System and method for iris photography, and a computer program

Abstract

A system for iris photography, comprising a casing (1) that comprises an optical window (2); a photographic camera (3) in the casing (1) and adjacent to the optical window (2); an array of lights (4) around the optical window (2); a computer connected to the photographic camera (3) and comprising a touchscreen (5), wherein the computer is configured to: display via the touchscreen (5) a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph, the photograph being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; receive instructions for taking the photograph; control the array of lights (4); control the photographic camera (3) to take the photograph; display the photograph; process the photograph for generating an image of the iris; display the image of the iris. Also, a method and a related software.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IRIS PHOTOGRAPHY, AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for iris photography i.e. for photographing an iris. The system may particularly be a device or machine that is movable and installable in a public space or commercial establishment for use by individuals who wish to photograph one or both of their irises (irides) and / or create respective high quality or artistic images. The present invention also relates to method for iris photography. In addition, the present invention relates to a computer program for carrying out the method. Iris photography is also known as iris imaging or iris portraits.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] There are known systems and methods for photographing the human eye and the iris. The popularity of iris photography, i.e. photographing the human iris, has increased significantly over the last years for several reasons. The advancements made in imaging and camera technology have made it possible to capture high quality images of the iris. The iris of the human eye contains complex and visually stunning patterns, and generally it is considered that everyone’s iris pattern is different. The pattern of the iris may combine intricate and impressive colors and textures which contribute and add to the perceived artistic character and beauty of iris images. Hence, iris imaging allows individuals to capture and appreciate these patterns, as well as to express their individuality, associate the images with unique moments, emotions or thoughts, and / or use the iris images as a basis for further artistic experimentation. The popularity of iris portraits as personalized pieces of art and as means for expressing one’s own individuality may also be associated with the notion that iris patterns in their natural form generally remain stable throughout the life of an individual. However, recent advancements in the fields of eye surgery, particularly laser cosmetic iridoplasty, have also made possible altering the color of the human iris for cosmetic or medical purposes. Iris photography may be part of the preparations ahead of an eye surgery for altering the appearance of the human iris of a person, and may also be used for monitoring the person’s eye after an eye surgery.

[0006] Despite the increasing popularity and commercial demand for iris photography, previously known conventional systems and methods are complex, difficult to install and operate, of limited functionality, and not suitable for widescale commercialization and use. Conventional systems for high-quality iris imaging need to be installed in special areas, and also need to be operated by an experienced operator. Moreover, conventional systems for iris imaging are not suitable for further uses of the captured images.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for systems, methods and related software, that overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional ones.

[0008] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of conventional systems for iris photography (iris imaging). In particular, the present invention allows for providing a system which is relatively simple and easy to manufacture, install and operate, offers advanced functionality, and is suitable for widescale commercialization and use. In particular, the present invention offers a system which can be installed in a variety of locations instead of only in special areas, does not require to be operated by an experienced or specialized operator, may be used for easily and quickly taking high quality iris images, and may also be used for advanced processing of said images.

[0010] In a first aspect of the invention, a system for iris photography is provided. The system comprises a casing, a photographic camera, an array of lights, and a computer. The casing comprises an optical window. The photographic camera is located in the casing and is positioned adjacent to the optical window to photograph a user facing the optical window. The array of lights is positioned around the optical window for controllably illuminating the user. The computer is supported by the casing and is connected to the photographic camera. Also, the computer comprises a touchscreen which is accessible by the user. Moreover, the computer is configured to: display (i.e. show) via (by means of) the touchscreen a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph of a first type, the photograph of the first type being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; receive instructions from the user for taking the photograph; control the array of lights to illuminate the user; control the photographic camera to take the photograph based on the instructions received from the user; display via the touchscreen the photograph; process the photograph for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye; display, via the touchscreen, the image of the iris.

[0011] The system’s casing facilitates the installation of the system in commercial establishments or public spaces so that the system can be directly accessed and used by members of the public. Advantageously since the camera is located in the casing, the latter may protect the camera so that the camera is not accidently damaged by the user or other people who may happen to be in the vicinity of the system. Moreover, advantageously the casing may protect the camera or other components of the system from theft or other malicious activity. For example, in a preferred embodiment the computer is also in, i.e. is located inside, the casing, in which case the casing may advantageously also offer at least some protection over the computer located therein. Hence, in a preferred embodiment the computer is in the casing, and the touchscreen is accessible by the user from outside the casing. More preferably the touchscreen is integrated with a surface of the casing. When the touchscreen is integrated with the surface of the casing, and for example when the touchscreen in firmly fixed at said surface, said touchscreen may advantageously also be protected from theft, without the accessibility of the touchscreen by the user being compromised. Alternatively, the touchscreen and / or the computer may be located or fixed at an exterior surface of the casing, or be supported by a structure that is attached and in turn is also supported by said casing. In a very preferred embodiment, the touchscreen is arranged, i.e. positioned, such that it is accessible from the user when the latter faces the optical window for being photographed (by the photographic camera). Most preferably, the touchscreen and the optical window are on a same surface or side of the casing such that the touchscreen is accessible from the user when the latter faces the optical window for being photographed by the photographic camera. This may advantageously enable the user to give instructions and / or view information via the touchscreen while being positioned and / or while optimizing the position of the user’s eye, for the purpose of optimizing the photograph to be captured. A non-limiting example of the information that the user may preferably view on the touchscreen when facing the optical window is a live video that may optionally be captured by the camera before taking the photograph of the first type. Hence, optionally the photographic camera may be configured to capture a video.

[0012] For the purpose of increasing the protection over at least some of the system’s elements, preferably the casing may be configured, e.g. comprise a lock, to restrict the physical access to the interior of the system. Also, from all the above it may understood that the casing advantageously also contributes to the movability and easy installation of the system, because moving and installing the system to a new location, at least for some preferred embodiments of the invention, may advantageously primarily involve moving and positioning the casing such that casing’s optical window and camera face the user’s head and eye when the user is in front of the casing for taking a photo of the user’s iris. For the purpose of further promoting the movability of the system, the casing may preferably have a shape or volume which allows for not occupying a lot of space. Moreover, the casing may preferably be configured, e.g. be shaped and / or comprise fixing means, for being installed or positioned on a wall, a shelf, a stand or a different type of support. Examples of said fixing means is screws, non-slip pads or others. However, the casing may preferably be attachable or attached to a support structure which may further promote and facilitate the easiness and versatility with which the system can be installed in different locations. Hence, in a preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the system further comprises a support structure placeable on a floor and configured to hold the casing such that the optical window is positioned to face the head of the user when the latter stands on the floor.

[0013] The camera serves for capturing the images of the iris, and the array of lights serves for adequately illuminating the eye. The lights of the system of the first aspect of the invention may adequately illuminate the eye for high quality iris imaging, because by being positioned, i.e. arranged, around the optical window, they may advantageously illuminate the eye substantially uniformly, especially around the globe and iris of the user’s eye. Moreover, the use of an array of lights around the optical window may advantageously prevent the appearance of any shadow being casted on the imaged eye. Moreover, the array of lights by being around the optical window, it may advantageously brightly illuminate the iris. This may be useful for optimizing the quality and sharpness of the image taken in the preferable case that the camera has an adjustable aperture, because a bright illumination of the eye can allow for using a wide aperture setting for the camera, and hence, for increasing the depth of focus so that the photographed area of the eye is in focus and appears sharp on the image.

[0014] As mentioned further above the computer is configured for performing certain tasks related to capturing the iris photograph (i.e. the photograph of the iris). For this purpose, the computer is connected to the photographic camera, and is configured to control to said camera and the array of lights. The computer in a preferred embodiment is also connected to the array of lights, however, alternatively the computer may simply be connected to the camera which may in turn be controllably connected to the array of lights, so that the computer by controlling the camera may also indirectly control the array of lights. The array of lights may optionally be connected to the computer or to the camera via an optional intermediate controller or adapter which is connectable to the array of lights and to the computer or to the camera, and is configured to control the lights according to signals it receives from the camera or computer, respectively. Hence, the system according to the first aspect of the invention may optionally comprise said controller or adapter. However, said computer or camera may be configured to directly be connectable and control the lights.

[0015] The computer may be connected to the camera, and optionally to the array of lights, via wire or wirelessly, and for this purpose the computer and the camera may comprise appropriate components, e.g. communication ports, buses, cards, adaptors and / or others, which are suitable for enabling the connection and related communication or transmission of signals and / or data between the computer and the camera. In a preferred embodiment the computer is a tablet. More preferably said tablet has a USB-type port via which the computer is connectable via a USB (a USB-type) wire to the photographic camera which for this purpose also has a corresponding USB port.

[0016] The computer is configured to display via the touchscreen, i.e. show on the touchscreen, a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking the photograph of the first type i.e. the photograph of the iris. Said graphical interface, which may also be called graphical user interface (GUI), may allow the user to perform a number of tasks among which is taking the photograph of the iris. Likewise, said graphical interface may provide various types of information to the user. Hence, said graphical interface may preferably comprise one or more menus for allowing the user to perform said tasks, and / or form arranging the information provided to the user. The iris image being displayed to the user via the touchscreen can be considered as a type of information provided to the user. Overall, the graphical interface serves for facilitating the interaction of the system with the user, as well as for making said interaction easy and efficient, so that the user does not need to spend a lot of time for taking the iris photograph, and / or, so that the system can serve many users over a given period of time.

[0017] The computer is further configured to receive instructions from the user for taking the photograph. Said instructions may be provided via a haptic interaction of the user with the computer screen. Alternatively, if the computer is configured to receive instructions via sound or image, said instructions may be provided via speech or gestures or other type of body movements made by the user.

[0018] The computer is also configured, e.g. is programmed, to control the array of lights to illuminate the user and to control the photographic camera to take the photograph based on the instructions received from the user. Controlling the array of lights which for simplicity may also be called “lights” or “lighting array”, may involve switching on and off the lights, or more generally may involve controlling the power provided to said lights for adjusting their brightness. The illumination of the user by said lights may for example be different before, during and after the capturing of the image / photo by the system. Hence, controlling the array of lights may involve controlling the array of lights such as to produce a flash, i.e. to flash the user’s eye, in synchronization with capturing the photograph by means of the photographic camera. It is noted that the arrangement of the array of lights around the optical window serves the purpose of illuminating substantially uniformly the user’s face, in particular the user’s photographed eye, so that the quality of the taken (captured) image is substantially further optimized. Hence, for the purpose of optimizing the lighting of the user’s eye, the array of lights may preferably form (i.e. have the shape of) a ring. Said ring may serve to uniformly illuminate the eye being photographed.

[0019] The control of the photographic camera by the computer may comprise the computer triggering the camera to capture one or more images, and / or triggering the camera to be switch on, switch off or enter a standby mode. However, for advantageously further improving the quality of the photographs to be captured, said control by the computer may also comprise controlling one or more settings of the photographic camera. Non-limiting examples of said settings is an aperture, a shutter speed, an ISO, a camera mode, a metering mode, a focus mode, a focus area, a white balance, a file format, a drive mode, a long exposure noise reduction, a high ISO noise reduction, a color space, an image stabilization, or other. Also, for the purpose of controlling the camera, the computer may optionally select from a number of predetermined camera settings.

[0020] When the photograph is taken / captured, the computer is configured, e.g. is programmed, to display, i.e. show, the photograph via (by means of) the touch screen. This serves the purpose of enabling the user to view the captured image. Hence, if the user is not satisfied with the quality of the captured image, preferably further steps may be taken for capturing a new photograph.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, for taking the photograph of the first type, the computer is configured to control the camera to take a series of photographs focused on the eye and the respective iris of the user. More, preferably the computer is further configured to enable the user to select, via the graphical interface, the photograph of the first type from the series of photographs. Hence, the photograph to be subsequently processed by the computer, may advantageously be selected from said series of photographs. Said selection may be done manually by the user, or may be done automatically by the computer, e.g. by means of a software employing an algorithm e.g. an artificial intelligence algorithm. In the optional case that the computer is configured to enable the user to select one of a series of taken photographs, the computer preferably displays on the touchscreen the photos, thereby allowing the user to touch and / or select one of the displayed photos (photographs). The criteria used for selecting one or more of the captured photographs may for example comprise whether the eye shown in the photograph is open, correctly centered in the photo, in focus, whether the photograph is sharp, whether the eye is uniformly and / or adequately illuminated, or other. Overall, enabling the selection of the best photograph among a series of photographs may be desirable considering that during capturing a photograph of the user’s eye, said user may accidently blink or otherwise move. After the photograph is taken, or after one of a series of taken (captured) photographs is selected, then said taken or selected photograph may be further processed by the computer for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye. For this purpose, the computer is configured, e.g. is programmed, to process the photograph to generate said image of the iris. The processing of the image, and the generation of the image of the iris, is preferably done automatically, and for this purpose, the computer may be programed to execute a corresponding image processing algorithm. However, said image processing may optionally comprise the computer receiving and utilizing an input from the user. Said input may for example comprise a manual definition (indication) on the captured photograph, of the iris’ boundaries, specifically of the limbal ring, also called “external ring”, which is the dark ring around the iris, and / or of the iris’ internal ring, also called “pupil ring”, at the interface between the dark pupil and the iris that surrounds said dark pupil. Said limbal and pupil rings may be considered as correspondingly being the iris’ external and internal boundaries on the captured and processed photograph of the eye. Defining, i.e. indicating, manually the iris’ external and / or internal ring(s) may advantageously enable the accurate depiction, in the subsequently generated image of the iris (i.e. the iris image), of the iris which is shown in the captured photograph. Hence, in a preferred embodiment of the system of the first aspect of the invention, the computer is further configured to: display via (i.e. by means of) the touchscreen the photograph together with first graphical interface features that allow the user to manually define borders of the iris in the photograph; and use the borders defined by the user for generating the image of the iris. Further preferably, the first graphical interface features comprise a first circle and a second circle overlaying the photograph; and a corresponding position and diameter of each of the first and second circles are controllable (i.e. adjustable) according to a haptic input from (i.e. provided by) the user via the touchscreen such that the first circle can be controlled, i.e. be adjusted, to substantially coincide with a limbal ring of the eye to thereby define a first border of the iris, and the second circle can be controlled, i.e. be adjusted, to substantially coincide with a pupil ring of the eye to thereby define a second border of the iris. The user may preferably move and adjust manually said first and second circles on the image by touching and moving said circles on the touchscreen, so that advantageously the manual definition of the iris’ boundaries is done in an easy, fast and intuitive way.

[0022] The generated image of the iris may preferably show the iris on a white or substantially white background. The iris shown in the generated image may essentially be or correspond to an area of the iris between the aforementioned external and internal boundaries / rings of the iris shown in the captured photographed. Also, in said generated image of the iris, preferably the pupil area at the center of the iris may be made to be black or substantially black. Hence, in a preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the image of the iris shows an area of the iris between the first and the second borders, and said image comprises an artificially colored substantially black area surrounded by the second border, and an artificially colored substantially white area surrounding the first border. Depicting the area surrounding the iris as white, and the area within the iris as black, may advantageously promote the aesthetic value of the generated image, and may also advantageously enable the viewer of said image to better appreciate and more easily distinguish the pattern of the iris. This may be particularly useful in the optional case that the image of the iris is generated for a purpose related to a medical or cosmetic procedure, e.g. as part of an evaluation of the eye before or after a laser cosmetic iridoplasty or other procedure suitable for the alteration of the iris’ color.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the computer is further configured, e.g. is programed, to process the photograph, or to process the image of the iris, for artificially altering one or more properties of said photograph or image. More preferably said one or more properties comprise any of a brightness, a contrast, a color, a resolution, a size or a combination thereof. Overall, altering said one or more properties by the computer may be done for the purpose of improving the quality of the captured photograph or of the generated image of the iris. Improving the quality may entail bringing the one or more properties of the image into conformity with one or more corresponding requirements. Said requirements may for example refer to, or relate to, values of a resolution, a number of pixels, a brightness, or color levels of the image. Hence, improving the image quality may entail changing the values of one or more properties of the image so that said values, after being changed, are equal to desired corresponding values, or are within desired corresponding numerical ranges. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the computer is further configured, e.g. is programmed, to process the photograph or the image of the iris, to create a corresponding high-quality version of said photograph or image of the iris, respectively.

[0024] As mentioned, the present invention may optionally be used before a laser cosmetic iridoplasty procedure. In particular, at least a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be used for enabling a person to decide whether to seek or proceed with receiving further information regarding a laser cosmetic iridoplasty or other coloration alteration procedure that can cause the change of the color of the iris. For this purpose, the image of the iris that is generated by the computer of the system, may be utilized for enabling a prediction, i.e. an estimation, of how the iris shown in said image would look like after a color alteration procedure, particularly a laser cosmetic iridoplasty, is performed on the corresponding eye. Hence, in a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the computer of the system is further configured, e.g. programed, to process the photograph, or to process the image of the iris, and to generate an altered version of the processed photograph or image of the iris, respectively, wherein in said altered version a color of the iris is altered compared to the processed photograph or the processed image of the iris, respectively. More preferably said color is altered according a computer simulation of an effect that a laser cosmetic iridoplasty procedure would have on the iris of the user. Also, optionally and preferably the computer is configured to display, i.e. show, via (by means of) the touchscreen, said altered version.

[0025] The user of the system may find it entertaining or useful to be able to manually change or select the color of the photographed iris that is in an image which is displayed on the touchscreen of the computer of the system. This may be particularly useful in the case that the image is used by the user to evaluate whether to have a laser cosmetic iridoplasty or other medical procedure that can change the coloration of the iris. Hence, in a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the computer is further configured, e.g. programmed, to display (i.e. show) via the touchscreen the photograph, or the image of the iris, or the corresponding altered version of said photograph or iris, together with second graphical interface features, for enabling the user to manually select a coloration of the iris; and, when the user selects the coloration, the computer is configured to generate and display via the touchscreen a new version of the photograph or of the image of the iris or of the corresponding altered version of said photograph or image, respectively. In said new version, a color of the iris is altered according to the coloration selected by the user. Said second graphical interface may comprise for example a pallet or matrix or table comprising and showing different colors, such that the user can select one of said different colors. The new image or photograph version being displayed on the touch screen of the computer may be entertaining to the user, or may help the user to understand how the iris could potentially look as a result of a laser cosmetic iridoplasty or other color changing procedure that could be applied to the eye.

[0026] The user may be further entertained by, or find it useful to see, a three-dimensional (3D) model that illustrates the photographed iris with its original or an altered coloration. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the computer is further configured, e.g. programmed, to process the photograph or the image of the iris, and to generate and display to the user (i.e. show on the touchscreen) a 3D model of an eyeball comprising a virtual iris which is substantially similar to the iris shown in the captured photograph of the first type or the image of the iris. More preferably, the computer is also configured to rotate or move the displayed 3D model according to a corresponding haptic input provided by the user by means of the touchscreen. This may help the user to further understand how the iris would look in three dimensions in the hypothetical case that the color of the iris is altered.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the computer is also connectable to the internet, and the graphical interface comprises third graphical interface features for enabling to upload to a social media platform, or to send via email, or transmit to another computer, the photograph, or the image of the iris, or a photograph of a different type captured by the system, or another image generated by the computer. Said uploading may be done manually by the user, or may be done automatically according to optional predetermined settings being preferably programmed into the computer of the system. It is noted that the optional capability for uploading or sharing images via email, social media or other computers may be desired by the system’s user for entertaining or other purposes. For example, sending an image via email, or transmitting said image to another computer via the internet, may enable the user to save said image for future use. The third graphical interface features may optionally comprise a graphical menu, or windows, or tabs, or text fields, or other features. A particular use that may be enabled by said optional capabilities related to sharing or transmitting the images which are taken or generated by the system’s computer, is the utilization of said images for the evaluation of whether to perform a cosmetic or medical procedure that may result to the alternation of the iris’ color. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, the computer of the system is connectable via the internet or other computer network, to a computer that belongs or is accessible from a medical facility or establishment, so that the system’s user can share the images or photographs of the iris with said medical facility of establishment. For example, said medical facility or establishment may be an eye clinic or an ophthalmologist ’s office, wherein said eye clinic or ophthalmologist may further be specialized in laser cosmetic iridoplasty. It is noted that the computer may be connectable to the internet or to other computers wirelessly, e.g. via Wi-Fi, or via wire. Hence, in a preferred embodiment the computer is configured to be connected to the internet or to a computer network.

[0028] The system of the first aspect of the invention is particularly suitable for capturing the photograph of the first type that shows an iris of a user of the system, however, at least some embodiments of said system may also enable taking other types of photographs, such as a photograph showing the entire head of the user, or a photograph showing an upper part of the user’s body. Hence, in a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the computer is further configured to: enable, via the graphical interface, the user to select between taking the photograph of the first type, taking a photograph of a second type, and taking a photograph of a third type, wherein the photograph of the second type is focused on a head of the user, and the photograph of the third type is focused on the head, a neck and at least part of a trunk of the user; receive respective instructions from the user for taking the photograph of the second or third type; control the photographic camera to take the photograph of the second or third type according to the respective instructions from the user; display via the touchscreen the second or third photograph. The user may preferably manually select between the three types of photographs, using the touchscreen. For this purpose, the graphical interface may optionally display three windows or icons arranged next to each other, each of said windows or icons corresponding to the option of proceeding with capturing a photograph of the first, the second or third type, respectively.

[0029] The invention in a second aspect concerns a method for iris photography, the method comprising providing a system according to any of the previous claims; and the computer of the system carrying out the steps of: displaying via (by means of) the touchscreen a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph of a first type, the photograph of the first type being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; receiving instructions from the user for taking the photograph; controlling the array of lights to illuminate the user; controlling the photographic camera to take the photograph according to the instructions from the user; displaying via the touchscreen the photograph; processing the photograph for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye; and displaying, via the touchscreen, the image of the iris.

[0030] As can be understood from the present disclosure, the computer may be programmed to carry out the aforementioned steps of the method according to the invention. Hence, a third aspect of the invention concerns a computer program which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer of a system which is according to first aspect of the invention, cause the computer to carry out the steps of: displaying via the touchscreen a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph of a first type, the photograph of the first type being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; receiving instructions from the user for taking the photograph; controlling the array of lights to illuminate the user; controlling the photographic camera to take the photograph according to the instructions from the user; displaying via the touchscreen the photograph; processing the photograph for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye; displaying, via the touchscreen, the image of the iris. It may be understood that the various optional steps and functions which can be performed by the computer and are described herein regarding preferred or other embodiments of the system or method according to the invention, may also correspond to respective optional features, e.g. optional sets of instructions, of the program of (i.e. according to) the third aspect of the invention.

[0031] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] To complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate an embodiment of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but just as an example of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures:

[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 2 illustrates part of an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

[0035] Fig. 3 illustrates a photograph taken using an embodiment according to the invention.

[0036] Fig. 4A illustrates a photograph taken using an embodiment according to the invention.

[0037] Fig. 4B illustrates an image of an iris generated and displayed be means of an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

[0038] Fig. 5 illustrates some graphical features being displayed by the touchscreen of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, during an operation of said embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0040] Fig. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0041] Fig. 8 illustrates modules of an embodiment of a software according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0042] DESCRIPTION OF A WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0043] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is given solely for the purpose of describing the broad principles of the invention. Next embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the above-mentioned drawings, showing embodiments according to the different aspects of the invention.

[0044] A preferred embodiments of a system for iris photography according to the invention is explained next with reference to Fig. 1-5. The system shown in Fig. 1 comprises a casing 1 which comprises an optical window 2; a photographic camera 3 which is in the casing 1 and positioned adjacent to the optical window 2 to photograph a user facing the optical window 2; an array of lights 4 positioned around the optical window 2 for controllably illuminating the user; a computer supported by the casing 1 , connected to the photographic camera, and comprising a touchscreen 5 accessible by the user. The embodiment of Fig. 1 also comprises a support structure 6 placeable on a floor and configured to hold the casing 1 such that the optical window 2 is positioned to face the head of the user when the latter stands on the floor. Hence, the height of the support structure 6 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is adjustable such that the height at which the optical window 4 is located above the floor can be correspondingly adjusted. The photographic camera 3 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is further shown in Fig. 2 which further illustrates that said camera 3 is supported by a tripod 7 which can be inside and supported by the casing. For this purpose, the casing shown in Fig. 1 comprises an internal shelf on which said tripod 7 can be positioned and fixed so that the camera 3 on the tripod 7 is positioned adjacent to the optical window 2 as described above. It is noted that the camera 3 of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, however, other type of cameras may alternatively be used for the system of the first aspect of the invention. Fig. 2 also illustrates that in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the array of lights 4 is an LED ring that is fixed around a lens of the DSLR camera. The computer of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is a tablet, and hence, the touchscreen 5 is integrated with the rest of said computer. Moreover, as can be understood from Fig. 1 , the computer is in the casing 1 , and the touchscreen 5 is integrated with a surface of the casing and is accessible by the user from outside the casing 1. In addition, in the embodiment of Fig. 1 the touchscreen 5 and the optical window 2 are on same side of the casing, with the touchscreen being below the optical window 2, such that the touchscreen 5 is accessible by the user when the latter stands on the floor and faces the optical window 2 for being photographed.

[0045] The computer of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is configured to: display via the touchscreen 5 a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph of a first type, the photograph of the first type being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; receive instructions from the user for taking the photograph; control the array of lights 4 to illuminate the user; control the photographic camera 3 to take the photograph based on the instructions received from the user; display via the touchscreen 5 the photograph; process the photograph for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye; display, via the touchscreen 5, the image of the iris. It is noted that for the purpose of enabling that the photograph of the first type is well focused on the user’s eye, the computer of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is particularly configured to automatically focus the camera onto the photographed eye.

[0046] Fig, 3 illustrates a photograph of an iris captured using the embodiment of Fig. 1. In the photograph of Fig. 3 the eye’s lids are not fully open and as a result part of the iris is covered by the top lid. Hence, it may be useful if the system allows taking (capturing) more photographs of the iris, and selecting among said photographs one wherein the iris is better shown. For this purpose, the computer of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is also configured to control the photographic camera 3 to take a series of photographs focused on the eye and the respective iris of the user, and is further configured to enable the user to select, via the graphical interface, the photograph of the first type from the series of photographs. Fig. 4A illustrates an example of a photograph of the first type taken using the embodiment of Fig. 1 . In contrast to the image of Fig. 3, in the image / photograph of Fig. 4A the lids of the photographed eye do not cover part of the iris. It is noted that the computer of Fig. 1 is further configured to illustrate the image of the first type.

[0047] Fig. 4A further shows first graphical interface features that are displayed on the touchscreen of the embodiment of Fig. 1 together with the photograph of the first type. Said first graphical interface features allow the user to manually define in the photograph some borders of the iris. Specifically, the first graphical interface features shown in Fig. 4A comprise a first circle 8 and a second circle 9 overlaying the photograph. The corresponding position and diameter of each of the first and second circles 8, 9 are controllable according to a haptic input from the user via the touchscreen (5), e.g. by means of the user touching the touchscreen, such that the first circle 8 can be controlled to substantially coincide with a limbal ring of the eye in the photograph to thereby define a first border (i.e. an exterior border) of the iris, and the second circle 9 can be controlled to substantially coincide with a pupil ring of the eye to thereby define a second border (i.e. an interior border) of the iris. Moreover, the computer of the embodiment of Fig. 1 is further configured to use the borders defined by the user for generating the image of the iris, and Fig. 4B shows the image of the iris generated by the processing of the photograph of Fig. 4A. The image of Fig. 4B shows an area of the iris between the first and the second borders. Also, the image of Fig. 4B comprises an artificially colored substantially black first area 11 which is surrounded by the second border, and an artificially colored substantially white second area 10 which surrounds the first border. Alternatively, each of the first and second areas 11 , 10 may not be black or white, respectively, but instead be differently colored.

[0048] The embodiment of Fig. 1 may be used for implementing the preferred embodiment of the method that is illustrated by Fig. 6. The embodiment of Fig. 6 comprises in step 101 providing a system which is according to the first aspect of the invention, and for example may be the embodiment of Fig. 1. Moreover, the method of Fig. 6 further comprises the following steps carried out with (i.e. by means of) the computer of the system: in step 102, displaying, via the touchscreen 5, a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph of a first type, the photograph of the first type being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; in step 103, receiving instructions (e.g. an input) from the user for taking the photograph; in step 104, controlling the array of lights 4 to illuminate the user; in step 105, controlling the photographic camera 3 to take, i.e. capture, the photograph according to the instructions from the user; in step 106, displaying via the touchscreen 5 the captured photograph; in step 107, processing the photograph for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye; in step 108, displaying, via the touchscreen 5, the image of the iris.

[0049] Fig. 7 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the method, that is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 6. However, the method of Fig. 7 further comprises step 107a in which the computer processes the captured photograph and generates an altered version of the captured photograph. Preferably said altered version is a high quality version of the captured photograph, and for generating said high quality version, the computer is configured to automatically alter, e.g. by using an appropriate image processing algorithm, one or more properties of said photograph, wherein said one or more properties are any of a brightness, a contrast, a color, a resolution, a size or a combination thereof.

[0050] The computer of the system used for implementing the method of Fig. 7 is also configured to allow to use the graphical interface for selecting between taking the photograph of the first type, taking a photograph of a second type, or taking a photograph of a third type, wherein the photograph of the second type is focused on a head of the user, and the photograph of the third type is focused on the head, a neck and at least part of a trunk of the user. Hence, referring to the embodiment of Fig. 7, the user’s instructions received by the computer in step 103 may comprise respective instructions for taking the photograph of the second or third type. In the latter case, i.e. if the computer receives instructions to capture a photograph of the second or third type, then the computer may subsequently control the array of lights in step 104, and also control the photographic camera in step 105, to take said photograph of the second or third type. Consequently, the captured photographed displayed in step 106, and processed in step 107a, may be the photograph of the second or third type, in which case, as illustrated by Fig. 7, after step 107a the computer may proceed to another step 109, instead of proceeding to the steps 107 and 108 which are related to the case that the captured photograph is of the first type.

[0051] A preferred embodiment of a software according to the third aspect of the invention comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer of a system of the first aspect of the invention, cause the computer to carry out steps 102-108 of the method of Fig. 6. Another preferred embodiment of a software according to third aspect of the invention, comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by said computer, cause the computer to carry out steps 102-109 of the method of Fig. 7. Fig. 8 illustrates some components of a particularly preferred embodiment of a software of the third aspect of the invention. As shown in Fig. 8, the respective software comprises a first module 201 , a second module 202, a third module 203 and a fourth module 204. Said modules refer to respective parts of the software, wherein each of said modules enable executing one or more method steps. The first module 201 is a photograph acquisition and iris image generation module which can be used for implementing steps 102-108 of Fig. 6, or steps 102-109 of Fig. 7. The second module 202 is a color prediction module which can be used to process the photograph, or to process the image of the iris, and generate an altered version of the photograph or the image of the iris, respectively, wherein in said altered version a color of the iris is altered compared to the processed photograph or the processed image of the iris, respectively. Specifically, by means of the second module 202, said color is being altered according to a computer simulation of an effect that a laser cosmetic iridoplasty procedure would have on the iris of the user. Hence, the second module 202 comprises the respective instructions for executing said computer simulation. It is noted that said computer simulation may predict the impact that a laser cosmetic iridoplasty procedure would have to the iris of the user, and for the purpose of advantageously improving said prediction, the corresponding simulation may also utilize information, i.e. an input, regarding some physical features of the user and of the user’s parents, and the law of the two eye color genes (green and blue).

[0052] It is noted that the second module 202 of Fig. 8 further comprises instructions which when executed by the computer, causes said computer to display via the touchscreen 5 the photograph or the image of the iris or their corresponding altered version, together with second graphical interface features which enable the user to manually select a coloration of the iris. An example of said second graphical interface features is shown in Fig. 5 and comprises a table of colors 21 , wherein each of said colors is indicated by a respective integer number that corresponds to the value of the color in a scale from 1 to 60. Moreover, in said table of colors 21 , next to each number there is also a corresponding box (cell) 25 that visually shows the respective color. Moreover, said second module 202 comprises instructions which, when the user selects the coloration, e.g. by touching one of the boxes 25 of table 21 , can cause the computer executing said instructions, to generate and display via the touchscreen 5 a new version of the photograph or of the image of the iris or of their corresponding altered version, respectively, wherein in said new version a color of the iris is altered according to the coloration selected by the user.

[0053] The third module 203 of the embodiment of Fig. 8, comprises instructions which when executed by the computer of the system, can cause said computer to process the photograph or the image of the iris, and to generate and display (via the touchscreen) to the user a 3D model of an eyeball comprising a virtual iris which is substantially similar to the iris shown in the photograph of the first type or in the image of the iris, respectively. Fig. 5 illustrates an example of said 3D model 22 and corresponding virtual iris 26 being displayed on the touchscreen of a computer of an embodiment which executes the instructions of the third module 203. Moreover, in the embodiment of Fig. 5, said 3D model 22 is displayed together with the table of colors 21 which can be used so that the user manually changes a coloration of the virtual iris 26. In addition, in the embodiment of Fig. 5, said 3D model 22 is also displayed together with a first scale bar 23 and a second scale 24. Across each of said scale bars 23, 24 the user may drag respective cursors so the 3D model being displayed on the touchscreen is accordingly rotated about two respective axes.

[0054] The fourth module 204 of the embodiment of Fig. 8 comprises instructions which when executed by the computer of the system, can cause said computer to transmit the captured or processed images via the internet. Specifically, the fourth module 204 can cause the computer to upload to a social media platform, or to send via email, or to transmit to another computer data which comprise any of the captured photograph, the image of the iris, another image generated by the computer, information being introduced by the user intro the system via the touchscreen, or a combination thereof. Moreover, for the purpose of enabling the user to transmit said data, the fourth module also comprises instructions which when executed by the computer cause to computer display (on the touchscreen) third graphical interface features which enable the user to upload to a social media platform, or to send via email, or transmit to another computer said data.

[0055] The invention is obviously not limited to the specific embodiment(s) described herein, but also encompasses any variations that may be considered by any person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.), within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. System for iris photography, comprising a casing (1) that comprises an optical window (2); a photographic camera (3) located in the casing (1) and positioned adjacent to the optical window (2) to photograph a user facing the optical window (2); an array of lights (4) positioned around the optical window (2) for controllably illuminating the user; a computer supported by the casing (1), connected to the photographic camera, and comprising a touchscreen (5) accessible by the user, wherein the computer is configured to: display via the touchscreen (5) a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph of a first type, the photograph of the first type being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; receive instructions from the user for taking the photograph; control the array of lights (4) to illuminate the user; control the photographic camera (3) to take the photograph based on the instructions received from the user; display via the touchscreen (5) the photograph; process the photograph for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye; display, via the touchscreen (5), the image of the iris.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein for taking the photograph of the first type the computer is configured to control the photographic camera (3) to take a series of photographs focused on the eye and the respective iris of the user, and preferably the computer is further configured to enable the user to select, via the graphical interface, the photograph of the first type from the series of photographs.

3. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the computer is further configured to: display via the touchscreen (5) the photograph together with first graphical interface features that allow the user to manually define borders of the iris in the photograph; use the borders defined by the user for generating the image of the iris.

4. A system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the camera has an adjustable aperture configured such that, when the array of lights illuminates the iris at a determined brightness, the aperture is set at a determined wideness thereby controlling the depth of focus of the image of the iris.

5. A system according to any of the previous claims wherein the array of lights is configured to uniformly illuminate the eye of the user.

6. A system according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a support structure (6) placeable on a floor and configured to hold the casing (1) such that the optical window (2) is positioned to face the head of the user when the latter stands on the floor.

7. A method for iris photography, comprising providing a system according to any of claims 1-6; and the computer of the system carrying out the steps of: displaying via the touchscreen (5) a graphical interface for enabling the user to select taking a photograph of a first type, the photograph of the first type being focused on an eye and a respective iris of the user; receiving instructions from the user for taking the photograph; controlling the array of lights (4) to illuminate the user; controlling the photographic camera (3) to take the photograph according to the instructions from the user; displaying via the touchscreen (5) the photograph; processing the photograph for generating an image of the iris isolated from the rest of the eye; displaying, via the touchscreen (5), the image of the iris.

8. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer of a system which is according to any of claims 1-6, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method of claim 7.

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