Iris Imaging Capture Volume Switching for Quality and Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging systems for iris authentication face challenges in balancing image quality with capturing time and complexity, particularly in adjusting capture volumes and focal point control methods to meet different purposes of use.

Innovation Solution

The imaging system adjusts capture volumes and distances based on imaging modes, allowing for high-quality images in registration modes while reducing adjustment time in authentication modes by varying the rearward most distance, and incorporates a guide unit to assist the subject into the appropriate capture volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the capture volume is extended to include更远 distances, then the imaging mode can accommodate more subjects and scenarios, but the image quality and detail resolution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging mode adaptabilityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system dynamically adjusts the capture volume parameters (frontmost distance, rearward most distance, field of view) based on the selected imaging mode. For registration modes, the capture volume is configured for closer distances with narrower field of view to ensure high image quality. For authentication modes, the capture volume extends to farther distances with wider field of view to accommodate various scenarios, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and image quality through dynamic configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters including the rearward most distance, frontmost distance, and field of view according to the imaging mode. By varying these parameters, the system can switch between a compact high-quality capture volume for registration and an extended versatile capture volume for authentication, maintaining optimal performance for each specific purpose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple focal point control methods are implemented to meet different imaging purposes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging mode flexibilityVSAvoidfocal point control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system implements a single imaging unit that performs multiple functions by adjusting its capture volume parameters. Instead of using separate imaging units or complex focal point control mechanisms for different modes, the system uses one imaging unit with configurable capture volumes that adapt to both registration and authentication requirements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically configures the capture volume parameters based on the selected imaging mode, allowing a single imaging unit to adapt its behavior for different purposes. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for multiple fixed focal point control methods, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the capture volume is optimized for close distances for high-quality images, then the image quality improves, but the capturing time increases due to stricter focus requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcapturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts capture volume parameters based on imaging mode: for registration modes requiring high image quality, the capture volume is configured for close distances with narrower field of view, allowing optimized focusing. For authentication modes, the capture volume extends to farther distances with wider field of view, reducing the strictness of focus requirements and thereby reducing capturing time, thus resolving the contradiction through mode-based dynamic configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4113976B1Imaging system, imaging method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 NEC CORP
  • EP4113976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4113976B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4113976B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging system (1) includes an imaging unit (2) configured to capture an eye of a target person, and a mode control unit (4) configured to select one of imaging modes including a first imaging mode that sets a capture volume for which a greatest distance from the imaging unit (2) in an optical axis direction of the imaging unit (2) is a first distance, and a second imaging mode that sets the capture volume for which the greatest distance from the imaging unit is a second distance, in which the second distance is greater than the first distance. With the imaging system (1), a balance between an image quality matching a purpose of use and a capturing time may be easily achieved.