Facial Authentication Using Mask and Exposed Biometrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional facial recognition systems fail to operate effectively when users wear face masks, as they partially obscure the face, and other biometric systems require users to remove glasses or move their eyes closer, causing operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
An authentication system that captures images of both the facial mask and exposed areas of the face, using the mask's signature or graphical content and biometric data from the exposed areas to generate and compare user identifications, allowing access if both match.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional facial recognition software captures a substantial portion of the face, then authentication accuracy is improved, but operation becomes impossible when the face is partially covered by a mask
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication process into two separate authentication paths: one for users without face masks (using full facial features) and another for users with face masks (using alternative biometric features such as eyes, eyebrows, or other exposed areas). This segmentation allows the system to maintain high authentication accuracy for each user type while adapting to different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the authentication parameters based on whether a face mask is detected. When a mask is present, the system switches from using full facial geometry to using alternative biometric parameters from exposed areas. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain authentication capability and accuracy across different wearing conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If biometric authentication software uses a limited uncovered portion of the face, then operation becomes possible with face masks, but authentication accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the face into multiple regions of interest (eyes, eyebrows, nose bridge, cheeks) and selectively uses biometric features from exposed areas when masks are present. By dividing the authentication process into region-specific analysis, the system can extract sufficient biometric information from limited uncovered portions while maintaining authentication accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to perform multiple authentication functions: it can authenticate users with full faces visible, users with various types of face masks, and users with different configurations of exposed areas. This multi-functionality is achieved by having a universal authentication framework that adapts to different input conditions while maintaining consistent accuracy standards.
3Measurement precision
If users must remove glasses or move eyes closer for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection of face masks and automatic selection of appropriate biometric features without requiring user intervention. The system self-adjusts the authentication process by identifying exposed areas and selecting suitable biometric parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually remove glasses or reposition their eyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the captured image to detect the presence of face masks and identify exposed facial areas before initiating the authentication process. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-select the appropriate biometric features and authentication path, ensuring accurate authentication without requiring any preparatory actions from the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication system accesses an image of a face of a user. The face of the user is partially covered by a facial mask. The authentication system detects an area on the facial mask and generates a first identification of the user based on the area on the facial mask. The authentication system also detects an exposed area uncovered by the facial mask on the face of the user and generates a second identification of the user based on the exposed area. The authentication system compares the first identification of the user with the second identification of the user, and authenticates the user based on the comparison.