The spelling of the word "iris scanning" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: /ˈaɪrɪs/ /ˈskænɪŋ/. "Iris" is pronounced with the long "I" sound as in "eye" and ends with the "s" sound. "Scanning" is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat" and the "ing" is pronounced with the hard "g" sound at the end. This form of biometric security measures the unique patterns in a person's iris to verify their identity.
Iris scanning is a biometric technology used to authenticate and identify individuals by analyzing the unique patterns in their irises. The iris is the colored ring-shaped part of the eye located between the cornea and the lens. It contains intricate and random patterns that are different for each individual, making it an ideal method for identification purposes.
The process of iris scanning involves capturing a high-resolution image or video of the individual's iris using a specialized camera or scanner. This image is then processed using sophisticated algorithms that analyze the patterns and characteristics of the iris to create a digital template or code, sometimes referred to as an IrisCode. These templates are securely stored in a database for future comparison and verification.
During authentication, a person's iris is again scanned, and the new template is compared with the stored templates in the database. If a match is found within an acceptable threshold of similarity, the individual is identified and granted access. Conversely, if no match is found or the similarity falls below the threshold, access is denied.
Iris scanning offers several advantages over other biometric methods like fingerprint or face recognition. The patterns in the iris are highly stable and relatively unaffected by age, injury, or even certain eye diseases. Iris recognition systems are also highly accurate, providing a low rate of false positives and negatives.
Due to its speed, accuracy, and reliability, iris scanning technology is increasingly utilized in various applications, including airport security, border control, forensic investigations, access control systems, and identity verification in government agencies and businesses seeking enhanced security measures.
The term "iris scanning" has its etymology rooted in Greek mythology, specifically from the Greek goddess Iris. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger of the gods. She was often depicted as having a multi-colored iris surrounding her, which is believed to have inspired the naming of the part of the eye known as the iris.
The word "iris" itself comes from the Greek word "īrís" (ἶρις), meaning "rainbow" or "messenger". The use of the term "iris" in the context of eye scanning technology can be attributed to the fact that the iris of the eye is colorful, unique to each individual, and resembles a circular rainbow-like pattern. Hence, "iris scanning" refers to the process of capturing and analyzing the distinct patterns in a person's iris for identification or authentication purposes.