I have an electric door lock that deploys a magnet to lock a door when
the switch is on. I would like to have a biometric (eg: fingerprint)
authenticated switch to turn on and off current on any valid
authentication. No logging, should be self-contained but can be hooked
up to a computer for programming if necessary. Also it should be able
to fit in the size of a standard wall switch box. Also this is for a
consumer single application, so the product should be available to the
general public at low (single) quantity requirements.

dear jdn,

I have studied a few Biometric fingerprint authentification devices,
and I believe the "Precise BioAccess™ Mifare" unit (by Precise
Biometrics) would be most suited to your needs. It is a convenient
standalone unit, that is fast, accurate, easy to  implement and
cost-effective. It is ideal for new systems and a straightforward
inexpensive way to increase security inexisting systems. It does not
require new wiring and it is meant to ideal for new systems, and an
inexpensive solution to increase security in existing systems.  The
device uses templates in a handy database, i.e. a contacless smart
card - Each card stores up to 4 fingerprint templates. The resolution
of its optical sensor is 500dpi.

The "Precise BioAccess™ Enrolment Station" is the tool needed to
program fingerprint data onto the Mifare smart cards. It consists of
hardware and software that can be installed on a Windows PC. When
properly programmed, the cards will work without any adjustment or
connection to the computer
http://www.precisebiometrics.com/products.asp?FIRSTLEVELID=20020624_141537_51337941&GROUPID=01072002_122332_44612111

You can see a flash demonstration of the MIFARE unit with narration by
Leonard Nimoy (it sounds like):
http://www.precisebiometrics.com/products.asp?FIRSTLEVELID=20020624_141537_51337941&GROUPID=20020627_140402_50642051

The unit appears to be sable to fit in a standard wall switch box,
even though it is shown to protrude from the wall it is attached to.
It's size is 125x68x61mm

You can download a .pdf product information file here:
http://www.precisebiometrics.com/data/content/DOCUMENTS/04092002_094836_353161413707_PreBio_Mifare.pdf

Prices start at $134.66 per scanner. All Prices can be found on their
ditributor's site:
http://www.cdwg.com/shop/tools/sbb/vendor.asp?MFG=PRB&SearchClass=DA

Distributor contact details:
CDW Computer Centers, Inc. 
200 North Milwaukee Ave.
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
USA 

Telephone: 1-800-808-4239 , 1-847-419-6100 
Fax: 1-847-419-6200 
Web: www.cdwg.com/r.asp?n=23176

I hope this is what you are looking for!

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jdn-ga on 19 Oct 2002 12:03 PDT

This company doesn't appear to make what I requested -- a consumer
product that will "turn on and off current on any valid
authentication." Also, the physical access products are
fingerprint-and-card solutions, and I need it to be solely biometric
authentication -- no physical "key".

---

Clarification of Answer by jackburton-ga on 19 Oct 2002 22:00 PDT

dear jdn,
I am sorry that this device isn't suitable. I was unable to find
exactly what you are looking for. I would suggest you re-post your
question, in case another researcher can source the biometric switch
you are after.

---

Clarification of Answer by jackburton-ga on 07 Nov 2002 12:30 PST

dear jdn,
just wanted to check if you read the additional comment i made re. the
Biothenitca SentryScan TC 400, and if it was suitable.
---------------------------------
Jack Burton
"The Pork Chop Express"
---------------------------------

I had a another look...
There are many companies that produce fingerprint reading sensors that
output standard signals that can be used by access control panels to
control a magnetic lock.  Biothentica might be your best best. I
believe they make such a switch - the "SentryScan TC 400"
------------------------------------------------------ 
Biothentica Corporation
11803 Grant Rd, Suite 112B
Cypress, TX 77429
Telephone: 866-744-SCAN (866-744-7226)
http://www.biothentica.com
------------------------------------------------------ 
The SentryScan TC 400 is designed for both standalone and fully
networked applications.

It is also available from Biometrics Direct. You can see the product
here:
http://www.biometricsdirect.com/Web/Sentry_Scan/SentryScan_TC400.htm

This unit costs $1299

hope this is suitable