A mobile biometric authentication system for site management in Hong Kong

The design of a handheld mobile system for biometric authentication originally designed for the Hong Kong construction industry is presented. The system can read the registration smart card of a registered construction worker and any standard Mifare contactless smart cards. It uses a radio-frequency imaging sensor to capture the fingerprint on the dermal skin layer of the construction worker, eliminating the problems of sweat, minor cuts or dirt on that individual’s fingers, so as to verify the identity of the cardholder efficiently and accurately. The system is also equipped with a global positioning system receiver. Practically, it can identify the position of a particular person at a particular time. Current applications of the innovative system in construction management, illustrated by application case histories, are presented in this paper. Potential applications are also discussed.