Updated: 01/07/2009

Iris Recognition

A Primer on Iris Recognition Technologyiris

How Does Iris Recognition Work?
Where is Iris Recognition Used?

How Does Iris Recognition Work?

Iris recognition is based on the most mathematically unique biometric - the iris of the eye. The human iris is absolutely unique, even between twins or an individual's right and left eyes. The iris itself is stable throughout a person's life (approximately from the age of one). The physical characteristics of the iris do not change with age. None of the other biometric solutions, including fingerprinting, facial recognition, retina scanning, and voice recognition provide the level of accuracy, speed, or cost-effectiveness found with iris recognition technology.

Iris recognition biometric technology positively determines the identity of an individual by capturing a high resolution digital photograph of the individual's iris. The unique features contained in the iris are compared against a database and the identity of the individual determined.

The technology is non-intrusive - the individual does not need to touch anything to use the system. Automatic voice prompting, auto focus, plus enrollment and recognition speed make the system easy to use. An individual is detected automatically upon approaching the imager (a digital camera that looks like binoculars). A glance through the camera allows the camera to capture an iris image for both eyes which is digitally processed into a unique code and record. No PINs, passwords, or cards are required.

Iris recognition technology is strictly voluntary. Subjects agree to enroll and participate, reducing privacy concerns. The user must consciously elect to participate in iris recognition for authentication by presenting their eyes to the camera. The Child Project’s™ technology cannot work without the explicit cooperation of the end-user. All a person needs to do is look into a camera for a few seconds. A digital photograph is taken of their iris and the image is stored in our database. This process is non-invasive and inherently safe as there is nothing to touch, no lasers, strong lights, or any kind of harmful beams.

Iris recognition was proven to have the highest biometric accuracy, with no false matches in over two million cross-comparisons, according to Biometric Product Testing Final Report (19 March 2001, Center for Mathematics and Scientific Computing, National Physics Laboratory, U.K.)

For more information please contact Sean Mullin, President of The Child Project™, at smullin@thechildproeject.org or 508-224-1600 ext. 17.

Back to Top

Where is Iris Recognition Used?

Because of its reliability and ease of use, Iris recognition technology is gaining popularity across the globe in areas such as public safety, aviation, education and health care.

As of November 2008, The Child Project™ technology is now used in many large and small county Sheriff’s Offices across 33 states.

For more information on the location of a participating Sheriff’s Office near you, please contact Patricia Lawton at plawton@thechildproject.org or 508-224-1600 ext. 12.

Back to Top