This paper describes a fingerprint identification system. The system consists of an identification module, which identifies the user by fingerprint, a host, and service-providing equipment that offers services to the user. Users carry their own identification module and the module transmits the identification result to the host. The host activates the service-providing equipment according to this result and deactivates the equipment when it recognizes that the user has left. The system provides continuous user authentication, which certifies not only the presence but also the absence of the genuine user. Prototype systems were fabricated with a fingerprint identification LSI (FIL) that senses and verifies fingerprints at low power without any processor chips. The FIL makes possible a small battery-powered module, and the experimental results confirm the systems can authenticate users continuously. The proposed system achieves ubiquitous user authentication in which the user can be authenticated anytime anywhere and offered services securely.
