Embedded System

PSP Security Co Ltd, a developer of biometric security and intelligent video technology, demonstrated its AccuFACE embedded facial recognition system at its product launch in Hong Kong, held in April. The product targets the thriving biometric security (face recognition) and time and attendance markets, and is primarily intended for use in access control, user authentication, and time and attendance applications.
AccuFACE can also be used for video surveillance, or can serve as "intelligent" video for applications such as object tracking, object counting and license plate recognition. For facial recognition, verification can be completed in a second or less for anyone standing within a 45cm to 70cm range.

Embedded Solution with IR Technology

Claimed to be the world's first embedded solution for facial recognition, AccuFACE offers some distinctive features.

The embedded nature of the system eliminates the need for an external computer. Unlike conventional offerings that employ an external computer/controller to perform recognition and data storage, AccuFACE stores all data internally, minimizing the installation cost, energy consumption and total cost of ownership (TCO). It also prevents system tampering.

The device works well even in poor lighting conditions, and can identify users in dim light or even in complete darkness. It incorporates infrared (IR)-based facial recognition technology and proprietary video capturing techniques to effectively reduce interference originating from the object's background that may affect recognition accuracy. In contrast, competitive solutions employ color CCD recognition and IR image technologies, which are more susceptible to changes under ambient lighting.

The low power consumption and small form factor of the facial recognition system provide additional benefits for users.

The power-saving device operates at 12W and uses only 3.5W in sleep mode, making it suitable for 24/7 operation as well as for mobile deployments. With dimensions of 175 x 90 x 80mm, the device can be deployed as a standalone product or used in a network system.

Operating Modes

AccuFACE consists of a terminal and content management software (CMS), and has two modes of operation: 1:1 verification and one-to-many identification. The CMS software, which allows the user to control and monitor multiple AccuFACE systems, can be installed within an Ethernet/WAN network. The product supports up to three factor authentication in 1:1 verification, which allows the use of RFID, card reader or keypad, providing extra flexibility. In addition, the product enables users access to the system administration program via any Web browser.

Extensive Market Opportunities

The company has installed prototypes of AccuFACE in various test sites. These installation sites include different industries such as defense and homeland security, real estate and property management, finance institutions, and education and research institutions. According to the company, initial evaluations from these tests have generated positive feedback, enabling the company to make various improvements and enhancements to AccuFACE in order to better meet customer expectations.

In response to growing demand from different industries, PSP Security aims to broaden the market reach of its products through different distribution channels. The company sees OEM/ODM customers, value-added resellers and system integrators as the targets for AccuFACE and the AccuFACE module. It will also market AccuFACE directly to end-users through consultants and agents.