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Now a regular consideration for those interested in access control, facial recognition is fast becoming a normalized option for commercial businesses worldwide. While still less known by and controversial to the general public, the technology is experiencing a constant upswing in the market thanks partly to development by popular brands. However, face recognition is not without misconceptions, especially when used alongside IP cameras and other security methods.
Measuring whether it’s worth it to customers is a little more difficult as the technology is at a point where costs are lowering while the range of environments it can be deployed is expanding. So below, you will find everything you need to know about facial recognition. From the different types to the best options and who should buy the technology in 2023 so you know if it’s worth it for you!
Facial recognition vs face detection
Right off the bat, we need to clear up the difference between facial recognition and face detection. While minor in the grand scheme of things, they do not have the same meaning, and that’s important if the feature is something you want included. Face detection can detect a face but typically cannot recognize it. Facial recognition is much more advanced, running each face against a database. Both require video analytics software, but facial recognition will need much more supporting hardware to run effectively, while face detection can be built into modern IP cameras. Here are two examples that feature each.
Among several options, this turret camera offers face capture. Face capture is another name for face detection and allows the camera to recognize people by faces alone without too much additional hardware. However, it is also capable of using facial recognition, but only in a system that most might consider impractical.
Typically coming as wall-mounted devices or door stations, facial recognition hardware offers many built-in features but is meant for specific placement by entrances and lobbies. Whereas some security cameras are capable of the feature, they are not at the same level as products like this.
It should be noted that products by brands like Nest also have face detection but do not yet have facial recognition. The technology would be impractical at that level and price, similar to typical security cameras. At the time of writing in 2023, the best facial recognition comes from door stations, while cameras with facial recognition have it due to a much more expansive system.
Facial recognition works well in controlled environments
Assuming a person will have to step close in front of the camera, facial recognition works well in indoor environments at entrances that need to be secured. Used by expensive hotels, airports, research institutes, military bases, offices, and more, the technology allows for enhanced security at each entrance. However, on top of needing to be indoors and have additional hardware to support it, devices with facial recognition can often be strict with images used to recognize faces. People that grow beards, wear masks, get tattoos, get piercings, or undergo surgery on their face may have trouble using facial recognition depending on the camera. The technology is undoubtedly effective in securing entrances and exits, but it needs to be handled with care if no flexibility for entry can be spared.
Best brands for facial recognition
FT9361-R was designed specifically for access control. The FR license and Wiegand protocol are already included in the device. FT9361-R can identify up to 50,000 facial profiles, even able to differentiate between a real, living, breathing person and that of a high-definition photo. FT9361-R can also read cards/badges, requiring dual accreditation for highly restricted areas such as laboratories and data centers. VAST Face CMS IE8213-FM is required to manage FT9361-R (CMS license required)
Geovision GV-FR Face Recognition Panel
The Geovision GV-FR Face Recognition Panel is a state-of-the-art biometric device that utilizes advanced facial recognition technology for accurate and efficient access control. This device features a high-resolution camera and an advanced facial recognition algorithm that can accurately identify individuals in a matter of seconds. The GV-FR Face Recognition Panel is designed with a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to easily clock in and out, and it can be customized to suit the specific needs of different organizations. The device can store up to 10,000 faces, making it ideal for use in large organizations with multiple employees. The GV-FR Face Recognition Panel is also equipped with various security features, such as anti-tailgating and anti-passback functions, to ensure that only authorized individuals can gain access to restricted areas.
The Vivotek FT9361-R Facial Recognition Tablet is a cutting-edge biometric device that utilizes advanced facial recognition technology for accurate and efficient access control. This device features a high-resolution camera and a sophisticated facial recognition algorithm that can quickly and accurately identify individuals, even in low-light conditions or when wearing masks. The FT9361-R Facial Recognition Tablet is designed with a user-friendly interface, allowing individuals to easily clock in and out, and it can store up to 10,000 faces, making it ideal for use in large organizations. Additionally, the device is equipped with various security features, including anti-tailgating and anti-passback functions, to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas.
Expect CCTV to include facial recognition
On a normal basis, current security cameras are not able to achieve facial recognition just because the technology isn’t there yet, but it is getting close. As mentioned before, IP cameras are indeed capable of picking out a human face from an image and can use facial recognition when connected to an extensive system, but the latter can only be effective in a controlled environment. In such environments, the success rate has been known to stay well above 90% when recognizing specific people. However, the best video analytics software is still needing some fine-tuning before being practical.
When should you get facial recognition?
At present, facial recognition is still an expensive option for those looking to secure their business. The vast majority of those getting it installed will have a massive security apparatus already in place to support it while also needing the most effective options to keep intruders out. In such environments, authorization typically comes in varying levels and each interaction with the system is recorded. At the time of writing, many places with high security for research or technology go so far as to use a person’s face along with their credentials to grant entry.
Facial recognition FAQ
What is facial recognition used for?
As can be gathered from the information in this article, facial recognition is used for access control and security. The technology allows an employer or institution to check to have a greater check on who may enter and leave an area or building.Why is facial recognition being banned
While not necessarily the case for other parts of the world, many cities in the United States believe facial recognition to be an inherent breach of a person’s right to privacy. Five major cities have already banned the technology when it comes to law enforcement using it. However, the technology is still on a steady incline in popularity with businesses and other governments.How safe is facial recognition?
At the time of writing, there is not much more to facial recognition when compared to other forms of identification. The process is just automated when using the technology. However, arguments have been made that the danger comes from mistakes by the technology in identifying innocent citizens with criminals. Such an interaction has occurred before in the United States and has led to unfortunate results.Where is facial recognition mostly used?
The majority of facial recognition is actually not used in security or surveillance, but rather through personal computers and cellular devices. While it is becoming increasingly common in private security systems, there is just such a wide margin when comparing a percentage of everyone with a touch screen phone to a much smaller percentage of businesses with access control systems.
