When fingerprints facilitate Passport Control. World leader in the field, Morpho (Safran Group ) has developed a system for automated passport controls. Used by 23 airports in the world, this technology allows a fast and secure procedure! Here’s how… On one side the queue, and on the other, a faster passport processing system. The PARAFE system for Automated Rapid Passage at External Borders was installed a year ago in Marseille-Provence airport, in southern France. Designed by Morpho, a subsidiary of the Safran group, it allows passengers with biometric passports to go through the obligatory area in just a few seconds instead of having to wait in the usual, up to 20, minute queues, thanks to the simplicity of the procedure which has been the success of the system. Samuel FRINGANT - Director Business Morpho France. ‘‘The biometric control allows complete coherent cross-checking control between the passport document and the person going through the control area, and at the same time limits the nuisance of checking time to within, on average, a time-frame of 20 seconds. Morpho has installed this type of system at 23 international Airports." Already installed in both Parisian airports, Marseille airport is the first in the provinces to have installed the PARAFE system. Some highly advanced technology is concealed behind the deceptive simplicity of the system. Ultra sophisticated sensors check passenger biometrics in record time, and in total security. Samuel FRINGANT - Morpho Business Director, France. "There is a totally reliable biometrically–based consultation, secured with a fingerprint sensor designed to detect even, for example, false fingers; and then you have a chessboard patterned carpet, that ensures the unique link between the person and the document, as well as multiple cameras placed inside the area. This apparatus can detect if there is more than one person in the zone, in which case the passage is not allowed; and should someone leave luggage in the area, a warning signal sets off." Despite the 800,000 euro investment in the machine, this processing time has become a positive argument in the marketing of the airport. Especially vis-à-vis business customers, who are often pressed for time and dislike having to queue. ‘‘Here we are in Lisbon, there was an incredible 300 metre long queue, but luckily we noticed the C.E.E. automatic gates where there was no-one – and we were through in two minutes - perfect !’’ - ‘‘In two minutes we were through, which meant we’ve avoided a half-hour wait in the queue, so it’s great !’’ - ‘‘As easy as using a credit card’’ In addition to fingerprints, the PARAFE system is capable of analyzing the iris of the eye or facial morphology. To better maintain its global leadership, Morpho are looking at the possiblility of adapting their system to the socio-cultural constraints of each country.