What is FMR (False Match Rate)?

Facial recognition is the only unconstrained primary biometric identity verification standard as tested by NIST. Although the technology can have multiple errors and limitations for some reason, these errors don’t fully nullify the need for facial recognition. Rather they are testing mistakes that can be reduced over time with technological advancements and removing environmental constraints.

In this Knowledge source, we will explain False Match Rate (FMR) as one of the major errors that can occur in biometric facial identity verification compromising the credibility and robustness of a facial recognition solution.

False Match Rate (FMR) Meaning and Overview

It is the estimated error of a biometric authentication system in which it incorrectly matches two entirely different individuals and identifies them as the same person. It is closely related to the False Acceptance Rate (FAR). It is also known as False Positive.

False Match Rate formula for calculating the False Match Rate is given below:

It calculates the number of imposter attempts over the total attempts of identity verification through a biometric system. Particularly, in the case of facial recognition, the FMR is of high importance as facial identity matching is complicated and requires high levels of accuracy to differentiate between a spoofing attempt and a genuine face. 

Why is False Match Rate (FMR) Identification Important?

Detecting and calculating the False Match Rate (FMR) is highly important for two main reasons:

1. To identify and detect deepfake images falsely matched with a true identity.
2. To maintain the accuracy and precision of a facial recognition system.

False Match Rate (FMR) Calculator in 1:1 and 1:N Face Matching

FMR can occur in both 1:1 and 1:N face matching.

False Match Rate (FMR) in 1:1 Face Matching

1:1 or 1 to 1 identity matching in facial recognition refers to matching the facial photo of an individual with another one to verify that the image presented is exactly the person he claims to be. If FMR is shown in the results of 1:1 matching, it means that:

• The face presented to the system is an imposter claiming the wrong identity.
• The identity in the system of an individual is incorrectly matched with a person due to a technical error.

Other reasons for False Match Rate occurring can include:

• Identical Twins trying to spoof in.
• Deepfakes, mask attacks, and video replay attacks. 

False Match Rate (FMR) in 1:N Matching

In 1:N matching the facial identity matching is carried out taking 1 image and matching it with a database of multiple face images. If a False Match Rate (FMR) is observed in 1:N matching, it means that:

• The face presented to the system is a spoofing attempt.
• The database contains incorrect images or a technical error in the identity-matching algorithm.

How to Reduce False Match Rate (FMR)?

Firstly, you need to understand that biometric identity verification can’t produce a 100% accurate result in different environments. False Match Rate (FMR) occurrence during a biometric facial recognition solution testing shows the margin of error which can be corrected through the following measures: