Security identification system

• US 7,136,513 B2
• Filed: 10/25/2002
• Issued: 11/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pelco (Schneider Electric SE)
• Original Assignee: Pelco (Schneider Electric SE)
• Inventors: McDonald, David, Waehner, Glenn, Cockrum, Joshua, Larson, Matthew, Tews, Erik Henry, Compton, Shane, Pretzer, John, Arbuckle, William S., Grigorian, Sam, Arbuckle, James, Houser, Joshua, Toste, David L. A.
• Primary Examiner(s): MARIAM, DANIEL G
• Application Number:
  US10/281,014
• Publication Number:
  US 20030142853A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,481 Days
• Field of Search: 382/115, 382/118, 382/181, 382/209, 382/218, 382/224, 382/260, 340/5.53, 340/5.83, 340/521, 340/573.1, 713/182, 713/186
• US Class Current: 382/118
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/145 Illumination specially adapted for pattern recognition, e.g. using gratings
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/16 Human faces, e.g. facial parts, sketches or expressions
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/37 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition

Abstract

This is a security and identification system designed to obtain improved images for use by real-time facial recognition and identification systems for screening individuals passing through secure entry or checkpoints such as airport passenger terminals, government offices, and other secure locations. The system detects the presence of a subject at the checkpoint, interactively instructs the subject to stop and move into position for proper identification and recognition, analyzes the facial features of the subject as (s)he passes through the checkpoint, and compares the features of the subject with those in a database. The system then generates different signals depending upon whether or not the subject is recognized. In one aspect of the invention, different methods and apparatus are provided for compensating for low ambient light so as to improve the quality of the facial image of the subject that is obtained.

Claims

1. An automated checkpoint identification system comprising:

a sensor for detecting the presence of a subject at the checkpoint;

a camera for obtaining a video image of the subject;

a light source for illuminating the subject;

a first colored filter for controlling the spectrum of light passing therethrough positioned between said light source and the subject;

a second corresponding colored filter for controlling the spectrum of light passing therethrough positioned between said camera and the subject;

a facial scanning program for determining whether the face of the subject is in position for obtaining a video image thereof using said camera;

a transmitter for providing instructions to the subject to move until the subject'"'"'s face is in position for obtaining a video image thereof;

a facial recognition program for comparing a video image of the subject obtained by said camera with images in a database for a potential match; and

a signal that is activated in the event of a match.

2. The automated system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter instructs said subject to exit the checkpoint if no match is made.

3. The automated system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter provides audio instructions to said subject.

4. The automated system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter is in the form of a changeable video display.

5. The automated system of claim 1 wherein said presence sensor is selected from the group consisting of ultrasonic, laser, optical, and pressure sensitive flooring.

6. The automated system of claim 1 wherein a gate is used to stop the subject prior to facial scanning.

7. The automated system of claim 5 wherein a plurality of cameras are used to take video images of the subject.

8. The automated system of claim 1 wherein said match signal is in the form of an alarm.

9. The automated system of claim 1 wherein the video image taken of the subject is recorded.

10. The automated system of claim 9 wherein the video images taken of the subject are transmitted to a central computer for storage and processing.

11. The automated system of claim 1 wherein a first polarizing filter is placed between said light source and the subject, and a second polarizing filter is placed between said camera and the subject, said second filter being rotated so as to prevent reflected glare from passing therethrough to said camera.

12. The automated system of claim 1 wherein an auxiliary lighting source is provided for illuminating the subject, said source being capable of producing a brief pulse of bright light, said pulse being synchronized to the opening and closing of a shutter of said at least one camera.

13. The automated system of claim 12 wherein said auxiliary lighting source is selected from the group consisting of LEDs and strobes.

14. The automated system of claim 1 wherein an auxiliary lighting source is provided, and a shutter of said at least one camera is synchronized with the power to the lighting source and phased so as to only open when the lighting source is at a minimum brightness point.

15. An automated system as recited in claim 1, wherein said light source has a color and the color of said first and second filters correspond to the color of said light source.

16. An apparatus for improving the quality of video images obtained by a facial recognition system at an entry checkpoint comprising:

at least one camera for obtaining a video image of the face of a subject;

a facial recognition system for comparing video images taken of the face of said subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;

a light source for illuminating the subject;

a first polarizing filter placed between said light source and the subject; and

a second polarizing filter placed between each at least one camera and the subject, said second filter being rotated so as to prevent reflected glare from passing theretbrough to said at least one camera.

17. An apparatus for improving the quality of video images obtained by a facial recognition system at an entry checkpoint comprising:

at least one camera for obtaining a video image of the face of a subject;

a facial recognition system for comparing video images taken of the face of said subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;

an ambient light source for illuminating the subject wherein a shutter of said at least one camera is synchronized with the power to the ambient light source and phased so as to only open when the ambient light source is at a minimum brightness point so as to reject ambient sources of light that lead to poor image quality.

18. An identification system comprising:

a camera for obtaining a video image of a subject;

a light source for illuminating the subject;

a first colored filter for controlling the spectrum of light passing therethrough positioned between said light source and the subject;

a second corresponding colored filter for controlling the spectrum of light passing therethrough positioned between said camera and the subject;

a facial recognition program for comparing a video image of the subject obtained by said camera with images in a database for a potential match; and

a signal that is activated in the event of a match.

19. An identification system as recited in claim 18, wherein said light source has a color and the color of said first and second filters correspond to the color of said light source.