Just Passing By, 인증 OK

S-1's 'Untact' Technology Gains Attention Amid COVID-19 Spread

#. Located in Daegu, the IT data center of DGB Daegu Bank prioritizes security above all else, requiring facial recognition for entry. However, unlike traditional facial recognition systems where one must stop and look at the camera for authentication, this system authenticates in just 0.3 seconds as you walk at your normal pace. It does not require bringing your eyes close to the device like iris recognition. Simply walking in enables truly 'Untact' authentication.

Recently, with the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), 'untact consumption'?avoiding face-to-face contact?has expanded across industries, drawing attention to contactless biometric authentication methods in the security sector. Most existing biometric systems require touching devices with fingerprints or the back of the hand, involving indirect contact. Contactless biometric technologies such as facial recognition, which can mitigate infection risks, are gaining prominence.

According to security company S-1 on the 6th, inquiries about the walk-through facial recognition system called 'Speedgate' have been steadily increasing in line with growing social interest. Introduced by S-1 in 2018, this system features enhanced authentication rates through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning technology. Facial recognition systems typically suffer from reduced accuracy due to changes in lighting, face angles, expressions, or accessories.

To address this, S-1 inputs front, left, and right side facial data into the AI for self-learning. This enables the AI to infer the front face even when the side of the visitor’s face is captured on video. This proprietary AI technology has further improved facial recognition capabilities. An S-1 representative explained, "Our in-house developed AI function identifies facial features even if there is temporary swelling or wrinkles on the forehead. It is designed to recognize faces unless the entire face changes due to plastic surgery or accidents." S-1 is expanding applications of facial recognition technology by installing Speedgate at Daegu Bank’s data center and headquarters, and facial recognition systems at Cheongju Airport.

The security industry anticipates that such facial recognition technology will expand into various fields, driving changes in biometric authentication technology. Facial authentication is now standard on the latest smartphones, including the Galaxy S20, and is rapidly being adopted in the financial sector. Shinhan Card has even introduced 'Face Pay,' a payment method using only facial recognition. With technological advancements, the facial recognition market is expected to continue growing. The Korea Information Security Industry Association forecasts the domestic facial recognition market to grow to around 150 billion KRW this year. There are also projections that the global facial recognition market will reach 2.8 billion USD this year.

A security industry official stated, "As concerns about contact increase, contactless biometric authentication methods are gaining attention. In particular, facial recognition technology is expected to lead market changes because it is more convenient and less intrusive compared to other contactless biometric methods."