Sony in Japan has introduced the smallest USB biometric scanner yet, for reading users’ finger vein patterns. This new smallest yet is called the FVA-U1. Sony labels the technology mofiria and says that it’s more accurate and secure than fingerprint readers since it relies on unique blood vein patterns in the finger. The FVA-U1 connects to PCs via USB 2.0.

Mofiria uses a CMOS sensor that reads scattered light through the finger that originates from a near-infrared LED light. The FVA-U1 should ship in Japan on December 18th. No word yet on pricing.

There are many biometric devices on the market, but honestly we haven’t seen any of them really hit it big with the masses. Sony is probably hoping to change that with their just announced Mofiria, a high speed, compact biometric solution for mobile devices.

Just like Fujitsu’s PalmSecure, it uses near infrared LEDs and a CMOS sensor to take a picture of your veins. News to me, but apparently vein patterns vary enough from person to person and don’t change through life. So they are a perfect thing to use for authentication. And perfect for Sony to make an extra buck with.