Iris Image Interchange 

ANSI/INCITS 379

ISO/IEC 19794-6

James L Cambier

Iridian Technologies, In
Iris Image Interchange 

 Exchange of iris images amon

vendors/applications

 Compile iris image databases 

evaluating multiple algorithms

 Protect the investment in enro

databases
Iris Image Interchange S

 Image capture requirements Data formats

> Rectilinear image> Polar Image

 Parameters

> Optional compression> Color or monochrome> Intensity depth

 Compliance

> Conformity to data format> Multiple image quality levels
Quality Levels

 Level A (76-100) – highest quality

> Highest cost> High security, high volume public use

 Level B (51-75) – medium quality

> Moderate cost> Medium security, physical access

 Level C (26-50) – low quality

> Low cost> Single user, verification only, portable/deskt

 Level D (1-25) – unacceptable qu
Related Standards

 [CBEFF] NISTIR 6529-2001 – Common Biome

File Format

 [BioAPI] ANSI/NIST 358-2002 – Information Te

BioAPI Specification

 [X9.84] ANSI/X9 X9.84-2001 – Biometric Inform

Management and Security

 [JPEG] ISO/IEC 10918-1:1994– Information Te

Digital Compression and Coding of Continuous

(JPEG) 

 [JPEG] ISO/IEC 15444-1:2000– Information Te

JPEG 2000 Image coding System 

 [JPEG-LS] ISO/IEC 14495-1:1999, ISO/IEC 14

Information Technology -Lossless and Near-loCompression of Continuous-tone Still Images
Iris Data Record

CBEFF Hdr BDB Se

Iris Record Header

Feature Header

Image Header

Image

Image Header

Image

Feature Header

66 3 11 
Image Storage Format 

 Rectilinear Format

> Minimal preprocessing other than im

assessment

> Compression and encryption optiona> Typically 12K-15K for cropped, comp

 Polar Format

> Preprocess to find pupil and iris bou> Convert only iris portion of image to 

coordinates

> Minimizes data packet size – typical
Iris Image Formats

Rectilinear 
Rectilinear Image Forma

 Image orientation Scan type (progressive, interl Format (raw, JPEG, color, mo Image width, height, gray leve Rotation angle (head position Camera ID, capture date
Image Orientation

Imfliho
Scan Type

Progressive Interlaced – 

odd fields maif subject momust correct 
Rotation angle

Φ

If both esimultanangle cand cortemplatCan incspeed s
Wavelength

Long (800-900 nm) Broadband 

Not encoded in header, but available indirectly tdevice ID
Polar Image Format

 Preprocessing requirements Conversion to polar coordinat Compression, encryption, etc
Polar Image Preprocessi

1. Locate iris and 

pupil boundaries. Use wavelength information

2. 

3. Define polar 

image coordinate system. Correct for head rotation.

r = 0 0 1 2 255

256

θ=0 θ=1θ=2 θ=255

4. Res

valuimacoofor s
Polar Data Format

 Image orientation Occlusion filling information Format (raw, JPEG, color, 

monochrome)

 Image width, height, gray leve Camera ID, capture date
Iris Image Capture Requ

Appendix A

 Optical D Noise Image O Presenta Image S

Format

 Resolution Grayscale Density Illumination Contrast Visible Iris Pixel Aspect Ratio Image Scale
ANSI vs ISO Versions

Attribute ANSI 379 IS

Image Quality Data

4 categories Val

Second Level Header Title

Feature Header Bio

Sub

CBEFF Product ID

Record Header CB

GUID Record Header CB
Thank you!

jcambier@iridiantech.com