Abstract: An iris camera for capturing an image of an iris of a user is described. The iris camera comprises: a lens; an image sensor for capturing an image produced by the lens; a processor for analyzing the degree of focus of successive images produced by the sensor and for controlling a lens position adjustment motor to move the lens to a position where a subsequent captured image potentially has an increased degree of focus; and a proximity sensor for providing an initial measurement of the distance between the lens and the user. The processor is arranged to user the initial distance measurement obtained by the proximity sensor as a starting point for capturing images of the iris to effect a fine-focus adjustment.

Abstract: A method of verifying the authenticity of an eye provided for identification purposes in an iris recognition identification system is described. The method comprises: illuminating the eye using an illumination source to generate a specular reflection in a pupil and/or iris region of the eye, the specular reflection forming as a result of light emitted from the illumination source being reflected from the eye; capturing an image of the eye including the specular reflection; determining the position of the specular reflection formed in the pupil and/or iris region, from the captured image; and verifying the authenticity of the eye by comparing the determined position with an expected position for an authentic eye.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for capturing an image of an iris free of specularities from a spectacle-wearing user for use in an iris recognition identification system, which includes an illumination source and an image capture device. The method comprises illuminating the user's eye from a first illumination position associated with a first optical path, and capturing a first image of the eye; and determining if the first image comprises a specular image in a first region of interest, the specular image being formed by light reflected from the spectacles. If a specular image is present, the method further comprises illuminating the eye from a second illumination position associated with a second optical path different to the first optical path, such that the specular image is shifted to a second region; and capturing a second image of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for authenticating a transaction using a biometric identifier and a portable data store. The method comprises: generating a first bit pattern of a user's iris from a captured image of the user's iris; accessing a user profile stored on the portable data store, the user profile comprising a pre-stored second bit pattern of an authentic user's iris; comparing the first and second bit patterns; and generating an authentication signal to authenticate the transaction, when the first and second bit patterns are equivalent. In addition, the present invention relates to apparatus for carrying out the present method.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for capturing an image of an iris free of specularities from a spectacle-wearing user for use in an iris recognition identification system, which includes an illumination source and an image capture device. The method comprises illuminating the user's eye from a first illumination position associated with a first optical path, and capturing a first image of the eye; and determining if the first image comprises a specular image in a first region of interest, the specular image being formed by light reflected from the spectacles. If a specular image is present, the method further comprises illuminating the eye from a second illumination position associated with a second optical path different to the first optical path, such that the specular image is shifted to a second region; and capturing a second image of the eye.

Abstract: An iris camera for capturing an image of an iris of a user is described. The iris camera comprises: a lens; an image sensor for capturing an image produced by the lens; a processor for analysing the degree of focus of successive images produced by the sensor and for controlling a lens position adjustment motor to move the lens to a position where a subsequent captured image potentially has an increased degree of focus; and a proximity sensor for providing an initial measurement of the distance between the lens and the user. The processor is arranged to user the initial distance measurement obtained by the proximity sensor as a starting point for capturing images of the iris to effect a fine-focus adjustment.

Abstract: A method of verifying the authenticity of an eye provided for identification purposes in an iris recognition identification system is described. The method comprises: illuminating the eye using an illumination source to generate a specular reflection in a pupil and/or iris region of the eye, the specular reflection forming as a result of light emitted from the illumination source being reflected from the eye; capturing an image of the eye including the specular reflection; determining the position of the specular reflection formed in the pupil and/or iris region, from the captured image; and verifying the authenticity of the eye by comparing the determined position with an expected position for an authentic eye.