Systems and methods for biometric identification using patterns and blood flow characteristics of the outer eye
The present invention relates to biometric identification using a combination of static pattern characteristic unique to an individual and a measure of a dynamically changing blood flow characteristic for the individual. Images are acquired of the microvasculature of the outer eye (e.g. the sclera) which presents a unique pattern for each individual which can be determined using image processing and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. A series of images are acquired of the microvasculature of the outer eye (e.g. the sclera) at a higher magnification thereby allowing for the determination of blood flow (e.g. velocity) characteristics using computer vision and AI techniques. The pattern and blood flow characteristics are used in combination to determine the identity of the individual.
1. A computer implemented method for artificial intelligence (AI) enabled biometric identification of individuals, the computer implemented method comprising:
controlling a first visible light camera to obtain a first image of at least a portion of the vasculature of the scleral tissue of the outer eye of an individual;
controlling a second visible light camera to obtain a series of second images of the vasculature of the scleral tissue of the outer eye, the second images obtained at a higher magnification than the first image, the series of second images capturing blood flow through at least one blood vessel segment of the scleral tissue of the outer eye of the individual;
transmitting the first image and series of second images to an AI processing module;
receiving from the AI processing module, identity information associated with the individual, wherein the AI processing module employs at least one machine learning algorithm trained on pattern and flow characteristics of the vasculature of the scleral tissue of the outer eye, wherein the identity information is determined by the AI processing module by:
a) determining at least one pattern characteristic of the vasculature from the first image;
b) determining at least one blood flow characteristic from the series of second images;
c) comparing the at least one pattern characteristic and the at least one blood flow characteristic with a database of previously established pattern characteristics and blood flow characteristics for a plurality of individuals;
d) determining identity information for the individual when the comparison results in a match exceeding a match threshold; and
providing an authorization indication based on the identity information, the authorization indication granting or denying the user access to at least one of a location, a device, and information.
2. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the AI processing module is located within a housing associated with the first and second cameras or located remote from a housing associated with the first and second cameras.
3. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein granting access to a location comprises allowing the individual access to a secured area.
4. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein granting access to a device comprises unlocking a device thereby allowing the individual to interact with operational aspects of the device.
5. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein granting access to information comprises displaying targeted advertisement information to the individual based on the identity information.
6. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , further comprising displaying at least one of the identity information associated with the individual and the authorization indication.
7. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the first image is obtained during a time when the series of second images are obtained.
8. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the pattern characteristics comprising blood vessel patterns are associated with at least one of blood vessel distribution and blood vessel branching.
9. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the pattern characteristics comprising patterns of space between blood vessels associated with a shape and/or size of non-blood vessel areas of the outer eye.
10. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one blood flow characteristic comprising at least one of blood flow velocity, maximum blood vessel diameter, and minimum blood vessel diameter.
11. The computer implemented method according to claim 10 , wherein the at least one blood flow characteristic is determined by determining a pixel velocity across a plurality of images of the series of second images.
12. A computer implemented method for artificial intelligence (AI) enabled biometric identification of individuals, the computer implemented method comprising:
obtaining a first image of at least a portion of the vasculature of the scleral tissue of the outer eye of an individual, the first image obtained from a first camera;
obtaining a series of second images of the vasculature of the scleral tissue of the outer eye of the individual, the series of second images obtained from a second camera, wherein the series of second images are obtained at a higher magnification than the first image;
applying a first AI algorithm to analyze the first image from the first camera to determine at least one pattern characteristic associated with the eye vasculature;
applying a second AI algorithm to analyze the images from the second camera to determine at least one blood flow characteristic within the eye vasculature;
applying a third AI algorithm to determine an identity of the individual based on the at least one pattern characteristic and the at least one blood flow characteristic, the third AI algorithm operable to compare the at least one pattern characteristic and the at least one blood flow characteristic with a database of previously established pattern characteristics and blood flow characteristics for a plurality of individuals.
13. A system for artificial intelligence (AI) enabled biometric identification of individuals, the system comprising:
a housing;
a first camera;
a second camera, the second camera comprising a high magnification camera;
control circuitry comprising at least one processor operable to:
control the first camera to obtain a first image of the vasculature of the outer eye of an individual;
control the second camera to obtain a series of second images of the vasculature of the outer eye, the second images obtained at a higher magnification than the first image, the series of second images capturing blood flow through at least one blood vessel segment of the outer eye of the individual;
an AI interface engine, the AI interface engine comprising at least one processor operable to:
transmit the first image and series of second images to an AI processing module;
receive from the AI processing module, identity information associated with the individual, wherein the AI processing module employs at least one machine learning algorithm trained on pattern and flow characteristics of the vasculature of the scleral tissue of the outer eye.
14. The system according to claim 13 , wherein the AI interface engine is integrated into the system.
15. The system according to claim 13 , wherein the AI interface engine is communicatively coupled via at least one of a network interface and electronic communication interface with an AI processing module that is located in a remote server.