In modern smartphones, facial recognition is increasingly being introduced. But how does it work?
We can say that the iPhone X has opened a new era. Face recognition technology – its main “chip”. And no one doubts that this unlocking method will be implemented in many other smartphones.
Table of Contents
Some history
In the 1960s, special experiments were carried out during which the computer had to learn to recognize a human face. It led to nothing, because every emotion led to a catastrophe. The invented system was also afraid of changing lighting conditions.
It wasn’t until the end of the 20th century that systems appeared that learned to identify people’s faces from photos, remembering them. At the same time, they stopped wailing when mustaches, beards, glasses and other “noise” appeared. Most actively such systems began to be introduced to digital cameras. They also found a place in the security sector.
Face recognition systems have had one major disadvantage for a long time. To a large extent depended on light and perspective. However, this problem was not noticeable in security scanners. The face was almost attached to them, and then lit with lamps. The introduction of stereo filming helped to get rid of this deficiency. Two cameras understand the depth of the stage, so the accuracy of the readings increases several times.
How does face recognition technology work?
Gradually, a new feature appeared in smartphones. Here, the user’s biometric identification is implemented to unlock a device that cannot be a stranger. Ideally, only a twin can access personal data. Do not worry about it. It is unlikely that someone will seriously hide something from their siblings. And nobody cares about setting an additional password to read some very sensitive data.
The work of the facial recognition system in smartphones can be divided into four stages:
- Face scanning This is done using the front camera or, as in the case of the iPhone X, a special sensor. The scanning is three-dimensional, so the focus showing the photo will not work.
- Extracting unique data. The system focuses on the set of features of the scanned face. Most often they are contours of orbits, the shape of cheekbones and the width of the nose. In advanced systems, scars can also be seen.
- Extract from template memory with previously received data.
- Search matches. The last stage in which the system decides whether to unlock the display. The power of modern processors allows you to “think” for a split second.
The face recognition function can even be implemented with the front camera – if it only had two lenses. In this case, however, the function will be unstable. The fact is that only special sensors ensure face scanning even in the dark, while the front view requires bright lighting. In addition, special sensors virtually display more points on the face, so they work even when there is a beard, glasses and other interference. In short, in some DOOGEE Mix 2 the system will certainly work much worse than in the iPhone X. Another thing is that the Apple anniversary product is much more expensive than all other smartphones with face recognition.
Is this technology the future?
Sensors needed for face scanning require perfect installation. The transition to the hundredths of a millimeter will lead to the fact that the work function will cease to be perfect – that’s why in the production of a smartphone you can observe an increased marriage performance, which leads to an increase in its value. Yes, and the sensors themselves are very expensive, it is no accident that only Apple uses them, although there are no patents for them.
In a word, the producers of “androids” will introduce the facial recognition function of the front camera. You can already find it on Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8. But the owners of these devices will confirm that it does not work best – it’s easier to use a fingerprint scanner. Therefore, at the moment nothing can be said about the future of the function. You have to wait to see if Apple will implement the right sensors on more affordable smartphones and whether they will appear on Android devices.
Final Word
Don’t worry about saving your identification data. The template created during face scanning is in a separate part of the memory – this sector cannot be read using a computer or third-party programs. However, this also applies to fingerprints. And it is more convenient to use this type of identification only for you.
Have you ever held a smartphone that recognizes your face? And you are waiting for mass implementation of this function? Share your opinion in the comments, we will be happy!
