Dec 07/Jan/08

A lightweight mobile unit for scanning identification documents is likely to be the outcome of partnership agreement between Psion Teklogix and Sagem Securit, which is considered a world leader in fingerprint-based biometrics.

The device, to be known as MorphoCheck, is described as a mobile, autonomous, lightweight multimodal terminal. Its function will be to read the codes in documents such as passports, driving licences and ID cards. It will be capable of reading barcodes via optical character recognition, as well as contact and contactless electronic chips.

The project represents a new market for Psion Teklogix. According to Jacky Lecuivre, chief executive of Psion Teklogix Inc: 'Biometrics technology represents the future of security.'

Sagem, a subsidiary of the SAFRAN group, is also a specialist in secure terminals for access control, payments and gaming; road safety equipment; and smartcards.