This book provides a true A to Z of recorded sound, from its inception to the present day, outlining how technologies, techniques, and social attitudes have changed things, noting what is good and what is less good. The author starts by discussing the physics of sound generation and propagation. He then moves on to outline the history of recorded sound and early techniques and technologies, such as the rise of multi-channel tape recorders and their impact on recorded sound. He goes on to debate live sound versus recorded sound and why there is a difference, particularly with classical music. Other topics covered are the sound of real instruments and how that sound is produced and how to record it; microphone techniques and true stereo sound; digital workstations, sampling, and digital media; and music reproduction in the home and how it has changed. The author wraps up the book by discussing where we should be headed for both popular and classical music recording and reproduction, the role of the Audio Engineer in the 21st century, and a brief look at technology today and where it is headed. This book is ideal for anyone interested in recorded sound. "[Julian Ashbourn] strives for perfection and reaches it through his recordings... His deep knowledge of both technology and music is extensive and it is with great pleasure that I see he is passing this on for the benefit of others. I have no doubt that this book will be highly valued by many in the music industry, as it will be by me." -- Claudio Di Meo, Composer, Pianist and Principal Conductor of The Kensington Philharmonic Orchestra, The Hemel Symphony Orchestra and The Lumina Choir

This book considers biometric technology in a broad light, integrating the concept seamlessly into mainstream IT, while discussing the cultural attitudes and the societal impact of identity management. Features: summarizes the material covered at the beginning of every chapter, and provides chapter-ending review questions and discussion points; reviews identity verification in nature, and early historical interest in anatomical measurement; provides an overview of biometric technology, presents a focus on biometric systems and true systems integration, examines the concept of identity management, and predicts future trends; investigates performance issues in biometric systems, the management and security of biometric data, and the impact of mobile devices on biometrics technology; explains the equivalence of performance across operational nodes, introducing the APEX system; considers the legal, political and societal factors of biometric technology, in addition to user psychology and other human factors.

This practically-focused text presents a hands-on guide to making biometric technology work in real-life scenarios. Extensively revised and updated, this new edition takes a fresh look at what it takes to integrate biometrics into wider applications. An emphasis is placed on the importance of a complete understanding of the broader scenario, covering technical, human and implementation factors. This understanding may then be exercised through interactive chapters dealing with educational software utilities and the BANTAM Program Manager. Features: provides a concise introduction to biometrics; examines both technical issues and human factors; highlights the importance of a broad understanding of biometric technology implementation from both a technical and operational perspective; reviews a selection of freely available utilities including the BANTAM Program Manager; considers the logical next steps on the path from aspiration to implementation, and looks towards the future use of biometrics in context.

1. It is a practical guide to understanding and implementation 2. It assumes no prior in depth knowledge 3. It is written in plain language and may be understood by anyone, whether or not they are qualified or involved with IT. It is therefore equally suitable for senior management, IT practitioners, students and interested individuals.

1. It is a practical guide to understanding and implementation 2. It assumes no prior in depth knowledge 3. It is written in plain language and may be understood by anyone, whether or not they are qualified or involved with IT. It is therefore equally suitable for senior management, IT practitioners, students and interested individuals.

"Biometrics in the New World" takes a fresh look at biometrics and identity management within a fast-changing world.

The concept of biometric identity verification is revisited, including identity intelligence, federation and the use of third party infrastructure. Furthermore, the book examines some of the fundamentals of the technology which are often overlooked. However, the dialogue extends beyond technical considerations, and explores some of the broader societal and philosophical aspects surrounding the use of biometric applications, bringing this whole area into a new focus at a time.

Topics and features: presents a brief history of the development of biometrics, and describes some of the popularly held misconceptions surrounding the technology; investigates the challenges and possibilities of biometrics across third party infrastructures and on mobile computing devices; provides guidance on biometric systems design, stressing the importance of an end-to-end approach, together with the alignment with policy and operational procedures; explores the mechanisms necessary to enable identity intelligence, including logging mechanisms, data communications and data formats; discusses such usage issues as collaboration frameworks, and messaging and data translation; examines the impact of biometric technologies on society, for better and worse, covering issues of privacy and user factors; reviews the current situation in identity management and biometric technologies, and predicts where these trends may take us in the future.

This accessible and thought-provoking work is an essential guide for biometric systems integrators, professional consultancies, government agencies and other consumers of biometric technology. Academics interested in biometrics will also find the book to be a source of valuable insights, as will the casual reader.

This practically-focused text presents a hands-on guide to making biometric technology work in real-life scenarios. Extensively revised and updated, this new edition takes a fresh look at what it takes to integrate biometrics into wider applications. An emphasis is placed on the importance of a complete understanding of the broader scenario, covering technical, human and implementation factors. This understanding may then be exercised through interactive chapters dealing with educational software utilities and the BANTAM Program Manager. Features: provides a concise introduction to biometrics; examines both technical issues and human factors; highlights the importance of a broad understanding of biometric technology implementation from both a technical and operational perspective; reviews a selection of freely available utilities including the BANTAM Program Manager; considers the logical next steps on the path from aspiration to implementation, and looks towards the future use of biometrics in context.

This book considers biometric technology in a broad light, integrating the concept seamlessly into mainstream IT, while discussing the cultural attitudes and the societal impact of identity management. Features: summarizes the material covered at the beginning of every chapter, and provides chapter-ending review questions and discussion points; reviews identity verification in nature, and early historical interest in anatomical measurement; provides an overview of biometric technology, presents a focus on biometric systems and true systems integration, examines the concept of identity management, and predicts future trends; investigates performance issues in biometric systems, the management and security of biometric data, and the impact of mobile devices on biometrics technology; explains the equivalence of performance across operational nodes, introducing the APEX system; considers the legal, political and societal factors of biometric technology, in addition to user psychology and other human factors.

Biometric identity verification (BIV) offers a radical alternative to passports, PIN numbers, ID cards and driving licences. It uses physiological or behavioural characteristics such as fingerprints, hand geometry, and retinas to check a person's identity. It is therefore much less open to fraudulent use, which makes it ideal for use in voting systems, financial transactions, benefit payment administration, border control, and prison access.This is the first book to provide business readers with an easy-to-read, non-technical introduction to BIV systems. It explains the background and then tells the reader how to get their system up and running quickly. It will be an invaluable read for practitioners, managers and IT personnel - in fact for anyone considering, or involved in, implementing a BIV system.Julian Ashbourn was one of the pioneers in integrating biometric technology and has provided input into many prototype BIV systems around the world.

This book provides a true A to Z of recorded sound, from its inception to the present day, outlining how technologies, techniques, and social attitudes have changed things, noting what is good and what is less good. The author starts by discussing the physics of sound generation and propagation. He then moves on to outline the history of recorded sound and early techniques and technologies, such as the rise of multi-channel tape recorders and their impact on recorded sound. He goes on to debate live sound versus recorded sound and why there is a difference, particularly with classical music. Other topics covered are the sound of real instruments and how that sound is produced and how to record it; microphone techniques and true stereo sound; digital workstations, sampling, and digital media; and music reproduction in the home and how it has changed. The author wraps up the book by discussing where we should be headed for both popular and classical music recording and reproduction, the role of the Audio Engineer in the 21st century, and a brief look at technology today and where it is headed. This book is ideal for anyone interested in recorded sound. "[Julian Ashbourn] strives for perfection and reaches it through his recordings... His deep knowledge of both technology and music is extensive and it is with great pleasure that I see he is passing this on for the benefit of others. I have no doubt that this book will be highly valued by many in the music industry, as it will be by me." -- Claudio Di Meo, Composer, Pianist and Principal Conductor of The Kensington Philharmonic Orchestra, The Hemel Symphony Orchestra and The Lumina Choir

This book takes a fresh look at biometrics and identity management, extending the dialogue beyond technical considerations, and exploring some of the broader societal and philosophical aspects surrounding the use of biometric applications. Features: presents a brief history of the development of biometrics, and describes some of the popularly held misconceptions surrounding the technology; investigates the challenges and possibilities of biometrics across third party infrastructures and on mobile computing devices; provides guidance on biometric systems design; explores the mechanisms necessary to enable identity intelligence, including logging mechanisms, data communications and data formats; discusses such usage issues as collaboration frameworks, and messaging and data translation; examines the impact of biometric technologies on society, covering issues of privacy and user factors; reviews the current situation in identity management, and predicts where these trends may take us in the future.

BANTAM is the first modeling language specifically designed for applications in Biometrics and Token Technology. It represents a significant step forward for the design and implementation of biometric and related technology applications in that:- it is very simple to learn and use;- it offers a consistent system of documentation and a clarity of presentation which make the accurate description of user requirements much easier;- it provides a complete methodology for managing the project from original business case, through procurement and implementation, to subsequent training and support."The User Guide" provides much more than just a guide to the Bantam methodology: readers will also find lots of good advice on program management in general and will gain an insight into designing biometric and related applications. In addition, the book includes a CD-ROM which contains the full Bantam notation and document templates, together with various useful utilities and trial applications. It will be essential reading for anyone who is serious about biometrics and related technologies, including governmental/corporate end-users, systems integrators, biometric vendors, application developers and device manufacturers. It will also be useful background reading for advanced students and IT and management consultants.Reviews of Julian Ashbourn's first book: "Biometrics: Advanced Identity Verification":"You could attend a dozen conferences and not come away with the kind of overview presented in this new book".Dave Mintie, Connecticut Department of Social Services" a highly readable, entertaining guidebook that should serve as a welcome companion for anyone who must promote, explain, justify, or control an organization's transition to biometric technology."Richard Norton, Executive Director, International Biometrics Industry Association