Photographing system and photographing method

Abstract

To provide a photographing system and a photographing method which prevent an image of a photographed hand from becoming unclear.SOLUTION: A photographing system 101 according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a photographing unit 11, a guide unit 12, and a photographing range adjusting unit 13. The photographing unit 11 takes a photograph of a hand of a user. The guide unit 12 displays a guide image serving as a marker for the position of the hand of the user. Furthermore, the guide unit 12 moves the display position of the guide image. The photographing range adjusting unit 13 adjusts the photographing range of the photographing unit 11 to the range corresponding to the display position of the guide image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging system and an imaging method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been disclosed for acquiring biometric information from a user for use in immigration inspections, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a fingerprint reading device that captures an image of a user's fingertip using multiple cameras arranged along a reading passage through which the user's finger is passed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-139592 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The fingerprint reading device described in Patent Document 1 uses a camera that is fixed in position to capture an image of a moving fingertip. In other words, the fingerprint reading device described in Patent Document 1 captures an image of a fingertip that moves relative to the camera, so there is a possibility that the image of the fingertip may be blurred.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide an imaging system and an imaging method that prevent the captured image of a hand from becoming blurred. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An imaging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an imaging unit, a guidance unit, and an imaging range adjustment unit. The imaging unit captures an image of a user's hand. The guidance unit displays a guidance image that serves as a landmark to guide the user to the position of the hand, which is the subject of imaging. The guidance unit also moves the display position of the guidance image along a predetermined trajectory. The imaging range adjustment unit adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit to a position corresponding to the display position of the guidance image. The imaging range adjustment unit also adjusts the imaging range along the trajectory of the display position of the guidance image.

[0007] A photographing method according to one aspect of this disclosure performs the following operations: displaying a guidance image that serves as a landmark to guide the user to the position of the hand that is the subject of photographing; moving the display position of the guidance image along a predetermined trajectory; adjusting the photographing range of the photographing unit to a position corresponding to the display position of the guidance image; adjusting the photographing range along the trajectory of the display position of the guidance image; and photographing the user's hand. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart showing a photographing method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a guidance image according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a guide part according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the guide part according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an imaging unit and an imaging range adjustment unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the imaging unit and imaging range adjustment unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the imaging unit and imaging range adjustment unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a photographing method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This disclosure will be described below through embodiments, but the scope of the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> (Configuration of the imaging system) The imaging system according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging system according to the first embodiment.

[0011] The photographing system 101 shown in Fig. 1 is used to acquire predetermined biometric information from a user's hand. The predetermined biometric information may be, for example, a fingerprint shape pattern, a vein shape pattern, or a combination thereof. The photographing system 101 mainly includes a photographing unit 11, a guidance unit 12, and a photographing range adjustment unit 13.

[0012] The photographing unit 11 photographs the photographing range adjusted by the photographing range adjustment unit 13. The photographing unit 11 outputs the photographed image as image data.

[0013] The guidance unit 12 displays a guidance image for the user. The guidance image here is an image that serves as a landmark to guide the position of the hand, which is the subject of photography. The guidance image may be displayed, for example, at a position where it is assumed that the user will place their hand on the guidance image. The guidance unit 12 moves the display position of the guidance image along a predetermined trajectory. The guidance unit 12 may supply the display position of the guidance image and the predetermined trajectory to the photography range adjustment unit 13.

[0014] However, the display position and the predetermined trajectory of the guidance image may be set in advance in the guidance unit 12. Also, the display position and the predetermined trajectory of the guidance image may be supplied to the guidance unit 12 by a control unit (not shown).

[0015] The imaging range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 to a position corresponding to the display position of the guidance image. More specifically, the imaging range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 along the trajectory of the display position of the guidance image.

[0016] For example, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 may acquire coordinate information of the display position of the guidance image and the predetermined trajectory from the guidance unit 12. Then, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 may adjust the shooting range of the shooting unit based on the coordinate information.

[0017] Furthermore, the imaging range adjustment unit 13 may acquire, for example, coordinate information of the display position of the guidance image and the predetermined trajectory from a control unit (not shown), and may adjust the imaging range of the imaging unit based on the coordinate information.

[0018] For example, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 may adjust the shooting range by adjusting the position of the shooting unit 11. Alternatively, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 may adjust the shooting range by adjusting the focal length of the shooting unit 11, for example.

[0019] (Operation of the imaging system) Next, the operation, i.e., the method, of the imaging system according to the embodiment 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging system according to the embodiment 1. In the following description, Fig. 1 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0020] First, the guiding unit 12 displays a guidance image that serves as a marker for the position of the user's hand (step S101). The guiding unit 12 moves the display position of the displayed guidance image along a predetermined trajectory.

[0021] Next, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the shooting range to a position corresponding to the display position of the guidance image (step S102). More specifically, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the shooting range of the shooting unit 11 along the trajectory of the display position of the guidance image. That is, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 matches the movement of the guidance image with the movement of the shooting range of the shooting unit 11.

[0022] Finally, the photographing unit 11 photographs an image of the user's hand, and the photographing system 101 ends the series of operations (step S103). That is, the photographing unit 11 photographs the user's hand while following the guidance image. The photographing unit 11 may store the photographed image, for example, in a storage unit (not shown). Furthermore, the photographing unit 11 may output the photographed image to a system that uses the image of the hand as biometric information, such as a biometric authentication system.

[0023] As described above, in the photographing system 101 according to this embodiment, the guidance unit 12 displays a guidance image so that the user's hand follows the guidance image. Then, the photographing unit 11 photographs the user's hand while following the guidance image. That is, the photographing system 101 matches the movement of the guidance image with the movement of the photographing range of the photographing unit 11. This allows the photographing system 101 to capture the hand performing a predetermined movement within the photographing range. Therefore, the photographing system 101 can prevent the image from becoming unclear due to shaking or trembling of the user's hand.

[0024] <Embodiment 2> (Configuration of the imaging system) The imaging system according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the imaging system according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging system according to the second embodiment.

[0025] The photography system 102 is a system that performs biometric authentication of users who use facilities such as airports and ports. The photography system 102 mainly comprises a photography device 1 and an authentication device 2. The photography device 1 and the authentication device 2 are connected to each other via a network N1 so that they can communicate with each other. The network N1 may be a telephone line, a wide area network, or a local area network.

[0026] The photographing device 1 is installed, for example, at a predetermined airport L, and acquires biometric information of a user P who is a passenger. After acquiring the biometric information of the user P, the photographing device 1 supplies the acquired biometric information to the authentication device 2. Upon receiving the biometric information from the photographing device 1, the authentication device 2 authenticates the received biometric information. After performing the authentication, the authentication device 2 supplies information relating to the authentication result to the photographing device 1. Upon receiving information relating to the authentication result from the authentication device 2, the photographing device 1 displays the authentication result to the user P.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the photographing device 1 will be further described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the photographing device 1 according to the second embodiment. The photographing device 1 mainly comprises a photographing unit 11, a guidance unit 12, a photographing range adjustment unit 13, a display unit 14, and a control unit 15. These components of the photographing device 1 are appropriately connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, in order for the photographing device 1 to perform the functions described in this disclosure.

[0028] The guidance unit 12 displays a guidance image that serves as an indicator for guiding the hand of the user P to a predetermined position. More specifically, the guidance unit 12 first receives information about the display position of the guidance image from the control unit 15. Then, the guidance unit 12 uses the received information about the display position to display the guidance image at the display position. Note that the guidance unit 12 according to this embodiment may present a message to the user P to guide the user P to move the position of the hand according to the guidance image.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a guidance image according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the guidance image A according to this embodiment is a three-dimensional image formed in the air. The guidance unit 12 according to this embodiment displays the guidance image A at a position where it is assumed that the user P will place his / her hand H over the guidance image A.

[0030] Naturally, the right-handed xyz Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 5 and other drawings is for the convenience of explaining the positional relationship of the components. In this embodiment, the positive direction of the z-axis is vertically upward, and the xy plane is a horizontal plane, which is common to all drawings. Also, it is assumed that user P is standing with the front of his body facing the positive side of the y-axis direction.

[0031] The guidance unit 12 moves the display position of the guidance image A along a predetermined trajectory. The guidance unit 12 according to this embodiment moves the position of the guidance image A so as to reciprocate in the left-right direction as viewed from the user P. In other words, the guidance unit 12 moves the display position of the guidance image A so as to reciprocate parallel to the x-axis.

[0032] However, the method of moving the guidance image according to this disclosure is not limited to the above. For example, the guidance unit 12 may move the position of the guidance image A so that it reciprocates in a direction along a predetermined axis.

[0033] The guiding unit 12 may also move the position of the guidance image A so as to circulate along a predetermined arbitrary trajectory. The predetermined arbitrary trajectory may include, for example, an ellipse, a figure eight, a rectangle, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the guidance unit 12 may move the display position of the guidance image A so that it rotates around a rotation axis parallel to the y-axis direction, for example.

[0035] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a guidance unit according to embodiment 2. Guidance unit 12 according to this embodiment includes an optical imaging panel 121 and a display device 122. Optical imaging panel 121 reflects an image displayed on display device 122 and forms the reflected image in the air. Optical imaging panel 121 is an optical imaging panel described in patent documents such as JP 2017-142577 A or JP 2017-107218 A.

[0036] The guidance unit 12 according to this embodiment displays a guidance image A on the display device 122. The optical imaging panel 121 reflects the guidance image A displayed on the display device 122, and forms an image of the guidance image A in the air. By moving the position of the guidance image A displayed on the display device 122, the guidance unit 12 can move the display position of the guidance image A formed in the air.

[0037] When the guidance unit 12 moves the display position of the guidance image A, the user P moves his / her hand H so as to follow the guidance image A accordingly.

[0038] It should be noted that the configuration of the guiding unit 12 according to this disclosure is not limited to that shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the configuration of the guiding image according to this disclosure is not limited to the stereoscopic image shown in Fig. 5. For example, the guiding unit 12 according to this disclosure may have a configuration as shown in Fig. 7.

[0039] The guidance unit 12 shown in Fig. 7 is a display device. The guidance unit 12 displays a guidance image A on the display. In this case, for example, the photographing device 1 may notify the user to align the display position of the guidance image A with the position of a part of the user's hand, such as the middle finger. In this case, the guidance unit 12 may also function as the display unit 14.

[0040] Furthermore, the guidance image A according to this disclosure may include, for example, a contour line or an area showing the shape of a hand. With this configuration, the guidance unit 12 can appropriately guide the user's hand to a predetermined position.

[0041] The photographing unit 11 is a camera that photographs the hand H of the user P. The photographing unit 11 photographs the hand H of the user P under the control of the control unit 15. More specifically, the photographing unit 11 receives an instruction from the control unit 15 and performs photographing at the timing included in the received instruction. Then, the photographing unit 11 outputs the photographed image to the control unit 15 as image data.

[0042] The range of photography performed by the photography unit 11 is adjusted by the photography range adjustment unit 13, which will be described later. For example, when the photography range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the position of the photography unit 11 itself, the photography unit 11 may take a photograph at a predetermined focal length according to the moved position. Also, for example, when the photography range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the focal length, the photography unit 11 may take a photograph at a focal length according to an instruction from the photography range adjustment unit 13.

[0043] More specifically, the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 moves along the trajectory of the moving guidance image A. Then, the imaging unit 11 captures an image of the hand H of the user P that follows the guidance image A.

[0044] As described above, it is expected that trembling of the hand H is suppressed when the user P is moving the hand H. Therefore, by capturing an image of the hand H of the user P while the user P is moving the hand H, the image capturing unit 11 can suppress blurring of the image due to shaking or trembling of the user's hand.

[0045] Furthermore, the image capturing unit 11 may capture an image of the hand H of the user P at a position where the reciprocatingly moving guidance image A turns around. When the user P moves the hand H in accordance with the guidance image A, the hand H of the user P stops at the turning point while trembling is suppressed. Therefore, by capturing an image of the hand H of the user P at the above-described position, a clearer image can be captured.

[0046] The shooting range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the shooting range of the imaging unit 11 based on control from the control unit 15. More specifically, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 acquires position information of the shooting range from the control unit 15. Then, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the shooting range of the imaging unit 11 to a position corresponding to the acquired position information.

[0047] However, the position information of the shooting range is information used by the shooting range adjustment unit 13 to grasp the position of the shooting range determined by the control unit 15. For example, the position information of the shooting range may be coordinate information of the shooting range.

[0048] Furthermore, the position information of the shooting range may be a device parameter value used by the shooting range adjustment unit 13 to adjust the shooting range of the shooting unit 11. In other words, the position information of the shooting range may be a parameter value that adjusts the shooting range of the shooting unit 11 to the shooting range determined by the control unit 15 when the shooting range adjustment unit 13 operates based on the parameter value.

[0049] As will be described later, the control unit 15 determines the shooting range of the shooting unit 11 in accordance with the display position of the guidance image. That is, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the shooting range of the shooting unit 11 to a range corresponding to the display position of the guidance image.

[0050] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the imaging unit and imaging range adjustment unit according to embodiment 2. The imaging range adjustment unit 13 according to this embodiment adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 by moving the position of the imaging unit 11.

[0051] 8, the imaging range adjustment unit 13 according to this embodiment is configured as a belt conveyor or other driving device. The imaging unit 11 according to this embodiment is configured as a camera that is fixed to the imaging range adjustment unit 13 and whose position is adjustable.

[0052] However, the photographing unit 11a in Fig. 8 indicates the photographing unit 11 after it has been moved by the photographing range adjustment unit 13. Also, 11b in Fig. 8 indicates the photographing unit 11 before it has been moved by the photographing range adjustment unit 13. That is, 11b in Fig. 8 indicates the photographing unit 11 in its initial position.

[0053] 8 indicates the guidance image A when the photographing unit 11 is at the position of photographing unit 11a. Also, the guidance image Ab in Fig. 8 indicates the guidance image A when the photographing unit 11 is at the position of photographing unit 11b. That is, the guidance image Ab in Fig. 8 indicates the guidance image A at the initial position.

[0054] The imaging range adjustment unit 13 according to this embodiment acquires coordinate information defining the position of the imaging unit 11 as position information of the imaging range from the control unit 15. In particular, in this embodiment, the imaging range adjustment unit 13 acquires the x coordinate of the guidance image A as coordinate information defining the position of the imaging unit 11. Then, the imaging unit 11 is moved to a position corresponding to the acquired coordinates.

[0055] As described above, the guidance unit 12 according to this embodiment moves the display position of the guidance image A so as to reciprocate parallel to the x-axis. Therefore, when the x-coordinate of the guidance image A is used as coordinate information for defining the position of the photographing unit 11, the movement of the photographing unit 11 and the movement of the guidance image A can be synchronized. In other words, when the x-coordinate of the guidance image A is used as coordinate information for defining the position of the photographing unit 11, the relative speed of the guidance image A as viewed from the photographing unit 11 becomes zero.

[0056] 8, when the user P moves his / her hand to follow the guidance image A, the hand of the user P remains relatively stationary as seen by the image capturing unit 11. Therefore, with this configuration, the image capturing unit 11 can capture the hand of the user P that moves to follow the guidance image A.

[0057] However, the configurations of the imaging unit 11 and the imaging range adjustment unit 13 according to this disclosure are not limited to the configurations shown in Fig. 8. For example, the imaging unit 11 and the imaging range adjustment unit 13 may have the configurations shown in Fig. 9.

[0058] 9 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the imaging unit and the imaging range adjustment unit according to embodiment 2. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the guidance unit 12 moves the display position of the guidance image A in the vertical direction, i.e., the z-axis direction.

[0059] The shooting range adjustment unit 13 shown in Fig. 9 is attached to the shooting unit 11 and is configured as a zoom lens that can automatically adjust the focal length. The shooting range adjustment unit 13 shown in Fig. 9 acquires the focal length as position information of the shooting range from the control unit 15. Then, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the focal length to the acquired focal length.

[0060] However, the control unit 15 calculates the focal length based on the position of the guidance image A. More specifically, the control unit 15 calculates the focal length so that the display position of the guidance image A is in focus.

[0061] 9, when the user P moves his / her hand to follow the guidance image A, the user's hand is always in focus as seen by the imaging unit 11. Therefore, with this configuration, the imaging unit 11 can capture the hand of the user P that moves to follow the guidance image A.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, the configuration of the photographing unit 11 and the photographing range adjustment unit 13 may be the configuration shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration of the photographing unit and the photographing range adjustment unit according to the second embodiment. In the configuration shown in Fig. 10, the guidance unit 12 moves the display position of the guidance image A so as to rotate around a rotation axis M parallel to the y-axis direction.

[0063] The shooting range adjustment unit 13 according to this embodiment is configured as a circular device with the shooting unit 11 attached inside. The shooting range adjustment unit 13 changes the position and angle of the shooting unit 11 by rotating itself. The rotation axis M of the guidance image A and the central axis of the shooting range adjustment unit 13 coincide with each other.

[0064] 10 acquires the rotation angle of the guidance image A as position information of the shooting range from the control unit 15. Then, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 rotates the image by the acquired rotation angle to change the position and angle of the shooting unit 11.

[0065] 10 , when the user P rotates his / her hand in accordance with the guidance image A, the hand of the user P remains relatively stationary as seen by the image capturing unit 11. Therefore, with this configuration, the image capturing unit 11 can capture the hand of the user P that moves to follow the guidance image A.

[0066] The display unit 14 is typically a display device. The display unit 14 displays notifications or information for the user P. For example, the display unit 14 may display an explanation about the guidance image A to the user P. That is, the display unit 14 may display a message prompting the user P to hold his / her hand over the guidance image A. The display unit 14 may also display information about the authentication result acquired from the authentication device 2 to the user P. The display unit 14 may also have a speaker device for playing back a voice message.

[0067] The control unit 15 controls the photographing unit 11, the guidance unit 12, the photographing range adjustment unit 13, and the display unit 14. The control unit 15 also outputs biometric information acquired from the user P, i.e., image data of the hand of the user P, to the authentication device 2. Furthermore, the control unit 15 acquires information related to the result of authentication from the authentication device 2.

[0068] The control unit 15 may be realized by, for example, a calculation unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, and a storage unit such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and data for controlling the calculation unit, or may be realized as a separate device or component. In other words, the control unit 15 may be realized as software or hardware.

[0069] As described above, the control unit 15 controls the guidance unit 12. The control unit 15 supplies information about the display position of the guidance image to the guidance unit 12. The information about the display position of the guidance image is, for example, coordinates of the display position of the guidance image. The information about the display position of the guidance image may also include coordinate information of a predetermined trajectory.

[0070] As described above, the control unit 15 controls the shooting range adjustment unit 13. The control unit 15 determines the shooting range of the shooting unit 11 based on the information related to the display position of the guidance image supplied to the guidance unit 12. Then, the control unit 15 outputs position information of the determined shooting range to the shooting range adjustment unit 13.

[0071] As described above, the control unit 15 controls the photographing unit 11. The control unit 15 notifies the photographing unit 11 of the timing to photograph the hand of the user P. Then, the control unit 15 causes the photographing unit 11 to photograph the hand of the user P. The control unit 15 acquires the image photographed by the photographing unit 11 as image data and outputs it to the authentication device 2 as biometric information.

[0072] The control unit 15 may control the timing at which the photographing unit 11 photographs the hand of the user P based on the display position of the guidance image and the position of the photographing range. For example, the control unit 15 may control the photographing unit 11 so that the photographing unit 11 photographs the hand of the user P at the timing when the display position of the guidance image and the position of the photographing range reach a turning point. Note that the control unit 15 may control the photographing unit 11 so that the photographing is repeated at predetermined intervals.

[0073] The control unit 15 may determine whether the image captured by the image capturing unit 11 is of a quality sufficient to be used for authentication. Whether the image is of a quality sufficient to be used for authentication can be evaluated, for example, by measuring the contrast, sharpness, etc. of a predetermined area in the image. When the control unit 15 determines that the acquired image is of a quality sufficient to be used for authentication, the control unit 15 may notify the image capturing unit 11, the guiding unit 12, and the capturing range adjusting unit 13 to end their respective operations.

[0074] The control unit 15 may control the display unit 14 to notify the user that the image capturing has ended when it is determined that the acquired image is of a quality that can be used for authentication. In this case, the control unit 15 may, for example, output a text message indicating that the image capturing has ended to the display unit 14 and cause the text message to be displayed on the display unit 14. The control unit 15 may also, for example, output audio data indicating that the image capturing has ended to the display unit 14 and cause the audio data to be played on a speaker provided in the display unit 14.

[0075] If the control unit 15 is unable to acquire a captured image determined to be of a quality sufficient for authentication within a predetermined time, the control unit 15 may output a warning message to the user to the display unit 14. In this case, the control unit 15 causes the display unit 14 to display the warning message.

[0076] Furthermore, when a captured image determined to be of a quality sufficient for authentication cannot be acquired before the guidance image A has reciprocated a predetermined number of times, the control unit 15 may output a warning message to the display unit 14. In this case, the control unit 15 causes the display unit 14 to display the warning message.

[0077] In this case, the warning message may include, for example, content urging the user P to contact a staff member. The warning message may also include, for example, content guiding the user P to select whether or not to perform image capture again. Then, if the user P selects not to perform image capture again, the control unit 15 may further display a message urging the user P to contact a staff member.

[0078] When the control unit 15 fails to acquire a captured image determined to be of a quality sufficient for authentication within a predetermined time, the control unit 15 may change the display mode of the guidance image A. The display mode here refers to, for example, the display position of the guidance image A. The display mode may also be, for example, the trajectory of the guidance image. More specifically, the display mode may also be the shape of the trajectory of the guidance image or the size of the shape. More specifically, for example, when the control unit 15 displays a guidance image moving on an elliptical trajectory and fails to capture an image, the control unit 15 may display a guidance image moving on a rectangular trajectory and attempt to capture an image. The display mode may also be, for example, the moving speed of the guidance image.

[0079] <Operation of the imaging system> Next, the operation, i.e., the method, of the imaging system according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging system according to the second embodiment. In the following description, Fig. 4 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0080] First, the control unit 15 determines the display position of the guidance image (step S201). The control unit 15 supplies the determined display position of the guidance image to the guidance unit 12.

[0081] Next, the control unit 15 determines the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 (step S202). More specifically, the control unit 15 determines the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 based on the information related to the display position of the guidance image determined in step S201. The control unit 15 supplies the determined imaging range to the imaging range adjustment unit 13.

[0082] Next, the guidance unit 12 displays a guidance image (step S203). Then, the imaging range adjustment unit 13 adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit 11 (step S204). Note that steps S203 and S204 are operations that are executed in parallel.

[0083] In step S203, the guidance unit 12 displays the guidance image while moving it along a predetermined trajectory. In step S204, the shooting range adjustment unit 13 moves the shooting range of the shooting unit 11 along the trajectory along which the guidance image moves.

[0084] Next, the photographing unit 11 photographs an image of the user's hand (step S205). However, step S205 is an operation that is executed at the timing when steps S203 and S204 are executed. That is, the photographing unit 11 photographs the user's hand at the timing when the guidance image is moving along a predetermined trajectory. The photographing unit 11 supplies the photographed image to the control unit 15 as image data. Note that in the above-mentioned process, the photographing unit 11 and the control unit 15 may issue a predetermined warning to the user, change the display mode of the guidance image, or photograph the user's hand multiple times using the above-mentioned functions.

[0085] Finally, control unit 15 outputs the image data of the user's hand, and photographing device 1 ends the series of operations (step S206). More specifically, control unit 15 outputs the image data of the user's hand as the user's biometric information to authentication device 2. Photography device 1 may repeatedly execute the series of operations described above until it acquires authentication information from authentication device 2.

[0086] As described above, the image capturing device 1 according to this embodiment displays a guidance image so that the user's hand follows the guidance image. The image capturing unit 11 then captures an image of the user's hand as it follows the guidance image. The image capturing unit 11 then captures an image of the user's hand as it moves in accordance with the guidance image.

[0087] When a user moves their hand, it is expected that trembling of the user's hand will be suppressed. Therefore, with this configuration, the image capturing system 102 according to this embodiment can capture an image of the user's hand while suppressing trembling of the user's hand. As a result, the image capturing system 102 according to this embodiment can suppress blurring of the captured image of the hand.

[0088] <Embodiment 3> The imaging system according to the third embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The imaging system according to this embodiment is an application example of the imaging system 102 according to the second embodiment.

[0089] The image capturing system according to the third embodiment includes an image capturing device 1 and an authentication device 2, similar to the image capturing system 102 according to the second embodiment. That is, the image capturing system according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as that shown in FIG.

[0090] 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging device 1 according to the third embodiment. The imaging system according to the third embodiment differs from the imaging system 102 according to the second embodiment in that it includes a detection unit 16.

[0091] The detection unit 16 is a sensor that detects the hand of the user P. The detection unit 16 detects the hand of the user P that is present at the position indicated by the guidance image. The detection unit 16 notifies the guidance unit 12 whether or not the hand of the user P is present at the position indicated by the guidance image. The guidance unit 12 changes the shape or color tone, or both, of the guidance image depending on whether or not the hand of the user P is present at the position indicated by the guidance image.

[0092] Furthermore, when the hand of the user P is not present at the position indicated by the guidance image, the detection unit 16 may notify the display unit 14 of that fact. Then, when the display unit 14 is notified by the detection unit 16 that the hand of the user P is not present at the position indicated by the guidance image, the display unit 14 notifies the user of a warning. Furthermore, the display unit 14 may notify the user of a message explaining an appropriate hand movement at the same time as notifying the warning.

[0093] With this configuration, the photographing device 1 according to this embodiment can notify the user whether the hand movements made by the user are appropriate or not. Also, if the user is not making appropriate hand movements, the photographing device 1 can prompt the user to make appropriate movements.

[0094] <Embodiment 4> Hereinafter, the imaging system according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The imaging system according to this embodiment is an application example of the imaging system 102 according to the second embodiment.

[0095] The image capturing system according to the fourth embodiment includes an image capturing device 1 and an authentication device 2, similar to the image capturing system 102 according to the second embodiment. In other words, the image capturing system according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as that shown in FIG.

[0096] 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image capturing device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The image capturing system according to the fourth embodiment differs from the image capturing system 102 according to the second embodiment in that it includes a user information acquisition unit 17.

[0097] The user information acquiring unit 17 acquires physical information of the user P. Here, the physical information of the user P refers to information on physical features that may affect the user P's hand movement in accordance with the guidance image A. For example, the physical information of the user P includes the user P's age and height.

[0098] The user information acquiring unit 17 outputs the acquired physical information of the user P to the guiding unit 12. Then, the guiding unit 12 determines the display position of the guidance image based on the information acquired by the user information acquiring unit 17.

[0099] For example, the guiding unit 12 may adjust the height at which the guidance image is displayed based on the height of the user P. In this case, the guiding unit 12 may display the guidance image at a higher position as the height of the user P increases.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, the guiding unit 12 may adjust the speed at which the guidance image moves based on the age of the user P. In this case, the guiding unit 12 may adjust the moving speed of the guidance image to be slower when the user P is a child or an elderly person.

[0101] This configuration allows the user to easily perform appropriate hand movements, and as a result, the imaging system according to this embodiment can reduce the burden on the user.

[0102] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0103] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0104] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) an imaging unit that captures an image of a user's hand; a guidance unit that displays a guidance image serving as a landmark for guiding the user to the position of the hand that is the subject of photography; a photographing range adjusting unit that adjusts a photographing range of the photographing unit to a position corresponding to a display position of the guidance image, The guidance unit moves a display position of the guidance image along a predetermined trajectory, and the shooting range adjustment unit adjusts the shooting range along the trajectory of the display position. Shooting system. (Appendix 2) A control unit that controls the guidance unit and the imaging range adjustment unit is further provided, The control unit determines a display position of the guidance image displayed by the guidance unit, and determines a shooting range corresponding to the display position. 10. The imaging system according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) a detection unit for detecting a position of the user's hand; The guidance unit changes the shape or the color tone, or both, of the guidance image based on the result detected by the detection unit. 3. The imaging system according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) If the detection unit does not detect the user's hand, notifying the user of a warning; 4. The imaging system according to claim 3. (Appendix 5) The guidance unit reciprocates and moves the display position of the guidance image, The photographing unit photographs an image of the user's hand at a position where the display position of the guidance image turns back. 5. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) a user information acquisition unit that acquires physical information of the user; the guidance unit determines a display position of the guidance image based on the information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. 6. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) The guidance image is a stereoscopic projection image. 7. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) the imaging range adjustment unit adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit by moving the position of the imaging unit; An imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) the imaging range adjustment unit adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit by adjusting the focal length of the imaging unit; An imaging system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 10) A guide image is displayed to the user as a guide to the position of the hand that is the subject of the image capture; moving the display position of the guidance image along a predetermined trajectory; adjusting a photographing range to a position corresponding to the display position of the guidance image along the trajectory of the display position; Taking a photo of the user's hand, Shooting method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Imaging device 2. Authentication Device 11 Filming Department 12 Guidance part 121 Optical imaging panel 122 Display device 13 Shooting range adjustment section 14 Display section 15 Control Unit 16 Detector 17 User information acquisition section 101, 102 Imaging system

Claims

1. an imaging unit that captures an image of a user's hand; a guidance unit that displays a guidance image serving as a landmark for guiding the user to the position of the hand that is the subject of photography; a photographing range adjusting unit that adjusts a photographing range of the photographing unit to a position corresponding to a display position of the guidance image, The guidance unit moves a display position of the guidance image, and the shooting range adjustment unit adjusts the shooting range in accordance with the movement of the display position. Shooting system.

2. A control unit that controls the guidance unit and the imaging range adjustment unit is further provided, The control unit determines a display position of the guidance image displayed by the guidance unit, and determines a shooting range corresponding to the display position. The imaging system according to claim 1 .

3. a detection unit for detecting a position of the user's hand; The guidance unit changes the shape or the color tone, or both, of the guidance image based on the result detected by the detection unit. The imaging system according to claim 2 .

4. If the detection unit does not detect the user's hand, notifying the user of a warning; The imaging system according to claim 3 .

5. The guidance unit reciprocates and moves the display position of the guidance image, The photographing unit photographs an image of the user's hand at a position where the display position of the guidance image turns back. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a user information acquisition unit that acquires physical information of the user; the guidance unit determines a display position of the guidance image based on the information acquired by the user information acquisition unit. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The guidance image is a stereoscopic projection image. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. the imaging range adjustment unit adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit by moving the position of the imaging unit; The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. the imaging range adjustment unit adjusts the imaging range of the imaging unit by adjusting the focal length of the imaging unit; The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. A guide image is displayed to the user as a guide to the position of the hand that is the subject of the image capture; moving the display position of the guidance image; adjusting a photographing range to a position corresponding to the display position of the guidance image in accordance with the movement of the display position; Taking a photo of the user's hand, Shooting method.

Images