference voltage in order to calculate the capacitance. The distance values are then calculated mathematically, and used to form an image of the fingerprint.^[7] Active capacitance sensors measure the ridge patterns of the dermal layer like the ultrasonic method. Again, this eliminates the need for clean, undamaged epidermal skin and a clean sensing surface.^[7]

Algorithms[edit]

Matching algorithms are used to compare previously stored templates of fingerprints against candidate fingerprints for authentication purposes. In order to do this either the original image must be directly compared with the candidate image or certain features must be compared.^[8]

Pattern-based (or image-based) algorithms[edit]

Pattern based algorithms compare the basic fingerprint patterns (arch, whorl, and loop) between a previously stored template and a candidate fingerprint. This requires that the images can be aligned in the same orientation. To do this, the algorithm finds a central point in the fingerprint image and centers on that. In a pattern-based algorithm, the template contains the type, size, and orientation of patterns within the aligned fingerprint image. The candidate fingerprint image is graphically compared with the template to determine the degree to which they match.^[9]

FPC presentation 2015

Presentation 2015

Malaysia Urged to Adopt Biometric IDs for Refugee Crisis

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is urging Malaysia’s government to let it introduce a biometric identity card to refugees fleeing from neighboring Myanmar. Most of the refugees are ethnic Rohingya Muslims facing persecution and oppression from the largely Buddhist majority in Myanmar.

The sheer volume of refugees alone is cause for concern among Malaysian authorities and other stakeholders, with the UNHCR having registered over 150,000 – mostly from Myanmar – as of May, and predicting that tens of thousands more could be undocumented. This latter group in particular is vulnerable to human trafficking or getting involved in crime, and so identification is paramount.

While the UNHCR already issues identity cards to refugees, these cards are mostly useful for helping them to find work in informal sectors, and have no legal standing. That’s why the UNHCR is urging the Malaysian government to help it roll out biometric identity cards that could verifiably be connected to each individual, allowing for consistent identification for such purposes as tracking potential criminal activity and administering subsidies and services.

This is a solution that the UNHCR has been pursuing for some time. Following a successful pilot project in the Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi, the agency has proceeded to select Accenture as a vendor, with the company’s multimodal Biometric Identity Management System being deployed in conjunction with its Unique Identity Service Platform to help the company collect and analyze refugees’ biometric data. Now, there is an opportunity for this careful preparation to have a powerful impact. The Malaysian government is considering the proposal.

Source: The Malaysian Insider

Vinnare i halvtid

Börs Halva börsåret 2015 har passerats och 32 aktier har minst dubblats i 
värde från årsskiftet. 26 aktier har samtidigt halverats eller mer. 
Här är listan på de aktier du skulle ha haft och de du inte skulle ha haft.

För den som satsat rätt i början av året kan stora vinster kammas hem lagom till semestern. Den som exempelvis köpte Fingerprint Cards eller Angler Gaming inför 2015 kan skatta sig lycklig. Men det är också gott om bolag som totalfloppat och i princip fått se sina aktiekurser falla som stenar.

Fingerprint Cards är det bolag som ökat mest i värde hittills i år, med en ökning på imponerande 348 procent. Företaget utvecklar och säljer biometrisk teknik för avläsning av fingeravtryck. Orderingången har varit stark under året, vilket också speglar sig i den starka kursutvecklingen.

Advencia utvecklar krypteringssystem för nätverkskommunikation. Efter att ha handlats runt 7 kronor under en lång tid steg aktien kraftigt då bolaget meddelade om en order värd 56,5 miljoner kronor från en svensk myndighet. Kort därefter vann bolaget ännu en upphandling, denna gång från en norsk myndighet, och kursen fortsatte spikrakt uppåt. Sedan årsskiftet har aktien ökat i värde med så mycket som 271 procent.

Netjobs Group arbetar med onlinerekrytering och karriärutveckling och uppgången har varit stark i bolaget.  Bokslutet för 2013 visade positiva siffror och en omsättningstillväxt på 31 procent i Q4 redovisades. Början på 2015 fortsatte med samma manér och i år har aktien stigit med 218 procent.

Ett annat bolag som skjutit i höjden är valutaspekulationsföretaget FX International. Bolaget använder sig av ett datorprogram för alogaritmisk handel, och sedan början på året har bolaget ökat med 210 procent.

Med en ökning med 196 procent kommer Micro Systemation på femte plats. Bolaget bedriver verksamhet inom kriminalteknologi för undersökning av mobiltelefoner och andra portabla enheter. I förra kvartalsrapporten redovisades en stark tillväxt och vändning till vinst, vilket handlarna har gillat.

Men allt är inte guld och gröna skogar på börsen. Somliga bolag har trots den starka början på året totalslaktats i konkurrensen.

När det gäller förlorare ligger försäljnings- och distributionsföretaget Empire på First North nära toppen på bottenlistan. Sedan 1 januari har aktien tappat 88 procent i värde. I delårsrapporten januari – mars 2015 redovisades en minskad försäljning om 62 procent jämfört med föregående kvartal. Kursen har rasat de senaste månaderna.

Även det nischade TV-tjänstbolaget Mavshack har haft ett tufft första halvår. I januari handlades aktien för 4,16 kronor, jämfört med 0,68 i dag. Ett tapp på 84 procent. I senaste kvartalsrapporten redovisades en minskning av antalet återkommande abonnenter.

Eurocines Vaccines utvecklar patentskyddade nasala vacciner.  Men aktieägarna har inte varit nöjda med bolagets utveckling, och sedan årsskiftet har värdet på aktien sjunkit 85 procent.

Även Eniro har det riktigt tufft. Aktien har tappat 84 procent hittills i år. Bolagets utsikter ser något oklara ut och allvarliga misstankar om fiffel med försäljningssiffrorna har skapat en osäkerhet vad gäller företagets pålitlighet. SEB sänkte i början av juni riktkursen till 1,75 kronor från tidigare 2,37 kronor, nu handlas aktien ännu lägre på 1,2 kronor. 

	% från
MINST DUBBLADE	årsskiftet
Fingerprint Cards B	348
Angler Gaming	271
Advenica	265
NetJobs Group	218
FX International	210
Micro Systemation	196
Precise Biometrics	186
Starbreeze	169
Saniona	157
BrainCool	154
Mycronic	149
Dignitana	147
Karo Bio	146
Aerocrine	142
RLS Global	140
MVV Holding	130
Spago Nanomedical	128
Oden Control	127
ProstaLund	125
New Equity Venture Int	122
EasyFill B	116
Gabather	113
Invisio Communications	113
RaySearch Lab	110
Probi	110
Anoto Group	105
2E Group	105
A1M Pharma	100
Stureguld Sverige	100
GWS Production	100
Yield Life Science	100
Peptonic Medical	100
Källa: Avanza kl 15.45, 25 juni

The Ola smart biometric entry lock

ust press your pre-registered finger on the fingerprint scanner (yelling ‘open sesame!’ while doing so is optional).

Pulkit Chandna | @PulkitChandna

Freelance contributor, TechHive

• Jun 24, 2015 10:39 AM
• e-mail
• print

An undercurrent of frustration has brewed ever since the first key-operated lock was invented some four thousand years ago, erupting to the fore each time a key is forgotten or goes missing and someone is locked out of their own home. Smart locks are one solution to this age-old problem, but many people have issues with their reliance on memorized passcodes or smartphones. Enter Ola, a smart lock that ditches keys altogether, relying instead on recognizing your fingerprint.

Developed by a Beijing-based company, Ola is a Bluetooth-enabled entry lock with a fingerprint scanner built right into its handle. While it does have a dedicated app—duh, it’s a smart lock—its role is fairly limited beyond the initial setup process. Ola’s developers say you don’t need the phone once you’ve scanned your lock’s unique QR code and registered your fingerprint; you can unlock your door in less than a second by simply touching the sensor.

Why this matters: Nearly every established brand—and quite a few newcomers—have entered this rapidly growing market, each with its own idea about how a smart lock should function. Some locks require you to take out your phone and tap an on-screen button to unlock your door, others are equipped with a proximity sensor for hands-free entry, and still other rely on keypads on the lock itself. The problem with these existing approaches is their reliance on either smartphones—things that are known to be forgotten on occasion, run out of juice, and even become lost—or the users’ ability to memorize a passocde. Ola bucks that trend with a solution that seems to be both convenient and remarkably simple.

The app isn’t entirely useless, though. It too can be used for unlocking if that’s what you want. But why would anyone buying this lock want to go through the whole rigmarole of taking out the phone, ensuring Bluetooth is on, firing up the app, and tapping madly to gain entry? Well, let’s not overlook the need to grant access to family, friends and other visitors every now and then. You can generate temporary keys for them using the app, allowing them to unlock your door via Bluetooth.

Ola is a complete lock, and not an add-on for your existing setup, and will be available in both mortise and latch-bolt variants. It has a capacitive touch fingerprint sensor (developed by the Swedish company Fingerprint Cards) that uses a radio frequency signal to scan sub-dermal fingerprint patterns. For added security, the scanned fingerprints are stored only inside Ola. There are four AA batteries that should last you 2-3 years; but should they die on you all of a sudden, there’s a backup set that can activated with a single button. And if that too fails, there’s a micro-USB port for powering the unit from an external battery.

The $179 lock is available for pre-order on Kickstarter, where the company is trying to raise $125,000 to help fund the initial production run. As of writing this, $159 is the minimum you need to pay for one Ola unit (shipping included).