Eye scanners, specifically iris scanners, work by photographing the intricate patterns of your iris using a high-resolution infrared camera. This process allows for secure identification by mapping the unique characteristics of your eye.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Infrared Illumination: A near-infrared light source illuminates the eye. This light is nearly invisible to the human eye and helps to enhance the contrast of the iris patterns, making them easier to capture.
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Image Capture: A high-resolution infrared camera captures a detailed image of the iris from a comfortable distance (around 20-30 cm). The system automatically detects the eye and ensures the image is focused and clear. The resulting image is usually black and white.
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Pattern Recognition: Sophisticated algorithms analyze the captured image, identifying and mapping the unique features of the iris, such as:
- Furrows: The ridges and valleys in the iris texture.
- Crypts: Small, dark spots in the iris.
- Collarette: The zig-zag pattern that separates the pupillary and ciliary zones.
- Rings: Concentric bands around the pupil.
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Template Creation: The analyzed data is then converted into a digital template. This template is a unique mathematical representation of the iris pattern, similar to a fingerprint.
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Matching and Authentication: When you use the scanner again, the process is repeated. The newly captured iris image is analyzed, and a new template is created. This template is then compared to the previously stored template in a database. If the two templates match with a high degree of certainty, the user is authenticated.
Iris scanning is considered a highly accurate and secure biometric authentication method because the iris:
- Is Unique: Even identical twins have different iris patterns.
- Is Stable: The iris pattern remains relatively stable throughout a person's life.
- Is Protected: The iris is an internal organ protected by the cornea and eyelids, making it difficult to tamper with.
