Biometric identification, authentication and verification using near-infrared structured illumination combined with 3D imaging of the human ear

摘要

A biometric identification or authentication images an ear of the user. A source of near-infrared structured light illuminates the ear with at least one structured pattern and an image acquisition device captures a near-infrared image of an ear illuminated with a structured pattern of near-infrared light. An analysis area of the near-infrared image is processed to extract identifying features and it is determined if the identifying features correspond to an authorized user. The analysis area of the near-infrared image is processed to determine a reflectivity of the ear and it is determined if the reflectivity corresponds to an ear of a living person. The user is authenticated if the classified identifying features correspond to an authorized user and the reflectivity corresponds to an ear of a living person.

主权项

1. A method of biometric identification and authentication of a user by imaging of an ear of the user, the method comprising:
providing a biometric imaging system including:
a source of near-infrared structured light operable to provide at least one structured pattern of near-infrared light;an image acquisition device operable to capture an ambient light image and operable to capture a near-infrared image of an ear illuminated with a structured pattern of near-infrared light; anda support holding the sources and the acquisition device; acquiring an ambient light image including the ear using the image acquisition device; processing the ambient light image to define an analysis area including the ear, by locating the ear in the ambient light image; illuminating the ear with a first structured pattern of near-infrared light from the source of structured light, the structured pattern of near-infrared light being a periodic pattern of spaced apart lines of near-infrared illumination; acquiring a first near-infrared image of the illuminated ear using the image acquisition device; setting an analysis area of the near infrared image defined by the processing of the ambient light image; processing the analysis area of the near-infrared image to extract identifying features; determining if the identifying features correspond to an authorized user; processing the analysis area of the near-infrared image to determine a reflectivity of the ear; determining if the reflectivity corresponds to an ear of a living person; and authenticating the user if the classified identifying features correspond to an authorized user and the reflectivity corresponds to an ear of a living person.