01What the video shows
A face recognition access control terminal mounted on the wall beside a door leading into an office corridor. The screen shows the camera view while the terminal authenticates the person in front of it; below the screen is a fingerprint sensor, so staff can use either their face or a finger.
When a face or fingerprint is matched, the terminal signals the lock to release, and the entry is recorded with the person's name and the time.
02How face access control works
Each authorised person is enrolled once: the terminal captures their face (and fingerprint, if used) and stores a template. At the door it compares the live image against the enrolled templates in a fraction of a second. Access rules, like which doors and what hours, are set per person or group.
Face recognition is touch-free and quick for busy entrances, while fingerprint gives an alternative for anyone the camera struggles with. Compare them in fingerprint vs face recognition.
03What a complete door installation includes
The terminal is one part of the door. A proper installation also includes the lock (magnetic lock or electric strike), an exit button and emergency break-glass on the inside (exit devices), a power supply with battery backup, and the software for managing users and reading the logs.
Terminal placement matters too: mounting height, lighting and the angle people approach from all affect how quickly faces are recognised.
04Frequently asked questions
Does face recognition work in the dark?
Most face terminals have infrared or white-light illumination so they work in low light. Strong backlight, like a bright window behind the person, can slow recognition, so placement is planned around it.
Can someone open the door with a photo?
Better terminals use liveness detection to reject photos and screens. Ask about anti-spoofing when choosing a device.
What happens in a power cut?
With a backup battery the door keeps working. Magnetic locks release on power loss for fire safety; the design decides how the door behaves.