Mobile Device Face Authentication Using Dual Camera Pulse Correlation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile device authentication methods, such as passcode entry, fingerprint scanning, and facial recognition, are not secure, provide a poor user experience, or are susceptible to spoofing, and often require additional costly hardware.

Innovation Solution

A method that combines facial recognition analysis with liveness verification using pulse rate correlation, utilizing dual cameras on a mobile device to ensure that the authenticated face corresponds to a live, authorized user by correlating pulse rates from images captured by the front and rear-facing cameras.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If facial recognition analysis is used for authentication, then user convenience is improved, but security is worsened due to susceptibility to spoofing with still images or videos

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary liveness detection mechanism between the facial recognition system and the authentication decision. This intermediary layer analyzes video frames to detect physiological indicators (such as pulse rate variations) that confirm the presence of a live human subject, thereby preventing spoofing attacks while maintaining the convenience of facial recognition authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fingerprint scanning is implemented for security, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing camera hardware perform multiple functions: standard facial recognition for identification and liveness detection for security verification. By analyzing temporal variations in facial imagery captured during video recording, the system achieves fingerprint-level security without adding dedicated biometric sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

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

3Reliability

If liveness checks requiring facial expressions are used, then spoofing resistance is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespoofing resistanceVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a passive liveness detection system where the user's physiological characteristics (such as pulse rate) are detected automatically without requiring active participation or specific facial expressions. The system processes naturally occurring variations in facial imagery during normal video recording, allowing users to authenticate through their natural state without performing additional actions, thus maintaining excellent user experience while achieving strong spoofing resistance.

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

This approach provides a secure and convenient two-fold authentication process that prevents spoofing while ensuring only authorized users access the mobile device, maintaining a seamless user experience without the need for costly additional hardware.

Implementation Method 1

Processing logic estimates user pulse rates from the first and second digital video data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse rate detection through video analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP3120283B1Method and apparatus for authenticating a user on a mobile device
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3120283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3120283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3120283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for authenticating a user on a mobile device. The method may include initiating authentication of the user for access to the mobile device, where access to the mobile device is granted upon successful authentication of the user by the mobile device. The method may also include performing face recognition analysis on an image of a face of the user to determine an identity of the user. Furthermore, the method may also include determining whether a first pulse information and a second pulse information associated with the user indicate a pulse match. The method may also include authenticating the user for access to the mobile device when a pulse match is determined and the determined identity of the user has permission to access the mobile device.