Dr. Ruigang Yang with the University of Kentucky has developed the the current research prototype, which iscapable of capturing the image of the iris of a non-moving subject. The only user cooperation needed is to stand still for a few seconds and look at the camera lens. The system automatically finds the face, localizes the eye, adjusts the zoom and focus, and takes the images of both eyes at the same time.
The task of assuring the security of our homeland involves protecting the citizens of the United States, the nation's critical infrastructure and key assets. This is necessary to sustain the nation's vitality against terrorism and other threats. This protection must originate at the community level. It requires discovering, developing and deploying new technology that will support first responders and key decision makers in local communities.
NIHS' mission is to discover, develop and deploy solutions that protect and preserve the critical infrastructure of the nation's communities.
NIHS aligns projects and research objectives with the needs and requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The strategy is to manage a distributed research enterprise that effectively transitions research and development into solutions. NIHS works with DHS to determine technology needs at the community level. Then, teams are quickly assembled from multiple universities to develop solutions to the needs.
Through management of the Kentucky Critical Infrastructure Protections Program (KCI), the National Institute for Hometown Security (NIHS) provides an ongoing, integrated program dedicated to developing new technologies and devices. NIHS works through qualified academic institutions to accomplish the technological objectives.
