ZN-Face: A system for access control using automated face recognition

We present a biometric access control device which is based on the identification of human faces. The system combines a console for semiautomated image acquisition with the necessary algorithms for face recognition. Facial features are stored in a relatively compact data format (1.6 kB). ZN–Face runs on a Pentium 90 without any special accelerator hardware where it performs image acquisition, face localization and identification in less than 3 seconds. ZN–Face not only allows robust identification of stored persons (despite changes in facial expression or size), but also reliable rejection of unknown persons. With an acceptance criterion which safely rejects all unknown persons we achieve an identification rate above 99% (FRR< 1%). The ZN Bochum GmbH has sold more than 100 licences to various institutions and companies, among them the Kremlin in Moscow. The ZN Bochum GmbH holds the relevant patents for ZN–Face.