On July 13, U.S. time, an Apple patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office details a method to unlock mobile devices using face images and depth data obtained from specialized sensors and cameras. This method increases the credibility of rumors that Apple is developing a facial recognition system to supplement and replace the Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

Apple applied for a patent called "Electronic Device Embedded Authentication System" in 2013. This patent application details advanced facial recognition technology for verifying the identity of mobile device users.

The patent application details a method for capturing 2D images and corresponding depth data by fusing information obtained from visible light imaging sensors, infrared sensors and 3D capture systems. Apple’s patent application also mentions ultraviolet sensors, scanning lasers, ultrasonic sensors, etc.

Apple pointed out that the 3D capture device may collect data related to the contours of the user's eye sockets, chin, nose and other facial organs, and texture analysis may be used to detect unique lines, patterns or spots on the user's skin. In addition, the infrared light emitted by the system can be reflected back by the user's eyes and captured by one or more sensors.

Facial features detected in the captured image data are compared with the authorized user database to verify the user's identity. The patent application states that the technology described can be used to unlock mobile devices such as iPhones.

It may not be a coincidence that outsiders predict that Apple’s iPhone 8 will contain almost identical hardware to the patent application. Looking forward to the emergence of face recognition function.