Abstract: In a method of using iris recognition to determine whether a person is authorised to pass a security check, the person is first identified by comparing a captured and digitised iris code with iris codes stored in a database of iris codes for authorised persons. Then, the iris code for an identified person is compared with all previously recorded iris codes for that person. If there is an exact match, the identified iris code is deemed irregular since the chances of obtaining an exact match are significantly low. As a result, either further identifying information is requested or access to resources or systems is denied to the person.

Abstract: A handheld imaging apparatus (125) for capturing an image of an eye (110) comprises a housing (125) having an eyecup (115) at a rear window (120) to position the eye. The housing (125) provides a lineofsight through the apparatus to a front window (140). An angled, semireflecting mirror (145) in the line of sight directs an image of the eve to a camera (135) for the purposes of image capture. The apparatus also includes a transmitter (160) and a receiver (162) to transmit and receive data relating to iris image information to and from a remote apparatus.

Abstract: A personal identification apparatus for providing information characteristic of an eye includes a housing with an entrance window through which a user looks at a target object. An image capture device within the housing operates to provide an image signed representing features of the eye and responsive to non-visible light reflected from the eye. In addition to the illumination source for the non-visible light reflected from the eye the apparatus also includes an optical element substantially transparent to the non-visible light and which has a first region less transparent to visible light from the target object than a second region. The arrangement of the apparatus is such that the image capture device views the eye through the second region of the optical element and the eye views the target object through the first region of the optical element.