Sigmind’s AI recognises faces wearing masks
The system can successfully detect anyone who violates mandatory quarantine
Sigmind, the very first Artificial Intelligence (AI) research group and engineering solution provider in Bangladesh, has come up with its WATCHCAM Mass Surveillance System that can automatically recognise a face even if it is covered by a mask.
Statistics show Covid-19 spreads less in the countries where wearing masks was made mandatory from the very beginning.
However, amid the Covid-19 outbreak around the globe, general face recognition technology is almost ineffective when anyone wearing a mask roams around outside at a time when he is supposed to be in quarantine or isolation.
Considering the manpower and the population of Bangladesh, it is not possible to monitor everyone physically.
WATCHCAM Mass Surveillance System can identify and warn if anyone wears a mask or not, recognises covered faces and quickly finds the person's identity from the database, recognises someone who goes out violating quarantine or isolation, and can trace contacts from video footages and monitors.
Sigmind Chairman Abu Anas Shuvam said, "We started working on recognising faces wearing masks last year. We did not think it would be essential so early.
"At present, our AI system can trace covered faces with 87.3 percent accuracy and recognise open faces with 99.4 percent accuracy."
"Besides, the software can recognise someone from information about his age, sex, dress and its colour. It can also identify information based on the colour of a car, number plate etc," he added.
Sigmind Managing Director Tanvir Tabassum said, "Some governments and private organisations have already successfully used our technology."
"As a member of the ICT Division Project, we would like to work with various departments of the government during the present crisis."
For its innovative and applied research, Sigmind has secured many national and international awards, including BASIS National ICT Award 2019, Merit Award in APICTA 2019, Smart City Award, Entrepreneurship World Cup 2019, Top 10 Winner in Startup Istanbul, and Top 20 in Startup Bangladesh.
