New doorbell uses facial recognition technology

Two former graduate students from Southern Methodist University in Dallas are set to launch a new doorbell that uses facial recognition and motion detection technologies to offer a keyless alternative to entering your home or office, according to a report by CBS Dallas/Fort Worth.

Dubbed Chui, the doorbell uses facial recognition and motion detection technologies to capture an image of the person at the door and immediately sends a message to the smartphone or computer of the home owner, who can then open the door remotely.

Users can upload photos of their friends and family to the Chui website, which then maps several points on each individual face to verify the visitor’s identity.

Founders Shaun Moore and Nezare Chafni say they have tested out the technology at night and on photographs and it has successfully worked in every single case. They have even run tests using two sets of identical twins.

“You can communicate via two way audio, one way video with the person at the door,” says Chafni. “If someone shows up who you weren’t expecting, you can get a picture identification and tap into a video feed.”

Chui users can also leave personalized messages to other people in the event that they need to inform an expecting visitor about, say, where to find the key they hid, but are not physically at their home.

Moore and Chafni are currently trying the doorbell technology at Dallas’ Common Desk, which provides office space for members.

Chui can currently be pre-ordered for $199 at its website and is expected to be shipped this fall.

Article Topics

access control  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  identification  |  monitoring  |  security