Now that Princeton Identity has refined its iris recognition technology to the point where it can be used in phones, the company is marketing all kinds of uses for eye scanners. Here are some of the situations where you might find yourself using your eyes to identify yourself in the future.
Crowded public places: Princeton Identity suggests airports and crowded corporate lobbies as the ideal places for its walk-through identity reader. Using the Iris on the Move technology, the walk-through reader can ID 30 people per minute as they walk through a turnstile or entrance. These might show up at transit hubs, power plants, border crossings, entertainment venues, or jails.
Unlock a door with a glance: A small “biometric module” unit next to a doorway can ID someone from about two feet away and unlock it for authorized users.
Drive-through checkpoints: Security guards, passcodes, and radio identification cards could all go by the wayside if the drive-through iris reader catches on. Princeton Identity says its drive-up device could be used at border crossings, military bases, and even parking lots and drive-up bank ATMs. The company says its camera can even read irises through sunglasses.
Travel: Princeton Identity is partnering with Emaratech, a company based in the United Arab Emirates, to make a system that scans passports and passengers’ irises at the same time, quickly verifying documents and identifying travelers. The system was demonstrated in Dubai last year.
Android tablets at the door. Princeton Identity has made software for Android tablets that can turn them into access control devices. A tablet mounted on a wall next to a door can provide access with iris recognition, unlock doors, take time and attendance for workers, and allow communication with guards.
In the hands of police or guards: The company’s hand-held scanner could be used by officers at border crossings, stadiums, motor vehicle departments, or other locations to identify people from about a foot and a half away.
