Research Overview
Reduced Possibilities of Identification Errors Popularize Biometric
Techniques
The U.S. Government' s realization that the 9/11 tragedy could have been
averted if a foolproof airport security system had been in place, is likely to
play a huge role in popularizing biometric technologies. As opposed to
traditional means of identification such as photographs or ID badges that are
susceptible to being stolen or forged, biometric techniques identify people by
their unique physical characteristics such as iris patterns, fingerprints,
and/or facial recognition. Such a system is highly accurate and almost
completely negates the possibilities of identification errors due to
impersonation.
This Frost & Sullivan research service examines a number of commercially
available biometric technologies that are deployed at major international
airports and hubs within the United States. It also critically evaluates the
pilot programs that incorporate biometric measurements into passports and travel
documents. Further, analysis of the technological trends, drivers, challenges,
and recent developments enables participants to identify potential
collaborators, to stay ahead of the competition, and to stay abreast of critical
developments in their industries.
Precision and Speed Likely to Boost Uptake at Large-scale Facilities
Biometric technology grew out of the need to screen people accessing high
security facilities. However, it has become increasingly suited to large-scale
facilities such as airports, border crossings, health care units, and motor
vehicle offices. Users have begun to appreciate its admirable accuracy, and the
system is likely to play a pivotal role in eliminating duplication and
enrollment frauds.
Apart from enhancing security, the system also reduces the time and
complexity involved with security measures by allowing frequent fliers to avoid
the long, drawn-out security procedures associated with conventional methods.
"Frequent passengers are enrolled in a biometric program and their unique
measurements would be inscribed into their passport or travel document,"
explains the analyst of this study. "An approval would entail that the
reading on the passenger' s documents and his/her face, iris or finger,
correspond."
Canada' s CANPASS Program' s Iris Recognition System Expected to
Revolutionize Airport Security
The $30 million Canadian Pass (CANPASS) program is likely to bring about a
vast improvement in airport security in the country with the installation of
iris recognition systems. Under this program, frequent fliers are expected to
enroll in a system where the biometric template of the participant' s iris is
encrypted and stored on a 'smart' card along with their passenger name
record (PNR) and classified information. To enter a country, an enrollee would
be required to enter a separate line, insert his/her biometric ID card into a
machine, and answer touch screen questions.
The final confirmation occurs when the cardholder directs his/her eye into
the iris scanner to compare the image of his/her iris with the template on the
smart card. "Since iris patterns are unique to each and every individual,
it is highly unlikely that the system will fall prey to fraudulence," says
the analyst of this study. "From a security standpoint, iris recognition
can function both as a standalone technology, and can be easily integrated into
established security systems."
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