Black Diamond Advanced Technology has designed and delivered to Northrop Grumman a ruggedized, identity-management system for secure and efficient multi-modal biometrics collection in the field. Called the BioTRAC, the advanced multi-biometric, mobile handheld computer features IriTech's new embedded-processor dual-iris camera system, which is capable of outdoor, independent dual-iris image capture in less than 5 seconds on a rugged platform.

BioTRAC incorporates several biometric acquisition devices for complete identity enrollment in less than two minutes, including four high-resolution fingerprint sensors; a multi-function camera with one- and two-dimensional barcode reading; and dual-iris capture cameras. IriTech's IriCAMM embedded dual-iris camera, with its modular design and easy integration, was a natural fit for the solution.

Black Diamond designed the BioTRAC on the platform of its ultra-rugged, second-generation SwitchBackMT computer, which features patented, reconfigurable architecture. With its modular BackPacks and TopCaps, the SwitchBack enables rapid, low-cost development tailored to specific customer needs and a future-proof solution that can be upgraded when new technologies become available.

Northrop Grumman commissioned the BioTRAC BackPack, is developing operational software for this powerful mobile device, and has initiated a number of field trials.