Comparing Face Verification vs Face Recognition vs Face Identification

The process of identifying an individual and deciding whether or not they should be allowed into a system or a building with modern identity solutions like Facia is somewhat complex, involving multiple steps that can be difficult to keep separate in your head.

There is a different function that is performed in each of these processes. The process must occur quickly and accurately for the system to be reliable enough for professional use. The average person often tends to confuse these terms with each other. But worry not, we shall help you to understand the differences and distinctions between these seemingly similar processes.

So, in today’s blog, let’s compare Face Verification vs Face Recognition vs Face Identification, and as a bonus, we’ll tell you how Facia makes life easier for you in each one of these processes.

Face Recognition

We will start, out of these three concepts, with facial recognition. This is because face recognition is considered to be a general-purpose all-encompassing term that includes all the different kinds of facial authentication and identification processes and systems. It generally refers to the technological concept of recognizing a person’s face based on their facial features.

A face recognition process employs multiple technologies, the most well-known of which of course is artificial intelligence. It also involves things known as neural networks, deep learning, and other related systems to create a highly accurate identification and/or verification system.

Now, let’s talk about the two major subcategories of this process.

Face Verification

Face verification is described as the system of confirming whether an input face or individual matches one of several stored and pre-approved faces and identities. This system usually involves a local/on-premises database that approved individuals have previously been onboarded onto.

In technical terms, this kind of face authentication solution is usually referred to as 1:1 Face Matching, as the process involves you matching and comparing one face with another face to see if they are the same.

Major Use Cases

The main use case of this technology is in access and user authentication systems, where specific individuals are supposed to be allowed access. For this purpose, their identity is verified using facial recognition, and then either physical access to a building or premises or digital access to an account is provided. This is a form of image-to-image matching.

Another use of this system is image-to-video matching. In this mechanism, an image is checked against a piece of real-time video footage to detect the individual and prevent fraud. This system is ideal for systems in which tracking an individual’s movements in real-time is required.

Benefits of Facia’s Face Verification Solution

Now let us tell you some of the benefits that you can get from using Facia’s 1:1 face-matching solution:

• Our service helps you to prevent and minimize scams and fraudulent activity, as it alerts you if it detects any form of illicit use or attempt. 
• It highlights additional information about the attackers to make it easier to protect your system. Using this system you can reduce fraud by up to 80% percent.

Face Identification

Face identification is described as a process of identifying who an individual is by checking their face against one or multiple databases that contain records of known individuals and their identity details. These databases are not local and are instead usually cloud-based or otherwise in digital form.

This process is technically referred to as a 1:N face search, as there is an indeterminate number of faces or individuals that the input face will be matched against. The matching usually goes on until the entire database has been checked against, and all identities the input matches against are then displayed as output (or if there is no match, the software indicates as such).

Major Use Cases

Face identification technology is more suited for more in-depth investigation and identification in individuals, scenarios where the identity of the individual is not known and sometimes there is very little other information to identify them. This can include situations like surveillance of public or sensitive spaces, or during things like criminal investigations by law enforcement.

The system is also quite useful for easier check-ins on airports, especially during things like immigration, and for general border control. It can also be used to make better, more tailored experiences for customers in places like the hospitality sector.

Also Read: AI Facial Recognition with Liveness Detection for Border Security

Benefits of Facia’s Face Identification Solution

Here are some of the benefits that you can get from using Facia’s 1:N face search solution:

• By using our service, you get a system that can seamlessly integrate into an existing business operation, minimizing possible downtimes and system reworking during solution implementation.
• In addition, we offer one of the most accurate and quickest solutions available on the market. Our system has a 99.9% accuracy rate and can scan 3 million databases in under 4 seconds.
• With all of this, we provide and ensure complete confidentiality and privacy of your data, as we are compliant with the regulations outlined by GDPR.

The Major Differences

Why They Are Often Confused/Used Interchangeably

Considering all three terms are very interrelated, and often co-exist, it is not that odd that all three phrases are often substituted for one another. 

All three terms involve the use of facial features for determining an individual’s identity. In addition, since face recognition includes both identification and verification, it makes sense that it is often used to refer to both of these technologies as well.

Generally speaking, the distinction in everyday language between identifying someone and verifying their identity, can seem relatively negligible and very minor. Marketing departments of these companies often take advantage of this fact to simplify marketing language and make it easier for customers to understand the technology.

Now you should be able to understand the differences between these common terms. The good news is we here at Facia are devoted to making your lives easier without compromising on quality. If you want to learn more about how Facia can enhance your authentication and security systems, contact us today!