Towards a more secure border control with 3D face recognition

Biometric data have been integrated in all ICAO compliant passports, since the ICAO members started to implement the ePassport standard. The additional use of three-dimensional models promises significant performance enhancements for border control points. By combining the geometry- and texture-channel information of the face, 3D face recognition systems show an improved robustness while processing variations in poses and problematic lighting conditions when taking the photo. This even holds in a hybrid scenario, when a 3D face scan is compared to a 2D reference image. To assess the potential of three-dimensional face recognition, the 3D Face project was initiated. This paper outlines the approach and research results of this project: The objective was not only to increase the recognition rate but also to develop a new, fake resistant capture device. In addition, methods for protection of the biometric template were researched and the second generation of the international standard ISO/IEC 19794-5:2011 was inspired by the project results

Towards Unattended and Privacy Protected Border Control

Biometric data have been integrated in all new European passports, since the member states of the European Union started to implement the EU Council Regulation No 2252/2004 on standards for security features and biometrics in passports. The additional integration of three-dimensional facial models promises significant performance enhancements for border control applications. By combining the geometry- and texture-channel information of the face, 3D face recognition systems provide improved robustness while being able to handle variations in poses and problematic lighting conditions during image acquisition. To assess the potential of three-dimensional face recognition, the 3D Face Integrated Project was initiated as part of the European Framework Program for collaborative research in April 2006. This paper outlines the research objectives and the approach of this project: Not only shall the recognition performance be increased but also a new, fake-resistant acquisition system is to be developed. In addition, methods for protection of the stored template data in the biometric reference are under development to enhance the privacy and security of the overall system. The use of multi-biometrics is also a key feature of the 3D Face project addressing the performance, robustness and flexibility targets of the system