Racist Facial Recognition Software

An anonymous reader writes "A black man found that his HP facial-tracking recognition software wouldn't work. Then he discovered it worked fine for a white co-worker. From the article: 'HP's Tony Welch thanked Desi and Wanda, the video's creators, and promised that he and the team at HP were looking into why the camera was behaving the way it was. "The technology we use is built on standard algorithms that measure the difference in intensity of contrast between the eyes and the upper cheek and nose," he said. "We believe that the camera might have difficulty 'seeing' contrast in conditions where there is insufficient foreground lighting."'"

Comments

Contrast to speculation

[Anonymous Coward]

I do not think HP is out right racist. But his skin color does have an effect. His eyes, cheek, and nose are of similar color.
Therefore the recognition software will interpret no difference in variables, because it can not see any contrast. This makes triangulation impossible. Simply a bug in software design.

A possible solution would be an adjuster to the contrast ratio for the recognition points. Allowing the user to adjust it. Though hard to teach to people who prefer plug-n-play style of settings.

Not racist at all - here's why

[MindPrison]

The recognition software is looking for contrast spots, such as shadow from the nose, eye-sockets, and ultimately the head shape, if these criteria isn't met - then it has a problem.

It's the same with eg. Sony PS3's Playstation EYE - and eg. the new game EYEPET, you try that on at home against a dark floor, dark carpet, no matter how much light you put on, the pet won't react to you.

Same with me - I'm a white guy, and unfortunately my floor is sorta white colored (wood, flesh like...if you're slightly yellow in the skin, don't worry - bad indoor light WILL look pale yellowish) ;)
Even with 200 watts of lighting - I had problems with my EYEPET and PS camera, it's virtually useless and incredibly annoying.

Trust me buddy, there's no difference with HP's camera software, the same stuff. Wait until MicroSofts Project NATAL comes out, then you're going to be pleased, it will reckognize ALL colors! Because it has an extra infrared camera!

You're kind of funny though ;) You have a talent for talking on tv, not everybody have that gift, you do!