Face Recognition Test Is a Multifaceted Resource.

The article discusses results of a test of face recognition software. The 2006 Face Recognition Vendor Test, sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, assessed 22 systems from around the world. Improvements over previous years' results were noted in four key areas. Processing speed increased significantly when compared to the 2002 tests. Quality was sufficient to establish a benchmark for three-dimensional face recognition. Recognition systems improved their ability to match faces under diverse lighting conditions. In terms of unfamiliar faces, recognition systems can outperform humans.