Mask-Mounted Barcode for Facial Recognition Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has rendered facial identification algorithms ineffective for authenticating users on devices such as PCs, mobile phones, and tablets, as users must remove their masks to access these devices, which is cumbersome and increases exposure risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that utilize unique identification tags, such as barcodes, affixed to face masks, which are readable by devices equipped with cameras, allowing for secure access by decoding these identifiers and optionally performing partial facial recognition to enhance authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If facial identification algorithms are used for device authentication, then device security is maintained, but users must remove their masks which increases exposure risks and reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mask-mounted identifier (barcode, QR code, or other visual identifier) as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between mask-wearing users and facial recognition systems. The camera captures this identifier on the mask instead of requiring direct facial visibility, allowing authentication to proceed while the mask remains in place, thus eliminating exposure risk while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of user identity through the identifier placed on the mask. This identifier serves as a surrogate for the user's facial features, enabling the authentication system to recognize and verify the user without actually seeing their face, thereby resolving the contradiction between mask-wearing and facial recognition
2Measurement precision
If users remove masks for facial recognition, then authentication accuracy is improved, but exposure risk and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mask identifier acts as an intermediary that carries user identification information in a format that camera systems can reliably detect and process. This intermediary element provides sufficient visual data for accurate authentication without requiring the system to handle the complexity of partial-face recognition or mask-removal protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to remove the mask to reveal their face for authentication, the system inverts the approach by placing the identification element on the mask itself. This inversion allows the mask to become the vehicle for identification rather than an obstacle, simplifying the authentication process while maintaining accuracy
3Ease of operation
If partial facial recognition is used with masks, then some authentication capability is maintained, but reliability and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier on the mask creates a complete and reliable copy of user identification data that is fully visible to the camera system. Unlike partial facial recognition which struggles with obscured features, the mask-mounted identifier provides clear, unobstructed visual data that maintains high authentication reliability while fully supporting mask-wearing
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
Enables secure and convenient access to devices while maintaining mask usage, reducing exposure risks and eliminating the need for frequent mask removal, thereby enhancing user safety and device security.
Implementation Method 1
the user device captures an image of the pre-printed unique identifier on the user face mask
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for authenticating a face mask with a user for providing secure access to a user device whereby received on the user device is a request from the user to pair a user face mask having a pre-printed unique identifier with the user device for user authentication purposes. The user device captures an image of the pre-printed unique identifier on the user face mask so as to associate the captured image of the unique identifier with the user device. Afterwards, when the user requests access to the user device in a locked state, the user device is caused to capture of an image of the unique identifier affixed to the user face mask. The user device may further be caused to capture an image of at least a portion of the user's face to authenticate the captured unique identifier affixed to the user face mask with the captured portion of the user's face to verify the captured unique identifier and the captured portion of the user's face are associated with the user device.