International focus on new security software

A University of Queensland researcher was recently selected as one of only 20 international finalists in the 2005 Face Recognition Vendor Test, which was sponsored by the US Government and held in San Diego.

Dr Kevin Gates, a computational scientist in the School of Physical Sciences and the Advanced Computational Modelling Centre at UQ, was asked to present a paper on his innovative facial recognition software.

The software dramatically reduces the time taken by a computer to recognise individuals from their facial characteristics, and could greatly enhance existing technologies used in border security, surveillance and anti-terrorism.

Dr Gates said it was gratifying to be selected as a finalist in such a prestigious competition and clarified the international importance of the biometric research being done at UQ.

UQ’s technology transfer company, UniQuest has patented Dr Gates’ methods and is packaging it with several related innovations for commercialisation.

UniQuest Managing Director, David Henderson, said the technology developed by Dr Gates had the potential to outperform currently available technologies with increased speed and accuracy.

“Since September 11, Governments, international security agencies and even retail outlets have implemented systems for accurately and rapidly identifying people using portable technologies so we believe Dr Gates’ software is of significant importance,” said Mr Henderson.

UniQuest is seeking investment to take Dr Gates’ software to the market.

For more information:
• Dr Kevin Gates, T: 07 3365 53261, email keg@maths.uq.edu.au; or
• Julia Renaud, Corporate Development Manager, UniQuest, telephone: 07 3365 4037, mobile 0438 436 179 or email j.renaud@uniquest.com.au