Iris Recognition – A Contemporary Way of Biometric Authentication.
Iris is a circular muscle that is designed to provide optimal vision. It also maintains the quality of light in the eye and regulates the size of the pupil. This part of the eye remains the same for the whole life. This is why it is used for the identification of an individual.
Iris recognition technology is a process in which the patterns of the iris are evaluated for identification. This colored part of the eye contains different patterns and these patterns are different in every human being. These patterns are then compared with the provided database and then confirm the identity.
How does it Work?
Iris can be examined by following some steps. It has a complex structure which can not be easily examined. The image is captured and then the system focuses on the iris by using the near-infrared cameras. These cameras use specific lights to zoom in on the patterns of the iris. Then the algorithms study the patterns of the iris. It evaluates furrows, rings, and the whole structure. The studied aspects are then converted into the code. This code then gives the specific information that shows the identity of an individual. Lastly, the system stores the given information and then later uses it as the record.
Matching Process of the Iris
The evaluated data of the iris is converted into the mathematical or digital code which is known as the template. These templates are then stored in a large database of information. A new image is captured again to identify the user and information is again converted into the template and stored. There is a specific score of similarity and if the similarity score is high then the person is identified. If the person is not identified, the system may tell that the person is not recognized.
Utilization of Iris Recognition Technology
The iris detection system is widely used in many enterprises and organizations. It can be used to identify the authorized people of any building or organization. It can also be used for security purposes like tracking someone or finding a missing person.
Moreover, some banks use this particular technology to make transactions. It is a better and safer way of identification. Also, in the online banking process, the iris scan is crucial and ensures that the rightful owner gets access to the particular account. Likewise, there are certain apps or smart devices that use iris verification technology for verification.
Furthermore, at airports, iris recognition biometrics are used to skip the long lines of people. It is a quick and easy way of verification. Besides, iris technology is also used by healthcare services professionals to track the records or the medical history of patients.
Challenges Faced During Iris Recognition
Undoubtedly, this technology is way better than other identification technologies. However, certain challenges are still a main hindrance to its path of success.
- During iris detection, the lighting should be appropriate. It shouldn’t be too low or too bright.
- Accessories like glasses, lenses, and any additive will cause difficulty in the verification process.
- Whilst each iris has a unique pattern, due to age and health conditions it may change the pattern.
- The way how iris is captured in the image can also affect the process. The position of the iris should be correct.
- User’s personal data should be protected no matter what. It will be a crucial challenge. Otherwise, people might lose interest in biometric systems.
- Using iris recognition in any organization can be a bit expensive because it needs special software and other relevant stuff as well.
- Those who are not familiar with the usage of this technology might have to face rejections from the system. It can cause trouble in the biometric system.
Conclusion
This technology is more advanced than other biometric systems. Combining other recognition technologies with iris biometrics can add one more layer to the security level. An advanced camera is used to verify the iris. There are several things that should be considered before the verification. The iris should be captured accurately. Too dark and too bright an environment can lead to rejection by the system. People are facing privacy issues, but over time and advancement, these issues will likely be solved.