If you are an avid Apple user, then you probably know that the iPhone 5s features a new way to secure your phone. Instead of having to type in a passcode, the iPhone now has a touch ID sensor, which allows you to scan your fingerprint, and use that as a secure way to access your phone. Like you would expect, many other phone companies are following suit and creating their own versions of apples touch ID sensor, but some researchers are taking a different approach to this idea.
Cheng Bo and his colleagues, Lan Zhang and Xiang-Yang Li at the Illinois Institute of Technology have been working on their own version of the touch sensor ID that they call “SilentSense.” In it’s initial testing this system identified it’s owner correctly with a staggering 99% accuracy when used on an andriod phone. Instead of storing the owners fingerprint data, the SilentSense stores specific things like the size of the owners fingertip, how much pressure they put on the phone, and even the owners cellphone habits including the way they walk while holding their phone.
Although the iPhone 5s’s fingerprint scanner is pretty impressive, the ideas that it is spawning are even more unique and practical. Bo’s SilentSensor is truly a smart machine, it’s ability to learn who it’s owner is with such incredible accuracy will definitely give iphone’s touch ID sensor a run for it’s money. I am very excited to see what other advancements are coming up with this innovative technology.
