Harris system matches passenger with luggage

WASHINGTON -- Harris Corporation, a leading integrator of communications and information systems for the government, today unveiled the Passenger Authentication and Security System (PASS), an integrated airline passenger identification and luggage matching system. 

Harris describes PASS as using advanced fingerprint technology, Internet-secure digital signatures, and tracking software, and can be linked to the Harris-designed FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC) 2000 database through an authorized agency. PASS is designed to assist the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in its mission to identify, deter, and prevent terrorists and illegal aliens from accessing U.S. national transportation assets.

The announcement and system demonstration took place at the Homeland Security and National Defense Summit, held this week at the Ronald Reagan Building/International Trade Center. 

Credentialing and biometrics

PASS integrates credentialing and biometrics to verify that travelers are who they represent themselves to be. It can also support TSA personnel with authorized queries to the NCIC 2000 database to determine in real time whether individuals have outstanding warrants against them. It is capable of tracking an individual's progress through the airport and ensuring that passengers and their luggage are not separated. PASS blends Harris' detailed knowledge of criminal justice data structures and its expertise in advanced digital certification and tracking technology (gained through the company's acquisition of Exigent International/Software Technology Inc. in 2001) with TruePrint, a silicon-based, biometric fingerprint authentication technology developed by AuthenTec, Inc., a Harris Venture First spin-off. 

"Harris has been providing classified data protection solutions to U.S. Government agencies for decades, and PASS exemplifies our commitment to develop new system concepts that will help to ensure public safety while still protecting civil liberties," said Bob Henry, president, Harris Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD). "PASS illustrates how Harris is leveraging its acquisitions and Venture First activities into emerging markets such as transportation security." 

PASS will help deter the use of transportation assets by individuals who use aliases, those who are being sought by law enforcement, or visiting foreign nationals with expired visas. In addition, it will help TSA personnel prevent unauthorized access to aircraft or secure airport areas through a unique method of badging airport employees after they have been screened. PASS is intended to ensure that every passenger and employee leaves a unique trail of information while in the airport that can be attributed to the individual traveler. 

Harris is an international communications equipment company focused on providing product, system, and service solutions for commercial and government customers. The company's five operating divisions serve markets for microwave, broadcast, network support, tactical radio, and government systems. Harris has sales and service facilities in more than 90 countries.