The New Wave (“Biometric Access & Neural Control”) Dr. William J. Lawson, Ph.D.

The New Wave(“Biometric Access & Neural Control”)

Dr. William J. Lawson, Ph.D.


Introduction

I am sure that everyone would agree that the Internet has impacted most every aspect of our lives and the way in which we live our lives. Indeed, the Internet is a technological tool of supreme magnificence that has enriched our lives and is accessible to everyone whom desires the Internet, but is the Internet truly accessible to anyone? There are many individuals with disabilities that have not had the opportunity to explore the boundlessness of the Internet.


My Belief

It is my belief that Biometrics and a Neural Waveform Analysis Interface (NWAI), may perhaps be two of the most promising and life altering technologies in existence today. The implementation of these technologies could launch the world into a new era. An era where the phrase “mind over matter” has a corporeal meaning and physical disabilities will be redefined.


The most basic definition of biometrics is that it is a pattern recognition system, which establishes and validates an individual's identity based on a specific and unique biological characteristic.

In the world of security, biometrics is referred to as an authentication technique that relies on a computer system to electronically validate a measurable biological characteristic that is physically unique and cannot be duplicated.

What is Biometrics?


There are three methods employed to validate a persons identity: Verification - the least reliable, because the biological feature

used will change over time and can be easily altered. Some examples of these are signature recognition, voice recognition, facial geometry and hand geometry.

Identification - utilizes a biological characteristic that does not change, nor can it be easily altered. Some examples of these are fingerprint identification, retina scan and the iris scan.

Multi-Modal – combines two or more biological characteristics. This method is considered to be the absolute best solution. For example the Pentagon will be implementing a fingerprint and facial recognition solution within the military (Washington Post, October 29, 2001).

I am who I say I am!!!


There are many different types of biometrics, but they can be broken into two primary categories. Those which are intrusive and those which are passive: An intrusive biometric is usually considered to be one which

requires undesirable contact with the subject in order to acquire the electronic data sample of the biological characteristic in question. An example of a intrusive biometric would be retina scanning.

A passive biometric is one which does not require undesirable contact in order to extract the required data of the biological characteristic. An example of a passive biometric would be an iris scan.

Biometric Categories…


Here are some type of biometrics: Fingerprint, iris scan, retina scan, hand geometry, palm print, voice

recognition, facial geometry, facial thermograph, and signature, to name a few.

It would be impossible to address each and every single type in the time allotted. Therefore, I will only be speaking about the ones I believe will be the most beneficial to mobility challenged individuals: Facial Geometry Facial Thermograph EEG (Neural) Fingerprint

Types of Biometrics…


Facial Geometry…A little over two decades ago, the problem of face recognition was considered to be one of the most difficult artificial intelligence issues to solve. The recommended approach is to select and analyze only a few zones within the face and then apply a space-variant conformal mapping to reduce the number of pixels for each zone.

In principle, the analysis of facial images (metrics) seems to be the best way to perform identity authentication and also the most acceptable to the public at large. Why? Because, this is the most natural way for human being to identify someone and we do it does everyday. Not to mention it is passive/non-intrusive.

Adapted from Ekman & Friesen (1978)


Facial Thermograph…Employs an infrared camera to capture the emission heat patterns from the vascular system in a human beings face. The result is a unique and repeatable pattern as the heat passes through the tissues of the face (aura). The captured aura is converted into data and then compared to stored auras of authorized individuals, at which point possible matches are generate along probability percentages. The facial print does not change over time.

Source: www.msu.edu


Undiscovered Biometric…Was is an EEG (Neural) Fingerprint?

This is a working theory of mine and at this point conjecture. Nevertheless, keep in mind that brainwaves are nothing more then patterns. If we could identify at least one pattern that was unique and unchanging, then we would have the perfect security protocol. Such an solution could not be stolen or duplicated and can be applied to all, to include mobility challenged individuals (i.e. amputees/paraplegics/quadriplegics).


Neural waves emanate from the brain in the form of brainwaves or bioelectrical impulses. To further iterate read this article called “Monkey Thoughts Control Computer” published on the BBC News website (http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1871000/1871803.stm). This is not the first article or paper of this type, to promote NWAI. On the contrary there have been countless papers and articles released from multiple universities, colleges, and companies in an attempt to document their research. However, IBVA (www.ibva.com) is on the cutting edge, and the first website to commercialize the distribution of NWAI devices.

Neural Control?

Source: Image is from the IBVA Technologies, Inc website (www.ibva.com)


It is my opinion that a Biometric Access and Neural Control solution will evolve in three-phases.

- The first will be oriented towards control of appliances (i.e. primarily navigating the Internet).

- The second will be mobility (i.e. automobiles, exoskeleton, etc.).

- The third will be the implantation of bionic systems (i.e. cyborg).

Phases of Evolution


The phases of evolution could be aided by employing what is sometimes referred to as an Universal Biometric Identification Card (UBID). The UBID consist of an biometric reader and an Smart Chip. A key feature of an UBID is that it is programmable and can store at least 8mb of data. For example, other biometrics, financial records, medical records, etc.

But, most importantly a users profile can be stored on the UBID. This profile can theoretically allow technology to adapt to an user’s NWAI or other special needs.

My “Mobility Ability Theory”


Biometrics is a emerging and ever changing field in technology that can be implemented into just about anything that requires a security protocol.

While the initial cost of implementation is high the benefits of increased security, peace of mind, and the lessening of man hours are tangible and may justify the cost.

Human mobility is priceless. Therefore, Biometric Technologies must be implemented whenever and wherever possible.

Conclusion…

The New Wave (“Biometric Access & Neural Control”) Dr. William J. Lawson, Ph.D.

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