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It is currently in the prototype stage and can be seen at Thales's European Security Solutions Center, recently inaugurated in Vélizy le Bois, near Paris. Laboratory simulations and operational tests have already demonstrated the clear advantage of such a people screening solution over traditional security checkpoints and the revolutionary impact that its introduction will have on security concepts worldwide.

"Taking a holistic approach to the issue of security in critical infrastructures, the Smart Corridor integrates intelligent video surveillance, biometrics and sensor technology into a powerful automated screening system that achieves security objectives without requiring people to stop at checkpoints" comments Kamel Boussadia, iAirport Solution Manager at Thales. "In fact, the Smart Corridor is completely transparent to the passenger, who feels only a slight breeze when the system analyses the air for molecules of potentially explosive materials. The system is compatible with security laws and international regulations and is based on multiple passive, non-intrusive sensor technologies which respect passengers' privacy, health and safety."

The Smart Corridor functions are non intrusive for the person and don't reflect any detailed silhouette by images. Four meters long, all devices and sensors are installed "behind the scenes", completely invisible for the person. The intelligent video surveillance system performs functions such as counting people, detecting abandoned objects and suspicious behaviors (such as u-turn). A biometrics control system permits to identify the person with the face and iris recognition solution embedded in the smart corridor. Sophisticated sensors detect both traces of explosives as well as metallic and dielectric objects hidden underneath clothing.

Thales demonstrates with this new technology how operators at airports can secure new infrastructures and make better use of existing ones by: facilitating the flow of people; providing a people security screening "on the move"; speeding up passengers check-in, boarding and travel verification; enabling global flow management and planning. Security levels are improved through a secured information exchange platform, more accurate passenger identification and verification, and risk assessment on passengers' costs.

About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales's leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with 2007 revenues of €12.3 billion.

Press contacts
Thales, Security Solutions & Services
Victoire Le Barazer
Tél. +33 1 73 32 13 20
victoire.lebarazer@thalesgroup.com

Thales, Corporate Communication
Caroline Philips
Tél. +33 1 57 77 86 26
caroline.philips@thalesgroup.com