Latest SecuGen Hamster fingerprint reader looks pretty slick

SecuGen Hamster Pro 20 (SecuGen)

Earlier versions of the optical fingerprint reader were much taller.

Souce: SecuGen

 

The Hamdroid

...or maybe it's the Andster. At any rate, the Android Hamster or Hamster for Android is on it's way and whatever the marketers decide to go with, the combination of a reliable, affordable, off-the-shelf, USB fingerprint reader and reliable, affordable, off-the-shelf, tablet devices could be a real game changer.

Artwork not endorsed/approved by Google or SecuGen

Now, for around than $150 all in, tinkerers can purchase a staggering array of hardware and operate it on an open platform. I can't wait to see what people do with that power. Even before this, folks were applying biometrics to more things than any one person could possibly imagine.

The SecuGen Hamster sells for as low as $79.00.
Android tablets are available for as low as $70.00. I saw some sales circulars in the Sunday paper (Wal-Mart & Best Buy) advertising 7 in. tablets with front-facing cameras and Wi-Fi for $69.99.


Secugen releases fingerprint authentication SDK for Android (Biometric Update)

SecuGen has just announced the release of its FDx SDK Pro for Android.

According to the company, this new SDK will allow developers to add fingerprint authentication to their Android-based software on ARM tablets and smart phones using SecuGen’s Hamster IV and Hamster Plus fingerprint readers. This SDK also incorporates SecuGen’s MINEX tested, FIPS 201/PIV complicate template extraction and matching algorithms.

“We are very excited to be able to offer Android compatibility for our fingerprint readers,” Dan Riley, VP of engineering at SecuGen said. “Our partners have been asking for this and our role, as always, is to provide them with the tools that they need. The FDx SDK Pro for Android is one of several exciting new products that we will be bringing to market in 2013.”

UPDATE: Minor edits, added links to hardware, and bumped.

Droid Hamsters!

SecuGen Corporation announces Android compatibility of SecuGen Hamster Fingerprint Readers (Press Release via California News Wire)

SecuGen's soon-to-be released SDK for Android will allow developers to create mobile applications secured by a user's fingerprint. This SDK for Android will incorporate SecuGen's MINEX certified, FIPS 201/PIV-compliant fingerprint template extraction and matching algorithms. The SDK will also include drivers and APIs for image capture and processing of fingerprints scanned by the Hamster Plus and Hamster IV readers as well as the iD-USB SC and the iD-USB SC/PIV fingerprint and smartcard combination devices. SecuGen's biometric products are widely recognized for being rugged, accurate, and affordable and are sold through reseller partners worldwide.

SecuGen Obtains Permanent Injunction Against Suprema Distributors and OEM Partners in Patent Infringement Lawsuit

Press Release

The United States District Court for the Northern District of California has ordered that Suprema distributors and OEM partners RBH Access Technologies, Inc. and RBH USA, Inc. are permanently prohibited from importing, offering for sale, distributing or selling within the United States products that incorporate non-licensed Suprema fingerprint sensors, including RBH-BFR-200-S, RBH-BFR-200-M, RBH-BFR-300-S, RBH-BFR-300-M, and RBH-BFR-USB.

SecuGen has alleged that optical fingerprint sensors made by Suprema Inc. and incorporated into biometric security products by Suprema and its distributors and OEM partners willfully infringe SecuGen’s patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,324,020, issued in 2001. This patent covers core imaging technology that SecuGen has developed to produce optical fingerprint sensors that are used in biometric security applications, such as door locks, time & attendance, access control, and labor tracking systems.

Earlier posts on this subject:
MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011


h/t @m2sys

SecuGen Widens Patent Infringement Suit

SecuGen, maker of the Hamster, has extended its patent infringement suit to include several new parties.

SecuGen Corporation Sues Suprema Distributors and OEM Partners for Patent Infringement (Zimbio.com)

SecuGen Corporation, a world leading provider of fingerprint sensor technology in the Silicon Valley, announced today that it has added RBH Access Technologies, Inc., RBH USA, Inc., and Apiary, Inc. as defendants in its ongoing patent infringement lawsuit against Suprema. These additional defendants are distributors and OEM manufacturers that make, use, and sell products containing the Suprema sensors that have been accused of infringing SecuGen's patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,324,020.