If you’re like everyone else, you lock your doors with technology that hasn’t changed since 1861. That year, Linus Yale, Jr., patented the deadbolt lock. The Yale lock is a simple and efficient mechanism that will likely be around for the next 150 years. But if you want to take your home access control technology to the next level (perhaps five or six levels), then it’s time to start thinking about iris scanning.
How does it work
The iris, the ring of color around the pupil of each eye, is the most unique part of your body’s exterior (and most of its interior, for that matter). Most iris scanning systems work by taking a high-resolution photo of your eyes, isolating a portion of the image in the iris, and then running it through the appropriate algorithm to see if you’re on the guest list. Like fingerprint matching, facial recognition software, and retina scans, iris scanning is a biometric technology that compares a person’s unique physical characteristics to a database to confirm that person’s identity. A positive match, or “acceptance” in tech jargon, can trigger an event: cracking a top-secret document, launching a world-destroying weapon, or opening your bedroom door.
With a false positive rate of just 1 in 1.5 million, the accuracy of a quality iris scan is better than a DNA sample alone.
With a false positive rate of just 1 in 1.5 million, the accuracy of a quality iris scan is second only to a DNA sample (which boasts a blatantly accurate rate of 1 in 800 trillion). The fingerprint rate, by comparison, is a paltry 1 in 10,000. And the voice identification? A paltry one in 500. The cost of these biometric technologies is pretty close to their accuracy. If cost is not a big concern, an iris scan is the way to go.
It’s worth mentioning that an iris scan is similar to a retina scan, but not the same. A retinal scan is an older technology that uses an image of the nest of blood vessels at the back of the eyeball. Getting that image means waiting for the pupil to dilate and then shining a beam of light through it to illuminate the back of the eye before taking the photo. The accuracy is comparable to an iris scanner, but who has time for that kind of trouble?
what will you need
If you’re still willing to lock down your platform like it’s Area 51, you’ve got work to do. You can’t just remove the old latch and insert a new scanner. You’ll usually also need a security mechanism, such as an electromagnetic lock, and for more complex systems, perhaps a server running access control software. You will then need to connect these power components and integrate them together.
But let’s say you know the guy so you can cover him. The question is, which iris scanner is right for you?
Enclosing your home with eyeball recording technology is quite an innovative move on your part. Currently, there are not many iris scanning solutions designed specifically for the home. You may have to settle for some commercial or military technology. And that’s great. So let’s get started:
KEES Door Lock ($989)
At the ISC West conference in April, Korea Technology and Communications (KT&C) announced the launch of Kees, an autonomous door lock powered by SRI International’s “Iris-on-the-Move” technology. The sleek, futuristic hardware is the closest thing you can get to an iris scanner front door lock. And at an MSRP of $989, it’s also the cheapest.
eyeLock nano NXT ($TBA)
After KEES, the most suitable iris scanner is probably the eyeLock nano NXT. With a beta release last June (which included a proposal for use in residential environments), the nano NXT offers simplified integration and two-factor authentication. With a built-in memory capacity of up to 20,000 users, even the largest entourage of approved people can visit and you won’t even have to get up from the couch to let them in.
SRI International IOM N-Glance Modular System ($TBD)
Things get a lot more expensive and complicated from there. But if you’ve got the budget and temperament of Tony Montana, check out the IOM N-Glance Modular System. It is the most affordable technology from SRI International, a research and development organization that also develops anti-terrorism and border security systems. N-Glance is typically a whole-building facility, with scanners located at each entry point.
3M Cogent CIS 202 Dual Iris Capture Scanner ($TBD)
But do you only need a covered door? Then perhaps the 3M Cogent CIS 202 Dual Iris Capture Scanner is the best choice for you. Resembling square binoculars, this USB-connected drive is designed to handle almost any application that requires iris scanning. Use it to open your door or to keep track of all the members of your new militia. Whatever. Just remember that it’s portable, so don’t leave it in the room and lock yourself in.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn