Panasonic begins offering API for facial recognition technology

Panasonic Corporation announced the company will begin offering an application programming interface (API) for its facial recognition technology to the market in Japan.

Panasonic first began R&D into facial recognition in the early 1990s, and has continued to perfect these capabilities in various ways by incorporating the technology into consumer products and by applying it to camera-based security solutions. The company has gone on to provide reliable, safe and efficient facial recognition solutions such as for passport control at airports and ticketless entry at amusement parks. Now, Panasonic aims to help customers solve a variety of challenges by offering an API for this same technology.

The API enables deep-learning powered facial recognition technology via a cloud-based service.

Strengths of Panasonic's facial recognition technology:

1. Feature quantity generation method of recognizing the whole face and certain parts of the face through the integration of multiple deep learning technologies.
2. Proprietary Panasonic algorithm that performs a degree of similarity calculation method for matching faces and controlling errors caused by photographic conditions.

Due to these, Panasonic's facial recognition technology is able to accurately identify faces even under difficult conditions which previously presented challenges to facial recognition, such as when the face is seen from an angle, in difficult lighting conditions, or when the face is partially covered by sunglasses or a surgical mask.

Advancements in ICT and other technologies mean that identity verification and entry/exit management are becoming more efficient. Meanwhile, there are a range of issues related to these that require solutions such as individuals working in logistics fields needing to be able to pass security points even with both hands full, and that employees often work from varying offices all requiring unified access and timecard management. There are also other more serious problems, such as online identity theft.

Panasonic's deep learning-based facial recognition technology can now be used simply by opening this API, making it possible to incorporate the technology into customers' smartphone applications, websites, and building access management systems. This will enable entry/exit management at multiple business sites, streamline movement within offices or work sites, and prevent identity theft. The facial recognition API is a micro service within Panasonic's µSockets B2B IoT service which is currently available in Japan (see details below).

By adding an API to its facial recognition service lineup, Panasonic has the advantage of being able to offer both on-premises and cloud-based solutions to match its customers' business requirements. Making Panasonic's proven facial recognition technology available to customers and partners through an API will enable it to be used in a wider range of industries, including for marketing analysis, accounting, and entry/exit management. This will enable further quality improvements and the creation of new collaborative business models with its customers and partners through open innovation. Through this, Panasonic will strive to further accelerate growth and expand its customer base.