Under a signed transfer agreement, INO of Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada, has granted Opto Biometrics Inc. of the Quebec City area an exclusive worldwide license for the use, commercialization and development of its optical correlation and recognition technology. An optical technology firm specializing in security and defense systems, Opto intends to use INO's optical correlator for antiterrorism security applications, such as automated facial recognition and detection of objects in luggage and containers. The artificial vision tool can recognize shapes and objects at a rate of 120 images per second, according to INO.

Opto also intends to apply the computer's potential to the military, industrial and biomedical sectors. As part of the agreement, it will be able to draw upon the expertise of INO's researchers to further develop the device. Initially made for two years, the agreement will be renewed indefinitely when Opto secures funding.