Ongoing Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) Part 6B: Face recognition accuracy with face masks using post-COVID-19 algorithms

Published

November 30, 2020

Author(s)

Mei L. Ngan, Patrick J. Grother, Kayee K. Hanaoka

Abstract

This is the second of a series of reports on the performance of face recognition algorithms on faces occluded by protective face masks commonly worn to reduce inhalation and exhalation of viruses. This is a continuous study is being run under the Ongoing Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) executed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In our first report, we tested "pre-pandemic" algorithms that were already submitted to FRVT 1:1 prior to mid-March 2020. This report augments its predecessor with results for more recent algorithms provided to NIST after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. While we do not have information on whether or not a particular algorithm was designed with face coverings in mind, the results show evidence that a number of developers have adapted their algorithms to support face recognition on subjects potentially wearing face masks. The algorithms tested were one- to-one algorithms submitted to the FRVT 1:1 Verification track. Future editions of this document will also report accuracy of one-to- many algorithms.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 8331

Report Number

8331

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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DOI Link

Keywords

face masks, biometrics, face recognition

Citation

Ngan, M. , Grother, P. and Hanaoka, K. (2020), Ongoing Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) Part 6B: Face recognition accuracy with face masks using post-COVID-19 algorithms, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8331 (Accessed October 16, 2025)