Integrated Biometrics (IB),a leader in mobile FBI-certified biometric fingerprint scanners, today announced the promotion of Fred Frye to Chief Scientist. An IB co-founder and former CTO, the promotion enables Frye to focus on new product development.
With 30 years of technology industry experience, including 20 years of innovation in biometrics, Frye pioneered fingerprint acquisition solutions through the development of electroluminescent film science and the adoption of thin film transistors. He is the holder of multiple technology patents and is the inventor of an adaptive circuit to enable the dynamic capture of both dry and wet fingerprints. A noted technology expert, Frye led development of IB’s proprietary light-emitting sensor (LES) technology that meets the stringent fingerprint image certification requirements of the FBI with the sensor being approximately the thickness of a human hair.
As further proof of his visionary leadership, Frye led the creation of IB’s biometric presentation attack detection (PAD) technology, the world’s strongest spoof prevention for FBI-certified fingerprint scanners. Using a combination of electrical characteristics of the skin and deep-learning artificial intelligence (AI) software, the PAD capability utilizes sophisticated algorithms and AI along with LES film-based spoof detection for the highest level of live finger detection and fake finger prevention.
“Fred is responsible for the commercial development of light-emitting sensor applications for biometric acquisition and a host of other identity technologies that took IB from operating out of a garage in its early days to being named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for the last six years running,” said Integrated Biometrics CEO Shawn O’Rourke. “As we mark our 20th year in operation, we’re recognizing Fred’s many remarkable achievements. He has essentially always been IB’s chief scientist, and this formal transition will allow him to focus on what he does best—develop disruptive biometric identification technologies that have led to our leadership position in the industry.”
“IB’s momentum began with a meeting with U.S. DOD,” recalled Frye. “They wanted a mobile scanner you could put in your pocket and connect to a cell phone. At that time, scanners were huge and normally in offices on desks. Using our LES technology and a thin-film camera, we invented the first FBI-certified mobile fingerprint system. We essentially took the scanner out of the office and put it on the belt or in the pocket of officials. The device reduced the size and weight of fingerprint scanners by 90 percent compared to existing optical scanners.”
Frye added that IB is currently working on several exciting new technologies, from bezel-less scanners and nano technologies to antimicrobial solutions especially important in the current environment.
“I’m honored by IB’s recognition and proud of the work we’ve accomplished to date. I anticipate the new role will allow me greater opportunity to pursue my passions and continue to advance our biometric capabilities for easier and more accurate, indestructible, high quality, and affordable solutions for our customers in law enforcement, national ID, election integrity, and border control,” Frye said.
Frye holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Computer Engineering and Science from the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Integrated Biometrics (IB), the world leader in mobile FBI-certified biometric fingerprint scanners, today announced its strategic partner, Sciometrics LLC, has applied to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and The European Patent Office for new Intellectual Property (IP) that will improve the quality of touchless fingerprinting through mobile devices and expand application of the technology.
Sciometrics already holds a seminal patent for empowering off-the-shelf smartphones to capture high-quality fingerprints. The new IP will be integrated into the Slapshot Touchless SDK product which is offered by IB and based on Sciometrics’ research and development.
One of the pending patents covers several methods for improvement for touchless fingerprints: (1.) minimizing image resolution error to less than two percent (matching the FBI’s PIV requirement), (2.) a “smart” focusing method that ensures the best possible image for each finger, and (3.) image rendering that captures “Level Three” features (pores and ridge shapes). The implementation of these methods results in touchless fingerprints that strongly resemble contact prints.
An additional pending patent covers the concept of “archived identity” where a fingerprint can be used to memorialize transactions such as credit card applications and SIM card purchases.
“Our partnership with Sciometrics expands IB’s reach as the global leader in mobile fingerprint-scanning devices through the evolving arena of high-resolution, high-quality contactless identity,” said Shawn O’Rourke, CEO of Integrated Biometrics. “IB and Sciometrics will jointly help our customers to define the standards for contactless platforms offering interoperability with legacy databases created with traditional scanners.”
“We have taken a huge step in bridging the gap between contact and touchless fingerprints,” said Mark Walch, CEO of Sciometrics. “The advanced technology contained in the new patent filings will both improve the quality of touchless fingerprinting and open new opportunities for using fingerprints to bundle identity with transactions. Touchless fingerprinting is already a game changer, and the new IP creates a completely new game.”
Since 2016, Sciometrics has been working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to advance and standardize the algorithms underlying touchless fingerprinting. The new IP will make a direct contribution to this effort by improving the quality of touchless fingerprints, making them structurally closer to legacy fingerprint collections that were principally produced by ink on paper or contact scanners.
Integrated Biometrics (IB), a leader in mobile FBI-certified biometric fingerprint scanners, today announced industry veteran Shawn O’Rourke has been named chief executive officer following the retirement of former CEO Steve Thies.
O’Rourke is a world-leading technologist in thin film transistor (TFT) technology and has extensive experience in business development, technology deployment, commercialization, intellectual property, and product management/positioning. He most recently was chief technology officer and vice president of Business Development at dpiX, a global leader in sensor technologies for digital X-ray applications. O’Rourke, who holds more than 20 patents in semiconductor technology solutions, earned an MBA in Technology Management from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Washington.
“On behalf of the board and everyone at IB, we’re thrilled that Shawn is taking the reins as CEO,” said Thies, who will continue to hold a seat on the company’s board of directors. “As a hands-on leader with an excellent track record in the successful development and commercialization of new technologies, he’ll lead IB into a new era with strengthened partnerships, strategic alliances, and an expanded international presence.”
IB was founded in 2002 and produces the pioneering biometric LES (light-emitting sensor) technology that meets the stringent image certification requirements of the FBI in a “thin” form factor (less than 1mm thick). With a 20 percent year-over-year CAGR trajectory and approaching $50 million in annual revenue for 2021, IB works with the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Defense, and does business in more than 90 countries. The company holds more than 200 patents globally and has been listed on the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing companies for five consecutive years.
O’Rourke and members of the IB executive team plan to execute a “world tour” over the next year, as health security allows, to meet with partners, customers, and end users to further relationships and develop additional technologies needed to deliver global change.
“No company is better positioned to capture the global market in biometric identification and make a real difference,” said O’Rourke. “Through our network of partners, Integrated Biometrics is honored to be part of a global service ecosystem providing world-class products that have a positive impact around the planet.”
Integrated Biometrics (IB), a developer of mobile FBI-certified biometric fingerprint sensors, today announced that CEO Steve Thies is retiring as of July 19, 2021. After 13 years leading the company through unprecedented growth, Thies plans to travel, enjoy time with his family, pursue other interests, and act as an advisor to Integrated Biometrics.
“Being IB’s CEO for more than a decade and leading innovation in such a rapidly evolving industry has been a wonderful experience. I’ve established meaningful, long-term relationships with employees, as well as with investors, customers, and suppliers. During this time, the IB team conceived, designed, and manufactured awesome fingerprint sensors that are demanded by customers worldwide,” said Thies. “And, while my wife and I are still healthy, we want to explore, enjoy our family, pursue hobbies, and make each day count.”
Integrated Biometrics developed and produced the world’s first non-prism-based FBI Appendix F Certified fingerprint sensors using its patented electroluminescent film and a thin film transistor (TFT). Under Thies’ leadership, the company’s product offerings (which include the Watson, Sherlock, Kojak, Columbo and Five-0) have grown into a full suite of enrollment and verification sensors used by governments and commercial markets in over 90 countries worldwide. IB has been on the Inc. 5000 list for the past five consecutive years and been recognized by the state of South Carolina for its growth record.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished under Steve’s leadership,” said David Gerulski, executive vice president of IB. “He’s truly central to this company’s history, having started as its fifth employee and now with nearly 100 people working under his leadership. We’re sad to see him go, but collectively, we’re very excited for his next chapter and wish him the best in retirement.”
