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Top biometrics put to the test at Manchester AirportManchester Airport and Department for Transport trial biometrics with Human Recognition Systems June 24th, 2005 
Human Recognition Systems, the only independent multi-biometric systems integrator in the UK, have just commenced a trial of biometric technology for staff access control, officially sponsored by Manchester Airport and the Department for Transport. 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.
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.
Visit the DFT website About HRS
Human Recognition Systems (HRS) is a privately held UK company specialising in developing and delivering solutions which identify people and their behaviours. Established in 2002, HRS is recognised by industry experts as one of the leading Biometric, Identity Management Consulting and Systems Integration Companies.
At the core of HRS lie a strong set of values e.g. Imagination and Innovation, Pride and Passion, Valuing, Trusting and Loving. These are the guiding lights around which revolves our business model and day to day functioning.
Our vision is “To be trusted and valued globally for delivering solutions which recognise people and their behaviours”.
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