Embedded Systems Conference, SAN FRANCISCO, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Fujitsu MBF200 single touch sensor and MBF310 Sweep Sensor(TM) have been
selected for a new fingerprint-verification reference design module developed
by Shimon Systems and based on DSP technology from Texas Instruments
Incorporated, it was announced today. (See the March 1, 2005 press release
from TI and Shimon.).
    Shimon Systems and Texas Instruments announced the new Fingerscan
BIO-EM(TM), a cost-effective, fingerprint-recognition module that
authenticates users by capturing, converting, storing and matching their
fingerprint images. This complete standalone system enables OEMs to build
highly accurate authentication systems for automobiles, point-of-sale
terminals, automatic teller machines, physical access devices and safety
deposit boxes. The module provides increased accuracy and efficiency so end
products can accurately identify users, reduce total recognition time, and
support battery -operation. BIO-EM stores a large number of fingerprint
templates, so a single system can authenticate many users.
    Developers of biometric systems that require customization and a fast
time-to-market will benefit from the BIO-EM's flexible design and the DSP's
real-time processing capabilities. The module, which is easily customized, can
be designed to operate in standalone mode with an interface using the USB port
of a PC.
    The BIO-EM consists of two boards, including a motherboard with TI's
TMS320VC5507 DSP, memory, DC-DC power-supply circuits, USB connector and LEDs.
A daughterboard incorporates the Fujitsu biometric sensors.
    The Fujitsu MBF200 is a single-touch fingerprint sensor with an image area
of 0.5" x 0.6" that produces a clear 500-dpi 8-bit greyscale image. The
Fujitsu MBF310 Sweep Sensor also provides a clear 500-dpi, 8-bit greyscale
image but is smaller in size, reducing system cost. The Fujitsu fingerprint
sensors provide low power consumption, making them ideal for battery-operated
applications such as key fobs, home door locks and other standalone
applications.
    The TI C55x(TM) generation DSP is appropriate for low-power, portable
devices, such as those used for biometrics. The TI C55 preserves battery life
and has the precision necessary to enable image enhancement of the
fingerprint, leading to greater accuracy and improved matching speed.
    "Our fingerprint sensors are ideal for this TI DSP reference design
platform because of their small footprint, low power and high reliability.
They have been widely applied in a broad range of different products because
of their reliability, image quality and low power," said Mike Chaudoin, senior
manager for FMA's Biometric Solutions Group. "Shimon's reference design
reduces system costs and speeds time to deployment, expanding the total market
for biometric fingerprint sensor deployments."

    About Fujitsu Microelectronics America
    Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) leads the industry in
innovation. FMA provides high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and
services for the networking, communications, automotive, security and other
markets throughout North and South America. For product information, visit the
company web site at us.fujitsu.com/micro/biometricsensors

    NOTE:  C55x and TMS320VC55x are trademarks of Texas Instruments, Inc.
Shimon Systems, Inc. and BIO-EM are trademarks of Shimon Systems, Inc. Sweep
Sensor is a trademark of Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.

 SOURCE  Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.

Web site:  http://www.fma.fujitsu.com