Everything points to LG bringing a new device to MWC that could include technology similar to that offered by Apple in its iPhones. We're referring to Face ID, a 3D facial recognition system that LG seems interested in including in its upcoming G8 ThinQ , and about which it has already begun to offer details.
A ToF camera
The secret lies in the use of a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera , a technology capable of detecting the distance of objects from the camera. To achieve this, the camera projects an infrared signal onto the object, which is detected as a reflection by the sensor. Thanks to this reflected image, the camera can determine the distance to the object for each of its pixels, thus obtaining a 3D image of the scene in front of it.
What could this technology be used for? LG is going to use it, for example, with its front camera, since, being able to create a pattern of our face, it will be able to use this information to implement a quite effective facial unlocking system thanks to the precision it promises.
german technology
The sensor that LG will use in its new device is manufactured by the German company Infineon Technologies AG . It's called REAL3 and promises to introduce a new level of facial recognition to the industry. According to its creators, the advantage of this system is that the sensor doesn't use complex algorithms that add load to the device's main processor. Instead, it simply relies on the information provided by the reflection of the infrared projection on the subject.
In addition, ToF technology allows it to be used in any environment, since it is not affected by any type of external light, so it works equally well outdoors and indoors, making it ideal for use in augmented reality and virtual reality applications.
We will see it in the LG G8 ThinQ
The manufacturer hasn't hesitated to announce that this technology will be featured in the G8 ThinQ, also indicating that the device will be officially unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona at the end of the month. So now we just have to wait for the brand's official press conference to see this technology in action and verify what advantages it actually offers compared to the systems currently available on the market.