Yissum Forms Neteera Technologies for Remote Sensing of Biological Indicators

JERUSALEM -- Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the technology-transfer company of the Hebrew University, announced today the formation of Neteera Technologies, developer of remote sensing technology of various human biological indicators. Neteera Technologies has completed its first round of funding, raising $2.0 million from private investors.

Neteera's novel technology, based on the detection of electromagnetic emissions from sweat ducts, enables reliable and speedy biometric identification, along with monitoring of other physiological parameters, such as, stress, fatigue, pain, alcohol influence, drug abuse detection, and medical diagnostics. These can be remotely monitored with a unique sub-terahertz (THz) imaging camera. The technology enables multiple applications, such as the ability to identify a person and simultaneously measure his or her stress level, thus providing a powerful tool for homeland security purposes. Another use is the possibility to remotely monitor stress, inhibition and alcohol levels of drivers, offering a valuable tool for the automotive industry. The technology was invented by Prof. Yuri Feldman from the Department for Applied Physics, and by Dr. Paul Ben Ishai, Manager of The Center for Electromagnetic Research and Characterization (CERC), both at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The electromagnetic signature of the skin is unique to different individuals and correlates with the distribution and dielectric properties of the sweat ducts. Consequently, the sub-THz image of the palm, thumb, and other areas of the body, acts as a unique identifier, based on a highly accurate 3D analysis. Neteera is also developing a cost-effective, mass producible THz camera based on a silicon-base MEMS nano-technology concept. The camera will also be a main component in future applications such as remote, non-invasive security scans for detection of hidden weapons, detection and identification of drugs and explosive and medical diagnostics.

Currently available techniques for biometrical identification, that rely on scanning various parameters such as fingerprints, retina, facial characteristics and voice, are sensitive to external conditions such as lighting or noise, as well as to physical or behavioral variations, including shaving, injuries or facial expressions. Since Neteera's technology relies on an internal property of the body, it allows for high levels of accuracy, eliminating the possibility of faking an identity. In addition, the detection method is continuous and remote, without the need for direct contact with the subject

For additional information, visit
http://www.neteera.com
http://www.yissum.co.il