Innovative Approaches in Physical Security Systems [Personnel Identification Via Facial Thermography]

MIKOS has developed proprietary techniques for identification of persons by means of facial thermography. A facial thermogram is a high-resolution temperature map of the face surface. It is obtained by use of a camera which is sensitive to infrared emissions rather than to visible light. The face contains anatomical features which are unique to the individual, which produce characteristic patterns referred to as "elemental shapes" in the thermogram. The characteristic patterns differ extensively from individual to individual; even identical twins have different thermograms. This biometric technique, patented by MIKOS, offers a totally passive, non-contact, identification at a distance capability. The proposed study will evaluate the performance of analytical techniques developed by MIKOS in identifying individuals, and quantity Type I and Type II error rates. The project will lead to the production of a capability of recognizing persons under all lighting and shadow conditions, including total darkness. In conjunction with recent advances in thermal camera technology, this study will lead to commercialization of a low cost biometric technique superior to existing methods.