News Analysis

JCB introduces payment by ‘fingertip blood vessel’

8 March 2004
Mark Lockie

Japan’s largest credit card issuer and acquirer JCB has introduced a fingertip blood
vessel pattern authentication system that combines payment authentication with
access control.

The first facility scheduled to use the system is a 156-unit condominium in Osaka,
Japan, due to be completed in March 2005.

The multifunctional system is designed to allow residents to open doors and pay
for purchases by placing one finger in an infrared reader.

The VA blood vessel authentication technology is developed by domestic supplier
Bionics. According to the company, blood vessel patterns are genetically determined,
and are unique to the individual.

The authentication process is relatively simple; one finger is placed in the reader
and an image of the blood vessel pattern is taken by CCD camera under infrared
light. This image is compared with a pre-enrolled pattern for identification.

Access to shared areas and individual condominiums are controlled by the system.
In addition, purchases made through the system will be charged on the resident's
JCB credit card. The centre includes a shop with food and other necessities, photo
developing and dry cleaning, as well as offering educational seminars and other
events for residents.

According to Bionics, verification time is approximately one second, while the false
reject percentage is quoted at 0.01% with a false accept percentage of 0.0001%.

Mr. Omoto, executive vice president and general manager of JCB’s Advanced
Technologies Department, commented: “JCB is actively engaging in efforts to
integrate biometrics technology into payment systems. We have already announced
an initiative for using fingerprint authorisation devices in mobile phones, and the
launch of this payment system using finger blood vessel pattern authentication is
our next advance. In order to maintain a high rate of progress we will be continuing
to integrate advanced technology with payment systems.”

The new system could be incorporated in 30 new complexes within the next three
years, the companies claim.

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