Google has filed a facial recognition patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), which will allow users to unlock Andorid phones or tablets through facial gestures.
Developed as part of efforts to boost security in Android devices, the new patent mandates specific gestures, which could prevent the existing Face Unlock facility being tricked by photos.
Google introduced a password system in its Jelly Bean version of Android, which requires users to blink their eyes, while some users confirmed that it could be tricked.
The patent filing suggests that the software would track a ‘facial landmark’ to confirm device’s owner, while also clarifying the right action.
According to the patent, further checks have to prevent spoof working and revealed that the combination of specific gestures could be offered at random to increase the complexity to trick the ID feature.
The software would employ device’s screen and flash to glow different coloured light into the user’s face and then confirm for related flashes in users as they have made the requested facial gestures.
However, Google’s latest Android powered, internet-connected Google Glass would not incorporate facial recognition features until the issues of privacy protections are fixed.
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