Panasonic launches biometric security camera

MUMBAI

December 29, 2006

Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte Ltd brought its five-city exhibition
Workspectrum 2006 to Delhi this week. This event aims at displaying the product
diversity that the brand has on offer in office automation, communications,
security and audio-visual solutions.

Leveraging on this channel interaction platform, Panasonic also
announced the launch and availability of new products in India including the
biometric access control and security device-the Iris Recognition Camera
System (BM-ET330)-and an electronic whiteboard called the Interactive
Panaboard (UB-8325).

According to Anil Rijhwani, Country Head, Panasonic Asia Pacific
Pte (India Branch Office), "Our office product spectrum being diverse
enough, with machines that find utility from reception to the boardroom,
presenting all of them at one time and that too under one roof was a daunting
task. However, through Workspectrum 2006, we have accomplished this successfully
enough. We've been receiving a phenomenal response for our products bring
unparalleled cost and efficiency benefits to the end-customer."

Chander Kohli, Chief Operating Officer, Panasonic Asia Pacific
Pte Ltd., said, "This event presents our buyers and resellers a unique
opportunity to witness the world's best technology at work for they can test run
the latest products and get a first hand user experience of the rich
functionality packed in. The new product launches strengthen our product
portfolio further and are sure to change the way people work."

On display at the Workspectrum 2006, besides the newly launched
products, are key telephone systems including IP-PABX systems, cordless phones,
fax machines, audio-conferencing system, network copiers, plasma screens, small
form factor projectors, fast wireless transmission projectors and the Toughbooks-field
and business mobile computers (rugged, semi-rugged and ultra portable range of
laptops).

Panasonic's BM-ET330, a biometric camera, provides a highly
effective 'front-end' to access control and security solution and extend its
capabilities beyond surveillance and monitoring. The biometric technology
overcomes many of the disadvantages of conventional ID and verification
techniques such as keys, ID cards and passwords.

Panasonic BM-ET330 reads the iris of the eye to verify the
identity of authorized persons with virtually no chance of misidentification. It
relies on the complex and intricate patterns in the iris, which are unique to
each individual. With a specialized Panasonic video camera, a detailed close-up
of the iris of each authorized person is captured into the system.

The biometric software then makes a template or 'map' of each
person's iris pattern, and stores it in the system. To verify identity later, an
individual simply looks into a specialized Panasonic iris camera located at a
designated access point. The system compares the patterns in the individual's
iris against the templates stored in the system. If there's a match, the
identity is verified.

The database of iris template data is secured by 3DES
encryption, to guard against theft or misuse of the data. It involves no lasers,
bright lights, or any hazardous technology. Compared to conventional techniques
such as ID cards, keys, and passwords, the Panasonic Iris Reader can be less
costlier to administer and operate, and can easily accommodate larger numbers of
personnel as the needs grow (up to 5,000 users).

Panasonic's Interactive Panaboard (UB-8325) is an interactive
electronic whiteboard, a projector screen and an electronic print board with
printer rolled into one. Users can project their presentations onto the
Panaboard by connecting their PC via USB and LCD projector. Its screen displays
crisp data and video images with minimal light reflection.

Panaboard incorporates ultrasonic and infrared technology to
accurately sense the screen position. The electronic pen that comes along with
Panaboard, and the 'on-screen' keyboard feature, allows them to control the PC
application right from the board itself (sift through the Microsoft PowerPoint
presentation or toggle between different Windows applications) just like a
normal computer mouse.

The electronic pen can also be used to write and annotate i.e.
highlight keywords and subjects, even incorporate comments and feedback in
different colors. When users need to modify their notes, they can simply use the
included eraser to make the changes. The collaborated presentation can be saved
and disseminated amidst all attendees through email as an attached file or
through black and white prints from the in-built plain paper printer.

Remote participants in a session (present on the network) can
store the presented material for future reference. It also provides a
cost-effective teleconferencing solution when used in conjunction with Microsoft
NetMeeting. The integrated printer can make nine copies at a time. Users can
combine two pages and print it as one.

The Panasonic Iris Recognition Camera System (BM-ET330) and
Interactive Panaboard (UB-8325) are available at a Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh
respectively through the authorized dealer and distribution network of Panasonic
Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.