What is iris recognition and how is it used in biometrics?

Biometrics Questions Medium



80 Short 80 Medium 47 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What is iris recognition and how is it used in biometrics?

Iris recognition is a biometric technology that involves the identification and authentication of individuals based on the unique patterns found in their iris, which is the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. The iris contains intricate and random patterns that are highly distinctive for each individual, making it an ideal biometric identifier.

In iris recognition, a specialized camera captures a high-resolution image of the person's iris. This image is then processed using advanced algorithms to extract the unique features and patterns present in the iris. These features are converted into a mathematical template, which is a digital representation of the iris pattern.

During the authentication process, the captured iris pattern of an individual is compared against the stored templates in a database. If a match is found, the person's identity is verified. Iris recognition offers a high level of accuracy and security due to the uniqueness and stability of iris patterns, making it a reliable biometric modality.

Iris recognition is used in various applications within the field of biometrics. It is commonly employed in access control systems, where individuals can gain entry to secure areas by simply looking into an iris recognition device. It is also utilized in border control and immigration processes to verify the identity of travelers. Additionally, iris recognition is used in national identification programs, banking and financial systems, and healthcare systems to enhance security and prevent identity fraud.

Overall, iris recognition is a powerful biometric technology that leverages the distinctiveness of iris patterns to provide secure and accurate identification and authentication of individuals in various domains.