Taking a Picture
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 1 LED. 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.
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.
Creating an Iris Code
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.