Eye in focus as biometry testing continues

Eye in focus as biometry testing continues Some 80 frequent SAS flyers are currently testing photography of their eyes to gain access through the turnstile at the gate to the aircraft at Umeå Airport in Sweden. Scandinavian Airlines' customer testing of biometry for simplified check- in and boarding has now entered its second and final phase. The test commenced in November and passengers have, until now, gone through the turnstile using their fingerprints. "We want to find out how the customers perceive various biometry techniques and test two methods for ensuring a flexible solution," says Charlotte Rosengren-Edgren at Scandinavian Airlines' product department. To also give the testers an opportunity to compare the techniques, the evaluation will commence when the project is completed in April. The test is being conducted using smart SAS cards, containing the passengers' fingerprints and an image of their irises. At the gate, the passenger holds the card near a reader, while placing his or her eye in front of a small camera. When the iris images on the SAS card and from the camera correspond, identity is confirmed and the passenger can proceed through the turnstile. A smart card with stored characteristics means the passengers carry their personal information. After matching at the gate, SAS does not store the information. This resolves the issue of personal integrity. Scandinavian Airlines is conducting these tests because various authorities are expected to intensify their security requirements for airlines and airports, which could lead to further ID checks of passengers and luggage. "Our challenge is therefore to raise the security level, while also simplifying travel," says Charlotte Rosengren-Edgren. "Biometry provides us with this possibility and now we are conducting practical testing of the techniques." Biometry is the technique that can read a human's unique features, such as fingerprints, facial form or the iris of an eye. Pictures available at: http://www.newsonline.nu/imgway/index.asp?pmid=35294 For further information, please contact: Charlotte Rosengren-Edgren, Scandinavian Airlines, Manager Product Innovation, tel +46 (0)8 797 2928. SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES COMMUNICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/02/25/20040225BIT00110/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/02/25/20040225BIT00110/wkr0002.pdf http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/02/25/20040225BIT00110/bild.html Pictures