All You Want to Know About Biometric Access Control

Not each and every premise is accessible. There are high profile government
offices that contain extremely sensitive data. Everybody cannot be granted entrée
to such an office. Commercial firms may also limit unauthorized entry to their
premise. This is an important step to the security of the premise. Biometric
access control is used in modern times to serve the purpose. Fingerprint, face
recognition, iris scan, voice recognition, palm reading, and other technologies
can be used for this application. Face recognition access control system is
the most sought after! It not only denies or permits entry or exit but also
keeps a track of it.

A typical face recognition access control system consists of face recognition
software and a unit for installing the application, high resolution camera,
and an electromagnetic door lock. Users are expected to enroll themselves foremost.
Facial details of every user are stored in the database. Next time, when they
look before the camera, they will be recognized by the system. Electromagnetic

door lock is computed to open only when an enrolled face tries to enter the
area or tries to exit from there. Individuals, who are not enrolled in the system,
are considered unauthorized and denied access by the biometric
access control.

This biometric mechanism works on analyzing the unchangeable features of the
face. Certain facets of the face like the skin smoothness change with time.
However, certain aspects remain constant throughout the life span. Distance
between the two eyes, distance between the eyes and the nose, and shape of the
cheek bones are to name a few! These components of the face are analyzed and
recorded at the time of enrollment. Various algorithms are used for identification
after enrollment. Principle Component Analysis, Linear Discrimination Analysis,
and Bayesian algorithm are some out of many. There is a lot of science involved
in the making of a face recognition access control.

Facial detection became semi-automated by 1960s. It took another step towards

automation by 1970s. The semi automated system was first deployed in 1988. Eigenface
technique was developed the same year. It was first used at the Super Bowl in
Tampa, Florida. It was installed to identify any ‘wanted’ criminals.
Its implementation did not achieve any success at that time. Initially, it was
only used in high profile government offices. Later on, the system began to
be combined with various applications like time attendance, payroll software,
visitor management, and biometric access control for use in day to day life.

Face recognition access control system is getting increasingly popular in modern
times. Its world market is huge. United Kingdom is the biggest user for biometric
security products followed by United States. India does not lag far behind!
Today, one may easily come across this device in restaurants, corporate offices,
hospitals, government offices, and other access points. Its use is increasing
in the country with each passing year. Its use enables one to forget the conventional
lock and key. You need not carry a key anymore and worry about it being lost
or misplaced. One may expect face recognition access control to bring revolution
in this field.