The next-generation technology like biometrics, based on distinct modalities like a fingerprint, palm-vein, facial, and IRIS recognition are authentic, easily accessible to all, and provides security starting from the country to a countryman.

Fingerprint recognition technology is employed extensively worldwide for individual enrollment, identification/verification, or authentication projects. However, in present time, Biometric IRIS recognition/authentication technology is receiving much recognition owing to a high degree of operational reliability, unlikely to be invasive, & recording a uniform individual’s IRIS pattern, which remains persistent & unique during all phases of life.

Apart from enhanced security, greater reliability, and improved precision, implementing IRIS recognition technology offers various other merits like:

1. Contactless Identification Process

In IRIS authentication procedure, the scanner takes an individual’s IRIS image without the need of having bodily contact with the machine, in contrast to alternative biometric procedures like fingerprint or palm-vein does. As it does not involve any immediate contact amongst the machine and user, this technique is hygienic and under no circumstances intrusive.

2. Accurate Matching Performance

This technology offers precise image analysis or matching performance when compared with other biometric modalities. With a better tradeoff curve between errors of rejection & acceptance, IRIS recognition technology has a rejection rate of barely 1.8% – the lowest amongst other biometric modalities, as per the study. Moreover, the image encoding time is also faster, and it offers higher degrees-of-freedom.

3. Difficult to Forge

It is quite challenging to forge or spoof the IRIS impression of anyone as it is an internal non-touchable bodily part. Hence, IRIS authentication proves to be safer and more reliable. However, lower tolerance for False Acceptance ensures greater security against potential frauds.

4. Stable

The fingerprint impression of a person fades with age and time; also sweaty, and dirty fingerprints are often hard to record/capture using biometric fingerprint recognition technology.

Contrary to this, IRIS pattern of a person never changes and remain consistent throughout life, making IRIS identification stable biometric technology. IRIS scanner devices are so powerful that they can even capture IRIS images of blind people, a person having a cataract or any other eye disability.

5. Versatile

The new-generation IRIS recognition technology has capability of scanning IRIS impressions of not only human beings but also animals with utmost precision. Australia introduces the concept of offering cattle insurance based on the cattle’s IRIS verification to make sure insurance is furnished to right cattle based on animal’s unique IRIS pattern.

Application of IRIS Recognition Technology

The biometrics revolution is enabling multiple countries to build unique and robust citizenry identification system, offering the citizens a bouquet of benefits and allowing them to access their rights smoothly.

With the changing time, besides the standard biometric fingerprint-based identification technology, a robust IRIS biometric recognition technology is the most suitable choice of identifiers for the Indian Government to bring transparency and efficiency in the implementation of social welfare schemes.

Currently, multiple Govt flagship schemes like India’s gigantic PDS program, UIDAI’s Aadhaar, MNREGA, programs disbursing payments, etc. are utilizing an advanced Aadhaar-enabled IRIS scanner devices for individual authentication.

Moreover, the sensitive sectors seeking robust security and precise personal identification like law agencies, banking & financial services, medical, immigration & border control, etc. have started embracing state-of-the-art IRIS recognition technology.