Iris Scanner Alignment Guide Using Dynamic Field of View

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Solution Overview

Problem

Iris scanning biometric systems are sensitive to inconsistencies in distance and angle between the scanner and the user's body, leading to vignetting and increased chances of false errors, which affects the acceptability and reliability of the identification process.

Innovation Solution

The use of alignment target generators, including planar light sources and beam-shaping elements, to guide the user's eye into optimal alignment with the scanner, reducing vignetting and improving the accuracy of iris scanning by providing visual cues that adjust based on the eye's position and angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the user is required to maintain strict alignment with the scanner for accurate iris scanning, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the difficulty of maintaining proper positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiris scanning accuracyVSAvoiduser positioning difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time visual feedback through alignment indicators that change appearance based on the user's eye position relative to the optimal scanning position. When the user's eye is misaligned, the alignment indicator displays a misaligned state, guiding the user to adjust their position until proper alignment is achieved, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

An alignment indicator serves as an intermediary element between the user and the scanner, providing visual guidance about the user's positioning status. This mediator translates complex alignment requirements into simple visual cues that users can easily understand and respond to, reducing the difficulty of maintaining proper positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the scanner uses a fixed field of view, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vignetting when the user's eye is not perfectly positioned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanner structure simplicityVSAvoidiris scanning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The field of view is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to expand or contract based on the user's eye position. When the user is properly aligned, the full field of view is available for accurate scanning. When misaligned, the field of view automatically adjusts to maintain optimal imaging conditions, preventing vignetting while keeping the device structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the field of view parameter dynamically in response to user positioning. By adjusting the field of view extent based on detected eye position, the system maintains measurement precision across different user positions without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the scanner itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of iris scanning by minimizing vignetting and distortion, thereby reducing false matches and improving user experience in self-service situations.

Implementation Method 1

alignment target generators, including planar light sources and beam-shaping elements, to guide the user's eye into optimal alignment with the scanner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission and beam shaping: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3314532B1Field-of-view ocular and facial alignment guides
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 INTEL CORP
  • EP3314532B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3314532B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3314532B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3G

AI summary

Low-cost, easy-to-use alignment target generators for aligning a user's own face or eye to a camera or scanner are based on field-of-view visual feedback from a filtered or apertured planar light source. These approaches may be made agnostic to the scanner's operating system or other software. Alternatively, software on the scanner or its host device may create a solid light-colored section of an existing display screen to use as a planar light source. In some embodiments, the planar light source may be the virtual image of an object viewed in a plane mirror.