Iris Recognition System - Essay Example

There are a number of advancements in the globalized world to tackle certain issues related to security and safety of people. Biometric systems are developed with a recognition capability of people on unique patterns and distinct characteristics of individuals. The distinct features of human beings which vary greatly from one another include finger prints, facial features, voice, handwriting etc. The work of biometric systems is dependent on a complex process whereby the sample of distinct characteristic is saved for recognition of the individual.

The distinct feature is then translated in a biometric template by applying a particular mathematical function. The mathematical function converts the recognition feature to a differentiating and unique representation of the characteristic chosen or used. This distinct biometric template is then easily recognized from many others available for a particular individual. The biometric technology is highly dependent on the feature that it selects to recognize and differentiate between individuals.

This technology is, hence, designed with the importance that organizations or operative areas of its use give to security and privacy of data, field or communicational phase. This biometric technology is the entry tool for specific individual to any specific area, field or data. The efficiency of the system depends on how unique and unmatchable is the feature which is used for recognition. The lower is the level of chance of matching feature in individuals which is used in the biometric system; the higher is the efficiency of the system designed (Henahan 2002).

The feature chosen for the biometric system needs to be stable and distinct for every individual to avoid any instances of fraud or misrepresentation of feature. Knowing the traits of biometric system, the name of Iris recognition system clearly indicates how this biometric system works and what distinguishing criteria it selects to differentiate between individuals. An iris is a human organ which is visible in the eye of a person. It is a distinctive epigenetic pattern which stays unchanged throughout a person's life.

The ophthalmologist Frank Burch anticipated the idea of iris patterns to be used as a tool of recognition during 1936. Further research extended the debate of how to utilize this phenomenon in recognition technologies. Dr. John Daughman designed and developed a mathematical algorithm to stabilize and situate automated recognition of human iris. During 1994, Dr. Daugman was awarded patent for his work in designing algorithms for the recognition system (NCSC 2005). Overview and details regarding the application The Iris recognition system is a new technology that speeds up the procedures involved in the security system of different organizations.

It helps in recognizing the irides of authenticated travelers at the airport. It speeds up the process of recognizing authenticated travelers and minimizes customer complaints on waiting in the long lines that are found usually at the airports. However, these systems are in limited use today. They are found to be working and efficient in Europe and the United States. The use of Iris recognition system is also helpful in tracking terrorists to enter the state. This system identifies the human Iris and recognizes it the next time that person uses this system.

The Iris Recognition immigration System (IRIS) provides a benefit to the travelers to easily and quickly cross the recognition and authentication barriers. The Iris recognition immigration System registers the user within the timeframe of 5-10 minutes and the traveler can cross the recognition system within 20 seconds. The older and time consuming systems are replaced for the immigrants by IRIS in order to provide easeful and secured systems (UKBA 2006). The Iris recognition systems are also increasingly grabbing the attention of homeland security departments.

The fact that newer technologies have enhanced the capturing power and speed