Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Laboratories Limited on Thursday announced the joint development and commercial introduction of a significantly more compact and higher performance model of their original award-winning contactless palm vein biometric authentication device.

Targeting a major expansion of its biometric security systems business, Fujitsu will market the new device worldwide under the PalmSecure brand, the company said in a statement. The new PalmSecure model is being exhibited at CeBIT 2006, being held in Hannover, Germany, through March 15.

Retaining the features of its original palm vein authentication device, the new PalmSecure features dramatically faster authentication speed, a 35mm x 35mm sensor that is one-fourth the size of the previous model, an expanded operable temperature range, and lower cost. The smaller sensor footprint will provide greater flexibility and ease of implementation in current applications, including personal computers, ATMs, and room access systems, and greatly expand the range of potential new applications, in such areas as copiers and other office equipment, as well as electronic medical records and other solutions requiring highly secure authentication.

Fujitsu said it will provide a software development kit (available in English and Japanese) that includes sample applications and authentication rate evaluation tools, as well as a dedicated technical support website.