Iris Spoof Detection via Dual Exposure Reflection Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Iris-based biometric systems are susceptible to spoofing attacks, with existing methods causing user discomfort and safety concerns due to varying illumination levels, which can exceed safety thresholds.

Innovation Solution

The method involves obtaining two iris images with different exposure settings, comparing reflection patterns, and determining authenticity based on consistent or inconsistent variations in image characteristics such as size, intensity, and pixel saturation, without altering illumination levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If illumination levels are varied to detect spoofing, then spoof detection capability is improved, but user comfort and eye safety deteriorate due to intensity exceeding safety thresholds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespoof detection capabilityVSAvoideye safety and user comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter being varied from illumination intensity to exposure time. By taking images at different exposure times (e.g., first exposure time t1, second exposure time t2) while keeping illumination constant, the system achieves spoof detection without exposing the eye to harmful light levels. The reflection patterns differ authentically between exposure times for real eyes but not for spoofs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of varying light source intensity with a temporal approach of varying exposure duration. Instead of modulating the illumination source strength, the system uses the camera's exposure time setting to capture different amounts of reflected light, achieving the same detection goal without the harmful side effects of high-intensity illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If high resolution printed images are presented for imaging, then spoofing attack success is improved, but system security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem security
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic variation in exposure time to detect spoofing. By alternating between different exposure settings (first exposure time, then second exposure time) and analyzing the periodic response of reflection patterns, the system can distinguish authentic eyes from high-resolution printed spoofs. Real eyes show consistent periodic response patterns while spoofs do not.

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 approach effectively differentiates between authentic and counterfeit irises while ensuring user safety and comfort by using exposure control instead of varying illumination, thereby enhancing spoof detection in iris recognition systems.

Implementation Method 1

comparing the incidence of reflection patterns within the first and second iris images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3213245B1Systems and methods for spoof detection in iris based biometric systems
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 DELTA ID INC
  • EP3213245B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3213245B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3213245B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention provides methods, systems and computer program products for spoof detection in iris based biometric recognition. In an embodiment, the invention comprises (i) obtaining a first image of an iris at an imaging apparatus configured to a first exposure setting (202) (ii) obtaining a second image of the iris at the imaging apparatus configured to a second exposure setting (204) (iii) comparing incidence of reflection patterns within the first and second iris images (206) and (iv) determining authenticity of the imaged iris based on a result of comparing the incidence of reflection patterns within the first and second iris images (208).