Zoo's 3D face checks

Australia Zoo has installed a new 3D facial recognition system.

He's still the Sunshine Coast's best known face Steve Irwin, watching over his daughter Bindi.

Australia Zoo has installed a 3D facial recognition system to control access to its administration building.

The Vision Access hardware and software system, supplied by Maroochydore company TakSec Solutions Pty Ltd, boasts the latest in biometric technology for the rapid capture and identification of facial images.

TakSec said system would help ensure a high level of security and provide peace of mind for Australia Zoo office staff.

Zoo management is examining the possibility of linking staff access data into its timesheet and payroll system to streamline administration systems.

The Vision Access system includes an optical unit which captures a 3D image of an individual which is then stored as a personal profile much like a photograph on a secure PC. When the individual requires access to a building, the optical unit scans their face and in a matter of milliseconds, verifies their identity against the database profile.

Australia Zoo human resources co-ordinator, Matt O'Connor said profiles of office and administration staff were on the new system. The Zoo's IT staff will create profiles for new staff as they are inducted.

'The Vision Access system will eliminate the possibility of a patron gaining unauthorised access to the office and administration area of the zoo,'' Mr O'Connor said.

Managing director of TakSec Solutions, Trevor May, said '3D facial recognition systems are far more accurate in recognising people than the 2D systems they are now replacing let alone the keys, tokens and cards that are the conventional tools of personal identification and access control.

"3D is also much more user-friendly and accurate than other biometric technologies such as iris and fingerprint scanning,'' he said.

TakSec is the Australian distributor for the Vision Access system which was installed at Australia Zoo by the Able Security Group.

The zoo has approximately 540 staff involved in animal keeping, accounts, retailing, marketing, human resources and other activities.

Originally published as Zoo's 3D face checks