Non-Subscriber Extract
3M aims mobile swipe reader at airports, remote border posts
By Ben Vogel
31 July 2008
Document verification specialist 3M Rochford Thompson has developed a lightweight, mobile handheld swipe reader.
The 3M Mobile Swipe Reader is aimed at immigration and border enforcement teams operating in remote locations, or where high volume footfall is an issue - such as business aviation facilities or airport terminal buildings. In this way security staff can cut queuing times as identities can be verified much more quickly by passing the handheld device along a line of passengers.
In a typical operation the device scans the passengers' identity documents, verifies these against a watch list either stored locally or accessed via wireless link and compiles a manifest for export to a border control system. An integrated touchscreen and keyboard allow the operator to correct or enter data manually when necessary. The battery-powered device features an onboard processing capability that allows real-time verification of documents, data and individuals.