Facial Expression Unlock Sequence Against Photo Spoofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing facial recognition systems are vulnerable to security breaches using photos or face models, posing information security risks.

Innovation Solution

A facial expression-based unlocking method and apparatus that utilizes a sequence of unlock nodes, where each node is unlocked with a specific facial expression, enhancing security by requiring multiple facial expressions to complete the unlocking process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional facial recognition is used for unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of security is worsened due to vulnerability to photos and face models

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking convenienceVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking process is segmented into multiple independent verification nodes, where each node requires a different facial expression to be unlocked. This segmentation transforms a single vulnerable recognition step into multiple sequential verification steps, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the unlocking requirements by introducing expression sequence verification. Instead of a static facial recognition threshold, the system requires dynamic expression changes over time, making it resistant to static photos and models while preserving ease of operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple facial expressions are required for unlocking, then the reliability of security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidunlocking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The facial recognition system is enhanced with multi-functionality to perform both traditional face verification and expression sequence recognition using the same hardware components. This universal approach improves security without requiring additional specialized devices or complex external systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary expression verification layer between the user and the unlocked state. This mediator layer processes facial expressions sequentially through multiple nodes, providing enhanced security while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If expression-based verification is implemented, then the object-affected harmful factors are reduced (preventing photo attacks), but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto attack vulnerabilityVSAvoidunlocking convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking process employs periodic action by requiring the user to display different facial expressions in a specific sequence over time. This temporal dimension eliminates vulnerability to static photos while keeping the interaction natural and convenient for legitimate users who can easily change their expressions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4099198B1Unlocking method and apparatus based on facial expression, and computer device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP4099198B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4099198B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4099198B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a facial expression-based unlocking method and apparatus, a computer device, and a storage medium. The method includes: displaying an expression unlock page (S202); displaying an unlock node sequence on the expression unlock page (S204); creating, at a to-be-processed unlock node in the unlock node sequence, an unlock status identification based on a facial expression in a facial image captured in real time (S206); and completing unlocking based on the unlock status identification and match between the facial expression in the facial image and a corresponding target expression (S208).