Introduction: Face Recognition using Eigenfaces

Summary: The Eigenface method for face recognition is currently the fastest and most effective method known.
This project implements and tests the method on several image sets in order to determine the characteristics of
the eigenface method.

Abstract

This project is able to recognize a person’s face by comparing facial structure to that of a known person. This is

achieved by using forward facing photographs of individuals to render a two-dimensional representation of a

human head. The system then projects the image onto a “face space” composed of a complete basis of

“eigenfaces.” Because of the similarity of face shape and features from person to person, face images fall within

a relatively small region of the image space and as such can be reproduced with less than complete knowledge

of the image space. When new images are fed into this system it can identify the person with a high rate of

success with the robustness to identify correctly even in the presence of some image distortions.

Introduction

Do I Know You?

The human capacity to recognize particular individuals solely by observing the human face is quite remarkable.

This capacity persists even through the passage of time, changes in appearance and partial occlusion. Because of

this remarkable ability to generate near-perfect positive identifications, considerable attention has been paid to

methods by which effective face recognition can be replicated on an electronic level. Certainly, if such a

complicated process as the identification of a human individual based on a method as non-invasive as face

recognition could be electronically achieved then fields such as bank and airport security could be vastly

improved, identity theft could be further reduced and private sector security could be enhanced.

Many approaches to the overall face recognition problem (The Recognition Problem) have been devised over

the years, but one of the most accurate and fastest ways to identify faces is to use what is called the “eigenface”

technique. The eigenface technique uses a strong combination of linear algebra and statistical analysis to

generate a set of basis faces--the eigenfaces--against which inputs are tested. This project seeks to take in a

large set of images of a group of known people and upon inputting an unknown face image, quickly and

effectively determine whether or not it matches a known individual.

The following modules will provide a walk through exactly how this goal is achieved. Since this was not the first

attempt at automated face recognition it is important to see what other approaches have been tried to

appreciate the speed and accuracy of eigenfaces. This is not a simple and straightforward problem, so many

different questions must be considered as one learns about this face recognition approach.

With a basic understanding achieved it is time for the real stuff, the implementation of the procedure. This has

been broken down into smaller, more manageable steps. First the the set of basis eigenfaces must be derived
from a set of initial images (Obtaining the Eigenface Basis). With this basis known individuals can be

processed in order to pepare the system for detection by setting thresholds (Thresholds for Eigenface

Recognition) and computing matrices of weights (Face Detection Using Eigenfaces). Finally, with such a

system in place, tests of robustness can be performed in order to determine what quality of input images are

necessary in order for successful identification to take place (Results of Eigenface Detection Tests). In this

way, relevant conclusions (Conclusions for Eigenface Detection) can be drawn about the overall efficacy of

the eigenface recognition method.

Unlike earlier times, door lock system is no longer restricted to defense areas and secret government
offices in India. Indian populace may come across a biometric face recognition access control in day-to-
day life very often. Because of its accurate results and ease in handling, the device is seen at many
places in India. In the near future, the use of biometric face recognition door lock may increase
considerably. Some of the areas with large scope for the implementation of this technology can be given
below:

*Banking: Promoters of biometric face recognition door lock suggest that this technology can be used
in ATM centers. The card can be swiped at the entrance door and live face can be displayed before the
camera. Instead of using PIN numbers for verification, if door lock system is used to gain access into the
centers, fraud at various ATM centers may be prevented. Kenya is planning to implement the advanced
technology within some time at various ATM centers across the country. This technology may benefit
Indian banking sector as well, if implemented.

*Elections: Election cards need not be used with the implementation of this technology. A voter
database may be maintained with the biometric facial details of the citizens. At the time of elections,
biometric face recognition door lock may be installed. Authorized voters may only be able to access the
machine. This may prevent duplicate and bogus voting to a lot of extent. Electoral Commission of
Uganda uses biometric face recognition technology in its national elections. Indian government also
needs to take measures to implement door lock system for the elections.

*Examinations: Advocates of biometric face recognition door lock insist on its use in board
examinations. Paper used to prepare hall-ticket for lakhs of students appearing for board exams can be
saved. Students about to give their examination can be verified with a door lock system. Only
authorized students and teachers may be permitted entry into the examination hall.

*Railway stations: Railway stations are easy targets for terrorists, mafia, and anti-social elements. A
biometric face recognition access control may control the occurrence of unfortunate events. Database
containing a list of criminals, terrorist suspects, and mafia elements may be prepared. Whenever a live
face matches with any of the faces in the database, entry may be restricted. An alarm could be sound
and necessary actions could be taken. After the shooting of excise contractor B. S. Prasad recently,
Bangalore city railway station has equipped itself with CCTV surveillance cameras to fight crime. A door
lock system may prove to be an added advantage.

There are many other fields, wherein, biometric face recognition access control may work wonders.
Indian market holds a great future for biometrics. Indian government is undertaking a massive project
in the field of biometrics. According to this project, a unique identification number is to be allotted to its
citizens. The identification number will be stored in the main database and will contain biometric
information of each of its citizen. This may be the biggest biometric project if undertaken. Indian market
may see huge rise in the field of biometrics and door lock system in the coming years!

Here comes the FaceID, a face recognition door access system, that allows you to
unlock your door using your face. The FaceID is able to store up to 500 faces in its
database. It has a pair of cameras that capture the 3D image of your face and then uses
face detection algorithm to match those faces in the database.
The 3D image recognition system also makes it hard for anyone simply uses a photo to
deceive the system. It also works in dim or low-lighting conditions, which shouldn’t be a
problem for those who always get home late. The system is available and can be
purchased from ChinaVasion, but the price tag of $447 may put many of you off. It’s
also suitable for offices, can be replacement for card systems as it also takes care of
time attendance.
Please note the FaceID does not come with an electronic door lock, so you have to pair it
up with one. It should be a reliable system to safeguard your home and claims to have a
margin of error of 0.0001%. The very little percentage of error could probably be caused
by your twin brother who has face closely resembles yours.