This article in BBC News Technology section discusses present research and technology that uses the body as the interface. Technology that seems only to be in movies, is coming to the real world.

New Mexico-based Lumidigm generates fingerprints by using wavelengths of light to probe fingers for information both at the surface and beneath the skin. It highlights characteristics such as skin layers and collagen fibres that are part of what makes a fingerprint unique.

Current technologies have an error rate of up to 16% but Lumidigm says its technology reduces this to less than 1%. They also have a “liveness” detection to avoid the Hollywood scenario of digits being cut from hands to be used by criminals.

In the real world, the sensors are being used in a theme park in the US to allow customers to access rides and attractions according to their tickets.

Relevance: Today I left my house without my wallet. I only need my Starbucks card and my bank card for any purchases I planned to make today. What if I make my Starbucks purchases with an iris scan? Would I prefer this or question my privacy?

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