Usability testing of an overlay to improve face capture

Abstract

It's easy to take a face photograph, isn't it? What if that photograph is intended for input into an automatic face recognition system? Why is it then, even with a "captive audience" such as at a border crossing or point of entry, are so many face photographs unsuitable for face recognition? In a previous study, the authors suggested the use of a "face overlay" — a visual reticule that may be superimposed onto a live video feed to facilitate the face image capture process. In this study, we provide a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the affordance, efficiency, effectiveness, and user-satisfaction of the visual overlay. Results of a controlled usability study suggest that the overlay improves face image quality, even when photographers are provided with no prior training.