Governments around the world are now implementing biometrics-based strategies that will power the next generation of international traveler identification and travel document authentication. Border security applications of biometrics largely center on three applications: Automated immigration for trusted travelers, real-time blacklist checks for restricted travelers, and visa screening and authentication. The AOptix InSight®'s combination of ease-of-use, throughput, and matching accuracy make it uniquely well suited to each of these applications. In addition, the system’s configurable on-board LCD allows directions and images to be altered to fit local language or customs.
Trusted Traveler Programs
Throughout the world, border protection agencies are implementing trusted traveler programs that automate the immigration process for enrolled individuals. The process typically involves the combined use of a passport or ID card and biometric authentication to conclusively bind the traveler to the travel document. The strength of this two-factor approach is such that no immigration officials need to be involved in the process.
The InSight iris recognition system is particularly well suited to this application because of its rapid, automated image capture process and pristine, standards-compliant iris images. In an environment where travelers demand fast processing and consistent results, the InSight’s two second capture time, very low Failure-to-Acquire (FTA) rate, and extremely reliable matching deliver on these demands.
Blacklist Checks
In recent years, countries have begun to employ real-time checks against “blacklists,” databases of restricted travelers or wanted individuals, primarily using fingerprint as a biometric modality. However, iris recognition is emerging as a modality of choice for blacklist checks due to the human iris’s uniqueness and the speed with which an encoded iris can be conclusively compared against a national-scale database.
The ease-of-use of AOptix’s InSight iris recognition system is immensely important in blacklist applications due to the diversity of travelers involved in this process. Many travelers are completely non-technical, non-acclimated to the use of biometrics, or simply do not speak the same language as the border officer. The extremely simple instruction set allows what could be a complicated process, requiring manual intervention, to be straightforward and nearly effortless both for travelers and officers.
Beyond ease-of-use, the InSight system’s pristine iris images are vitally important in this application due to the necessity of making conclusive identification decisions. False matches could mean detaining a traveler who has done no wrong. False non-matches could result in allowing an unwanted individual to enter the country. Both outcomes are highly undesirable at the border, and should be avoided.
Visa Screening and Authentication
Another important application related to border security is visa applicant screening, wherein a biometric of each applicant is collected to ensure that the person has not applied before under a different identity, or is not on any available blacklist or wanted list. From a functional perspective, the InSight system is well suited to visa screening in a similar way to blacklist checks. Ease-of-use, rapid capture, and superior matching accuracy all promote conclusive decision making regarding the award of this critical travel document.
