Tags: #AI

2024 Aviation Trends: Optimizing Airport Operations with AI and Advanced Solutions

Posted by Bill Carleton on Posted in Biometrics, Customer Experience, Hospitality, Security Tagged , , , , ,

It is imperative that aviation stakeholders bring automation to operations to deal with the unprecedented growth of air travel and corresponding operational challenges. A key consideration of the automation is Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize operations. With vast amounts of both historical and real-time data, airports need a way to process, analyze and operationalize that information in a timely manner to provide real-time decision making.

There are myriad use cases that would benefit by implementing AI capabilities: passenger operations, baggage handling operations, retail and hospitality, building and facilities management, ground handling operations and maintenance, runway operations and more. The real value proposition to airports is eliminating the need for ongoing, manual data analysis to enable optimization activities. Bringing automated, real-time decision making to personnel on a proactive basis allows an objective, data-driven decision to be suggested as a decision opportunity per operational parameters at any given time. For example, an airport could scale passenger processing operations based on real-time traveler populations to make immediate staffing and facilities-oriented decisions and appropriately accommodate throughput.

Other examples of the aviation industry using AI include Boeing and Airbus analyzing in-flight data to optimize fuel economy, operations and safety. Airlines’ chatbots are boosting customer service and engagement by offering an immediate information resource based on everyday questions. AI technology is increasing efficiencies of baggage handling, predictive aircraft maintenance and repair, dynamic pricing models for travel reservations and more.1

However, there’s a consensus that humans need to remain in the loop in overseeing AI validity and performance.

At the recent Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE), NEC joined more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies and advancements in the aviation industry. The high energy event featured lively discussions about AI and intriguing demos of leading-edge solutions to ensure safe, secure and seamless passenger experiences.

We’re continuously innovating to elevate passenger experience, as well as streamline operations for the aviation industry.

For example, NEC I:Delight offers personalized, safe and secure interactions across countless locations and situations. We integrate the physical and digital in a single user managed and maintained digital ID.

NEC’s other advanced solutions for the aviation industry include:

  • Decentralized Identity (DID) Enrollment and Authentication – Digital enrollment using the NEC I:Delight platform on IOS/Android/Microsoft devices. Shorter lines, faster identification, touchless services and a personalized customer experience.
  • Traveler Verification Service (TVS) – A turnkey cloud native service to manage day of travel biometric identities in coordination with government systems and services. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Biometric Air Exit program relies heavily on TVS.
  • Multimodal Authentication – High-speed, high-precision authentication even when individuals wear masks, goggles and gloves. The solution maintains highly accurate, touchless authentication accuracy without compromising security or convenience.
  • Gateless Access Control– Real-time identity authentication and face recognition with world-class accuracy. Eliminates the need for gates, authentication devices and guarded security at entrances.
  • Mobile Boarding – Secure, automated passenger verification solution designed to streamline passenger boarding while maintaining the highest level of security and public safety.
  • Baggage Analytics – Object detection solution based on real-time video streaming and analytics, including AI-based baggage counting and estimation to inform business decisions, resource allocation and more.
  • NEC Intelligent Perimeter Detection System (IPIDS) – Detects physical border and facility breach using fiber optic sensing and self-modifying, machine-learning-based AI. Outstanding alternative to expensive and high maintenance video surveillance systems.
  • Kurumie Runway Analytics – NEC’s Vision AI and Analytics system uses dashcam video to allow airport staff to inspect and prioritize maintenance. They can monitor existing damage to ensure repairs are planned efficiently.

Learn more about the ways NEC can help you take travel to new heights with Digital ID. Contact us today. 

Source:
  1. Navigating the Skies with AI: How Airlines are Transforming Air Travel,” Forbes

Facial Recognition AI – Redefining Biometric Authentication

Posted by Micah Willbrand on Posted in Biometrics, Digital ID Tagged , , ,

Introduction

Facial recognition technology, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping the field of biometric authentication, introducing new possibilities for secure and convenient identification. In this chapter, we will delve into the intricacies of facial recognition, exploring the science behind it, NEC’s leadership in the field, its wide-ranging applications, and the future developments.

The Science Behind Facial Recognition

Facial recognition systems utilize sophisticated algorithms to capture, analyze, and compare patterns based on an individual’s facial features. By leveraging AI, these systems can identify and verify a person’s identity by matching the captured data with the information stored in a database. Combining computer vision and machine learning techniques enables facial recognition technology to achieve high accuracy and reliability in authentication.

NEC’s Leadership in Facial Recognition

NEC has emerged as a leader in facial recognition technology, known for its exceptional speed, accuracy, and reliability. Their advanced solutions have been deployed in numerous real-world scenarios, ranging from identity verification and access control in office facilities to public safety issues like airport boarding and security applications. NEC’s commitment to continuous research and development has propelled their facial recognition technology to the forefront of the industry.

Applications of Facial Recognition

Facial recognition extends far beyond access and security applications. It has found applications across various sectors, revolutionizing processes and enhancing user experiences. In retail, facial recognition can enable more personalized advertising and targeted marketing campaigns. It plays a vital role in patient identification, remote monitoring, and telemedicine in the healthcare industry. Airports leverage facial recognition technology to streamline the boarding process and enhance security, while the banking sector integrates it to provide an additional layer of security in transactions. These are just a few examples of how facial recognition transforms different domains, creating seamless and efficient experiences.

Pros and Cons of Facial Recognition

Facial recognition offers a plethora of advantages, including convenience, speed, and enhanced security. It eliminates the need for physical or digital tokens and alleviates the burden of remembering passwords. However, it also raises legitimate concerns about privacy, data protection, and potential misuse of personal information. Striking a balance between the benefits and challenges of facial recognition is crucial for its responsible and ethical deployment.

The Future of Facial Recognition

As AI and machine learning technologies continue to advance, the future of facial recognition holds immense potential. Facial recognition will be pivotal in shaping smart cities, enabling efficient public security systems, optimizing business operations, and contributing to emerging technologies. Ongoing research and development will improve accuracy, adaptability, and user experience, unlocking new frontiers for facial recognition applications.

Conclusion and Link to the Series

Facial recognition technology, powered by AI, offers a glimpse into the exciting future of biometric authentication. As our series progresses, our next chapter will delve into a Biometric Authentication providing insights into its benefits and challenges. Join us on this journey as we explore the multifaceted realm of secure digital identities.

Call to Action

Join us in the next chapter as we unravel the Biometric Authentication Methods – A Comparative Study. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences, contributing to the ongoing conversation about the future of digital identities. Stay engaged and be a part of the transformation in secure authentication.

References/Resources

Throughout this series, we draw upon information from reputable sources, industry research, and the expertise of companies like NEC, a global leader in advanced biometric solutions. For further exploration, we recommend visiting NEC’s website to access insightful articles, case studies, and updates on the latest advancements in facial recognition technology and biometric authentication.

All Chapters –

Truly Open, Truly Trusted at Identity Week 2022

Posted by Kathleen Kiernan on Posted in Analytics, Biometrics, Cloud, Conference, Customer Experience, Government, Law Enforcement, Security Tagged , , , , , , ,

In the spirit of “asu,” the Japanese word for tomorrow, NEC was proud to be the title sponsor for Identity Week as we look forward to the future of digital identity and biometrics.

Formerly known as Connect ID, Identity Week connects identity professionals from across government, finance, retail, eCommerce, health care, and travel. More than 1,000 attendees from around the world were at the event in October at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Kicking off Identity Week, David Pekoske, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), shared staggering numbers. On Labor Day weekend, 8.76 million travelers were screened by TSA. That’s up 102% from pre-pandemic levels. To effectively screen the growing number of passengers, TSA will deploy more biometric technology so that travelers have safe and seamless experiences.

Administrator Pekoske also gave us insight into the TSA Innovation Task Force’s plan for an upcoming “innovation doctrine” that will help guide future technology projects to integrate new hardware and software. This forward-thinking approach to digital transformation will ensure that travelers have a safe and convenient “curb-to-gate” travel experience in airports.

Mind the Trust Gap
I was honored to present the opening keynote, “Mind the Trust Gap,” spotlighting digital ID within the federal and aviation sectors.

NEC’s vision of being truly open, and truly trusted is one of our strengths as a 123-year-old company. We continuously look to asu (tomorrow) and the possibilities of the future, prioritizing trust, security, and seamless experiences. I challenged the audience to not only build on current technologies but to also widen our aperture and think about the threats of tomorrow. Asu is NEC’s commitment to outside-the-box thinking to develop solutions at the speed of need.

Convergence of Online and Offline ID
“Decentralized ID is our vision for secure, self-sovereign, and standardized digital ID.” NEC Vice President Micah Willbrand gave the summit speech on the convergence of online and offline identities, the evolution toward decentralized digital ID, and how it’s being used in retail, aviation, and other applications. He stressed that the public sector should look toward the private sector as more consumers demand streamlined experiences.

Digital-Enabled Citizen Experiences
Austin Park, Director for NEC National Security Systems (NEC NSS), participated on a panel about digitally enabled citizen experiences. Austin predicts, “Decentralized identity will become much more prevalent in the next five years due to its privacy-by-design nature.”

Beyond Digital Identity
NEC Labs President Chris White led a seminar pointing out the importance of “applying real-time methods of sensing people and the environment to make accurate and efficient authentication systems.” NEC Labs is the U.S.-based center for NEC Corporation’s global network of research laboratories. NEC NSS and NEC Labs work in tandem on innovative biometric solutions.

Harnessing AI to Enhance Customer Experience
NEC Labs also invited attendees to try their luck with our AI-driven golf putt analyzer. Executive Vice President Keith Terreri demonstrated his golf skills and got an insight into his swing, body movements, and positioning. It was a fun, interactive way to showcase the technology and how it can be applied to enhance digital ID, security, and customer experience.

Being with our peers at Identity Week was inspiring and energizing. There were spirited discussions about Next Gen identity verification, which reinforces our mission at NEC NSS to apply scientific curiosity with the flexibility to rapidly prototype custom solutions. We look forward to next year’s event!

Discover more about NEC National Security Systems or contact us directly.

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NEC Maintains Top Rank in 2022 NIST FRVT Report

Posted by Kathleen Kiernan on Posted in Analytics, Biometrics, Cloud, Events, Government, Law Enforcement, Security Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

NIST Ranked #1 Globally

  • #1 in Mugshot Identification
  • #1 in Border Security Identification
  • #1 in Mugshot Identification over age differences

At NEC Corporation, we take great pride in our legacy of creating the best technology in our field and our biometric authentication algorithms are no exception. Our #1-ranked National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) algorithms are trusted every day to provide accurate and secure results across sectors including commercial aviation, hospitality and the United States government.

Adding to this legacy, we are excited to share that NEC’s facial recognition algorithm earned the top ranking from NIST’s most recent Face Recognition Vendor Test across multiple categories.

NEC earned top recognition in the categories of Mugshot Identification both globally and in the United States, Global Border Security Identification, and Global Mugshot Identification over age differences, as well as Mugshot to Webcam Identification here in the U.S.

These rankings match the very real, positive impact our technology has on society every day. For example, U.S. CBP Deputy Commissioner, Troy Miller, recently shared in an interview1 that facial recognition technology, including our algorithm, has identified more than 1,000 imposters attempting to enter the country with false documents since 2018 – decreasing potential crime and creating safer communities.

For more than two decades, NEC has consistently surpassed competitors’ algorithms in the categories of accuracy and speed. This remains true even when demographic differentials including race and sex are accounted for and when subjects wear protective face masks. Our algorithm passed internal tests with a rate of over 99.9% in 1:1 verification when face masks of various colors and patterns were worn by individuals – ensuring security and supporting public health.

The latest NIST results showed NEC’s algorithm outperformed the entire field of 329 entries submitted from all over the world on mugshot identification. Our NEC-005 algorithm demonstrated a False Negative Identification Rate (FNIR) of just 0.0017 at a False Positive Rate (FPIR) of 0.001, respectively.

This same algorithm outperformed a field of 289 entries on Mugshot to Webcam identification with an FNIR of .0120 at a FPIR of .001.

NEC’s facial recognition algorithm is called upon by professionals across a diverse range of use cases in critical moments and is counted on for its reliable and accurate results. These use cases include criminal investigation, immigration, military security and national identification within the entertainment industry.

We have implemented more than 1,000 systems with our top-ranked fingerprint and face recognition technologies in more than 70 countries and regions around the world.

Our team works to create the most accurate and reliable product possible to ensure safe, accessible and enjoyable experiences for every person who uses our technology. While navigating access points can often be a hassle, we see a touchless and frictionless future made possible through our first-ranked biometric authentication algorithm.

To read more, you can access the full NIST report, here.

Learn more about our #1 ranked algorithm’s use cases here.

1. https://about.bgov.com/news/facial-scans-catch-impostors-at-border-as-agencies-embrace-use/

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NEC National Security Systems Showcases Digital Identity Solutions

Posted by Kathleen Kiernan on Posted in Analytics, Biometrics, Cloud, Events, Government, Law Enforcement, Security Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

NEC National Security Systems (NEC NSS) showcased its robust, cloud-native digital management platform, body worn solutions and iris recognition capabilities at the connect:ID 2021 conference, October 5-6 in Washington, D.C.

Enlightening Speeches & Future-Focused Conversations

NEC speakers presented and participated in illuminating interviews and discussions during connect:ID, including company leaders: Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, the newly appointed president of NEC NSS; Raffie Beroukhim, SVP and Chief Experience Officer and NEC NSS board member; and Kris Ranganath, Chief Technology Officer.

  • Dr. Kiernan delivered an opening keynote focusing on “Putting a Face on the Digital ID Generation.”
  • Ranganath presented “Decentralized Identity” during a summit speech regarding the benefits of decentralized identity management solutions.
  • As a board member of the International Biometric Identity Association (IBIA), Raffie participated in a panel discussion on key topics in advanced recognition for government agencies.

In addition, Allen Ganz, Vice President of Customer Experience, was interviewed on the topic of “The Future of Digital Travel.” Ganz, who has implemented biometric solutions in the aviation industry, shared information about the first curb-to-gate system for a commercial airline in the United States, which was unveiled at Atlanta’s Terminal F in 2019.

Authentication & Digital Identity Solutions

At the conference NEC NSS hosted a prominent booth showcasing their digital identity management and body worn solutions, that provide identity intelligence, by combining NEC’s best of breed matching algorithms with cutting edge wearable cameras.

They also displayed NEC Digital Platform, a highly secure and scalable digital identity management platform that effortlessly brings touchless experiences to countless use cases. The platform provides a unified experience for a variety of services and transactions by using a unique, multi-factor Digital ID based on biometric authentication and AI technology. It streamlines both physical and digital identities into a secure, privacy-driven ecosystem for a seamless, secure, more personalized, and intuitive customer experience.

Also featured was the new iris-face combo kiosk that seamlessly matches a user’s iris or face—or both modalities simultaneously—against an existing document. Using NEC’s proprietary eye detection technology and remote gaze detection, this solution provides biometric authentication under a variety of conditions.

To learn how NEC NSS provides vital biometric, AI and computer support to U.S. government agencies, please visit the website. You can also follow NEC NSS on Twitter at @NECNSSFed and on its LinkedIn page.

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