London: Your heartbeat can be a proof of your identity - all you need is a writsband!
A Toronto-based company has developed a wristband that identifies you based on your heartbeat, replacing the need for passwords to access devices such as tablets and even unlock cars.
The wristband called Nymi confirms the wearer`s identity through electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors that monitor the heartbeat, and then communicate that authentication to your devices ranging from tablets to cars.
The peaks and troughs in an individual`s heartbeat form a unique pattern, because of differences in the heart`s position, shape and size.
This means it can be used to identify a person - and is harder to spoof than biometric systems that rely upon external features such as fingerprints, irises or facial patterns, according to Karl Martin, Bionym`s CEO.
Wearing the Nymi wristband, a user registers their identity by touching a sensor embedded in the top of the band with the opposite hand for about two minutes while the Nymi captures an ECG signature. Once stored, it will recognise only this unique biometric template, `New Scientist` reported.
To access a device, users touch the top of the Nymi for several seconds, while another sensor in the band is in contact with the wrist.
Once authenticated, the Nymi then communicates via Bluetooth to an app running on the device. Gestures, such as a wave, or flex of the wrist, correspond with different commands for certain devices, such as unlocking the driver versus the passenger door in a car.
When the Nymi is removed, devices linked to it will automatically lock.
PTI
