Apple patents AI security camera with 'bodyprint' recognition
What's the story
Apple has been granted a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a one-of-a-kind security camera technology. The patent reveals Apple's security camera tech can identify a person even when their face isn't visible to the camera. The tech might be part of Apple's larger plan to enter the smart home space, starting with a wall-mounted tablet.
Tech details
Apple's security camera technology: A closer look
The patent details a security camera system that uses facial recognition and "bodyprint" technology. This innovative approach would allow the system to identify physical characteristics of a person (such as torso images or clothing), in tandem with the Face ID. To learn the physical characteristics of different people, the security camera system would have to capture and temporarily store images. The patent document also reveals that these images will be analyzed with deep learning models to improve identification accuracy.
System functionality
Data to be made accessible on Apple ecosystem devices
Once the system identifies a potential match, it will alert the user inside the house, according to the patent details. Users will be able to access these details and see a live feed of the security camera on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. This patent arrives soon after Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is exploring the development of a privacy-focused home camera and other smart home devices.