Biological information acquisition device and biometric authentication system

Abstract

In the present invention, a biological information acquisition device is accommodated inside of housing. The biological information acquisition device comprises: an imaging unit having a lens and an image sensor positioned non-parallel to each other, said imaging unit imaging a user's finger passing through the inside of an imaging area that is set upward of the lens and image sensor and outside of the housing; and a processor that acquires one or more captured images captured by the imaging unit and authenticates the user on the basis of the imaged images. The image sensor is arranged parallel to the direction in which the user's finger is passed through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a biological information acquisition device and a biometric authentication system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device including an imaging lens, an imaging sensor having a rectangular light-receiving surface, the optical axis of the lens being aligned with the center of the light-receiving surface and disposed perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, a tilt mechanism for tilting either one of the optical axis of the light-receiving surface and the optical axis of the lens with respect to the other by rotating the light-receiving surface or the imaging lens, an image analysis unit for analyzing the image data acquired by the imaging sensor, and a tilt mechanism control unit for adjusting the tilt angle of the tilt mechanism based on the analyzed image data. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, by adjusting the tilt angle of the tilt mechanism based on the distance between the subject and the distribution of the distance of the subject, it is possible to acquire image data in which the entire subject to be closely photographed is in focus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, a configuration for realizing the function of the tilt mechanism control unit is required, and the imaging device is expensive and large-sized. Further, in the acquisition of fingerprint information of a subject, there is a desire to image the subject in a non-contact state from a hygienic point of view and acquire fingerprint information from the captured imaging image. However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, when imaging a non-contact subject, it is difficult to determine the imaging position due to the movement of the subject and to focus on the fingertip as the subject for imaging.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a biological information acquisition device and a biometric authentication system that enable imaging of a fingerprint image capable of biometric authentication even in a non-contact state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure is a biological information acquisition device housed in a housing, having a lens and an image sensor arranged non-parallel to each other, and an imaging unit that images a user's finger passing through an imaging region set above the lens and the image sensor and outside the housing, and a processor that acquires one or more captured images captured by the imaging unit and authenticates the user based on the captured images, wherein the image sensor is arranged parallel to the passing direction of the user's finger. , the depth of field in the passing direction of the finger is set based on the depth of field on the optical axis of the lens, the tilt angle of the lens with respect to the image sensor, and the angle formed by the object plane corresponding to the lens and the arrangement direction of the lens A biological information acquisition device is provided.

[0007] Further, the present disclosure is a biometric authentication system in which a biological information acquisition device housed in a housing and an authentication device are communicably connected, the biological information acquisition device having a lens and an image sensor arranged non-parallel to each other. , the depth of field in the passing direction of the user's finger is set based on the depth of field on the optical axis of the lens, the tilt angle of the lens with respect to the image sensor, and the angle formed by the object plane corresponding to the lens and the arrangement direction of the lens The image sensor images the user's finger passing parallel to the image sensor within an imaging region set above the lens and the image sensor and outside the housing, and transmits each of the one or more captured images captured to the authentication device, and the authentication device detects a region including the finger from each of the captured images, extracts the biological information of the user, collates the extracted biological information of the user with each of a plurality of pieces of pre-registered biological information, and outputs a determination result as to whether the biological information of the user corresponds to any of the plurality of pieces of biological information. A biometric authentication system is provided. the

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a fingerprint image capable of biometric authentication can be captured even in a non-contact state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

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Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (Background Leading to the Present Disclosure) Here, as a comparative example of the embodiments described later, a biological information acquisition device B10 including a camera 210 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the biological information acquisition device B10 including the camera 210. The biological information acquisition device B10 includes a camera 210 that images the fingertip of a user's finger UH. The camera 210 includes an image sensor 211 and a lens 212, and is arranged such that the light receiving surface (imaging surface) (Image Plane) of the image sensor 211 and the lens main surface (Lens Plane) of the lens 212 are parallel. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the lens main surface and the object surface of the finger UH as the subject is the subject distance WD1. The camera 210 shown in FIG. 9 has a depth of field region ARB1 based on the depth of field HH0 and the angle of view as an area where an imaging image from which biological information such as fingerprints and veins can be extracted and which can be used for biometric authentication can be captured, and images the user's finger UH moving in the passing direction X.

[0011] Here, the depth of field of the camera will be described. The depth of field indicates the distance (i.e., range) in which the captured imaging image is in focus in the depth direction (i.e., the Z direction) on the subject side. The depth of field becomes larger as the focal length of the lens is shorter, and also becomes larger as the aperture value (F value) of the lens is larger. The camera 210 shown in FIG. 9 has a depth of field HH0.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 9, when the user's finger UH is located within the depth of field region ARB1, the camera 210 can focus on the user's finger UH and capture an imaging image that can be used for biometric authentication.

[0013] However, when the user moves the finger UH in the passing direction X within the depth of field region ARB1 of the camera 210 shown in FIG. 9, since the depth of field HH0 in the Z direction is small, there is a possibility that the finger UH may go out of the depth of field region ARB1 during the movement. Also, when imaging the finger UH of a non-contact user with a camera 210 having such a small depth of field HH0, the user may not know at what height to adjust the finger UH, and there is a possibility that the finger UH may need to be re-imaged.

[0014] Also, as a method of capturing a captured image in focus on a subject (user's finger UH) moving in the passing direction X, there is a camera equipped with a tilt-shift lens based on the principle of shine proof. Such a camera has an intersection point where the light receiving surface (imaging surface) of the image sensor, the principal plane of the lens, and the object plane (Subject Plane) of the subject intersect on the same straight line. Since the object plane and the principal plane of the lens, and the principal plane of the lens and the light receiving surface (imaging surface) of the image sensor are not parallel, it is possible to focus on a subject located at a short distance and a subject located at a long distance at the same time. That is, a camera having a tilt-shift lens has the same depth of field as the camera shown in FIG. 9, and by tilting this depth of field, a depth of field in a predetermined direction can be obtained.

[0015] As a comparative example of the embodiment described later, a biological information acquisition device B11 including a camera 310 having a tilt-shift lens 312 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a biological information acquisition device B11 including a camera 310 having a tilt-shift lens 312.

[0016] The camera 310 includes an image sensor 311 and a tilt-shift lens 312, and is arranged such that the light receiving surface (imaging surface) BIP of the image sensor 311 and the principal plane BLP of the tilt-shift lens 312 are non-parallel. Specifically, the light receiving surface (imaging surface) BIP of the image sensor 311, the principal plane BLP of the tilt-shift lens 312, and the object plane BSP of the finger UH are arranged to intersect at an intersection point BPS on a straight line. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the subject distance WD2 indicates the distance between the principal plane BLP and the object plane BSP of the finger UH. The camera 310 shown in FIG. 10 has a depth of field region ARB2 as a region indicating the depth of field of the camera 310, and images the user's finger UH moving in the passing direction X within the depth of field region ARB2.

[0017] However, in a camera 310 having a tilt-shift lens 312 based on the principle of the Scheimpflug as shown in FIG. 10, when the passing direction X of the user's finger UH and the light-receiving surface (imaging surface) BIP of the image sensor 311 are non-parallel, the captured image captured by the camera 310 is distorted into a trapezoidal shape. Therefore, the user's finger UH shown in the captured image is not suitable as a captured image for use in biometric authentication due to the distortion, and there is a possibility that the extraction accuracy of the user's biometric information decreases and false authentication occurs.

[0018] On the other hand, an imaging device using a tilt-shift lens for suppressing such aberrations of the camera 310 is known. However, in order to suppress the aberrations, it is necessary to manufacture a custom tilt-shift lens, so the imaging device has become complicated and the manufacturing cost has become high.

[0019] Therefore, in the embodiments shown below, examples of a biometric information acquisition device and a biometric authentication system that enable imaging of a finger image capable of biometric authentication even in a non-contact state will be described.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments specifically disclosing the configuration and operation of the biometric information acquisition device and the biometric authentication system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters and a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0021] (Embodiment) Referring to FIG. 1, the use case and internal configuration of the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a use case example of the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment. The biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment captures an imaging image of a part of a user's finger and acquires biometric information of the user reflected in the imaging image. Further, the biometric authentication system 100 collates the acquired biometric information with each of a plurality of previously registered biometric information, and outputs a determination result as to whether the biometric information matches each of the plurality of biometric information. Note that the biometric information in the present embodiment may be biometric information based on the fingerprint of the user, or may be biometric information based on the vein of the user's finger.

[0022] Note that, although an example in which the biometric information acquisition device B1 and the terminal device P1 of the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment are separate configurations will be described, these may be integrally configured. For example, the biometric information acquisition device B1 may be integrally configured with the terminal device P1 and may be capable of executing the functions of the terminal device P1.

[0023] The biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment includes a biometric information acquisition device B1 and a terminal device P1 as an example of an authentication device. Note that the terminal device P1 according to the embodiment is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0024] The biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment is connected between the biometric information acquisition device B1 and the terminal device P1 so as to be capable of wireless communication or wired communication, and performs data transmission and reception. Note that the wireless communication referred to here is, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (registered trademark), or communication via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0025] The biological information acquisition device B1 includes a camera having a lens installed such that the optical axis of the lens is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the image sensor, captures a part of one or more fingers of a user a plurality of times, and transmits each of the plurality of captured images to the terminal device P1.

[0026] The terminal device P1 extracts a feature amount of the user's biological information from each of the plurality of captured images in which a part of one or more fingers of the user transmitted from the biological information acquisition device B1 is imaged. The terminal device P1 collates the extracted feature amount with the feature amounts of each of the plurality of biological information registered in advance by an administrator (for example, a security guard, a station staff, a staff member of a management company, etc.) of the biometric authentication system 100 or the terminal device P1. The terminal device P1 determines whether the extracted feature amount is a feature amount that matches the feature amounts of each of the plurality of biological information, and outputs the determination result.

[0027] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the internal configurations of the biological information acquisition device B1 and the terminal device P1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configurations of the biological information acquisition device B1 and the terminal device P1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the housing 18 of the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment.

[0028] The biological information acquisition device B1 is formed of metal or resin. The biological information acquisition device B1 includes a communication unit 10, a processor 11, a memory 12, each of a plurality of sensors 13A, 13B, a camera 14, an illumination unit 15, a glass surface 16, and a housing 18.

[0029] The communication unit 10 is communicably connected to the communication unit 20 in the terminal device P1. Note that the communication unit 10 may be communicably connected to the communication unit 20 in the terminal device P1 by wireless or wired communication. The communication unit 10 transmits each of the plurality of captured images captured by the camera 14 to the terminal device P1.

[0030] The processor 11 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and cooperates with the memory 12 to perform various processes and controls. Specifically, the processor 11 refers to the programs and data held in the memory 12, and by executing the programs, realizes the function of imaging the user's finger.

[0031] Based on a detection signal notifying the detection of the user's finger output from either one of the sensors 13A and 13B, the processor 11 generates a control command to start imaging by the camera 14 and outputs it to the camera 14. Further, based on a first detection signal notifying the detection of the user's finger output from one of the sensors (for example, sensor 13A), the processor 11 generates a control command to turn on the illumination unit 15 and outputs it to the illumination unit 15. The processor 11 authenticates the user's biometric information directly or indirectly based on a plurality of captured images output from the camera 14. In the following description, as an example, the case of indirect authentication will be described. Specifically, the processor 11 outputs each of the plurality of captured images output from the camera 14 to the communication unit 10 and causes it to be transmitted to the terminal device P1 having a biometric information authentication function or collation function. Then, the processor 11 authenticates the user's biometric information by receiving the authentication result or collation result of the biometric information transmitted from the terminal device P1 via the communication unit 10.

[0032] Based on a second detection signal notifying the detection of the user's finger, the processor 11 generates a control command to end imaging by the camera 14 and outputs it to the camera 14. Based on a second detection signal notifying the detection of the user's finger output from the other sensor (for example, sensor 13B), the processor 11 generates a control command to turn off the illumination unit 15 and outputs it to the illumination unit 15.

[0033] The memory 12 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory used when executing each process of the processor 11, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and data defining the operation of the processor 11. In the RAM, data or information generated or acquired by the processor 11 is temporarily stored. In the ROM, a program defining the operation of the processor 11 is written.

[0034] Each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B is specifically realized by a reflective TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor, an infrared sensor, a transmissive laser sensor, a light receiving sensor, or the like. Each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B is disposed on the passing direction X through which the user's finger passes with a glass surface 16 for imaging the user's finger interposed therebetween, and detects the user's finger passing through a predetermined detection area on the sensors 13A, 13B.

[0035] For example, when each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B is realized by a TOF sensor, each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B projects a laser beam and detects the user's finger by receiving the laser beam reflected by the user's finger passing through a predetermined detection area on the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B. For example, when each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B is realized by an infrared sensor, each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B detects the user's finger by a change in the amount of infrared rays due to the infrared rays radiated from the user's finger passing through a predetermined detection area on the sensors 13A, 13B.

[0036] Also, for example, when each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B is realized by a reflective laser sensor, a light receiving sensor, or the like, the biological information acquisition device B1 includes a cover guide 17. In such a case, each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B projects a laser beam and receives the laser beam reflected by the other end of the cover guide 17 installed on the sensors 13A, 13B. Each of the plurality of sensors 13A, 13B detects the user's finger when the laser beam is blocked by the user's finger and cannot be received.

[0037] Each of the plurality of sensors 13A and 13B is such that either one of the sensors (for example, sensor 13A) detects a user's finger that enters the glass surface 16 by passing through a predetermined detection area on the sensor, and the other sensor (for example, sensor 13B) detects a user's finger that retreats from the glass surface 16 by passing through a predetermined detection range on the sensor. Each of the plurality of sensors 13A and 13B generates a detection signal when detecting a user's finger and outputs it to the processor 11.

[0038] Note that the biometric information acquisition device B1 in the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment shows an example including each of the plurality of sensors 13A and 13B, but the number of sensors may be one. For example, when the biometric information acquisition device B1 is installed in an environment where the passing direction of the user's finger is limited to one direction (for example, the passing direction X, see FIG. 7), the sensor may be installed side by side with the glass surface 16 on the side that enters the glass surface 16 in the passing direction (one direction) through which the user's finger passes.

[0039] Furthermore, when the passing direction of the user's finger is not limited to the passing direction X (see FIG. 7) and the user's finger passes from both the passing direction X and the direction opposite to the passing direction X, each of the plurality of sensors 13A and 13B only detects the user's finger that enters the glass surface 16 in a predetermined passing direction through which the user's finger passes, and does not necessarily detect the user's finger that retreats from the glass surface 16.

[0040] The camera 14 as an example of the imaging unit is configured to include at least an image sensor 141 (see FIG. 4) and a lens 142 (see FIG. 4). The image sensor is a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and converts an optical image formed on the imaging surface into an electrical signal. Note that the image sensor 141 and the lens 142 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. The camera 14 starts imaging based on a control command for starting imaging output from the processor 11. Note that the camera 14 images the user's finger at a frame rate set in advance by the administrator. The camera 14 outputs to the processor 11 one or more captured images captured after the timing when the sensor detects the user's finger among each of the plurality of captured images. Note that the number of captured images output from the camera 14 to the processor 11 may be set in advance by the administrator.

[0041] The illumination unit 15 is housed inside the housing 18 of the biological information acquisition device B1, and is configured to include one or more illuminations such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, and an IR (infrared) illumination, and illuminates the finger of the user who is the imaging target of the camera 14. The illumination unit 15 executes lighting or extinguishing control of the illumination based on a control command output from the processor 11. Note that FIG. 3 shows an illumination unit 15 formed in an annular shape as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the illumination unit 15 may be a point light source, or may be configured such that each of the plurality of illuminations is arranged in a polygonal shape or a substantially annular shape.

[0042] Note that when the passing direction X (see FIG. 6) of the user's finger is limited to one direction and there is one sensor or when only the entry of the user's finger into the glass surface 16 is detected among each of the plurality of sensors 13A and 13B (that is, the departure of the user's finger is not detected), the illumination may be turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, etc.) set in advance by the administrator.

[0043] The glass surface 16 is arranged adjacent to at least one sensor on the upper surface of the housing 18, and is provided so that the finger of a user passing over the upper surface 18A of the housing 18 by the camera 14 can be imaged.

[0044] The cover guide 17 is formed in an L shape using metal or resin as the material. One end of the L-shaped cover guide 17 is fixed to any one side of the rectangular upper surface 18A of the housing. The other end of the L-shaped cover guide 17 is provided so as to cover the upper surface 18A of the housing, and shields the illumination light of the illumination unit 15 that passes through the glass surface 16 of the upper surface 18A of the housing on the other end side. Note that in the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment, the cover guide 17 is not an essential component and may be omitted.

[0045] The other end side of the cover guide 17 is formed such that the distance (i.e., height) between the lower surface of the cover guide 17 and the upper surface 18A of the housing increases (becomes higher) from the side where one end is fixed among the four sides of the upper surface 18A of the housing toward the opposite side. Thereby, the biological information acquisition device B1 can increase the distance (i.e., height) between the cover guide 17 and the upper surface 18A of the housing in the direction where the user is located. Therefore, since the distance (height) between the cover guide 17 and the upper surface 18A of the housing is the highest toward the side where the user is located, the user can easily insert and pass a hand between the cover guide 17 and the upper surface 18A of the housing.

[0046] Also, the cover guide 17 has an opening between the two sides adjacent to the side where one end of the cover guide 17 is fixed (i.e., the side corresponding to the direction in which the user's finger enters and the side corresponding to the direction in which the finger exits) and the other end side of the cover guide 17. Thereby, the user can intuitively grasp the direction (i.e., either the passing direction X or the direction opposite to the passing direction X) in which the user's finger passes through.

[0047] The terminal device P1 extracts the user's biometric information based on each of a plurality of captured images transmitted from the biometric information acquisition device B1, collates the extracted user's biometric information with each of a plurality of pre-registered biometric information, and outputs the collation result. The terminal device P1 includes a communication unit 20, a processor 21, a memory 22, a monitor 23, and a biometric information database DB.

[0048] The communication unit 20 is communicably connected to the communication unit 10 in the biometric information acquisition device B1. Note that the communication unit 20 may be communicably connected to the communication unit 10 in the biometric information acquisition device B1 by wireless or wired communication. The communication unit 20 outputs each of a plurality of captured images transmitted from the biometric information acquisition device B1 to the processor 21.

[0049] The processor 21 is configured using, for example, a CPU or an FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 22. Specifically, the processor 21 refers to the programs and data held in the memory 22, and by executing the programs, extracts the user's biometric information such as fingerprints and veins from the user's finger reflected in the captured image, and collates the extracted user's biometric information with each of a plurality of pre-registered biometric information.

[0050] The processor 21 executes extraction of the feature amounts of the user's fingerprints or veins based on each of a plurality of captured images output from the communication unit 20. Note that the extraction of the feature amounts of fingerprints is performed using known techniques (for example, the minutiae method, the frequency feature analysis method, etc.). Here, the minutiae method is a method of extracting the feature amounts of fingerprints by detecting the end points or branch points (forks) indicating the breaks of the fingerprint lines among the ridges of the fingerprint. Also, the frequency feature analysis method is a method of extracting the feature amounts of fingerprints from the frequency waveforms converted as frequencies based on the edges and bending points of the unevenness of the fingerprint. Also, the feature amounts of veins are extracted, for example, from the captured image of the user's finger captured using near-infrared light, the vein pattern of the user's finger.

[0051] The processor 21 collates the user's biometric information based on the fingerprint or vein feature amount extracted from the captured image with each of a plurality of biometric information items pre-registered by the administrator in the biometric information database DB. When the processor 21 determines that the user's biometric information exists in each of the plurality of biometric information items registered in the biometric information database DB, it outputs the collation result "OK" to the monitor 23 for display. The processor 21 associates information about the user (for example, employee number, identification number, user ID, etc.) that can identify the collated user with the collation date and stores it in the memory 22 or an external storage device connected to be data communicable.

[0052] On the other hand, when the processor 21 determines that the user's biometric information does not exist in each of the plurality of biometric information items registered in the biometric information database DB, it outputs the collation result "NG" to the monitor 23 for display.

[0053] Note that the processor 21 may detect a plurality of fingers from each of the plurality of captured images output from the communication unit 20, and execute extraction of fingerprint or vein feature amounts for each of the plurality of fingers. The processor 21 collates each of the plurality of biometric information items extracted based on each of the plurality of fingers with each of the plurality of biometric information items registered in the biometric information database DB. Thereby, the terminal device P1 can improve the collation accuracy of the user's biometric information with each of the plurality of biometric information items registered in the biometric information database DB.

[0054] The memory 22 has, for example, a RAM as a work memory used when executing each process of the processor 21, and a ROM that stores a program and data defining the operation of the processor 21. Data or information generated or acquired by the processor 21 is temporarily stored in the RAM. A program defining the operation of the processor 21 is written in the ROM.

[0055] The monitor 23 is configured using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence). The monitor 23 displays the collation result output from the processor 21 or outputs it as audio through a speaker (not shown). Note that the monitor 23 may be configured separately from the terminal device P1. For example, the monitor 23 may be integrally configured with the biological information acquisition device B1, or may be configured separately from the terminal device P1 and the biological information acquisition device B1.

[0056] The biological information database DB is a storage medium device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores the biological information of each of a plurality of users registered in advance by an administrator. The biological information stored in the biological information database DB is biological information capable of biometric authentication based on the fingerprints or veins of each of the plurality of fingers of the user, and is stored in association with information about the user. The biological information database DB shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of being integrally configured with the terminal device P1, but may be configured as an external storage device externally connected separately from the terminal device P1 and capable of data communication. When the terminal device P1 is integrally configured with the biological information acquisition device B1, the biological information database DB may be integrally configured with the biological information acquisition device B1 or may be connected to the biological information acquisition device B1 so as to be capable of data communication.

[0057] Note that when the terminal device P1 is integrally configured with the biological information acquisition device B1, the processor 11 (or the biological information acquisition device B1) executes the functions of the processor 21 (for example, the function of extracting the biological information of the user such as fingerprints and veins from the user's finger reflected in the captured image, the function of collating the extracted biological information of the user with each of the plurality of pre-registered biological information, the function of outputting the collation result, etc.). Therefore, unlike the example in which the processor 11 indirectly authenticates the biological information of the user by transmitting the captured image to an external device (terminal device P1) as described above, the processor 11 may directly execute the authentication function of the biological information of the user.

[0058] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the arrangement relationship between the image sensor 141 and the lens 142 of the camera 14 included in the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment, the depth of field region AR1 of the camera 14, and the authenticable region AR2 in which an imaging image for biometric authentication can be captured by the camera 14 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the depth of field region AR1 and the authenticable region AR2.

[0059] First, the camera 14 included in the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment will be described. Each of the plurality of lines L1 and L2 shown in FIG. 4 indicates the angle of view of the camera 14. The camera 14 includes an image sensor 141 and a lens 142.

[0060] The image sensor 141 and the lens 142 included in the camera 14 are arranged so as to be non-parallel to each other. Specifically, based on the Scheimpflug principle, the image sensor 141 and the lens 142 intersect at the intersection point PS0 on the same straight line of the light receiving surface (imaging surface) IP of the image sensor 141 and the lens main surface LP of the lens 142, and are arranged so as to form an angle β1. Note that the angle β1 may be an angle such that 0 (zero) ° < β1 < 90 °.

[0061] Next, the relationship between the object plane SP and the camera 14 will be described. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the object distance WD indicates the distance from the point PSB indicating the center of the lens 142 on the optical axis OA of the lens 142 of the camera 14 to the point PSC on the object plane SP. The set object plane SP and the lens main surface LP intersect at the intersection point PS0 on the same straight line, and are arranged so as to form an angle β2. Note that β2 may be an angle such that 0 (zero) ° < β2 < 90 °.

[0062] Also, the depth of field D0 of the camera 14 on the object plane SP is calculated by the sum of the rear depth of field D1 and the front depth of field D2. The rear depth of field D1 is the depth of field in the direction approaching the lens 142 side with respect to the object plane SP. The front depth of field D2 is the depth of field in the direction away from the lens 142 side with respect to the object plane SP.

[0063] The depth of field area AR1 is the depth of field area within the angle of view of the camera 14 (i.e., the area within the angle of view indicated by each of the plurality of lines L1, L2), and indicates the area where the camera 14 captures an imaging image of the user's finger that can be used for biometric authentication. The depth of field H0 in the X direction (i.e., the passing direction X of the user's finger) in the depth of field area AR1 is set to be equal to or greater than the width of the user's finger UH. Also, the depth of field H0 in the X direction is calculated based on the angles β1, β2, and the depth of field D0.

[0064] Here, for the camera 14 used in the biometric information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment, as the depth of field H0 in the X direction capable of imaging the user's finger UH, it is desirable that, for example, it is set to 15 mm or more, which is the width of a general person's finger, but it is not limited thereto. The camera 14 can set an arbitrary depth of field H0 in the X direction as the depth of field H0 in the X direction capable of extracting biometric information necessary for biometric authentication, based on the type of biometric information (e.g., fingerprint, vein, etc.) extracted as biometric information from the captured imaging image and the method of extracting biometric information (e.g., the manusia method, frequency feature analysis method, etc.).

[0065] The depth of field area AR1 is an area within the angle of view of the camera 14 where an imaging image for biometric authentication can be captured, and is an area surrounded by each of the points PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4. The point PS1 indicates the position of the rear depth of field D1 on the line L1. The point PS2 indicates the position of the front depth of field D2 on the line L1. The point PS3 indicates the position of the rear depth of field D1 on the line L2. The point PS4 indicates the position of the front depth of field D2 on the line L2. The depth of field area AR1 shown in FIG. 4 is an area having a height H1 and a width H2.

[0066] The authentication possible area AR2 is an area set so that, regardless of whether the user's finger UH passes in the passing direction X in either the height direction (Z direction) or the width direction (X direction), it always passes through the depth of field area AR1 with the depth of field H0 in the X direction of the width of the user's finger UH set, and it is an area where it is possible to focus on the passing user's finger UH. The authentication possible area AR2 shown in FIG. 4 is an area on the glass surface 16, within the angle of view of the camera 14, and having a height H1 and a width H2.

[0067] That is, the biometric information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment has a lens 142 and an image sensor 141 arranged non-parallel to each other, and when the user's finger UH passes so as to be parallel to the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the image sensor 141, not only the depth of field area AR1 but also the entire authentication possible area AR2 larger than the depth of field area AR1 can capture (acquire) an imaging image for biometric authentication in focus on the user's finger UH.

[0068] Here, referring to FIG. 5, a procedure for calculating the depth of field H0 in the X direction will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for calculating the depth of field H0 in the X direction corresponding to the passing direction X of the user's finger. Needless to say, the method for calculating the depth of field H0 in the X direction shown in FIG. 5 is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0069] The depth of field H0 in the X direction of the camera 14 is calculated based on the angles β1, β2 and the depth of field D0. Here, since the angle β1 is the installation angle of the lens 142 with respect to the image sensor 141, it is known.

[0070] First, based on the focal length between the point PSA and the point PSB and the angle β1, the length of the line segment connecting the point PSB and the intersection point PS0 is calculated. Here, the first triangle with the intersection point PS0, the point PSB, and the point PSC as vertices is a right triangle. Therefore, the angle β2 is calculated as the angle corresponding to the intersection point PS0 as the vertex of the first triangle based on the calculated line length and the subject distance WD.

[0071] Next, based on the angles β1, β2 and the similarity relationship of the triangles, the depth of field H0 in the X direction is calculated. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a second triangle with the intersection point PS0, the point PSA, and the point PSC as vertices, and a third triangle with the point PSF, the point PSE, and the point PSD as vertices are in a similarity relationship. The second triangle and the third triangle that are in a similarity relationship with each other have an angle β3 at the vertices corresponding to the points PSC and PSD. Specifically, the angle β3 corresponding to the point PSC of the first triangle can be calculated by the sum of the inner diameters of the first triangle (i.e., angle β3 = 180 - (90 - β2)). Also, the second triangle and the third triangle that are in a similarity relationship with each other have an angle (β1 + β2) at the vertices corresponding to the intersection point PS0 and the point PSF as vertices.

[0072] Here, a perpendicular line is drawn from the point PSE to the line segment (side) connecting the points PSD and PSF, and the intersection point of this perpendicular line and the line segment (side) is defined as the point PSG. A fourth triangle with the point PSE, the point PSF, and the point PSG as vertices, and a fifth triangle with the point PSE, the point PSD, and the point PSG as vertices are right triangles. The line segment (side) connecting the points PSE and PSG is a common line segment (side) in the fourth triangle and the fifth triangle. The length of this line segment (side) is calculated by the line segment (side) connecting the points PSE and PSF, the line segment (side) connecting the points PSE and PSD, and each of the angles β1, β2, and β3. Here, the length of the line segment (side) connecting the points PSE and PSF corresponds to the depth of field H0 in the X direction. Also, the length of the line segment (side) connecting the points PSE and PSD corresponds to the depth of field D0. Equation (1) is an equation for calculating the length of the line segment (i.e., the depth of field H0 in the X direction) connecting the points PSE and PSF.

[0073]

Equation

[0074] As described above, the depth of field H0 in the X direction can be calculated based on the angle β1, the angle β2 calculated based on the angle β1, the angle β3 calculated based on each of the angles β1 and β2, and the depth of field D0.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an example of the operation procedure of the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation procedure of the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of use of the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment. In the example of use shown in FIG. 7, an example is shown in which the user's finger UH passes between the upper surface 18A of the housing and the cover guide 17 in the passing direction X. However, the passing direction of the user's finger UH is not limited to the passing direction X, and may be, for example, the direction opposite to the passing direction X. In FIGS. 6 and 7, an example of the operation procedure of the biometric authentication system 100 in which the biometric information acquisition device B1 and the terminal device P1 are configured as separate bodies will be described. Further, when the biometric information acquisition device B1 is integrally configured with the terminal device P1, the biometric information acquisition device B1 executes the processes of steps St1 to St10 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0076] When the biometric information acquisition device B1 detects, by the sensor 13A, the user's finger UH attempting to enter the imaging region (that is, the authenticable region AR2) on the glass surface 16 (St1), it turns on the illumination of the illumination unit 15 (St2) and starts imaging the user's finger UH passing through the imaging region by the camera 14 (St3).

[0077] When the biometric information acquisition device B1 detects, by the sensor 13B, the user's finger UH leaving the imaging region (that is, the authenticable region AR2) of the camera 14 (St4), it turns off the illumination of the illumination unit 15 (St5).

[0078] The biometric information acquisition device B1 transmits each of the one or more captured images captured by the camera 14 to the terminal device P1 (St6). Here, the number of captured images captured by the camera 14 is the number set in advance by the administrator. Also, the frame rate of the camera 14 is arbitrarily set by the administrator based on the environment where the biometric information acquisition device B1 is installed (for example, a ticket gate at a station, an entrance / exit of a building, etc.). Note that the settings of these number of captured images and frame rate may be changeable.

[0079] The terminal device P1 detects the finger UH from each of the plurality of captured images transmitted from the biological information acquisition device B1. The terminal device P1 extracts the user's biological information from the finger UH detected from each of the plurality of captured images, and extracts the feature amount of the user's biological information. Note that the terminal device P1 divides each of the plurality of captured images into each finger type (thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger) based on the detected finger information.

[0080] The terminal device P1 selects the captured image with the best focus for each finger type, and extracts the user's biological information for each selected finger type. Note that the number of finger types for which the terminal device P1 extracts biological information is preferably a plurality of types because the authentication system improves as the number of types increases, but it is sufficient if the user's biological information can be extracted for at least one type of finger. The terminal device P1 collates the extracted user's biological information with each of the plurality of biological information previously registered in the biological information database DB by the administrator (St7), and determines whether the extracted user's biological information exists in each of the plurality of biological information registered in the biological information database DB (St8).

[0081] When the terminal device P1 determines that the extracted user's biological information exists in each of the plurality of biological information registered in the biological information database DB (St8, YES), the terminal device P1 generates notification information (for example, a screen notifying the collation result "OK", a voice notifying that the collation result is "OK", etc.) notifying that the collation result is "OK", and causes the monitor 23 to notify it (St9). Note that when the notification information is voice, the terminal device P1 outputs the notification information from a speaker (not shown).

[0082] On the other hand, when the terminal device P1 determines that the extracted user's biological information does not exist in each of the plurality of biological information registered in the biological information database DB (St8, NO), the terminal device P1 generates notification information (for example, a screen notifying the collation result "NG", a voice notifying that the collation result is "NG", etc.) notifying that the collation result is "NG", and causes the monitor 23 to notify it (St10).

[0083] As described above, the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment can capture (acquire) a captured image (finger image) for biometric authentication with the finger UH of a user moving in the passing direction X in a non-contact state as the subject, and can determine whether the user is a person who has been registered (i.e., permitted) in advance by the administrator based on one or more captured images. In addition, the biometric information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can easily capture a captured image for biometric authentication by having the user pass a finger in the passing direction X substantially parallel to the image sensor 141. Therefore, for example, it may not be necessary to have a complicated configuration for adjusting the tilt angle (angle β1) of the lens 142. Thus, the biometric information acquisition device B1 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0084] (Modification Example of the Embodiment) The biometric authentication system 100 according to the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the biometric information acquisition device B1 and the terminal device P1 are connected so as to be capable of data communication, and execute acquisition processing of user biometric information and biometric authentication processing. A biometric authentication system 100A according to a modification example of the embodiment will be described with an example in which each of at least one biometric information acquisition device B1A, B2A,... and the terminal device P1A are connected so as to be capable of data communication via a network NW, and the terminal device P1A executes biometric authentication processing based on biometric information of each user acquired by each of the biometric information acquisition devices B1A, B2A,....

[0085] With reference to FIG. 8, the overall configuration of the biometric authentication system 100A according to the modification example of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the biometric authentication system 100A according to the modification example of the embodiment. Note that since the example of the internal configuration of the biometric authentication system 100A according to the modification example shown in FIG. 8 has substantially the same configuration as the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and the description thereof is omitted.

[0086] The biometric authentication system 100A according to a modification example of the embodiment includes at least one biometric information acquisition device B1A,... respectively, a terminal device P1A as an example of an authentication device, and a network NW. Note that the terminal device P1 according to the embodiment is, for example, a PC, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0087] In the biometric authentication system 100A according to a modification example of the embodiment, each of the biometric information acquisition devices B1A,... and the terminal device P1A are connected so as to enable wireless communication or wired communication therebetween, and data transmission and reception are performed. Here, the wireless communication mentioned here is, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (registered trademark), or communication via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0088] The biometric information acquisition device B1A includes a communication unit 10A, a processor 11A, a memory 12, each of a plurality of sensors 13A, 13B, a camera 14, an illumination unit 15, a glass surface 16, a housing 18, and a monitor 19.

[0089] The communication unit 10A is connected to be capable of data communication with the communication unit 20A in the terminal device P1A. The communication unit 10A transmits each of a plurality of captured images captured by the camera 14 to the terminal device P1A. Further, the communication unit 10A outputs the authentication result transmitted from the terminal device P1A to the processor 11A.

[0090] The processor 11A is configured using, for example, a CPU or an FPGA, and cooperates with the memory 12 to perform various processes and controls. Specifically, the processor 11A refers to the programs and data held in the memory 12 and realizes the function of capturing an image of the user's finger by executing the programs.

[0091] Based on a detection signal that notifies the detection of the user's finger output from either one of the sensors 13A and 13B, the processor 11A generates a control command to start imaging for the camera 14 and outputs it to the camera 14. Also, based on a first detection signal that notifies the detection of the user's finger output from one of the sensors (for example, sensor 13A), the processor 11A generates a control command to turn on the lighting unit 15 and outputs it to the lighting unit 15. The processor 11A outputs each of the plurality of captured images output from the camera 14 to the communication unit 10A and causes it to be transmitted to the terminal device P1A having a biometric information authentication function or collation function.

[0092] The processor 11A outputs and displays the authentication result or collation result of the biometric information transmitted from the terminal device P1A to the monitor 19 via the communication unit 10A.

[0093] Based on a second detection signal that notifies the detection of the user's finger, the processor 11A generates a control command to end imaging for the camera 14 and outputs it to the camera 14. Based on a second detection signal that notifies the detection of the user's finger output from the other sensor (for example, sensor 13B), the processor 11A generates a control command to turn off the lighting unit 15 and outputs it to the lighting unit 15.

[0094] The monitor 19 is configured using, for example, an LCD or an organic EL. The monitor 19 displays the collation result output from the processor 11A or outputs it as audio by a speaker (not shown). Note that the monitor 19 shown in FIG. 8 shows an example of being separately configured and being connected to the biometric information acquisition device B1A so as to be capable of data communication, but it may be configured integrally with the biometric information acquisition device B1A.

[0095] Since each of the plurality of biometric information acquisition devices B2A,... has the same configuration as the biometric information acquisition device B1A, the description is omitted here.

[0096] The terminal device P1A extracts the user's biometric information based on each of a plurality of captured images transmitted from each of a plurality of biometric information acquisition devices B1A, …, collates the extracted user's biometric information with each of a plurality of pre-registered biometric information, and outputs the collation result. The terminal device P1A includes a communication unit 20A, a processor 21A, a memory 22, a monitor 23, and a biometric information database DBA.

[0097] The communication unit 20A is connected to be capable of data communication with the communication units 10A in a plurality of biometric information acquisition devices B1A, …, and outputs each of a plurality of captured images (that is, the user's biometric information) transmitted from the plurality of biometric information acquisition devices B1A, … to the processor 21A. Further, the communication unit 20A transmits the authentication result or collation result of the user's biometric authentication output from the processor 21A to the corresponding biometric information acquisition devices B1A, ….

[0098] The processor 21A is configured using, for example, a CPU or an FPGA, and performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory 22. Specifically, the processor 21A refers to the programs and data held in the memory 22, and by executing the programs, extracts the user's biometric information such as fingerprints and veins from the user's finger reflected in the captured image, and collates the extracted user's biometric information with each of a plurality of pre-registered biometric information.

[0099] The processor 21A executes extraction of the feature amount of the user's fingerprint or vein based on each of a plurality of captured images output from the communication unit 20A.

[0100] The processor 21A collates the user's biometric information based on the feature amount of the fingerprint or vein extracted from the captured image with each of a plurality of biometric information pre-registered by the administrator in the biometric information database DBA. When the processor 21A determines that there is the user's biometric information in each of the plurality of biometric information registered in the biometric information database DBA, the processor 21A generates an authentication result image indicating the collation result “OK” and transmits it to the corresponding biometric information acquisition devices B1A, ….

[0101] On the other hand, when the processor 21A determines that the user's biometric information is not present in each of the plurality of biometric information registered in the biometric information database DBA, the processor 21A generates an authentication result image indicating a collation result of "NG" and transmits the image to the corresponding biometric information acquisition device B1A, ….

[0102] The biometric information database DBA is a storage medium device such as an HDD or an SSD, and stores each of the biometric information of a plurality of users registered in advance by an administrator. The biometric information stored in the biometric information database DBA is biometric information capable of biometric authentication based on the fingerprints or veins of each of the plurality of fingers of the user, and is stored in association with information about the user. The biometric information database DBA shown in FIG. 8 shows an example of being integrally configured with the terminal device P1A, but may be configured as an external storage device separately provided from the terminal device P1A and externally connected so as to be capable of data communication.

[0103] As described above, the biometric information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment is housed in the housing 18. The biometric information acquisition device B1 includes a lens 142 and an image sensor 141 arranged non-parallel to each other, and a camera 14 that captures an image of the user's finger UH passing through an imaging area (that is, an authenticable area AR2) of the camera 14 set above the lens 142 and the image sensor 141 and outside the housing 18, and a processor 11 that acquires one or more captured images captured by the camera 14 and authenticates the user based on the captured images. The image sensor 141 is arranged parallel to the passing direction X of the user's finger UH.

[0104] As a result, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can capture (acquire) an imaging image (finger image) for biometric authentication with the finger UH of the user moving in the passing direction X in a non-contact state not only in the depth of field region AR1 shown in FIG. 4 but also in the entire authentication possible region AR2 larger than the depth of field region AR1. Therefore, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can easily capture an imaging image for biometric authentication by having the user pass a finger in the passing direction X substantially parallel to the image sensor 141. Thus, for example, it does not need to have a complicated configuration for adjusting the tilt angle (angle β1) of the lens 142.

[0105] In addition, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment further includes one or more sensors that detect the finger UH of the user entering the imaging region (that is, the authentication possible region AR2) on the glass surface 16. The processor 11 acquires the imaging image captured by the camera 14 based on the detection of the entry of the finger UH by the sensor. As a result, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can acquire one or more imaging images captured after the timing of detecting the finger of each user, even if each of a plurality of users passes a finger in sequence. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the mixing of the imaging images of each of the plurality of users.

[0106] In addition, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment further includes an illumination unit 15 that illuminates the imaging region (that is, the authentication possible region AR2). The processor 11 turns on the illumination of the illumination unit 15 based on the detection of the entry of the finger UH by the sensor. As a result, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can illuminate the imaging region (that is, the authentication possible region AR2) and the finger UH of the user as the subject passing through this imaging region while suppressing unnecessary power consumption. Further, the biological information acquisition device B1 can more reliably capture an imaging image for biometric authentication by capturing an image while illuminating the finger UH of the user with the illumination unit 15.

[0107] In addition, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment is formed in a substantially L shape, and one end of the substantially L shape is fixed so as to protrude from the upper surface 18A of the housing, and the other end of the substantially L shape (that is, the end extending in the Y direction shown in FIG. 3) with respect to the upper surface 18A of the housing is disposed so as to cover substantially parallel. Thereby, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can shield the illumination light of the illumination unit 15 from directly entering the eyes of the user who passes the finger UH on the glass surface 16. Further, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment has a substantially parallel space between the cover guide 17 and the upper surface 18A of the housing. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand that the finger may be passed in the passing direction X or the direction opposite to the passing direction X, which passes through the two sides adjacent to the side where one end of the cover guide 17 is fixed.

[0108] In addition, the upper surface 18A of the housing in the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the cover guide 17 is arranged so that the distance between the other end of the cover guide 17 and the upper surface 18A of the housing increases toward the side facing one side (that is, the side on the -Y direction side shown in FIG. 3) where one end is fixed among the four sides of the upper surface of the housing (that is, the side on the Y direction side shown in FIG. 3). Thereby, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can suppress the user's arm from hitting the cover guide 17 when the user passes the finger in the passing direction X.

[0109] In addition, the depth of field H0 in the X direction in the same direction as the passing direction X of the camera 14 according to the embodiment is the depth of field D0 on the optical axis OA of the lens 142 (the distance between the point PSD and the point PSE), the angle β1 as the tilt angle of the lens 142 with respect to the image sensor 141, and the angle β2 formed by the object plane SP corresponding to the lens 142 and the arrangement direction of the lens 142. Based on this, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can obtain a predetermined depth of field H0 in the X direction in the same direction as the passing direction X of the user's finger UH based on the tilt angle of the lens 142 with respect to the image sensor 141. That is, the administrator can set an arbitrary depth of field H0 in the X direction according to the environment in which the biological information acquisition device B1 is installed based on the tilt angle of the lens 142 with respect to the image sensor 141.

[0110] In addition, the depth of field H0 in the X direction of the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment is set to be equal to or greater than the width of the finger. As a result, the camera 14 in the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can capture an in-focus imaging image with a width corresponding to at least the depth of field H0 in the X direction. That is, the biological information acquisition device B1 can more easily obtain an imaging image in which the entire width of the finger is in focus by setting the depth of field H0 in the X direction of the camera 14 to be equal to or greater than the width of the finger.

[0111] In addition, the processor 11 in the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment transmits one or more imaging images captured by the camera 14 to a terminal device P1 that authenticates the user based on the imaging images, and receives an authentication result from the terminal device P1. As a result, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment does not need to have an authentication function, and thus can be manufactured at a lower cost.

[0112] Further, the processor 11 in the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment collates the biological information of the user included in one or more captured images captured by the camera 14 with a plurality of pre-registered biological information, and determines whether the user can be authenticated. Thereby, the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment can easily capture a captured image for biometric authentication by having the user pass a finger in the passing direction X substantially parallel to the image sensor 141, and can execute the user's biometric authentication based on the captured captured image. In addition, since the biological information acquisition device B1 according to the embodiment does not require data communication regarding the captured image and the authentication result with an external terminal device P1, the user authentication process can be executed at a higher speed.

[0113] Further, the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment and the biometric authentication system 100A according to the modification of the embodiment are systems in which the biological information acquisition devices B1, B1A,... accommodated in the housing 18 and the terminal devices P1, P1A are communicably connected. The biological information acquisition devices B1, B1A,... have a lens 142 and an image sensor 141 arranged non-parallel to each other, and image a finger UH of the user passing substantially parallel to the image sensor 141 within the imaging region of the camera 14 (that is, the authentication possible region AR2) set above the lens 142 and the image sensor 141 and outside the housing 18. The camera 14 acquires one or more captured images captured by the camera 14 and transmits each of the one or more captured images to the terminal device P1. The terminal device P1 detects a region including the finger UH from each of the captured images, extracts the biological information of the user, collates the extracted biological information of the user with each of a plurality of pre-registered biological information, and determines whether the biological information of the user corresponds to the plurality of biological information. The determination result is output. Thereby, the biometric authentication system 100 according to the embodiment and the biometric authentication system 100A according to the modification of the embodiment can easily capture a captured image for biometric authentication by having the user pass a finger in the passing direction X substantially parallel to the image sensor 141, and can execute the user's biometric authentication based on the captured captured image.

[0114] The various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modification examples, correction examples, substitution examples, addition examples, deletion examples, and equivalent examples within the scope described in the claims, and it is understood that they also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. Further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention, the respective components in the above-described various embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

[0115] This application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on April 2, 2020 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-066654), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Industrial Applicability

[0116] The present disclosure is useful as a presentation of a fingerprint registration method and a user terminal device that enable imaging of a fingerprint image capable of biometric authentication even in a non-contact state.

Explanation of Signs

[0117] 1 User terminal device 10, 20 Communication unit 11, 21 Processor 12, 22 Memory 13A, 13B Sensor 14 Camera 15 Lighting unit 17 Cover guide 18 Housing 18A Upper surface of the housing 23 Monitor AR1 Depth of field region AR2 Authenticable region B1 Biometric information acquisition device D0, H0 Depth of field DB Biometric information database SP Object plane P1 Terminal device PS0 Intersection point UH Finger WD Subject distance X Passing direction β1, β2, β3 angles

Claims

1. A biological information acquisition device housed in a housing, having a lens and an image sensor arranged non-parallel to each other, and an imaging unit that images a finger of a user passing through an imaging region set above the lens and the image sensor and outside the housing, a processor that acquires one or more captured images captured by the imaging unit and authenticates the user based on the captured images, the image sensor is arranged parallel to the passing direction of the finger of the user, the depth of field in the passing direction of the finger is set based on the depth of field on the optical axis of the lens, the tilt angle of the lens with respect to the image sensor, and the angle formed by the object plane corresponding to the lens and the arrangement direction of the lens, A biological information acquisition device.

2. further comprising one or more sensors that detect the finger of the user entering the imaging region, the processor acquires the captured image captured by the imaging unit based on the detection of the entry of the finger by the sensor, The biological information acquisition device according to claim 1.

3. further comprising an illumination unit that illuminates the imaging region, the processor turns on the illumination of the illumination unit based on the detection of the entry of the finger by the sensor, The biological information acquisition device according to claim 2.

4. further comprising a cover guide formed in a substantially L shape, one end of the substantially L shape protruding and fixed from the upper surface of the housing, and the other end of the substantially L shape arranged to cover the upper surface of the housing substantially parallel, The biological information acquisition device according to claim 1.

5. the upper surface of the housing is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, The cover guide is arranged such that the distance between the other end and the upper surface of the housing increases toward the side facing the side of the four sides of the upper surface of the housing where one end is fixed. The biological information acquisition device according to claim 4.

6. The depth of field in the passing direction of the finger is set to be equal to or greater than the width of the finger. The biological information acquisition device according to claim 1.

7. The processor transmits the one or more captured images captured by the imaging unit to an authentication device that authenticates the user based on the captured images, and receives an authentication result from the authentication device. The biological information acquisition device according to claim 1.

8. The processor collates the biological information of the user included in the one or more captured images captured by the imaging unit with a plurality of pieces of pre-registered biological information, and determines whether the user can be authenticated. The biological information acquisition device according to claim 1.

9. A biometric authentication system in which a biological information acquisition device and an authentication device housed in a housing are communicably connected, The biological information acquisition device is It has a lens and an image sensor arranged non-parallel to each other, and the depth of field in the passing direction of the user's finger is set based on the depth of field on the optical axis of the lens, the tilt angle of the lens with respect to the image sensor, and the angle formed by the object plane corresponding to the lens and the arrangement direction of the lens. The finger of the user passing parallel to the image sensor within an imaging region set above the lens and the image sensor and outside the housing is imaged. Each of the one or more captured images captured is transmitted to the authentication device. The authentication device is From each of the captured images, a region including the finger is detected, and the biological information of the user is extracted. Compare the extracted biometric information of the user with each of a plurality of pre-registered biometric information, Output a determination result that determines whether the biometric information of the user corresponds to any of the plurality of biometric information, Biometric authentication system.

Images