Optimal configuration strategies for iris recognition processing

Although biometric systems are now widely used in a variety of scenarios, optimising practical systems can still be challenging because this can involve balancing a number of very different factors across a number of processing stages. In iris recognition, a typical processing chain leading from raw data capture to an identity decision requires several clearly identifiable modules, but within this chain it is generally accepted that the segmentation stage and the recognition module are particularly critical in determining overall performance. This paper investigates the extent to which overall performance can be optimised with respect to scenario constraints and requirements by an appropriate balance of processing power allocated between these two most important steps, and how enhanced processing at one step can compensate for less sophistication at another. The work reported thus provides some insight into practical options for system implementation which can take account of constraints in, for example, error rate performance, processing speed, resource allocation, and so on. (6 pages)