The Science Behind Iris
The iris has been historically recognized to possess characteristics unique to each individual. In the mid-1980s, two ophthalmologists—Drs. Leonard Flom and Aran Safir—proposed the concept that no two irises are alike. They researched and documented the potential of using the iris for identifying people and were awarded a patent in 1987. Soon after, the intricate and sophisticated algorithm that brought the concept to reality was developed by Dr. John Daugman and patented in 1994. The original work and continued development have established Iridian’s iris recognition algorithm as the mathematically unrivaled means for authentication.
The technical performance capability of the iris recognition algorithm far surpasses that of any other biometric technology now available. Objective measures, such as a cross-over error rate, are at levels that cannot be reached by other biometrics. Iridian’s algorithm is designed for rapid (seconds) exhaustive search of very large databases; a distinctive capability required for authentication today.
What is the Iris?
The iris is the plainly visible, colored ring that surrounds the pupil. It is a muscular structure that controls the amount of light entering the eye, with intricate details that can be measured, such as striations, pits, and furrows. The iris is not to be confused with the retina, which lines the inside of the back of the eye.
No two irises are alike. There is no detailed correlation between the iris patterns of even identical twins, or the right and left eye of an individual. The accuracy of the information is greater than DNA.
Process of Iris Recognition
An iris recognition camera takes a black and white picture from 5 to 24 inches away, depending on the type of camera. The camera uses non-invasive, near-infrared illumination (similar to a TV remote control) that is barely visible and very safe. Proof Positive certified cameras are in compliance with all applicable international illumination safety standards, including ANSI/IESNA RP-27.1-96 and IEC 60825-1 Amend.2, Class 1LED. These are the latest worldwide standards.
Unlike other biometric technologies that can be used in surveillance mode, iris recognition is an opt-in technology. In order to use the technology you must first glance at a camera. Iris recognition cannot take place without your permission.
The picture of an eye is first processed by software that localizes the inner and outer boundaries of the iris, and the eyelid contours, in order to extract just the iris portion. Eyelashes and reflections that may cover parts of the iris are detected and discounted.
Sophisticated mathematical software then encodes the iris pattern by a process called Demodulation. This creates a phase code for the texture sequence in the iris, similar to a DNA sequence code. The Demodulation process uses functions called 2-D wavelets that make a very compact yet complete description of the iris pattern, regardless of its size and pupil dilation, in just 512 bytes.
The phase sequence is called an IrisCode® template, and it captures the unique features of an iris in a robust way that allows easy and very rapid comparisons against large databases of other templates. The IrisCode template is immediately encrypted to eliminate the possibility of identity theft and to maximize security.
Recognizing the Iris
The picture of an eye is first processed by software that localizes the inner and outer boundaries of the iris, and the eyelid contours, in order to extract just the iris portion. Eyelashes and reflections that may cover parts of the iris are detected and discounted.
Sophisticated mathematical software then encodes the iris pattern by a process called Demodulation. This creates a phase code for the texture sequence in the iris, similar to a DNA sequence code. The Demodulation process uses functions called 2-D wavelets that make a very compact yet complete description of the iris pattern, regardless of its size and pupil dilation, in just 512 bytes.
The phase sequence is called an IrisCode® template, and it captures the unique features of an iris in a robust way that allows easy and very rapid comparisons against large databases of other templates. The IrisCode template is immediately encrypted to eliminate the possibility of identity theft and to maximize security.