Two-Dimensional Mirror Gimbal for At-a-Distance Iris Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional iris scanning devices are typically stationary, require separate imaging sensors for each eye, and necessitate the user to position their eyes close to the sensor, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to track.
Innovation Solution
A portable iris scanning device with a gimbal-mounted mirror and dual cameras (RGB and IR) that adjusts orientation based on facial features to capture iris images at arm's length, using a single camera for both eyes by iteratively refining the image capture through coarse and fine adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary imaging sensor is used for iris scanning, then the scanning precision can be maintained, but the user comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to the requirement to position eyes close to the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the imaging sensor movable rather than stationary. The sensor is mounted on a gimbal mechanism that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to track the user's eye movements, allowing the user to hold the device at a comfortable distance while maintaining scanning precision through active adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a processor to receive images from the imaging sensor and determine eye features based on those images. This closed-loop system continuously monitors eye position and adjusts the gimbal orientation accordingly, ensuring the imaging sensor maintains optimal alignment with the user's eye throughout the scanning process.
2Measurement precision
If separate imaging sensors are used for left and right eyes, then the measurement precision for each eye can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single imaging sensor that can serve multiple functions - capturing images of both the left and right eyes sequentially. The gimbal mechanism rotates to different orientations to direct the single sensor toward each eye, eliminating the need for separate sensors while maintaining the ability to capture high-quality images of either eye.
3Measurement precision
If the imaging sensor is positioned close to the user's eye, then the measurement precision can be maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort and difficulty in tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the imaging system dynamic through the gimbal mechanism. The sensor can be positioned at a comfortable distance from the user's eye while the gimbal actively adjusts its orientation to maintain precise alignment with the eye, eliminating the need for close proximity while preserving image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing rotational freedom through the gimbal mechanism. Instead of fixing the sensor in a single position, the system adds rotational dimensions, allowing the sensor to sweep through different angles and orientations to track eye movements and maintain optimal imaging geometry from various positions.
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
Enables comfortable and flexible iris scanning at a distance, improving user experience by capturing high-quality iris images suitable for biometric identification using a single camera and allowing movement during the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror mounted on a gimbal... the mirror is oriented to cause the image of the eye of the user to be captured
Data Source
AI summary
An iris scanning device includes a first camera that captures an image of a face of a user and a second camera that captures an image of an eye of the user subsequent to the image of the face being captured. The iris scanning device includes a gimbal having a mirror mounted thereon and a facial feature detector that identifies facial features of the user based upon the image of the face. The iris scanning device further includes control circuitry that adjusts an orientation of the gimbal based upon the facial features, where the image of the eye is captured upon the orientation of the gimbal being adjusted, and where the mirror mounted on the gimbal is oriented to cause the image of the eye to be captured. An iris of the eye of the user may be located in a central region of the image of the eye.