Manchester Airport and Department for Transport trial biometrics with Human Recognition Systems

The trial is aimed at assessing the practical use and user acceptance levels of biometric technology specifically in an airport environment. The technologies on trial include iris recognition from Panasonic and hand geometry recognition from Recognition Systems Inc..

The two systems are running in conjunction with a photo ID system which presents a photo of an individual every time they present themselves to a biometric reader. A system administrator then manually checks that the individual’s photo is correct and records a valid match. Both manual and system logs record several data sets including false accept rates, false reject rates and transaction speed times. Manned for 14 hours every day, for a two month period, the trial is expected to amass some 500 participants. Pre and post trial user questionnaires will also provide an indication of user acceptance. An Airport Spokesman said, "Manchester Airport is keen to investigate all technologies which may enhance Security for the future."

Human Recognition Systems’ Operations Director, Simon Meyer, added, ‘It’s an encouraging sign that the Department for Transport is looking at this technology and its applications in such a serious and thorough way. All parties involved are very eager to learn the results of the trial, and in particular the user group’s perception. However, it is important to note that the technology itself is not on trial here. What we are trying to assess is the suitability of each technology for staff access in the airport environment. Of course we are also delighted to be the first company in the world to have deployed Panasonic’s latest iris recognition camera, the BM-ET330. This seems true to form having been the first to deploy the predecessor unit in the UK.’.

It is not known yet if the results will be made available to the public. If they are, they will be published on the Human Recognition Systems website: www.hrsltd.com.

About Human Recognition Systems
Human Recognition Systems provide extensive, practical knowledge and experience for the integration of biometric technology (hand, iris, face and fingerprint recognition) in business focused solutions. The company focus is on the successful implementation of biometric enabled solutions to help deliver improved security, reduce costs or provide a competitive advantage to the customer. The company has three main solution areas: Access Control, Time & Attendance and Network Security. In addition they can also provide a bespoke development and consulting capability.

About Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is the UK’s third largest airport and currently handles 20 million passengers a year, offering direct flights to over 180 destinations worldwide by over 90 airlines. Manchester Airport is part of The Manchester Airports Group Plc (MAG), which is the second largest airport operator in the UK and comprises the airports of Manchester, Nottingham East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside.

About the Department for Transport
The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business in the UK whilst safeguarding our environment.