BILLERICA, Mass., 11 August 2006. The SecuriMetrics division of Viisage Technology Inc. announced that the Department of Defense (DOD) placed an order for the Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment (HIIDE) device that utilizes multi-modal identity enrollment and recognition technology. Valued in excess of $10 million, this new order from the DOD represents a step forward in the adoption of multi-modal biometric recognition technologies that include iris, face, and finger.
"This order is a watershed event for the industry and demonstrates an emerging market for multi-modal biometric recognition products," says Bob LaPenta, chairman of the board of Viisage and founder and CEO of L-1 Investment Partners. "We believe that the ability to offer this capability, including iris, will be the turning point for the industry and its adoption of this technology. The devices will be used to aid the nation in its effort to secure its troops, borders, and civilians."
The HIIDE product is the first hand-held, full function, multimodal identification device that uses iris, finger, and facial recognition. The HIIDE product aids users in enrolling, identifying, and verifying subjects using any of the three primary biometrics: iris, finger, face.
The HIIDE device has a wide range of applications in the U.S. government's support of national security and homeland defense, and in the civil marketplace, including use by the DOD and other agencies. It can be used for mobile identification of individuals on the battlefield, at border checkpoints, in airports, in detention centers, and for checking individuals against known watch lists.
The HIIDE device is currently being introduced for use by state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as public and private correctional facilities for suspect, inmate, and visitor identification, as well as securing facilities.
