Hitachi is coming out with a way to ensure that no one can knit-pick with your car. The Central Research Laboratory of Hitachi Ltd have developed a finger vein authentication system that can be installed on a car steering wheel. The system debuts at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007. This new system has two advantages - usability and security; from security viewpoint, the main application is theft prevention. However there is twist to the tail, the company apparently sees the demand for using it as a preventive measure against unauthorized use of "on-vehicle credit settlement." Hitachi expects that this type of settlement will be used widely in the future. From the usability aspect, the system allows an interior that can satisfy the driver's requirements (seat position, air conditioner setting, etc) and enhances the operability of various kinds of applications (audio equipment, car navigation system, etc). Moreover the system will be able to store and identify finger vein patterns of several people; so family members and friends can still use your car!

Hitachi had earlier developed the Finger Vein Authentication System for the door handle. This latest offering was developed based on the door handle type system plus the authentification systems used at ATMs. The main modules of Hitachi's finger vein authentication system are a light source and a camera.
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