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Just like artificial intelligence, drones and IoT, facial recognition technology is also defining our millennium . It was initially only used among the military services and is finally making its way into the mainstream world. Now, even the most commonly used devices like our smartphones are making use of facial recognition, while cameras use it to identify faces that need to be captured for photo . Now, we also have cameras that recognize the faces of pets, such as cats and dogs. This has also caught the attention of a number of authorities and regulatory bodies around the world who are examining systems that can recognize criminals even among large crowds. But before weighing its good side with its dark side, let's understand the definition of this technology.
Figure 1: Representational Image of Facial Recognition Technology
What is facial recognition technology?
Facial recognition technology uses biometric software with AI-enabled devices that maps facial features mathematically to identify multiple people and register them in its database as a fingerprint . Its algorithm compares multiple digital images to confirm your identity. The facial recognition process is very similar to other identification technologies such as fingerprint matching or voice recognition.
Figure 2 :Image showing how facial identification technology works
Facial recognition technology uses three approaches to facial recognition. It starts from fingerprint scanning, face recognition which then leads to the last step – verification. When used wisely , this technology can even recognize the most critical resources in certain business facilities and identify individual faces in the most congested or crowded workplaces.
Application
Books and sagas can be written and cited about applications and possible implications of facial recognition technology. However, for accuracy we will only discuss the most important ones here. This technology can be applied in many areas such as surveillance, commercial facilities, home security, digital security of confidential information, telephone security and so on. In short, it will soon become the face of security in all aspects.
Now, let's talk a little about its good and bad sides.
Pros
Complete Automation: Facial identification technology can be used to automate the entire identification process. Just pair it with cameras and you won't need to hire guards to identify people. An automated system would eliminate any type of flaw in the identification process and reduce overall costs, time and money spent on it. You can also cut some slack for those researching surveillance systems.
Higher levels of accuracy: The level of accuracy of identification systems has been further ensured with facial recognition software. Infrared cameras combined with 3D facial identification technology allow users to track every corner of their premises and monitor who comes and goes.
Simple Integration: Designers today understand the meaning of continually evolving technologies and software. Therefore, they always leave enough space in their systems to facilitate updating and integration with other systems. Every technical environment needs several systems that work in sync with each other, even security systems need to be coordinated with each other. Almost all biometric facial recognition systems have the ability to integrate with new software and systems with ease.
Fig. 3: Image showing integration of facial identification technology with smartphone
Eliminates the need for tactile sensors: Fingerprint software has proven to be a perfect identification method, but it has its own flaws. If an individual is suffering from a paper cut or someone has a peeling skin problem, they may find regulating the biometric system a bit problematic. Furthermore, when the glass becomes stained, the system fails. These systems are also affected by hand lotions. Facial recognition technology has an advantage in this system.
Fraud-proof: Almost every identification system comes with its own flaws, however, it is not possible for someone to enter as someone else or leave the door as someone else. It prevents employees from having access to confidential information and also prevents fraud of any kind. It's easy to log in using passwords, but biometric systems cannot be spoofed.
Figure 4:
Better security: Any organization that wants to reinforce its security should invest in a biometric facial system. This system will increase your security level and track everyone entering or leaving your business premises. Anyone entering without permission will also be identified and instantly alarm the authorities. This would not only save a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on security personnel.
Cons
Quality: Image quality is of paramount importance in terms of facial recognition. To improve image quality you will need advanced software. When facial software captures an image, it compares the face with the stored photo and, if the image doesn't match, it triggers an alarm. Therefore, image quality would profoundly influence the complete identification process. If there is any flaw in this regard, the results will be flawed.
Fig. 5: Image quality in facial recognition technology
Storage and Processing: Storage is the basic requirement in digital environment. Everyone who has a facial recognition system would need to store a lot of data for future perspectives. You will need extra space to store hundreds of low-quality visuals, and if the images are high quality, you will need extra space. A lot of time will be wasted on facial recognition technology while processing each frame of video. You will need to configure multiple systems to minimize processing time.
Surveillance Angle: The identification process often targets the topic of identification under high pressure. In simple terms, you will need to use multiple angles to register a face through FRT software. Additionally, you wouldn't need anything less than the front view to generate a clear face, but if you want to increase the accuracy of your results, you'll need higher resolution photos captured from multiple angles. Additionally, factors such as facial hair or sunglasses can lead to ambiguity in results. It leaves gaps that can be exploited by unwanted intruders.
Fig. 6: Surveillance Angle
Physiological changes: There are a number of physiological changes that may not be recorded by facial identification software. Change in hair color, length, change in weight or any other major change in appearance can easily cause system to shut down.
What's in the future?
If you believe recent projections and statistics, the future of this technology is quite bright. Meteorologists are of the opinion that this technology would generate revenue worth 9.6 billion dollars over the next four years. The areas that witness its most profound influence are border patrolling and internal security. Other areas that now welcome it with open arms are private industries, public buildings and schools. It is estimated that it will also be adopted by retailers and banking systems in the coming years to prevent fraud in purchases and debit/credit card payments, especially those that are online. This technology would fill in the gaps of the inadequate password system.
Conclusion
Facial recognition systems for verification and identity are just the tip of the iceberg. There is no reason to doubt further developments in this technology that would open even more new doors for growth and development. As this technology continues to grow, it will give way to numerous pros, cons, as well as moral issues. It would be vital to keep situations under control from time to time. It will certainly be of great help in improving the efficiency of various systems, for example, you wouldn't need to waste time fishing for your debit cards. Your face would be enough to relate to bank account and make payment. This would be a great prevention against theft attacks. Facial recognition will also play a significant role in ensuring data privacy. To a large extent, it will overcome the problems that are expected to arise in its name.