Method and apparatus for designing iris biometric systems for use in minimally constrained settings

• US 20060274918A1
• Filed: 02/28/2006
• Published: 12/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation (SRI International, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation (SRI International, Inc.)
• Inventors: Naroditsky, Oleg, Tinker, Michael, Amantea, Robert, Bergen, James R., Matey, James R., Zappia, Thomas, LoIacono, Dominick
• Application Number:
  US11/364,300
• Publication Number:
  US 20060274918A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/117
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 18/40 Software arrangements specially adapted for pattern recognition, e.g. user interfaces or toolboxes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/945 User interactive design; Environments; Toolboxes
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/19 Sensors therefor

Abstract

A method and apparatus for designing an iris biometrics system that operates in minimally constrained settings. The image acquisition system has fewer constraints on subjects than traditional methods by extending standoff distance and capture volume. The method receives design parameters and provides derived quantities that are useful in designing an image acquisition system having a specific set of performance requirements. Exemplary scenarios of minimally constrained settings are provided, such as a high volume security checkpoint, an office, an aircraft boarding bridge, a wide corridor, and an automobile.

Claims

1. A method for designing an iris biometrics system, comprising:

receiving a plurality of design constraints for a minimally constrained environment;

calculating at least one calculated parameter; and

providing a design for an iris biometrics system that operates within the plurality of design constraints, the design being based on the at least one calculated parameter.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of design constraints comprise at least one of:

a capture volume, a standoff distance, a number of subjects in the capture volume, an acquisition rate, a speed of subjects, a cooperation indication, or an attended indication.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a further plurality of design constraints comprise at least one of:

a lens focal length, an illuminator power, a camera standoff, an illuminator standoff, a camera resolution, a camera sensitivity, and an illuminator wavelength.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one calculated parameter comprises at least one of:

an amount of radiation absorbed by the iris, a captured image contrast, eye-safe levels of absorption, and a depth of field.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the minimally constrained environment comprises at least one of:

a security checkpoint, an office, a boarding bridge, a corridor, and an automobile.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the iris biometrics system uses synchronized stroboscopic illumination.

7. A system for providing iris biometrics, comprising:

a user interface for receiving a plurality of design constraints for a minimally constrained environment; and

a processor for calculating at least one calculated parameter and for providing a design for an iris biometrics system that operates within the plurality of design constraints and safety constraints, the design being based on the plurality of design constraints, the at least one calculated parameter, and the safety constraints.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of design constraints comprises at least one of:

a capture volume, a standoff distance, a number of subjects in the capture volume, an acquisition rate, a speed of subjects, a cooperation indication, and an attended indication.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor calculates an occular radiance threshold level value (TLV) based on an exposure time, a wavelength, and an angular subtense.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor calculates an occular irradiance TLV based on an exposure time and a wavelength.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor calculates a laser occular irradiance TLV based on an exposure time and a wavelength.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor calculates an eye-safe level of absorption.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein the iris biometrics system uses synchronized stroboscopic illumination.

14. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of a method for providing iris biometrics, comprising:

receiving a plurality of design constraints for a minimally constrained environment;

calculating at least one calculated parameter; and

providing a design for an iris biometrics system that operates within the plurality of design constraints, the design being based on the at least one calculated parameter.

15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the plurality of design constraints comprise at least one of:

a capture volume, a standoff distance, a number of subjects in the capture volume, an acquisition rate, a speed of subjects, a cooperation indication, or an attended indication.

16. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein a further plurality of design constraints comprise at least one of:

a lens focal length, an illuminator power, a camera standoff, an illuminator standoff, a camera resolution, a camera sensitivity, and an illuminator wavelength.

17. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the at least one calculated parameter comprises at least one of:

an amount of radiation absorbed by the iris, a captured image contrast, eye-safe levels of absorption, and a depth of field.

18. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the minimally constrained environment comprises at least one of:

a security checkpoint, an office, a boarding bridge, a corridor, and an automobile.

19. The computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the iris biometrics system uses synchronized stroboscopic illumination.