When I wake up, one of the first things I usually do is go check my email. Sometimes my hair is a complete rat’s nest (picture a sleepy five year old), sometimes it’s piled on top of my head in a clip, and sometimes it looks nice because I actually showered and dressed first.

Now imagine if your computer could tell you that you couldn’t check anything until you look “right”?

I realize that isn’t quite what Toshiba is aiming to do with their new Facial Recognition Technology, but I can see where such a feature might be a good incentive to get “presentable” earlier…for me, at least. ;-)


picture courtesy of ICT Nuggets

Here’s how the Toshiba version will work:

The TOSHIBA Face Recognition software is a technology that harnesses the Satellite’s built-in Webcam to grant or deny access by quickly referencing a database of stored digital images of a registered user’s face. This database is created during a short setup process, where a user is prompted to move their head from side-to-side and up-and-down until their face has been adequately profiled with a series of still images.

The software also provides flexibility by allowing periodic image updates to ensure that the latest user photos are available in order to account for changes in a user’s physical appearance, such as the growing or shaving of a beard or mustache.

Do you think that this would be a good security feature? Or do you think that there are times when the computer wouldn’t even recognize you? ;-)

TOSHIBA BRINGS FACE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY TO NEW SATELLITE LINEUP

Futuristic Technology Provides Users with a Fun and Convenient Way To Access Their Laptops

IRVINE, Calif., (April 29, 2007)—Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD),
a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today highlighted that its newly designed Satellite(R) laptops are equipped with its innovative face recognition software technology, which provides users with a fun and convenient way to log in to a personal computer.

“Toshiba prides itself on making laptops that stand out in the marketplace,” said Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “With the addition of face recognition, the newly designed Satellite models have yet another great feature that showcases Toshiba’s passion for creating innovative technologies that are equally enjoyable to use.”

The TOSHIBA Face Recognition software is a technology that harnesses the Satellite’s built-in Webcam to grant or deny access by quickly referencing a database of stored digital images of a registered user’s face. This database is created during a short setup process, where a user is prompted to move their head from side-to-side and up-and-down until their face has been adequately profiled with a series of still images.

Beyond traditional password and fingerprint login options, face recognition gives users a unique alternative for signing in to their laptop. Multiple users can use the software to log in to their personal accounts, which is ideal for family or dorm room scenarios where multiple users share the same laptop.

The software also provides flexibility by allowing periodic image updates to ensure that the latest user photos are available in order to account for changes in a user’s physical appearance, such as the growing or shaving of a beard or mustache.

Toshiba’s four newly designed Satellite models with the Fusion(TM) finish, the Satellite U400, Satellite M300, Satellite A300 and Satellite P300 are each equipped with the TOSHIBA Face Recognition software. Each Satellite model series is available from a variety of major consumer electronics and computer stores nationwide, or directly from Toshiba at www.toshibadirect.com. Detailed product information is available at www.explore.toshiba.com/satellite.

All new Toshiba laptops are RoHS-compatible(1), effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances. Toshiba also offers a computer trade-in and recycling program to reduce environmental impact and promote efficient utilization of resources. All Toshiba computers qualify for free recycling, while non-Toshiba computers and other consumer electronic products can be recycled for a small fee. For more information please visit: www.explore.toshiba.com/green.

About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry leading portable computers; projectors; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and telephony equipment and associated applications.
TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, which is a global leader in high technology and integrated manufacturing of electrical and electronic components, products and systems, as well as major infrastructure systems. Toshiba has more than 191,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of over US $60 billion (FY2006). For more information on Toshiba’s leading innovations, visit the company’s Web site at www.toshiba.com.

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