Rotating beam ocular identification apparatus and method
AssigneeEye-D Development II Ltd.
InventorRobert B. Hill
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a method and apparatus for acquiring and recording an identification pattern from the reflectance of the fundus of an eye, a single light source is operable to produce a substantially columnar source beam of infrared light directed into the fixated eye from a plurality of sequential, angularly divergent positions. The light is focused on the retina and reflected in part out of the eye. Variations in the ocular structure contribute to various reflected intensities. The intensity of the reflected light is detected, measured and recorded for each sequential angularly divergent position forming a unique and repeatable identification pattern, or "signature" for each individual.
Claims26
Apparatus for recording an identification pattern from the fundus of an eye, comprising:
- (a) a light source operable to produce a substantially columnar source beam of light;
- (b) beam directing means for directing at least a portion of the source beam into the eye from a plurality of sequential angularly divergent positions, the light substantially focusing on the fundus of the eye and being reflected in part out of the eye forming a reflected beam;
- (c) detector means for sequentially sensing the amount of light in the reflected beam at each angularly divergent position of the source beam;
- and
- (d) means for recording the amounts of light thus sensed to form an identification pattern.
A method of recording an identification pattern from the fundus of an eye, comprising:
- (a) directing at least a portion of a substantially columnar source beam of light into the eye from a plurality of sequential angularly divergent positions, the light focusing on the fundus and being reflected in part out of the eye forming a reflected beam;
- (b) sensing the amount of light in the reflected beam at each angularly divergent position of the source beam;
- and
- (c) recording the amounts of light thus sensed to form an identification pattern.
An apparatus for repeatably stabilizing the orientation and fixation of the human eyes, comprising:
- (a) a first fixation reticle providing a first fixation point;
- (b) illuminating means for illuminating the first fixation reticle;
- (c) columnating means for columnating the light from the first fixation reticle whereby the first fixation point is caused to appear at infinity;
- (d) a second fixation reticle providing a second fixation point;
- (e) illuminating means for illuminating the second fixation reticle;
- and
- (f) columnating means for columnating the light from the second fixation reticle whereby the second fixation point is caused to appear at infinity;
- the columns of light being substantially parallel and spaced apart substantially an interpupillary distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.