What biometric recognition technology could Apple offer after Touch ID and Face ID? This is a question that not only fans but also Apple itself are asking. The palm of the hand seems to be of interest - as a new patent shows.
We all know this - whether from a film or a series - the palm of the hand is held up to the terminal and scanned, the computer recognizes the person and opens the gate. Apple also seems to like this method of biometric identification - as a new patent shows. But the shape of the hand itself would not be the key, as is shown in countless films. In Apple's system, the vein structure of the palm itself must be checked - a mixture of Touch ID and Face ID. The display would have to have a special coating that allows the vein structure inside the palm to be recognized with the help of infrared light. These sensors could be linked to the well-known TrueDepth camera to make identification even more secure and, above all, more accurate. Apple also mentions the recognition of direct hand movements as an aid in its description.
Hand ID for Apple Watch?
In patent 20190278973, however, Hand ID is not only described for biometric authentication, but it could also be used in the healthcare sector. Apple writes that the system could be used for health monitoring. However, exact details were not given. Apple's approach of only using the technology passively is also interesting. This means that the system would check the user in the background while they are performing a specific task on the respective device. In addition to the iPhone and Co., the Apple Watch could also be equipped with such technology. The patent contains drawings showing a hand above a watch. The necessary sensors could be accommodated in the display of the watch and in the associated strap. The idea behind it sounds exciting, but it remains to be seen whether Apple will actually bring Hand ID to market. It is not uncommon for many such ideas to never make it into finished products. (Photo by peshkov / Bigstockphoto)
