Samsung Sensor Supports Metalenz’s ‘Full Polarization’ Face Scanning

Boston-based Metalenz has revealed that it is using Samsung Electronics’ ISOCELL Vizion 931 as the image sensor for its Polar ID solution, which it bills as the first consumer electronics-focused facial recognition system that can scan a human face using the full polarization of light.

Scanning a face with the full polarization state of light involves analyzing the way light waves are oriented as they reflect off surfaces, in this case, a human face. In physics, light is described as a transverse electromagnetic wave that can oscillate in various directions. When light is polarized, its waves vibrate in a particular orientation. Materials and surfaces can alter the polarization of light in unique ways when it reflects off them, and these changes can carry information about the properties of the surface, such as texture, shape, and material composition.

Using polarization in facial scanning, as Metalenz’s Polar ID technology does, offers a significant advantage because it provides additional data that isn’t available in standard intensity-based imaging. This can include details about the surface geometry and contours of the face that are not dependent on lighting conditions, which can be a major limitation in traditional facial recognition systems. By capturing the polarization state of light, the system can more accurately and securely identify and authenticate a face from a single image.

This method enhances security by reducing the chances of spoofing or fooling the system with a photograph or a different face because the unique polarization signature of the face adds an extra layer of data that is difficult to replicate. Additionally, this approach allows for a more compact and cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods that may require multiple images or sensors to achieve a similar level of detail and security, making it a compelling choice for integration into consumer devices like smartphones.

Samsung’s ISOCELL Vizion 931 is a global shutter image sensor offering VGA+ resolution and quantum efficiency of 60 percent, meaning it is highly sensitive to light. It is designed with advanced pixel technology that allows it to efficiently capture light in the near-infrared spectrum, which is essential for accurately detecting the polarization state of light as it reflects off a face. Its high quantum efficiency means it can effectively convert the captured light into electrical signals, ensuring that even subtle variations in polarization are detected.

The sensor’s compact size and high resolution also contribute to making the overall Polar ID solution more compact and cost-effective, aligning with the goal of integrating this advanced biometric technology into consumer smartphones and devices.

“Our collaboration with Metalenz is not just about combining technologies; it marks a pivotal advancement in biometric imaging capabilities, making face unlock solutions with enhanced security and affordability accessible on a global scale,” said CY Lee, the VP of Samsung Electronics’ Sensor Sales and Marketing Team.

–

February 26, 2024 – by the FindBiometrics Editorial Team