Unisys Announces Successful Multi-Vendor Interoperability of Iris Recognition Technology for Homeland Security

Successful sharing of iris recognition biometric data between vendors could enhance US-VISIT program to identify non-citizens entering US
Unisys ~ September 21, 2009,
Unisys Corporation
BLUE BELL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unisys (NYSE: UIS - News) today announced it has successfully demonstrated the ability to use multiple iris recognition technologies in a single system, eliminating the need for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and others to limit its iris recognition capabilities to a single vendor.
The project demonstrated for the first time the ability to bring together solutions from multiple vendors into iris recognition programs such as the DHS’ US-VISIT program to use iris recognition to identify non-US citizens entering and leaving the country. By demonstrating a system that incorporated iris detection and identification solutions from three leading vendors, Unisys has proven the ability of multiple biometrics such as fingerprints and iris scans to help achieve the goals of US-VISIT.
Unisys developed the integrated platform under a task order, funded by DHS and awarded under the Defense Information Systems Agency’s Encore I contract, to create a platform allowing customers to use biometric solutions from multiple vendors without being restricted to a particular method of iris identification.
Previously, organizations had to select a particular iris detection system for use across an entire organization. Now with the development of the integrated platform, they are able to incorporate various vendor iris detection solutions to better match their organization’s specific needs, while managing the data on a single platform. This new capability gives the government and other clients greater flexibility in order to customize their use of the various iris verification solutions.
“The Unisys integrated platform builds on the capabilities Unisys delivered when US-VISIT was first chartered to secure our country’s borders after 9/11,” said Tom Conaway, vice president and managing partner, Homeland Security, Unisys Federal Systems. “We continue to establish new capabilities in the biometrics and identity solution arenas, delivering highly functional solutions to better equip those securing our nation.”
The demonstration incorporated iris detection and identification solutions from three leaders in the field: LG Iris, AOptix, and Global Rainmakers Inc.
The LG Iris IrisAccess iCAM4000 was used for the enrollment of the test subjects’ iris data into the system. The LG Iris iCAM H100 handheld prototype device was also used to demonstrate potential mobile applications to capture iris and face image data from non-fixed locations.
The AOptix InSight sensor demonstrated iris identification from a distance of two to three meters. Conventional iris recognition systems have required the subject to accurately place their eyes in a very small capture zone. With the InSight system, the subject stands in a large capture zone, and the sensor does all the work of locating the subject’s eyes for iris biometric imaging.
Global Rainmakers, Inc. HBOX presented the ability to identify individuals in continuous motion. HBOX performs on-the-fly recognition of individuals moving at speeds of up to 1.5 meters per second.
Unisys will showcase the interoperability of these iris detection devices at the 2009 Biometrics Consortium Conference in Tampa, Fla., September 22-24 (booth # 424).
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology company. We provide a portfolio of IT services, software, and technology that solves critical problems for clients. We specialize in helping clients secure their operations, increase the efficiency and utilization of their data centers, enhance support to their end users and constituents, and modernize their enterprise applications. To provide these services and solutions, we bring together offerings and capabilities in outsourcing services, systems integration and consulting services, infrastructure services, maintenance services, and high-end server technology. With more than 26,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organizations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
RELEASE NO.: 0921/9020
Unisys is a registered trademark of Unisys Corporation. All other brands and products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Contact:
Unisys
Brad Bass,
703-439-5887
brad.bass@unisys.com
or
O’Keeffe & Company
Mary Tobin,
503-658-7396
mtobin@okco.com