Person Identification Mini Dock adds Smartcard Reader for user authentication to OCR, RFID and Fingerprint capabilities

Paris, France 15th November 2011 – Panasonic Toughbook today launched its revolutionary 4-in-1 mobile identity checking solution at the Cartes & Identification 2011 show in Paris, running from November 15-17. Designed for border control and immigration, federal and military police patrols and security teams, the latest Person Identification Mini Dock (PIMD) includes a new Smartcard Reader for user authentication, as well as an OCR and RFID Reader and Fingerprint Scanner.


Toughbook PIMD 4-in-1Compact, rugged and lightweight, the PIMD connects to the Toughbook CF-U1 ultra mobile PC device. It has been designed for use in mobile ID security checks or for security access checks at events such as the Olympics or football matches or for age control checks in the supply chain or asset management, for example, for parcel delivery or car rental.

“This latest PIMD device, with the inclusion of smartcard reader, has been designed in close conjunction with our customers to allow the user to securely authenticate to the device and their remote back-office systems before handling sensitive personal data,” explained Jon Tucker, Senior Product Manager at Panasonic Computer Products Europe. “As well as user authentication, this latest addition can also be used for Citizen ID Card authentication in some countries.”

Equipped with the best components from the leading manufacturers in mobile identification, including DESKO™, Dermalog™ and HID Global™. The PIMD is a co-development from Panasonic and DESKO in a rugged case with MIL-STD and IP certification. It also delivers the highest security standards with separate power management and a standby mode.

HID Global Smartcard Contact Interface
This compact and cost effective single Smartcard Contact Interface can be used with a token or smartcard for user authentication and meets the ISO 7816 Class A, B & C standard, ensuring it is compatible with 5V, 3V and 1.8V smart cards.

DESKO-designed OCR Reader for Passports and ID cards
The DESKO-designed OCR ID document reader checks 2 and 3 line passports and ID documents to ICAO 9303 standard. It uses OCR swipe technology with a small and compact micro OCR camera for mobile passport reading at a speed of 72-90 characters per half second. Reading errors are low as a result of DESKO’s proven algorithm reading support software. The device is easy to use with a high optical picture quality of 400dpi.

HID Global RFID Module
The integrated HID Global RFID module with its user-friendly, document holding clip and standard PC-SC interface to support biometric reading is ideal for reading biometric passports or ID cards and other RF documents (i.e. Mifare type a/b). It is one of the fastest RFID modules on the market, with transfer rates up to 848kbps, and is designed for outside use with its RF Board coated to provide a high level of water protection. The module supports Basic and Extended Access Control and complies with ICAO 9303, ISO 14443 and ISO 15693 standards. The RF board follows BSI standards for biometric passport reading.

Market-leading Fingerprint Reader
The Dermalog high quality optical fingerprint reader has the ability to identify fingerprints from the living and dead, as well as fake plastic fingerprints. Images are easy to view on a 24x16mm bed at a resolution of 500dpi. The module creates a small image memory size for easy processing, with a raw image size of 150kb and a compressed file at just 18kb. The module is BSI and FBI-FIPS certified.

CF-U1 ultra mobile PC device
Combined with the CF-U1, data from the PIMD can be immediately processed by the device operating system or via an optional WWAN, which can synchronise live with data held on a central server. A full-function operating system (Windows® XP or Windows® 7) makes the CF-U1 the perfect fit as all captured ID-Information can be directly processed on an office-like platform by the fully ruggedized Toughbook CF-U1, which maximizes functionality and connectivity in a compact size with extreme durability. Data can be input through either the keyboard, or with a pen or finger on the 5.6-inch touchscreen, which is viewable even in direct sunlight. With the WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600), 2GB of memory, a 64GB solid-state hard drive and an energy efficient 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom CPU, the CF-U1 provides optimal battery-performance balance. While the standard WLAN and Bluetooth deliver the latest wireless technologies, the optional integrated HSDPA, GPS and other application-specific modules make the CF-U1 together with the PMID the perfect “Mobile Person Identification Solution” even in the most demanding working conditions.

Backed by outstanding service
Every PIMD comes with a 2-year warranty covering hardware failures for systems used as designed; with a 96-hour total turnaround time commitment and a 5-year spare parts guarantee.

Availability and pricing
The new 4-in1 PIMD is available from 1st December 2011 and prices start at €1513. - (excl. VAT).