What is Orb Verification
A high-performance camera device that proves you are human. Verification takes about 3 minutes with complete privacy protection
Orb Verification Overview
1. What is the Orb Device
The Orb is a dedicated hardware device developed by World to issue World ID.
The Orb is equipped with high-precision cameras and dedicated processors that capture multiple biometric factors including iris patterns, facial depth, and thermography. By combining these factors, it confirms you are a real human and technically guarantees "one person, one ID."
Orb Technical Features
- •Near-Infrared Multispectral Camera: Accurately captures fine iris patterns using near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths
- •On-Device Processing: Iris image processing is completed inside the Orb (never sent to servers)
- •Real-Time Deletion: Original iris image is immediately deleted after IrisCode generation
- •Liveness Detection: 3D ToF depth camera and thermal camera (thermal imaging sensor) confirm you are a real, living human. Prevents fraud using photos or 3D masks
2. How Orb Verification Works
Why Use Iris Recognition?
The iris is one of the most reliable biometrics for authentication. World ID uses iris recognition for the following reasons:
- •Uniqueness: Iris patterns differ for each person, even identical twins. Left and right eyes also differ.
- •Permanence: Formed by age 2 and remains virtually unchanged throughout life
- •High Accuracy: Iris contains about 10x more information than fingerprints, with very low false acceptance rate (FAR)
- •Difficult to Forge: Extremely difficult to artificially reproduce iris patterns
Conversion to IrisCode
Iris images scanned by the Orb are converted to a unique binary code called "IrisCode". This conversion process has the following characteristics:
- •One-Way: Mathematically impossible to reconstruct the original iris image from IrisCode
- •Deterministic: The same iris always generates the same IrisCode
- •Collision Resistant: Extremely low probability of different irises generating the same IrisCode
Iris Data Processing Flow
iris
IrisCode on device
delete original
duplicates
3. Verification Process (Step by Step)
Download World App
Download World App on iOS/Android and create an account. Setting up backup ensures peace of mind when switching devices.
Time required: ~1 minute
Visit an Orb Location
Find and visit the nearest verification location using World App's "Find an Orb" feature or Humanary's Orb locations. Check business hours on the World App.
Over 240 locations available in Japan (au Style, Re.Ra.Ku, ME TOKYO, X-Mobile, etc.)
Display QR Code in World App
Once at the location, proceed with the Orb verification process in World App and display the QR code on screen. The Orb reads this QR code to start the verification process.
Scan Your Iris with the Orb
Stand in front of the Orb, push back your bangs, stay still, and open your eyes wide. The Orb scan can complete in as little as 10 seconds.
Note: Glasses, colored contacts, and hard contacts must be removed. Regular soft contact lenses are OK to wear.
Verification Complete
After the scan, a duplicate check is performed, and if clear, an Orb-verified World ID is issued to your World App. You can now use services that require Orb verification, including Humanary.
4. Iris Data Handling and Privacy
Many people worry about privacy when they hear "iris scanning." Orb verification strictly follows these principles for handling iris data:
1. Iris Images Are Not Stored
Iris images scanned by the Orb are immediately deleted after conversion to IrisCode. Iris images are never sent to servers or stored anywhere.
2. Iris Cannot Be Reconstructed from IrisCode
IrisCode is generated through feature extraction using Gabor wavelet filters. This conversion is one-way, making it mathematically impossible to reconstruct the original iris image from IrisCode.
3. No Personal Information Required
You are never required to submit personal information like name, address, date of birth, or email to get Orb verified. World ID can be obtained completely anonymously.
4. Protection Through Zero-Knowledge Proofs
When authenticating with World ID, services can only verify that "this user is an Orb-verified human." They have no access to any personally identifying information.
Self-Sovereign Service
World is a self-sovereign service where you manage your own data. Since World doesn't hold your data, if you haven't backed it up yourself, your data cannot be recovered. You also have full authority to completely delete your data.
5. About ID Card/Passport Verification
In addition to Orb verification, World ID also offers "Credentials" verification using government-issued IDs. This method can be completed at home using an NFC-enabled smartphone.
However, Credentials verification has a different verification level compared to Orb. Orb verification is required for Humanary registration.
Learn more about Credentials verification6. Safety & FAQ
Q. Is Orb verification safe?
Yes. Iris images are not stored and are immediately deleted after conversion to IrisCode. No personal information is required during verification. Zero-knowledge proofs ensure you cannot be identified when using services.
Q. Is there a cost?
No. Orb verification is completely free. There is no cost at all.
Q. Can I verify with glasses or contacts?
Regular soft contact lenses are OK. Glasses, colored contacts, and hard contacts must be removed.
Q. How long does verification take?
The Orb iris scan itself can be completed in as little as 10 seconds. Including preparation (World App setup, post-verification confirmation), plan for 15-30 minutes total.
Q. Do I need to re-verify?
No. Once Orb verification is complete, re-verification is generally not required. World ID is valid for life.
Q. Can I delete my World ID?
Yes. You can delete your World ID from the World App. Please note that after deletion, you will not be able to obtain a new World ID.
7. Orb Technical Specifications
The Orb is not just an "iris scanner" but an advanced biometric device combining multiple sensors. Below are the main sensors and their roles.
Sensor Components
Near-Infrared Multispectral Camera
Captures iris at three wavelengths: 740nm, 850nm, and 940nm. Using multiple wavelengths enables more accurate iris pattern capture and detection of fraud using contact lenses or prosthetic eyes.
Purpose: Iris pattern capture, uniqueness verification
3D Time of Flight (ToF) Depth Camera
Measures infrared reflection time to accurately map the 3D structure of your face. Captures three-dimensional information that cannot be replicated by photos or 2D screens, preventing flat spoofing attempts.
Purpose: Prevents photo/screen fraud, 3D facial recognition
Thermal Camera (Heat Imaging Sensor)
Detects heat patterns emitted from the face. By confirming the body temperature distribution unique to living humans, it can detect sophisticated 3D masks and silicone disguises.
Purpose: Liveness detection, mask detection
Wide-Angle Near-Infrared Camera
Captures the entire verification scene and accurately detects eye position. Works with the 2-axis gimbal to guide the high-resolution iris camera to the optimal position.
Purpose: Eye position detection, optimal capture positioning
Key Hardware Components
- •NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX: Main processor running AI algorithms in real-time
- •79 Near-Infrared LEDs: Provides uniform illumination at multiple wavelengths
- •2-Axis Gimbal Telephoto Camera: Captures high-resolution iris images with liquid lens rapid autofocus
- •Secure Element: Handles cryptographic key protection and signing
All Processing Completed On-Device
All data captured by these sensors is processed inside the Orb. Raw biometric data is never sent to servers—only the encrypted unique identifier (IrisCode → AMPC shares) is transmitted.
8. Where to Get Verified
In Japan, Orb verification is available at over 240 locations nationwide.
Main locations: au Style, Re.Ra.Ku, ME TOKYO, X-Mobile, etc.
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