2,200 characteristics

Every face is unique. None of the 6 billion faces in the world are identical. So the face can be used as an excellent personal key. Bosch has developed a reliable process that can automatically recognize faces. It grants simple and unhindered access where personal checks were previously required. And if a ticket or membership pass is lost, it cannot be abused.

How the system works
We humans can reliably fix a face in our memory within a few seconds without any difficulty. Facial recognition systems from Bosch now provide the same exceptional recognizing ability.

Electronic facial recording scans the face at a very high resolution using a flexible, tightly-meshed grid. 2,200 points on the face are precisely analyzed. Calculation points include the height and breadth of the mouth and nose, the tip of the nose, the position and thickness of the eyebrows, the chin's shape and the breadth of the face at the bottom of the nose. Everything combined gives the face its characteristic form.

The face recognition system calculates these points and uses them to create a characteristic grid within a few seconds. The geometry of this grid is then compared with the calculation points saved in the database. If the facial data match, the visitor is allowed to enter.

Standing still – and walking by

Static or dynamic face recognition systems can be used depending on requirements. Static recognition cameras only record faces at specific places (e.g. entrances), while dynamic systems can detect faces in a crowd as they pass by.

More fun at the zoo
Europe's largest face recognition system is used at Hanover Zoo. The Bosch static face recognition system allows smooth and fast entry for around 90,000 season ticket holders. On entering, the visitor's face is recorded by a camera and the data are compared with the stored facial profiles. Those recognized as season ticket holders are allowed to pass – all within a fraction of a second. Once the card has been held in front of the card reader, less than half a second passes before the door opens. And if the card is lost, a different person cannot misuse it.

Convenient access
In future, offices, leisure facilities and keep fit clubs will increasingly use face recognition. The advantages are clear: Staff or members no longer need to show their passes when entering, since their faces are sufficient. Entry becomes both simpler and more secure. Unauthorized persons have no chance since it is impossible to forge a face. At airports and customs, face recognition can ensure simple and fast passenger handling.

Biometric access systems
Bosch offers a range of biometric access systems. In addition to face recognition, they include fingerprint and iris recognition. Each system has its own field of application. Fingerprint recognition however requires direct contact with the system, as visitors must touch the sensor with their fingers. Iris recognition requires that visitors move close to the camera. But face recognition works just  "passing by" and is therefore used where the need for simplicity and convenience is greatest.

Face recognition technology from Bosch is pioneering. No other system makes access to public places simpler, faster and more convenient. Your face is simply the best ID.