Here’s a comprehensive product description of the IriTech IriShield™ Iris Scanner suite, focusing on the MK‑2120U/BK‑2121U models, followed by 20 FAQs. Coverage includes hardware, software, security, applications, environment, certifications, and integration.
The IriShield Iris Scanner series from IriTech Inc. features ultra‑compact, USB‑powered iris scanners designed for high‑speed, high‑accuracy biometric enrollment and authentication. The two primary versions are:
- IriShield USB MK‑2120U / MK‑2120UL – single‑iris capture
- IriShield USB BK‑2121U (and BO‑2121 variant) – dual‑iris simultaneous capture (Aeroexpo, foxbase.in)
These Iris Scanner models are STQC‑certified for India’s Aadhaar program and adhere to ISO/IEC 19794‑6 iris image standards. They are compact, lightweight, USB‑powered, and compatible with a wide range of host devices (Windows, Linux, Android, embedded). On‑board algorithms handle capture, quality checking, matching, encryption, and digital signing in a secure environment (Aeroexpo).
Key Features & Benefits
- Auto‑capture with quality control in Iris Scanner: Built‑in NIST‑validated image quality assessment ensures reliable iris capture with minimum rejects (Aeroexpo).
- Secure on‑board processing with Iris Scanner: RSA‑2048 for digital signatures, AES‑256 encryption, X.509 certificates generated on‑board, ensuring tamper resistance and secure data transmission (Aeroexpo).
- STQC / Aadhaar compliance in Iris Scanner: Approved for government biometric ID programs in India; ideal for public distribution, pension, healthcare, attendance tracking, and micro‑ATM usage (visiontek.co.in).
- Dual‑iris capture (BK‑2121U): Simultaneously scans both eyes, enabling higher accuracy and faster matching (≤ 0.5 s over 1,000 templates) (Radium Box).
- Compact & low‑power in Iris Scanner: No external power needed; runs via USB 2.0 at 5 V DC, 250 – 430 mA depending on model (ravirajtech.com, Fulcrum Biometrics, Inc).
- Wide environmental range in Iris Scanner: Operates from 0 °C to 45 °C (storage down to −20 °C), humidity non‑condensing up to ~90% RH; IP54 dust protection (ravirajtech.com).
- Versatile integration with Iris Scanner: Plug‑and‑play support with SDKs for C/C++, .NET, Java, Linux, Android, embedded environments (ravirajtech.com).
- ISO/IEC 19794‑6 imaging in Iris Scanner: Images stored as 640×480‑pixel, 8‑bit grayscale in K1–K7 formats; compatible with biometric standards (Aeroexpo).
Hardware Specifications
| Feature | MK‑2120U / MK‑2120UL (single iris) | BK‑2121U / BO‑2121 (dual iris) |
|---|---|---|
| Capture Mode | Auto single‑iris | Simultaneous dual‑iris capture |
| Optimal Distance | ~4.7–5.3 cm from sensor (≈13.5–14 cm front) | ~13.5–14.5 cm from lens; depth ~1 cm |
| Resolution | VGA, ≥60% @ 4 lp/mm spatial, ≥16 px/mm | Same |
| Image Format | ISO/IEC 19794‑6, RAW, JPG, JP2, PNG, K‑formats | Same |
| Physical Size | 51.2×92.6×15.1 mm; ~170–300 g | Scanner unit 124×63×42 mm; with goggle 200×145×72 mm (ravirajtech.com, ExportersIndia, foxbase.in, Fulcrum Biometrics, Inc) |
| Power | USB 2.0 (5 V, ≤ 300 mA) | USB 2.0 (≤ 430 mA) |
| Illumination | Infrared LED | Infrared LED |
| Operating Temp / Humidity | 0 °C–45 °C, storage −20 °C–60 °C; up to 90% RH | Same |
| Certifications | IEC 62471 eye safety, RoHS, FCC‑Class B/A, IP‑54, STQC, UIDAI | Same |
| OS Compatibility | Windows, Linux, WinCE, Embedded Linux, Android, Mac or non‑OS | Same |
| SDK & Software | Demo app, drivers, SDK (C/C++, .NET, Java) | Same |
Iris Scanner Software, Algorithms, & SDK
- Iris Scanner NIST‑proven image quality assessment per ISO 29794‑6 metrics to ensure accurate and consistent captures (Aeroexpo).
- Iris Scanner Fast biometric matching: Dual‑iris BK‑2121U matches 1,000 templates in under 0.5 seconds; single‑iris performance also high—< 1 second typical matching time (Radium Box).
- Cross‑platform SDKs: Support for Windows (32/64‑bit), Linux, Android, WinCE, embedded and proprietary OSes; sample code included (ravirajtech.com).
- Security features: On‑board RSA key generation, AES‑256 encryption, PKI support—ensures stored templates and communication can’t be intercepted or tampered (visiontek.co.in).
Typical Use Cases & Applications
- Aadhaar authentication & e‑KYC (India): Widely deployed in government schemes—PDS, pensions, healthcare, attendance, banking, welfare distribution (IriTech).
- Time & attendance in schools or buses: On‑board matching supports local operations without network connectivity—ideal for buses, remote schools, NGOs (e.g., Kenya case) (Wikipedia).
- Access control & identification: Secure login systems—banking, corporate, IoT access, micro‑ATM authentication, identity verification (IriTech, foxbase.in).
- Mobile and embedded devices integration: Compatible with tablet/phones over USB, and integrating iris capture into device modules or smart home systems (Wikipedia).
Security & Compliance
- Eye safety: IR illumination certified IEC 62471 Exempt, safe even with prolonged use (unlike older phone-based scanners) (ravirajtech.com).
- STQC/Aadhaar certification: Mandatory for devices used in India’s UIDAI ecosystem; ensures standards for image quality, encryption, and fidelity (foxbase.in).
- ISO/IEC standard compliance: Full support for ISO/IEC 19794‑6 formats to guarantee interoperability, exchangeability, and template conformity (Aeroexpo).
End‑User Experience
- Plug‑and‑play USB operation: Quick setup with minimal configuration; powered via USB only, easy to connect to desktops, laptops, tablets, or phones (ravirajtech.com, Fulcrum Biometrics, Inc).
- Visual guidance: Dual‑iris model includes LED indicators and visors to position user correctly; side gaze detection and motion blur detection enhance success rates (ravirajtech.com, Fulcrum Biometrics, Inc).
- Compact design: The single‑iris MK‑2120U is pocketable; dual‑iris BK‑2121U is desktop‑suitable while still portable.
Estimated Performance
- Capture time: Auto‑capture within 1 s; on‑board IQC filters out poor images.
- Matching speed: Dual‑iris device matches against 1,000 stored templates in < 0.5 s (Radium Box); single‑iris similar but slightly slower.
- Template storage: On‑board internal gallery typically supports 500 identities (1,000 templates), expandable to several thousand via SDK and host.
Limitations & Considerations
- Limited outdoors direct sunlight: IR illumination may struggle under strong sunlight; best in shaded or indoor environments (Wikipedia, Reddit).
- Alignment sensitivity: Accurate iris positioning required; user must align eyes within prescribed range and distance—some learning curve.
- Single‑iris vs dual‑iris: Dual‑iris offers better speed and accuracy but is larger and slightly costlier. Single‑iris is more compact but scanning only one eye may slightly degrade matching confidence.
The IriTech IriShield series delivers secure, certified, and fast iris-based biometric capture. Whether you need Aadhaar-grade identity authentication or integration into corporate access, attendance, or mobile systems, these compact USB devices offer cross-platform flexibility and robust security. The dual-iris scanner (BK‑2121U) offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, while the MK‑2120U strikes a perfect balance of compactness and functionality.
FAQ:
1. What’s the difference between MK‑2120U and BK‑2121U?
MK‑2120U captures one iris, while BK‑2121U captures both eyes simultaneously—dual‑iris gives faster matching and higher accuracy.
2. Are they USB‑powered?
Yes, both run via USB 2.0 (5 V), drawing 250–430 mA depending on model.
3. What image formats are supported?
ISO/IEC 19794‑6 compliant, including K1/K2/K3/K7 standard formats, RAW, JPG, JPEG‑2000, PNG.
4. How accurate is the iris image quality?
Images are quality‑checked using NIST‑proven IQA algorithms, compliant with ISO/IEC standards.
5. How fast is recognition?
Dual‑iris BK‑2121U matches 1,000 templates in under 0.5 seconds; MK‑2120U single‑iris typically matching under 1 second.
6. Is it Aadhaar‑certified?
Yes, it’s STQC certified and approved for Aadhaar authentication in India.
7. Which operating systems are supported?
Windows, Linux (x86‑64), Android, WinCE, Embedded Linux, Mac OS, or proprietary OS using SDK.
8. Is data encryption built‑in?
Yes—RSA‑2048 key pair generated on‑board; AES‑256 encryption for stored images and data transmission.
9. What are use cases?
Aadhaar e‑KYC, benefits distribution, micro‑ATM access, attendance in schools, corporate access control, mobile authentication, IoT, healthcare, etc.
10. How robust is the device?
Rated IP54 for dust resistance; performs reliably in 0–45 °C ambient temperature and up to 90% non‑condensing humidity; storage −20–60 °C.
11. Eye safety?
Infrared LED emission certified IEC 62471 Exempt—safe even with continuous usage.
12. SDK availability?
Included with demos and sample code in C/C++, .NET, Java, Android, Linux, and embedded platforms.
13. Can it work outdoors?
Yes—though performance may drop under strong direct sunlight; ideal in shaded or indoor settings.
14. How big is the device?
MK‑2120U is ~51×93×15 mm and ~170–300 g; BK‑2121U with visor ~200×145×72 mm and ~500 g.
15. How many templates can be stored onboard?
Built‑in storage supports ~500 identities (1,000 iris templates); more can be managed by host system.
16. Can it integrate with mobile phones or tablets?
Yes—via USB‑OTG support on Android or tablet platforms.
17. What’s the power consumption?
Between 250 mA (MK‑2120U) and ~430 mA (BK‑2121U) at 5 V.
18. Does glasses or contact lenses affect accuracy?
Infrared illumination typically works through regular glasses; heavily reflective or tinted eyewear may degrade capture quality.
19. Is it suitable for child iris capture?
Yes—focal depth and field allow capture even at small interpupillary distances (~4 cm, typical for young children) (Reddit, rdservice.in, ravirajtech.com, ExportersIndia, visiontek.co.in, neurotechnology.com).
20. Motion or gaze tolerance?
Includes motion detection and side-gaze detection logic; capture waits until user’s eyes are steady and aligned.
Anjali –
Good quality. Fantastic product. Looks sleek and works perfectly.
Manishankar –
Compact, fast, and incredibly accurate. Setup was effortless, and it works flawlessly for Aadhaar and secure logins. Great value for biometric authentication.