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DOD Looks at Biometrics

Unisys generates 3-D images from individuals' photographs to identify by skin texture, expressions and aging.

BLUE BELL, Pa. - The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awarded a $1.23 million biometric research and development support task order to Unisys Corp. Biometrics are identifying characteristics unique to an individual and can include fingerprints, iris patterns and facial features, as well as voice and hand geometry. Biometric technology can be combined with existing security solutions and other biometric technologies to provide additional layers of security. Biometric applications include: building access control, computer network and application access; crime investigation; fraud prevention; and border crossing, among others. Sharing this information across agencies and jurisdictions is critical for protecting the safety and security of people, data, networks, borders and buildings.

The corporation and its partners from industry and academia will research enhancements to current face recognition technology in order to improve identification of individuals from a database of 2-D photographs. The team will work on converting photographs into a 3-D model program with skin texture, expressions and aging. In addition, they will automate movement to mimic that of human movement. Successful enactment of this program will enable authorities to capitalize on the thousands of photographs already on file in order to assist with visa and passport applications, as well as access control.

The team also will study emerging biometric solutions, such as 3-D face and ear recognition. This specific project is designed to continue a research and development support program with the DoD to develop an "intelligent office" solution for human interface security. The program's goal is to integrate biometric technologies in order to identify office entrants; control access to various rooms within an office area; track activity and movement; and provide logon capabilities for networks and workstations.