Expression recognition in messaging systems

Abstract

Some embodiments include a messaging system capable of expression-based communication and/or expression-based actions. The messaging system can run on a computing device. For example, the messaging system monitors a camera feed from a camera of the computing device to detect a biometric signature when a messaging interface of the messaging application is actively being used. The messaging system can match the detected biometric signature against a known profile utilizing a facial recognition process to authenticate an operating user to use the messaging application. The messaging system can determine a human expression based on the detected biometric signature utilizing an expression recognition process to associate a contextual tag with an activity on the messaging interface. The messaging system can then communicate with a message server system to associate the contextual tag with content presented to the operating user or a conversation participated by the operating user via the messaging application.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented method of operating a messaging application on a computing device, comprising:
 monitoring a camera feed (e.g., continuous video stream or one or more discrete photographs) from a camera of the computing device to detect a biometric signature when a messaging interface of the messaging application is actively being used;   matching the detected biometric signature against a known profile utilizing a facial recognition process to authenticate an operating user to use the messaging application;   determining a human expression based on the detected biometric signature utilizing an expression recognition process to associate a contextual tag with an activity on the messaging interface; and   communicating with a message server system to associate the contextual tag with content presented to the operating user or with a conversation participated by the operating user via the messaging application.