Authentication system and imaging device

Abstract

To provide an authentication device and an authentication system capable of authenticating an object using an iris image.MEANS: An authentication device includes first imaging means having an imaging element and acquiring an iris image by imaging the iris of a subject, and a display displaying information regarding authentication using the iris image on a display surface, the imaging element is positioned on the rear side of the display and overlapping with the display surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the display surface, and the optical axis of the first imaging means intersects with the perpendicular direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to, for example, the technical field of an authentication system capable of authenticating a target using an iris image generated by capturing an image of the target's iris, and an imaging device that can be used in the authentication system. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of an authentication system capable of authenticating a target using an iris image generated by capturing an image of the target's iris is described in Patent Document 1. Other prior art documents related to this disclosure include Patent Documents 2 to 6. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 038158 Brochure [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-237169 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2000-220333 A [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2021 / 059526 Brochure [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2020 / 170914 Brochure [Patent Document 6] JP 2020-194599 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an authentication system and an imaging device that aim to improve upon the techniques described in the prior art documents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the authentication system comprises an imaging means capable of generating an iris image by imaging the iris of a subject, and a display means capable of displaying information relating to authentication of the subject using the iris image, wherein at least a part of the imaging means is disposed in a space adjacent to the back side of the display means, which is opposite to the display surface that displays the information, and the imaging means faces in a direction different from the direction in which the subject is present.

[0006] One aspect of the imaging device comprises an imaging means capable of generating an iris image by imaging the iris of a subject, and a display means capable of displaying information regarding authentication of the subject using the iris image, wherein at least a portion of the imaging means is disposed in a space adjacent to the back side of the display means, which is opposite the display surface that displays the information, and the imaging means faces in a direction different from the direction in which the subject is present. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an authentication system in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an authentication system in the second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3(a) is a top view showing an example of the configuration of a gate unit in the second embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a gate unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging unit in the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an imaging unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of an imaging unit in the second embodiment (particularly, a cross section including a face camera, a display, and a housing). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of an imaging unit in the second embodiment (particularly, a cross section including an iris camera, a mirror, a display, and a housing). [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the imaging range of the face camera and the imaging range of the iris camera. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the imaging range of the face camera and the imaging range of the iris camera. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of an imaging unit in the second embodiment (particularly, a cross section including a rotary motor). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of an authentication operation performed by a control unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the gate unit in which the first flapper gate is in the open state. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an example of a UI screen that is displayed on the display when the face camera captures an image of the face of a target person. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the imaging range of the iris camera and the eyes of a target person. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the gate unit with the second flapper gate in the open state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an example of a UI screen that is displayed on the display when authentication of a target person is successful. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the gate unit in which the first and second flapper gates are in the closed state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an example of a UI screen that is displayed on the display when authentication of a target person fails. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing an iris camera and a rotating mirror whose position is adjusted. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation for adjusting the positions of the iris camera and the rotating mirror in the third embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23(a) is a perspective view showing a stopper and a rotating mirror in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 23(b) is a side view showing the stopper and the rotating mirror in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations for calibrating a rotary motor using a stopper. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation for controlling the deceleration when the rotating mirror stops. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a graph showing the rotation speed of the rotating mirror in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows multiple iris images produced when a rotating mirror is oscillating. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging unit in the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30(a) and FIG. 27(b) show an iris camera that images a target person via a relay mirror. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the flow of the operation of switching the relay mirror that reflects the light from the iris of the target person toward the rotating mirror. [Diagram 32] 32(a) and 32(b) show an iris camera capturing an image of a target person via a relay mirror. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the flow of the operation of switching the relay mirror that reflects the light from the iris of the target person toward the rotating mirror. [Diagram 34] 34(a) and 34(b) show an iris camera capturing an image of a target person via a relay mirror. [Diagram 35] 35(a) and 35(b) show an iris camera capturing an image of a target person via a relay mirror. [Diagram 36]FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging unit in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an imaging unit in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a top view showing the arrangement position of the imaging unit in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing another example of the imaging unit in the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a perspective top view showing another example of the imaging unit in the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is a top view showing another example of the arrangement position of the imaging unit in the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation for controlling a plurality of rotating mirrors. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotating mirror provided in an imaging unit in the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging unit in the ninth embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45(a) is a top view showing the imaging unit during the period when the iris camera captures an image of a target person, and FIG. 45(b) is a top view showing the imaging unit during the period after the target person has been authenticated. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of moving the imaging unit. [Figure 47] FIG. 47(a) is a top view showing the imaging unit during the period when the iris camera captures an image of a target person, and FIG. 47(b) is a top view showing the imaging unit during the period after the target person has been authenticated. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a top view showing a bent lane. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of driving the rotating mirror as a heat dissipation fan. [Figure 50]FIG. 50 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the flow of the authentication operation performed by the control unit in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a front view showing the configuration of an illumination device in the twelfth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an authentication system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (1) First embodiment First, a first embodiment of an authentication system and an imaging device will be described. Below, an authentication system 1000 to which the first embodiment of the authentication system and imaging device is applied will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the authentication system 1000 in the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1, the positional relationship of the components that make up the authentication system 1000 will be described using a three-dimensional coordinate system consisting of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis and the Y-axis are each an axis along a horizontal plane (i.e., an axis extending in the horizontal direction), and the Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane (i.e., an axis extending in the vertical direction).

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the authentication system 1000 includes an imaging device 1010, which is a specific example of "imaging means" in the appendix described later, and a display device 1020, which is a specific example of "display means" in the appendix described later. The imaging device 1010 can generate an iris image by capturing an image of the iris of the target 2000. The display device 1020 can display information related to authentication of the target 2000 using the iris image (e.g., information related to an authentication result). In the first embodiment, the authentication system 1000 may or may not include an authentication device for authenticating the target 2000 using the iris image. When the authentication system 1000 does not include an authentication device, the authentication system 1000 may be referred to as an imaging system, an imaging device, a display system, or a display device.

[0011] At least a portion of the imaging device 1010 is disposed in a space 1030 adjacent to the display device 1020. Specifically, the display device 1020 includes a display surface 1021 for displaying information related to authentication of the target 2000 using an iris image. At least a portion of the imaging device 1010 is disposed in the space 1030 adjacent to a back surface 1022 of the display device 1020 located on the opposite side to the display surface 1021.

[0012] In the space 1030, the imaging device 1010 faces a direction different from the direction in which the object 2000 exists. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the object 2000 is located in a lateral direction (e.g., Y-axis direction, as an example, horizontal direction) as viewed from the imaging device 1010. That is, the object 2000 is located at a position apart along the lateral direction as viewed from the imaging device 1010. In this case, the imaging device 1010 faces a direction different from the lateral direction. For example, the imaging device 1010 may face a direction intersecting the lateral direction (e.g., vertical direction). As an example, the imaging device 1010 may face a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction (e.g., Z-axis direction, as a vertical direction).

[0013] Note that "the direction in which the imaging device 1010 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the imaging device 1010 captures an image. "The direction in which the imaging device 1010 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the imaging range of the imaging device 1010 expands as seen from the imaging device 1010. "The direction in which the imaging device 1010 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the optical system of the imaging device 1010 (for example, an optical system including a lens, etc.) faces. "The direction in which the imaging device 1010 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the optical axis of the optical system of the imaging device 1010 extends.

[0014] Such authentication system 1000 of the first embodiment can enjoy the effect of reducing the size of the authentication system 1000. In other words, the authentication system 1000 of the first embodiment can appropriately solve the technical problem that the size of the authentication system becomes excessively large.

[0015] (2) Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. Below, an authentication system SYS to which the second embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the following description, the positional relationship of the components that make up the authentication system SYS will be described using a three-dimensional coordinate system consisting of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis and the Y-axis are each an axis along a horizontal plane (i.e., an axis extending horizontally), and the Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane (i.e., an axis extending vertically).

[0016] (2-1) Overall configuration of the authentication system SYS First, the overall configuration of the authentication system SYS in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the authentication system SYS in the second embodiment.

[0017] 2, the authentication system SYS includes an imaging unit 1, a control unit 2, and a gate unit 3. The imaging unit 1, the control unit 2, and the gate unit 3 may be referred to as an imaging device, a control device, and a gate device, respectively.

[0018] The imaging unit 1 is capable of capturing an image of at least a portion of a target (see FIG. 3(a)). The target may include, for example, a person. The target may include an animal other than a person (for example, at least one of mammals such as dogs and cats, birds such as sparrows, reptiles such as snakes, amphibians such as frogs, and fish such as goldfish). The target may include an inanimate object. The inanimate object may include a robot that imitates a person or an animal. In the following explanation, an example in which the target is a person (hereinafter referred to as "target person P") will be described.

[0019] The imaging unit 1 can capture at least a portion of the target person P to generate a person image IMG in which at least a portion of the target person P is captured. Specifically, as described in detail later, the imaging unit 1 can capture an image of the iris of the target person P to generate an iris image IMG_I in which the iris of the target person P is captured as the person image IMG. Furthermore, the imaging unit 1 can capture an image of the face of the target person P to generate a face image IMG_F in which the face of the target person P is captured as the person image IMG.

[0020] In addition, the iris image IMG_I may include a part of the target person P other than the iris. Even in this case, as described in detail later, the target person P is authenticated using the iris of the target person P included in the iris image IMG_I, so no problem occurs even if a part of the target person P other than the iris is included in the iris image IMG_I. Alternatively, when a part of the target person P other than the iris is included in the iris image IMG_I but the iris of the target person P is not included, the imaging unit 1 may generate the iris image IMG_I including the iris of the target person P by rotating the rotating mirror 13 and / or adjusting the position of the iris camera 12, as described in detail later. Similarly, the face image IMG_F may include a part of the target person P other than the face. Even in this case, as described in detail later, the position of the eyes of the target person P is identified using the face of the target person P reflected in the facial image IMG_F, so no problem occurs even if a part of the target person P other than the face is reflected in the facial image IMG_F. Alternatively, when a part of the target person P other than the face is reflected in the facial image IMG_F but the face of the target person P is not reflected, the imaging unit 1 may generate a facial image IMG_F in which the face of the target person P is reflected by adjusting the position of the facial camera 11, as described in detail later.

[0021] The control unit 2 acquires a person image IMG from the imaging unit 1, and performs an authentication operation for authenticating the target person P using the person image IMG. In the second embodiment, the control unit 2 acquires an iris image IMG_I from the imaging unit 1, and performs an authentication operation for authenticating the target person P using the iris image IMG_I. That is, the control unit 2 performs an authentication operation related to iris authentication. Specifically, the control unit 2 determines whether the target person P reflected in the acquired iris image IMG_I is identical to a person registered in advance (hereinafter referred to as a "registered person") based on the iris pattern of the target person P reflected in the acquired iris image IMG_I. If it is determined that the target person P reflected in the iris image IMG_I is identical to the registered person, it is determined that the authentication of the target person P has been successful. On the other hand, if it is determined that the target person P reflected in the iris image IMG_I is not identical to the registered person, it is determined that the authentication of the target person P has failed.

[0022] As at least a part of the authentication operation, the control unit 2 may perform an operation of controlling the imaging unit 1 to capture an image of at least a part of the target person P. For example, the control unit 2 may control the imaging unit 1 by outputting an imaging control signal to the imaging unit 1 for controlling the imaging unit 1 to capture an image of at least a part of the target person P.

[0023] The gate unit 3 is a device capable of controlling the passage of a target person P. An example of the configuration of the gate unit 3 is shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b). FIG. 3(a) is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the gate unit 3, and FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the gate unit 3. As shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), the gate unit 3 includes a pair of guide walls 31, a first flapper gate 32, a second flapper gate 33, a proximity sensor 34, and at least one lighting device 36. However, the configuration of the gate unit 3 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b). Or, the authentication system SYS may not include the gate unit 3 in the first place.

[0024] The pair of guide walls 31 form a lane 35 for the target person P to pass between the pair of guide walls 31. Therefore, each of the pair of guide walls 31 extends along the direction in which the lane 35 extends (the Y-axis direction in the example shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)).

[0025] The first flapper gate 32 is a plate-like member capable of controlling the passage of the target person P. In addition to or instead of the first flapper gate 32, a gate bar, which is a rod-like member capable of controlling the passage of the target person P, may be used. The state of the first flapper gate 32 is controlled by the control unit 2 based on the detection result of the target person P by the proximity sensor 34. Specifically, when the proximity sensor 34 detects the target person P, the state of the first flapper gate 32 is controlled by the control unit 2 so that the state of the first flapper gate 32 is in an open state in which the target person P can pass through the first flapper gate 32. On the other hand, when the proximity sensor 34 does not detect the target person P, the state of the first flapper gate 32 is controlled by the control unit 2 so that the state of the first flapper gate 32 is in a closed state in which the target person P cannot pass through the first flapper gate 32. However, the state of the first flapper gate 32 may be controlled based on the detection result of the target person P by the proximity sensor 34, regardless of the control by the control unit 2.

[0026] The second flapper gate 33 is a plate-like member capable of controlling the passage of the target person P. In addition to or instead of the second flapper gate 33, a gate bar, which is a rod-like member capable of controlling the passage of the target person P, may be used. The state of the second flapper gate 33 is controlled by the control unit 2 based on the authentication result of the target person P by the control unit 2. Specifically, when the authentication of the target person P by the control unit 2 is successful (i.e., it is determined that the target person P matches the registered person), the state of the second flapper gate 33 is controlled by the control unit 2 so that the state of the second flapper gate 33 is in an open state in which the target person P can pass through the second flapper gate 33. On the other hand, when the authentication of the target person P by the control unit 2 is unsuccessful (i.e., it is determined that the target person P does not match the registered person), the state of the second flapper gate 33 is controlled by the control unit 2 so that the state of the second flapper gate 33 is in a closed state in which the target person P cannot pass through the second flapper gate 33. However, the state of the first flapper gate 32 may be controlled based on the result of authentication of the target person P by the control unit 2, independently of the control by the control unit 2.

[0027] The proximity sensor 34 is a detection device capable of detecting a target person P. The proximity sensor 34 may be capable of detecting a target person P approaching the gate unit 3. The proximity sensor 34 may be capable of detecting a target person P entering a lane 35 formed by the gate unit 3. The proximity sensor 34 may be capable of detecting a target person P about to enter a lane 35 formed by the gate unit 3.

[0028] 3(a) and 3(b), the proximity sensor 34 can optically detect the target person P. Specifically, the proximity sensor 34 includes a light emitting device 341 and a light receiving device 342 that are respectively arranged on the pair of guide walls 31. The light emitting device 341 can emit detection light DL that propagates in a direction crossing the lane 35. The light receiving device 342 can receive the detection light DL emitted by the light emitting device 341. When the target person P has not entered the lane 35, the detection light DL emitted by the light emitting device 341 is not blocked by the target person P, and therefore the light receiving device 342 receives the detection light DL emitted by the light emitting device 341. On the other hand, when the target person P enters the lane 35 (particularly, enters the optical path of the detection light DL), the detection light DL emitted by the light emitting device 341 is blocked by the target person P, and therefore the light receiving device 342 does not receive the detection light DL emitted by the light emitting device 341. Therefore, the light reception result by the light receiving device 342 indicates the detection result of the target person P.

[0029] The imaging unit 1 described above captures an image of a target person P located in a lane 35 formed by a gate unit 3. For this reason, the imaging unit 1 may be disposed in the gate unit 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), the imaging unit 1 may be disposed in a guide wall 31. However, the arrangement position of the imaging unit 1 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b). The imaging unit 1 may not be disposed in the gate unit 3. The imaging unit 1 may not be disposed in a member different from the gate unit 3. For example, the imaging unit 1 may be attached to a support member (e.g., a wall member or a pole member, etc.) disposed in the vicinity of the gate unit 3.

[0030] The lighting device 36 may be disposed on the guide wall 31, for example. The lighting device 36 illuminates the target person P (particularly, the eyes) with illumination light IL when the imaging unit 1 (particularly, the iris camera 12 described later) images the target person P located in the lane 35. As described in detail later, the iris camera 12 images the iris of the target person P located between the first flapper gate 32 and the second flapper gate 33. For this reason, the lighting device 36 may be disposed at a position where the lighting device 36 can illuminate the iris of the target person P located between the first flapper gate 32 and the second flapper gate 33 with illumination light IL. Note that, although FIG. 3(b) shows an example in which the lighting device 36 has a vertically long shape, the shape of the lighting device 36 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0031] The imaging unit 1 may capture an image of a target person P moving along the lane 35 (for example, a target person P moving without stopping in front of the imaging unit 1). Alternatively, the imaging unit 1 may capture an image of a target person P stationary in the lane 35 (for example, a target person P stationary in front of the imaging unit 1).

[0032] 2 again, the control unit 2 may perform an operation of controlling the gate unit 3 based on the authentication result as at least a part of the authentication operation. For example, the control unit 2 may control the gate unit 3 by outputting to the gate unit 3 a gate control signal for switching the state of the first flapper gate 32 between an open state and a closed state. For example, the control unit 2 may control the gate unit 3 by outputting to the gate unit 3 a gate control signal for switching the state of the second flapper gate 33 between an open state and a closed state.

[0033] (2-2) Configuration of imaging unit 1 Next, the configuration of the imaging unit 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging unit 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the imaging unit 1.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the imaging unit 1 includes a face camera 11, an iris camera 12 which is a specific example of an "imaging means" in the appendix described later, a rotating mirror 13 which is a specific example of each of the "reflection means" and "first reflection means" in the appendix described later, a rotary motor 14 which is a specific example of a "rotational drive means" in the appendix described later, a display 15 which is a specific example of a "display means" in the appendix described later, and a distance sensor 16.

[0035] The face camera 11 is an imaging device capable of capturing an image of the face of the target person P. The face camera 11 is typically capable of capturing an image of at least a part of the target person P including the face of the target person P. The face camera 11 is capable of capturing an image of the face of the target person P, thereby generating a face image IMG_F in which the face of the target person P is captured.

[0036] The iris camera 12 is an imaging device capable of capturing at least an image of the iris of the target person P. The iris camera 12 is typically capable of capturing an image of at least a portion of the target person P including the iris of the target person P. The iris camera 12 is capable of capturing an image of the iris of the target person P, thereby generating an iris image IMG_I in which the iris of the target person P is captured.

[0037] The rotating mirror 13 is an optical element that reflects light from the target person P toward the iris camera 12. Therefore, the iris camera 12 captures the iris of the target person P via the rotating mirror 13. Specifically, as described above, when the iris camera 12 captures the iris of the target person P, the iris of the target person P is illuminated with illumination light IL from the illumination device 36. The illumination light IL may include, for example, near-infrared light (i.e., light whose wavelength is included in the near-infrared wavelength band). Reflected light of the illumination light (or scattered light in addition to or instead of the reflected light) is emitted from the iris illuminated with the illumination light. Therefore, the light from the target person P reflected by the rotating mirror 13 toward the iris camera 12 may include at least one of reflected light and scattered light of the illumination light emitted from the iris. The iris camera 12 receives light from the target person P using an imaging element 122 (see FIG. 7 described later) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), thereby capturing an image of the iris of the target person P. The technical reason why the iris camera 12 captures an image of the iris of the target person P via the rotating mirror 13 will be explained later when explaining the arrangement of the iris camera 12.

[0038] The rotary motor 14 is a drive device for rotating the rotary mirror 13 around a predetermined rotation axis under the control of the control unit 2. The technical reason why the rotary motor 14 rotates the rotary mirror 13 will be explained later when explaining the arrangement of the iris camera 12.

[0039] The display 15 is a display device capable of displaying desired information. For example, the display 15 may be capable of displaying information related to the authentication of the target person P using the iris image IMG_I. The information related to the authentication of the target person P may include information related to the authentication result of the target person P. The information related to the authentication of the target person P may include information to be notified to the target person P who has been successfully authenticated (for example, information notifying that the target person P has been permitted to pass through the second flapper gate 33). The information related to the authentication of the target person P may include information to be notified to the target person P who has failed to be authenticated (for example, information notifying the target person P of the next action to be taken due to the authentication failure).

[0040] The imaging unit 1 may include any output device capable of outputting desired information in addition to or instead of the display 15. For example, the imaging unit 1 may include an audio output device (e.g., a speaker) capable of outputting the desired information as sound. For example, the imaging unit 1 may include a paper output device (e.g., a printer) capable of outputting paper on which the desired information is written.

[0041] The distance sensor 16 is a measuring device capable of measuring the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P. The distance sensor 16 may be capable of optically measuring the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P. An example of the distance sensor 16 capable of optically measuring the distance is at least one of a Time Of Flight (TOF) sensor, a triangulation sensor, a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and a stereo camera. However, the imaging unit 1 does not necessarily have to include the distance sensor 16.

[0042] The face camera 11, the iris camera 12, the rotating mirror 13, the rotating motor 14, the display 15, and the distance sensor 16 are disposed in a housing 19. That is, the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, the rotating mirror 13, the rotating motor 14, the display 15, and the distance sensor 16 are disposed in a storage space SP1 (see Figs. 6 and 7 described later) in the housing 19. As shown in Fig. 5, the housing 19 includes a front housing 191 and a rear housing 192. By combining the front housing 191 and the rear housing 192, a storage space SP1 is formed between the front housing 191 and the rear housing 192, and the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, the rotating mirror 13, the rotating motor 14, the display 15, and the distance sensor 16 are disposed in this storage space SP1.

[0043] Here, the arrangement of face camera 11, iris camera 12, rotating mirror 13, and display 15 in housing 19 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of imaging unit 1 (particularly, a cross section including face camera 11, display 15, and housing 19). Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of imaging unit 1 (particularly, a cross section including iris camera 12, rotating mirror 13, display 15, and housing 19).

[0044] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 may be supported by a support plate 18 in a housing 19. That is, the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 may be housed in the housing 19 in a state in which the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 are attached to the support plate 18. In the example shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the support plate 18 is a plate-shaped member along the XZ plane, but its shape is not limited to the shape shown in Figs. 6 and 7. However, at least one of the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 may not be supported by the support plate 18. In addition to or instead of at least one of the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15, at least one of the rotating mirror 13, the rotating motor 14, and the distance sensor 16 may be supported by the support plate 18.

[0045] At least a part of the support plate 18 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 19. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 (further, FIG. 5), the support plate 18 is accommodated in the housing 19 so as to be sandwiched between the front housing 191 and the rear housing 192. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 (further, FIG. 5), at least a part of the outer edge of the support plate 18 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 19. As a result, the heat generated by the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 can be released to the outside of the housing 19 via the support plate 18. Therefore, the influence of heat on the operations of the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 is reduced. Note that, when the heat generated by the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 is released to the outside of the housing 19 via the support plate 18, the support plate 18 may be a member capable of promoting heat dissipation (for example, a metallic member). However, the support plate 18 does not have to be exposed to the outside of the housing 19 .

[0046] A member different from the support plate 18 may be used as a member for dissipating heat generated in the housing 19 to the outside of the housing 19. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the imaging unit 1 is attached to the gate unit 3 via a connecting member 198, the connecting member 198 may be used as a member for dissipating heat generated in the housing 19 to the outside of the housing 19. In addition, in order to further promote heat dissipation, the imaging unit 1 may be provided with a heat dissipation fan. The heat dissipation fan may be driven to dissipate heat generated in the housing 19 to the outside of the housing 19. For example, the heat dissipation fan may be driven to dissipate heat generated in the housing 19 to the outside of the housing 19 through an opening (for example, at least one of openings 194, 195, and 197 described later) formed in the housing 19.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the face camera 11 may be disposed so as to face the direction in which the target person P exists. Here, the "direction in which the face camera 11 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the face camera 11 captures an image. In this case, the face camera 11 may be disposed in the housing 19 so as to capture an image of a space in the direction in which the target person P exists. The "direction in which the face camera 11 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the imaging range of the face camera 11 expands as seen from the face camera 11. In this case, the face camera 11 may be disposed in the housing 19 so that the imaging range expands in the direction in which the target person P exists. The "direction in which the face camera 11 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the optical system 111 of the face camera 11 (for example, an optical system including a lens, etc.) faces. In this case, the face camera 11 may be disposed in the housing 19 so that the optical system 111 faces the direction in which the target person P exists. The "direction in which the face camera 11 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the optical axis AX1 of the optical system 111 of the face camera 11 extends. In this case, face camera 11 may be disposed within housing 19 such that optical axis AX1 extends in the direction in which target person P is present.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the target person P is located in the lateral direction (for example, the Y-axis direction, as an example, the horizontal direction) as viewed from the face camera 11. That is, the target person P is located at a position separated along the lateral direction as viewed from the face camera 11. In this case, the face camera 11 may be disposed so as to face the lateral direction. For example, the face camera 11 may be disposed so that the imaging range of the face camera 11 extends in the lateral direction of the face camera 11 as viewed from the face camera 11. For example, the face camera 11 may be disposed so that the optical axis AX1 of the optical system 111 of the face camera 11 extends along the lateral direction (for example, a direction along the XY plane, as an example, the horizontal direction).

[0049] The face camera 11 captures an image of the target person P by receiving light L1 from the target person P (for example, light from the face of the target person P) at the image sensor 112 via the optical system 111. The light L1 enters the face camera 11 (particularly, the optical system 111) through an opening 194 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) formed in the housing 19 (particularly, the front housing 191). Furthermore, when the face camera 11 is supported by the support plate 18, the light L1 may enter the face camera 11 (particularly, the optical system 111) through an opening 184 formed in the support plate 18. Alternatively, the face camera 11 may be disposed such that at least a part of the face camera 11 is disposed within the opening 184 formed in the support plate 18. As a result, the face camera 11 housed in the housing 19 can generate a face image IMG_F by capturing an image of the target person P located outside the housing 19.

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the iris camera 12 may be disposed so as to face a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists. Here, the "direction in which the iris camera 12 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the iris camera 12 captures an image. In this case, the iris camera 12 may be disposed in the housing 19 so as to capture an image of a space existing in a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists. The "direction in which the iris camera 12 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the imaging range of the iris camera 12 expands as seen from the iris camera 12. In this case, the iris camera 12 may be disposed in the housing 19 so that the imaging range expands in a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists. The "direction in which the iris camera 12 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which the optical system 121 of the iris camera 12 (for example, an optical system including a lens, etc.) faces. In this case, the iris camera 12 may be disposed in the housing 19 so that the optical system 121 faces in a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists. The "direction in which iris camera 12 faces" may mean, for example, the direction in which optical axis AX2 of optical system 121 of iris camera 12 extends. In this case, iris camera 12 may be disposed within housing 19 such that optical axis AX2 extends in a direction different from the direction in which target person P exists.

[0051] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the target person P is located in the lateral direction (for example, the Y-axis direction, as an example, the horizontal direction) as viewed from the iris camera 12. That is, the target person P is located at a position separated along the lateral direction as viewed from the iris camera 12. In this case, the iris camera 12 may be disposed so as to face a direction different from the lateral direction. As an example, the iris camera 12 may be disposed so as to face a vertical direction (for example, the Z-axis direction, as an example, the vertical direction) different from the lateral direction. For example, the iris camera 12 may be disposed so that the imaging range of the iris camera 12 expands in the vertical direction of the iris camera 12 as viewed from the iris camera 12. For example, the iris camera 12 may be disposed so that the optical axis AX2 of the optical system 121 of the iris camera 12 extends along the vertical direction. As an example, the iris camera 12 may be disposed so that the optical axis AX2 extends along a direction intersecting the XY plane, as an example, the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0052] The iris camera 12 captures an image of the target person P by receiving light L2 from the target person P (for example, light from the iris of the target person P) at the image sensor 122 via the optical system 121. However, it is difficult for the light L2 from the target person P to be directly incident on the optical system 121 of the iris camera 12, which faces a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists. For this reason, in the second embodiment, the iris camera 12 receives the light L2 via the rotating mirror 13. That is, the light L2 is incident on the optical system 121 of the iris camera 12 via the rotating mirror 13. Specifically, the rotating mirror 13 is disposed on the optical path of the light L2. The light L2 is incident on the reflecting surface 131 of the rotating mirror. The light L2 incident on the reflecting surface 131 is reflected by the reflecting surface 131. The reflecting surface 131 reflects the light L2 toward the iris camera 12 (particularly, toward the optical system 121). As a result, even if the iris camera 12 faces a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists, the iris camera 12 can capture an image of the target person P.

[0053] Light L2 enters iris camera 12 (particularly, optical system 121) through opening 195 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) formed in housing 19 (particularly, front housing 191). Furthermore, when iris camera 12 is supported by support plate 18, light from target person P may enter iris camera 12 (particularly, optical system 121) through opening 185 formed in support plate 18. As a result, iris camera 12 housed in housing 19 can generate iris image IMG_I by capturing an image of target person P located outside housing 19.

[0054] As described above, the light L2 reflected by the rotating mirror 13 toward the iris camera 12 may include at least one of the reflected light and scattered light of the illumination light emitted from the iris (for example, near-infrared light). In this case, the opening 195 may be filled with a material that allows near-infrared light to pass through while absorbing or reflecting a part of visible light. The opening 195 may be filled with a material that allows near-infrared light to pass through while exhibiting a desired color for visible light. As a result, the design of the exterior of the housing 19 (that is, the design of the exterior of the imaging unit 1) is improved. Furthermore, since it becomes difficult for the target person P to see the internal structure of the imaging unit 1 through the opening 195, it becomes easier to guide the target person P's gaze to the display exposed to the outside of the imaging unit 1.

[0055] The size of the imaging range of the face camera 11 may be different from the size of the imaging range of the iris camera 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the imaging range of the face camera 11 may be wider than that of the iris camera 12. That is, the angle of view θ1 of the face camera 11 may be larger than the angle of view θ2 of the iris camera 12. In this case, due to differences in height of the target person P, the eyes of the target person P are not necessarily located at a specific position within the imaging range of the face camera 11. For example, while the eyes of a first target person P having a first height are located at a first position within the imaging range of the face camera 11, the eyes of a second target person P having a second height shorter than the first height may be located at a second position lower than the first position within the imaging range of the face camera 11. However, because the angle of view θ2 of the iris camera 12 is relatively small, the imaging range of the iris camera 12 does not necessarily include both the eyes of the first target person P and the eyes of the second target person P. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the imaging unit 1 may move the imaging range of the iris camera 12 by rotating the rotating mirror 13 using the rotating motor 14. That is, the imaging unit 1 may move the imaging range of the iris camera 12 by changing the orientation of the rotating mirror 13 using the rotating motor 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the imaging unit 1 may move the imaging range of the iris camera 12 along the vertical direction (in other words, the up-down direction, for example, the Z-axis direction) by rotating the rotating mirror 13. Specifically, the imaging unit 1 may move the imaging range of the iris camera 12 along the vertical direction by rotating the rotating mirror 13 around a rotation axis (for example, a rotation axis along the horizontal direction) that intersects with the direction in which the imaging range of the iris camera 12 is moved. As an example, the imaging unit 1 may move the imaging range of the iris camera 12 vertically by rotating the rotating mirror 13 around a rotation axis (e.g., a rotation axis along the X-axis) that intersects both the direction in which the imaging range of the iris camera 12 is moved (e.g., the Z-axis direction) and the direction in which the target person P exists (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0056] When the rotary mirror 13 rotates around a rotation axis along the horizontal direction, as shown in Fig. 10, the rotary motor 14 that rotates the rotary mirror 13 may be disposed in the housing 19 so that the motor shaft 140 of the rotary motor 14 extends along the horizontal direction. In this case, the horizontal size of the rotary motor 14 (i.e., the size in the direction in which the motor shaft 140 extends) is one factor that determines the horizontal size of the imaging unit 1. Specifically, the horizontal size of the imaging unit 1 is larger than the horizontal size of the rotary motor 14. However, since the horizontal size of the rotary motor 14 is not excessively large, the horizontal size of the imaging unit 1 is not excessively large.

[0057] 6 and 7 again, the display 15 is housed in the housing 19 such that a display surface 151 capable of displaying information is exposed to the outside of the housing 19. Specifically, the display 15 is housed in the housing 19 such that the display surface 151 is exposed to the outside of the housing 19 through an opening 196 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) formed in the housing 19 (particularly, the front housing 191). In other words, the display 15 is housed in the housing 19 such that the display surface 151 is visible from the outside of the housing 19 through the opening 196.

[0058] Of the accommodation space SP1, space SP2 (see FIG. 7) adjacent to display 15 may be used as a space for accommodating at least a part of iris camera 12. That is, at least a part of iris camera 12 may be disposed in space SP2 adjacent to display 15. Specifically, at least a part of iris camera 12 may be disposed in space SP2 adjacent to back surface 152 of display 15 located opposite display surface 151.

[0059] The distance sensor 16 is housed in the housing 19 so as to measure the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P through an opening 197 (see FIG. 5) formed in the housing 19 (particularly, the front housing 191). For example, when the distance sensor 16 capable of optically measuring the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is housed in the housing 19, the distance sensor 16 may be housed in the housing 19 so as to emit measurement light through the opening 197 (for example, to irradiate the measurement light to the target person P).

[0060] (2-3) Configuration of control unit 2 Next, the configuration of the control unit 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 2.

[0061] 11, the control unit 2 includes a calculation device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 23. The control unit 2 may further include an input device 24 and an output device 25. However, the control unit 2 does not have to include at least one of the input device 24 and the output device 25. The calculation device 21, the storage device 22, the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25 may be connected via a data bus 26.

[0062] The arithmetic device 21 includes at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a demand-side platform (DSP), and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The arithmetic device 21 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 22. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable and non-transitory recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown) provided in the control unit 2. The arithmetic device 21 may acquire (i.e., download or read) a computer program from a device (not shown) disposed outside the control unit 2 via the communication device 23 (or other communication device). The arithmetic device 21 executes the read computer program. As a result, a logical function block for executing an operation (for example, the above-mentioned authentication operation) to be performed by the control unit 2 is realized in the arithmetic device 21. In other words, the arithmetic device 21 can function as a controller for realizing logical functional blocks for executing the operations (in other words, processing) that the control unit 2 should perform.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows an example of logical functional blocks realized in the arithmetic device 21 to execute the authentication operation. As shown in Fig. 11, an iris authentication unit 211, which is a specific example of "authentication means" in the appendix described later, a mirror control unit 212, which is a specific example of "rotation control means" in the appendix described later, and a gate control unit 213 are realized in the arithmetic device 21. Note that the operations of the iris authentication unit 211, the mirror control unit 212, and the gate control unit 213 will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 12 etc., and therefore will not be described here.

[0064] The storage device 22 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 22 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device 21. The storage device 22 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic device 21 temporarily uses when the arithmetic device 21 is executing a computer program. The storage device 22 may store data that the control unit 2 stores for a long period of time. The storage device 22 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 22 may include a non-temporary recording medium.

[0065] The communication device 23 is capable of communicating with each of the imaging unit 1 and the gate unit 3 via a communication network (not shown). In the second embodiment, the communication device 23 receives (i.e., acquires) a person image IMG (specifically, a face image IMG_F and an iris image IMG_I) from the imaging unit 1. Furthermore, the communication device 23 transmits to the imaging unit 1 an imaging control signal for controlling the imaging unit 1 to image at least a part of the target person P. The communication device 23 transmits to the gate unit 3 a gate control signal for switching the states of the first flapper gate 32 and the second flapper gate 33 between an open state and a closed state.

[0066] The input device 24 is a device that accepts information input to the control unit 2 from outside the control unit 2. For example, the input device 24 may include an operation device (for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by an operator of the control unit 2. For example, the input device 24 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the control unit 2.

[0067] The output device 25 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the control unit 2. For example, the output device 25 may output information as an image. That is, the output device 25 may include a display device (so-called a display) capable of displaying an image showing the information to be output. For example, the output device 25 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 25 may include an audio device (so-called a speaker) capable of outputting sound. For example, the output device 25 may output information on paper. That is, the output device 25 may include a printing device (so-called a printer) capable of printing desired information on paper.

[0068] (2-4) Authentication operation of control unit 2 Next, the authentication operation performed by the control unit 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the authentication operation performed by the control unit 2.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, the gate control unit 213 determines whether or not the proximity sensor 34 of the gate unit 3 has detected a target person P (step S101).

[0070] When it is determined in step S101 that the proximity sensor 34 has not detected the target person P (step S101: No), the gate control unit 213 continues to determine whether or not the proximity sensor 34 has detected the target person P. In this case, the gate control unit 213 may transmit a gate control signal for setting the state of the first flapper gate 32 to the closed state to the gate unit 3 via the communication device 23. As a result, the state of the first flapper gate 32 is maintained in the closed state.

[0071] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S101 that the proximity sensor 34 has detected the target person P (step S101: Yes), the gate control unit 213 transmits a gate control signal for setting the state of the first flapper gate 32 to an open state to the gate unit 3 via the communication device 23 (step S102). As a result, as shown in Fig. 13, the state of the first flapper gate 32 is switched to an open state, and the target person P is allowed to enter the lane 35. However, as described above, when the proximity sensor 34 detects the target person P, the gate unit 3 may switch the state of the first flapper gate 32 to an open state regardless of the control by the gate control unit 213.

[0072] If the face camera 11 is capable of capturing an image of the face of the target person P who has not passed through the first flapper gate 32, in step S101, the gate control unit 213 may authenticate the target person P based on the face image IMG_F generated by the face camera 11. In this case, if the authentication is successful, in step S102, the gate control unit 213 may transmit a gate control signal to the gate unit 3 to set the state of the first flapper gate 32 to an open state.

[0073] 12 again, thereafter, the iris authentication unit 211 judges whether or not the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or shorter than a predetermined trigger distance based on the detection result by the distance sensor 16 (step S103). The trigger distance may be the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the position where the face camera 11 is in focus. In this case, the operation of judging whether or not the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or shorter than the trigger distance is equivalent to the operation of judging whether or not the target person P who has entered the lane 35 has advanced to the position where the face camera 11 is in focus.

[0074] If it is determined in step S103 that the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is not equal to or less than the trigger distance (step S103: No), it is presumed that the target person P who has entered the lane 35 has not yet advanced to a position where the face camera 11 can focus. In this case, the iris authentication unit 211 continues to determine whether the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or less than the trigger distance.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or shorter than the trigger distance (step S103: Yes), it is presumed that the target person P who has entered the lane 35 has already advanced to a position where the face camera 11 can focus. In this case, the iris authentication unit 211 transmits an imaging control signal to the imaging unit 1 via the communication device 23 to control the face camera 11 to capture an image of the face of the target person P (step S104). As a result, the face camera 11 captures an image of the face of the target person P. However, as described above, the face camera 11 may capture an image of the face of the target person P when the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or shorter than the trigger distance, regardless of the control by the iris authentication unit 211.

[0076] When the face camera 11 captures the face of the target person P, the iris authentication unit 211 may transmit an imaging control signal for controlling the display 15 to display a predetermined UI (User Interface) screen to the imaging unit 1 via the communication device 23. The predetermined UI screen may include, for example, a screen that prompts the target person P to turn his / her face toward the face camera 11. An example of a UI screen that prompts the target person P to turn his / her face toward the face camera 11 is shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows, as an example of a UI screen, a UI screen that includes a circular frame that specifies the position of the face of the target person P, as well as a message that prompts the target person P to turn his / her face toward the display 15 (i.e., turn his / her face toward the face camera 11 arranged together with the display 15).

[0077] 12 again, the iris authentication unit 211 then acquires the face image IMG_F from the face camera 11 via the communication device 23, and identifies the position of the eyes of the target person P (particularly, the position in the vertical direction, for example, the position in the Z-axis direction) based on the acquired face image IMG_F (step S105). Then, the iris authentication unit 211 transmits an imaging control signal to the imaging unit 1 via the communication device 23 for rotating the rotating mirror 13 so that the iris camera 12 can image the eyes located at the position identified in step S105 (step S106). That is, the iris authentication unit 211 transmits an imaging control signal to the imaging unit 1 via the communication device 23 for rotating the rotating mirror 13 so that the eyes located at the position identified in step S105 are included in the imaging range of the iris camera 12 (step S106). As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the rotary motor 14 rotates the rotating mirror 13 based on the imaging control signal, and the iris camera 12 can image the eyes of the target person P.

[0078] When the iris camera 12 captures an image of the eyes of the target person P, the illumination device 36 illuminates the eyes of the target person P with illumination light IL. For example, because the iris camera 12 captures an image of the eyes of the target person P after the rotating mirror 13 rotates in step S106, the illumination device 36 may start illuminating the eyes of the target person P with illumination light IL before the rotating mirror 13 rotates in step S106. For example, because the iris camera 12 captures an image of the eyes of the target person P after the face camera 11 captures an image of the face of the target person P in step S104, the illumination device 36 may start illuminating the eyes of the target person P with illumination light IL after the face camera 11 captures an image of the face of the target person P in step S104. For example, because the iris camera 12 captures the eyes of the target person P after the first flapper gate 32 opens in step S102, the lighting device 36 may begin illuminating the eyes of the target person P with the illumination light IL after the first flapper gate 32 opens in step S102.

[0079] 12 again, thereafter, the iris authentication unit 211 judges whether or not the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P has become equal to or less than a predetermined focus distance based on the detection result by the distance sensor 16 (step S107). The focus distance may be the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the position where the iris camera 12 is in focus. In this case, the operation of judging whether or not the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P has become equal to or less than the focus distance is equivalent to the operation of judging whether or not the target person P who has entered the lane 35 has advanced to the position where the iris camera 12 is in focus. Note that the focus distance is typically less than the above-mentioned trigger distance.

[0080] If it is determined in step S107 that the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is not equal to or less than the focus distance (step S107: No), it is presumed that the target person P who has entered the lane 35 has not yet advanced to a position where the iris camera 12 is in focus. In this case, the iris authentication unit 211 continues to determine whether the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or less than the focus distance.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or shorter than the focus distance (step S107: Yes), it is presumed that the target person P who has entered the lane 35 has already advanced to a position where the iris camera 12 is in focus. In this case, the iris authentication unit 211 transmits an imaging control signal to the imaging unit 1 via the communication device 23 to control the iris camera 12 to capture an image of the target person P's eyes (step S108). As a result, the iris camera 12 captures an image of the target person P's face. However, as described above, the iris camera 12 may capture an image of the target person P's eyes when the distance from the imaging unit 1 to the target person P is equal to or shorter than the focus distance, regardless of the control by the iris authentication unit 211.

[0082] Even when the iris camera 12 captures the eyes of the target person P, as in the case where the face camera 11 captures the face of the target person P, the iris authentication unit 211 may transmit an imaging control signal to the imaging unit 1 via the communication device 23 for controlling the display 15 to display a specified UI screen.

[0083] Thereafter, the iris authentication unit 211 acquires the iris image IMG_I from the iris camera 12 via the communication device 23, and authenticates the target person P based on the acquired iris image IMG_I (step S109).

[0084] As a result of the authentication in step S109, if the authentication of the target person P is successful (step S110: Yes), the gate control unit 213 transmits a gate control signal for setting the state of the second flapper gate 33 to an open state to the gate unit 3 via the communication device 23 (step S111). As a result, as shown in Fig. 16, the state of the second flapper gate 33 switches to an open state, and the target person P can pass through the lane 35. Furthermore, if the authentication of the target person P is successful, as shown in Fig. 17, the iris authentication unit 211 may transmit an imaging control signal for controlling the display 15 to display a UI screen for informing the target person P that the authentication has been successful to the imaging unit 1 via the communication device 23.

[0085] 12 again, on the other hand, if the authentication of the target person P is not successful (that is, fails) as a result of the authentication in step S109 (step S110: No), the gate control unit 213 transmits a gate control signal for setting the state of the second flapper gate 33 to a closed state to the gate unit 3 via the communication device 23 (step S112). As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the state of the second flapper gate 33 is maintained in a closed state, and the target person P cannot pass through the lane 35. At this time, the gate control unit 213 may transmit a gate control signal for setting the state of the first flapper gate 32 to a closed state to the gate unit 3 via the communication device 23. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the target person P is trapped between the first flapper gate 32 and the second flapper gate 33. In this case, the target person P may act in accordance with the instructions of the staff operating the gate unit 3. Furthermore, when the authentication of the target person P is not successful, the iris authentication unit 211 may transmit, via the communication device 23, to the imaging unit 1, an imaging control signal for controlling the display 15 to display a UI screen for informing the target person P that the authentication was not successful, as shown in FIG. 19. Furthermore, when the authentication of the target person P is not successful, the iris authentication unit 211 may transmit, via the communication device 23, to the imaging unit 1, an imaging control signal for controlling the display 15 to display a UI screen for prompting the target person P to re-register the iris pattern of the target person P in the authentication system SYS (i.e., to register the target person P as a registered person), as shown in FIG. Furthermore, when the authentication of the target person P is not successful, the iris authentication unit 211 may transmit, via the communication device 23, to the imaging unit 1, an imaging control signal for controlling the display 15 to display a UI screen for prompting the target person P to perform iris authentication again (i.e., to have the iris of the target person P photographed again by the iris camera 12).

[0086] (2-5) Technical Effects of the Authentication System SYS As described above, in the authentication system SYS of the second embodiment, the iris camera 12 is arranged so as to face a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the authentication system SYS (in particular, the size of the imaging unit 1 including the iris camera 12) compared to a case in which the iris camera 12 is arranged so as to face the direction in which the target person P exists.

[0087] Specifically, the iris camera 12 that captures the iris of the target person P generally includes an optical system 121 (for example, an optical system called a telephoto lens) that has a narrower angle of view and / or a longer focal length than the optical system 111 included in the face camera 11. In this case, the size of the optical system 121 along the optical axis direction is larger than that of the optical system 111. As a result, assuming that the iris camera 12 faces in the direction in which the target person P exists (for example, the horizontal direction), the size of the imaging unit 1 in the horizontal direction (so-called width or depth) may become excessively large. However, in the second embodiment, the iris camera 12 faces in a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists (for example, the vertical direction, in other words, the up-down direction). Therefore, the possibility that the size of the imaging unit 1 in the horizontal direction becomes excessively large is relatively low. Therefore, the imaging unit 1 can be made smaller in size.

[0088] In addition, the space SP2 adjacent to the display 15 having the display surface 151 extending in a direction different from the horizontal direction (for example, a direction different from the horizontal direction, for example, a vertical direction) can be used as a space for arranging the iris camera 12 facing in a direction different from the direction in which the target person P exists (for example, a direction different from the horizontal direction, for example, a vertical direction). The space SP2 adjacent to the display 15 having the display surface 151 extending in a direction different from the horizontal direction (for example, a vertical direction) is generally a space extending in a direction different from the horizontal direction (for example, a vertical direction). In the second embodiment, the iris camera 12 facing in a direction different from the horizontal direction (for example, a vertical direction) can be appropriately arranged by utilizing such a space SP2 extending in a direction different from the horizontal direction (for example, a vertical direction). In other words, the space SP2 inevitably generated by arranging the display 15 can be effectively used as a space for arranging the iris camera 12. Therefore, the size of the imaging unit 1 can be reduced compared to a case where a space for arranging the iris camera 12 needs to be reserved exclusively.

[0089] In this way, the authentication system SYS in the second embodiment can appropriately solve the technical problem of reducing the size of the imaging unit 1.

[0090] Moreover, in the second embodiment, the imaging unit 1 rotates the rotating mirror 13 so that the iris camera 12 can capture an image of the eyes of the target person P present at a position specified based on the facial image IMG_F. That is, the imaging unit 1 can move the imaging range of the iris camera 12 using the rotating mirror 13 so that the eyes of the target person P present at a position specified based on the facial image IMG_F are included in the imaging range of the iris camera 12. As a result, the imaging unit 1 can capture images of the eyes of the target person P at various positions (typically, heights) using the single iris camera 12. Therefore, the imaging unit 1 can be made smaller in size compared to an imaging unit of a comparative example that includes multiple iris cameras 12 that capture images of the eyes of the target person P at various positions (typically, heights).

[0091] Furthermore, when at least a part of support plate 18 is exposed to the outside of housing 19, heat generated by face camera 11, iris camera 12, and display 15 supported by support plate 18 can be dissipated to the outside of housing 19 via support plate 18. This reduces the effect of heat on the operations of face camera 11, iris camera 12, and display 15.

[0092] (3) Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. In the following, an authentication system SYSa to which the third embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described. The authentication system SYSa differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes an imaging unit 1a instead of the imaging unit 1. Other features of the authentication system SYSa may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS.

[0093] Hereinafter, the imaging unit 1a in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging unit 1a in the third embodiment. In the following description, components that have already been described will be given the same reference symbols and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] 20, the imaging unit 1a is different from the imaging unit 1 described above in that it is provided with at least one of a camera position adjustment mechanism 171a, which is a specific example of a "first position adjustment means" in the appendix described below, and a mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a, which is a specific example of a "second position adjustment means" in the appendix described below. Other features of the imaging unit 1a may be the same as other features of the imaging unit 1.

[0095] Camera position adjustment mechanism 171a is a device capable of adjusting the position of iris camera 12. For example, as shown in Fig. 21 which shows iris camera 12 whose position is adjusted, camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may be capable of adjusting the position of iris camera 12 along at least one of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. In this case, camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of iris camera 12 using a guide member which is movable in a predetermined direction and includes a slider to which iris camera 12 can be attached.

[0096] Camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of iris camera 12 by moving iris camera 12. For example, camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of iris camera 12 by moving iris camera 12 using power generated by a drive source such as a motor. In this case, the operator of authentication system SYSa does not need to manually move iris camera 12. Alternatively, the operator of authentication system SYSa may manually move iris camera 12. In this case, camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may move iris camera 12 using a force that the operator applies to iris camera 12 to move it.

[0097] Camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of iris camera 12 based on the optical characteristics of optical system 121 of iris camera 12. For example, camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of iris camera 12 based on the focal length of optical system 121. As an example, camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of iris camera 12 based on the focal length of optical system 121 so that iris camera 12 can capture an image of target person P that is a focus distance away from imaging unit 1 that is determined based on the focal length.

[0098] The camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of the iris camera 12 based on the distance between the iris camera 12 and the target person P. For example, when the distance between the iris camera 12 and the target person P is longer than the above-mentioned focus distance, the camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may move the iris camera 12 so that the iris camera 12 approaches the rotating mirror 13, thereby shortening the distance between the iris camera 12 and the target person P so that the distance between the iris camera 12 and the target person P approaches the focus distance. For example, when the distance between the iris camera 12 and the target person P is shorter than the above-mentioned focus distance, the camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may move the iris camera 12 so that the iris camera 12 moves away from the rotating mirror 13, thereby lengthening the distance between the iris camera 12 and the target person P so that the distance between the iris camera 12 and the target person P approaches the focus distance. In this case, in particular, if the camera position adjustment mechanism 171a automatically moves the iris camera 12 using power generated by a driving source such as a motor, the iris camera 12 can be maintained in a state in which it can properly capture the eyes of the target person P without bothering the operator.

[0099] Incidentally, the camera position adjustment mechanism 171 a may be capable of adjusting the position of the face camera 11 in addition to or instead of the position of the iris camera 12 .

[0100] The mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a is a device capable of adjusting the position of the rotating mirror 13. For example, as shown in Fig. 21 which shows the rotating mirror 13 whose position is adjusted, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may be capable of adjusting the position of the rotating mirror 13 along at least one of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. In this case, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may adjust the position of the rotating mirror 13 using a guide member which is movable in a predetermined direction and includes a slider to which the mirror 13 can be attached.

[0101] The mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may adjust the position of the rotating mirror 13 by moving the rotating mirror 13. For example, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may adjust the position of the rotating mirror 13 by moving the rotating mirror 13 using power generated by a driving source such as a motor. In this case, the operator of the authentication system SYSa does not need to manually move the rotating mirror 13. Alternatively, the operator of the authentication system SYSa may manually move the rotating mirror 13. In this case, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may move the rotating mirror 13 using a force that the operator applies to the rotating mirror 13 to move it.

[0102] The mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may adjust the position of the rotating mirror 13 so that light from the target person P is appropriately incident on the optical system 121 of the iris camera 12. For example, since the position of the eyes of the target person P can be specified based on the face image IMG_F as described above, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may move the rotating mirror 13 based on the specified eye position. As an example, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may move the rotating mirror 13 so that the rotating mirror 13 is positioned at a height corresponding to the height of the specified eye position. More specifically, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may adjust the height of the rotating mirror 13 so that the light L2 from the eye located at the specified height is appropriately incident on the iris camera 12 via the rotating mirror 13. In this case, in particular, if the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a automatically moves the rotating mirror 13 using power generated by a driving source such as a motor, the iris camera 12 can maintain a state in which the eyes of the target person P can be appropriately imaged without bothering the operator.

[0103] In the third embodiment, the imaging unit 1a may adjust the position of at least one of the iris camera 12 and the rotating mirror 13 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 22. The operation shown in FIG. 22 may be performed in parallel with or before or after the operation shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the camera position adjustment mechanism 171a may adjust the position of the iris camera 12 (step S22a) when it is determined that the position of the iris camera 12 needs to be adjusted (step S21a: Yes). For example, it may be determined that the position of the iris camera 12 needs to be adjusted when the optical characteristics of the optical system 121 of the iris camera 12 have changed. Furthermore, the mirror position adjustment mechanism 172a may adjust the position of the rotating mirror 13 (step S24a) when it is determined that the position of the rotating mirror 13 needs to be adjusted (step S23a: Yes). For example, it may be determined that the position of the rotating mirror 13 needs to be adjusted when the adjustment amount of the position of the iris camera 12 exceeds a predetermined adjustment threshold. For example, if the eye position (eg, height) of the target person P changes by a predetermined amount or more, it may be determined that the position of the rotating mirror 13 needs to be adjusted.

[0104] In this way, in the third embodiment, the position of at least one of the iris camera 12 and the rotating mirror 13 can be adjusted. Therefore, the iris camera 12 can more appropriately capture an image of the eyes of the target person P via the rotating mirror 13.

[0105] (4) Fourth embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. An authentication system SYSb to which the fourth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described below. The authentication system SYSb differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes an imaging unit 1b instead of the imaging unit 1. Other features of the authentication system SYSb may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. The imaging unit 1b differs from the above-mentioned imaging unit in that it includes a stopper 141b that limits the rotation of the rotating mirror 13. The stopper 141b is a specific example of a "rotation limiting means" in the appendix described later. Other features of the imaging unit 1b may be the same as other features of the imaging unit 1.

[0106] Hereinafter, the stopper 141b in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 23(a) and Fig. 23(b). Fig. 23(a) is a perspective view showing the stopper 141b and the rotating mirror 13, and Fig. 23(b) is a side view showing the stopper 141b and the rotating mirror 13.

[0107] 23(a) and 23(b), the stopper 141b can physically limit the rotation of the rotating mirror 13 by contacting the rotating mirror 13. Specifically, the stopper 141b is arranged so as to protrude into an area through which the rotating mirror 13 passes when the rotating mirror 13 rotates. The stopper 141b is arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the rotating mirror 13 when the rotating mirror 13 rotates by the allowable upper limit angle θlimit from the reference position. As a result, the stopper 141b can prevent the rotating mirror 13 from rotating by the allowable upper limit angle θlimit or more.

[0108] The rotating mirror 13 may be rotatable both clockwise and counterclockwise. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23(b), a stopper 141b capable of limiting the rotation of the rotating mirror 13 in the clockwise direction and a stopper 141b capable of limiting the rotation of the rotating mirror 13 in the counterclockwise direction may be provided.

[0109] When the stopper 141b comes into contact with the reflective surface 131 of the rotating mirror 13 (specifically, the mirror body 132b having the reflective surface 131), the mirror body 132b may be damaged depending on the magnitude of the impact when the stopper 141b comes into contact with the rotating mirror 13. Therefore, the stopper 141b may limit the rotation of the rotating mirror 13 by coming into contact with a mirror holder 133b that holds the mirror body 132b, instead of coming into contact with the mirror body 132b itself.

[0110] The control unit 2 (particularly, the mirror control unit 212) may calibrate the rotary motor 14 using the stopper 141b. That is, the control unit 2 (particularly, the mirror control unit 212) may calibrate the rotary motor 14 using the stopper 141b. Hereinafter, an operation of calibrating the rotary motor 14 using the stopper 141b will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of calibrating the rotary motor 14 using the stopper 141b. The operation shown in FIG. 24 may be performed in parallel with or before or after the operation shown in FIG. 12.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 24, the mirror control unit 212 may drive the rotary motor 14 so that the rotary mirror 13 rotates from the reference position until the rotary mirror 13 contacts the stopper 141b (step S31b). After that, when it is determined that the rotary mirror 13 contacts the stopper 141b (step S32b: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 compares the actual command signal used to control the rotary motor 14 so that the rotary mirror 13 rotates from the reference position until the rotary mirror 13 contacts the stopper 141b with the ideal command signal for controlling the rotary motor 14 so that the rotary mirror 13 rotates by the allowable upper limit angle θlimit from the reference position (step S33b). When the actual command signal and the ideal command signal match (step S34b: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 presumes that the operation of the rotary motor 14 is normal (step S35b). This is because, in a situation where the rotary mirror 13 should rotate by the allowable upper limit angle θlimit when an ideal command signal is input to the rotary motor 14, the rotary mirror 13 actually rotates by the allowable upper limit angle θlimit when an actual command signal identical to the ideal command signal is input to the rotary motor 14. On the other hand, when the actual command signal does not match the ideal command signal (step S34b: No), the mirror control unit 212 estimates that the operation of the rotary motor 14 is abnormal (step S36b). This is because, despite the situation where the rotary mirror 13 should rotate by the allowable upper limit angle θlimit when an ideal command signal is input to the rotary motor 14, the rotary mirror 13 actually rotates by the allowable upper limit angle θlimit when an actual command signal different from the ideal command signal is input to the rotary motor 14. For this reason, the mirror control unit 212 may calibrate the rotary motor 14 based on the difference between the actual command signal and the ideal command signal so that the rotary motor 14 operates normally (step S37b). As a result, the rotation accuracy of the rotating mirror 13 is improved compared to a case in which the rotating motor 14 is not calibrated.

[0112] The authentication system SYSa in the above-described third embodiment may employ components specific to the fourth embodiment. The components specific to the fourth embodiment may include components related to the stopper 141b.

[0113] (5) Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. In the following, an authentication system SYSc to which the fifth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described. The authentication system SYSc differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes a control unit 2c instead of the control unit 2. Other features of the authentication system SYSc may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. Hereinafter, the control unit 2c in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 2c in the fifth embodiment.

[0114] 25, the control unit 2c differs from the above-described control unit 2 in that it includes a mirror control unit 212c instead of the mirror control unit 212. Other features of the control unit 2c may be the same as other features of the control unit 2.

[0115] The mirror control unit 212c differs from the above-described mirror control unit 212 in that the mirror control unit 212c is capable of controlling the deceleration of the rotating mirror 13 when the rotating mirror 13 stops, based on the state of the iris of the target person P reflected in the iris image IMG_I. Other features of the mirror control unit 212c may be the same as other features of the mirror control unit 212.

[0116] Depending on the deceleration when the rotating mirror 13 stops, the rotating mirror 13 may vibrate due to a reaction when the rotating motor 14 is not applying a force to the rotating mirror 13. The possibility of the vibration of the rotating mirror 13 due to such a reaction increases as the deceleration when the rotating mirror 13 stops increases. In this case, the iris camera 12 may capture the eye of the target person P when the rotating mirror 13 is vibrating. As a result, the condition of the iris reflected in the iris image IMG_I may not be good. For example, the iris may be reflected in the iris image IMG_I in a blurred or blurred state. As a result, the authentication accuracy by the iris authentication unit 211 may deteriorate.

[0117] Therefore, when the condition of the iris reflected in the iris image IMG_I is not good, the mirror control unit 212 estimates that the rotating mirror 13 is vibrating due to recoil when the rotating mirror 13 stops, and controls the deceleration when the rotating mirror 13 stops so as to suppress the vibration of the rotating mirror 13 caused by the recoil.

[0118] Specifically, the mirror control unit 212 may perform an operation to control the deceleration when the rotating mirror 13 stops, according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 26. The operation shown in Fig. 26 may be performed in parallel with or before or after the operation shown in Fig. 12. Alternatively, the operation shown in Fig. 26 may be performed every time the iris camera 12 captures an image of the iris of the target person P in step S108 in Fig. 12 (that is, every time an iris image IMG_I is generated).

[0119] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 26, the mirror control unit 212 judges whether the condition of the iris reflected in the iris image IMG_I is good or not (step S41c). If it is judged that the condition of the iris reflected in the iris image IMG_I is not good (step S41c: No), it is estimated that the rotating mirror 13 vibrates due to a reaction when the rotating mirror 13 stops, and the deceleration when the rotating mirror 13 stops is controlled so as to suppress the vibration of the rotating mirror 13 caused by the reaction (step S42c). An example of the control of the deceleration is described below.

[0120] For example, as shown in the first graph of FIG. 27, when the rotating mirror 13 rotating at a rotation speed of v1 is stopped for a time t1, an example will be considered in which the state of the iris reflected in the iris image IMG_I is no longer good. In this case, as shown in the second graph of FIG. 27, the mirror control unit 212 may control the rotating motor 14 so that the rotating mirror 13 is stopped for a time t2 longer than the time t1. That is, the mirror control unit 212 may control the rotating motor 14 so that the time to decelerate the rotating mirror 13 to stop the rotating mirror 13 is extended. Alternatively, as shown in the third graph of FIG. 27, in addition to or instead of controlling the rotating motor 14 so that the time to decelerate the rotating mirror 13 is extended, the mirror control unit 212 may control the rotating motor 14 so that the rotating mirror 13 rotating at a rotation speed of v2 slower than v1 is stopped. That is, the mirror control unit 212 may control the rotating motor 14 so that the upper limit of the rotation speed of the rotating mirror 13 is reduced. In either case, the deceleration of the rotating mirror 13 when it stops is small, so that the possibility of the rotating mirror 13 vibrating due to recoil is reduced.

[0121] Alternatively, a predetermined filter (e.g., a low-pass filter or a moving average filter that can be used as a speed filter) may be available to control the responsiveness of the rotary motor 14. In this case, in addition to or instead of controlling the rotary motor 14 so that the time for decelerating the rotary mirror 13 is lengthened and / or the upper limit of the rotation speed of the rotary mirror 13 is reduced, the mirror control unit 212 may control the deceleration of the rotary mirror 13 by adjusting the time constant of the filter. For example, the mirror control unit 212 may control the deceleration of the rotary mirror 13 by adjusting the time constant of the filter so that the vibration of the rotary mirror 13 caused by the recoil is reduced or eliminated.

[0122] In this way, the control unit 2 in the fifth embodiment can control the deceleration when the rotating mirror 13 stops so as to suppress (e.g., reduce or eliminate) the vibration of the rotating mirror 13 caused by the recoil when the state of the iris reflected in the iris image IMG_I is not good. As a result, compared to a case where the deceleration of the rotating mirror 13 is not controlled, the state of the iris reflected in the iris image IMG_I is more likely to be good. For example, it is more likely that the iris image IMG_I contains an iris whose iris pattern can be appropriately acquired (e.g., a clear, unshaken, or unblurred iris). Therefore, compared to a case where the deceleration of the rotating mirror 13 is not controlled, the iris authentication unit 211 can authenticate the target person P with higher accuracy using the iris image IMG_I.

[0123] In addition, considering that the vibration of the rotating mirror 13 caused by the reaction is likely to be a periodic vibration, the multiple iris images IMG_I generated by the iris camera 12 capturing the eyes of the target person P multiple times while the rotating mirror 13 is vibrating may be multiple iris images IMG_I in which the eyes of the target person P periodically move along a direction corresponding to the direction of vibration of the rotating mirror 13 (for example, the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 28) as shown in FIG. 28. In this case, the iris authentication unit 211 may select at least one iris image IMG_I in which the iris is reflected at a desired position among the multiple iris images IMG_I in step S109 of FIG. 12, and authenticate the target person P using the selected at least one iris image IMG_I. For example, an iris reflected at a middle position of the iris image IMG_I (for example, a middle position in the vertical direction) may be less blurred or blurred than an iris reflected at an upper end position or a lower end position of the iris image IMG_I. In this case, the iris authentication unit 211 may select at least one iris image IMG_I in which the iris is captured in an intermediate position (e.g., the intermediate position in the vertical direction) among the multiple iris images IMG_I, and use the selected at least one iris image IMG_I to authenticate the target person P. As a result, the iris authentication unit 211 can authenticate the target person P with higher accuracy using the iris image IMG_I, compared to a case in which the iris image IMG_I is not selected based on the possibility that the vibration of the rotating mirror 13 is periodic.

[0124] At least one of the authentication system SYSa in the third embodiment to the authentication system SYSb in the fourth embodiment may employ components specific to the fifth embodiment. The components specific to the fifth embodiment may include components related to the mirror control unit 212c.

[0125] (6) Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. An authentication system SYSd to which the sixth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described below. The authentication system SYSd differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes an imaging unit 1d instead of the imaging unit 1. Other features of the authentication system SYSd may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. Hereinafter, the imaging unit 1d in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 29. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging unit 1d in the sixth embodiment.

[0126] 29, the imaging unit 1d is different from the imaging unit 1 described above in that it includes at least one relay mirror 13d, which is a specific example of each of the "second reflecting means," "third reflecting means," and "fourth reflecting means" in the appendix described below. Other features of the imaging unit 1d may be the same as other features of the imaging unit 1.

[0127] The relay mirror 13d is an optical element that reflects the light L2 from the iris of the target person P toward the rotating mirror 13. In particular, the relay mirror 13d is an optical element that reflects the light L2 from the iris of the target person P and propagating toward the front of the target person P toward the rotating mirror 13.

[0128] Such a relay mirror 13d may be arranged so that a plurality of light beams L2 propagating from a plurality of different positions are incident on the same rotating mirror 13. As an example, the imaging unit 1d may include a relay mirror 13d that reflects light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at a first position toward the rotating mirror 13, and a relay mirror 13d that reflects light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at a second position different from the first position toward the rotating mirror 13. As a result, the imaging unit 1d can capture images of the eyes of the target person P located at various positions using a single iris camera 12.

[0129] As an example, the imaging unit 1d may include a relay mirror 13d#1 and a relay mirror 13d#2 as shown in FIG. 30(a) and FIG. 30(b). As shown in FIG. 30(a), the relay mirror 13d#1 can reflect light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the first position P1 toward the rotating mirror 13. In this case, the relay mirror 13d#1 may be disposed at a desired position that can realize a state in which the iris camera 12 captures an image of the eye of the target person P located at the first position P1 substantially from the front of the eye. For example, the relay mirror 13d#1 may be disposed at a position that can face the iris of the target person P located at the first position P1. As an example, the relay mirror 13d#1 may be disposed at the same height as the iris of the target person P located at the first position P1 or at a height where the difference in height between the iris of the target person P located at the first position P1 and the iris of the target person P located at the first position P1 falls within an allowable range. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 30(b), the relay mirror 13d#2 can reflect light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at a second position P2 different from the first position P1 in the Z-axis direction (i.e., vertical direction) toward the rotating mirror 13. In this case, the relay mirror 13d#2 may be disposed at a desired position that can realize a state in which the iris camera 12 captures an image of the eye of the target person P located at the second position P2 from a position substantially in front of the eye. For example, the relay mirror 13d#2 may be disposed at a position that can face the iris of the target person P located at the second position P2. As an example, the relay mirror 13d#2 may be disposed at the same height as the iris of the target person P located at the second position P2 or at a height where the difference in height between the iris of the target person P located at the second position P2 and the iris of the target person P located at the second position P2 falls within an allowable range.

[0130] In this case, the mirror control unit 212 may switch the relay mirror 13d that reflects the light L2 from the iris of the target person P toward the rotating mirror 13, according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of switching the relay mirror 13d that reflects the light L2 from the iris of the target person P toward the rotating mirror 13. The operation shown in Fig. 31 may be performed before the iris camera 12 captures an image of the iris of the target person P in step S108 of Fig. 12. Fig. 31 is an example of the operation performed when the first position P1 is higher than the second position P2 in Figs. 30(a) and 30(b) (i.e., the first position P1 is located on the +Z side of the second position P2 along the Z-axis direction).

[0131] 31, the mirror control unit 212 identifies the eye position (particularly, the position in the Z-axis direction and the height) of the target person P based on the face image IMG_F (step S511d). Note that the operation of step S511d may be the same as the operation of step S105 in FIG.

[0132] After that, the mirror control unit 212 determines whether the eye position identified in step S511d satisfies a predetermined first position condition (step S512d). The first position condition may include a condition that the eye is located at a first position P1. The first position condition may include a condition that the eye position (particularly, the height) exceeds a predetermined first height threshold.

[0133] As a result of the determination in step S512d, when it is determined that the eye position satisfies the predetermined first position condition (step S512d: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 controls the relay mirror 13d#1 so that the relay mirror 13d#1 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the first position P1 higher than the second position P2 toward the rotating mirror 13 reflects the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S513d). On the other hand, the mirror control unit 212 may control the relay mirror 13d#2 so that the relay mirror 13d#2 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the second position P2 lower than the first position P1 toward the rotating mirror 13 does not reflect the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S513d). As a result, the state of the imaging unit 1d becomes the state shown in FIG. 30(a).

[0134] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S512d that the eye position does not satisfy the predetermined first position condition (step S512d: No), the mirror control unit 212 determines whether the eye position identified in step S511d satisfies a predetermined second position condition different from the first position condition (step S514d). The second position condition may include a condition that the eye is located at the second position P2. The second position condition may include a condition that the eye position (particularly, height) is below a predetermined second height threshold (note that the second height threshold is equal to or less than the first height threshold).

[0135] When it is determined in step S514d that the eye position satisfies the predetermined second position condition (step S514d: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 controls the relay mirror 13d#2 so that the relay mirror 13d#2 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the second position P2 lower than the first position P1 toward the rotating mirror 13 reflects the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S515d). On the other hand, the mirror control unit 212 may control the relay mirror 13d#1 so that the relay mirror 13d#1 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the first position P1 higher than the second position P2 toward the rotating mirror 13 does not reflect the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S515d). As a result, the state of the imaging unit 1d becomes the state shown in FIG. 30(b).

[0136] As a result, the imaging unit 1d can capture the eyes of the target person P at various positions (typically, heights) using the single iris camera 12. In particular, the opportunities for capturing the eyes of the target person P at various positions (typically, heights) from the front of the eyes using the single iris camera 12 are increased. As a result, the opportunities for the iris image IMG_I in which the iris is captured when the eyes of the target person P are captured from the front of the target person P are increased. Here, the accuracy of authentication using the iris image IMG_I generated by capturing the eyes of the target person P from an obliquely upward or downward direction tends to be worse than the accuracy of authentication using the iris image IMG_I generated by capturing the eyes of the target person P from the front direction. This is because, in the iris image IMG_I generated by capturing the eyes of the target person P from an obliquely upward or downward direction, the iris is more likely to be hidden by at least one of the eyelashes, eyelids, etc., compared to the iris image IMG_I generated by capturing the eyes of the target person P from the front. As a result, in the examples shown in FIGS. 30(a) and 30(b), even if the eye height of the target person P changes, the authentication system SYSd can authenticate the target person P with high accuracy.

[0137] As another example, the imaging unit 1d may include a relay mirror 13d#3 and a relay mirror 13d#4, as shown in Fig. 32(a) and Fig. 32(b). The relay mirror 13d#3 can reflect light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the third position P3, toward the rotating mirror 13, as shown in Fig. 32(a). On the other hand, the relay mirror 13d#4 can reflect light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at a fourth position P4 different from the third position P3 in the horizontal direction (for example, at least one of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction), toward the rotating mirror 13, as shown in Fig. 32(b).

[0138] The third position P3 and the fourth position P4 may be included in two different lanes 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 32(a) and FIG. 32(b), the third position P3 may be included in the first lane 35#1, and the fourth position P4 may be included in the second lane 35#2 adjacent to the first lane 35#1. As a result, the imaging unit 1d can capture both the eyes of the target person P passing through the first lane 35#1 and the eyes of the target person P passing through the second lane 35#2 using a single iris camera 12. Therefore, it is not necessary to place both the imaging unit 1 for capturing the eyes of the target person P passing through the first lane 35#1 and the imaging unit 1 for capturing the eyes of the target person P passing through the second lane 35#2. Therefore, the configuration of the authentication system SYSd is simplified, and the cost of the authentication system SYSd can also be reduced.

[0139] In this case, the mirror control unit 212 may switch the relay mirror 13d that reflects the light L2 from the iris of the target person P toward the rotating mirror 13, according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 33. Fig. 33 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of switching the relay mirror 13d that reflects the light L2 from the iris of the target person P toward the rotating mirror 13. Note that the operation shown in Fig. 33 may be performed before the iris camera 12 captures an image of the iris of the target person P in step S108 in Fig. 12.

[0140] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, the mirror control unit 212 identifies the position (particularly, the position in the horizontal direction) of the target person P based on the face image IMG_F (step S521d).

[0141] After that, the mirror control unit 212 determines whether the position of the target person P identified in step S521d satisfies a predetermined third position condition (step S522d). The third position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located at the third position P3. The third position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located in the first lane 35#1.

[0142] As a result of the determination in step S522d, when it is determined that the position of the target person P satisfies the predetermined third position condition (step S522d: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 controls the relay mirror 13d#3 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the third position P3 toward the rotating mirror 13 so as to reflect the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S523d). On the other hand, the mirror control unit 212 may control the relay mirror 13d#4 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the fourth position P4 toward the rotating mirror 13 so as not to reflect the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S523d). As a result, the state of the imaging unit 1d becomes the state shown in FIG. 32(a).

[0143] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S522d that the position of the target person P does not satisfy the predetermined third position condition (step S522d: No), the mirror control unit 212 determines whether the position of the target person P identified in step S521d satisfies a predetermined fourth position condition different from the third position condition (step S524d). The fourth position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located at a fourth position P4. The fourth position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located in the second lane 35#2.

[0144] As a result of the determination in step S524d, when it is determined that the position of the target person P satisfies the predetermined fourth position condition (step S524d: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 controls the relay mirror 13d#4 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the fourth position P4 toward the rotating mirror 13 so as to reflect the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S525d). On the other hand, the mirror control unit 212 may control the relay mirror 13d#3 capable of reflecting the light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the third position P3 toward the rotating mirror 13 so as not to reflect the light L2 toward the rotating mirror 13 (step S525d). As a result, the state of the imaging unit 1d becomes the state shown in FIG. 32(b).

[0145] 30(a) to 30(b) and 32(a) to 32(b) show an example of an imaging unit 1d having two relay mirrors 13d. However, the imaging unit 1d may have a single relay mirror 13d, or may have three or more relay mirrors 13d. For example, as shown in FIG. 34(a) and FIG. 34(b), the imaging unit 1d may have a relay mirror 13d#5 that reflects light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the fifth position P5 toward the rotating mirror 13. In this case, light L2 from the iris of the target person P located at the sixth position P6 different from the fifth position P5 may enter the rotating mirror 13 without passing through the relay mirror 13d. For example, as shown in Figures 35(a) and 35(b), the imaging unit 1d may include a relay mirror 13d#6 that reflects light L2 from a relay mirror 13d#1 shown in Figure 30(a) toward the rotating mirror 13 and reflects light L2 from a relay mirror 13d#2 shown in Figure 30(b) toward the rotating mirror 13. In this way, since the number of relay mirrors 13d is not limited, the degree of freedom in designing the relay mirrors 13d is relatively high.

[0146] At least one of the authentication systems SYSa in the third embodiment to SYSc in the fifth embodiment may employ components specific to the sixth embodiment. The components specific to the sixth embodiment may include components related to the relay mirror 13d.

[0147] (7) Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. An authentication system SYSe to which the seventh embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described below. The authentication system SYSe differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes an imaging unit 1e instead of the imaging unit 1. Other features of the authentication system SYSe may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. Hereinafter, the imaging unit 1e in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 36 and 37. Fig. 36 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging unit 1e in the seventh embodiment. Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging unit 1e in the seventh embodiment.

[0148] As shown in Figs. 36 and 37, the imaging unit 1e is different from the imaging unit 1 described above in that it includes a plurality of iris cameras 12, a plurality of rotating mirrors 13, and a plurality of rotating motors 14. In the example shown in Figs. 36 and 37, the imaging unit 1e includes two iris cameras 12 (specifically, iris cameras 12#1 and 12#2), two rotating mirrors 13 (specifically, rotating mirrors 13#1 and 13#2), and two rotating motors 14 (specifically, rotating motors 14#1 and 14#2). That is, two iris cameras 12 (specifically, iris cameras 12#1 and 12#2), two rotating mirrors 13 (specifically, rotating mirrors 13#1 and 13#2), and two rotating motors 14 (specifically, rotating motors 14#1 and 14#2) are accommodated in one housing 19. Other features of the imaging unit 1e may be the same as those of the imaging unit 1.

[0149] The multiple iris cameras 12 capture the eyes of multiple target persons P passing through the multiple lanes 35, respectively, via the multiple rotating mirrors 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, the iris camera 12#1 may capture the eyes of the target person P passing through the first lane 35#1 via the rotating mirror 13#1 rotated by the rotating motor 14#1. On the other hand, for example, the iris camera 12#2 may capture the eyes of the target person P passing through the second lane 35#2 different from the first lane 35#1 via the rotating mirror 13#2 rotated by the rotating motor 14#2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 38, the rotating mirror 13#1 may be oriented toward the first lane 35#1, while the rotating mirror 13#2 may be oriented toward the second lane 35#2. That is, the rotating mirrors 13#1 and 13#2 may face in different directions.

[0150] When the rotating mirrors 13#1 and 13#2 face in different directions, as shown in Fig. 39 to Fig. 41, the iris cameras 12#1 and 12#2, the rotating mirrors 13#1 and 13#2, and the rotating motors 14#1 and 14#2 may be housed in a housing 19e that is different from the large body 19 in that it has a side surface 199#1 facing the direction of the first lane 35#1 and a side surface 199e#2 facing the direction of the second lane 35#2. In this case, the cross-sectional shape along the horizontal plane of the housing 19e may be a polygon such as a pentagon. The light L2 from the target person P located in the first lane 35#1 may be incident on the rotating mirror 13#1 facing the direction of the first lane 35#1 through an opening 195 (195#1) formed in the side surface 199#1. On the other hand, light L2 from a target person P located in the second lane 35#2 may be incident on the rotating mirror 13#2 facing the direction of the second lane 35#2 through an opening 195 (195#2) formed in the side surface 199#2.

[0151] Furthermore, in this case, as shown in Fig. 39 and Fig. 40, the imaging unit 1e may include a display 15#1 facing the direction of the first lane 35#1 and a display 15#2 facing the direction of the second lane 35#2. As a result, the target person P located in the first lane 35#1 can easily view the display 15#1, and the target person P located in the second lane 35#2 can easily view the display 15#2.

[0152] In the seventh embodiment, the mirror control unit 212 may control a plurality of rotating mirrors 13 (for example, rotating mirrors 13#1 and 13#2) according to a flowchart shown in Fig. 42. Fig. 42 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations for controlling a plurality of rotating mirrors 13. Note that the operations shown in Fig. 42 may be performed before the iris camera 12 captures an image of the iris of the target person P in step S108 in Fig. 12.

[0153] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 42, the mirror control unit 212 identifies the position (particularly, the position in the horizontal direction) of the target person P based on the face image IMG_F (step S611e).

[0154] After that, the mirror control unit 212 determines whether the position of the target person P identified in step S611e satisfies a predetermined fifth position condition (step S612e). The fifth position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located in the first lane 35#1. The fifth position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located in a direction in which the rotating mirror 13#1 is facing.

[0155] If the result of the judgment in step S612e is that the position of the target person P satisfies the specified fifth position condition (step S612e: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 controls the rotating mirror 13#1 facing the first lane 35#1 so that the rotating mirror 13#1 reflects light L2 from the target person P located in the first lane 35#1 toward the iris camera 12#1 (step S613e).

[0156] In parallel with or before or after the operations of steps S612e to S613e, the mirror control unit 212 determines whether the position of the target person P identified in step S611e satisfies a predetermined sixth position condition different from the fifth position condition (step S614e). The sixth position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located in the second lane 35#2. The sixth position condition may include a condition that the target person P is located in the direction in which the rotating mirror 13#2 is facing.

[0157] If the result of the judgment in step S614e is that the position of the target person P satisfies the specified sixth position condition (step S614e: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 controls the rotating mirror 13#2 facing the second lane 35#2 so that the rotating mirror 13#2 reflects light L2 from the target person P located in the second lane 35#2 toward the iris camera 12#2 (step S615e).

[0158] As described above, the authentication system SYSe can use a single imaging unit 1d to capture images of multiple target persons P passing through each of the multiple lanes 35. This eliminates the need to provide multiple imaging units 1 for capturing images of multiple target persons P passing through each of the multiple lanes 35. This simplifies the configuration of the authentication system SYSe and also reduces the cost of the authentication system SYSe.

[0159] At least one of the authentication systems SYSa in the third embodiment to SYSd in the sixth embodiment may employ components specific to the seventh embodiment. The components specific to the seventh embodiment may include components related to the multiple iris cameras 12 and the multiple rotating mirrors 13.

[0160] (8) Eighth embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. An authentication system SYSf to which the eighth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described below. The authentication system SYSf differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes an imaging unit 1f instead of the imaging unit 1. Other features of the authentication system SYSf may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. Hereinafter, the imaging unit 1f in the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 43. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotating mirror 13 included in the imaging unit 1f in the eighth embodiment.

[0161] 43, the imaging unit 1f differs from the imaging unit 1 described above in that a protective film 133f is formed on the reflecting surface 131 of the rotating mirror 13. Other features of the imaging unit 1f may be the same as other features of the imaging unit 1.

[0162] The protective film 133f may be capable of protecting the reflecting surface 131 to prevent damage to the reflecting surface 131. The protective film 133f may be capable of protecting the reflecting surface 131 to prevent adhesion of dirt to the reflecting surface 131. The protective film 133f may be capable of protecting the reflecting surface 131 to prevent adhesion of moisture to the reflecting surface 131 (i.e., to prevent moisture). As a result, the reflecting surface 131 is appropriately protected.

[0163] The protective film 133f may have an optical property that allows the light L2 from the target person P to pass through the protective film 133f. As a result, the iris camera 12 can capture an image of the target person P by receiving the light L2 from the target person P (i.e., the light L2 from the iris).

[0164] Furthermore, the protective film 133f may have an optical characteristic that the light L3 (e.g., visible light) in a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the light L2 from the target person P is attenuated by the protective film 133f. For example, the protective film 133f may have an optical characteristic that the light L3 in a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the light L2 from the target person P is absorbed by the protective film 133f. In this case, the protective film 133f may have an optical characteristic that the light L3 in a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the light L2 from the target person P cannot pass through the protective film 133f. In this case, since the light L2 in a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the light L2 is attenuated by the protective film 133f, the possibility that noise components caused by the light L3 in a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the light L2 are included in the iris image IMG_I is reduced compared to the case where the protective film 133f is not formed. As a result, the iris authentication unit 211 can authenticate the target person P using the iris image IMG_I with higher accuracy than when the target person P is authenticated using the iris image IMG_I including a noise component.

[0165] In this way, in the eighth embodiment, the protective film 133f can protect the reflecting surface 131 while reducing the noise components contained in the iris image IMG_I.

[0166] At least one of the authentication system SYSa in the third embodiment to the authentication system SYSe in the seventh embodiment may employ components specific to the eighth embodiment. The components specific to the eighth embodiment may include components related to the protective film 133f.

[0167] (9) Ninth embodiment Next, a ninth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. In the following, an authentication system SYSg to which the ninth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described. The authentication system SYSg differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes an imaging unit 1g instead of the imaging unit 1. Other features of the authentication system SYSg may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. Hereinafter, the imaging unit 1g in the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 44. FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging unit 1g in the ninth embodiment.

[0168] 44, the imaging unit 1g is different from the imaging unit 1 described above in that the imaging unit 1g includes a moving device 17g. Other features of the imaging unit 1g may be the same as other features of the imaging unit 1.

[0169] The moving device 17g is capable of moving the imaging unit 1g (particularly, the housing 19 in which the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, the rotating mirror 13, the rotating motor 14, and the display 15 are housed). For example, the moving device 17g may include a robot arm and move the imaging unit 1g using the robot arm. For example, the moving device 17g may include a guide member (for example, a rail guide) with a slider that can move in a predetermined direction and move the imaging unit 1g using the rail guide. For example, the moving device 17g may include a self-propelled device that can move by itself and move the imaging unit 1g using the self-propelled device. For example, the moving device 17g may include an aircraft that can fly (for example, a drone) and move the imaging unit 1g using the aircraft.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 45(a), the moving device 17g may move the imaging unit 1g so that the imaging unit 1g is positioned on the lane 35 through which the target person P passes during the period in which the iris camera 12 images the target person P. In this case, the iris camera 12 can image the target person P from the front. That is, the iris camera 12 does not need to image the target person P from an oblique direction. As a result, as described above, the possibility that the iris is hidden by at least one of the eyelashes and the eyelids in the iris image IMG_I is reduced. As a result, the iris authentication unit 211 can authenticate the target person P with high accuracy.

[0171] On the other hand, if the imaging unit 1g remains placed on the lane 35, the movement of the target person P passing through the lane 35 may be hindered by the imaging unit 1g. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 45(b), the moving device 17g may move the imaging unit 1g so that the imaging unit 1g retreats from the lane 35 through which the target person P passes during a period after the target person P is authenticated. In other words, the moving device 17g may move the imaging unit 1g so that the imaging unit 1g is positioned at a position where the imaging unit 1g does not hinder the movement of the target person P passing through the lane 35 during a period after the target person P is authenticated. As a result, the movement of the target person P is not hindered by the imaging unit 1g.

[0172] In the ninth embodiment, the moving device 17g may perform an operation of moving the imaging unit 1g according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 46. The operation shown in Fig. 46 may be performed in parallel with or before or after the operation shown in Fig. 12.

[0173] 46, the mobile device 17g determines whether or not the proximity sensor 34 of the gate unit 3 has detected the target person P (step S711g). If it is determined in step S711g that the proximity sensor 34 has detected the target person P (step S711g: Yes), it is presumed that the target person P is entering the lane 35 and therefore the imaging unit 1 will image the target person P. Therefore, in this case, the mobile device 17g moves the imaging unit 1g so that the imaging unit 1g is positioned on the lane 35 through which the target person P will pass (step S712g).

[0174] Thereafter, the mobile device 17g determines whether or not the authentication of the target person P has been successful in step S109 of Fig. 12 (step S713g). If it is determined in step S713g that the authentication of the target person P has been successful (step S713g: Yes), it is presumed that the target person P will pass through the lane 35. Therefore, in this case, the mobile device 17g moves the imaging unit 1g so that the imaging unit 1g retreats from the lane 35 through which the target person P will pass (step S714g).

[0175] Thus, in the ninth embodiment, since the moving device 17g is capable of moving the imaging unit 1g, the imaging unit 1g can capture an image of the eyes of the target person P from in front of the target person P without impeding the movement of the target person P.

[0176] In addition to or instead of the imaging unit 1g being equipped with the moving device 17g, a device other than the imaging unit 1 may move the imaging unit 1. As an example, the imaging unit 1 may be disposed at the second flapper gate 33 of the gate unit 3 as shown in Fig. 47(a) and Fig. 47(b). In this case, during the period in which the iris camera 12 images the target person P, the second flapper gate 33 is in a closed state as shown in Fig. 47(a), so that the iris camera 12 can image the target person P from the front. On the other hand, in the period after the target person P is authenticated, if the authentication of the target person P is successful, the movement of the target person P is not hindered by the imaging unit 1 as shown in Fig. 47(b), so that the second flapper gate 33 is in an open state.

[0177] In order to realize a state in which the imaging unit 1 captures an image of the eyes of the target person P from in front of the target person P without interfering with the movement of the target person P, a bent lane 35 may be formed as shown in Fig. 48. In other words, the imaging unit 1 may be disposed at a position where it can capture an image of the eyes of the target person P from in front of the target person P, and the lane 35 may be formed in a predetermined shape (e.g., a shape different from a straight shape) designed so that the imaging unit 1 does not interfere with the movement of the target person P. At least one of the authentication systems SYSa in the third embodiment to SYSf in the eighth embodiment may employ components specific to the ninth embodiment. The components specific to the ninth embodiment may include components related to the mobile device 17g.

[0178] (10) Tenth embodiment Next, a tenth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. The following describes the authentication system SYSh to which the tenth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied. The authentication system SYSh is different from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that the rotating mirror 13 can be used as a heat dissipation fan. Specifically, the authentication system SYSh may control the rotating motor 14 so that the rotating mirror 13 functions as a heat dissipation fan by continuously rotating in the same rotation direction. As a result, the effect of heat on the operations of the face camera 11, the iris camera 12, and the display 15 is reduced.

[0179] In the tenth embodiment, the mirror control unit 212 may perform an operation to drive the rotating mirror 13 as a heat dissipation fan according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 49. The operation shown in FIG. 49 may be performed in parallel with or before or after the operation shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 49, the mirror control unit 212 judges whether the temperature of the accommodation space SP1 of the housing 19 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature threshold (step S811h). If it is judged that the temperature of the accommodation space SP1 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature threshold (step S811h: Yes), the mirror control unit 212 drives the rotating mirror 13 as a heat dissipation fan (step S812h). On the other hand, if it is judged that the temperature of the accommodation space SP1 is not equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature threshold (step S811h: No), the mirror control unit 212 may not drive the rotating mirror 13 as a heat dissipation fan.

[0180] At least one of the authentication systems SYSa in the third embodiment to SYSg in the ninth embodiment described above may employ components specific to the tenth embodiment. The components specific to the ninth embodiment may include components related to the rotating mirror 13 functioning as a heat dissipation fan. However, the authentication system SYSb in the fourth embodiment includes a stopper 141b that limits the rotation of the rotating mirror 13, as described above. In this case, it is preferable that the stopper 141b does not limit the rotation of the rotating mirror 13 while the rotating mirror 13 functions as a heat dissipation fan. For example, the stopper 141b may be retreated to a position that does not limit the rotation of the rotating mirror 13 (for example, may be stored).

[0181] (11) Eleventh embodiment Next, an eleventh embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. An authentication system SYSi to which the eleventh embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described below. The authentication system SYSi differs from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes a control unit 2i instead of the control unit 2. Other features of the authentication system SYSi may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. Hereinafter, the control unit 2i in the eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 50. FIG. 50 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 2i in the eleventh embodiment.

[0182] 50, the control unit 2i is different from the above-described control unit 2 in that the control unit 2i further includes a face authentication unit 214i. Other features of the control unit 2i may be the same as other features of the control unit 2.

[0183] Next, the authentication operation performed by the control unit 2i including the face authentication section 214i will be described with reference to Fig. 51. Fig. 51 is a flowchart showing the flow of the authentication operation performed by the control unit 2i.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 51, in the 11th embodiment, the control unit 2i performs the operations from step S101 to step S109 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned second embodiment (see FIG. 12). However, in the 11th embodiment, after the face camera 11 captures the face of the target person P in step S104, the face authentication unit 214i acquires a face image IMG_F from the face camera 11 via the communication device 23, and authenticates the target person P based on the acquired face image IMG_F (step S109i). That is, the face authentication unit 214i performs an authentication operation related to face authentication. Specifically, the face authentication unit 214i determines whether the target person P reflected in the acquired face image IMG_F is the same as a person registered in advance (hereinafter referred to as a "registered person") based on the facial feature amount of the target person P reflected in the acquired face image IMG_F. If it is determined that the target person P reflected in the face image IMG_F is the same as the registered person, it is determined that the authentication of the target person P is successful. On the other hand, if it is determined that the target person P reflected in the face image IMG_F is not the same as the registered person, it is determined that the authentication of the target person P is unsuccessful.

[0185] Thereafter, if the authentication of the target person P is successful in step S109 and in step S109i (step S110i: Yes), the gate control unit 213 transmits a gate control signal for setting the state of the second flapper gate 33 to an open state to the gate unit 3 via the communication device 23 (step S111). On the other hand, if the authentication of the target person P is unsuccessful in step S109 and / or the authentication of the target person P is unsuccessful in step S109i (step S110i: No), the gate control unit 213 transmits a gate control signal for setting the state of the second flapper gate 33 to a closed state to the gate unit 3 via the communication device 23 (step S112).

[0186] In this way, the authentication system SYSi can authenticate the target person P more precisely by performing so-called multimodal authentication.

[0187] (12) Twelfth embodiment Next, a twelfth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device will be described. In the following, an authentication system SYSj to which the twelfth embodiment of the authentication system and the imaging device is applied will be described. The authentication system SYSj is different from the above-mentioned authentication system SYS in that it includes a gate unit 3j instead of the gate unit 3. Other features of the authentication system SYSj may be the same as other features of the authentication system SYS. The gate unit 3j is different from the gate unit 3 in that it includes an illumination device 36j instead of the illumination device 3. Other features of the gate unit 3j may be the same as other features of the gate unit 3. Hereinafter, the illumination device 36j in the twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 52. FIG. 52 is a front view showing the configuration of the illumination device 3j in the twelfth embodiment.

[0188] As shown in Fig. 52, the illumination device 36j includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 361j. In the example shown in Fig. 52, the illumination device 36j includes 24 light-emitting elements 361j, but the illumination device 36j may include 23 or less light-emitting elements 361j, or may include 25 or more light-emitting elements 361j.

[0189] The multiple light-emitting elements 361j are aligned along the Z-axis direction. The lighting device 361j may control the multiple light-emitting elements 361j so that at least some of the multiple light-emitting elements 361j emit illumination light IL in accordance with the height of the target person P. For example, the 24 light-emitting elements 361j may be divided into light-emitting element groups 362j including a predetermined number of light-emitting elements 361j. In this case, the lighting device 361j may select the light-emitting element group 362j that emits illumination light IL in accordance with the height of the target person P, and a predetermined number of light-emitting elements 361j included in the selected light-emitting element group 362j may emit illumination light IL.

[0190] 52, the 24 light-emitting elements 361j are divided into a light-emitting element group 362j#1 including the first to sixth light-emitting elements 361j from the top, a light-emitting element group 362j#2 including the seventh to twelfth light-emitting elements 361j from the top, a light-emitting element group 362j#3 including the thirteenth to eighteenth light-emitting elements 361j from the top, and a light-emitting element group 362j#4 including the nineteenth to twenty-fourth light-emitting elements 361j from the top. For example, when the height of the target person P is equal to or greater than a first threshold value (e.g., 190 cm), the six light-emitting elements 361j included in the light-emitting element group 362j#1 may emit illumination light IL, while the eighteen light-emitting elements 361j included in the light-emitting element groups 362j#2 to 362j#4 may not emit illumination light IL. For example, when the height of the target person P is less than a second threshold (e.g., 130 cm), the 12 light-emitting elements 361j included in the light-emitting element groups 362j#3 and 362j#4 emit illumination light IL, while the 12 light-emitting elements 361j included in the light-emitting element groups 362j#1 to 362j#2 do not need to emit illumination light IL.

[0191] In this way, the lighting device 36j of the authentication system SYSj can illuminate the target person P with the illumination light IL emitted by the light-emitting element 361j positioned at an appropriate height in accordance with the target person P's height.

[0192] (13) Additional Notes The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment. [Appendix 1] An imaging means capable of generating an iris image by imaging the iris of a subject; a display means capable of displaying information regarding authentication of a target using the iris image; It is equipped with At least a part of the imaging means is disposed in a space adjacent to a rear surface of the display means, the rear surface being opposite to a display surface that displays the information; The imaging means faces a direction different from the direction in which the object exists. Authentication system. [Appendix 2] the imaging means is an iris imaging means, a reflecting means having a reflecting surface capable of reflecting light from the iris toward the iris imaging means; A rotation drive means for rotating the reflecting means; a face imaging means capable of generating a face image by imaging the face of the subject; a rotation control means for specifying an eye position of the subject based on the facial image, and controlling the rotation drive means so as to change the orientation of the reflecting surface based on the specified eye position; 2. The authentication system of claim 1, further comprising: [Appendix 3] The camera further includes at least one of a first position adjustment means capable of adjusting the position of the iris image pickup means and a second position adjustment means capable of adjusting the position of the reflecting means. 2. An authentication system as described in Appendix 2. [Appendix 4] a rotation limiting means for limiting the rotation of the reflecting means by contacting the reflecting means when the reflecting means rotates through an allowable upper limit angle from a reference position; The rotation control means (i) controls the rotation drive means so that the reflecting means rotates until the reflecting means comes into contact with the rotation limiting means, and (ii) calibrates the rotation drive means based on a difference between an actual command signal used to control the rotation drive means so that the reflecting means rotates until the reflecting means comes into contact with the rotation limiting means, and an ideal command signal that controls the rotation drive means so that the reflecting means rotates by the allowable upper limit angle. 4. An authentication system according to claim 2 or 3. [Appendix 5] The rotation control means controls the deceleration of the reflecting means when the rotating reflecting means stops, based on a state of the iris captured in the iris image. 5. An authentication system according to any one of claims 2 to 4. [Appendix 6] the iris image capturing means captures an image of the eye a plurality of times after the rotation drive means stops the rotating reflecting means, thereby generating a plurality of iris images, respectively; The present invention further includes an authentication unit that selects at least one iris image in which the iris is captured at a desired position from the plurality of iris images, and authenticates the target using the selected at least one iris image. 6. An authentication system according to any one of claims 2 to 5. [Appendix 7] the reflecting means is a first reflecting means, A second reflecting means for reflecting light from the iris located at a first position toward the first reflecting means; a third reflecting means for reflecting light from the iris located at a second position different from the first position toward the first reflecting means; Further comprising: The rotation control means (i) controls the first to third reflecting means so that the first reflecting means reflects the light from the second reflecting means toward the iris imaging means when the identified eye position satisfies a predetermined position condition, and (ii) controls the first to third reflecting means so that the first reflecting means reflects the light from the third reflecting means toward the iris imaging means when the identified eye position does not satisfy the position condition. 7. An authentication system according to any one of claims 2 to 6. [Appendix 8] the second reflecting means reflects light from the iris located at the first position toward the first reflecting means via a fourth reflecting means, The third reflecting means reflects the light from the iris located at the second position toward the first reflecting means via the fourth reflecting means. 8. The authentication system of claim 7, further comprising: [Appendix 9] the iris image capturing means is a first iris image capturing means capable of capturing an image of the iris located at a first position, the reflecting means is a first reflecting means capable of reflecting light from the iris located at the first position toward the first iris image capturing means, a second iris imaging means capable of generating the iris image by imaging the iris located at a second position different from the first position; a second reflecting means capable of reflecting light from the iris located at the second position toward the second iris imaging means; Further comprising: The authentication system of any one of Appendix 2 to 8, wherein the rotation control means (i) identifies a position of the target based on the facial image, (ii) controls the first reflecting means to reflect light from the iris of the target located at the first position toward the first iris imaging means when the target is located at the first position, and (iii) controls the second reflecting means to reflect light from the iris of the target located at the second position toward the second iris imaging means when the target is located at the second position. [Appendix 10] The second position is different from the first position along at least one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. 10. An authentication system according to any one of claims 7 to 9. [Appendix 11] the iris image capturing means captures an image of the iris illuminated with illumination light of a first wavelength band; A protective film is formed on the reflecting surface, the protective film allowing light of the first wavelength band to pass therethrough, attenuating light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and protecting the reflecting surface. 11. An authentication system according to any one of claims 2 to 10. [Appendix 12] The rotation control means controls the rotation drive means so that the reflecting means functions as a heat dissipation fan by continuously rotating in the same rotation direction. 12. An authentication system according to any one of claims 2 to 11. [Appendix 13] further comprising an authentication means for authenticating the subject using the iris image; the imaging means is disposed on a passage through which the object passes during a first period in which the imaging means images the object; The imaging means withdraws from the passage during a second period after the target is authenticated. 13. An authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [Appendix 14] A support means for supporting the imaging means; a housing means for housing the imaging means supported by the supporting means; Further comprising: A part of the support means is exposed to the outside of the container means. 14. An authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. [Appendix 15] An imaging means capable of generating an iris image by imaging the iris of a subject; a display means capable of displaying information regarding authentication of a target using the iris image; It is equipped with At least a part of the imaging means is disposed in a space adjacent to a rear surface of the display means, the rear surface being opposite to a display surface that displays the information; The imaging means faces a direction different from the direction in which the object exists. Imaging device.

[0193] At least a part of the components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be appropriately combined with at least a part of other components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments. Some of the components of each of the above-mentioned embodiments may not be used. In addition, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of all documents (e.g., published patent applications) cited in this disclosure above are incorporated by reference as part of the description of this disclosure.

[0194] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the claims and the technical idea that can be read from the entire specification. Authentication systems and imaging devices with such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0195] 1 Imaging unit 11. Face Camera 12. Iris Camera 121 Optical system 122 Image sensor 13 Rotating Mirror 13d Relay mirror 131 Reflective surface 132b Mirror body 133b Mirror holder 14 Rotation Motor 141b Stopper 15 Display 16 Distance Sensor 171a Camera position adjustment mechanism 172a Mirror position adjustment mechanism 17g mobile device 18 Support plate 19. Cabinet 2. Control unit 21 Arithmetic unit 211 Iris Recognition Department 212, 212c Mirror control unit 213 Gate control section 3 Gate Unit 31 Guide Wall 32 No. 1 Flapper Gate 33 Second Flapper Gate 34 Proximity Sensor 35 Lane 1000 Authentication System 1010 Imaging device 1020 Display device 2000 Target SYS Authentication System P Target person IMG_F Face image IMG_I Iris image

Claims

1. a first imaging means having an imaging element and capturing an iris image by capturing an image of an iris of a subject; a display that displays information regarding authentication using the iris image on a display surface; Equipped with the imaging element is disposed on a rear side of the display and overlaps the display surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the display surface; The optical axis of the first imaging means intersects with the orthogonal direction.

13. An authentication device comprising:

2. The optical axis of the first imaging means extends along the display surface.

2. The authentication device according to claim 1.

3. a reflecting means having a reflecting surface that intersects with the optical axis of the first imaging means and intersects with the orthogonal direction, The reflecting means does not overlap with the display surface when viewed from the perpendicular direction.

3. The authentication device according to claim 2.

4. a rotation drive means for rotating the reflecting means via a rotation shaft; The rotation axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first imaging means and the perpendicular direction.

4. The authentication device according to claim 3.

5. The first imaging means has an optical system, The optical system is disposed on the rear side of the display and overlaps with the display surface when viewed from the orthogonal direction.

5. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication device is a digital camera.

6. A second imaging means for imaging a face of a subject, the second imaging means is located between the imaging element and the reflecting means in a direction along the display surface when viewed from the orthogonal direction; 6. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication device is a digital camera.

7. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first imaging means and the perpendicular direction, the second imaging means overlaps with the display in the perpendicular direction.

7. The authentication device according to claim 6.

8. a rotation limiting means for limiting the rotation of the reflecting means by contacting the reflecting means when the reflecting means rotates through an allowable upper limit angle from a reference position; The rotation control means is controlling the rotation drive means so that the reflecting means rotates until the reflecting means comes into contact with the rotation limiting means; The rotation drive means is calibrated based on a difference between an actual command signal used to control the rotation drive means so that the reflecting means rotates until the reflecting means contacts the rotation limiting means, and an ideal command signal that controls the rotation drive means so that the reflecting means rotates by the allowable upper limit angle. The authentication device according to claim 4.

9. a first imaging means having an imaging element and capturing an iris image by capturing an image of an iris of a subject; a display that displays information regarding authentication using the iris image on a display surface; Equipped with the imaging element is disposed on a rear side of the display and overlaps the display surface when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the display surface; The optical axis of the first imaging means intersects with the orthogonal direction.

1. An authentication system comprising:

Images