Introduction
Iris scanning, otherwise known as iris recognition, is a form of biometric identification technology that uses pattern recognition to capture the unique patterns associated within the iris of the human eye. The iris, often referred to as the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil, contains an intricate pattern with distinctive features that are unique to every individual. Due to its unique features, the iris has recently been used as a form of identification–similar to how fingerprints and face ID are used.
How Does Iris Scanning Work?
An individual’s iris is first scanned using a specialized camera which captures all the intricate patterns found within the iris with a high-resolution photograph. This photograph is then analyzed for its unique features and encoded into a machine-readable identity database for future references. In future authentication or identification processes, one’s iris is once again scanned and brought into comparison with the original photograph. If the patterns match, given the error margin, the individual is either positively or negatively identified.
How Accurate is Iris Scanning?
Iris scanning has been widely regarded as one of the most accurate forms of identification as of the modern day. This is due to its low rates in its false acceptance rate along with its false rejection rate.
False acceptance rate, otherwise referred to as FAR represents the rate where unauthorized individuals are mistakenly identified as authorized. Data has shown that iris scanning’s false acceptance rate is anywhere between one in several million to one in several billion. The different rates are the product of what specific technology was used.
False rejection rate, otherwise referred to as FRR represents the rate where authorized individuals are incorrectly rejected. Although the false rejection rate is typically higher than that of false acceptance rate, the rates are still typically low. Depending on the specific case, false rejection rate can be a result of poor quality of the original photograph to the proficiency of the matching algorithm used for identification.
References
Maureen. “How Do Iris Biometrics Work?” 1Kosmos, 10 July 2023, www.1kosmos.com/biometric-authentication/iris-biometrics/.
“Iris Recognition Technology - Innovatrics - How It Works.” Innovatrics, 21 Nov. 2023, www.innovatrics.com/iris-recognition-technology/.
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