The Challenge

Located in a Beverly Hills, Calif. storefront, U.S. Private Vaults (USPV) provides more than 1,000 private safe deposit boxes. USPV wants to provide the vast majority of its customers with total anonymity, while offering security equal to or better than that found in a bank.

Requirements:

  • Use customers’ irises as the sole source of identification
  • Authenticate customers wanting to access the vault area
  • Integrate iris recognition technology with other security layers
  • Maintain airtight security

 

The Solution

Install two Iris ID IrisAccess readers to enroll new customers and then provide them unassisted entry into the vault containing their safe deposit boxes. Also integrate the iris recognition solution with a leading access control platform and other security layers to ensure a high level of security throughout the facility.

The Results

New customers are escorted into the office where they are enrolled in the Iris ID system using an Iris ID iCAM 7000 camera to capture iris data. It will be immediately turned into code. That code is the only way USPV can identify customers. There is no need to show a drivers’ license, Social Security card, passport or other identification.

USPV proprietary software links the iris codes to a customer’s box and is used to maintain billing. The overwhelming majority of customers use cash to pay their monthly box rental fees.

Another Iris ID iCAM 7000 unit allows customers unassisted entry into to the vault. New customers also receive two keys, the only set that will open the box. If they’re lost the customer checks in at the iris reader and remains onsite while a locksmith drills out and replaces the lock and provides new keys. The day a customer fall behind in rent, USPV’s software instructs the iris reader to block entry into the vault.

The Iris ID system is only part of USPV’s dedicated security system. Iris readers are linked to an access control platform controlling entry into either of the facility’s two exterior doors. A total of 18 IP-based cameras monitor the exterior, front doors, office, sales room, the vault entry and its interior.

The vault is on a time lock. Once it closes at 6 p.m., it can’t be opened again until 10 a.m. the next business day. Sound, motion, vibration and heat sensors trigger alarms if anyone manages to remain in the vault after closing. A sprinkler system protects against fire. Even the steel and concrete walls and ceiling surrounding the vault add security.

Every room in the facility, including the vault’s privacy rooms, contains a panic button.

A national integrator provides 24-hour monitoring of the access control system, cameras and vault sensors. As an added safety measure, USPV prohibits drugs, ammunition or explosive materials in the safe deposit boxes. Sniffer dogs check the vault on a random basis.

“Accuracy is critical for a business that identifies its customers only through iris scans. The Iris ID system also serves as another critical layer of security, ensuring only the renters of safe deposit boxes can gain access to the vault.”

 — Matthew Bonvincin, chief technology officer, U.S. Private Vaults

About U.S. Private Vaults

Based in Beverly Hills, Calif., U.S. Private Vaults provides rentals of safe deposit boxes with greater privacy and security than provided by a bank. Customers retain their anonymity, being identified only by through biometric systems.

About Iris ID Systems Inc.

Iris ID Systems Inc. has been active in iris recognition research, development and production since 1997. Today U.S.-based Iris ID Systems is a global provider of iris recognition systems. IrisAccess® is the world’s leading deployed iris recognition platform and is used in thousands of locations authenticating the identities of millions of people daily. More people look to IrisAccess for iris-based authentication than to all other iris recognition products combined. For more information, visit www.irisid.com.