Polarization sensitive eye authentication system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a polarization sensitive eye authentication system. A system for authenticating a user includes a light source for emitting polarized light, a polarization sensor, and processing logic. The system may cause a light source to illuminate an eye of a user with polarized light, cause a polarization sensor to capture an image of the eye to collect polarization characteristics specific to the eye when illuminated by polarized light, and compare the polarization characteristics to previously collected polarization characteristics to authenticate the user.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 367,990, filed on September 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to artificial reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and more particularly to user authentication of AR / VR head mounted devices. Background Art

[0004] Eye recognition is a biometric recognition technology that can be used for security user authentication to allow access to devices, applications, and services. For example, the iris is a colored part of the eye with a pattern that is unique to each person, and the iris is often used for eye-based user authentication. The iris includes muscles that control the amount of light that enters the eye through the pupil. Another part of the eye that can be used for recognition is the retina. The retina is located at the back of the eye and includes a complex pattern of blood vessels and cells that are sensitive to light. Summary of the invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for authenticating a user, the system comprising: a light source for emitting polarized light; a polarization sensor; and processing logic coupled to the light source and the polarization sensor, wherein the processing logic is used to perform operations comprising: causing the light source to illuminate the user's eyes with polarized light; causing the polarization sensor to capture an image of the user's eyes to collect polarization characteristics unique to the eyes when illuminated by polarized light; and comparing the polarization characteristics with previously collected polarization characteristics associated with the eyes to authenticate the user.

[0006] In some embodiments, the polarization sensor is also used to collect intensity information, which is used to authenticate the liveness of the user's eyes. In some embodiments, the polarization characteristics at least partially represent the birefringence unique to the cornea of ​​the user's eyes. In some embodiments, the previously collected polarization characteristics are collected during a calibration process. In some embodiments, the image of the eye is taken when the eye is illuminated by light that has the same polarization state as the polarized light used to illuminate the eye during the calibration process. In some embodiments, the system includes a head-mounted device, and the light source includes an artificial reality / virtual reality (AR / VR) display. In some embodiments, the system also includes a display, and wherein the gaze target is included in the virtual image presented by the display to assist in liveness detection. In some embodiments, the polarization sensor is included in a polarization-sensitive camera that is coupled to an artificial reality / virtual reality (AR / VR) display. In some embodiments, the polarization sensor includes a combination of intensity-sensitive pixels and polarization-sensitive pixels. In some embodiments, in the polarization sensor, the density of intensity-sensitive pixels alone is higher than the density of polarization-sensitive pixels.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for authenticating a user, the method comprising: causing a light source to illuminate the user's eyes with polarized light having a polarization state; causing a polarization sensor to capture an image of the eye; and comparing polarization information collected from the image of the eye with previously collected polarization information associated with the eye captured when the eye was illuminated under a similar polarization state to authenticate the user.

[0008] In some embodiments, the polarization information includes birefringence characteristics unique to an eye of the user. In some embodiments, the image of the eye includes intensity information, and the intensity information is used to assist in detecting the activity of the eye. In some embodiments, the polarization sensor includes a plurality of polarization-sensitive pixels that are sensitive to different polarization states. In some embodiments, previously collected polarization information associated with the eye is collected during a calibration process. In some embodiments, the calibration process includes causing a light source to illuminate the eye, and causing the polarization sensor to collect polarization characteristics associated with the eye of the user at a similar polarization state.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for authenticating a user, the system comprising: a light source for illuminating the user's eyes with polarized light; and a polarization sensor for detecting light received back from the user's eyes, and wherein the detected linear polarization degree of the light received back from the eyes is used to identify the user and confirm that the eyes are alive.

[0010] In some embodiments, the polarization sensor includes a polarization-sensitive camera configured to capture a single image or multiple time-sequential images of the eye. In some embodiments, the polarization sensor includes a point scanner having a dynamic polarizer configured to capture different polarization states. In some embodiments, the light source and the polarization sensor are coupled to a waveguide that is proximate to a lens in an AR / VR display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0012] Figure 1 A light source and a polarization sensor for collecting polarization characteristics according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0013] Figure 2 Represents multiple images of real and printed eyes captured by a polarization-sensitive camera in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 Examples of polarization sensors according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0015] Figure 4 A pixel array that may be included in a polarization sensor according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 A head mounted device coupled to a polarization sensor according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 6 A head mounted device including a polarization sensor coupled to a waveguide is shown according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of an example process according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of a system for authenticating a user are described herein. In various aspects, the system includes a light source and a polarization sensor, the light source being configured to emit polarized light. In embodiments, the light source illuminates an eye of a user, and the polarization sensor then captures an image of the eye of the user. In various aspects, polarization characteristics unique to the eye when illuminated by polarized light are compared to previously collected polarization characteristics associated with the eye to authenticate the user.

[0020] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or can be practiced with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

[0021] Throughout the specification, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "near eye" may be defined to include an element that is configured to be placed within 50 millimeters (mm) of a user's eye when a near eye device is in use. Thus, a "near eye optical element" or "near eye system" would include one or more elements that are configured to be placed within 50 mm of a user's eye.

[0023] In various aspects of the present disclosure, visible light can be defined as having a wavelength range of about 380 nanometers (nm) to 700nm. Non-visible light can be defined as light with a wavelength outside the visible light range, such as ultraviolet light and infrared light. Infrared light with a wavelength range of about 700nm to 1mm includes near infrared light. In various aspects of the present disclosure, near infrared light can be defined as having a wavelength range of about 700nm to 1.6 micrometers (μm).

[0024] In aspects of the present disclosure, the term "transparent" may be defined as having a light transmittance greater than 90%. In some aspects, the term "transparent" may be defined as a material having a visible light transmittance greater than 90%.

[0025] Security User authentication is important to ensure seamless access to devices, applications, and services. As mentioned above, iris-based authentication can be used for user identification. However, sensors focused on the iris can fail for a number of reasons. For example, a carefully crafted static image or video sequence of the eye can fool the sensor. The reliability of any biometric recognition depends on ensuring that the signal is recorded from the actual user and not a forged image.

[0026] In various aspects, birefringence refers to a material having a refractive index that depends on the polarization and propagation direction of light. The tissue of the eye (e.g., cornea or proximal tissue) can have a characteristic birefringence, so polarization sensing provides additional contrast that allows identification of the user and differentiation of live eyes from fake eyes.

[0027] Thus, systems and methods for polarization-sensitive eye authentication are described herein. In various aspects, a light source can illuminate an eye of a user with polarized light. A polarization sensor can then capture the intensity and polarization properties of the eye so that these polarization properties can be compared with previously collected information to authenticate the user. Figures 1 to 7 These and other embodiments are described in further detail.

[0028] Figure 1 A light source and a polarization sensor for collecting polarization characteristics according to various aspects of the present disclosure are shown. As shown, a light source 101 illuminates an eye 103 with polarized light 121. In various aspects, a polarization-sensitive sensor ("polarization sensor") 102 captures an image of the eye 103. In various aspects, the polarization sensor 102 includes a polarization-sensitive camera or a point scanner, or the polarization sensor 102 is included in a polarization-sensitive camera or a point scanner. The light source 101 can emit light with different polarization states. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, a simplified side view of eye 103 includes ligament 105, lens 107, pupil 117, iris 115, aqueous humor 118, vitreous body 119, retina 109, and sclera 111. Muscles in iris 115 control the size of pupil 117, which is the opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter eye 103.

[0029] In various aspects, the light source 101 emits polarized light 121 having a specific polarization state. The polarization sensor 102 can then capture an image of the eye 103 to collect polarization characteristics that are unique to the eye 103 when illuminated by the polarized light 121. In an example, key factors that may affect the polarization of light returned from the iris include tissue type (e.g., in a normal eye, the tissue type may be substantially the same in the iris), the topology of the iris, and corneal birefringence. In various aspects, the polarization sensor 102 is also configured to collect intensity information to authenticate the activity of the user's eye 103.

[0030] In an embodiment, processing logic (not shown) may compare the polarization characteristics or information to previously collected polarization characteristics associated with the eye 103 to authenticate the user. The previously collected polarization characteristics may be collected during a calibration process during which the eye 103 is illuminated with a particular polarization state, and then the image or polarization characteristics are stored for later authentication. In some embodiments, a multi-step calibration process and a multi-step authentication process may be used. For example, the user may be asked to look in different directions, and a calibration step may be used that captures relative changes in polarization characteristics as information for user authentication.

[0031] Figure 2 A plurality of images 200 of printed eyes and real eyes captured by a polarization-sensitive camera in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure are shown. In this example, the eye may be illuminated using circular polarization from a light emitting diode emitting light of a particular wavelength, and the image recorded using a polarization-sensitive camera. It should be understood that the plurality of images 200 are merely examples, and that in various embodiments, the appearance of the eye may be different, and that the eye may be illuminated using a variety of polarization states (e.g., linear, elliptical, or the like at various wavelengths) that are suitable for detecting the unique polarization characteristics of a user's eye. The plurality of images 200 help illustrate how user identification and liveness detection may be determined through polarization sensing. For example, the top row includes examples / illustrations of images of printed eyes captured, while the bottom row includes examples / illustrations of images of real eyes captured. Moving from left to right, the columns in the plurality of images 200 represent images taken based on measurements of: intensity 201 (printed eye 201A vs. real eye 201B), angle of linear polarization (AOLP) 203 (printed eye 203A vs. real eye 203B), degree of linear polarization (DOLP) 205 (printed eye 205A vs. real eye 205B), and a fused image in which the AOLP, DOLP, and intensity components are represented as separate channels in the multi-channel image (of printed eye 207A vs. real eye 207B). Note that for the fused intensity example of the real eye 207B, different patterns within the image 207B may represent different angles of linear polarization, while brightness may represent intensity or DOLP.

[0032] As previously described, tissue of the eye (e.g., cornea or proximal tissue) can have characteristic birefringence, so polarization sensing provides additional contrast that allows identification of a user and differentiation of a live eye from a hypothetical eye. As shown, the bottom row of images of real eyes 201B, 203B, 205B, and 207B illustrate distinguishing features that a printed image of an eye may not be able to mimic. In some aspects, the intensity of the received light pattern from the iris in combination with AOLP and / or DOLP can be used to identify a user and confirm liveness.

[0033] In some aspects, note that a single image can be used to identify a user. In other aspects, a plurality of images can be used that utilize a polarization sensor (e.g., Figure 1 In addition, for example, in response to a display (e.g., in combination with Figure 5 and Figure 6 The time series captured by iris constriction at increased light levels provided by the AR / VR display discussed above can further increase the robustness of liveness detection. In addition, when the gaze target is presented at different distances from the user, liveness detection can be enhanced by measuring pupil constriction / refraction in response to changes in eye accommodation. In some embodiments, the gaze target is a virtual target presented in a display (e.g., an AR / VR display).

[0034] Note that in various aspects, the light source can emit light with specific spectral characteristics (e.g., intensities of different wavelengths, or polarized light of different wavelengths, or both) to further increase the robustness of the polarization sensor. In additional aspects, for polarization sensors with depth resolution (e.g., low coherence interferometry or optical coherence tomography), the depth-resolved polarization map can increase the robustness of activity detection.

[0035] Figure 3 An example of a polarization sensor according to various embodiments is shown. The polarization sensor 300 may include a polarization-sensitive camera, or may be included in a polarization-sensitive camera. The polarization sensor 300 may include a microlens array 315, a polarizer array 317, and a photodiode 319. The polarizer array 317 may include a linear micropolarizer array for detecting linear polarization states. Integrating the polarizer array 317 between the microlens array 315 and the photodiode 319 may minimize crosstalk and improve the alignment accuracy between the polarizer orientation and its respective pixel compared to placing the polarizer array in front of the microlens array.

[0036] As shown, polarizer array 317 includes a plurality of wire grid polarizers that are substantially fabricated directly on photodiode 319 and arranged in a mosaic pattern. In this example, each pixel is covered with one of four linear polarizers having the following orientations: -45° (e.g., linear polarizer 311), 0° (e.g., linear polarizer 307), 45° (e.g., linear polarizer 309), or 90° (e.g., linear polarizer 313). In various aspects, the pixel values ​​can then be used to calculate three polarization parameters of the light incident at each pixel, such as intensity, degree of linear polarization, and azimuth.

[0037] Figure 4 Pixel arrays that may be included in polarization sensors according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. In various aspects, pixel array 401 includes a combination of intensity-sensitive pixels 402 and polarization-sensitive pixels 403 that are used to confirm the identity and liveness of a user. In various aspects, polarization-sensitive pixels 403 are sparse in number (and distribution) and are sensitive to different polarization states. In an embodiment, the density of intensity-sensitive pixels 402 of pixel array 401 is higher than the density of polarization-sensitive pixels 403.

[0038] In an embodiment, the plurality of polarization-sensitive pixels 403 may include one or more superpixels. A single superpixel (e.g., 403A) may include multiple polarization-sensitive pixels that are used to allow sampling of different polarization states of light. For example, the polarization-sensitive pixel 403A may be covered with one of four linear polarizers having the following orientations: 45° (e.g., linear polarizer 411), 0° (e.g., linear polarizer 407), -45° (e.g., linear polarizer 409), or 90° (e.g., linear polarizer 413). Note that Figure 4 The arrangement of the four linear polarizers shown in is only an example, and different arrangements suitable for capturing different polarization states are contemplated. In various aspects, the one or more filters placed on top of the one or more polarization-sensitive pixels 403 can be wire grid polarizers or metasurface-based polarization filters. In various embodiments, the color filter can be included as part of the polarization superpixel 403A or can be adjacent to the polarization superpixel 403A. Thus, in various aspects, as well as Figure 2 As shown, AOLP and DOLP may be detected by pixel array 401 and used to identify a user.

[0039] In various aspects, intensity-sensitive-only pixels 402 that are dense in number and / or distribution may be useful for capturing high-fidelity images of the iris for pattern recognition. Polarization-sensitive pixels 403 that are lower in density, number, and / or distribution than intensity-sensitive-only pixels 402 may be used for liveness detection by confirming corneal birefringence.

[0040] As shown, 13 of the 320 pixels include polarization-sensitive pixels 403, while the remaining pixels are intensity-sensitive-only pixels 402. Note that pixel array 401 is merely an example, and other ratios of successfully detecting polarization state and intensity (e.g., DOLP) are contemplated. In other embodiments, all or substantially all pixels of pixel array 401 may be polarization-sensitive pixels.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 A head mounted device incorporating a polarization sensor is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the head mounted device 500 includes a polarization sensor 507 coupled to a frame 503. The frame 503 includes lenses 505A and 505B coupled to respective temple arms 503A and 503B. In various aspects, the polarization sensor 507 includes a polarization sensitive camera or scanner that scans a dot pattern, a line pattern, or a custom 3D engineered light pattern. Figure 5 , the head mounted device 500 may be AR / VR glasses (or other head mounted displays in other embodiments), and the polarization sensor 507 is located in a corner of the frame 503 adjacent to the temple arms 503B and the lens 505B. Note that in various embodiments, the polarization sensor 507 may be integrated into or located at other locations near the frame 503, as long as the polarization sensor can detect at least a portion of the eye 501A and / or 501B. In some examples, the polarization sensor 507 may be positioned to perform retinal imaging to allow features such as vascular maps to be used for user authentication. In some embodiments, depth resolution is used in conjunction with retinal imaging because different layers of the retina may affect the polarization of light differently.

[0042] In various embodiments, the polarization sensor 507 can be a scanner that includes a dynamic polarizer that can capture different polarization states sequentially. In embodiments, the scanner can detect only a single linear polarization light state, and two or more light sources with orthogonal polarization states (or other increments such as 60°, 45°, or other if more states are used) can be quickly sequentially turned on to capture images in rapid succession to capture polarization characteristics including birefringence patterns. In various aspects, the scanner can be positioned on the frame 503 or positioned at another location and can be coupled to a beam splitter near the scanner to optimize the collection of backscattered light.

[0043] In addition, in various aspects, the polarization sensor can perform an additional process of analyzing the eye's movement dynamics, which is included in the authentication process. For example, the information compared during authentication can include confirmation that the movement follows the expected eye control pattern (e.g., during saccades and microsaccades).

[0044] Note that lenses 505A and 505B can appear transparent to the user to facilitate augmented reality or mixed reality so that the user can view scene light from her surroundings while also receiving image light directed to one or both of her eyes by, for example, a waveguide (not shown). In some aspects, the waveguide can direct the following image light to the eyebox area for viewing by the user of the head mounted device 500: the image light is generated by a display layer (e.g., 515A / 515B) or other display (not shown) that can be included in or located on lenses 505A and 505B. In some examples, the display can include the following items for directing image light to the wearer of the head mounted device 500: a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a micro light emitting diode (micro-LED) display, a quantum dot display, a pico-projector, or a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) display. In various embodiments, display layers 515A and 515B (also referred to as "one or more AR / VR displays") included in lenses 505A and 505B can serve as or include a light source that illuminates eyes 501A / 501B with polarized light. In some aspects, a time sequence captured of iris contraction in response to increased light levels provided by the AR / VR display or other light source can be used to further increase the robustness of liveness detection.

[0045] Note that processing logic 509 may be coupled to memory 522 included in controller 518 and may perform the following: Figure 7 The location of processing logic 509 on temple arm 503B is merely an example, and processing logic 509 may be located at any suitable location from which light source or polarization sensor 507 is operated.

[0046] Now refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A head mounted device including a polarization sensor coupled to a waveguide is shown according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 6A head mounted device 600 is shown including a frame 603 including temple arms 603A and 603B coupled to lenses 605A and 605B. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the polarization sensor 607 (e.g., similar to Figure 1 and Figure 3 ) is coupled to the waveguide 602. Lenses 605A and 605B are located in front of the respective eyes 601A and 601B and may include a combination Figure 5 602 allows the polarization-sensitive camera or polarization sensor 607 to capture images from a more advantageous position directly in front of the user's eyes. The frame 603 may also include or be coupled to the controller 518, processing logic 509, and memory 522, similar to the combination of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown and described.

[0047] To further illustrate, Figure 7 700 is a flowchart of an example process 700 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the process 700 may be performed by: a head mounted device (e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 6 500 or 600), or an element of the head mounted device 500 or 600, or processing logic as further discussed below. In a first process block 705, in some aspects, a light source is caused to illuminate an eye of a user with polarized light having a polarization state. In a next process block 710, a polarization sensor (e.g., Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Finally, at process block 715, the polarization information collected from the image of the eye (e.g., in combination with Figure 2 The polarization characteristics described by the eye) are compared with previously collected polarization information associated with the eye taken in a similar polarization state to authenticate the user.

[0048] Note that the order in which some or all of the multiple process blocks appear in process 700 should not be considered limiting. Rather, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that some process blocks may be performed in various orders not shown, or even in parallel.

[0049] Note also that the light sources discussed herein (e.g. Figure 1 The light source 101 or the combination Figure 5 and Figure 6The light source shown and described) may include any suitable illumination source that utilizes polarized light to illuminate the eye. The light source may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a micro-LED, an edge-emitting LED, a superluminescent diode (SLED), or other type of light source. According to an embodiment, the light source may emit non-visible light. According to an embodiment, the light source may emit near-infrared light. In some embodiments, the light source and / or camera used for eye tracking purposes may be modified to perform similar functions as described in conjunction with the embodiments described herein.

[0050] Note that the polarization sensors discussed herein may include complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. Also note that although only one polarization sensor or polarization-sensitive camera is shown on the head-mounted device in the figure, the number and positioning or location of the polarization sensors or polarization-sensitive cameras may vary depending on the features provided by the relevant AR / VR or other systems.

[0051] As shown above, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The head mounted devices 500 and 600 in the embodiment may include support hardware contained in the frame and / or the temple arms thereof. The hardware of the head mounted device may include, for example, a controller 518 which may assist in executing Figure 7 . The controller 518 and / or processing logic (e.g., 509) may include circuits, logic, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) circuits, field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuits, and / or one or more processors. The controller 518 may include any of the following: processing logic 509, a wired and / or wireless data interface for sending and receiving data, a graphics processor, and one or more memories 522 for storing data and computer executable instructions. The one or more memories 522 may store instructions that, when executed by the processing logic 509, cause the head mounted device 500 (or 600) to perform the following: Figure 7 The operations described in process 700.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention may include an artificial reality system, or be implemented in conjunction with an artificial reality system. Artificial reality is a form of reality that has been adjusted in some way before being presented to a user, and the artificial reality may include, for example, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), hybrid reality, or some combination and / or derivative thereof. Artificial reality content may include fully generated content or generated content combined with captured (e.g., real-world) content. Artificial reality content may include video, audio, tactile feedback, or some combination thereof, and any of them may be presented in a single channel or multiple channels (e.g., stereoscopic video that produces a three-dimensional effect for the viewer). In addition, in some embodiments, artificial reality may also be associated with applications, products, accessories, services, or some combination thereof, which are used, for example, to create content in artificial reality, and / or otherwise used in artificial reality (e.g., performing activities in artificial reality). Artificial reality systems that provide artificial reality content can be implemented on a variety of platforms, including head-mounted devices connected to a host computer system, stand-alone head-mounted devices, mobile devices or computing systems, or any other hardware platform capable of providing artificial reality content to one or more viewers.

[0053] The "memory" or "memory" (e.g., 522) described in the present disclosure may include one or more volatile or non-volatile memory architectures. The "memory" or "memory" may be removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (e.g., computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Example memory technologies may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disk-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), high-definition multimedia / data storage disk or other optical storage device, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device.

[0054] Networks to which an example head mounted device may be connected may include any network or network system, such as, but not limited to, a peer-to-peer network; a local area network (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); a public network such as the Internet; a private network; a cellular network; a wireless network; a wired network; a combined wireless and wired network; and a satellite network.

[0055] The communication channel may include, or be routed through, one or more wired or wireless communications utilizing IEEE 802.11 protocols, short-range wireless protocols, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Universal Serial Port (USB), Controller Area Network (CAN), cellular data protocols (e.g., 3G, 4G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G), optical communication networks, Internet Service Providers (ISP), peer-to-peer networks, Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), public networks (e.g., the “Internet”), private networks, satellite networks, or others.

[0056] The computing device may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a phablet, a smartphone, a feature phone, a server computer, or others. The server computer may be located remotely in a data center, or may be stored locally.

[0057] The processes explained above are described in the form of computer software and hardware. The described techniques may constitute machine-executable instructions contained in a tangible or non-transitory machine (e.g., computer) readable storage medium, which, when executed by a machine, will cause the machine to perform the described operations. In addition, these processes may be embodied in hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC") or other.

[0058] Tangible, non-transitory machine-readable storage media include any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores) information in a form accessible to a machine (e.g., a computer, a network device, a personal digital assistant, a manufacturing tool, any device having a set of one or more processors, etc.). For example, machine-readable storage media include recordable / non-recordable media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.).

[0059] The above description of the multiple embodiments of the invention shown (including what is described in the Abstract) is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples of the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art.

[0060] These modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the above detailed description. The terms used in the appended claims should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification. In contrast, the scope of the present invention will be determined entirely by the appended claims, which will be interpreted according to established claim interpretation principles.

Claims

1. A system for authenticating a user, the system comprising: A light source configured to emit polarized light; Polarization sensor; as well as and processing logic coupled to the light source and the polarization sensor, wherein the processing logic is configured to perform operations comprising: causing the light source to illuminate the user's eyes using the polarized light; causing the polarization sensor to capture an image of the eye of the user to collect polarization characteristics specific to the eye when illuminated by the polarized light; and The polarization characteristic is compared to previously collected polarization characteristics associated with the eye to authenticate the user.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The polarization sensor is also used to collect intensity information, which is used to authenticate the activity of the user's eyes.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The polarization characteristics at least partially represent birefringence specific to the cornea of ​​the eye of the user.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The previously collected polarization characteristics are acquired during a calibration process.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The image of the eye is taken when the eye is illuminated by light having the same polarization state as polarized light used to illuminate the eye during the calibration process.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes a head mounted device, and the light source includes an artificial reality / virtual reality (AR / VR) display.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display, and wherein: A gaze target is included in the virtual image presented by the display to assist with liveness detection.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The polarization sensor is included in a polarization-sensitive camera, which is coupled to an artificial reality / virtual reality AR / VR display.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The polarization sensor comprises a combination of intensity-only sensitive pixels and polarization-sensitive pixels.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: In the polarization sensor, a density of the intensity-only sensitive pixels is higher than a density of the polarization sensitive pixels.

11. A method for authenticating a user, the method comprising: causing the light source to illuminate the user's eyes with polarized light having a polarization state; causing a polarization sensor to capture an image of the eye; as well as Polarization information collected from the image of the eye is compared to previously collected polarization information associated with the eye taken when the eye was illuminated under a similar polarization state to authenticate the user.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The polarization information includes birefringence characteristics specific to the eyes of the user.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The image of the eye includes intensity information, which is used to assist in detecting the activity of the eye.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The polarization sensor includes a plurality of polarization-sensitive pixels that are sensitive to different polarization states.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The previously collected polarization information associated with the eye is acquired during a calibration process.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The calibration process includes causing the light source to illuminate the eye and causing the polarization sensor to collect polarization characteristics associated with the eye of the user in the similar polarization state.

17. A system for authenticating a user, the system comprising: a light source, the light source being used to illuminate the user's eyes using polarized light; as well as A polarization sensor is used to detect light received back from the eye of the user, and wherein the detected linear polarization degree of the light received back from the eye is used to identify the user and confirm that the eye is alive.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein: The polarization sensor includes a polarization-sensitive camera, which is used to capture a single image or multiple time-sequential images of the eye.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein: The polarization sensor comprises a point scanner having a dynamic polarizer for capturing different polarization states.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: The light source and the polarization sensor are coupled to a waveguide that is proximate to a lens in an AR / VR display.

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