Current methods od biometric identification-- fingerprints, iris patterns, hand geometry, and alike-- have already been fodder for fiction novels and sci-fi movies. And while they have already been proven useful, they have their share of loopholes. So what's new?

Luminetx Corporation, announced that it has acquired the patent for biometric identification of individuals through the use of subcutaneous vein patterns.

How does it work? It is based on the principle that subcutaneous vein patterns are unique to each individual, and therefore may be used as a biometric tool for the registration and verification of individual identity.

Who needs it? Luminetx CEO Jim Phillips says,

"The need for effective, repeatable biometric technologies has increased during our war on terror and the recent plague of identity thefts. Vein pattern biometrics presents many advantages over outdated biometric methods. Vein-pattern biometric technologies require little physical contact, are unique to each user and are fast and easy to use.

How marketable is this technology? Brian Ruttenbur, Senior Analyst at Morgan Keegan, says that the tracking and identification portion alone of homeland security spending is estimated to be a $4.8 billion market, growing to $10.7 billion by 2007.

Where can this technology be applied? Vascular biometric identification products, using Luminetx patented VCETM (Vein Contrast Enhancement), can provide secure identification and authentication methods for advanced identity systems, with potential to replace the need for physical air and rail tickets, driver's licenses, passports and bankcards.

Luminetx's premier product, VeinViewer, an infrared vein imaging system, was recognized by Time magazine as "one of the most amazing medical inventions of the year."