Iris recognition is a biometric identification process that is using high-resolution images of the irides in the eye. The Iris in a eye is well suited for authentication processes since it is an internal organ which is protected from damages and is practically flat. The Iris is so unique so even genetically identical twins can be separated through it.
Iris recognition was first accomplished by John G. Daugman by applying proprietary algorithms and subsequent matching. Daugmans algorithms are used in basically all Iris recognition-systems world-wide.
The recognition process produce remarkable good results. A commercial systems by Daugman, called the IrisCode, has been used in the United Arab Emirates as a part of their immigration process. Their results have been tremendous. After more than 200 billion comparisons they have never produced one false match. They control and make almost 10 billion iris comparisons each day in their 35 air, land and sea ports. All together there have been totally about 60 million persons compared in the recognition service world-wide.
The major applications of iris recognition has been used as a substitute for passports, aviation security and controlling access to secure areas, database access and computer login and hospital settings.
Companies that are using this service is IBM, Securimetrics INC., Panasonic and London Heathrow Airport.
The core technology patent is:
"Biometric Personal Identification System Based on Iris Analysis." U.S. Patent No. 5,291,560 issued March 1, 1994 (J. Daugman).
