HOW IRIS WORKS

IRIS (Infrared Retroreflector Identification System) is a two part system comprising a gun-mounted infrared laser sensor, and infrared reflective strips integrated into Hunter Safety Lab’s vests and caps.

The IRIS sensor continuously emits short pulses of invisible infrared laser light in the direction of fire. IRIS-detectable patches reflect the laser light back to the sensor enabling detection. If the IRIS sensor detects IRIS material, it gives an audio-visual alarm to warn the hunter not to fire.

The IRIS system works in all conditions, including at night.

This video shows how IRIS works even in quite thick cover.

COVERAGE

Unlike a laser-pointer which projects only a tiny dot, the IRIS laser projects an area of coverage that spreads out to cover the target area. Any small piece/s of IRIS material visible within the area of coverage can be detected. This means detection is often possible even when the target is partially obscured behind vegetation.

At about 40 yards/metres (the average hunting accident distance) the size of the beam is about twice the width of a human torso.

Approximate field of view at 40 metres / yards.

DETECTION RANGE

The distance at which a piece of IRIS reflective material can be detected by an IRIS sensor depends on many variables. The primary variable is how much IRIS reflective material is visible to the sensor. In the open, an IRIS-detectable vest can be detected up to a maximum of about 150 metres away, but the system has been designed for best detection between about 10 and 100 metres—where most hunting accidents happen.

ABOUT IRIS REFLECTIVE MATERIAL

IRIS-detectable strips are made from high performance, American made micro-prismatic retroreflective material. Retroreflectors reflect light back to its source. Common examples are road signs, cats-eyes, and the silver strips found on many road-worker and construction-worker vests. IRIS retroreflectors have been specially optimised to reflect the infrared laser light from the IRIS sensor.

IRIS reflective material comes in black or orange strips which are sewn onto IRIS-detectable vests and integrated behind the mesh on the IRIS-detectable caps. IRIS patches are totally passive and require no battery power or maintenance. IRIS-detectable vests can be machine washed.

IMPORTANT Although an IRIS sensor may detect non-IRIS type retroreflective materials, ONLY IRIS branded products have the infrared reflective performance required for reliable detection in all conditions.

EASY TO SET UP

IRIS scope mounts precisely align the IRIS sensor to the scope tube. This means that no post-mounting calibration or alignment is required. Just test and go. The IRIS sensor uses a single AA lithium battery which gives 50-100 hours of continuous use.

SIMPLE TO USE

IRIS works in the background while you hunt the same as you’ve always done. Absolutely no change in behaviour is needed, simply wear the vest, switch the sensor on and get hunting. Easy!

INSURANCE

IRIS is a bit like insurance. You never know if, or when, you’ll ever need it, but imagine 10 years from now, you’ve just lined up another deer and are about to shoot, when ping, suddenly the IRIS alert goes off and you realise it’s not a deer, it’s your trusty hunting buddy. How much would that be worth?

YOUR HUNTING RESPONSIBILITY

IRIS is not a target identification aid. No technology in the world (IRIS included) can reliably differentiate between a human and an animal. The IRIS sensor can give a warning if it detects IRIS reflective material on the target, but it cannot indicate whether it is safe to fire or not. The decision whether to pull the trigger remains YOUR responsibility. IRIS provides an additional layer of protection in situations where traditional safety measures have already failed, but it does not and can not replace safe hunting practice. Hunters must always identify the target beyond doubt BEFORE aiming their gun.