Exploring Facial Recognition Use Cases in 2023

The article was updated on February 27, 2023.

A few decades ago, the potential of biometric technology was shown in numerous Sci-Fi films. At that time, such AI technologies seemed mind-blowing and unachievable to be implemented in real life. Years passed, and we have witnessed the emergence of biometrics, which is widely applied in various spheres of our daily lives. These technologies are constantly developing and improving, making our existence more effortless and safer.

Thus, we utilize AI biometric technology when unlocking our smartphones, making payments or logging into our accounts with two-factor authentication, securely boarding a flight, etc. It has become commonplace to the point that many don’t even think twice about it. Such a tendency enables experts to forecast the world market for biometric verification and identification potentially reaching $99.63bn by 2027.

As a biometrics tool, facial recognition technology has attained overwhelming popularity across different industries due to its high efficiency in terms of safety and security. Growing demand for facial recognition algorithms accounts for an accuracy rate of 99.97%.

Face recognition can also be integrated with other authentication methods like fingerprint, voice, or iris detection, providing higher security for certain operations. Millions of people favor face recognition as a reliable way to secure their phones. Nevertheless, today’s possibilities of recognition systems are not limited to the safe use of mobile devices but go far beyond that.

In this article, we will explore how facial recognition works, reveal its main benefits, and present practical uses of facial recognition.

Facial recognition explained

Facial recognition is a solution based on AI algorithms for face detection and recognition. The systems measure an individual’s eye shape, forehead length, and nose parameters, matching them with the biometrics previously obtained from individuals. If a face recognition engine finds a match in a database, it confirms a person’s identity. Face matching can be done in real-time or through images and video.

The technology has proven efficient in face analysis aimed at recognizing individual’s characteristics including gender, age, emotions, movements, mood, and face mask detection that helps notice people who are violating the rules of wearing a mask in public places amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Unlike such authentication means as passwords, emails, and fingerprints, biometric facial identification applies unique dynamic patterns and mathematical equations that ensure the safety and efficiency of a face detection system.

Face identification technologies are currently experiencing large-scale application across different spheres, including retail and e-Commerce, media and entertainment, automobile and transportation, telecom and IT, government, health, and others. Now let’s see how the face identification system operates.

Main steps in facial recognition technology

Facial recognition is far and away a monumental breakthrough in biometric technologies. Wherever and whenever a person sees a face, AI facial recognition technology perceives it as data. This data is processed to authenticate an individual’s identity through the following steps.

Step 1. Detecting a face

It is the primary stage facial recognition systems execute to detect a face. The detection process involves scanning the image to determine whether any area has full human faces or partial features. This step is crucial to the entire process as the technology must catch a face alone or among other people quickly and precisely.

Step 2. Extracting facial features

Facial recognition software analyzes a person’s facial geometry (eye space, eyebrows, nose bridge, lip contour, forehead and chin, ears, and the shape of cheekbones). To be exact, the solution can identify almost 70 facial landmarks. Having extracted these traits, the engine creates a template of the face contrasting it to those in the database.

Step 3. Recognizing a face

This stage involves procedures of verification and identification. Verification is done when it is necessary to authenticate a person’s identity. For this purpose, the facial recognition system will conduct a face match using a faceprint obtained during the previous step. This procedure proves whether or not a person is the one they claim to be by evaluating two faceprints.

As a result, the system obtains a single score value demonstrating similarities between these two faces. For example, you go through the face verification process while unlocking your mobile phone or logging into the portal of financial services for mobile banking.

The second procedure aims to identify a person saying who they are. This time the engine will search the database of previously enrolled faces for a perfect match of an individual’s Faceprint.

Facial recognition with edge computing 

Both cloud computing and Edge-based technologies can be used for face recognition deployment. Although each method demonstrates considerable advantages, Edge-based facial recognition is gaining more popularity due to its robust characteristics like affordability, excellent security, good speed, sufficient flexibility, and enormous versatility.

Unlike cloud computing, where processing is performed in a particular cloud data center that may be relatively far away, edge computing enables the processing of the data in local devices. One more beneficial feature of edge-based technology is that it does not need an internet connection, excluding possible security breaches. Edge devices like a smartphone, interactive kiosk, POS system, or smart lock can recognize a face swiftly and precisely.

Hardware for edge-based facial recognition systems

Considerable flexibility of this technology allows it to deploy effectively on such devices as workstations, PCs, mobile, and IoT. Let’s examine each of them closely.

Workstations

When creating and applying a face recognition system, one should consider the demands imposed by video channel traffic. Ample facilities like airports, plants, shopping malls, and hospitals are using dozens if not hundreds of surveillance cameras to ensure security, analyze visitors’ behavior, manage a crowd, and identify VIP clients.

It is recommended to utilize a workstation with the newest GPUs for facial recognition applications in such places. Connecting cameras to a centralized workstation, you get a reliable and most cost-effective face recognition solution.

Personal computers

If your business does not operate on a large scale and you need face identification software, you can opt for a PC-based one. It is an excellent solution for boutique stores, restaurants, coffee-houses, etc. Having installed USB or IP cameras, you link them to one personal computer which runs a powerful face recognition software.

Such software will pay for itself, especially if you want to uplift your services by identifying your regular and privileged customers or preventing suspicious people from entering the location.

Mobile devices

Smartphones and mobile devices represent the most acknowledged way of utilizing facial recognition systems. Such systems automatically give access to specific applications or data.

A successful example of mobile-based applications is customer identification software that hotels can use to identify people who enter their premises and check them into their rooms automatically. Another persuasive example is mobile solutions for FinTech to confirm an individual’s identity for online banking, digital lending, insurance, mobile payments, and trading.

IoT devices

The future looks promising with constant enhancements of edge computing that help reduce expenditures and boost performance. Such innovations give way to numerous examples of IoT devices driven by facial recognition engines. Devices are networked to access the biometric templates database.

The chips-embedded devices run AI algorithms that process the images. Smart kiosks are an impressive example of implementing face identification on IoT-driven devices. Famous hotel chains, medical institutions, and restaurants are utilizing smart kiosk services and integrating facial recognition technology.

Benefits of facial recognition

Despite the current privacy concerns arising from facial recognition solutions, experts assure these technologies have excellent advantages.

Greater security

AI-based facial recognition systems employed at the state level can assist in detecting terrorists and criminals. Thus, technology may prevent crimes and save people’s lives, especially in crowded places. On a personal level, facial identification is an effective security tool for online services like banking, healthcare, shopping, etc.

Business owners find face recognition tools helpful for securing venue entrance. Individual users apply facial recognition as a security tool for locking their devices and for home surveillance cameras.

Faster services

Facial recognition systems have almost driven out old authentication procedures requiring more time. Up-to-date recognition solutions allow businesses to offer their clients fast and impeccable services that require identity verification. The technology needs just two seconds to examine a face.

Moreover, the latest developments in facial recognition can remove customers’ need to attend the venue if they want certain services requiring identity verification as it can be done remotely.

Better customer experience

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, facial recognition enables company owners to improve customer services, mainly in the retail and health sectors. Facial identification software notifies a retailer of the personality of a person entering a facility.

So, a retailer can tap into customers’ buying habits and offer relevant products on the go to meet their needs. In healthcare institutions, facial recognition helps doctors develop a personalized treatment scheme for patients and service them faster.

Lower crime rates

With face recognition algorithms, it has become much easier for the police to hunt down criminals. If a potential criminal realizes there is a face recognition system, he may abandon the idea of committing an offense.

Apart from physical security issues, cybersecurity concerns can arise. Therefore, big companies use face recognition applications instead of passwords to allow their employees to access computers.

Possibility to integrate with other technologies

One more essential advantage of modern face verification solutions is that they are compatible with various security software.

Facial recognition use cases

The above-described facial recognition benefits account for its wide application in various areas that can boast exceptional use cases presented below.

1. Access control

Facial recognition can execute a selective ban on entering certain facilities or accessing some equipment. Examine a list of places where such systems can be beneficial.

• Commercial and apartment buildings

In this case, facial identification either allows entrance for authorized workers, homeowners, family members, and previously enrolled guests or denies entry for unapproved individuals. Compelling uses include door entry systems, smart locks, and elevators.

• Airports

Biometric technology makes travelers’ journey through an airport seamless and enjoyable. Facial recognition algorithms used by automated terminals and entrance control tourniquets prove efficient for immigration control.

For example, Ljubljana Airport successfully tested facial recognition technology for passengers’ identification at the boarding gates, which reduced boarding times at least by 75%.

• Resources and machinery

Each industry uses specialized equipment which requires restricted access, operational monitoring, tracing, and regular reporting. Facial identification software helps protect a company’s resources. Thus, healthcare institutions are already applying smart medicine cabinets to identify their authorized personnel.

Another example can be taken from the Toyota Motor Corporation, which has adopted Vehicle Inspection Information System integrated with face recognition to ban uncertified inspectors from checking finished vehicles.

2. Security and surveillance

Real-time surveilling as a part of security systems driven by facial recognition enables authorities to exclude human errors while verifying a person who enters a facility. Integration of face identification with surveillance tools enhances security measures across industries and contributes to a more secure environment.

Review the examples of facial recognition technology for security purposes.

• Protecting storehouses

Storehouses are pivotal for national and international supply chains as manufactured consumer goods are kept there before they are shipped. Monitoring systems utilizing facial recognition algorithms make sure only authorized workers enter restricted parts of the venue. So the goods are kept safe and a risk of delivery disruptions is minimized.

• Stopping delisted persons from entering a venue

Face recognition security technologies empower the authorities to control an enormous stream of people and address the police in case the surveillance cameras identify a blocklisted person or a wanted criminal. Such systems are perfect for companies, educational institutions, stores, etc.

A great example of such a facial recognition application can be found at Australia’s Crown Casino that introduced a system enabling problematic gamblers to be self-excluded from the venue.

• Smart home alarm systems

People who want to secure their households utilize home security solutions that run on facial recognition. A security system is activated or deactivated when the family members are at home or away. As soon as the system detects an unauthorized individual on the premises, it notifies the homeowner of the threat.

3. Law enforcement

Citizens, jurisdictions, and policymakers benefit from the great potential of facial recognition engines for conducting investigations, searching for terrorists and criminals, fighting domestic violence and child abuse, finding missing people, and many other issues.

More importantly, the technology can prevent crimes due to the timely spotting of suspects and potential offenders. Note successful uses given below.

• Helping disoriented people

Facial recognition application by the legal system is not limited to finding criminals. Another practical use involves identifying disoriented adults suffering from diseases like amnesia, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. Applying mobile phones with facial recognition applications, police officers can search the federal photo ID database for a match. So they can give immediate assistance to people in need.

• Finding missing persons

Jurisdictions worldwide view facial recognition technology as the most powerful tool for detecting missing or exploited children and adults. Surveillance cams in public areas and facilities notify police officers when a person is identified.

4. Fintech operations

Throughout the current year, we are witnessing a growing tendency to utilize facial recognition for performing certain financial operations, particularly payments through mobile devices and digital wallet services. Application of face biometrics while conducting payments minimizes the risk of identity fraud.

For example, an electronic version of Know Your Customer (KYC) system utilizing facial recognition has become an integral part of global financial institutions. This solution offers better protection from identity theft, fast and efficient identity authentication, and secure transactions.

Take a look at digital financial operations empowered by eKYC integrated with facial recognition.

• Opening a bank account

A procedure begins with a customer’s request to establish an account at a bank. Registration involves eKYC processing and scanning an image of a prospective client and comparing it against the government database of IDs. After the authentication, the client goes through an eKYC scan and receives access to their bank account and services.

• Withdrawing money from cardless ATMs

Cardless ATMs have made it possible to get money from a bank account if a person has forgotten a bank card or if they simply do not want to touch the screen many times. So, an ATM camera analyzes a face, and the software finds a match from the bank database. Then, a person is requested to enter a PIN code. In the long run, a person can make a transaction after identity confirmation.

• Face recognition is used by insurance companies to settle different issues implying underwriting and claims

The technology ensures accurate   processing and discovering fraudulent claims. Advanced AI algorithms help understand whether a claimant honestly answers real-time questions judging by his responses and micro-reactions. So the system concludes whether a claim is true or some additional investigation is required.

5. Retail

Face recognition technology has become crucial not only for ensuring security but also for meeting urgent demands of the retail sector. Both small and big businesses benefit from deploying facial identification solutions that help deliver better services to their customers by implementing the following practices.

• Self service shopping

Businesses turn shopping into a fully automated and self-service practice by integrating current self-service instruments with facial recognition technology. Buyers can fill their cart with necessary products and then drive to a smart self-service kiosk to check and pay for them.

• Sentiment analysis

One of the functions of facial recognition software is to analyze and understand people’s emotions. Modern AI algorithms can read consumers’ feelings and determine which products are the most appealing to them. Therefore, retailers adjust their assortments to the actual likes of shoppers.

• Loyalty rewards

One more impressive use of facial recognition solutions consists in detecting loyal clients to present them with rewards. AI cameras empowered by face recognition identify regular shoppers and enable specialists to create loyalty programs that encourage customers to return to the store.

• Virtual services

A specialized face recognition app can prompt their users to try of clothes in a virtual changing room to see if the items suit them. A solution scans a person’s face and body to find out their purchasing preferences and interests. Then it offers recommendations to the customers in real time. One more impressive example of face recognition in retail is its integration with augmented reality enabling the consumers of beauty products to try them virtually.

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6. Healthcare

Face recognition algorithms have revolutionized and improved many operations in the health sector. These changes can be seen in security systems, patient verification, diagnosis establishment, tailoring treatment, and caretaking robots.

The possibilities of facial recognition in the health sector are growing exponentially and go far beyond monitoring options. Face analysis enabled accurate control over patient’s medication use, timely detection of some genetic diseases, and pain management.

The most frequent uses of face recognition technology in healthcare include the following:

• Registering and checking out the patients

The procedures for checking in or out are crucial at healthcare institutions. Face identification solutions make these processes flawless and fast, which may sometimes save a person’s life. A facial recognition system instantly verifies a sick person’s identity and prevents false identification, excluding medical insurance misuse.

• Monitoring and diagnosing the sick

To make an accurate diagnosis, facial recognition tools are combined with other modern technologies like sentiment analysis in real-time. The solutions help obtain more detailed information about a patient, discover pain sources, monitor health conditions, and even define early signs of serious diseases.

• Caretaking robots

Healthcare systems are becoming more automated and digitized, which is evident in the modes of providing certain services. Caretaking robots embedded with facial recognition algorithms have been implemented to take care of the sick at a hospital or at home. The technology ensures customized interaction with a patient due to the robot’s potential to recognize a person after the previous interaction.

For example, a caretaking robot that has been looking after an elderly person for some time may control whether a prescribed medicine is taken in time.

7. Hospitality

The hospitality sector has to deal with a large flow of customers providing perfect services and ensuring security simultaneously. Facial recognition apps serve these purposes effectively. The identification applications enable automated authorization procedures throughout a traveler’s journey and enhance customer experience.

• Better customer services

With the help of facial recognition systems, hotel employees can swiftly identify visitors before they check-in. So, customized greetings and services can be tailored and delivered. Hospitality businesses can also employ a client reward program based on face recognition. Two Marriott International properties in China piloted facial recognition for check-in. Travelers just have to scan IDs, take a photo, and give contact details using a self-service kiosk.

• Payment verification

Facial recognition helps make authorized payments for hospitality customers. MasterCard is already applying systems run by face recognition. Clients confirm their payment transactions using a phone camera or a camera provided by the facility, a hotel, or a restaurant, for instance.

8. Time and attendance monitoring 

Time and attendance tracking means badges, pin codes, passwords, and even fingerprints have become obsolete. Facial recognition as one of the biometrics tools that has replaced the traditional modes of monitoring the time workers arrive and leave the office. Many businesses are using time and attendance instruments integrated with facial recognition algorithms to enforce employee accountability.

The key benefits of the face recognition time and attendance system are as follows:

• excludes physical contact,
• compatible with different cameras,
• a possibility for a worker to be enrolled with a photo,
• prevents biometric fraud, and
• ensures high accuracy.

9. Marketing and advertising

Being aware of the substantial benefits of facial recognition, businesses have found a way to utilize it for marketing and advertising. A detailed face analysis provides a company with valuable data necessary to build close connections with consumers and take reasonable business and marketing decisions.

In 2017 the frozen pizza brand DiGiorno implemented face recognition and emotion detection software while conducting a marketing campaign in 2017. The solution was meant to catch and analyze guests’ reactions to the pizza’s sight and smell during the parties. Big media companies are applying face recognition solutions to see how the audience reacts to movie trailers and TV pilots and to decide on the best placement of TV commercials.

The potential of face recognition technology to detect individual’s age, sex, and emotions facilitate product promotion in terms of its proper adjustment to consumer’s preferences. As for facial recognition ads, they ensure a more targeted, customized advertising experience. Such advertisements transform in real time regarding the individual standing before them. Currently, facial recognition advertising is applied mainly by large chains.

Case study from our experience

At Eastern Peak we have developed a smart-lock home entrance security system (DOORe) that totally eliminates the need for house keys.

The smart device allows apartment owners to see in real time who is requesting to visit them, be it a friend or a delivery man. Real-time alerts, a smart camera and two-way audio makes it easy to answer the door from anywhere through the smartphone app.

Moreover, all household members, family, friends, and housekeepers can be sent their own “virtual keys” over the app to open the door on their own.

To sum it up

Face recognition has manifested itself as a cutting-edge solution for various industries as it secures access control, boosts customer experience, provides strong authentication, promotes goods and services, and speeds up financial operation. Despite privacy concerns, people are becoming more comfortable with facial recognition applications.

Having discussed the mechanisms, benefits, and use cases of facial recognition technology, we can state that this branch of biometrics is maturing fast, and it has a myriad of opportunities in store for us.

Searching for an experienced team to develop a client-oriented facial recognition application for your business? Contact us for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read also:

• How AI is Transforming the Travel Industry
• 10 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Transforming eCommerce
• AI in Healthcare: How AI Changes the Way Healthcare Is Delivered
• 6 Ways How Technology Empowers the Hospitality Industry