Ashwina Soekhoe

Product of the future: Iris Scanner - Identification Tool

Identification through Iris Scanning

Intoduction

Eyes No other biometric offers as much information as our eyes. The potential of eye-scan eyes.The potential of eye-scan identification has been known for decades. Both the iris and the retina are distinctive, and remain stable over time. Retinal scanning was first conceived in the 1970s, but the invasiveness and costs associated with imaging the retina prohibited widespread market acceptance. The concept of iris recognition was patented in 1986, and the software algorithms to realize the technology emerged in the mid nineties. Iris recognition is less invasive, less expensive, and highly accurate, which has earned the technology top billing in high-security applications and Hollywood blockbusters alike.

Human Iris

The Product

Panasonic’s Authenticam™, developed with Iridian Technologies, is an iris- scanning PC peripheral, which doubles as a camera. It can be used for video conferencing and online collaboration. (Credit: Iridian Technologies)	The BM-ET500™ is Panasonic’s iris-scanning, physical-access solution. It has an integrated two-camera system, which automatically pans, tilts, and zooms. The unit automatically adjusts for height variations during the three-second identification process. (Credit: Panasonic)

Future Perspectives

According to Lina Page, Director of Marketing for Iridian Technologies, "Iris-recognition success stories include restricted-access solutions in airports and nuclear power plants, and work is underway to implement the technology at border crossings and customs checkpoints. Your iris is already your passport in the Netherlands and Canada, where trusted travelers can bypass lengthy customs and immigration lines by enrolling in a fastpass program for a small fee. And Japan is testing iris recognition in airline ticket kiosks." Future developments might lead iris recognition into shopping malls, ATMs, maybe even the local convenience store. "Eye-d?"