SINGLE-PIXEL SENSOR

The present disclosure relates to performing facial recognition using a single-pixel sensor that measures the time signature of a light pulse reflected from a subjects face. Due to depth differences between the sensor position and different parts of the subject's face reflections of a short duration illumination pulse from the different parts of the subject's face will arrive back at the sensor at different times, thus providing a time-based one-dimensional signature unique to the individual subject. By analyzing the reflection signature using neural networks or principal component analysis (PCA), recognition of the subject can be obtained. In addition, the same system may also be used to recognize or discriminate between any other objects of known shape in addition to faces, for example manufactured products on a production line, or the like.