Iris recognition (iridodiagnostics)

What is iris recognition in simple words

Iris recognition (iridodiagnostics) is a biometric identification method that uses the unique pattern of the iris to recognize a person. The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. Its pattern is unique for each person, similar to fingerprints, and even identical twins have different ones.

The technology works as follows: a special camera takes a picture of the eye, highlights the iris area, analyzes its complex structure (crypts, furrows, pigment spots) and converts the resulting data into a digital code — IrisCode. This code is compared with the database to identify a person. The whole process takes less than a second and requires no physical contact.

The iris is formed in the womb at the 8th month of pregnancy and remains stable throughout a person's life. It does not change with age, is not affected by external factors and is practically not damaged. This makes it an ideal biometric identifier for systems that require maximum accuracy and reliability.

Among all biometric methods, iris recognition provides the highest level of accuracy. The probability of a false match is estimated at 1 in 10 million, which is significantly higher than fingerprints (1 in 50,000) or facial recognition (1 in 10,000). This makes iris recognition an ideal solution for systems with the highest security requirements.

How it works

The iris recognition process includes several stages:

• Image acquisition: A special camera with infrared illumination takes a picture of the eye. Infrared illumination allows you to get a clear image of the iris regardless of eye color (brown eyes reflect visible light worse, but work well in the infrared range).
• Boundary localization: The system finds the boundaries of the iris — the outer (border with the sclera) and the inner (border with the pupil). This stage is critical, since the quality of further analysis depends on the accuracy of localization.
• Normalization: The iris is "straightened" from a ring shape to a rectangular one to simplify analysis. This compensates for the effect of pupil dilation or constriction.
• Feature extraction: A complex mathematical algorithm analyzes the structure of the iris and highlights unique features — crypts, furrows, pigment spots, radial lines.
• Code construction (IrisCode): All selected features are converted into a binary code — a digital template that is then compared with reference templates in the database.

The scanning process takes less than a second and requires no physical contact, which is especially important in pandemic conditions and for compliance with hygiene standards. Modern iris scanners work at a distance of up to several meters, which allows them to be used in high-traffic places, for example, at airports.

The Biovizum product includes modules for iris recognition, which allows creating comprehensive biometric systems that combine identification by face, fingerprints and iris. This is especially important for facilities with the highest security requirements.

Application

Iris recognition is used in various areas where maximum identification accuracy is required:

• Access control systems (ACS): At secure facilities, government institutions, bank vaults and data centers. Iris recognition provides the highest level of security, since it is almost impossible to forge an iris.
• Banking: For client verification during large financial transactions and in remote banking systems. Some banks already use iris recognition to log into mobile applications.
• Airports and checkpoints: For fast and secure passenger verification. For example, some airports around the world have already implemented systems that allow passengers to pass passport control without presenting documents, simply by looking at the camera.
• Government systems: In the Unified Biometric System (UBS) and other government information systems for remote identification of citizens.

Modern iris scanners are becoming more compact and affordable. If earlier they were bulky and expensive, today there are models that can be installed on turnstiles, built into mobile devices and even used in smartphones. The technology is actively developing, and in the coming years we will see its wider distribution.

The design service helps to implement iris recognition systems into existing infrastructure. This includes the selection of equipment, architecture development, configuration of integration with other systems and staff training. Read more about solutions in the technologies section.