ASTM E3115-17(2023) PDF

Overview

ASTM E3115-17(2023): Standard Guide for Capturing Facial Images for Use with Facial Recognition Systems provides comprehensive guidance for practitioners involved in capturing facial images intended for automated facial recognition (FR) systems or manual examination by facial experts. Developed by ASTM, this international standard outlines procedures and best practices to achieve high-quality facial image capture under controlled, semi-controlled, and uncontrolled conditions. The goal is to optimize image quality, which directly impacts the accuracy and reliability of facial recognition in applications such as passports, law enforcement, and secure access control.

Key Topics

• Image Quality Criteria High-quality images are essential for both automated facial recognition accuracy and effective manual comparison by trained examiners. The guide identifies three main categories affecting capture:

  • Scene: Involves subject position and background, avoiding distractions and ensuring a neutral backdrop.
  • Photographic: Focuses on lighting, camera focus, and lens distortion to minimize shadows, glare, and other artifacts.
  • Digital: Covers the digital recording and storage of facial images, ensuring proper file format, compression, and metadata capture.

• Acquisition Scenarios The standard differentiates among:

  • Controlled Acquisition: All factors are managed, producing the highest quality images (e.g., passport offices, police stations).
  • Semi-Controlled Acquisition: Some constraints may be relaxed (e.g., mobile law enforcement, on-site passport photos).
  • Uncontrolled Acquisition: Minimal control over the environment or subject, common in surveillance and field operations, requiring adaptability and often post-capture human review.

• Equipment Recommendations

  • Use high-quality digital cameras with manual override capabilities.
  • Avoid webcams, cell phone cameras, or devices lacking manual exposure settings unless necessary.
  • Employ tripods for stability and ensure portrait orientation.

• Subject Presentation

  • Subjects should have a neutral expression, closed mouths, and direct gaze.
  • Remove accessories and headwear except for medical or religious reasons.
  • Hair should be moved away from the face and ears visible.
  • Only one face per image; ensure the subject’s face is unobstructed.

Applications

The guidance and requirements in ASTM E3115-17(2023) are widely applicable in a variety of sectors that rely on facial recognition technology and high-integrity image capture:

• Passport and Visa Issuance: Ensuring standardized, compliant photos to improve international interoperability and system accuracy.
• Law Enforcement: Creating reliable mugshots and supporting forensic facial comparison.
• Access Control Systems: Improving facial authentication at secure facilities and automated gates.
• Mobile and Field Capture: Assisting officers and security personnel in attaining best possible quality under less-than-ideal conditions.
• Forensic Analysis: Supporting evidence integrity and accuracy in criminal investigations.

Following this standard helps organizations meet regulatory, security, and operational requirements for facial image quality.

Related Standards

• ANSI/NIST-ITL-1-2011, Update 2015 Defines environmental and subject specifications for biometric data, referenced for technical criteria in controlled capture.

• NIST Special Publication 500-280v2 Provides mobile identification best practice recommendations.

• ASTM E2916 Focuses on digital and multimedia evidence terminology, relevant when documenting and interpreting captured images.

Implementing ASTM E3115-17(2023) alongside these related standards supports consistency, interoperability, and best practices in the capture and use of facial images for recognition systems worldwide.