Multi-Camera Iris Capture With Motion-Matched Frame Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing systems struggle to capture high-resolution iris patterns at a sufficient quality for authentication and verification, especially under conditions of large subject-distance, wide field of view, and subject movement, due to the lack of devices capable of achieving both high resolution and high frame rates.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple iris image pick-up devices positioned differently within the same field of view, an overall image pick-up device, guiding and illumination means, and a controller that controls image processing and illumination, allowing for image reading and processing at frame intervals matching subject movement, thereby enhancing image capture quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the distance between the subject and the image pick-up means is increased to achieve a wider field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the image quality and resolution of the iris pattern deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidiris pattern resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the imaging task into two segments: an overall image pick-up means for capturing a wide field of view to locate the subject, and multiple iris image pick-up means positioned at different locations for capturing high-resolution iris patterns. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between field of view and resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the frame rate is increased to capture moving subjects, then the ability to track moving subjects is improved, but the image quality and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rateVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The overall image pick-up means performs preliminary action by capturing the subject's position and movement in advance. This information is then used to control the multiple iris image pick-up means, allowing them to track the moving subject effectively. This preliminary tracking action enables the system to maintain high frame rates while preserving image quality by reducing motion blur and ensuring proper focus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple iris image pick-up means are used to improve image quality, then the resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiris pattern resolutionVSAvoidnumber of image pick-up devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the functions of multiple iris image pick-up means with the overall image pick-up means under a single control unit. The control unit coordinates all devices, allowing them to work together as an integrated system rather than separate components. This merging approach manages device complexity by providing centralized control while maintaining the resolution benefits of multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the multiple iris image pick-up means and the overall image pick-up means. It receives data from all devices, processes the information, and coordinates their operation to capture high-resolution iris patterns. This intermediary manages the complexity by abstracting the control logic, allowing multiple devices to function coherently without requiring complex point-to-point control connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the subject moves during photographing, then the system must handle dynamic conditions, but the image quality and focus deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle moving subjectsVSAvoidiris pattern quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by making the photographing process adaptive to subject movement. The control unit continuously monitors the subject's position and adjusts the photographing parameters accordingly. This dynamic adjustment ensures that high-resolution iris patterns are captured even when the subject moves, maintaining measurement precision while handling dynamic conditions effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system effectively captures iris patterns at a level of quality sufficient for authentication and verification, even under challenging conditions, by combining multiple devices and intelligent control to achieve the required resolution and frame rates.

Implementation Method 1

In the photographing of an iris, near-infrared light is applied to eyes of a subject. The wavelength of the near-infrared light applied to the eyes of the subject is in a range between 700 nm and 900 nm.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-infrared light emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3929861B1Image processing device, method, and system, and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 NEC CORP
  • EP3929861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3929861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3929861B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Both time resolution and recording time are attained even in the case where there are fluctuations in the walking speed of the subject. Iris image pick-up devices 401 to 404 perform image pick-up of an iris of a moving subject. Images from the iris image pick-up devices (401 to 404) are written to storage areas for transfer (521 to 524) in a memory (502). A readout device (504) reads out an image stored in the storage areas for transfer (521 to 524) to a storage area for image processing (525) at a frame interval corresponding to the movement speed of the subject. An image processing unit (503) executes processing using the image read out to the storage area for image processing (525).