HP Powers Iris Recognition Security System

HP (www.hp.com) announced that its blade server and PC technology is powering an iris recognition security and visitor management system launched Monday by the Freehold Borough School District in Freehold, N.J.

Designed to improve overall school and student safety while reducing the administrative burden associated with the student sign in/sign out process, the Teacher-Parent Authorization Security System (T-PASS™) uses highly accurate iris recognition technology to establish positive identification of school employees, parents, guardians and visitors.

HP collaborated with Eyemetric Identity Systems, LG Electronics USA and Newton Security, Inc., to deliver the technology to the school district. The system is part of a study funded by a school safety grant valued at more than $369,000 from the National Institute of Justice, a research branch of the U.S. Department of Justice. Participation in the study is voluntary.

"HP is proud to showcase how its innovative, reliable technology can help improve the safety of our nation's schools and our children," said Michael Humke, director of worldwide education, Technology Solutions Group, HP.

The system's iris recognition technology provides an accurate method for personal identification that, unlike fingerprint identification, is quick and non-invasive. The Freehold deployment uses a special camera to take close-up images of an individual's irises, the colored part of the eyes.

If the iris images in the database match those offered by an individual seeking entry into the school, the school door automatically unlocks. Typically, access is granted or denied in less than two seconds.

"By participating in this study and deploying iris recognition technology, Freehold Borough School District is at the forefront of school security," said Phil Meara, superintendent, Freehold Borough School District.

The study has thus far received a positive response. Nearly 290 individuals have enrolled to participate in the study, enhancing security and expediting access and sign in/sign out processes at the Freehold Learning Center, Park Avenue Elementary School and Freehold Intermediate School, as well as the district administrative offices. Individuals who choose not to participate in the study ring a doorbell and wait to be admitted to provide identification and sign the visitor registry.

The iris recognition system was developed and deployed with the assistance of Eyemetric Identity Systems, which designed the T-PASS application using IrisAccess cameras and software from LG Electronics and the T-DAR® anti-tailgating system from Newton Security.