Defense Dept. picks Unisys for biometrics assessment

Unisys Corp. has been selected to support Defense Department efforts to improve face recognition technology.


As part of the $1.23 million biometrics research and development support task order, Unisys and the Defense Department will be working on improving identification of individuals from a database of two-dimensional photographs.


Unisys of Blue Bell, Pa., and its partners will convert the photographs into a three-dimensional model program with skin texture, expressions and aging. The team also will automate movement to mimic human movement.

Successful enactment of this program will enable authorities to capitalize on the thousands of photographs already on file, which will help visa and passport applications and access controls.


As part of its research, the team will study emerging biometric solutions, such as three-dimensional face and ear recognition. The team also will continue a research and development support program with the Defense Department to develop an "intelligent office" solution for human interface security.


Partners include AcSys Biometrics of Toronto, a subsidiary of Nexus Corp.; research teams from the University of California at San Diego and Columbia University; Identix of Minnetonka, Minn.; Genex Technologies Inc. of Kensington, Md.; and Geometrix of San Jose, Calif.


The news was released Oct. 29 in conjunction with the company's unveiling of its new homeland security solutions presentation and laboratory facility in McLean, Va.