Coded ocular lens for identification

One embodiment provides a method, including: obtaining, using an imaging device, user image data comprising an ocular lens having a code; and identifying, using a processor, a user based on the user image data. Other aspects are described and claimed.

BACKGROUND

Eye scanning (e.g., iris or retina scanning) may be used to perform biometric identification of individuals. Such biometric techniques use biologically determined differences, e.g., differences in iris structural composition and character, to distinguish individuals. Systems typically utilize imaging of some kind, either passively collected (e.g., still or video image data collected using a standard camera) or actively collected (e.g., transmitted light reflections that are collected) to determine the differences for use in biometric identification. Other features of the eye, e.g., blood vessel location and character, may also be utilized for biometric identification.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In summary, one aspect provides a method, comprising: obtaining, using an imaging device, user image data comprising an ocular lens having a code; and identifying, using a processor, a user based on the user image data.

Another aspect provides an ocular lens, comprising: a code detectable by imaging that is associated with a user.

A further aspect provides a system, comprising: a storage device comprising a plurality of ocular lens codes that are associated with one or more users; a communication device that communicates data over a network; and a processor that: receives a request associated with at least one of the plurality of ocular lens codes; and responds to the request by communicating, over the network, an association between a user and the at least one of the plurality of ocular lens codes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Common biometric eye scanning techniques such as retina or iris scanning have problems. For example, the scanner can be tricked with a high resolution image, it is inconvenient if a close-up scan of the eye is required, a loss of accuracy is realized if the eye is injured in some way, the same image of the eye is typically used, even for different login scenarios, there is a risk of false positives or false negatives, there is a risk of the image being used for other purposes (e.g., privacy of the user is at issue), and if the biometric data is compromised, it cannot be changed.

An embodiment provides an alternative method of eye scanning that relies upon ocular lenses, i.e., contact lenses or eyeglass lenses. A code that may be used as the user's identification is placed onto the surface of, or embedded into, the lens(es). Lenses may be marked or coded using a variety of techniques, including for example physical etching or light reflective coatings or embedded elements, each of which may only be visible in specific spectrums, such as infrared.

The code of information on the lens may be presented in a variety of readable formats, including for example plain text or machine readable values such as QR codes or bar codes.

The user can change the len(es) to change the code. For example, a box of contact lenses may contain different security codes, e.g., on packaging for each lens or lens pair. Thus, the user may cycle the security information as needed. The security information on the lenses could be predefined, e.g., by the contact lens manufacturer, added by a third party, or given sufficient equipment, imprinted by the user.

The code of the lens(es) is associated with the user in a variety of ways. For example, the user may locally associate the code with himself or herself, e.g., by entry of the code locally at his or her computing device as part of a login set up. Alternatively, the user may indicate an indirect association with the code of the len(es), e.g., the user may indicate that a certain manufacturer produces the lenses that user wears, where the code of the len(es) is associated with the manufacturer. This permits identification of a type of lens(es) worn by the user, and use of this information as part of an authentication process.

Further, a repository (e.g., remote server) may include associations between lenses and users, such that a code received locally may be verified by reference to previously stored associations between lens codes and users, either obtained in real time or obtained ahead of time.

System100typically includes one or more of a WWAN transceiver150and a WLAN transceiver160for connecting to various networks, such as telecommunications networks and wireless Internet devices, e.g., access points. Additionally, devices120are commonly included and may be added based on a particular design. For example, additional devices120may include a sensor or sensor(s), for example an optical sensor such as a camera and/or other imaging device, e.g., an infrared sensor, etc., as well as short range wireless devices, e.g., BLUETOOTH wireless communication devices. System100often includes a touch screen170for data input and display/rendering. System100also typically includes various memory devices, for example flash memory180and SDRAM190.

Information handling device circuitry, as for example outlined inFIG. 1orFIG. 2, may be used in devices such as a computing device that obtains user image data including a coded lens and uses the same to conduct identification of a user. For example, the circuitry outlined inFIG. 1might be included in a mobile computing device of a user, where inputs from a camera are analyzed to identify a code included in a lens worn by the user to perform identification. As another example, the circuitry outlined inFIG. 2might be included in a desktop or laptop computer that obtains user image data using an integrated or operatively connected camera to capture an image of the coded lens, identify the code contained therein, and perform identification of the user. As will be appreciated by reviewing this description, other types of devices may be utilized. For example, the circuitry outlined inFIG. 1and/orFIG. 2may be included in a remote server, where user image data is sent to the remote server for identification, or where the remote server stores codes and an association with user identification data, as further described herein.

Turning toFIG. 3, an embodiment obtains user image data, e.g., using a camera of a user device, at301. The user image data may include data permitting identification of a code included in a lens or lenses worn by the user.

The information coded on the lens or lenses worn by the user may take a variety of forms. For example, a code that may be used as the user's identification is placed onto the surface of, or embedded into, the lens or lenses. Lenses may be marked or coded using a variety of techniques, including for example physical etching of the surface of the lens, or light reflective coatings applied to the surface of the lens, or a material (e.g., a light reflecting or absorbing material) may be embedded within the lens or lenses. Each such code, e.g., a surface coding, an embedded material, etc., may only be visible in specific spectrums, such as infrared.

The user image data obtained at301is processed to determine if the user is wearing a coded lens or lenses that match an expected code, as illustrated at302. That is, the user image data obtained at301is processed to automatically extract the code included in the lens or lenses. The image analysis may include identifying the user's eyes within the image, followed by examining an area within the image associated with the user's eyes to identify coded information, e.g., as determined by examining the pixels of the image data.

Once the code is extracted from the image, it is compared to known user code data at302, e.g., a code previously associated with a particular user, in order to identify if the code derived from the image of the user, and particularly of the user's lens or lenses, matches an expected code. In an embodiment, the comparison and determination performed at302may be conducted locally on the user's device or may be conducted in connection with a remote device, such as a server that supplies known or expected codes for particular users and/or performs image analysis to identify a code or codes in the user image data. Thus, the known or expected user code data may be stored locally or accessed from a remote device.

If the user is identified, as illustrated at304, using the user image data obtained at301, i.e., the currently detected user image data contains a code associated with a known user, the user may be granted access to a device, have continued access to a device, or have particular settings (e.g., user-specific or customized settings) loaded, as illustrated at306. Otherwise, i.e., if a user is not identified at302, as illustrated at303, the lack of user identification may lead to a requirement for further authentication data, as illustrated at305, and/or may result in reduced device functionality.

Turning toFIG. 4, an example of an ocular lens401is provided. As described herein, the ocular lens401may be a contact lens worn on the user's eye or may include a lens worn in a pair of eyeglasses. In the non-limiting example of a contact lens worn on the user's eye, the ocular lens401may be formed of or include a hydrogel or other material used for wearable ocular lenses. The ocular lens401comprises a code402, either a full code or a partial code that may be combined with a paired lens to form a full code.

The code402may comprise information in the form of plain text or machine readable information, e.g., a bar code or the like. In an embodiment, the code402is provided by including a printed layer on the surface of the ocular lens401. In an embodiment, the code402is provided by embedding a material within the ocular lens401.

The code402may be provided by a material that is visible in the visible light spectrum. If a visible code402is provided, it may be located at an outer periphery of the ocular lens401, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

The code402may be provided by a material that is not visible in the visible light spectrum, but is rather visible by excitation or reflection in response to a frequency and/or intensity of light that is predetermined, e.g., an infrared responsive material. In this case, the code402may be located in other areas of the ocular lens401so long as the code402material does not materially alter the optical character of the optical lens401.

The code402may be provided may a material that reflects visible light or light of another frequency and/or intensity, e.g., light transmitted towards the ocular lens from a transmission source, e.g., an iris reader, a retinal reader, etc.

Further, in an embodiment, the code402may comprise a complete code, i.e., permitting user identification on its own. In the alternative, the code402may comprise a partial code, i.e., one that must be combined with other data in order to identify a user. For example, the code402may be combined, e.g., through image processing or post processing, with another code included in a paired ocular lens. Moreover, the partial code402may be combined with other data, e.g., alphanumeric login data, gesture data, or other biometric data, e.g., fingerprint data, voice data, facial recognition data, etc.

In an embodiment, the code402included in the ocular lens401or lenses is used to identify a user, e.g., for granting access to an electronic device. For example, an embodiment provides a system including a storage device including a plurality of ocular lens codes that are associated with one or more users. The plurality of ocular lens codes may be associated with the user ahead of time, e.g., in response to a user creating the association between a code included with a box or packaging of the ocular lens. The system provides a communication device that communicates data over a network such that, in response to a request associated with at least one of the plurality of ocular lens codes, e.g., as extracted from user image data obtained at301ofFIG. 3, a response to the request may be communicated, over the network, to indicate an association between a user and the at least one of the plurality of ocular lens codes. This request and response mechanism may be used to communicate which ocular lens code(s) are associated with a particular user. The request may be conducted ahead of time, i.e., prior to a user attempting to log in using the ocular lens code.

An embodiment therefore provides an ocular lens having a code that is used to identify a user, e.g., to log the user into a device or service. This permits the user to refresh the code as needed, whereas conventional eye scanning techniques rely on biological characteristics that cannot be changed.