The Transportation Security Administration is evaluating a Reno startup's invention a groundbreaking identification system that would be used nationwide if chosen.
The invention, a biometric imaging device, is the brainchild of Pindi Products, Inc.
The small group of inventors and investors set out to create a non-invasive glucose monitoring device and along the way began to find additional possible uses for their invention.
Homeland Security's TSA contacted Pindi, says Scott Armstrong, Pindi's chairman, as part of its search for a new airport security technology.
The agency may report back as early as June.
Pindi's invention, based on radiomolecular magnetics, uses a spectrum response of radio waves.
It measures chemical compounds in a body and is designed to read them through a person's finger.
TSA is seeking an accurate, speedy method of identification that requires minimal invasion of personal privacy and overcomes the possibility of anatomy theft.
Pindi's device has an advantage over fingerprints, says Armstrong.
Fingerprints are less accurate, especially for some population groups.And the Pindi device only works if the finger is alive.
Other identification methods, such as an eye scan, carry their own drawbacks.
Eye scans can be awkward and a laser scan penetrates the eye a procedure that, though non-invasive, sends shudders through many folks.
"We're still seeking a way to finance development of the glucose monitoring end of the device," says Erin Looney, Pindi's vice president of research and development.
