As a convenient and complete solution for face-based access control, dual lens terminals will certainly take the lead. TCT FT3-M mini, the latest member of the Techson product range, is a truly versatile device that is capable of access control management even on its own, but when used in combination with a recorder or a SmartCenter Standard VMS, it can even realize face-based employee attendance tracking.
Face recognition is not a new development, but it is becoming more and more popular nowadays in the field of video technology. For instance, every camera of the Techson SmartView range has had this feature for a long time. By using these cameras together with an advanced SmartSpeed recorder and its face database, even face recognition can be realized. Certain cameras of the SmartPro series are readily capable of face recognition with the help of their own face database.
As a convenient and complete solution for face-based access control, however, dual lens terminals will definitely take the lead. In addition to the already known TCT FT8 fever detection terminal, the Techson product range now features a new baby brother, the TCT FT3-M mini access control terminal.
Our devices tend to become capable of comparing faces in addition to merely recognizing them based on faces recognised earlier, or those entered by the user. Facial images can be organized in databases, we can draw up blacklists or whitelists, or define VIP or unwanted guests. Based on the faces recognized we can either control doors access, or transmit signals through the cameras, recorders or the VMS systems.
The latest member of the Techson product range, the TCT FT3-M mini access control terminal is a truly versatile device, that is capable of access control management even on its own, but when used in combination with a recorder or a SmartCenter Standard VMS, it can even realize face-based employee attendance tracking.
The TCT FT3-M is a small, 12x12 cm terminal that can easily fit almost anywhere, without needing too much space, and it weighs as little a 300 grams. Its design is complemented by the 3.5-inch touchscreen. It is equipped with a built-in Mifare card reader, it also features a Wiegand interface, and can thus be interconnected with access controllers and work time tracking systems of third-party manufacturers as well.
The mini terminal has its own face database; therefore, it is capable of opening doors and gates on its own. Data of the people to be recognised can be conveniently imported into the database through its own web interface one by one or in groups, including their names, access card numbers or photos. Likewise, faces recognised by the terminal can also be easily imported into the database. Data can be modified subsequently as necessary. As the method of access control face recognition, card reader or entering a password can be set using the touchscreen display, but the combination of all of these can also be implemented to increase the security and reliability of access control.
Reliability of the device is enhanced further by the fact that face recognition is realized by means of a dual lens camera, thereby 3D face recognition is made possible. This does increase the time needed for face recognition by a couple of seconds, but the terminal can no longer be deceived by holding up a photograph, as it will immediately recognize that it’s an image and deny access. 3D face recognition can be disabled, as necessary, to make entry faster, keeping in mind that this also lowers the level of security of access control. The device is capable of recognising faces already from a distance of 2-3 m, and it can make out faces and identify people standing in front of it even if they are wearing a mask. The sensitivity of recognition can be set manually on the web interface of the terminal. By default, the terminal searches for a 75% match between the faces in its database and the face of the person standing in front of the camera, but this can also be set higher, to increase the level of security of access control.
The mini access control terminal also features a speaker and a built-in microphone. Pre-recorded or custom messages can be played through the speaker for various operations, such as “Face recognition successful”, “Card reading successful” or “Face recognition failed”. Furthermore, with the possibility to establish a bi-directional connection, through the device the attendant is able to communicate with the person awaiting access, the same way as through a gate intercom. It also deserves mention that bi-directional audio connection can also be established using the mobile application.
The TCT-FT3-M terminal is equipped with numerous connectors. Firstly and perhaps most importantly, it is capable of controlling doors through the relay outlet. At the same time, the exit request button input allows for single-button exit in addition to controlled access. With the help of the open sensor connector, the access terminal is able to check if a door was left open. If a door is left open longer than the preset time, the device emits a siren-like sound. Last but not least, the device also features a Wiegand interface. After successful face recognition, this allows the ID of a recognised person to be transferred to access controllers and work time tracking systems of third-party manufacturers.
The terminal also has a tamper protection function, which sets off an alarm should someone try removing it. A white LED panel in the upper part of the device provides illumination in a dark environment, to ensure that the image can be evaluated for recognition. It should also be highlighted that the device supports Wi-Fi connection, so a power supply may be enough to start using it. With the P2P functionality it is readily accessible not only from the local network, but from a remote location as well. Using the device ID, the terminal can be easily added to the SuperLive Plus mobile application or even to SmartCenter VMS.
The TCT FT3-M provides an ideal solution for controlling a door, a gate or a barrier. The face recognition algorithm works perfectly. Face recognition records can be exported as an Excel table either with or without images. However, in order to realize the employee attendance tracking it requires the connection of another system as well. The SmartCenter Standard VMS could be a solution. Using this software several terminals can be managed simultaneously, and this way the face recognition database can be managed from a single location. Furthermore, it also provides a summary of successful face recognitions and allowed entries. Various rules can be defined with the VMS, such as the time of start and end of working hours. Settings such as “on leave” or “on a business trip” can be assigned to people. Based on the set of rules and the Techson face recognition records of the terminal it is possible to obtain statistics about employee attendance. With the help of the VMS, it is also possible to manually control the doors linked to given cameras, which makes personal intervention possible for attendants during the access control process.
The capability of Techson terminals connected to and controlled through a SmartCenter Standard VMS, is certainly worth mention. The solutions already mentioned for the SCM are of course feasible here as well, while the settings can be refined further. If VMS is used, there is no limit to the quantity of managed devices, only the number of licenses needs to be increased up to the number of desired channels. The data base can still be managed centrally, and it will apply to all channels equally. Access authorizations for specific rooms can be set up for organizations, groups or just a single person. Working hours and shifts can be set with even more detail, with the possibility to combine an entire working time from daily data. These can also be assigned group by group, or even customized working hours can be defined. Furthermore, the VMS is capable of managing planned absence, such as business travel, delegation and predetermined leave. Statistics about the employees can be queued either in the form of graphs or in Excel tables. SmartCenter is capable of drawing up statistics data for the organization as a whole, or specifically for given groups or segments.
Considering all these benefits, the Techson TCT FT3-M access control terminal is a device furnished with an impressive concept, offering top features as: 3D face recognition, built-in card reader, compact size and P2P connectivity. For anyone committed to safer and more professional access control, the new mini terminal is definitely worth trying.