Week 2: Biometric Modalities Uncovered

Topic 2: PHYSICAL BIOMETRICS

Iris Recognition

IRIS & RETINA

The eye is one of the most complex organs in the body

with our eyes enabling us to take in light, perceive objects
around us, distinguish colour and determine distances.
The iris is the region of the eye surrounded by the pupil.
The sclera is the white part of the eye located on either
side of the iris.
The iris is the region of the eye surrounded by the pupil?
True

False

The Sclera is the muscle that controls the eye?

True

False

The colour and structure of the iris are genetically linked,

however the details in the pattern are not.
The iris develops as the foetus grows in the womb and the
tissue around the eye goes through a process of folding
and forming. Just prior to birth as the pupil opens it causes unique patterns to form the iris. The iris pattern is fully
developedduring the first two years of life.
The iris is the coloured part of the eye and the colour is
formed by the amount of melatonin pigment. It is also the
muscle that controls the size of the pupil, allowing different amounts of light to enter the eye. The texture of the iris
retains distinctive informationthat is useful for personal
identification.

Match the iris in the video to the correct eye.

1B, 2D, 3A, 4C
1D, 2C, 3A, 4B
1B, 2C, 3A, 4D

Iris recognition is the process of recognising a person by analysing the random pattern of
the iris and it was first patented in 1994. The systems were expensive and required the user
to significantly assist with the process. However thenewer systems are easier to use and
reasonably cost effective.

Iris recognition analyses the random pattern of the iris to determine and
individuals identity?
True

False

Iris recognition is based on analysing the distinct

stable patterns that are visible within the iris.
Professor John Daugmans studies found that
each iris is unique and even the irises of
identical twins are different (Hollingsworth et. al.
2014). It is also extremely difficult to surgically
alter the texture of the iris.
Match the twins eyes to the set below.

left twin - A and right twin - B

left twin - B and right twin - A

When you peer into an iris capture device, the

camera will automatically focuses on your iris or
you use a mirror and voice instructed feedback to
make sure that you are positioned correctly.
Usually, your eye is 8 to 25 centimetres from the
camera. The computer then analyses the patterns
in the iris and translates them into a code and
stores the template.
Retinal Scanning
Retinal scans, glamorised in movies and military installations, are mostly responsible for
the high-tech- expensive impression we currently have of this biometric technology.

The eye works by refracting and focusing light onto the retina. This is the layer of sensitive
cells at the back of the eye which produces the images we can see.
Retinal scanning involves the use of a low-intensity light source, which is projected onto
the back of the eye where a specific point on the retina is identified for the scan. The blood
vessels are illuminated to show the distinct details and are then photographed. This is the
same digital retinal scan process that you may have had at your last eye appointment at the
optometrist.
Does this picture represent the retina from the human eye?
Yes
No

Retinal scans require the person to remove their glasses, place their eye close to the scanner and then stare at a specific point whilst remaining still. Then they need to focus on a
specified location for approximately 10 to 15 seconds while the scan is completed.

Does the individual need to remove their glasses before a retinal scan?

Yes
No

The capture device then locates a specific spot on the retina so that a predetermined part
of it can be recorded. A number of retinal scan-based biometric systems are in operation
and they claim to have a zero FAR in all the installations to-date.
The human retina is difficult to replicate and is currently impossible to fake.However as
the retina can reveal possible medical conditions this form of biometrics could be considered an invasion of privacy.
Summary
Iris Recognition
The eye is one of the most complex organs in the body.
The iris is the region of the eye surrounding by the pupil. The sclera is the
white part of the eye located on either side of the iris.
The colour and structure of the iris are genetically linked, however the details
in the pattern are not.
The iris develops as the foetus grows and just prior to birth unique patterns
form as the pupil opens.
The iris is fully developed during the first two years of life.
The texture of the iris retains distinctive informationthat is useful for personal
identification.

 Professor John Daugmans studies found that each iris is unique and even the
irises of identical twins aredifferent. It is also extremely difficult to surgically
alter the texture of the iris.
The eye is 8 to 25 centimetres from the iris capture device and will
automatically focuses on the iris or a mirror and voice instructed feedback is
used to make sure that person is positioned correctly.
The computer analyses the patterns in the iris and translates it into a code and
stores the template.
Retinal Scanning
The eye works by refracting and focusing light onto the retina.
Retinal scanning involves the use of a low-intensity light source, which is
projected onto the back of the eye where a specific point on the retina is
identified for the scan.
The blood vessels are illuminated to show the distinct details and are then
photographed.
Retinal scans require the person to remove their glasses and then stare at
a specific point whilst remaining still which takes approximately 10 to 15
seconds.
The capture device then locates a specific spot on the retina so that a
predetermined part of it can be recorded.
The human retina is difficult to replicate and is currently impossible to fake.

References
Hollingworth, K., Bowyer, K. & Lagree, S. et. al. 2014. Genetically identical irises have texture
similarity that is not detected by iris biometrics. [ONLINE]
Available at: https://www3.nd.edu/~kwb/HollingsworthEtAlCVIU_2011.pdf [Accessed 16 May
2014].