Iris Recognition FAQ
Comprehensive answers to questions about iris recognition technology, HOMSH products, deployment, security, and business partnerships.
Technology
How does iris recognition work?
Iris recognition works by capturing a high-resolution near-infrared (NIR) image of the eye at 850nm wavelength. The system isolates the iris region between the pupil and sclera, then extracts unique texture patterns — crypts, furrows, collarette, and freckles — using phase-based encoding (such as HOMSH's PhaseIris algorithm). These features are converted into a compact binary template called an IrisCode, which is compared against stored templates using Hamming distance. The entire process from capture to match takes under 1 second.
How accurate is iris recognition compared to other biometrics?
Iris recognition achieves a False Accept Rate (FAR) below 1 in 10 million (10^-7), making it the most accurate widely deployed biometric. By comparison, fingerprint FAR is typically 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000, and face recognition FAR is 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 100,000. The iris contains over 200 independently variable features, roughly 3-4 times more than a fingerprint. HOMSH's PhaseIris algorithm is certified to GB/T20979-2019 standards.
What is liveness detection and why does it matter?
Liveness detection (also called Presentation Attack Detection or PAD) ensures the system is scanning a live human eye rather than a photo, video replay, or prosthetic eye. HOMSH devices analyze pupil dilation response, micro-saccadic eye movements, near-infrared reflection characteristics, and 3D depth information. This prevents spoofing attacks and complies with ISO 30107-3 standards for biometric presentation attack detection.
How fast is 1:N iris comparison on HOMSH systems?
HOMSH's proprietary Qianxin FPGA chip performs 1:N iris matching at over 1 million comparisons per second. This means a database of 1 million enrolled users can be searched in under 1 second. For larger national-scale databases, multiple FPGA units can be deployed in parallel to maintain sub-second response times even across tens of millions of records.
What standards does HOMSH iris recognition comply with?
HOMSH products comply with ISO/IEC 19794-6 (iris image data interchange format), ISO/IEC 29109-6 (iris biometric data conformance testing), ISO 30107-3 (presentation attack detection), IEC 62471 (photobiological safety of NIR LEDs), and China's national standard GB/T20979-2019 for iris recognition systems. All products carry CE and FCC certifications for electromagnetic compatibility.
What is the PhaseIris algorithm?
PhaseIris is HOMSH's proprietary iris recognition algorithm, protected by 273+ patents. It uses phase-based feature extraction inspired by Gabor wavelet filtering to encode iris texture into a compact binary IrisCode. PhaseIris achieves FAR below 10^-7 and FRR below 0.5%, and is specifically optimized for hardware acceleration on the Qianxin FPGA chip. It supports both 1:1 verification and 1:N identification modes.
Products
How do I choose the right HOMSH iris module?
HOMSH offers three module tiers: the MC20 series for compact OEM integration (capture distance 15-30cm, 500 to 10,000 users), the MD20/MD30 series for mid-range applications (capture distance up to 50cm, 10,000 users), and the MC21 for high-speed enrollment (0.7-second capture). Choose based on your required capture distance, user capacity, and form factor. Visit our products page for detailed specifications.
What user capacity options are available?
Capacity ranges from 500 users on the MC20-500 entry-level module to 10,000 users on the MC20-10000 and MD30 modules. Access control terminals like the D30 and D60 support 10,000+ local users. For enterprise deployments, HOMSH server systems with FPGA acceleration support databases of millions of enrolled identities with 1:N matching in under 1 second.
What SDKs and APIs does HOMSH provide?
HOMSH provides SDKs for Windows (C/C++, C#, Java), Linux (C/C++, Python), and Android (Java/Kotlin). The SDK includes iris capture, template extraction, 1:1 matching, 1:N search, and liveness detection functions. RESTful APIs are available for server-side integration. Full API documentation, sample code, and technical support are included with every OEM module purchase.
What interfaces do HOMSH modules support?
HOMSH modules support USB 2.0 (most common for OEM integration), RS-232 serial, Ethernet (RJ45), Wi-Fi, and Wiegand output for access control panels. The MC20 and MD20 series use USB for power and data. The D-series terminals include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and RS-485 for building management system integration.
What are the operating temperature and environmental limits?
HOMSH terminals operate from -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C, with humidity tolerance of 10% to 95% (non-condensing). Outdoor-rated models carry IP65 dust and water resistance. NIR illumination operates from 0 to 6,000+ Lux ambient light, meaning the system works in direct sunlight and complete darkness. The iris is an internal organ unaffected by dust, moisture, or skin damage.
Does iris recognition work with glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. All HOMSH products work reliably with prescription glasses, reading glasses, and most contact lenses. Near-infrared illumination penetrates clear and lightly tinted lenses without issue. However, heavily tinted sunglasses, mirrored coatings, or deeply colored cosmetic contacts may obstruct the iris pattern and require removal for accurate capture.
Deployment
How is an iris recognition system installed?
For access control terminals (D-series), installation involves wall-mounting the device at eye height (120-170cm, adjustable), connecting power (12V DC or PoE), and linking to your access control panel via Wiegand, RS-485, or Ethernet. OEM module integration requires mounting the module in your enclosure and connecting via USB. HOMSH provides installation guides and technical support for all products.
Can HOMSH systems integrate with existing access control infrastructure?
Yes. HOMSH terminals output standard Wiegand 26/34 signals compatible with virtually all access control panels (HID, Honeywell, Bosch, ZKTeco, etc.). They also support RS-485, TCP/IP, and HTTP API integration. For software integration, the SDK provides functions to enroll users, match templates, and retrieve event logs programmatically.
Do HOMSH devices require a network connection?
No. All HOMSH terminals and modules can operate fully offline with local template storage and matching. Network connectivity (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) is optional and used for centralized user management, remote enrollment sync, event log upload, and firmware updates. This offline-first architecture is critical for deployments in remote locations such as mines, construction sites, and border posts.
Can iris recognition terminals be used outdoors?
Yes. HOMSH's IP65-rated terminals are designed for outdoor deployment. The NIR imaging system is immune to ambient light variations from 0 to 6,000+ Lux. The operating temperature range of -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C covers most climates. For extreme conditions, optional sun shields and heating elements are available. Multiple deployments in African, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian climates have proven long-term outdoor reliability.
What maintenance do iris recognition systems require?
Iris recognition systems require minimal maintenance. There are no moving parts and no contact surfaces that wear out (unlike fingerprint sensors). Recommended maintenance includes cleaning the camera lens monthly with a microfiber cloth, checking cable connections quarterly, and updating firmware annually. Mean time between failures (MTBF) for HOMSH terminals exceeds 50,000 hours.
How long does iris enrollment take?
First-time enrollment takes 2-5 seconds per person. The user looks at the device while the NIR camera captures high-resolution images of one or both irises. The PhaseIris algorithm extracts features and generates a template in real time. The MC21 module achieves enrollment in as fast as 0.7 seconds. Most systems capture both eyes for redundancy, adding minimal time but significantly improving reliability.
Security & Privacy
How is biometric data stored on HOMSH devices?
HOMSH devices store only compact mathematical templates (IrisCodes), not photographs of the eye. Templates are encrypted using AES-256 and stored in tamper-resistant memory. It is mathematically impossible to reconstruct an iris image from a stored template, making the data useless if intercepted. On-device processing ensures raw iris images never leave the hardware.
Is iris recognition GDPR compliant?
Iris recognition can be deployed in full GDPR compliance. Key requirements include obtaining explicit consent before enrollment, storing encrypted templates rather than raw images, implementing data minimization and purpose limitation, providing the right to deletion, and conducting a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). HOMSH systems support all these requirements natively. Visit our privacy policy for details on data handling practices.
What encryption is used to protect iris templates?
HOMSH uses AES-256 encryption for stored templates and TLS 1.3 for data in transit. The Qianxin FPGA chip performs encryption at the hardware level, ensuring templates are encrypted before they leave the sensor module. This front-end encryption architecture means even if the communication channel is compromised, the biometric data remains protected.
Can an iris template be reverse-engineered into an image?
No. The IrisCode template is a one-way mathematical representation of iris texture phase information. The encoding process is irreversible by design — the template contains only relative phase differences, not pixel-level image data. Independent academic research has confirmed that reconstructing a usable iris image from an IrisCode is computationally infeasible, similar to reversing a cryptographic hash.
Business
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for OEM modules?
Standard MOQ for OEM modules is 10 units for evaluation and 100 units for production orders. Smaller quantities are available for prototyping and pilot projects at adjusted pricing. Volume discounts apply for orders of 500+ units. Contact our sales team for custom pricing.
What is the typical delivery lead time?
Standard products ship within 2-3 weeks from order confirmation. Custom OEM configurations require 4-6 weeks for the first batch. HOMSH maintains inventory of popular modules (MC20, MD20, MC21) for faster fulfillment. Expedited shipping options are available for urgent deployments.
What payment terms and warranty does HOMSH offer?
Standard payment terms are 30% deposit with balance before shipment, or Letter of Credit for large orders. All products carry a 24-month warranty covering manufacturing defects. Extended warranty and annual maintenance contracts are available. HOMSH also offers free technical support for the lifetime of the product.
Does HOMSH offer OEM/ODM services?
Yes. HOMSH provides full OEM (private-label) and ODM (custom design) services. OEM options include custom branding, firmware customization, and SDK integration support. ODM services cover custom hardware design, modified optics, specialized enclosures, and tailored software development. Over 60% of HOMSH's revenue comes from OEM/ODM partnerships. Learn more on our Why HOMSH page.
Company
When was HOMSH founded and where is it based?
HOMSH (Beijing Homsh Technology Co., Ltd.) was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Beijing, China. The company operates a dedicated manufacturing facility and R&D center. With over 15 years of continuous focus on iris recognition, HOMSH is one of the longest-operating dedicated iris biometrics companies in the world.
How many employees does HOMSH have?
HOMSH employs approximately 200+ staff, with over 40% in research and development. The R&D team includes specialists in optical engineering, FPGA design, algorithm development, embedded systems, and biometric standards. This R&D-heavy structure reflects HOMSH's commitment to proprietary technology development rather than relying on third-party algorithms or components.
What certifications and patents does HOMSH hold?
HOMSH holds 273+ patents covering iris recognition algorithms, optical design, FPGA architecture, and liveness detection. The company is ISO 9001 certified for quality management and ISO 14001 certified for environmental management. Products carry CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications. HOMSH's iris recognition system is certified to China's GB/T20979-2019 national standard.
In how many countries are HOMSH products deployed?
HOMSH products are deployed in 50+ countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Key deployments include national ID programs, airport border control, banking authentication systems, and mining site access control. Visit our case studies page to see deployment examples.
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