Eye Illumination Control for Iris Authentication Pupil Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing iris authentication techniques face challenges in quickly obtaining an iris image with a pupil size in a desired range, especially in environments with varying light conditions, which can lead to reduced authentication accuracy and user discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A control device that acquires an input image of an eye region, estimates the illuminance of the eye part, and determines the light amount of visible light illumination needed to adjust the pupil size to a desired condition based on an illuminance size relationship.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple iris images are captured to obtain an appropriate pupil size, then authentication accuracy is improved, but the time required for authentication increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidtime required for authentication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary estimation of the current pupil size based on ambient light conditions before capturing iris images. By predicting whether the pupil size will be appropriate and adjusting illumination in advance, the system avoids unnecessary multiple captures, thus reducing authentication time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from pupil size estimation results to dynamically adjust the illumination amount. Based on the estimated pupil size from captured images, the system determines whether additional illumination is needed and adjusts subsequent captures accordingly, reducing the number of unnecessary retry captures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If strong light is used to contract the pupil, then authentication accuracy is improved, but user comfort and safety deteriorate due to discomfort and potential retinal damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoiduser comfort and retinal safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the illumination parameters (light amount, wavelength) based on the estimated pupil size and ambient light conditions. Instead of using fixed strong light, the system adjusts illumination parameters to achieve optimal pupil contraction while minimizing discomfort and retinal exposure risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between the need for pupil contraction and user safety. By using illumination amount control as an intermediary variable, the system achieves gradual pupil adjustment rather than sudden exposure to strong light, reducing shock and discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the pupil is allowed to remain open in dark environments, then user comfort is improved, but authentication accuracy deteriorates due to narrow iris region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidauthentication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts illumination based on ambient light conditions and estimated pupil size. In dark environments, the system activates illumination to induce pupil contraction when needed for authentication, while allowing the pupil to remain open when authentication is not required, thus balancing comfort and accuracy dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic illumination activation during the authentication process. Instead of continuous strong illumination, the system activates light periodically to capture images at optimal moments when pupil size is appropriate, minimizing overall exposure while ensuring accurate captures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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 solution enables the rapid acquisition of an iris image with a pupil size in a desired state, improving authentication accuracy and user comfort by efficiently managing light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The shape of an iris changes depending on the amount of light radiating a pupil. For example, in a dark environment, the pupil is open. In the case where the pupil is exposed to strong light, the pupil contracts and becomes smaller.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPupillary light reflex:

Data Source

PatentUS12302005B2Determination of light amount of illumination of visible light with which the eye part is irradiated such that pupil size satisfies a size condition

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 NEC CORP

AI summary

A control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: acquire an input image including an eye region that is a region of an eye part; estimate illuminance of the eye part from the acquired input image; and determine a light amount of illumination of visible light with which the eye part is irradiated in such a way that a pupil size of the eye part satisfies a size condition based on an illuminance size relationship that is a relationship between the illuminance and the pupil size.