InsideIdentixInformation. News. Product Updates. Summer 2004

WHAT’S INSIDE

®

How do you manage the identity of 54,000 employees in 50 countries?

State-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Company or Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producing company, with a worldwide

refining capacity of 3.6 million barrels per day, is doing it by utilizing Identix® live scans in its identity management system. Aramco has recently rolled out a program throughout its offices and facilities worldwide where employees are enrolled via fingerprint biometrics to help ensure that employment and benefits are disbursed based on identification that cannot be duplicated, lost or stolen.

In line with this program, Aramco placed an order late last year for multiple Identix® TouchPrint™ 3500 live scan systems.

The initiative, which is the framework for the creation of a trusted identity system all throughout the enterprise, is the largest and the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Successful Biometric Deployments Begin with Superior Image Quality

Product Spotlight: The ABIS™ System

Customer Service: Field Service Engineers

Law Enforcement Update: Information Sharing Yields Success

Identix® TouchPrint™ 3500 Rules in Saudi Aramco ID Management Initiative

Ultra Computer Services (UCS), a local integrator, is the main contractor for this project with primary responsibility for integration and maintenance. To meet Aramco’s exact requirements for this project, UCS teamed up with Identix to provide high quality fingerprint capture stations, and with Dermalog to provide the backend AFIS.

“The challenges were twofold: Aramco wanted an open system that could accommodate future enhancements and upgrades and to have a high quality and reliable fingerprint database,” says Luis Casingal, UCS Technical Support manager and team leader of the Aramco project.

“We knew from the start that quality fingerprint images were the key for matching performance, so we went with the Identix TouchPrint 3500 live scan system because of its advanced technology and unique features. Based on Moisture Discriminating Optics™, Dual Beam Illumination™ and Clear Trace Imaging™, we know that we will get superior fingerprint images. And, Identix was very flexible in customizing the solution to Aramco’s requirements,” he added.

Aramco intends to leverage Identix technology to reduce the time consuming requirements and complexity involved in re-enrolling individuals in the future for other potential biometric-based security applications. Because it is based on a very open and flexible architecture, the Aramco Identification System will enable fingerprints enrolled via Identix® TouchPrint™ live scan systems that are initially used for background checks, to be used in the future for biometric-based employee ID cards, as well as for physical and logical access. Expanded use of biometric fingerprint data with only one enrollment can help to reduce loop-holes in security, which sometimes develop in fragmented security systems where individuals are asked to enroll multiple times.

© 2004 Identix Incorporated. All rights reserved.

T he Final Report of the 9/11 Commission released this summer points to many proposals for further securing our national security. Within its pages, were

also several recommendations pertaining to biometrics, which can be summarized in three themes: strengthening and expediting border entry/exit; standardization; and the need for biometric data sharing and interoperability. We at Identix not only support these endeavors but also are actively working to facilitate their implementation.

Today, more than 1200 Identix live scan systems are deployed at border sites, airports, embassies and citizenship processing centers to help streamline the background check process and prevent the entry of terrorists and individuals with criminal histories. Due to the noticeably fast turnaround, agents are able to determine the criminal histories of detained persons while they are still in custody. With mobile identification systems like IBIS, these identity checks can be done at remote crossings, seaports and land borders, where it is not feasible to install a standalone kiosk.

These mobile identification systems have other benefits as well. Because they rely on standards-based biometric data and wireless protocols, systems like IBIS can interface with a variety of databases and return ID information in minutes. Agencies such as those in Minnesota that are tapping into the IBIS hub in Hennepin County have experienced first-hand the power of sharing information and the importance of interoperability in making mobile identification a success.

The key to interoperability is standards. And on this front as well, Identix has demonstrated leadership. We have co-authored the INCITS/M1 Face Recognition Data Interchange Format, which dictates data storage parameters for facial recognition technologies. As of the end of July, this standard has been published and finalized at the national level, and is awaiting approval from ISO at the international level. While this work is near completion, we continue our efforts on developing new ways to ensure that biometrics can be used in the broadest way possible.

For example, the many pilots that we are involved with point to the need to address the issue of image quality–a testament to the fact that successful biometric deployments begin with good enrollment. As in the fingerprint world, attention to image quality for facial recognition must be addressed to help ensure that enrollment images are suitable for matching and also to help maximize system performance down the line.

As you can see, the themes put forward by the 9/11 Commission are concepts that have guided our development from the start. For more than 20 years, Identix has been in the forefront of this industry, with a long list of firsts and a strong vision for where we are going. At this time, we stand at the beginning of our new fiscal year and we look forward to continuing in this tradition with you as our partners.

Regards, Dr. Joseph Atick, President and CEO

Leadership and Vision

CEO LETTER

Within the 9/11 Commission Report are several recommendations pertaining to biometrics, which can be summarized in three themes: strengthening and expediting border entry/exit; standardization; and the need for biometric data sharing and interoperability.

All biometric systems are composed of three steps – enrollment, template creation and matching. Good enrollment will yield good

matching results. Yet, most attention to date in the implementation of biometrics, particularly on the facial recognition side, has been given to matching accuracy. However, with the imminent widespread adoption of biometrics in travel documents worldwide, this is about to change.

In the fingerprint world, the importance of image quality has long been understood. NIST, or the National Institute of Standards and Technology, dictates image quality standards, which help to ensure the stellar performance of criminal AFIS systems. Today’s high quality tenprint live scan and single fingerprint readers help to facilitate the 500 dpi capture of high quality, standards-based fingerprint images by employing breakthrough technologies that overcome real-world challenges. These live scan systems are designed to maximize image quality even when fingers are sweaty, or if dirt of residue may have been left on the glass platen. Real time quality assurance software alerts operators of all skill levels if the captured fingerprint images do not meet the required quality standards.

Since the International Civil Aviation Organization dubbed facial recognition as the biometric of choice for travel documents in May 2003, the technology has gained a unique status with document-issuing authorities. Facial recognition is not only convenient in that portrait photos are already taken for passports, visas and driver licenses, but recent improvements in accuracy place the technology in range of fingerprint performance. Identix® FaceIt® technology for instance, utilizes the microfeatures of the skin, in addition to face geometry information, hence taking advantage of additional information that was, up to now, not possible to capture using standard cameras. Hence, the real issue in terms of performance for facial recognition is no longer algorithmic power, but image quality – getting the right data into the system to ensure accurate analysis.

This in turn has increased the importance of the image capture process and the realization that, like in the fingerprint world, good enrollment of facial images will yield superior performance in matching. Moreover, compliance with image quality standards means that global systems can be interoperable.

Image quality requirements for face are dictated by the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standard (INCITS) Face Recognition Format for Data Interchange (M1/04-0041). The INCITS/M1 requirements assure that the entire head is in the image, as well as the outline of the shoulders. Best practices call for the image to be centered in the frame with a resolution of 120 pixels between the eyes. Compression ratios using JPEG should not exceed 18:1 (or the image file size for a token image should not be below 12KB if using JPEG with Region Of Interest compression). Among the other requirements, the eyes are to be located between 50% and 70% of the vertical distance up from the bottom edge of the captured image.

Since these specifications are often difficult to follow in a manual process, the easiest and most risk-free way to ensure enrollment of high-quality facial images is to use automated software that tests for all the relevant parameters. By scoring an image on each of these attributes, the operator is able to assess its general quality level and predict the suitability of the image for facial matching.

This type of software can also automate the capture process, eliminating the need to manually resize and crop an image, increasing productivity as well. At the same time, it ensures compliance with INCITS/M1 standard and interoperability with global systems. While much of the emphasis with regards to facial recognition today lies with issuers of travel documents, all users of facial recognition–law enforcement, corporate entities and other solution providers–should take heed of the lessons learned as they look to adopt biometric systems down the line.

Successful Biometric Deployments Begin with Superior Image Quality

Customer Service: Helping to Help You

Identix Field Service Engineers (FSEs) are responsible for providing on-site support to our customers. These are the dedicated personnel that install, maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot hardware, software and network equipment at and between customer sites. Identix’ FSE’s participate in customer and project meetings, providing valuable technical and operational feedback to our organization. And, in keeping with good business ethics, our FSEs are responsible for upholding the principles of confidentiality as appropriate to their customer’s business operation. In addition to their regular duties our FSE’s also maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.

Meet...Dave SatherField Service Supervisor Minnetonka, MN

Dave is involved with INS/

DHS-CIS since its inception more than five years ago. His responsibilities include network changes, software change downloads, monthly reporting, troubleshooting irregular failures and maintaining a direct line of communication with the DHS Help Desk Manager. He was also involved with the pilot installations of both the border patrol projects with INS and BICE.Dave’s career at Identix started nine years ago, in the Field Service Repair Lab. He then moved on to Field Engineer, then Technical Support Engineer and Technical Support Supervisor, which led to his current position. He enjoys what he does and when asked what he likes most about his job, he responded, “working with law enforcement and government is interesting and rewarding – it is nice to help catch the bad guy.”

Measures of Image Quality

PResolution

PLevel of Compression

PFrontal Pose

PExpression

PBlue

PSaturation

PContrast

PPresence of Full Head in Image

PRODuCT SPOTLIgHT: THE ABIS SYSTEM

Identix® Biometric Search EngineHow do you know someone is truly who they claim to be? The best way to achieve a high level of certainty is to check his or her face against the records that are already on file.

With the ABIS™ system, you have the ability to:• Quickly and accurately search photo databases – determine if an individual exists under a different name or is on a watch list

• Leverage existing databases

• Conduct multiple searches simultaneously

• Scale the system as your needs grow

The ABIS™ system:• Uses facial geometry plus skin texture information to deliver superior facial recognition performance

• Provides built-in redundancy to help ensure continuous 24/7 operations

• Is based on open standards, so that it is easy to integrate and easy to use

Result: Increased confidence that a person is who they claim to be – whether for government or employee issued IDs or law enforcement mug shot systems, the ABIS system helps you determine a person’s identity and arms you with the information you need to make a decision.

InsideIdentix 5600 Rowland RoadMinnetonka, MN 55343 USAPhone: +1 952-932-0888 • Fax: +1 952-932-7181

3975 Fair Ridge DriveFairfax, VA 22033 USAPhone: +1 703-259-5000 • Fax: +1 703-259-5001

Contact us at: info@identix.comVisit us on the Web at: www.identix.com

PRESORTEDFIRST-CLASSuS POSTAgE

PAIDPermit No. 3876Minneapolis MN

LAW ENFORCEMENT uPDATE

See us at these events: For an up-to-date event listing, visit: www.shareholder.com/identix/calendar.cfm

September 12-14 Virginia Sheriffs Association, Williamsburg, VA

19-23 AFIS Internet Conference, Atlanta, GA

20-22 Biometrics Consortium, Crystal City, VA

September -October 29-1 Wisconsin DOJ Tech. Conf.,

Waukesha, WI

Florida Sheriff Association, Tampa, FL

October 3-7 GITEX, Dubai, UAE

5-6 COPS West, Ontario, CA

14-15 Biometrics 2004, London, UK

More and more law enforcement agencies are finding that due to the transitory nature of criminals

sharing information is not only beneficial it is paramount to success. In Minnesota, officers are using Identix’ IBIS mobile identification system – to perform on the spot ID checks on suspicious persons that claim they don’t have a license or identification on them.

When a 25-year-old woman – stopped in Eagan, Minnesota, suspected of shoplifting – claimed she didn’t have her driver’s license and gave police several versions of her name, IBIS was used to help determine her identity. Within minutes, the system identified the woman as being from St. Paul and having four warrants out for her arrest for shoplifting and providing false information to police. In Portland Oregon, IBIS was used to identify a subject that was wanted on a felony warrant in Washington State. Cities

in San Bernardino County in California have had the same experience. Over and over, the benefits of IBIS are being made clear by agencies that are using the system to tap into shared law enforcement databases. Because it captures NIST standard fingerprint images and is designed to work with any AFIS or non-proprietary software database, IBIS makes it easy for agencies to share information and work together to apprehend suspects.

“IBIS makes our job easier. The ability to tap into many databases through IBIS gives us access to the information we need so we know who we are dealing with. This is especially true today, both in our cities and at our borders. Systems like IBIS help us do a better job in finding subjects we’re looking for. Equally important, it prevents us from bringing an innocent person down to the station for fingerprinting,” says Lt. Bob Hamborg of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

The IBIS system uses a handheld device that captures forensic quality fingerprints and photographs. The biometric data gets sent via standard wireless connections to a central server that interfaces with various law enforcement databases. Of the 9,700 field transmissions that have been conducted to date, 1,850 have been hits (approximately 19%) and an estimated five percent have resulted in detentions.

Information Sharing Yields Success