Towards a more Secure Border Control with 3D Face Recognition

Biometric data have been integrated in all ICAO compliant passports, since the ICAO members started to implement the ePassport standard. The additional use of three-dimensional models promises significant performance enhancements for border control points. By combining the geometryand texture-channel information of the face, 3D face recognition systems show an improved robustness while processing variations in poses and problematic lighting conditions when taking the photo. This even holds in a hybrid scenario, when a 3D face scan is compared to a 2D reference image. To assess the potential of three-dimensional face recognition, the 3D Face project was initiated. This paper outlines the approach and research results of this project: The objective was not only to increase the recognition rate but also to develop a new, fake resistant capture device. In addition, methods for protection of the biometric template were researched and the second generation of the international standard ISO/IEC 19794-5:2011 was inspired by the project results.