Face Liveness Detection via Normal Map and Reflectance Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing face recognition systems are vulnerable to attacks using fake faces, such as 3D silicone or 3D print faces, and are affected by interference factors like posture changes, light reflection, and expression variations, necessitating improved face liveness detection methods.

Innovation Solution

A face liveness detection method that calculates a normal map and reflectance value map using incident light from different directions to capture 3D geometric and surface material information, determining the authenticity of a face image by considering these factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional face recognition is used without liveness detection, then the system is simple and fast, but it is vulnerable to attacks using fake faces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveface recognition securityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D face image analysis to 3D geometric information analysis by calculating normal maps that represent the three-dimensional surface orientation of the face. This dimensional transformation enables the system to detect fake faces by analyzing depth and surface geometry that cannot be captured in traditional 2D images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameters from simple motion features (blinking, mouth opening) to physical surface properties including normal map values, reflectance values, and curvature information. These parameter changes enable differentiation between real and fake faces based on material and geometric properties rather than just motion patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If motion features like blinking or mouth opening are used for liveness detection, then the detection process is simple, but it cannot effectively resist fake face attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliveness detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves beyond motion analysis in the temporal dimension to spatial dimension analysis by calculating normal maps that represent the 3D geometric structure of the face surface. This allows detection of structural differences between real and fake faces that are invisible in 2D motion-based approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces motion-based detection (mechanical system requiring user actions like blinking) with optical-geometric detection using normal map analysis. This substitution eliminates the need for user cooperation while maintaining high detection accuracy through physical surface property analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are used to capture 3D information, then the accuracy of geometric information improves, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric information accuracyVSAvoidlight source arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the imaging device multifunctional by enabling it to capture both 2D face images and 3D geometric information (normal maps) using the same camera and light source setup. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware while achieving accurate geometric measurement.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the imaging system to automatically calculate normal maps and extract geometric information from standard face images captured under controlled lighting conditions. The system performs self-calibration and self-processing, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively resists various face liveness attacks by accurately distinguishing between live and fake faces, enhancing security in applications like finance, security, and attendance.

Implementation Method 1

calculates a normal map and reflectance value map using incident light in different directions to capture 3D geometric and surface material information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

calculates a normal map and reflectance value map using incident light in different directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4012607B1Face liveness detection method and related apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP4012607B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4012607B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4012607B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A face liveness detection method, applied to the field of artificial intelligence. The method comprises: determining an initial face image and a set of face images corresponding to N illumination directions; determining N differential images according to the initial face image and the set of face images; generating a normal map and a reflectivity map according to the N differential images and the N illumination directions; and determining the face liveness detection result according to the N differential images, the normal map, and the reflectivity map. Also disclosed are a related apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. Three-dimensional geometric information and surface material information of the face image are taken into consideration simultaneously; therefore, the authenticity of the face image can be identified, and different face liveness attack approaches can be effectively resisted.