Many have heard the term facial recognition, but few know exactly that it is and how it has been used to solve complex problems in business and daily life. Also referred to as FRT (Facial Recognition Technology), this technology is most known for the ability to unlock a smartphone and computers, it is an extension of Image Recognition. However, its capabilities reach far beyond this. There are uses in the law enforcement field, retail industry, and even casinos. The future of the software holds great promise as well, such as in the medical field. This article will look at these unique and indispensable abilities being used today and some possibilities for the future.
About Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition is an application where biometrics software analyzes an individual’s facial patters, structure, and contours to identify that individual. Think of a person’s face being scanned like a fingerprint. The data collected is stored in databases for the software to compare each scan for identification. It works through the following four steps:
- Detection. A camera, or multiple cameras scan an individual or even crowds and captured images.
- Analysis. The 2D image is then compared to images in the database. It looks at 80 points on the face such as eye placement and check bones. The software also looks at how wide a nose is, the length of the jaw, and how deep set the eyes are in the sockets. Each face is as unique as a fingerprint.
- Conversion. The image and the 80 points are then converted in to a mathematical formula called a faceprint.
- Match. This faceprint is positively identified from the data and an individual is assigned to the print by matching it with already existing facial database.
Current Use Cases of Facial Recognition
Usecase #1 – Safer Schools
With the on-slot of school shootings in recent years and child abductions, authorities and school administrators have been looking for ways to improve school safety. One way some school districts have found for make their schools safer is by implementing facial recognition software. This dramatically reduces the instances of unauthorized persons from gaining access to students and staff by limiting those who can enter the buildings.
Usecase #2 – Controlled Access
With the use of FRT and drones, businesses can now keep sensitive areas more secure and control the access to them. For instance, airports and military bases use this technology to be sure no unauthorized individuals are entering into restricted zones without the proper clearance. This also keeps areas secure from potential terror attacks by alerting the proper channels of any individual who may be on watch lists.
Usecase #3 – Casinos and Cheaters
Casinos have had an ongoing issue with visitors trying to beat the house by cheating since the first one opened. Casinos lose money to cheaters, but the real threat is losing their casino licenses. This would devastate their business if they had to shut the doors until the owner could get it back. Therefore, casino security stays on top of all the latest security tech like facial recognition. FRT allows security to identify knows cheaters as they come onto the casino floor and can be removed before any damage is done.
The Future of FRT
The data systems for Facial Recognition Technology is growing daily. This means the system if getting smarter if you will. With the advances of this technology, there are numerous usecases for the future of the planet. Two such instances are as follows:
Future of Retail
Retailers are already embracing Facial Recognition Technology in the battle against theft. However, there is a possibility gone will be the days of waiting in lines for checkout. Shoppers will be able to scan their faces to purchase their goods. In addition, facial recognition is just getting attention for being used in some markets to monitor shoppers’ habits. This could possibly be used for targeted advertising when an individual enters a store.
Future of Medical Diagnostics
Of course, the medical field always stays on the cutting edge of technology and have even developed many new advanced. Facial recognition is no different. Researchers have used FRT to analyses individuals for precursors for things like Body Mass Index, physiological health, body fat and blood pressure. Currently, there are experiments being conducted with using the technology to see its accuracy in detection other cues for health issues. Soon those feeling under the weather may be able to open an app and scan their face and have a diagnosis returned without ever leaving their house or job.
In conclusion, facial recognition has been called creepy, invasive, and a privacy violation technology. However, the uses cases far outweigh a few voices not ready for this highly useful technology. In the law enforcement field alone, it has turned into an invaluable tool to identify potential threats and dangerous individuals and even missing persons. FRT is also keeping schools safer. Facial recognition software is not going away and will only continue to develop and expand such as in the medical, device applications, and even the automotive industries. The future is Now and many amazing use cases are on the horizon for this technology.
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