Case Study: A.I.-Enabled Passport Photos in Partnership with Walgreens and CVS

Introduction

Taking a passport photo that meets government standards can be quite challenging. That's why Printicular.com, the leading photo-to-print service on the Apple App Store, partnered with Walgreens and CVS, selected East Rock Software to build an A.I.-powered website to automate the passport photo process.

The Challenge

Taking a Passport Photo Isn't Easy—Enter A.I.

Producing an acceptable passport photo requires attention to several critical factors:

  • Precise Sizing: The photo must meet exact specifications set by government agencies.

  • Proper Lighting: Evenly distributed lighting without shadows ensures the subject's face is clear.

  • Neutral Background: A plain, unpatterned background avoids distractions.

Building the Solution with React

Conceptualization

Implementing with Gatsby for Speed and SEO

We developed the website using Gatsby, a React-based framework, to provide a fast, modern, and user-friendly interface. This makes uploading passport photos, selecting the desired size and format, and placing an order through Walgreens easy for the customer.

Advantages of Using Gatsby:

  1. Faster Page Load Times: Enhances performance compared to traditional dynamic websites.

  2. Scalability: Utilizes GraphQL to manage data from various sources, making it easy to scale and add new data sources as needed.

Enhancing the UI for User Success

Getting the UI Right

Centering the face is essential for a successful passport photo. We implemented markers and overlays on the real-time image displayed in the browser, enabling users to quickly position themselves correctly. React allows for highly interactive application development, enhancing user experience.

Leveraging Amazon Rekognition for Compliance

To meet the strict requirements of passport photos, we leveraged Amazon Rekognition:

  • Face Detection: Advanced algorithms locate and identify faces in images.

  • Feature Extraction: Eyes, nose, mouth, and other features are extracted for analysis.

  • Expression Classification: Machine learning algorithms classify facial expressions to ensure a neutral expression.

  • Eyewear Detection: The system determines if the person is wearing eyewear, which may not be permitted.

Amazon Rekognition provides confidence scores for each detection, ensuring accuracy and compliance with passport photo standards.

Seamless Integration with Walgreens and CVS

After the passport picture has been successfully captured and processed, we automatically connect it to Printicular, in partnership with Walgreens or CVS, depending on the site. Users can pick up their photos or have them printed and delivered, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.

Try It Yourself

To experience the passport photo application, visit passportprint.com.

Need Help Implementing Your A.I. Idea?

At East Rock Software, we're dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive results for our clients. By using the newest frameworks and employing Machine Learning and AI, we deliver high-quality products that unlock client value. Our team constantly explores new technologies and has a proven track record of utilizing them to deliver real results. If you have an idea you'd like to develop, reach out today to discuss how we can make it happen for you.