Summary of Face Recognition Chip revolutionizing Smartphone Security
This article discusses the evolution of smartphone security from PINs to biometrics, highlighting vulnerabilities in fingerprint scanners and the rise of FaceID. It details Infineon and pmdtechnologies AG's development of a 3D image sensor chip using Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology. This Real3 chip features 38,000 pixels with background suppression and VCSEL illumination, operating at 940nm infrared light for reliable outdoor performance. Displayed at CES 2018, the chip aims to make face unlocking smarter and faster while enabling mass production for next-generation devices.
Parts used in the Face Recognition Chip Project:
- Real3 chip
- ToF (Time-of-Flight) technology
- 3D image sensor chip
- Suppression Background Illumination circuitry
- VCSEL illumination
- Receiving optics
- 940nm infrared light sources
Back in 2007 Apple released the first generation of iPhone which is considered as the first smartphone as those we use today. Before that, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) dominated the market and some even included network connectivity, the ability to send and receive calls, and password unlocking. The iPhone inherited the ability to be unlocked with a 4-digit personal password which allowed users to protect their personal information (photos, contacts, etc.). As it evolved, so did the security concerns regarding stolen phones and the new gained ability of thieves to unlock them despite the password. As a result, smartphone security had to be improved, different operating systems opted for different solutions such as 6- digits passwords, patterns, and finger print unlocking.
Using finger print to unlock a smartphone is the latest security trend, and almost all smartphones in the market now posses that feature. It is not just safer, but also faster and more convenient for users. However, new researches from New York University and Michigan State University suggest that fake digitally composed fingerprints can easily fool smartphones. The latest iPhone comes with FaceID feature which uses a true Depth selfie camera to scan your face and unlock your phone. Infineon together with pmdtechnologies AG developed a 3D image sensor chip which makes the face unlock feature smarter, faster, and more reliable.
The chip is based on ToF technology which offers advantages in performance, size, and power consumption of mobile devices. The Real3 chip has 38,000 pixels with each one featuring the Suppression Background Illumination circuitry, and includes the receiving optics and VCSEL illumination in a footprint of less than 12×8 mm. It is tuned to work at 940nm infrared light sources which results in improvements in outdoor performance. The product was displayed at CES 2018, and the company claims that they are ready for mass production,
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- What security feature did the first iPhone use?
The first generation iPhone released in 2007 used a 4-digit personal password. - How do fake digitally composed fingerprints affect smartphones?
Research suggests they can easily fool smartphones that rely on fingerprint unlocking. - Which universities conducted research on fake fingerprints?
New York University and Michigan State University conducted the research. - What technology does the Real3 chip use?
The chip is based on ToF technology. - What is the pixel count of the Real3 chip?
The Real3 chip has 38,000 pixels. - At what wavelength do the infrared light sources operate?
The product is tuned to work at 940nm infrared light sources. - What advantage does the 940nm wavelength provide?
It results in improvements in outdoor performance. - Where was the Real3 chip displayed?
The product was displayed at CES 2018. - Who developed the 3D image sensor chip?
Infineon together with pmdtechnologies AG developed the chip.
