Security & Biometrics

INGRESS – Innovative Technology for Fingerprint Live Scanners

Programme: European Commission – FP7-SEC-2012-1 (FP7 Security Programme)
Project duration: 01 Nov 2013 – 30 Apr 2017
Funding scheme: Specific Programme “Cooperation”: Security
Total cost: € 4 252 675,20
CORDIS: Final report & project reporting

Project objective

INGRESS aimed to develop and validate innovative fingerprint live-scanning technologies by analysing additional biometric features associated with the finger, including:

• capturing sub-surface fingerprint patterns (internal fingerprints),
• improving acquisition for very low-quality fingerprints,
• enabling reliable scanning in cases of skin damage, dermatological disorders and surface contamination.

Key technological assumptions

• acquiring fingerprint information below the epidermis layer,
• increased resistance to spoofing (fake fingerprints),
• higher image quality than classical optical and capacitive sensors,
• validation in operational-like conditions.

Consortium

• PBP OPTEL Sp. z o.o.
• Ministry of the Interior of France
• Morpho Safran (now IDEMIA)
• Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI, Germany)

Project significance

• strengthened European capabilities in security biometrics,
• advanced sub-surface imaging methods for fingerprints,
• supported progress towards anti-spoofing biometric systems,
• aligned with EU priorities in border security and identity verification.

HIDE (Grant agreement ID: 217762)

HIDE – Homeland Security, Biometric Identification and Personal Detection Ethics was a European Commission-funded research and coordination action under FP7, focused on creating a pan-European dialogue on the ethical, legal and social implications of personal detection and biometric technologies. The project brought together interdisciplinary expertise to address the balance between security objectives and fundamental rights in the deployment of biometric identification systems, exploring issues such as privacy, trust, transparency, governance and ethical frameworks for emerging personal detection technologies, including biometrics. HIDE helped shape discussions on responsible innovation and policy in the context of security and identity systems. EU contribution: € 963 762,50. CORDIS project page.

The consortium included academic, policy and industry partners across Europe and beyond, engaging stakeholders in debates about privacy, societal acceptance, and governance models for biometric and personal detection systems, contributing to a more informed approach to ethical and social challenges raised by security technologies and mass surveillance concerns. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

HIDE (Grant agreement ID: 217762)

HIDE – Homeland Security, Biometric Identification and Personal Detection Ethics was a European Commission-funded research and coordination action under FP7, focused on creating a pan-European dialogue on the ethical, legal and social implications of personal detection and biometric technologies. The project brought together interdisciplinary expertise to address the balance between security objectives and fundamental rights in the deployment of biometric identification systems, exploring issues such as privacy, trust, transparency, governance and ethical frameworks for emerging personal detection technologies, including biometrics. HIDE helped shape discussions on responsible innovation and policy in the context of security and identity systems. EU contribution: € 963 762,50. CORDIS project page.

The consortium included academic, policy and industry partners across Europe and beyond, engaging stakeholders in debates about privacy, societal acceptance, and governance models for biometric and personal detection systems, contributing to a more informed approach to ethical and social challenges raised by security technologies and mass surveillance concerns. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Automated border clearance using biometric self-service and transport inspection

Project ID: DOBR/0017/R/ID1/2012/03
Funding: NCBiR (Poland)
Programme area: Defence & State Security
Performed for: Ministry of the Interior (Poland)

Executive summary

The project aimed to improve the process of crossing the EU external border by developing an automated border control system (ABC) enabling self-service verification for holders of biometric passports and other documents containing biometric data (face image and fingerprints). The system supports road (pedestrian/vehicle) and airport border crossings and enables unattended identity verification by matching document biometrics with the characteristics of the person being processed.

Key technologies & impact

• Ultrasonic biometric verification for fingerprints, improving reliability when fingerprints are contaminated, damaged or wet, where optical methods often fail.
• Face biometric verification for automated identity checks aligned with operational border requirements.
• Database verification of identity data extracted from the passport chip against Border Guard information systems.
• Automated inspection of passenger vehicles to detect persons or prohibited cargo hidden in closed compartments, using ultrasound technology in an innovative manner.

Development of an energy-efficient biometric kit for mobile control using acoustic systems and face imaging

Project ID: PBS2/B3/22/2013
Funding: NCBiR (Poland)
Programme: Scientific research and development for Defence & State Security

Consortium

• Military University of Technology (WAT) – consortium leader
• JAS Technologie Sp. z o.o.
• PBP OPTEL Sp. z o.o.
• Mlabs Sp. z o.o.

Operational context

The project addressed the needs of mobile border control and identity checks in locations requiring wearable and portable equipment, such as trains, buses, mobile patrols and temporary checkpoints. The key requirements were mobility, low power consumption and reliable operation in field conditions.

System scope

• Biometric document reader (chip reading, identity and biometric data extraction)
• Acoustic fingerprint scanner based on ultrasound: anti-spoofing fingerprint technology and improved capture in difficult conditions
• Face imaging module (video camera providing compliant facial image quality)
• Intelligent power management (energy-efficient architecture and subsystem power control)
• Software for the mobile terminal and server-side components, with integration to security databases

Result

A demonstrator of a mobile biometric identification system integrating biometric document reading, facial verification and ultrasonic biometric verification of fingerprints, enabling secure identity checks during field operations.

Mobile border control adapted to EU requirements

Funding: NCBiR (Poland)
Programme area: Defence & State Security

Executive summary

The project focused on designing and validating a mobile border control system aligned with EU operational requirements and biometric standards. The objective was to enable efficient and secure identity verification with interoperability-ready architecture for modern border operations.

Key capabilities

• Automated identity verification using biometric document data
• Ultrasonic biometric verification to enhance reliability and resilience in field conditions
• Anti-spoofing approach leveraging acoustic properties of human tissue vs. artificial materials
• Integration-ready software architecture for security and border information systems