Multiple Faces Simultaneously Recognized by Omron Security Technology

„Omron Announces Face Identification Software Library for One-To-Many Matching
\r\n
\r\nSCHAUMBURG, Ill., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ — Omron Transaction Systems, Inc., a 100 percent subsidiary of OMRON Corporation, announced today the U.S. launch of its FaceReco(TM) SEARCH, a face identification software library that uses advanced techniques to simultaneously recognize multiple faces in a group of people as they approach a monitored area. The technology is the second installment in the FaceReco(TM) series, a software library for developing applications featuring face recognition technology.“;“FaceRecoSEARCH uses a face image database and real-time face identification software to identify faces of moving individuals captured by a CCD camera. Images obtained from the camera, including still images scanned from a driver’s license, for example, can be identified using the face image database.
\r\n
\r\n\“The technologies incorporated into Omron’s FaceReco(TM) SEARCH are very robust and easily recognize slight changes in facial images such as rotation, expression and secular distortion,\“ said Takeki Nemoto, CEO of Omron Transactions Systems, Inc. \“Using standard operating environment including Dual P4 2GHz, Windows 2000 and storing 6,000 images, identification is typically performed in less than one second, making the technology ideal for recognizing VIPs as they enter a hotel, identifying missing persons or lost children as they approach a public transportation station, real-time passenger counting, or for security monitoring.\“
\r\n
\r\nThere are several methods for identifying an individual utilizing one part of the human body, such as fingerprint, voiceprint or iris. However, significant characteristics of face recognition biometric technology are that face images on record can be reviewed by a human as a backup and there are less feelings of intrusiveness by individual users.
\r\n
\r\nCompleting the FaceReco(TM) series includes FaceReco(TM)NET, which includes log-in security, and FaceReco(TM)VERIFY, which matches and recognizes two different images from a camera and a scanned photograph. Both products are currently available in Japan, with English versions under consideration.
\r\n
\r\nIn addition to its FaceReco products, Omron also offers FaceCue(TM) Face Recognition Access Control System, a stand-alone product that can be applied to the entry and exit of an access door to secure a server room, VIP room, safe deposit room of a bank, or other security areas. Comprised of an access panel (containing a CCD camera and a keypad) and a computer control unit (containing the face recognition software and the facial image database), FaceCue stores and calculates individuals‘ facial information and monitors how many times a door has been accessed, when and by whom.
\r\n
\r\nOmron will sell SDK (Software Development Kit) of this face identification software library to the System Integrators. System Integrators will develop their own applications using the SDK, thus incorporating Omron’s Face Recognition Biometric Technology in their security and surveillance systems. System Integrators will obtain the face identification software copy licenses from Omron for their customer installations.
\r\n
\r\nOmron licensed its core facial recognition software from Nevengineering, Inc., (formerly Eyematic Interfaces, Inc.,) which is now used as a part of Omron’s proprietary FaceReco(TM) series software library products. Eyematic’s technology was ranked among the ‚Top Three Best Commercial Systems‘ in the U.S. Government National Institute of Standards and Technology 2002 Face Recognition Vendor Tests (FRVT) Evaluation (results can be downloaded at www.frvt.org ); and named ‚Number One‘ in the DoD 1996 FERET (Face Recognition Technology) program.
\r\n
\r\nOmron’s advanced technology for detecting facial images, Gabor Wavelet(i) and Graph Matching(ii) account for its ability to distinguish face tilts, changes in expression and aging. Meanwhile, the future of facial recognition is quickly approaching. Omron is currently developing recognition technology that will soon detect identifiers including gender, age and emotion (such as monitoring driver’s fatigue) and various other sensing and control applications.
\r\n
\r\nAbout Omron Transaction Systems, Inc.:
\r\n
\r\nOmron Transaction Systems, Inc. is a U.S. subsidiary of Omron Corporation in Japan that offers a wide variety of products and services such as automatic fare collection systems at railway stations, automatic teller machines, retail automation machines, boarding pass readers, turnstile ticket gates, traffic control systems, bill in/out/recycle machines, and the face recognition products. Omron Transaction Systems, Inc. information is located at www.omronost.com .
\r\n
\r\nAbout OMRON Corporation:
\r\n
\r\nHeadquartered in Kyoto, Japan, OMRON Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation. Established in 1933 and headed by President Hisao Sakuta, Omron has more than 25,000 employees in over 35 countries, working to provide products and services to customers in a variety of fields including industrial automation, electronic components, social systems, advanced modules, etc. The company operates in five regions: Japan (Kyoto), Asia Pacific (Singapore), China (Hong Kong), Europe (Amsterdam) and US (Chicago). For more information, visit Omron’s web site at www.omron.com .
\r\n
\r\nAbout Nevengineering, Inc.:
\r\n
\r\nNevengineering is a leading provider of machine vision technology whose advanced multimedia software platform powers the new generation of visual applications and services across mobile and fixed networks. Its facial analysis suite comprising modules for face detection, face recognition, and facial feature tracking is widely respected as the most comprehensive and accurate solution for visual facial analysis. The software is currently integrated in numerous products ranging from facial biometrics for security and defense to facial feature tracking for new forms of visual communication on mobile phones and in use by leading research institutions around the world. A specialty of Nevengineering is embedded machine vision code for low cost microprocessors and digital signal processors. Nevengineering has its headquarters in Los Angeles and also maintains an office in Tokyo. Nevengineering continues Eyematic’s tradition of excellence in machine vision. More information is available at www.nevengineering.us .
\r\n
\r\n (i) Gabor wavelet
\r\n An image processing technique whereby shading and sharpness data
\r\n characteristic to the particular face is extracted from the image.
\r\n Through signal analysis and a technique that compresses the image,
\r\n frequency wave and promotional information are collected and
\r\n analyzed.
\r\n
\r\n (ii)Graph matching
\r\n An image recognition technique in which a graph formed of points
\r\n joining the eyes, nose, mouth and outer silhouette is used in
\r\n comparing computed characteristic data of the face with registered
\r\n data.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nSource: Omron Transaction Systems, Inc.“;0;177;4;“admin“;““;0;““;0;0;0;0;0