Samsung Electronics’ iris recognition technology, the key feature in its latest Galaxy Note 7 that has created a splash around the world, is the byproduct of delving into the iris, or the unique patters within the ring-shaped region encircling the pupil of the eye, for nearly four years with firm belief that it would be the best possible solution in biometric verification.

In a rare public briefing on its iris technology on Tuesday, the world’s top smartphone maker said it began to explore on the mission of developing the best possible protection for privacy and customer information three years and a half ago amid controversy about U.S. intelligence office’s spying on individual lives following explosive whistle-blowing by Edward Snowden.

Out of many biometric methodologies, it chose iris as few out of entire 6 billion world population have the same iris pattern. Even a twin has a different pattern from each other and the unique patterns stay the same for life.

Samsung briefly considered the option of a DNA test, which is the oldest biometric identification method, but found it too difficult to incorporate into a handset. A DNA test typically takes at least two hours.

Samsung Electronics decided to focus on iris recognition and found an effective solution based on minimum relevant traits among 266 iris features that vary in individuals. It even counted in the unexpected factors of having water drops in the eye during washing and the width of contact or eyeglass lens.

The company developed this solution independently and owns patent to the discovery.

“Of course, it needs to be further perfected. There are some restrictions during the peak daytime with high exposure of sun,” said Ko Dong-jin, head of Samsung`s mobile division, in earlier presentation. He pledged the company will continue to perfect the technology for next smartphone versions.

By Shin Hyun-kyu

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