You May Enter: automated ID checks face scrutiny [Olympic Games Facial Recognition

Abstract

This article discusses the use of a contactless AI-driven facial-recognition system being used for ID checks and queue management at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This will be used for staff, volunteers, athletes and media who have already given their consent, not the general public. The system is based on NEC NeoFace Watch technology, and uses generalised matching face detection method, along with an artificial neural network model called the generalised learning vector quantisation algorithm, to search and select facial features for facial matching. The perturbation space method then coverts the two-dimensional images into three dimensions, allowing rotation of the candidates head. Further processing with illumination filters and adaptive regional blend matching method, minimises the impact of local changes such as hats etc. providing a better photograph match against a central database image. An IC chip embedded security lanyard pass, containing personal ID and authentication details will also be used. Data privacy concerns are discussed, especially due to the current use of NEC technology in criminal surveillance applications, with the Tokyo 2020 organisation responding with a promise to comply with local privacy law. Possibilities of using the technology to enhance Covid-19 security and aid in contact-tracing for the event is also discussed.