Facial recognition by cavemen
In computer technology, facial recognition is about using computer application to identify or verify a person. This is done by comparing facial image with the faceprint of the individual in question.
It's like comparing a photo to a reference photo. Instead of making intelligent judgement like human, computer uses measurements. It measures the distance between eyes, the size of nose, the shape of cheekbone and etc. The problem with such measurements can come from various factors such as the angle of facial image, the quality of photo, facial expression, lighting and others.
Facial recognition works to a certain degree of accuracy only in controlled circumstances. That means if good quality facial image can be captured without too much variations in parameters like illumination and facial expression.
The fantastic tales from TV shows about automated recognition system picking up individual in random crowd does not translate as well in the real world. Even with today's high resolution cameras, such system are nowhere near that. Several deployments carried out in the US had ended in complete failure. As for now, their portrayed power is only as real as the Superman.
Facial recognition in action
To get a real feel of facial recognition in action; Facebook, Google Picasa, Apple iPhoto and Windows Live Photo Gallery have such capability. Try them out using your own photos with different facial expressions, hairstyles and lighting conditions.
It won't take you long to realize their reliability, rather unreliability. High resolution photos help but they won't solve all the problems.
Facial recognition circus
The recent circus hoo-ha in Malaysia;
| Defence Lawyer: US Experts 99.99% Sure It's Anwar |
It's baffling that experts can make 99.99% certainty claim in facial recognition using such a poor-quality black and white video. This is more than exaggeration. The named, so-called experts have very serious technical explanation to do if their reputation is worth some salt.
This farce is like cavemen talking about the mystical washing machine.
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