Face Recognition Goes 3D
It’s hardly surprising anymore to read about someone detained at an airport due to security threats. Just the other day an elderly man was arrested for falsely saying he had a bomb in his suitcase (of course, if he did have a bomb he probably would have been arrested too…). Two men from New Jersey were just arrested at the airport as they were accused of preparing to travel to Somalia to join an insurgent group.
Advancements in security technology including biometrics, retinal scans, and facial recognition, are topics we cover frequently on Eye Tracking Update because they are closely related to or may even be incorporated with eye tracking systems. In a recent article on Gulf News’ website, it’s reported that scientists at the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research are conducting new research into biometrics for the purpose of developing 3D faceprints. Engineering students and two assistant professors at the department of computer engineering are using the new technique to measure and analyze people’s biological traits. Sometimes these are physical features, sometimes they consist of behavioral patterns – it really depends on what they’re seeking out.
Dr. Naoufel Werghi and Dr. Harish Bhaskar, the two professors featured in the article are using money from a research grant to develop face recognition systems that utilize 3-D images of a person’s face. Like fingerprints, a face is arranged in a pattern of sorts, with a very identifiable and central feature – the nose. The nose is the most stable point, and while changes in one’s expression may contort other parts of the face, the nose remains pretty constant. Once the nose is recognized, it’s a matter of locating the eyes in respect to it, and this is key in the 3-D facial imaging process.
Two-dimensional images, while effective, are not as reliable; lighting, posture, and the angle of the face can change. This can make it difficult to match a face to an identity. With 3-D face imaging, scanning can be unobtrusive and easy to operate.
The article raises an interesting ethical point. What happens if there is a security breach and this precious database gets into the wrong hands? The researchers don’t expect any major consequences if the information was leaked, but you never really know until it becomes a problem. They’re relying on those in possession of the database to secure the information, as it’s done with any privately held, personal information (Facebook, anyone?).
That said, it’s still an interesting and promising solution to potential security threats and identification of persons with harmful intent. Do you think it’s going too far? Or are you willing to give up some of your personal liberties for what is meant to be the safety of you and others? Write a comment and tell us what you think.
Related articles:
- Is Apple Getting Into Face Recognition Too?
- Face Recognition Makes Advancements
- The All-In-One AOptix Face and Iris Recognition System
- A Deeper Understanding of Face Recognition
- Facial Recognition That Detects Your Younger Self
- Is It Too Early to Worry About Facial Recognition?
- How Does Facial Recognition Occur in the Brain?
- Rave Reviews for Microsoft Kinect’s Face and Voice Recognition
- Ever Wonder How Facial Recognition Works?
- Iris Recognition at a Greater Distance