More frames per second, along with higher resolution, will lead to better performance in verification or identification scenarios. An adequate video card, and sufficient processor speed, are key components of a home or office facial recognition system. The sample capture will generally consist of a 20-30 second enrollment process whereby several pictures are taken of one's face. Ideally, the series of pictures will incorporate slightly different angles and facial expressions, to allow for more accurate searches. The template is much smaller than the image from which it is drawn.
Authentication follows the same protocol.
The degree of similarity required for verification, also known as the threshold, can be adjusted for different personnel, PC's, time of day, and other factors. One variant of this process is the use of facial scan technology in forensics. The system designs for facial scan verification vs. identification differ in a number of ways. The primary difference is that identification does not require a claimed identity. The system may only be able to narrow the database to a number of likely candidates, then require human intervention at the final verification stages.