Dual-Angle Iris Illumination for Glasses Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing iris authentication systems face challenges in capturing clear iris images when subjects are wearing glasses or similar eyewear, as the reflected light from these items can interfere with the imaging process.

Innovation Solution

The proposed imaging system employs two different light irradiation methods: one for subjects without glasses and another for those with glasses. The system determines whether the subject is wearing glasses and adjusts the angle of the light emission accordingly, using a first illuminator for subjects without glasses and a second illuminator with a larger angle for those with glasses to minimize reflected light interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If light is applied to the subject from the first irradiation means (smaller angle), then the imaging system can capture clear iris images when the subject is not wearing glasses, but the reflected light from glasses interferes with the imaging process when the subject is wearing glasses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveiris image qualityVSAvoidreflected light interference from glasses

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the illumination angle parameter by switching between two different irradiation means with distinct angular characteristics. The first irradiation means uses a smaller angle suitable for subjects without glasses, while the second irradiation means uses a larger angle to minimize reflected light interference from glasses, thereby adapting the imaging parameters to different subject conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which irradiation means to use based on real-time detection of whether the subject is wearing glasses. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize illumination conditions for each subject, switching between the two irradiation configurations to maintain high image quality while minimizing interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the system uses a single irradiation configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot obtain high-quality iris images when the subject is wearing glasses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveirradiation system configurationVSAvoidiris image quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into two distinct irradiation means, each optimized for specific conditions. The first irradiation means is configured for subjects without glasses, while the second irradiation means is configured for subjects wearing glasses. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the system as a whole handles multiple scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two irradiation means that can handle different subject conditions (with and without glasses). The control unit determines which irradiation configuration to use based on subject characteristics, making the system universally applicable to various imaging scenarios without requiring separate systems for each condition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the system requires subjects to remove glasses for imaging, then image quality is improved, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveiris image qualityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection to determine whether the subject is wearing glasses before initiating the imaging process. Based on this preliminary information, the control unit pre-selects the appropriate irradiation configuration, allowing the imaging to proceed smoothly without requiring the subject to remove their glasses, thereby maintaining both image quality and user convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach ensures that high-quality iris images can be obtained regardless of whether the subject is wearing glasses, improving the success rate of iris authentication and enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for subjects to remove their glasses.

Implementation Method 1

first irradiation means for applying light to the subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

second irradiation means for applying light to the subject in such a manner that an angle between an optical axis of the light emitted from the second irradiation means and an optical axis of the iris imaging means is larger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12283077B2Imaging system, imaging method, and computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 NEC CORP

AI summary

An imaging system (10) includes: iris imaging means (1) for photographing an iris of a subject; first irradiation means (2a) for applying light to the subject; and second irradiation means (2b) for applying light to the subject in such a manner that an angle between an optical axis of the light emitted from the second irradiation means (2b) and an optical axis of the iris imaging means (1) is larger than an angle between an optical axis of the light emitted from the first irradiation means (2a) and the optical axis of the iris imaging means (1).