US 10,762,336 B2 · Face recognition in low light conditions for unlocking an electronic device

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for performing face recognition in low light conditions using an electronic device. One aspect provides a method including determining if a brightness level within a viewing area of the electronic device satisfies a threshold. The method includes increasing a luminance output of the electronic device from a first luminance level to a second luminance level when the brightness level does not satisfy the threshold. The method includes capturing an image at the second luminance level when the brightness level does not satisfy the threshold. The method includes capturing the image at the first luminance level when the brightness level satisfies the threshold. The method includes detecting a face in the image. The method includes determining if the face corresponds to an authorized user. The method includes unlocking the electronic device when the face corresponds to an authorized user.

Claims13

Dependent claims

An electronic device comprising:

an optical sensor configured to capture one or more images within a viewing area of the optical sensor;
a light emitting component;
a dedicated illumination element;
and
a processor configured to:
determine if a brightness level within the viewing area of the optical sensor satisfies a threshold, wherein the brightness level satisfying the threshold comprises the optical sensor detecting a face;
if the brightness level does not satisfy the threshold:
increase a luminance of the light emitting component from a first luminance level to a second luminance level, the second luminance level being a maximum luminance level of the light emitting component;
and
control the optical sensor to capture an image at the second luminance level, wherein if the second luminance level does not satisfy the threshold, incrementally increasing a luminance output of the dedicated illumination element until the brightness level satisfies the threshold;
if the brightness level satisfies the threshold:
control the optical sensor to capture the image at the first luminance level;
detect the face in the image;
determine if the face corresponds to an authorized user;
and
unlock the electronic device when the face corresponds to the authorized user.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Face recognition in low light conditions for unlocking an electronic device

Life of this patent

Face recognition in low light conditions for unlocking an electronic device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13