More Than Skin Deep

The Department of Homeland Security is on the record saying it's difficult to obtain quality fingerprint scans, which is a problem for applications such as border security. High-quality scans also would be helpful in limiting access to buildings and securing devices.

Lumidigm Inc. has convinced an increasing number of investors that its LightPrint technology can help. LightPrint collects a multicolored image of skin features that lie below the surface, and those features can be integrated into conventional optical fingerprint scanners. Lumidigm recently closed on $8.1 million in venture capital.

"Lumidigm's technology affords an enhanced ability to correctly identify all people, under all conditions," says D. Kirk Westbrook, managing director of investor International Venture Fund. New investors include Motorola Ventures and Wasatch New Mexico Fund.