Iris recognition on consumer devices — Challenges and progress

This article outlines various technical, social and ethical challenges in implementing and widely adopting iris recognition technology on consumer devices such as smartphone or tablets. Acquisition of sufficient quality iris images using today's consumer devices is noted to be the main challenge in implementing this technology. Current progress in this field is reviewed. A smartphone form factor camera is presented to be used as a front-facing camera. This device is modified to capture near infra-red iris images along with general purpose visible wavelength images. Analyses shows that such a device with improved optics and sensor could be used for implementing iris recognition in next generation hand held devices. The social impact of wider adoption of this technology is discussed. Iris pattern obfuscation is presented to address various security and privacy concerns which may arise when iris recognition will be a part of our daily life.