Optical requirements with turbulence correction for long-range biometrics

Abstract

Iris recognition utilizes distinct patterns found in the human iris to perform identification. Image acquisition is a critical first step towards successful operation of iris recognition systems. However, the quality of iris images required by standard iris recognition algorithms puts hard constraints on the imaging optical systems which have resulted in demonstrated systems to date requiring a relatively short subject stand-off distance. In this paper, we study long-range iris recognition at distances as large as 200 meters, and determine conditions the imaging system must satisfy for identification at longer stand-off distances.

Atmospheric turbulence and sensor system effects on biometric algorithm performance

“…Biometric technologies used for long range applications will suffer from the effects of atmospheric turbulence [2][3] , which introduces blur, distortion and intensity fluctuations that can severely degrade image quality of electro-optic and thermal imaging systems and, for the case of biometrics technology, translate to poor matching algorithm performance. While there have been initial efforts to study the limiting conditions of facial and iris recognition algorithms in the defense literature [4][5] , more systematic controlled studies need to be undertaken in order to determine the robustness of such algorithms in realistic conditions. The goal of this work is to add to this literature, to understand the feasibility of long-range facial recognition in degraded imaging conditions, and the utility of camera parameter trade studies to enable the design of the next generation biometrics sensor systems.…”