USDOE Human Subjects Research Database, Fiscal Year 2003

Special Technologies Laboratory

Public Information Contact:

Dr. Michael Martinez
Special Technologies Laboratory
5520 Ekwill Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93117

Phone: 805 681 2421
Fax: 805 681 2498
E-mail: N/A

Institutional Review Board (IRB):

Human Subject Projects:

Number of Human Subjects projects reported: 1

STL-01-1310

"Hand Scanner"

Project Identifier: STL-01-1310

"Hand Scanner"

Principal Investigator: Dr. William Quam, Special Technologies Laboratory

Project started in: 2001

Project Funding Information:

Funding for Human Subjects Research:

DOE: Nonproliferation and National Security (NN)

$390,000.00 (Est.) for: Fiscal Year 2003
carry over to FY02 for funds not expended in FY01 We expect funding for FY03 Funding for FY04 not known at this time

Information on Use of Human Subjects:

This project does not involve the use of multiple protocols/subprojects.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Review:
Type of Review: Full Board
Approving Institution: Bechtel Nevada
Most recent approval: 02/19/03
Explanation of IRB approval:
Project was awaiting equipment construction and testing in FY01. Project actually commenced in FY02. IRB approval extended to SEP 2003.

Number of human subjects who participated in this project/protocol/subproject in the last reporting period: 61
Reporting period for number of human subjects: Fiscal Year 2003

Type(s) of Human Subjects Involvement:

Other types of human subjects involvement. Explanation:

Project involves use of infrared optical scanning of human hands to examine biometric capabilities when hands are double gloved.

(a. Objectives, b. Methodology, c. Ionizing Radiation, Radioactive Substances, or Chemical Substances to which human subjects are exposed, d. Involvement of Human Subjects [d.1. procedures used, d.2. risks if any])

OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION AND SUMMARY

This project examines the biometric capabilities of infrared (IR) light (wavelength approximately 880 nm) as an imaging technique for human hands. The hands will be double gloved with an inner plastic glove and an outer cotton glove.

The purpose of the project is determination of feasibility of hand imaging of sufficient quality to permit identification of a hand and the association with an individual for access control.

METHODOLOGY

An IR source, nominally an IR light emitting diode (LED), is used to mechanically scan the fingers and palm of a human hand. A sensitive IR receiver will be mechanically linked to the IR source and will detect transmitted IR. The transmitted signal will be used to construct an image of the hand, in particular the finger lengths, and other biometric information, that can then be used for biometric testing.

A simple mechanical scanner has been constructed. The human hand is supported within this scanner and will not be moved during the scan time. The mechanical testing of this device was completed in FY01 without human exposure.

HUMAN EXPOSURE

We expect no exposure to ionizing radiation, radioactive substances, chemical substances, or biological materials in this project. The human exposure will be limited to IR photons of wavelength approximately 880 nm.

INVOLVMENT OF HUMAN SUBJECTS

1. We began human subject testing, limited to hands, early in FY02. The hand was placed in a light-shielded box containing the scanning device. The transmitted IR signal information (x and y coordinates) was digitized by a simple computer board and used to create an image of the hand.

2. The risks involved were limited to exposure to the IR photons. We have designed and installed light shields that will prevent light leakage from the scanner. Initial testing was restricted to low light levels and was increased as we gained experience with the equipment. Eventually, collimation was used to enhance spatial resolution. This reduced scattered IR very significantly, and with this reduction in scatter the possibility of external illumination of the person whose hand was being examined was minimized. We did provide suitable IR goggles that were worn during scanning.

3. A consent form has been written and approved by the IRB. All persons read and signed this form. These records are retained.

4. During FY03 approximatley 61 subjects were examined. Each person's left hand was used for measurements. Usually three independant measurements were made on the hand. Some individuals had more or less exposure.

5. Data analysis is in process (mid-September 2003) and is expected to yield false acceptance ratio (FAR), false rejection ratio (FRR), and receiver operating curve (ROC) data for evaulation of this concept of hand identification.

SUMMARY

We have shown that this technique can produce useful images of hands when a protective glove is worn. The data obtained is extensive and is satisfactory for biometric identification.

PROJECTED WORK FOR FY04

We expect to continue this work in FY04 with the development of a simplified hand scanner device that will permit hand identification in a few seconds.