The latest approval gives the Viettel Artificial Intelligence and Data Services Center (Viettel AI) under the Military Industry-Telecoms Group (Viettel) its second U.S. patent in the first half of 2026.
Facial recognition technology is widely used for applications such as attendance tracking, device unlocking, smart home access, and entry control. However, the widespread use of face masks in workplaces and public spaces has reduced the accuracy of conventional facial recognition systems.
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Viettel AI researchers developed a new dataset of occluded faces to train AI models. |
A study in 2020 by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that partially covered faces significantly affect recognition performance, with error rates on some platforms increasing by 20 to 50 percent. As a result, users often have to remove their masks for identity verification, interrupting the user experience and creating potential safety and hygiene concerns.
To address this challenge, Viettel AI developed a method that significantly improves facial recognition accuracy for masked users. The innovation enabled the company to meet the USPTO's stringent patent standards, as recognizing partially occluded faces remained a complex technical challenge when the application was filed.
The research team built a large-scale dataset of occluded faces to train AI models for face detection, matching, and feature extraction. It also enhanced its facial feature extraction model and developed a high-speed similarity search algorithm to ensure reliable performance in real-world applications.
The technology supports seamless use in attendance management, timekeeping, and access control without requiring users to remove their masks. It also enhances security surveillance by improving the identification and tracking of individuals on watchlists or alert lists in public spaces, even when most of their faces are covered.
The USPTO patent highlights Viettel AI's research and innovation capabilities while demonstrating Viettel's ability to develop and master core technologies. The company plans to continue refining the technology, expanding its applications, and commercializing it in international markets, contributing to Vietnam's ambition of becoming a regional and global AI spotlight.
Translated by Tran Hoai