Information Security Drives Demand for IR LEDs
June 15, 2015 | TrendForceEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
LEDinside, a division of TrendForce, sees a significant growth for the infrared (IR) LED market in the near future. Its 2Q15 Gold Member Report - 2015 Global LED Supply and Demand Market provides a clear outline on the IR LED’s wide range of applications, such as imaging sensors, motion sensors, light sensors, proximity sensors, position detection systems, biometric recognition systems, and heart rate and blood oxygen monitors.
“Handheld devices in particular constitute a very promising market because IR LEDs can bring many value-added features to these products, including information security and personal health management,” said LEDinside’s Assistant Research Manager Joanne Wu. “With ample room for growth and profit, the handheld device application is expected to become a strong driving force behind the IR LED market. The 940nm IR LEDs are currently used in proximity sensors to help eliminate false touching and reduce power consumption. However, the IR LED technology has also branched into other advanced applications, such as finger vein recognition and iris recognition. Major IR LED manufacturers include Epitex, New Japan Radio Corporation, Rohm and Nichia in Japan; Osram Opto in Europe; Vishay in the U.S.; Epistar, Epileds and High Power Lighting in Taiwan."
Enhancing user security for handheld consumer electronic products such as smartphones are becoming more important as these devices incorporates identity verification and mobile payment technologies. Biometric recognition systems are especially required to meet a higher standard than ever before. Among the various technologies and methods, iris recognition is presently regarded as the most widely adopted and secure form of biometric recognition.
Whereas a fingerprint has about 100 distinct marks or recognizable data points, an iris has around 2,000. Hence, the pattern of an iris is far more complex than a fingerprint’s and this results in a more accurate reading. The current iris recognition system combines three pieces of technologies: an infrared CCD camera with 700-900nm NIR LED, an automated camera control mechanism, and a biometric recognition software. A user can simply look at a smartphone’s screen in order to activate its built-in iris recognition system. The device first emits an IR LED light, and then the smartphone’s front camera takes a picture of the user’s iris, which would be verified by the software.
Iris recognition systems are increasingly implemented applications related to personal and information security (i.e. airport, ATMs). On the mobile application front, Japan-based Oki Electric introduced the first mobile phone with an iris recognition system in 2006, and since then the technology has gone through several years of maturation.
Fujitsu, another Japanese tech company, also launched a smartphone with iris recognition technology earlier this year. Known as ARROWS NX F-04G, this smartphone’s biometric recognition system provides users additional security when accessing online services and authenticate mobile payments. Other mobile brands are also following suit and filing patents for their solutions. Therefore, competing iris recognition systems will soon appear in various consumer electronic applications like Windows 10 notebook, tablets and mobile phones.
At present, major developers of this technology include Panasonic, Oki Electric, IrisGuard, EyeLock and IriTech. Their efforts will create new opportunities in the field of information security.
Suggested Items
Keynote Preview: Reshaping our Engagement With the World
03/28/2024 | Shawn DuBravac, IPCThe widespread integration of AI across various sectors is broadening its impact, from revolutionizing healthcare with Smart solutions to transforming homes into intuitive spaces, highlighting its crucial role in boosting efficiency and addressing complex challenges. In healthcare, we're witnessing a trend toward personalized care with AI-driven devices like intelligent pillows to mitigate snoring, sophisticated sleep monitors, and innovative patient monitoring systems.
Indium Corporation to Present, Exhibit at EPP InnovationsFORUM
03/28/2024 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation is set to present and exhibit at EPP InnovationsFORUM, one of Europe’s premier single-day electronics manufacturing forums, on April 17 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. Topic areas for 2024 will include AI, automation, sustainability, and quality.
Accenture Invests in Sanctuary AI to Bring AI-Powered, Humanoid Robotics to Work Alongside Humans
03/27/2024 | BUSINESS WIREAccenture has made a strategic investment, through Accenture Ventures, in Sanctuary AI, a developer of humanoid general-purpose robots that are powered by AI and can perform a wide variety of work tasks quickly, safely and effectively.
AT&S Well Prepared to Benefit from AI Boom
03/26/2024 | AT&SThe rapid progress in the development of artificial intelligence promises to revolutionize all areas of daily life in the coming years. In order to operate such AI systems, an enormous amount of computing power is required, which is provided by a vast network of data centres.
The IMAPS Show: A Conversation with John Andresakis
03/26/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineOn the last day of the IMAPS Device Packaging Conference, Marcy LaRont sat down with industry veteran John Andresakis of Quantic Ohmega, who attended the conference this week. Not his first time at this event, he talked about the conference, advanced technology, and trying to get the word out about the advanced packaging substrates solution Quantic is offering.