Advances in Aviation Security Technologies

SUMMARY

Reduced Possibilities of Identification Errors Popularize BiometricTechniques

The U.S. Government' s realization that the 9/11 tragedy could have beenaverted if a foolproof airport security system had been in place, is likely toplay a huge role in popularizing biometric technologies. As opposed totraditional means of identification such as photographs or ID badges that aresusceptible to being stolen or forged, biometric techniques identify people bytheir unique physical characteristics such as iris patterns, fingerprints,and/or facial recognition. Such a system is highly accurate and almostcompletely negates the possibilities of identification errors due toimpersonation.

This Frost & Sullivan research service examines a number of commerciallyavailable biometric technologies that are deployed at major internationalairports and hubs within the United States. It also critically evaluates thepilot programs that incorporate biometric measurements into passports and traveldocuments. Further, analysis of the technological trends, drivers, challenges,and recent developments enables participants to identify potentialcollaborators, to stay ahead of the competition, and to stay abreast of criticaldevelopments in their industries.

Precision and Speed Likely to Boost Uptake at Large-scale Facilities

Biometric technology grew out of the need to screen people accessing highsecurity facilities. However, it has become increasingly suited to large-scalefacilities such as airports, border crossings, health care units, and motorvehicle offices. Users have begun to appreciate its admirable accuracy, and thesystem is likely to play a pivotal role in eliminating duplication andenrollment frauds.

Apart from enhancing security, the system also reduces the time andcomplexity involved with security measures by allowing frequent fliers to avoidthe long, drawn-out security procedures associated with conventional methods."Frequent passengers are enrolled in a biometric program and their uniquemeasurements would be inscribed into their passport or travel document,"explains the analyst of this study. "An approval would entail that thereading on the passenger' s documents and his/her face, iris or finger,correspond."

Canada' s CANPASS Program' s Iris Recognition System Expected toRevolutionize Airport Security

The $30 million Canadian Pass (CANPASS) program is likely to bring about avast improvement in airport security in the country with the installation ofiris recognition systems. Under this program, frequent fliers are expected toenroll in a system where the biometric template of the participant' s iris isencrypted and stored on a 'smart'  card along with their passenger namerecord (PNR) and classified information. To enter a country, an enrollee wouldbe required to enter a separate line, insert his/her biometric ID card into amachine, and answer touch screen questions.

The final confirmation occurs when the cardholder directs his/her eye intothe iris scanner to compare the image of his/her iris with the template on thesmart card. "Since iris patterns are unique to each and every individual,it is highly unlikely that the system will fall prey to fraudulence," saysthe analyst of this study. "From a security standpoint, iris recognitioncan function both as a standalone technology, and can be easily integrated intoestablished security systems."

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction and Description

1. Introduction

2. Description

Scope and Methodology

1. Scope

2. Methodology

2 BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGIES

Iris Recognition

1. The Eyes Have It - Iridian Technologies - North America

2. Integrating Biometrics - Dartagnan - Europe

Physical Traits

1. Reading Faces - Cognitec Systems - Europe

2. Hand Recognition Recognition System Inc - North America

3. Automated Fingerprint Readers - North America

Passports

1. Danish Passports Go Biometric Europe

2. Combining Biometrics North America

3 EXPLOSIVES DETECTION

X-rays

1. Computed Tomography North America

2. eXamining Luggage - North America

3. Zeroing-in on Carry-Ons - North America

4. Discovery through Diffraction - Europe

5. PinPointing Hidden Threats North America

6. Building Databases - North America

7. Meeting TSA Mandates

Chemical Analysis

1. Tracing Hidden Explosives North America

2. Scanning Tickets for Clues - North America

4 COUNTERMEASURES

Infrared

1. Uncle Sam' s Infrared Countermeasures North America

2. Israeli Efforts Middle East

Video Security

1. Video Surveillance North America

2. Cockpit Security - Europe

5 ACCESS CONTROL

Cards

1. Computer-based Access Control - North America

2. Automated Security - Europe

Gates

1. Preventing Tailgating North America

2. Securing Scandinavia - Europe

System Innovations

1. Biometric-based Self Service Kiosks - North America

2. Keeping Tabs on Passengers and Cargo North America

3. Physical Protection - Europe

4. Blast Proof Cargo Containers - Europe

6 CONTACT DETAILS AND PATENTS

Contacts

1. Contacts

Patents

1. Patents

7 FROST & SULLIVAN 2004 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Technology Leadership Award

1. Award Description

2. Award Recipient

Technology Innovation Award

1. Award Description

2. Award Recipient

8 DECISION SUPPORT TABLES

Number of Aircraft Departures

1. Total Number of Aircraft Departures (Thousands) by Country 1996 - 2004

Number of Cargo Aircraft

1. Total Number of Cargo Aircraft by Country 1999 - 2001

Number of Commercial Aircraft in Service

1. Total Number of Commercial Aircraft in Service by Country 1996 - 2004

Total Number of Airports

1. Total Number of Airports by Country 1996 - 2004

Revenue Passenger Miles

1. Total Number of Revenue Passenger Miles by Major Airlines of Country(Million) 1996 - 2004