Spots in face detection technology

COVERT: Sensible Vision, a supplier of face authentication systems, has commented on recent discussion surrounding Hewlett Packard’s face tracking software. Sensible Vision software is not included in HP products. Sensible Vision’s FastAcces face recognition software is currently in use by over one and a half million users including many in security critical organizations such as hospitals, banks, and enterprise IT. It is also offered as a standard or optional feature on Dell computers and monitors, says a company release.

Dark complexions need not affect face tracking and recognition in most situations.

The blog post in question demonstrates how face detection software included with an HP laptop fails to detect and track a face with a dark complexion yet a light complexion face was successfully located.

“The response by HP that image processing is ultimately dependent on the quality of the image being provided by the sensor (camera) and software is correct.” said Cyrus Azar CTO of Sensible Vision. “The quality of the detection, however, is also dramatically impacted by the algorithms used by the software. Rather than use standard algorithms, Sensible Vision has developed its own face detection routines to reliably detect faces of both light and dark complexion users under a wide variety of lighting conditions. Although no software can detect faces under all conditions, using the video stream as provided in the YouTube video “HP computers are racist”, Sensible Vision’s FastAccess face recognition software was easily able to track the user with a dark complexion. Further, FastAccess was able to reliably recognize him as well.”