Background Art Conventionally, an automatic access control system, an automatically commercial transaction system, or a terminal such as an AMT uses biological characteristics for identification of people.

Such biological characteristics include a fingerprint, a voice, a retina, a face, and an iris. Iris recognition is best among various biological recognitions on the basis of unity, constancy, and stability. An iris cannot be easily counterfeited. The iris does not change during the whole course of the person's life, except through injury or surgery. Therefore, identification using iris recognition has been widely used.

An iris is located between a cornea and an eye lens of an eyeball. The iris has a disk shape. The iris is made up of muscles which control opening and shutting of a pupil. As a result, the iris is a muscle which adjusts light inputted to an eyeball from an external environment.

Eyes of a human are formed at almost six months of a pregnancy. At this time, a hole is formed at a pupil part and a wrinkle is formed toward the outside. Growth of the wrinkle generally stops within several years after one's birth.

Thereafter, the iris remains unchanged over the whole course

of one's life and forms a unique pattern. The pattern of an iris of any person is different from that of his other eye.

The pattern of an iris of an eye of a monovular twin is different from that of the other twin.

Therefore, iris recognition uses this characteristic of iris. Iris recognition converts a characteristic pattern of the iris captured by a video camera into data by image processing. Then the iris recognition compares the data with previously registered iris information for a user and judges whether or not the user is a registered user according to the comparison result.

As described above, in a conventional iris recognition system identifying a user using the iris, in order to photograph and capture the user's iris, a cold mirror is installed in front of an optical system to exactly locate a position of the user's eye. The optical system forms a camera unit and the cold mirror is a kind of Half mirror. A guide area is formed at the cold mirror. The conventional recognition system has configuration elements so that the user locates his eye at the guide area while viewing an image of his eye formed at the cold mirror. The conventional recognition system has a plurality of means which control up and down motion as well as left and right motion of the camera unit to coincide an optical axis of the optical system of the camera unit with the guide area of the cold mirror.

However, according to the conventional iris recognition system, when the user goes in and out at midnight or is at a dark place which has no illumination, since the user can not see his eye through the cold mirror, the user can not locate the pupil at an exact position. Accordingly, the user should prepare an illuminator for a special purpose.

Furthermore, according to the conventional iris recognition system, in a place which does not have a set brightness, the pupil becomes larger and the iris becomes smaller in comparison with the pupil. Accordingly, in an

identification system using a pattern of the iris, namely, a security system, iris pattern information photographed by the camera unit becomes relatively smaller, thus incurring erroneous recognition.

Disclosure of the Invention Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an iris registration and recognition system which is capable of collecting and registering iris information of various classes. during a registration of an original iris by using an illuminator adjusting a brightness of emitted light, and increasing a recognition ratio during recognition of an iris.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an iris registration and recognition system which is capable of providing light reasonable in an eye of a person (referred to as a"user"hereinafter) who wants to register his iris or to receive an identification through an iris recognition using an LCD, and seeing his iris on an LCD screen by the user during registering iris information or confirming an identity.

According to the present invention, there is provided an iris registration and recognition system comprising : a storage means for registering and storing a plurality of iris information for each user as original iris information according to class for each user, which iris information is classified into at least one class according to a diameter of a pupil ; a distance sensor for sensing an object which is approaching a set location ; an image input means for acquiring an image of an iris ; a function setting means including a registration key for setting to register the iris image acquired by the image input means as an original ; a controller for outputting an illumination drive control signal when the distance sensor senses the predetermined

object which is approaching a set location, and the controller for classifying the iris image acquired by the image input means into at least one class according to a key input status of the function setting means, and for registering and storing the at least one classified iris image in the storage means, or for identifying each user based on a comparison result of the iris image acquired by the image input means and the registered iris image stored in the storage means ; and an illuminator for emitting light in response to the illumination drive control signal from the controller.

Preferably, the controller includes : an image classification and registration controller for encoding the plurality of iris image acquired by the image input means to generate iris information in order to register an original iris, for classifying the generated iris information into at least one class according to the pupil diameter, and for registering and storing the plurality of iris information classified into at least one class for each user as the original iris information according to class ; and a comparing and analyzing controller for acquiring a confirmation request iris image in order to identify each user through the image input means and generating encoded iris information, for comparing the generated iris information with the registered iris information by classes for each user, and for identifying each user by analyzing the comparison result.

More preferably, the controller includes an illumination drive controller for outputting the illumination drive control signal to the illuminator so that the light emitted by the illuminator is brightened by stages, and the image classification and registration controller for acquiring at least one image of a user's iris having a diameter of a pupil wherein the user wants a registration of the iris and the pupil diameter changes according to the light emitted by the illuminator, and for generating encoded

iris information based on the at least one acquired iris image and classifying the encoded iris information into at least one class according to the pupil diameter.

Also, the illuminator includes a liquid crystal display device.

Further, a confirmation request iris is displayed on the illuminator.

There is also provided an iris registration and recognition method, the method comprising the steps of : (a) checking whether an object is approaching a set location ; (b) lighting an illuminator when the object is approaching the set location ; (c) acquiring a plurality of users'iris information and generating encoded iris information based on a plurality of the iris information when a user requests a registration and a setting of an iris image, classifying the encoded iris information into at least one class, and registering the classified iris information of a plurality of class as original iris information by classes for each user ; and (d) receiving a confirmation request iris image acquired to identify each user and generating encoded iris information, comparing the generated iris information with the originally registered iris information by classes for each user, and identifying each user by analyzing the comparison result.

Preferably, step (c) includes the steps of : (c-1) acquiring a plurality of iris images having different pupil diameters from an iris for a registration by lightening light emitted by the illuminator by stages when the user requests the registration and the setting of the iris image ; and (c-2) generating encoded iris information using the plurality of acquired iris images and classifying the encoded iris information into at least one set class according to a diameter of a pupil.

More preferably, step (d) includes the steps of : (d-1) acquiring a confirmation request iris image from a user who

wants an identification ; (d-2) generating encoded iris information using the acquired confirmation request iris image, and judging whether information identical with the generated encoded iris information exists by searching the class to which the encoded iris information belongs to and original iris information of a corresponding class ; and (d-3) confirming whether the user is a registered user when the iris information identical with the confirmation request iris information included in set iris information.

Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which : FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an iris registration and recognition system according to an embodiment of the present invention ; FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an iris registration and recognition method according to an embodiment of the present invention ; FIG. 3 is a view showing an external appearance of the iris registration and recognition system according to an embodiment of the present invention ; and FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a confirmation request iris which is displayed on a cold mirror and an illuminator in the iris registration and recognition system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an iris registration and recognition system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention includes a storage 10, a distance sensor 20, an image input means 30, a function setting unit 40, and a controller 50, a illuminator 60, and infrared ray lamp.

The storage 10 registers and stores a plurality of iris information as original iris information by classes for each user. A plurality of the iris information are classified into at least one class according to a diameter of a pupil.

The distance sensor 20 senses an object which is approaching the set location, that is, a front surface of the image input means 30 and outputs a sensing signal to the controller 50.

The image input means 30 acquires an image of an iris.

The image input means 30 has a guide area. A user's eyes are displayed on the guide area. The image input means 30 has a cold mirror 31, an iris photographing unit 32, and an image capture unit 33. The cold mirror 31 intercepts a visible ray.

The iris photographing unit 32 photographs an image of an iris and outputs an image signal. The image capture unit 33 captures and processes the image signal from the iris photographing unit 32.

The function setting unit 40 includes a registration key for setting to register the iris image acquired by the image input unit 30 as an original and outputs an original iris registration request signal.

The controller 50 outputs an illumination drive control signal to the illuminator 60 when the distance sensor 20 senses the object which is approaching the set location. The controller 50 classifies the iris image acquired by the image input means 30 into at least one class according to a key input status of the function setting unit 40. The controller 50 registers and stores the at least one classified iris image in the storage means 10, or identifies each user based on a comparison result of the iris image acquired by the image input unit 30 and the registered iris image stored in

the storage unit 10.

The controller 50 includes an image classification and registration controller 51, a comparing and analyzing controller 52, and an illumination drive controller 53. The image classification and registration controller 51 encodes the at least one iris image acquired by the image input means 30 to generate iris information in order to register an original iris, and classifies the generated iris information into at least one class according to a diameter of a pupil.

The image classification and registration controller 51 registers and stores the iris information classified into at least one class as the original iris information by classes for each user.

The comparing and analyzing controller 52 acquires a confirmation request iris image to identify each user through the image input means 30 and generates encoded iris information. The comparing and analyzing controller 52 compares the generated iris information with the registered iris information by classes for each user, and identifies each user by analyzing the comparison result. The illumination drive controller 53 outputs a lighting control signal to light the illuminator 60 and an infrared ray lamp 70 in response to the sensing signal from the distance sensor 20. The illumination drive controller 53 outputs the illumination drive control signal to the illuminator 60 in response to the original iris registration request signal from the function setting unit 40 so that the light emitted by the illuminator 60 is brightened by stages.

The image classification and registration controller 51 acquires at least one image of a user's iris having a pupil diameter. The user wants a registration of the iris, and the pupil diameter changes according to the light emitted by the illuminator 60. The image classification and registration controller 51 generates encoded iris information based on the at least one acquired iris image, and classifies the encoded

iris information into at least one class according to the pupil diameter.

The illuminator 60 emits light in response to the illumination-drive control signal from the controller 50. The illuminator 60 includes an LCD device. A confirmation request iris is displayed on the LCD device so that a user is confirmed to be registered and views the displayed confirmation request iris.

The infrared ray lamp 70 informs the user that the iris registration and recognition system normally operates.

Hereinafter, a description will be given, with reference to FIGs. 1 through 4, of an iris registration and identification operation processed in the image classification and registration controller 51 and the comparing and analyzing controller 52.

The illumination drive controller 53 of the controller 50 checks a sensing signal outputted from the distance sensor 20 (step S100). The illumination drive controller 53 of the controller 50 judges whether or not an object is approaching a set location based on the sensing signal from the distance sensor 20 (step S110).

As a result of the judgment in step S110, when the predetermined object approaches the set location, the illumination drive controller 53 of the controller 50 outputs a lighting control signal to the illuminator 60 and the infrared ray lamp 70 so that illuminator 60 and the infrared ray lamp 70 light up (step S120). When the predetermined object does not approach the set location, the illumination drive controller 53 of the controller 50 continues to check the sensing signal from the distance sensor 20 to continuously check whether or not the predetermined object is approaching the set location.

In step S130, the image classification and registration controller 51 of the controller 50 continues to check a signal outputted from the function setting unit 40. The image

classification and registration controller 51 of the controller 50 judges whether or not an original iris registration request signal is inputted (step S140).

As a result of the judgement in step S140, when the original iris registration request signal is inputted, the illumination drive controller 53 outputs the lighting control signal to the illuminator 60 so that light emitted by the illuminator 60 is brightened by stages. When the light emitted by the illuminator 60 is lightened by stages, the iris photographing unit 32 photographs and outputs a predetermined user's iris located in a guide area of the cold mirror 31 to the image capture unit 33. The image capture unit 33 acquires an image of an iris based on the photographed user's iris from the iris photographing unit 32 (step S150).

That is, the image classification and registration controller 51 acquires a plurality of iris images having different pupil diameters from an iris for a registration by lighting light emitted by the illuminator by stages when the user requests a registration and a setting of the iris image.

For example, since the illuminator 60 does not light up according to a control of the illumination drive controller 53, the iris photographing unit 32 photographs an iris having a maximally enlarged pupil, and the image capture unit 33 acquires the iris image, since the illuminator 60 brightens according to a control of the illumination drive controller 53, the iris photographing unit 32 photographs an iris having a minimally enlarged pupil, and the image capture unit 33 acquires the iris image. Accordingly, Two iris information to be stored in the storage 10 is generated.

Then, the image classification and registration controller 51 encodes the iris image to generate and store iris information in the storage 10 (step S160).

That is, the image classification and registration controller 51 generates encoded iris information using a

plurality of the acquired iris images, and classifies and stores the encoded iris information into at least one set class in the storage 10 according to a diameter of the pupil.

When the original iris registration request signal is not inputted in step S140, the comparing and analyzing controller 52 encodes the user's confirmation request iris image photographed by the iris photographing unit 32 and captured by the image capture unit 33 to generate confirmation request iris information (step S170). The comparing and analyzing controller 52 compares the generated confirmation request iris information with the iris information stored in the storage 10 (step S180).

In the step of judging whether or not an original iris registration request signal is inputted by the image classification and registration controller 51, the function setting unit 40 has an identification key for confirming the user's identity in addition to a set key for registering the iris. When the user inputs the identification key, the iris image captured by the image capture unit 33 is inputted to the comparing and analyzing controller 52 rather than the image classification and registration controller 51. It is more preferable that the comparing and analyzing controller 52 confirms the user's identity at once when the user does not input an iris registration signal of the function setting unit 40 within a predetermined time. The predetermined time means several seconds.

Step S180 will be now explained in detail. The image classification and registration controller 51 generates the encoded confirmation request iris information using the confirmation request iris image acquired by the image capture unit 33. The comparing and analyzing controller 52 judges whether information identical with the generated encoded iris information exists in the storage unit 10 by searching the class to which the encoded iris information belongs to and original iris information of a corresponding class in the

storage unit 10.

In step S190, the comparing and analyzing controller 52 judges whether iris information identical with the generated confirmation request iris information is stored in the storage 10. As a result of the judgement in step S190, when iris information identical with the generated confirmation request iris information is stored in the storage 10, the comparing and analyzing controller 52 judges that the user who requests an identification is a registered user (step S200) and a next step is performed.

When iris information identical with the generated confirmation request iris information is not stored in the storage 10 in step S190, the comparing and analyzing controller 52 judges that the user who requests an identification is not the registered user and a total operation finishes.

At this time, the user locates his eye in the vicinity of the cold mirror 31 so that the iris photographing unit 32 exactly photographs the user's iris through the cold mirror 31. Then, the user views the illuminator 60 to adjust the size of the user's pupil. Since the cold mirror 31 and the illuminator 60 are formed in the vicinity of each other, confirmation request iris information captured in a state that the user's pupil moves to the illuminator 60 a little has an error of an allowable error range. Accordingly, erroneous recognition is not problem in a step of comparing the generated iris information with the originally registered iris information, so that an identification is easily achieved. Since a process of generating the original iris information in steps S140 to S160 and a process of comparing the confirmation request iris with a registered iris information in steps S170 to S200 are described in detail in Korean patent application number 10-2000-0059099 (Title of the present invention : Identification system and method using iris and recording medium storing a computer program source

for the method) which the Applicant filed on October 7, 2000, a detailed description of the processes incorporated herein is omitted.

Industrial Applicability As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention changes a brightness of light emitted by an . illuminator to generate a plurality of iris information with respect to a user's iris, thereby improving reliance of an identification.

Also, according to the present invention, the illuminator provides light which is reasonable in an eye of a person wants to register his iris or to receive an identification through an iris recognition using an LCD.

Further, a user views his iris on an LCD screen during registering iris information or confirming an identity according to the present invention.

While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment and the drawings, but to the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.