Researchers Improve Facial Recognition Systems

Facial recognition systems can certainly help tighten border security, but the technology is not without its problems. In fact, it can become almost impossible when the system gets a poor-quality image. Have researchers found a way to make those systems work?

According to an article on the Innovations report website, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) “have found that several simple steps can significantly improve the quality of facial images that are acquired at border entry points such as airports and seaports,” the article says.

But what’s better, says the article, is that the new NIST recommendations for improving facial images can be implemented relatively easily with existing facial recognition technology.

“In usability and human factors research performed for US-VISIT as part of a large joint effort to improve facial recognition technology, NIST’s Mary Theofanos and her colleagues sought simple ways of obtaining better facial images in often hectic real-world conditions without having to deploy new technology,” the article says.

As a result of their observations, the researchers identified a number of steps to take for acquiring better facial images. For example, the report recommends that operators should adjust camera settings to ensure the subject comes into sharp focus. The report also recommends using a traditional-looking camera in facial-recognition systems so that individuals could clearly recognize the camera and look into it.

“The researchers believe these steps will improve the performance of facial recognition systems in real-world settings using existing technology,” the article says.