FireWire-based Cameras are a Key Component in New Iris Scanning System From Sarnoff Corporation

One of the most innovative and interesting uses of FireWire comes in advanced vision systems. FireWire is now playing a major role in new iris scanning systems such as the recently-introduced Iris on the Move (IOM) technology developed at Princeton-based Sarnoff Corporation, which claims IOM can dramatically reduce the false match rates that have previously characterized iris recognition biometric technology.

Unlike commercially available systems that require individuals to stop and stare directly into a scanner for a set period of time, the IOM verifies identities by scanning irises from a distance of three meters, allowing subjects to move through security checks at speeds of up to 30 people per minute.

Engineers at Sarnoff combined several technologies including near-infrared (NIR) illumination, dual FireWire cameras, and off-the-shelf image and iris recognition software. IOM works by noting the approximate position of a person’s eyes, which must be located within the field of view of the scanner.

To accomplish the location function, a multicamera system captures an image of the upper torso, and the image is transferred to the host PC via FireWire.  The PC, running a combination of commercial and custom software, locates the position of the subject’s eyes within what is described as a ‘region of interest.’ The camera uses a 2448 x 2048-pixel image sensor to capture a high-resolution image of the area around the person’s eye.

After images of the region of the eye are captured, FireWire again transfers them to the host PC. To analyze the iris pattern within the image, the IOM system incorporates IrisAccess software from LG Electronics’ Iris Technology Division.

The IOM system is now being tested in closed environments at several airports around the world, including Amsterdam’s Schiphol. Sarnoff recently stated that the IOM technology can help keep lines moving quickly at airports, while ensuring the security and ease of use that is crucial in high-traffic areas. The IOM is also in limited use at some military installations.

For more details on the new IOM visit www.sarnoff.com or their press area.

For additional details on how the system works, visit www.vision-systems.com or their press area.