Iris Recognition Illumination Selection for Eyeglass Reflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Iris recognition systems face prolonged processing times when individuals wear glasses due to imaging issues caused by reflected light from eyeglass lenses, necessitating the use of multiple illumination types that increase recognition time.

Innovation Solution

An iris recognition apparatus with multiple light sources having different incident angles, allowing for selective adjustment of illumination modes based on initial imaging to minimize interference from eyeglass reflections, thereby optimizing the imaging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If imaging with two types of illumination is performed for all target persons, then the iris can be properly imaged even when wearing glasses, but the time required for iris recognition becomes relatively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiris imaging qualityVSAvoidrecognition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary imaging with a first illumination type to detect the presence of eyeglasses before selecting the appropriate second illumination type for actual iris recognition. This preliminary detection action avoids performing both illumination types for all subjects, thereby reducing recognition time while ensuring proper iris imaging when glasses are present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes illumination parameters (illumination type selection) based on detected conditions (presence of eyeglasses). By adjusting the illumination parameter from a default single type to an optimized two-type approach only when needed, the system resolves the contradiction between reliable imaging and fast recognition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources with different incident angles are used, then the adaptability to different wearing conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination adaptabilityVSAvoidlight source configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses preliminary imaging with a simple first illumination to detect eyeglass presence, then selectively activates specific second illumination types only when needed. This approach achieves high adaptability without requiring all multiple light sources to be active simultaneously, thereby managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple light sources are designed to serve different functions: one for preliminary detection and another for specialized iris imaging when glasses are present. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high adaptability while managing complexity by having each light source serve a specific purpose rather than all sources being equally complex

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

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 reduces the time required for iris recognition by dynamically adjusting illumination settings based on initial imaging, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an irradiating device that is capable of irradiating light to a target person to be recognized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

an acquiring device that acquires a first image which imaged a first imaging range including at least a face of the target person

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3992900B1Iris recognition device, iris recognition method, computer program, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NEC CORP
  • EP3992900B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3992900B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3992900B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An iris recognition apparatus is provided with: an irradiating device that is capable of irradiating light to a target person to be recognized; an acquiring device that acquires a first image which imaged a first imaging range including at least a face of the target person; and a determining device that determines an irradiation mode of light irradiated from the irradiating device to the target person when imaging a second image including an area, which includes an eye of the target person, and corresponding to a second imaging range, which is narrower than the first imaging range, based on the first image.