A Forward Pass

SISCO's FAST-PASS system uses Canon network video cameras to improve lobby control

  • By Del V. Salvi
  • Aug 03, 2006

"The needs of lobby control for general population entry are becoming paramount," said Anthony Zagami, president of West Palm Beach, Fla.-based Security Identification Systems Corp. "In the event of an emergency, if you need to evacuate the building, it would be very difficult to determine who was still in the building from a log book."

For both security and emergency purposes, there is a very basic need to identify people that are inside a building. For years, log books have been a standard for recording visitors, but because of issues with legibility and credibility, they are not always reliable.

SISCO has a solution to this problem with their FAST-PASS technology. FAST-PASS is a cylindrical tube that sits unobtrusively on countertops and has the capability to capture both the facial image of every visitor and their driver license. The key component that enables the FAST-PASS system to perform this function is Canon's PTZ network video solutions cameras, which can instantly adjust to quickly capture the video image of all visitors to hospitals, schools, building sites and other secure locations. And because humans come in all shapes, sizes and heights, PTZ capabilities of the Canon camera are invaluable because they instantly adjust to whatever position is necessary to take clear, high-quality facial images of visitors, regardless of how tall or short they may be.

For both security and emergency purposes, there is a very basic need to identify people that are inside a building. For years, log books have been a standard for recording visitors, but because of issues with legibility and credibility, they are not always reliable.

The camera then goes vertical, pointing straight up and instantly re-focusing to capture an image of the visitor's driver license, passport or travel document, which is placed on a glass window atop the cylinder. These two images are then combined to create an ID badge for the visitor, all in under 20 seconds. Such speed is crucial when handling credentials for hundreds or thousands of people every day.

Finding the Right Camera
"A fixed-position camera is a lot more awkward to use because you have to physically position the camera by hand, and you're not getting the quality that a Canon captures," Zagami said. "This camera's versatility allows us to focus, zoom and position the camera with the touch of a button or the move of a mouse. This allows us to get the best photograph possible in a situation where clarity can be critical."

Canon's control interface for its NVS PTZ cameras has made it easy for SISCO to integrate the camera into its FAST-PASS system. SISCO designed FAST-PASS with ease of use as a key imperative. Operators with no previous camera training can control the position of the Canon NVS camera inside the FAST-PASS system effortlessly with a keyboard or a mouse. Zagami is pleased by the Canon cameras' compatibility with the FAST-PASS software.

"The operating convenience has been a huge benefit. You're looking at the screen, and you're moving the camera with the keyboard or mouse for the pan, tilt and zoom, and whatever else you want to do to control the camera. It's that simple," Zagami said.

By using FAST-PASS to keep more detailed and sophisticated records of visitors, SISCO has helped to reduce the number of false or suspicious entrants to its clients' buildings.

"It eliminates a lot of people that would enter fraudulently because they know their photograph is being taken and their driver license or travel document is being tested," Zagami said.

After the camera takes the image of the visitor's driver license or travel document, the operator can then perform a background check to prevent entry if necessary. This is used by SISCO customers in the Florida school system, for example, where the newly enacted Jessica Lunsford Act mandates that all school visitors and contract employees must be checked against an offenders list before being allowed on campus. FAST-PASS helps to keep Florida's children safe by checking the visitor's photograph and identification against those of registered offenders.

Other Applications
SISCO also has kiosk-based versions of FAST-PASS that enable self-enrollment of return visitors to a secure area. A visitor whose information was previously entered into the system can simply swipe their driver license or travel document again, and the system prints out a pass that the visitor picks up at the security desk.

One kiosk-based version of FAST-PASS is known as A-PASS and it is used on cruise ships for fast and easy tracking of passengers as they board and de-board the vessel. This serves to prevent people from fraudulently boarding a ship, and provides a means of making sure that nobody gets left behind when a port visit is concluded.

Whether integrated into its desktop or kiosk-based security systems, the reliability of the Canon cameras is an essential part of the success of SISCO's technologies.

"We've used hundreds of these cameras, and we haven't had many, if any, field failures at all," Zagami said. "They've been super."

Based on the field success of FAST-PASS domestically, SISCO plans to launch efforts to market the product internationally. SISCO also is looking to bring FAST-PASS into event management such as concerts and auto races.

Featured

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services

  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.