The Technology and Terminology Behind Passport Scanners – How It Works
A passport scanner is a sophisticated device that integrates multiple technologies to accurately read and verify passport and travel document information. Understanding its technical aspects highlights its importance in identity verification and security processes.
Passport and Driver’s License Reading/Data Extraction
- Function: A passport scanner is capable of reading and extracting data from passports and driver’s licenses, reducing the need for multiple devices.
- Process: By consolidating passport and driver’s license scanning into one device, a passport scanner improves efficiency, uptime, and ease of use.
Barcode Reading
- 2D Barcode (PDF417): Many passports and all U.S. and Canadian driver’s licenses feature 2D barcodes that store critical information.
- Benefit: Passport scanners decode this data with high accuracy and transmit it to backend systems, ensuring error-free processing through embedded check digits.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
- Function: OCR technology allows a passport scanner to read text and numeric data from the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ).
- Process: The scanner captures an image of the passport page and converts it into machine-readable text, extracting details like passport number, name, nationality, date of birth, and expiration date.
- Considerations: OCR is best used with MRZ and PDF417 data to avoid errors caused by security features on passports and driver’s licenses.
Visible Light Imaging
- High-Resolution Camera: A passport scanner employs high-resolution imaging to capture the passport’s data page for data extraction and manual verification.
Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) Imaging
- UV Imaging: Passport scanners use ultraviolet light to detect security features like UV-visible inks and holograms.
- IR Imaging: Infrared technology verifies hidden security elements to detect forged or altered passports.
Software and Algorithms
- Data Parsing and Verification: A passport scanner parses and verifies MRZ and barcode data for consistency.
- Security Checks: Algorithms cross-verify MRZ and RFID chip data to identify discrepancies and ensure document authenticity.
Integration with Databases and Systems
- Validation Systems: Passport scanners connect with national and international databases for real-time verification against watchlists, visa records, and travel history.
- Vertical System Integration: Used across various industries, passport scanners support property management, health records, retail, government, visitor access, gaming, banking, transportation, immigration, and border security.
- API and SDK Support: Many passport scanners offer software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) for seamless integration with other applications and Windows Video Class drivers.
Connectivity
- USB Connection: A passport scanner typically utilizes a standard USB port for easy connection to backend systems.
Durability and Design
- Robust Construction: Designed for high-traffic environments like airports and border checkpoints, passport scanners are built for durability.
- Compact and User-Friendly: Modern passport scanners offer compact designs and intuitive scanning processes for user convenience.
Understanding these key elements underscores the role of a passport scanner in security and efficiency for identity verification.
Finloyd provides a full range of passport scanners and readers for driver’s licenses, IDs, and documents. Our comprehensive SDK includes device control, image processing, and data extraction, with customizable hardware and software solutions available.
Visit the Finloyd Showcase to learn more about Finloyd’s passport scanners and related products.
