Iris Recognition By Mohammed, Ashfaq Ahmed

Introduction Iris Recognition is a Biometric Technology which deals with identification based on the human Iris. It is considered to be the most accurate biometric technology available today.

The Iris The Iris is an internal organ of the body which is visible from outside. Located between the cornea and the lens of the eyes. The purpose of the iris is to control the amount of light that enters the eye.

The Iris (contd.)

The iris has complex random patterns which differ in each eye. No two eyes can have the same iris pattern, not even the two eyes of a single individual.

The Iris (contd.) Iris

History The concept of Iris Recognition was first proposed by Dr. Frank Burch in It was first implemented in 1990 when Dr. John Daugman created the algorithms for it. These algorithms employ methods of pattern recognition and some mathematical calculations for iris recognition.

How it works? The picture of the iris is captured by a CCD camera attached on a wall, within a distance of 5 to 25 inches or even within a meter by more advanced cameras. The image captured is then processed by a special kind of software which isolates the main iris patterns from the outer and the inner boundaries of the iris.

How it works? (contd.) The iris patterns from the processed image are then encoded into a 512 bit code called as the IrisCode, using Dr. Daugman’s algorithms. The IrisCode is encrypted as soon as it is calculated to prevent it from theft.

How it works? (contd.) The calculated IrisCode is then compared to the codes stored in the database for any matches. The speed of searching the database can be up to 10 thousand codes per second. Thus, within a few seconds a person can be identified without any user input or any specific user action.

Comparisons Many kinds of biometric technologies are used like: -Fingerprint scanning -Face recognition -Voice recognition -Hand geometry scanning -Retinal scan

Comparisons (contd.) These technologies have been useful but none of these have always been as accurate as iris recognition. The high degree of randomness in iris patterns makes iris recognition so accurate.

Applications The largest application of iris recognition has been in the aviation industry. Many of the worlds largest airports like the Heathrow airport of London, employ iris recognition. The largest use of iris recognition is in United Arab Emirates, where millions of IrisCode comparisons are done each day at all the air, land and sea ports.

Applications (contd.) Other applications are as follows: -Information Security -Security in providing access to a network. -Security in providing access to a premises. -Security in online business

Applications (contd.) -Security for government applications -Used by police departments and government security agencies to keep a record of criminals or suspects.

Drawbacks It will be difficult to capture an image of handicap people sitting on wheel chair because the cameras are usually attached on the wall and capture an image up to a certain height. The iris recognition systems are much costlier than other biometric technologies.

Conclusion The applications of iris recognition are rapidly growing in the field of security, due to it’s high rate of accuracy. This technology has the potential to take over all other security techniques, as it provides an hands-free, rapid and reliable identification process.

The End