Fingerprint Cards and Idex Biometrics introduce new technologies for payment cards

As fingerprint-enabled biometric payment cards draw closer to large-scale issuance, new technologies are being developed to meet the remaining challenges in the market.

Meeting efficiency requirements and balancing ease-of-use with security are the two main challenges behind biometric payment cards, according to a  STMicroelectronics blog post.

The efficiency challenge is around fitting the components into the physical form factor and providing the necessary storage and computational power. The security and user experience challenge includes a lack of standardization around enrollment, and the complexity of the systems needed to ensure security and privacy.

The biometric System-on-Card platform being co-developed by ST and Fingerprint Cards addresses both of these issues, according to the post.

A promotional video from Fingerprint Cards depicts two version of BSoC with its technology, including the integration of the secure element with the sensor in its second-generation T-Shape module.

FPC has also produced a video showing the use of a mobile device app for home enrollment of fingerprint biometrics to a payment card. The video also shows the use of the card and its fingerprint sensor to make a purchase with the device, which in this case is a smartphone.

The company says in a Tweet that enrollment through a smartphone is the preferred method of 79 percent of consumers.

The HASHWallet fingerprint smart card from eSignus and CardLab with FPC sensors has reached a Beta release, according to a LinkedIn post.

The HASHWallet will have a 3.1-inch display, and its recovery system will be compatible with the BIP39 standard, according to an update posted to Medium. The recovery card includes an SLE78 secure element from Infineon with an EAL6+ certification, and improved NFC security with the SLE78 and ST25 transceiver.

The first batch of units is slated for delivery in June, 2021.

eSignus also recently closed a $500,000 funding round.

Robot tests Idex’ biometric cards

Testing biometric cards also comes with its own challenges, so Idex Biometrics has put a robot developed by Automata to work on repetitive user experience tests.

The Eva robot was delivered within a couple of weeks of Idex reaching out to Automata, and was installed and ready to test within about an hour, replacing a process of testing by hand which benefits from increased precision, such as the angle at which a contactless card is held when “tapped.”

Automata was able to provide a library so its API service could be customized to meet Idex’ needs. Eva is operated remotely, allowing the company to continue working uninterrupted through the pandemic.

Next-Generation Cards 2020 event approaches

The Asia-Pacific Smart Cards Association (APSCA) is holding its Next-Generation Cards 2020 Virtual Global Summit & Expo online December 1 to 3. The event will highlight key developments and disruptive innovations in payment and identity cards, the organization says, with business presentations and discussions, technology seminars, industry meetings, exhibition showcases and demonstrations, along with networking opportunities.

Article Topics

biometric cards  |  biometric enrollment  |  biometric testing  |  biometrics  |  CardLab  |  Fingerprint Cards  |  fingerprint sensors  |  Idex Biometrics  |  robots  |  secure element