The future of biometric PDAs
A number of companies offer hand-held iris recognition devices. Some of these are rugged units which are already being used in military applications in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A number of companies offer hand-held iris recognition devices. Some of these are rugged units which are already being used in military applications in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These units can have a small database of up to 50,000 users stored onboard, which is then synchronised when the units are returned to a central location.
New to the market are PDAs with an added iris camera that links via Bluetooth back to a PC where the processing is done and also mobile phones that run the software using the built-in camera with a few simple modifications.
Future designs of devices that can link real-time with extensive databases centrally located, either via WiFi or 3G/GPRS connections, will eventually allow instant access to millions of enrolled user records.
If someone commits a crime, they can be added to the database at any number of enrolment stations. All the details required, such as name, address and other relevant information, are recorded and once the iris pattern has been captured, these are entered onto the database with the information stored centrally. This information can then be accessed by a PDA which has the ability to capture an iris image and convert it into an iris code. This code is then sent to the central database for comparison.
The iris code itself is a very small file (512K per eye) which allows quick upload times to the central database.
When a check is carried out it will enable a true identification of an individual. Because no other information is needed apart from the suspects iris pattern, the central server can complete the recognition check quickly and return a result to the PDA. Aditech, a specialist in iris recognition systems, believes this could typically take less than two seconds.
The structure of the system means it will not allow duplicate enrolments of the same person, so officers will be confident they have the right information about the suspect.
Aditech says that through this very quick and simple action, officers will be able to find out if the person is already registered and if there is any relevant information about them, such as any outstanding arrest warrants or curfew restrictions.
For further information visit www.aditech.co.uk