Registered Travelers Using Iris Readers

Feb 1, 2005 12:00 PM

The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) “Registered Traveler” pilot program was launched in June. It is aimed at alleviating delays at airport security screening stations.

The pilot program debuted in five airports nationwide, three of which used specially designed security kiosks featuring Panasonic's BM-ET300 Iris Recognition Readers with user guidance technology. Approved Registered Travelers are directed to a designated checkpoint lane where they may provide their Registered Traveler Smart Card containing biometric information — a fingerprint and iris data — for identity confirmation. Registered travelers and their carry-on bags still go through primary screening, but more extensive secondary screening will be largely eliminated.

The TSA's Registered Traveler kiosks in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Houston feature fingerprint authentication and the Panasonic BM-ET300 Iris Reader System to provide non-invasive identification and authentication.

A self-prompting audio and visual user guidance system also ensures easy operation. Once enrolled and accepted into the TSA program, participants either insert a smart card or touch the kiosk screen to activate the system. They then use either fingerprint authentication or the Panasonic Iris Reader to validate their identity. The authentication process can take less than a second.

The airlines working with TSA solicited volunteers who fly at least once a week for the pilot program locations. A security assessment was conducted on each volunteer. Participants in the program are not subject to random security searches and will pass through designated lanes, thus reducing wait times for frequent travelers and allow security personnel to focus on the general access to high security areas.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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