Efficient, User Friendly Iris Technology Deployed In New Fast-Pass Solution.
Secaucus, NJ (March 12, 2008) -The BM-ET330 Iris Reader from Panasonic System Solutions Company is being deployed in Clear kiosks at airports around the U.S. as part of Clear ® , the airport security fast-pass system operated by Verified Identity Pass , Inc. ® . Clear was developed to help speed frequent travelers through security checkpoints, typically in four minutes or less . Clear, which is already available to 100,000+ members at 14 airports* across the country, utilizes biometric data in the enrollment and verification process to deliver the highest levels of speed and accuracy. Clear kiosks are not only deployed at participating airports, but also at enrollment sites located in the business districts of select cities, a convenience for frequent travelers.
"Panasonic has been working with Verified Identity Pass since the launch of their first system at the Orlando International Airport in 2005 when this program was in early pilot stages," said Frank DeFina, President of Panasonic System Solutions Company. "Our Iris Readers are a good fit for Verified Identity Pass ' proven identity verification solution. The Clear fast-pass program has helped elevate iris technology as the benchmark for non-invasive biometric solutions with fast and accurate identification."
Clear members have access to a separate, express security lane by using an identity card containing their encrypted fingerprint templates and iris images. To enroll in the program, travelers can complete the application form either online (see flyclear.com) or at an enrollment center. Once the application is completed, the applicant must appear in person at an enrollment center and present two forms of approved government-issued photo identification, along with an enrollment fee of $128. A photograph of the applicant is taken as well as fingerprints and iris images. After the application has been screened and approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a Clear card is issued.
When using the Clear card at participating airports, a member enters the Clear lane and inserts his or her Clear card into the kiosk to perform the biometric data authentication. The kiosk verifies the traveler's identity with an iris or fingerprint match. Once verified, travelers can proceed directly to the security checkpoint, avoiding the regular security queue. Most recently, Clear was implemented at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), where 11 Panasonic BM-ET330 Iris Reader s have been deployed in Clear kiosks in various terminals.
Iris recognition is one of the most reliable biometric technologies available, and the Panasonic Iris Reader enhances that reliability through its dual camera design that captures both iris images simultaneously. The Reader's biometric software has been developed by Iridian Technologies, Inc., the world leader in authentication technology based on iris recognition, makes a template or 'map' of each person's iris pattern. When the Clear member inserts his or her card into the kiosk and looks into the Panasonic Iris Reader, the system compares the patterns in the cardholder's irises against the image stored on the Clear card. If there is a match, the identity is verified.
"We are pleased with the quality and performance of the Panasonic Iris Readers," said Steven Brill , Founder and CEO of Verified Identity Pass , Inc. ® . "We promise our members that Clear will provide a predictable, hassle-free experience through the security checkpoint. The speed and accuracy of Panasonic Iris Readers help us to deliver that promise."
According to Mr. DeFina, iris recognition technology offers both convenience and high security. Convenience is a result of the low error rate, and Panasonic offers the best performance in the industry with a false acceptance ratio of only one in 1.2 million. Additionally, no contact with the Iris Reader is required, which eliminates wear and tear and contamination issues. Also, authentication is more accurate because unlike fingerprint, voice, facial or photo ID card programs, data obtained using Panasonic Iris Readers will never become obsolete because iris patterns remain the same for life after one year of age, and no two irises - even your own two or those of identical twins - are identical.
In addition to Clear, Panasonic Iris Reader solutions are also utilized in the National Child T Identification Program (The Children's Identification and Location Database), a secure, nationwide network and registry enabling law enforcement and social service agencies to positively identify missing children and adults; Sea I.D. T , an identification system for maritime, cruise and port industries; as well as Senior SafetyNet and SORIS (the Sex Offender Registration and Identification System).
* list available at flyclear.com
For more information contact Panasonic Security Systems by calling toll free
1-866-PAN-CCTV (1-866-726-2288) or visiting www.panasonic.com/security.
About Clear
Clear, operated by Verified Identity Pass , Inc., has signed up over 115,000 travelers nationwide. Clear cards are accepted at 14 U.S. airports (Albany, Cincinnati, Denver, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, LaGuardia (Central Terminal B), Little Rock, New York JFK (Terminals 1, 4 and 7), Newark (Terminal B2), Orlando, Reno, San Francisco, San José, and Westchester). Clear lanes will open in March at Reagan National and Washington Dulles International Airports , and Oakland International Airport . Clear members are pre-screened and provided with a high-tech card which allows them to access designated security lanes nationwide. Clear members pass through the security checkpoint faster, with more predictability and less hassle. The annual fee of $100 (plus a $28 TSA vetting fee) is charged once applicants are approved by the government. Applicants start their enrollment at flyclear.com and complete the process at an enrollment location where their fingerprints and iris images are captured and their identification is validated. Clear has been operational since July 19, 2005. For more information, please visit: flyclear.com.
About Panasonic System Solutions Company
Panasonic System Solutions Company, Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, is a world leader in professional electronics providing innovative systems solutions for a wide range of business applications including: industry leading i-Pro IP and analog video surveillance solutions through its Security Systems division; imaging devices for the medical, industrial, and entertainment industries through its Vision Systems division; point-of-sale workstations and drive-thru communications systems for the quick-service and hospitality industries through its Information Systems division; and large screen LED digital signage, digital sports coaching systems, and integrated technology solutions through its Systems Integration division. Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) of Japan. For information on Panasonic products visit www.panasonic.com. Additional information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
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* EDITORS' NOTE: Electronic files and photos are available upon request by emailing Sara Greenberg at LRG Marketing Communications sgreenberg@lrgmarketing.com