Security identification system

An automated entry checkpoint identification and screening system comprising:

• a. means for detecting the presence of a subject at the checkpoint;
• b. camera means for obtaining at least one video image of the face of said subject;
• c. means for determining whether the face of said subject is in position for taking video images thereof;
• d. means for instructing the subject to make movements until the subject's face is in position for taking video images thereof;
• e. means for comparing video images taken of the face of the subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;
• f. means for generating a signal in the event of a match.

An automated method for improving the quality of video images obtained by a facial recognition system at an entry checkpoint comprising the steps of:

• a. detecting the presence of a subject at the checkpoint;
• b. instructing the subject to stop;
• c. instructing the subject to make movements until the subject's face is in position for taking video images thereof using at least one camera;
• d. recognizing that the face of said subject is in such position;
• and
• e. obtaining at least one video image of the subject's face using said at least one camera.

An apparatus for improving the quality of video images obtained by a facial recognition system at an entry checkpoint comprising:

• a. at least one camera for obtaining a video image of the face of a subject;
• b. a facial recognition system for comparing video images taken of the face of said subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;
• c. an auxiliary light source for illuminating the subject;
• d. a first polarizing film placed between said light source and the subject;
• and
• e. a second polarizing filter placed between each at least one camera and the subject, said second filter being rotated so as to prevent reflected glare from passing therethrough to said at least one camera.

An apparatus for improving the quality of video images obtained by a facial recognition system at an entry checkpoint comprising:

• a. at least one camera for obtaining a video image of the face of a subject;
• b. a facial recognition system for comparing video images taken of the face of said subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;
• c. an auxiliary light source for illuminating the subject;
• d. a first colored film placed between said light source and the subject;
• and
• e. a second correspondingly colored film placed between each at least one camera and the subject in order to control the spectrum of light passing therethrough to said at least one camera.

An apparatus for improving the quality of video images obtained by a facial recognition system at an entry checkpoint comprising:

• a. at least one camera for obtaining a video image of the face of a subject;
• b. a facial recognition system for comparing video images taken of the face of said subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;
• c. an auxiliary light source for illuminating the subject
• wherein said light source is capable of producing a brief pulse of bright light, said pulse being synchronized to the opening and closing of a shutter of said at least one camera.

An apparatus for improving the quality of video images obtained by a facial recognition system at an entry checkpoint comprising:

• a. at least one camera for obtaining a video image of the face of a subject;
• b. a facial recognition system for comparing video images taken of the face of said subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;
• c. an auxiliary light source for illuminating the subject
• wherein a shutter of said at least one camera is synchronized with the power to the lighting source and phased so as to only open when the lighting source is at a minimum brightness point.

An automated entry checkpoint facial recognition system comprising:

• a. an entry lane for funneling subjects into the system;
• b. a cylindrical vertical post located at one end of said entry lane;
• c. at least one sensor attached to said post for detecting the presence of a subject in the lane;
• d. at least one camera deployed in said post for obtaining at least one video image of the face of the subject;
• e. a facial scanning program for determining whether the face of the subject is in position for taking video images thereof using said at least one camera;
• f. a transmitter located in said post for providing instructions to the subject to make movements until the subject's face is in position for taking video images thereof;
• g. a facial recognition program for comparing video images taken of the face of the subject with pre-stored images in a database for a potential match;
• and
• h. a signal that is activated in the event of a match.