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The Technology and Terminology Behind Passport Scanners - How It Works

Passport scanners are sophisticated devices that incorporate multiple technologies to accurately read and verify the information contained in passports and other travel documents. Here are the key technical aspects of how a passport scanner works:

Photo: Plustek

June 10, 2024

Passport scannersare sophisticated devices that incorporate multiple technologies to accurately read and verify the information contained in passports and other travel documents. Here are the key technical aspects of how a passport scanner works:

Passport and Drivers License Reading/Data Extraction

• Function: Most passport readers can read and extract data from both passports and drivers licenses.
• Process: A passport scanner that reads passports and drivers licenses eliminates the need for two different scanners and increases uptime and ease of use.

Barcode Reading

• 2D Barcode (PDF417): Some passports and all US and Canadian drivers licenses include 2D barcodes that contain information. The scanner decodes this information and passes the information to a back-end system.
• Benefit: PDF417 barcodes have extremely high read rates and data accuracy. Because of embedded check digits, it's impossible to have data errors.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

• Function OCR technology reads the text and numeric information printed in the passport's MRZ section and passes the information to an application.
• Process: The scanner captures an image of the passport page and software algorithms convert the scanned image into machine-readable text. This includes the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) which contains crucial information such as the passport number, name, nationality, date of birth, and expiration date.
• Considerations: Using OCR to read the information from the front of a drivers license or area other than the MRZ on a passport is susceptible to data errors due to the security features of passports and drivers licenses.  Always use the PDF417 and MRZ to read data.

Visible Light Imaging

• High-Resolution Camera: A high-resolution camera captures an image of the passport's data page, which is used for data extraction and visual verification.

Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) Imaging

• UV Imaging: Passports contain various security features, such as UV-visible inks and holograms which are visible only under ultraviolet light. The scanner uses UV light to reveal and verify these features.
• IR Imaging: Similarly, infrared imaging can be used to verify security features that are visible only under infrared light. This helps detect forgeries or alterations to the passport.

Software and Algorithms

• Data Parsing and Verification: The scanner’s software parses the information from the MRZ and PDF417 and verifies its consistency.
• Security Checks: Algorithms check for security features, cross-verify data across different readings (e.g., MRZ vs. RFID chip), and flag any discrepancies.

Integration with Databases and Systems

• Validation Systems: Passport scanners are often integrated with national and international databases for real-time verification against watchlists, visa records, and travel history.
• Vertical System Integration:Passport scanners are used with many different systems.  These include: Property Management, Health Records, Point of Sale, Government, Visitor Access, Gaming, Banking/Financial, Transportation, Immigration and Border, and many others. 
• API and SDK Support: Software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) are used for integration with other systems and custom applications. In addition, many passport readers use standard Windows Video Class drivers to simplify integration and deployment.

Connectivity

• USB Connection: Passport scanners typically use an industry-standard USB port to connect with backend systems,

Durability and Design

• Robust Construction: Passport scanners are designed to withstand heavy use, especially in high-traffic environments like airports and border control points.
• Compact and User-Friendly: Many scanners are designed to be compact and easy to use, with straightforward insertion and scanning processes.

Understanding these technical aspects helps to appreciate the complexity and reliability of passport scanners, which are critical in maintaining security and efficiency in identity verification processes.

Plustek offers a complete portfolio of image scanners/readers for driver's licenses, IDs, passports, and documents.  We also offer a comprehensive SDK that includes device control, image processing, and data extraction.  Customized hardware and software solutions are also available.

Visit the Plustek Kiosk Marketplace Showcase to learn more about Plustek and our products.

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Plustek Technology

Drawing on 36 years of expertise in scanner and imaging solution development, Plustek offers proven, commercial-grade ID, passport, and document scanning and data extraction technologies to the kiosk market. Customers select Plustek for its extensive range of scanners, readers, and integration options.

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