Adaptive face zooming added to 2N video intercoms

2N, a provider of internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, says that it has become the first company to introduce adaptive face zooming to its video intercoms.

According to the company, adaptive face zooming improves security by enabling homeowners and users in commercial buildings to identify visitors more clearly.

Improving security

2N says that adaptive face zooming is based on the camera in the intercom detecting the face in frame and zooming in so that the user can identify their visitor on the answering unit or smartphone. This adds particular value when video intercoms are equipped with a wide-angle camera, which are becoming a standard feature of sophisticated video door entry systems. While wide-angle cameras give an overview of the whole entrance, the visitor can occupy a relatively small space in the frame, making the face difficult to recognise.

The company says that when two people are in the frame, the video intercom adapts its field of view and automatically focuses on both visitors. If more people enter, the video intercom zooms out to focus all of the visitors in the frame – or back in if any visitors walk away.

If users need to zoom in even further – perhaps to confirm the details on an ID badge – there is also the pinch-to-zoom function, allowing them to zoom in even further.

Innovation in access

Adaptive face zooming is available on the 2N IP Style, 2N’s flagship video intercom. The company says its 5MPx camera’s incorporation of wide dynamic range (WDR) technologies ensures full image quality and identification of the visitor, even in darkness or uneven lighting conditions outside. Adaptive face zooming enhances the ability of the user to see what is happening outside the door. It also works on all of 2N’s answering units and on smartphones via the My2N app.

2N confirms that adaptive face zooming is not facial recognition technology – it only detects faces and does not save them – so there are no concerns about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules covering biometric data.

“2N is leading the way when it comes to innovation in access control and the introduction of adaptive face zooming is another first for the company. It matters because it makes it easier for homeowners and people in commercial buildings to be certain who they are talking to through the intercom – and that improves security,” said Michael Nicholson, 2N’s Business Development Manager for the UK & Ireland.