introduction

Humans often use faces to recognize individuals, and advancements in computing capability over the past few decades now enable similar recognitions automatically.  Early face recognition algorithms used simple geometric models, but the recognition process has now matured into a science of sophisticated mathematical representations and matching processes.  Major advancements and initiatives in the past ten to fifteen years have propelled face recognition technology into the spotlight.  Face recognition can be used for both verification and identification (open-set and closed-set).

History

Automated face recognition is a relatively new concept.  Developed in the 1960s, the first semi-automated system for face recognition required the administrator to locate features (such as eyes, ears, nose, and mouth) on the photographs before it calculated distances and ratios to a common reference point, which were then compared to reference data … more information.

Predominant Approaches

There are two predominant approaches to the face recognition problem: geometric (feature based) and photometric (view based) … more information.

Standards Overview

Standardization is a vital portion of the advancement of the market and state of the art.  Much work is being done at both the national and international standard organization levels to facilitate the interoperability and data interchange formats, which will help facilitate technology improvement on a standardized platform … more information.

Summary

The computer-based face recognition industry has made many useful advancements in the past decade; however, the need for higher accuracy remains.  Through the determination and commitment of industry, government evaluations, and organized standards bodies, growth and progress will continue, raising the bar for face recognition technology.

* Excerpts from biometrics.gov.