Optics: eye examining – vision testing and correcting – Eye examining or testing instrument – Objective type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-04
2001-06-19
Manuel, George (Department: 3737)
Optics: eye examining, vision testing and correcting
Eye examining or testing instrument
Objective type
C382S117000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247813
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an iris identification system and method of confirming the identity of a living being by using an iris image. More specifically, the invention relates to an iris identification method by determining one or more identification parameters relating to the iris fiber structure, the shape of an autonomous nervous wreath (ANW) and pupil and their spontaneous reaction to light, and the existence, shape, and location of a lacuna from the iris image.
BACKGROUND ART
A known iris identification system for identifying a specific person compares the iris code from the image signal of the iris portion taken from an eye of a person with the corresponding iris information searched from a database for accepting or rejecting a particular person according to the result of the comparison. This conventional iris identification system, however, has not achieved an acceptably high level of identification accuracy.
Moreover, since various iris identification systems have limitations in distinguishing whether it is observing the real iris of a living human, it cannot be safely used with systems such as banking systems, electronic settlement systems or the like due to the high risk of misidentification of forged iris images.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to verify the identity of an individual using an iris recognition system having a high level of accuracy.
Another object is to achieve a high level of identification accuracy through analysis of a multiplicity of properties associated with the iris.
Accordingly, one object of the invention is to identify the iris of a living being quickly and clearly by determining a plurality of iris identification parameters according to an iris fiber structure obtainable from an iris image, the reaction of the pupil and autonomous nervous wreath caused by light, the shape of an autonomous nervous wreath and pupil, and the existence, location, and shape of a lacuna.
A system for confirming the identity of an animate being through iris scanning in accordance with the present invention, comprising a control unit for receiving identifier information identifying the animate being, and a data storage unit including a data base accessed by the control unit for containing predetermined personal information associated with an identifiable being for comparison with the identifier information. An iris image pick-up unit including a camera is operated by the control unit when the identifier information corresponds to the predetermined information to initially capture iris images to create input image signals. A data processing unit pre-processes the input image signals into processed data. The storage unit includes, for each identifiable being, at least one of a plurality of pre-stored parameters for iris identification selected from the group consisting of (
1
) the density and texture form of the iris fiber structure using a frequency transformation method; (
2
) pupillary reaction; (
3
) the shape of the pupil; (
4
) autonomous nervous wreath reaction; (
5
) the shape of the autonomous nervous wreath; (
6
) the existence of lacuna; (
7
) the location of the lacuna; and (
8
) the shape of the lacuna. The control unit is operable to compare the processed data with the parameter(s) to determine if there is a match indicative of a confirmation of identity.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the camera is structured to photograph both eyes of the animate being. The data processing unit separately processes image input signals into processed data representative of each eye. In this manner, a higher level of identification accuracy is achievable to confirm the identity of the animate being through iris scanning.
To access the identification system, a being to be identified initially inputs identifier information into the system. In certain embodiments, the identifier information data may be inputted using a card reading unit, a key input unit, or the like, in which PIN (Personal Identification Number) or some other unique identifier is used to access the system. It is also possible to utilize voice actuated systems.
The iris image pick-up unit preferably includes a light source operated by the control unit in conjunction with the camera to capture, in succession, a plurality of iris images to create the input image signals. By illuminating the eye, it will be appreciated that the iris is caused to contract and, therefore, the succession of images will enable the system to capture the contraction and, if desired, the subsequent dilation of the iris. The light source is preferably an infrared source.
In accordance with another unique feature of the invention, the system features an interface between the iris image pick-up unit and the control unit to enable the camera to be automatically aligned with the user's eye based on accessing predetermined personal information in the data base containing attributes of the user's physique translated into positioning data.
As mentioned above, the system preferably has a capability of analyzing different parameters attributable to iris characteristics. However, the invention is operable to confirm a user's identity by screening and analyzing only one of the aforementioned process parameters or a sub-set of the process parameters up to and including the entire parameter set.
The unique techniques used to analyze the density and texture form of the iris fiber structure preferably includes frequency transformation methods utilizing a Haar Transform. In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment, the invention provides a variable multi-sector system of spectral conversion using Haar Transform functions. With this unique approach, a selected one of the iris images is divided into a multiplicity of sectors in which, for each sector, a number of Haar function coefficients are calculated. This multi-sector system of spectral analysis advantageously enables the exclusion of certain sectors of the iris that are garbled by interferences caused, for example, by the presence of defects or interferences with the eyelid, eyelash, etc. These defects manifest themselves through the generation of high frequency coefficients and through predetermined sharp variations between the coefficients of adjacent sectors. Thus, an adjacent sector by sector analysis enables the unique application of Haar Transformations to iris recognition technology.
Utilizing Haar Transforms, in preferred combination with the selection of Haar coefficients representative of selected low frequency zones, it is possible to create an iris reference record having an unprecedented high level of recognition accuracy. The present invention, in certain embodiments, utilizes the successive series of iris images to generate a pupil histogram or pupillogram which is represented by a curve showing iris contraction and dilation over time. The present invention provides novel techniques for analyzing the pupillogram by analysis of its gradient changes as a further means for improving identification accuracy. The present invention also features analysis of the pupil boundary, shape and orientation as a further means of improving identification accuracy.
The present invention also processes information relating to the shape and reaction of the autonomous nervous wreath as well as the existence, location and shape of lacuna, if any, as a further means of enhancing identification accuracy.
The present invention also contemplates and makes possible the analysis of the foregoing iris identification parameters for systems and uses other than iris identification. It is within the scope of this invention, for example, to create a system for testing individuals for the presence or use of drugs or alcohol. In this type of system, there is provided a control unit for receiving identifier information identifying the animate being, and a data storage unit including a data base accessed by the control unit for containing predetermined personal information associated with an identifiable being
Kim Dae Hoon
Ryoo Jang Soo
IriTech, Inc.
Manuel George
LandOfFree
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