Identity verification of ticket holders at large-scale events using face recognition

Abstract

This paper proposes a system of verifying the identity of ticket holders at large-scale events using face recognition, which is called Ticket ID System. Such a system has been required to prevent illegal resale such as ticket scalping. Since illegal resale is a critical problem for popular events in Japan, strict steps are followed for verifying individuals holding tickets at event venues by human visual inspection with ID cards. This task is time consuming for venue attendants. It is also stressful because ticket holders feel uncomfortable when being kept waiting. The problem in verifying ticket holders is how to simultaneously verify identities efficiently and prevent individuals from impersonating others at a large-scale event in which tens of thousands of people participate. Ticket ID system makes it possible to secure the identity of the purchaser and holder of a ticket by using a face-recognition system developed for tablet terminals. Ticket ID System was proven effective for preventing illegal resale by verifying 50,324 attendees at a large concert of a popular music group. The average accuracy of face recognition was 90%. The average time for identity verification was 7 seconds per person including guidance to ticket holders, which decreased identity-verification time by 30% compared to using only human visual inspection as well as reducing the psychological workload of venue attendants. Survey results obtained from the attendees showed that 94.6% felt it provided more equity in ticket purchasing than methods used before, 83% felt it provided added convenience in verification, and 93.8% felt it would effectively prevent illegal resale.