Retinal scan

A retinal scan is a biometric technique that uses the unique patterns on a person's retina to identify them. It is not to be confused with another ocular-based technology, iris recognition.

Introduction

The human retina is a thin tissue composed of neural cells that is located in the posterior portion of the eye. Because of the complex structure of the capillaries that supply the retina with blood, each person's retina is unique. The network of blood vessels in the retina is so complex that identical twins do not even share a similar pattern.

Although retinal patterns may be altered in cases of diabetes, glaucoma, retinal degenerative disorders or cataracts, the retina typically remains unchanged from birth until death. Due to its unique and unchanging nature, the retina appears to be the most precise and reliable biometric. [Retina and Iris Scans. Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Security. Copyright © 2004 by The Gale Group, Inc.] Advocates of retinal scanning have concluded that it is so accurate that its error rate is estimated to be only one in a million.

A biometric identifier known as a retinal scan is used to map the unique patterns of a person's retina. The blood vessels within the retina absorb light more readily than the surrounding tissue and are easily identified with appropriate lighting. A retinal scan is performed by casting an undetectable ray of low-energy infrared light into a person’s eye as they look through the scanner's eyepiece. This beam of light outlines a circular path on the retina. Because retinal blood vessels are more sensitive to light than the rest of the eye, the amount of reflection fluctuates. The results of the scan are converted to computer code and stored in a database. [ [http://www.discoveriesinmedicine.com/Ra-Thy/Retinography.html Retinography: How Retinal Scanning Works.] Retrieved on 2007-04-02.]

History

The idea for retinal identification was first conceived by Dr. Carleton Simon and Dr. Isodore Goldstein and was published in the New York State Journal of Medicine in 1935 [ [http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,755453,00.html “Eye Prints,” TIME Magazine, Dec. 16, 1935] . Retrieved on 2008-04-10.] . The idea was a little before its time, but once technology caught up, the concept for a retinal scanning device emerged in 1975. In 1976, Robert "Buzz" Hill formed a corporation named EyeDentify, Inc., and made a full-time effort to research and develop such a device. In 1978, the idea of a retinal scanner was patented, followed by a practical working prototype in 1981. [Hill, Robert. [http://www.cse.msu.edu/~cse891/Sect601/textbook/6.pdf “Retina Identification”.] Msu.Edu. Retrieved on 2007-04-02]

Uses

Retinal scanners are typically used for authentication and identification purposes. Retinal scanning has been utilized by several government agencies including the FBI, CIA, and NASA. However, in recent years, retinal scanning has become more commercially popular. Retinal scanning has been used in prisons, for ATM identity verification and the prevention of welfare fraud. [ [http://et.wcu.edu/aidc/BioWebPages/Biometrics_Eye.html Iris/Retinal Identification.] Wcu.Edu. Retrieved on 2007-04-02.]

Retinal scanning also has medical applications. Communicable illnesses such as AIDS, syphilis, malaria, chicken pox and Lyme disease as well as hereditary diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell anemia impact the eyes. Pregnancy also affects the eyes. Likewise, indications of chronic health conditions such as congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and cholesterol issues first appear in the eyes. [Ostaff, Courtney. [http://www.physorg.com/news6134.html “Retinal Scans Do More than Let You in Door."] Retrieved on 2007-04-02.]

Pros and Cons

Advantages ^[4]

* Low occurrence of false positives

* Extremely low (almost 0%) false negative rates

* Highly reliable because no two people have the same retinal pattern

* Speedy results: Identity of the subject is verified very quickly

Disadvantages ^[4] [Roberts, Chris. [http://www.ccip.govt.nz/ccip-publications/ccip-reports/Biometrics.pdf "Biometrics"] Retrieved on 2007-04-02.]

* Measurement accuracy can be affected by a disease such as cataracts

* Measurement accuracy can also be affected by severe astigmatism

* Scanning procedure is perceived by a highly vocal few as invasive

* Not very user friendly

* Subject being scanned must be close to the camera optics

* High equipment costs

References