Ocular biometrics patent published

Oleg V. Komogortsev, a researcher at Texas State University‐San Marcos, has developed an ocular biometric method for identification of an individual based on a multimodal approach utilizing a single image sensor device. The novel method utilizes unique behavioral and physiological characteristics of the eye to provide enhanced identification of individuals for high security applications.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office published the patent on January 21, 2016 by Komogortsev entitled “Person Identification Using Ocular Biometrics with Liveness Detection“.

The patent protects a method of assessing the identity of a person by one or more of: internal non-visible anatomical structure of an eye represented by oculomotor plant characteristics (OPC), brain performance represented by complex eye movement patterns (CEM), iris patterns, and periocular information.

The patent protects a method of making a biometric assessment, which includes: measuring eye movement of a subject, making an assessment of whether the subject is alive based on the measured eye movement, and assessing a person’s identity based at least in part on the assessment of whether the subject is alive. In some embodiments, the patent protects a method of making a biometric assessment, including: measuring eye movement of a subject, assessing characteristics from the measured eye movement, and assessing a state of the subject based on the assessed characteristics.

The university notes estimates the global market for biometric systems is estimated to be over US$5 billion, with anticipated growth of over 20 percent annually. Iris recognition systems account for an increasing proportion of the biometrics industry. Standard iris recognition technology provides accurate identification, but is vulnerable to counterfeit techniques that can compromise security.Additionally, standard iris recognition technology cannot accurately assure resistance to a variety of spoofing attacks.

The technology, developed by Komogortsev, incorporates two innovative techniques that, combined with standard iris recognition technology, offer enhanced identification accuracy and security. A single sensor device captures OPC, which represent the unique, internal anatomical structure characteristics of the individual eye globe and muscles, and CEM, which represent the strategies employed by the brain and the unique patterns of eye movement to guide visual attention in response to a stimulus.

The patent was made possible with support awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As a consequence, the U.S. government has certain rights to the patent.

Article Topics

biometric authentication  |  biometric liveness detection  |  biometrics  |  eye  |  image sensor  |  iris  |  iris recognition  |  patents