Face Collation Using Uncovered Regions Under Masked Conditions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing face collation technologies struggle to accurately match faces when partially obscured by outfitting members such as masks or sunglasses.

Innovation Solution

A collation device and method that detects feature points in a face region, identifies specific areas not covered by outfitting members, and performs collation using these areas, employing machine-learning models for both full-face and partial-face image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional face collation methods are used, then the collation process is simple, but the collation accuracy deteriorates when the face is partially covered by outfitting members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollation accuracyVSAvoidcollation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The face region is segmented into multiple areas based on coverage detection. The collation process is divided into two paths: one for fully exposed faces and another for partially covered faces. This segmentation allows the system to apply appropriate collation methods to different regions, improving accuracy without requiring a complete redesign of the collation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collation process dynamically adapts based on the detected coverage state. The system automatically switches between different collation strategies depending on whether outfitting members are detected, making the process flexible and responsive to varying conditions rather than following a fixed procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the entire face region is used for collation, then more feature points are available for matching, but collation accuracy deteriorates when outfitting members cover parts of the face

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollation accuracyVSAvoidloss of feature points
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and identifies the specific areas covered by outfitting members, then excludes these regions from the collation process. By removing the problematic covered areas from consideration, the system prevents these regions from degrading the overall collation accuracy while still utilizing all available uncovered feature points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality standards are applied to different regions of the face. Uncovered regions are used for collation with full weight, while covered regions are excluded or given minimal weight. This local differentiation ensures that high-quality uncovered feature points drive the collation result rather than being diluted by low-quality covered regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed collation method is used, then the process is straightforward, but adaptability deteriorates when facing different coverage scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to coverage conditionsVSAvoidcollation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collation system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can handle both fully exposed faces and partially covered faces using a unified framework. The coverage detection module and adaptive collation logic enable the same system to adapt to various scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through coverage detection that informs the collation process. By continuously monitoring the coverage state and adjusting the collation strategy accordingly, the system creates a closed-loop adaptive process that responds to actual conditions rather than following a predetermined fixed path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12573233B2Comparison device, comparison method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 NEC CORP
  • US12573233B2 patent drawing
  • US12573233B2 patent drawing
  • US12573233B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A feature point is detected from a face region of a person reflected in an image. A specific area in which the person's face is not covered with an outfitting member is determined in the face region. Collation is performed using the feature point in the specific area.