A biometric identification system directed toward use of dual-band visual-infrared
imaging with appropriate techniques for integrating the analysis of both images
to distinguish less reliable from more reliable image components, so as to generate
a composite image comprised of layers. Correlation and analysis of the composite
layers enables improved reliability in identification. The method and apparatus
of the invention provide for efficient and optimized use of dual-band imaging for
biometric identification of faces, fingerprints, palm and hand prints, sweat pore
patterns, wrist veins, and other anatomical features of humans and animals.
One embodiment includes the addition of a thermal infrared camera to a visual
facial recognition system, with the IR image used to determine that the subject
is alive and locate any features which are disguised. Another embodiment adds a
visual camera to a thermal infrared facial recognition system, with areas of the
visual image used to add colors and to fill-in behind eyeglasses which block the
thermal infrared signature.
