Megvii partners with smartphone component makers to bring facial biometric payments to Android devices

Semiconductor companies Himax Technologies and MediaTek Inc. have partnered with Megvii to offer an Active Stereo Camera (ASC) 3D sensing reference design for facial recognition and secure online payment with Android devices. Numerous smartphone makers are interested in including the reference design in the next generation of their products, due to its cost benefit and outstanding performance, according to the announcement.

MediaTek’s stereo matching depth engine, Megvii’s AI-based Face++ algorithm, and Himax’s projector, sensor, and laser driver are combined in the ASC 3D sensing solution.

A customized infrared projector with a patterned DOE and collimator provided by Himax projects between 7,000 and 10,000 invisible dots to build a depth map, and a high quantum efficiency sensor running in the 940nm band provides superior sensing in both indoor and outdoor environments, the company says.

“We are pleased to partner with MediaTek and Megvii. This strong alliance ensures that 3D sensing is affordable for Android mass market and can be easily adopted by smartphone makers to create exciting user experience. I believe ASC will facilitate a broader adoption of 3D sensing on Android smartphone during 2019,” said Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax Technologies.

The system also includes an automatic shut-off for the laser activated by a broken glass detection mechanism, and certified IEC 60825 Class 1 eye safety, and its power efficiency and compact form factor are suitable for embedded and mobile device integration.

Megvii has raised at least $600 million in investment capital this summer as it continues to expand internationally.

Article Topics

Android  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  Megvii  |  secure transactions  |  smartphones