BYU Features Dr. D.J Lee's Biometric Authentication Research
Featured by BYU ECE News | January 22, 2021
Brigham Young University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering featured research led by Dr. D.J. Lee and Ph.D. student Zheng Sun exploring a new approach to biometric authentication.
The original BYU article, “Dr. Lee Crushes the Dreams of Up-and-Coming Identity Thieves,” explains how the research combines facial identity with an intentional facial action during verification.
Addressing a Challenge in Biometric Authentication
Traditional biometric authentication methods can recognize a physical characteristic, such as a face or fingerprint. However, recognizing the correct person does not necessarily confirm that the individual is alert and intentionally requesting access.
The research explored this challenge by analyzing facial identity and a user-selected facial action concurrently. Both elements must match the enrolled information for identity verification to succeed.
Verifying Identity and Intent
This approach was designed to add what the researchers described as liveness assurance to the authentication process. Requiring an intentional facial action can help distinguish an active user from an image, replica, or unintentional authentication attempt.
The research also demonstrated that the process could work with commonly available cameras instead of requiring complex biometric equipment.
The Research Behind AuthentiFace
Dr. Lee’s work at BYU helped establish the foundation for the identity-verification technology that AuthentiFace continues to develop today.
The original BYU feature explores the inspiration behind the research, its early testing, and its potential applications across restricted areas, financial services, transportation, hospitality, and other secure environments.
