BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION USING THE EYE

• US 20100310133A1
• Filed: 11/26/2008
• Published: 12/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yukata Investment Marketing Pty Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Wavefront Biometric Technologies Pty Ltd (Nemex Resources Ltd.)
• Inventors: Mason, Stephen Archer, Sarver, Edwin Jay
• Granted Patent: US 8,718,335 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/117
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0223 of calibration, e.g. protocols for calibrating sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/19 Sensors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/67 by interactive indications to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/37 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition

Abstract

This invention concerns apparatus and a method for authenticating a subject using their eye as an identifying biometric, in particular the shape of their cornea. The apparatus comprises an image projection device to generate and project an image of a pattern, made up of plural discrete points, onto at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the person. An image capture device to capture an image of the pattern of plural discrete points, after reflection in at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the person. And, a computer processor to extract a data set defining the locations of the discrete points in the captured image. The method comprises capturing an image of an illuminated pattern, made up of plural discrete points, after reflection in at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the subject. Comparing the locations of the discrete points in the pattern of the captured image against the locations of the discrete points in the pattern of a reference image. And, authenticating the identity of the subject depending on the similarity of comparison. In a further aspect the invention is software for performing the method.

Claims

1. Apparatus for authenticating a subject, comprising:

an image projection device to generate and project an image of a pattern, made up of plural discrete points, onto at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the subject;

an image capture device to capture an image of the pattern of plural discrete points, after reflection in at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the subject; and

,

a computer processor to extract a data set defining the locations of the discrete points in the captured image.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a computer is used to compare the data set defining the locations of the discrete points against the locations of the corresponding points of the pattern in a reference set;

and to output an indication of whether the identity of the subject is authenticated or not.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in addition to the plural discrete points there are other elements in the reflected image.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the other elements are used to automatically determine that an eye is present and properly focused.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image capture device comprises a telecentric lens and an image sensor arranged, in use, coaxially with the cornea, and eye, of the subject.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an alignment device is incorporated into the apparatus to ensure the subject'"'"'s eye is properly aligned before an image is captured.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an automatic focus device is incorporated into the apparatus to ensure the image is properly focused before an image is captured.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the intensity of the lights is varied when they are ON, either all together or each light independently.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, in combination with a remote secure reference repository and a secure communications link between them.

10. A method for authenticating a subject, comprising the steps of:

capturing an image of an illuminated pattern, made up of plural discrete points, after reflection in at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the subject;

comparing the locations of the discrete points in the pattern of the captured image against the locations of the discrete points in the pattern of a reference image; and

,

authenticating the identity of the subject depending on the similarity of comparison.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the image is captured after specular reflection of the pattern.

12. A method according to claim 10, wherein the image capture step involves capturing two images, one with the pattern illuminated and the other with the pattern not illuminated.

13. A method according to claim 10, wherein authentication relies upon a comparison between the locations of the discrete points in a currently captured image and one or more previously obtained reference images.

14. A method according to claim 10, wherein authentication relies upon a comparison between the locations of the discrete points in a currently captured image and a series of reference images of a variety of subjects, including the present subject.

15. A method according to claim 10, including the further step of extracting a data set defining the locations of the discrete points in the captured image.

16. A method according to claim 10, wherein the locations are represented in Cartesian (X, Y) or polar (r, θ

) coordinates in the current image and the reference image(s).

17. A method according to claim 10, wherein the locations are represented as a difference (δ

) between the location measured and the original pattern or the pattern after reflection in a reference surface.

18. A method according to claim 10, wherein the comparison involves measurements of either the current or the reference images, or both, at a degree of accuracy required by the authentication process.

19. A method according to claim 10, wherein the comparison involves the use of different weightings applied to different points of the pattern.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein points further from the centre of the pattern are given more weight in the comparison calculation.

21. A method according to claim 10, comprising the further step of denying authentication when there is an exact match between the locations in the current image and the locations in the reference image.

22. Software, being machine readable code on a machine readable medium, for controlling the apparatus to perform the method.