Betting on biometrics
Betting on biometrics
The eyes have it-along with faces and fingerprints-for improving security at casinos
By James J. Hodl
Biometric recognition technology is no longer something used only in James Bond movies. It is a viable technology that is now available for use in casinos, which are gradually incorporating these high-tech systems into their security operations to control access to secure areas and provide early warning of undesirables entering the premises.
Biometrics is a science that recognizes that every person on earth has physiological features that make them unique from everyone else and it records what these unique identifiers are. They can be used to verify that a certain person is who he claims to be, or unmask the real identities people sometimes try to conceal.
Distinct physical features now being used as unique identifiers in the gaming industry are the shape and geometry of the face and hand, fingerprints and patterns in the iris of the eye. Other identifiers used in biometric recognition systems in other industries include blood vessel patterns in the retina and vocal inflections in speech.
No one need remember where they saw that face before, as facial recognition systems enable security personnel to analyze the unique shape, pattern and positioning of facial features and match them against all faces in a casino's rogue's gallery. With such systems, a video camera is used to capture an image from a few feet away, then software maps out the face to determine common features with those faces already in the system. Those faces most closely matching the flagged person appear on a video screen so security personnel can make a final decision-all in substantially less time then it would take to flip through mug books.
Facing the music
The Visual Casino Suite IV marketed by Biometrica Systems, based in Braintree, Mass., has improved identification abilities from earlier systems, as it instantly calculates 128 different facial measurements from hair to chin, said Jim Pepin, vice president of sales and marketing. And it can handle feeds from several different cameras, and from several different angles, while performing the thorough inspection of the suspect person.
"By quickly identifying criminals, cheats and other undesirables, they can be stopped before they do any damage, thus greatly reducing unnecessary losses in casinos," Pepin said. "And after the undesirable is identified, the system can bring up photos of his cohorts, so security can nab them too.
"The system's software also enables casinos to build their own database of undesirables through video inputs from surveillance cameras. And it connects to the Surveillance Information Network (SIN) to exchange data on cheaters and thieves with other casinos worldwide."
Another option is the iWatch Facial Recognition System offered by iView Systems of Oakville, Ont.
The iWatch is an automated, real-time surveillance and identification system that provides event-driven alerts based on individuals under watch or excluded status. The scanning and checking process is performed instantaneously, allowing security to intercept the verified miscreant before he has time to vanish inside the casino, and escort him out.
"The system also can be used to flag problem gamblers, and even the good guys-high rollers-so employees can be alerted to provide them instant recognition and service," said Martin Drew, iView president. "Once a security person flags a suspicious person seen entering on a surveillance camera, the system automatically searches the iTrak subject information system of stored images, then provides thumbnail views of the closest matches on the video screen on which the check was initiated. Once a match is confirmed, streaming alerts can be sent to security personnel to intercept the undesirable.
"It makes mug books obsolete," Drew added.
An advantage of the iWatch system is that it can be used with an existing CCTV infrastructure.
Both the Casino Visual Suite and iWatch systems tie in with other computerized systems within a casino's security apparatus to improve its reporting, tracking and identifying risk exposure.
Controlling access
Iris recognition systems make the eyes not only the window to the soul, but also the key to secure areas in casinos. Said to be the most accurate of the biometric technologies because the iris rarely changes over a lifetime, such systems record the unique texture and patterns of the iris. Thus, following the initial matrix scan, each time an authorized employee seeks to enter a secured area, he submits to another scan before a special camera.
As no two people-not even twins-have the exact same iris template, the scanner verifies they are the same person depicted on their identification card, and thus permits entry only to those whose iris matrices match those in the system memory.
Iris systems can also be used to provide extra privileges to high rollers and other good customers, entitling them to player card-free entry to high-bet gaming rooms, and special check cashing and credit privileges.
Secaucus, N.J.-based Panasonic's BM-ET330 Iris Recognition Recorder requires employees to stand before a video camera that scans the iris for identification points recorded earlier. There are no lasers or bright lights involved, said Steve Surfaro, senior manager of enterprise sales. The system includes a built-in COTS off-the-shelf support for iClass smart cards, a fast processor, an enhanced eye finder and additional language support audio prompts.
A built-in, real-time clock records when the system was used, thus automatically creating a ledger of when and by whom an area was accessed, or verify the hours an employee was on the job.
"Hand geometry and fingerprint recognition devices, which have been available the longest, are mostly used in casinos for access control and time/attendance verification," said Scott Newland, channel marketing manager at Ingersoll-Rand Recognition Systems (IRRS) based in Campbell, Calif.
Hand geometry recognition systems record a 3-D image of a person's hand and then check the length, thickness and shape of each hand inserted in the scanner against the images stored in system memory to verify that the hand's owner is authorized to access a particular area of the casino. Such systems are already in use to limit counting room access in Harrah's Entertainment properties.
IRRS offers a complete line of HandPunch hand geometry systems to meet all size needs. The top-of-the-line HandPunch 4000 provides the most accurate time and attendance records, and includes 10 programmable data management keys that permit managers to have employee on-the-job time matched with job codes, pay codes and even input of employee tips for tax purposes.
"This system so accurately maps the hand-taking more than 90 different measurements-that should an employee be injured, a bandage on one finger will not result in a false rejection as the system will match the geometry with the rest of the hand," Newland said. "While the system is designed for mapping the right hand of employees, the template surface is reversible so left hands can be mapped (especially should an employee be missing his right hand)."
A finger on solutions
Fingerprint recognition systems, however, record the minutiae of features-such as ridges, valleys, and whorls-on the final joint of a thumb or forefinger. No two fingerprints are alike, which means that when the same finger is inserted into the scanning slot, that person's identity is verified. Many casinos use these systems, not only for access control, but to verify that employees have actually clocked onto the job, averting scams where one worker punches the timecards for absent colleagues.
The FingerKey fingerprint system from IRRS is designed to function as both an access control and an employee time/attendance verification system. Containing a durable optical sensor, the system captures prints from employee index fingers. Then, to gain entry or clock in for work, the employee inserts the same finger in the scanner and presses a four-digit code. A built-in clock/timer maintains a record of all employee use of the device.
Additional uses for fingerprint recognition technology are on the horizon.
One receiving some casino interest is a "swipe-less system" that would substitute a customer's fingerprint for a player card. Once opening an account, a customer could then insert his index finger into an electronic scanner to start play anywhere in the casino. As with player cards, wins and losses could then be levied against the account, as well as collect data for loyalty rewards. The account could be replenished or cashed out with another fingerprint verification and input of a special customer-selected PIN number.
Bosch Security Systems of Lancaster, Pa. currently markets what can be an important cog in a swipe-less system. Already being used in the banking industry, the V-Smart iClass Reader employs Bosch's patented Bioscrypt fingerprint-matching technology that can search through thousands of fingerprint templates to match and verify the one finger in the scanner.
This device offers dual-factor authentication, being able to credential smart cards and token encoded with a fingerprint to match the features on the scanned finger.
Another use of fingerprint recognition is to ease transactions at cash dispensing machines inside casinos while eliminating fraud that could occur if a player card is stolen. There is no way a thief can alter what's on his index fingertip.
The eyes have it-along with faces and fingerprints-for improving security at casinos
By James J. Hodl
Biometric recognition technology is no longer something used only in James Bond movies. It is a viable technology that is now available for use in casinos, which are gradually incorporating these high-tech systems into their security operations to control access to secure areas and provide early warning of undesirables entering the premises.
Biometrics is a science that recognizes that every person on earth has physiological features that make them unique from everyone else and it records what these unique identifiers are. They can be used to verify that a certain person is who he claims to be, or unmask the real identities people sometimes try to conceal.
Distinct physical features now being used as unique identifiers in the gaming industry are the shape and geometry of the face and hand, fingerprints and patterns in the iris of the eye. Other identifiers used in biometric recognition systems in other industries include blood vessel patterns in the retina and vocal inflections in speech.
No one need remember where they saw that face before, as facial recognition systems enable security personnel to analyze the unique shape, pattern and positioning of facial features and match them against all faces in a casino's rogue's gallery. With such systems, a video camera is used to capture an image from a few feet away, then software maps out the face to determine common features with those faces already in the system. Those faces most closely matching the flagged person appear on a video screen so security personnel can make a final decision-all in substantially less time then it would take to flip through mug books.
Facing the music
The Visual Casino Suite IV marketed by Biometrica Systems, based in Braintree, Mass., has improved identification abilities from earlier systems, as it instantly calculates 128 different facial measurements from hair to chin, said Jim Pepin, vice president of sales and marketing. And it can handle feeds from several different cameras, and from several different angles, while performing the thorough inspection of the suspect person.
"By quickly identifying criminals, cheats and other undesirables, they can be stopped before they do any damage, thus greatly reducing unnecessary losses in casinos," Pepin said. "And after the undesirable is identified, the system can bring up photos of his cohorts, so security can nab them too.
"The system's software also enables casinos to build their own database of undesirables through video inputs from surveillance cameras. And it connects to the Surveillance Information Network (SIN) to exchange data on cheaters and thieves with other casinos worldwide."
Another option is the iWatch Facial Recognition System offered by iView Systems of Oakville, Ont.
The iWatch is an automated, real-time surveillance and identification system that provides event-driven alerts based on individuals under watch or excluded status. The scanning and checking process is performed instantaneously, allowing security to intercept the verified miscreant before he has time to vanish inside the casino, and escort him out.
"The system also can be used to flag problem gamblers, and even the good guys-high rollers-so employees can be alerted to provide them instant recognition and service," said Martin Drew, iView president. "Once a security person flags a suspicious person seen entering on a surveillance camera, the system automatically searches the iTrak subject information system of stored images, then provides thumbnail views of the closest matches on the video screen on which the check was initiated. Once a match is confirmed, streaming alerts can be sent to security personnel to intercept the undesirable.
"It makes mug books obsolete," Drew added.
An advantage of the iWatch system is that it can be used with an existing CCTV infrastructure.
Both the Casino Visual Suite and iWatch systems tie in with other computerized systems within a casino's security apparatus to improve its reporting, tracking and identifying risk exposure.
Controlling access
Iris recognition systems make the eyes not only the window to the soul, but also the key to secure areas in casinos. Said to be the most accurate of the biometric technologies because the iris rarely changes over a lifetime, such systems record the unique texture and patterns of the iris. Thus, following the initial matrix scan, each time an authorized employee seeks to enter a secured area, he submits to another scan before a special camera.
As no two people-not even twins-have the exact same iris template, the scanner verifies they are the same person depicted on their identification card, and thus permits entry only to those whose iris matrices match those in the system memory.
Iris systems can also be used to provide extra privileges to high rollers and other good customers, entitling them to player card-free entry to high-bet gaming rooms, and special check cashing and credit privileges.
Secaucus, N.J.-based Panasonic's BM-ET330 Iris Recognition Recorder requires employees to stand before a video camera that scans the iris for identification points recorded earlier. There are no lasers or bright lights involved, said Steve Surfaro, senior manager of enterprise sales. The system includes a built-in COTS off-the-shelf support for iClass smart cards, a fast processor, an enhanced eye finder and additional language support audio prompts.
A built-in, real-time clock records when the system was used, thus automatically creating a ledger of when and by whom an area was accessed, or verify the hours an employee was on the job.
"Hand geometry and fingerprint recognition devices, which have been available the longest, are mostly used in casinos for access control and time/attendance verification," said Scott Newland, channel marketing manager at Ingersoll-Rand Recognition Systems (IRRS) based in Campbell, Calif.
Hand geometry recognition systems record a 3-D image of a person's hand and then check the length, thickness and shape of each hand inserted in the scanner against the images stored in system memory to verify that the hand's owner is authorized to access a particular area of the casino. Such systems are already in use to limit counting room access in Harrah's Entertainment properties.
IRRS offers a complete line of HandPunch hand geometry systems to meet all size needs. The top-of-the-line HandPunch 4000 provides the most accurate time and attendance records, and includes 10 programmable data management keys that permit managers to have employee on-the-job time matched with job codes, pay codes and even input of employee tips for tax purposes.
"This system so accurately maps the hand-taking more than 90 different measurements-that should an employee be injured, a bandage on one finger will not result in a false rejection as the system will match the geometry with the rest of the hand," Newland said. "While the system is designed for mapping the right hand of employees, the template surface is reversible so left hands can be mapped (especially should an employee be missing his right hand)."
A finger on solutions
Fingerprint recognition systems, however, record the minutiae of features-such as ridges, valleys, and whorls-on the final joint of a thumb or forefinger. No two fingerprints are alike, which means that when the same finger is inserted into the scanning slot, that person's identity is verified. Many casinos use these systems, not only for access control, but to verify that employees have actually clocked onto the job, averting scams where one worker punches the timecards for absent colleagues.
The FingerKey fingerprint system from IRRS is designed to function as both an access control and an employee time/attendance verification system. Containing a durable optical sensor, the system captures prints from employee index fingers. Then, to gain entry or clock in for work, the employee inserts the same finger in the scanner and presses a four-digit code. A built-in clock/timer maintains a record of all employee use of the device.
Additional uses for fingerprint recognition technology are on the horizon.
One receiving some casino interest is a "swipe-less system" that would substitute a customer's fingerprint for a player card. Once opening an account, a customer could then insert his index finger into an electronic scanner to start play anywhere in the casino. As with player cards, wins and losses could then be levied against the account, as well as collect data for loyalty rewards. The account could be replenished or cashed out with another fingerprint verification and input of a special customer-selected PIN number.
Bosch Security Systems of Lancaster, Pa. currently markets what can be an important cog in a swipe-less system. Already being used in the banking industry, the V-Smart iClass Reader employs Bosch's patented Bioscrypt fingerprint-matching technology that can search through thousands of fingerprint templates to match and verify the one finger in the scanner.
This device offers dual-factor authentication, being able to credential smart cards and token encoded with a fingerprint to match the features on the scanned finger.
Another use of fingerprint recognition is to ease transactions at cash dispensing machines inside casinos while eliminating fraud that could occur if a player card is stolen. There is no way a thief can alter what's on his index fingertip.
