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Developer's kit makes it simple to create ultra low-cost biometric ID.

Datastrip has released a software developer’s kit which allows any company to easily create secure ID cards and documents using an ultra low-cost printed code.

Known as 2D Superscript, the code will store over 2 KB of machine-readable text, image or binary data in the form of a compact strip that can be printed at virtually zero cost onto plastic cards of documents. This capacity is more than enough to store multiple biometric records, as well as high quality photo images and text. It equates to 10–30 times more than the typical magnetic stripe card for instance or a comparable memory level to many chip-based cards, providing the means to implement highly sophisticated ID schemes. Potential applications might include a biometric ID card which could be used to authorise banking transactions for example or government documents such as passports, drivers’ licences and welfare/benefits cards.

The new Datastrip developer’s kit offers a suite for creating ID applications. To simplify development, the software provides users with an application structure offering predefined fields for storing different types of information such as text, a photo and binary or user-defined data. A range of add-in utilities is available for handling specific biometric templates such as signatures or fingerprints. The kit also gives developers complete control over specialised aspects of code production, such as data compression, data redundancy and inkspread compensation to suit different types of media from plastic cards to paper documents.

The software components are supplied in the form of a Windows DLL (dynamic link library) supporting standard Windows API-calling conventions. As a result, applications can be developed using popular rapid application development environments such as Borland C++ and Microsoft Visual Basic.

Datastrip offers a range of complementary equipment for Datastrip-based ID systems including card printers and card readers suitable for different types of end-user environments.

For details contact Sue Coutin, Datastrip on telephone (0944) 1844 215668; fax (0944) 1844 215669 or e-mail: sue.coutin@dstrip.demon.co.uk

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