Panasonic Releases New Facial Recognition API in Japan

Panasonic has released an API version of its facial recognition solution. The API will make it easier for companies to integrate Panasonic’s facial recognition algorithm into their mobile apps, websites, and security networks, delivering facial recognition as a cloud-based service that exists as part of Panasonic’s broader μSockets B2B IoT platform.

According to Panasonic, the new API will allow companies to deploy its technology in a wider range of industries. In recent months, the company’s facial recognition tech has been leveraged for access control at soccer stadiums in Belgium and Denmark. It has also appeared in biometric eGates at airports across Japan. Japanese immigration officials began trialing Panasonic’s eGate technology back in 2017, while the  server-based FacePRO system first debuted in 2018.

Panasonic’s algorithm is built to perform in adverse conditions, and can carry out face matches when there is poor lighting, when the subject’s face is partially obscured with sunglasses or a mask, and when the subject’s face is captured at a challenging angle. It also takes age into account, and can identify individuals even if the reference photo is out of date.

Companies using the API will be charged a monthly fee based on the number of faces registered in their system and the number of individual matches performed. For the moment, the API is only available in Japan, where each new face will cost companies 5 yen and each match will cost an additional 1 yen.

–

November 25, 2019 – by Eric Weiss