Touchless Palm Print Authentication in AR VR Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric authentication systems for virtual and augmented reality headsets face challenges due to the lack of a physical keyboard for password entry and difficulties in sensing the user's face and iris, leading to undesirable additions in weight, size, and complexity, especially when trying to implement traditional biometric identity verification.
Innovation Solution
A system for non-contact palm print authentication using cameras with a cueing mechanism to guide the user in positioning their palm within the camera's field of view, employing multi-modal recognition techniques such as visible light and infrared spectrum to enhance detection accuracy, suitable for head-mounted devices that provide augmented or virtual reality experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional biometric authentication methods (fingerprint reader, face sensing, iris detection) are added to AR/VR headsets, then authentication capability is improved, but device weight, size, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The existing camera in the AR/VR headset is made to serve multiple functions: it continues to provide visual input for the virtual/augmented reality experience while simultaneously functioning as a biometric sensor for palm print authentication. This eliminates the need for dedicated authentication hardware and resolves the contradiction between authentication capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the headset's own existing resources (camera, processor, display) to perform authentication without requiring external or additional specialized components. The camera captures palm images, the processor analyzes them for authentication, and the display provides feedback, creating a self-sufficient authentication system that avoids increasing device complexity
2Ease of operation
If a physical keyboard is added to AR/VR headsets for password entry, then input capability is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical keyboard is replaced with a touchless optical recognition system. The camera captures images of the user's palm or hand gestures, and image processing algorithms extract biometric features or recognize gestures to enable input and authentication. This substitution eliminates the need for physical keys while maintaining input capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device weight
3Reliability
If additional cameras are added to AR/VR headsets for iris detection, then authentication capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing camera is utilized for multiple purposes including palm print authentication, eliminating the need for additional specialized cameras for other biometric modalities. The system demonstrates that a single camera can provide sufficient authentication capability through clever use of available hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining security
4Adaptability or versatility
If the user's face is covered by the headset for immersive experience, then VR/AR immersion is improved, but face-based authentication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the covered face for authentication (which becomes impossible when the headset is worn), the system inverts the approach by using another body part - the palm or hand - which remains accessible. The user presents their palm to the camera for authentication while wearing the headset, allowing both immersion and authentication to function simultaneously without conflict
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 accurate user authentication without the need for additional hardware, improving usability and reducing complexity by allowing palm recognition and authentication in AR/VR environments, enhancing security and user experience through touchless biometric identification.
Implementation Method 1
employing multi-modal recognition techniques such as visible light and infrared spectrum to enhance detection accuracy
Implementation Method 2
employing multi-modal recognition techniques such as visible light and infrared spectrum to enhance detection accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A computing platform is described to match a palm digital representation to a palm template. The platform includes logic causing presenting a viewfinder image including an image stream and/or a cue appearing to reside substantially in front of a user to guide the user to align a palm at a position within a field of view of a camera; capturing a set of images using the camera; processing the set of images to determine a set of identifying features of the palm; and comparing the set of identified features with enrolled palm prints to identify the palm.