Facial recognition software used to be fodder for sci-fi and futuristic-type movies. No one thought that while watching these shows that the technology demonstrated within would be a reality in the not too distant future. However, the time has come for more mainstream companies to implement this technology with its increased security. Facial recognition access control systems are the next step in increased security.
What is facial recognition? Facial recognition software works by creating a digital representation of a person’s facial image. It does this by closely analyzing the structure of the face using features such as the nose, cheekbones, lips, and eyes. Essentially, it creates a detailed map of the angles, lines, and features of the face and then turns it into a file containing all the information collected during the verification process in which the face was associated with the person added for access. . The face is mapped in detail during this process to minimize a wrong match or false negation.
Face ID uses one of two methods to establish identity. The first is geometric where distinguishable characters are compared. The second, which is photometric, uses an analytical way of converting facial features into a numerical value. This value is then compared to the templates stored in a database. A person’s identity is first established when they log on to the system. The photographs are taken from several different angles to establish a clear map of the features of the face. Then you enter the system. When the person requests access, the system will compare the value it sees with the values it knows they can access.
One big advantage of facial recognition software is that it eliminates human error to a great extent. Someone may try to convince a security guard to allow access or play an access card. However, for obvious reasons, it would be difficult to duplicate another person’s facial features. Even identical twins have subtle differences that the software detects. These subtle differences are what make the software hard to fool or trick. When you consider the many nuances of someone’s face, including their expressions, it becomes obvious why a facial recognition access control system would be so difficult to get past.
Facial recognition software is a bit more expensive up front, but can offer savings in the long run. There is no need to maintain and replace access cards. Access cards can be lost or stolen, requiring more administrative maintenance, as well as the additional cost of replacing the cards. Without having to have someone to keep the cards or pay for new ones, it soon becomes apparent that excess cost is being eliminated. Furthermore, access will never fall into the wrong hands due to theft or loss. When an employee leaves employment, keys and access cards are not always issued. Using a person’s face to gain access means business owners will never worry about where their credentials or access keys ended up. This provides a much easier way for a business to maintain security.
Identity theft has become a major concern in the modern age. Simply by gaining access to someone’s relevant information, such as date of birth and social security number, thieves can open lines of credit at will using that person’s information. This can devastate a person both professionally and financially, and often takes quite a while to figure out. With the use of facial recognition software, thieves will find it increasingly difficult to assume someone’s identity and credit rating. Many people don’t know that identity theft has occurred until they start receiving bills or apply for credit themselves and are denied due to excessive or bad credit. With facial identification, it would be difficult for someone other than the real person to use social security numbers or information that is not rightfully yours. Facial recognition software has many promising uses for the future. Major credit card companies are experimenting with ways to use it to establish a cardholder’s identity before they are allowed to purchase. This minimizes the substantial losses to both credit card companies and consumers that occur each year.
Biometric security is increasingly available to the general public. Limited to government agencies in recent years, its implementation was simply prohibitively expensive for most companies. Just like DVD players, microwaves, and other electronic devices that were very expensive in the beginning, the price of facial recognition software has started to drop, allowing more people to implement this efficient security strategy.
A facial recognition access control system can provide any business with enhanced security and minimal operating costs. This new age technology has now taken its place as the standard among preferred access security systems and is sure to continue to do so in the future.
