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A Apple is committed to optimizing and improving its Face ID facial recognition feature. This makes perfect sense, since we are all wearing masks to prevent Covid-19. The problem is that using this important face protection ends up decreasing the efficiency of the biometric feature of the manufacturer's devices, preventing correct identification. Therefore, it is no surprise to see a license da Apple with a Face ID that heat maps the face and uses this information as biometrics.

With this feature added to face scans for identification, areas that are obstructed will be detected and evaluated by the device. In other words, when any material is between the camera's reading sensor and the focus, it will be calculated. The calculation, according to the patent filings of Apple, is performed by mapping the heat existing in reference points, such as eyes, mouth and nose. As a parameter, the algorithm will have the measurements of the user's face, providing metric location indexes for the resource.

illustration of face area with numerical annotations

The patent shows that Face ID's heat mapping will be able to record scalable values ​​for points that are obstructed to some degree. This would allow for the measurement of the amount of material obstructing a reference point.

Combining facial points with heat mapping

Depending on the specific location of each reference point in combination with the obstruction levels generated by heat mapping, it would be possible for the feature to make a more accurate assessment. The result of the assessment performed for the reference points can be used to control one or more operations of the device.

illustration of a face with measurement annotations at landmarks

Masks are not the only factor that can block facial recognition. There are other important factors that can cause this problem, such as wearing scarves, hair covering part of a reference point, a hand partially in front of an area, and even a finger touching a part of the face.

touch ID

In addition to this possible improvement to Face ID, the Apple continues to bet on Touch ID as a viable solution in times of pandemic. The button with fingerprint sensor can be included in a cutout in the screen of the new iPad Mini, if the rumors are confirmed. These advances together provide the basis for a welcome reinforcement in the biometric sensors wing of the company's devices.

Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. Patently Apple

Image: Sompong_tom (iStock)