Facing Up to Contactless Biometric Access Control

Thermal imaging and contact tracing technologies have garnered increased attention in recent days with the gradual reopening of some countries’ economy. These solutions are but one part of what portends to be a fundamental shift in how companies consider and use security systems. Access control, which has always been the first and foremost consideration in any security environment, will also be significantly impacted by the lasting effects of the pandemic. The adoption of biometric entry devices could be simultaneously improved and impeded over coronavirus concerns.

SPG Controls is pleased to announce the completion of its latest integration to biometric facial recognition technology. Growing customer demands to help verify the safe return to work for employees, contractors and visitors have accelerated SPG’s plans to include facial recognition, mask-wearing and thermal detection. The keys to the new integrations are high-speed performance, a flexible rules engine and an entirely contactless user experience.

For instance, an employee approaching their building’s main entrance access control doors will present themselves to the camera, the recognition algorithms verify the person, thermal sensors check the temperature, and AI verifies mask-wearing.

Any exceptional readings outside of the parameters implemented are notified to the user, and access may be denied depending on rules agreed by the employer. Recognition may take place either with or without a mask, but building entry may only be possible wearing a mask. In the case of an individual having a high temperature, physical access may be denied, and the employee will be directed to contact their manager or Human Resources department or follow other agreed protocols.

The underlying principle of no physical contact ensures a safe return to the workplace. Access may also be linked to digital health applications or “passports,” used to manage the status of vaccinations, COVID test results, whether through the uploading of results via an API or by uploading copies of documents for third party verification. Employees retain their health credential on their own device and log in on building entry using a dynamic QR code. An audit trail is held in all cases should track and trace for any incident be required.

SPG Thermal Biometric Reader uses next-generation AI facial recognition and body temperature detection technology. This ensures absolutely no surface contact access using high-precision temperature detection on mask-wearing users.

It integrates high-speed image acquisition, face detection, face tracking and face contrast, and human body temperature detection.