Iris Recognition Multi-Directional Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Iris recognition reliability is affected by illumination and sensing component properties, as well as iris recognition algorithm details, leading to inconsistent detection of characteristic features.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the capture of digital image frames of an iris from different directions, where image data from at least two frames is used to detect characteristic features, improving reliability by accounting for the three-dimensional structure and varying illumination effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image data from multiple digital image frames captured from different directions is used, then the reliability of iris recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveiris recognition reliabilityVSAvoidsensing component configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-direction 2D imaging to multi-directional 3D imaging by capturing image frames from different angular positions. This dimensional change allows the system to capture depth information and three-dimensional iris structure, improving recognition reliability while managing device complexity through structured illumination patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the imaging process into multiple sequential or simultaneous captures from different directions, segments the illumination into multiple sources positioned at different angles, and processes image data from multiple frames separately before integration. This segmentation approach manages complexity by breaking down the complex multi-directional imaging task into manageable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple illumination directions are used, then the detection of characteristic features is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacteristic feature detection accuracyVSAvoidimage capture time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic illumination patterns where multiple light sources are activated in a repeating sequence from different directions. This periodic action allows the system to capture multiple angled views in a rhythmic pattern, improving feature detection while minimizing total capture time through efficient temporal scheduling of illumination and capture cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary capture of multiple image frames from different directions before the actual recognition processing. By pre-capturing all necessary angular views and storing them for later processing, the system separates the time-consuming capture phase from the processing phase, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing perceived processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10157312B2Iris recognition

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A method may comprise obtaining image data of a plurality of digital image frames captured of an assumed eye having an iris and a pupil while illuminating the assumed eye from different directions; and automatically detecting a characteristic feature of the iris on the basis of image data of the at least two of the plurality of digital image frames.