In a project being canvassed as a “world-first,” the University of Queensland is developing facial recognition technology that enables smart phone and tablet consumers to use their face as a “password” for credit card transactions and on-line banking.

This facial recognition technology is also showcased at FutureGov Forum Queensland being held 17th September in Brisbane. It helps map the face with more precision, while using a single photo for different settings.

This project is being led by Professor Brian Lovell, Director of Engineering Programmes at the University of Queensland (UQ), School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering.

Professor Lovell notes that banking passwords and PIN numbers can be easily forgotten or stolen. These gaps potentially breach security at all levels of transactions.

UQ researchers hope to tackle security concerns with facial recognition software, to be prototyped within a year. Plans are under-way to also commercialise this technology for on-line banking and shopping. Future apps incorporate airports, and other high-traffic places.

Face in the crowd

A smile, frown or bad hair day is often enough to stump even the best face recognition systems in busy public areas, says Professor Lovell.

The UQ software offers the ability to identify faces in “real-time.” This identification is possible under different lighting conditions. Built-in precision helps map different facial expressions, such as smiles and frowns.

“There are many systems out there,” observes Professor Lovell. “But their typical failing is that they work in a lab, but don’t scale well to crowded airports and train stations.”

Single photo features

The UQ’s “claim to fame” with its technology is the ability to slot in a single photo. This single photo then recognises the same person, under different lighting and facial expressions. “If you take a reasonably good photo of a person, it would recognise them even if half the face was in shadow,” adds Professor Lovell.

The UQ software, developed by PhD students over five years, has been trialled successfully on still images and video. This software is being enhanced to recognise several faces at a time, and from different angles. This means people do not have to stand straight-on to the camera for “mug shots.”

Apps for airports and public places

Australian passport photo guidelines insist on closed mouths in pictures because the system is sensitive to photos showing teeth. The UQ system is more robust and can detect faces, whatever the expression.

The UQ software, when fully commercialised can be installed at airports, shopping centres, or other public places. This offering will help identify threats in public spaces, also ensuring appearances are no longer deceptive to face recognition software.

Identity management under the spotlight at FutureGov Forum Queensland during a session featuring the University of Queensland and Australia Post.