Soon there will be systems that can recognize people in masks

Scientists have created a face recognition system based on the use of a convolutional neural network. Such a system is much more effective in comparison with previous developments, because it allows you to recognize not only open, but also hidden under scarves or masks.

The essence of the neural network is as follows: the built-in mechanism allows you to focus attention, first of all, on the details of the picture, gradually moving to abstract parameters. The hierarchy of all detected distinctive features is built in such a way that the most important of them are in priority.

The authors of the project conducted an experiment in which about two thousand photographs were submitted for the system analysis. Some of the faces on them were open, some were covered - completely or slightly. The background was also different, in some pictures it was simple monophonic, in some - variegated and detailed.The basis was taken 14 points on the face, which the experts considered the key, they are located around the mouth and eye area. The system had a task to catch the distinctive signs both on open images and on hidden ones.

The results are not too impressive. Only 77% photo with a face covered with a scarf, it was identified. And if, in addition to a scarf, a cap and dark glasses were present, the percentage of recognition was even more modest - a little over 50%. Of course, such results do not allow starting a new development in real life, but they form the basis for further work on its development.

The imperfection of the existing and widely used facial recognition systems is that it is almost impossible to identify a person with a hat and glasses.

Baseline data are taken from a variety of existing databases, containing an innumerable number of "correct" photos with open outlines and a flat background. In practice, the use of such systems in real life, especially when it comes to police work to find criminals, is extremely difficult. After all, violators of the law are well aware that they will be searched for, and therefore are strongly encrypted by all available means.It remains to hope that in the near future a system will be created, devoid of such imperfections.