Imaging control system, imaging device, imaging control method, and computer program

Abstract

An image capturing control system (10) is provided with a light amount control means (101) which controls the amount of light irradiated on a subject in accordance with an operation amount of a first operation by an operator (600), and an image capturing instruction means (102) which gives an instruction to capture an image of a biological pattern of a subject (500) in accordance with with a second operation that is different from the first operation by the operator. With this image capturing control system, the light amount is controlled by the first operation and the instruction to capture an image is given by the second operation, and therefore an image of a biological pattern such as a fingerprint can be captured appropriately.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of an imaging control system, an imaging device, an imaging control method, and a computer program for imaging the pattern of a subject's living body.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of system, when imaging an image (for example, a fingerprint image, etc.) used for biometric authentication, etc., a system that controls the irradiation light to the subject is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique is disclosed in which the luminance of the area where the finger for imaging the fingerprint is placed is automatically discriminated, and control for enhancing the uniformity of the light amount is executed.

[0003] As other related techniques, for example, Patent Documents 2 to 5 disclose techniques that use a slide switch or a pressure sensor for operations during imaging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=X]]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In each of the above-described patent documents, it is not possible to perform an operation for adjusting the light amount according to the state of the subject and an operation for performing imaging in a state where the light amount is adjusted.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide an imaging control system, an imaging device, an imaging control method, and a computer program for solving the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the imaging control system of this disclosure includes a light amount control means for controlling the amount of light irradiated to a subject according to the operation amount of a first operation by an operator, and an imaging instruction means for instructing to image a pattern of the living body of the subject according to a second operation different from the first operation by the operator.

[0008] One aspect of the imaging device of this disclosure includes an imaging means for imaging a pattern of the living body of a subject, an irradiation means for irradiating light to the living body of the subject, a first detection means for detecting the operation amount of a first operation by an operator, a light amount control means for controlling the amount of light irradiated to the subject according to the operation amount of the first operation, a second detection means for detecting a second operation different from the first operation by the operator, and an imaging instruction means for instructing the imaging means to image the pattern of the living body according to the second operation.

[0009] One aspect of the imaging control method of this disclosure is to control the amount of light irradiated to a subject according to the operation amount of a first operation by an operator, and to instruct to image a pattern of the living body of the subject according to a second operation different from the first operation by the operator.

[0010] One aspect of the computer program of this disclosure is to control the amount of light irradiated to a subject according to the operation amount of a first operation by an operator, and to operate a computer to instruct to image a pattern of the living body of the subject according to a second operation different from the first operation by the operator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of an imaging control system, an imaging device, an imaging control method, and a computer program will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <First Embodiment> The imaging control system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0014] (System Configuration) First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the imaging control system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the imaging control system according to the first embodiment.

[0015] In FIG. 1, the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment is configured as a system capable of executing control related to imaging of a living body pattern. The "living body pattern" here is a pattern (in other words, a pattern) that can be obtained by imaging a living body, and examples include fingerprints, palm prints, vein patterns, etc. The living body pattern can be used, for example, for biometric authentication. The imaging control system 10 is configured to be able to execute a process of controlling the amount of light irradiated to the living body and a process of instructing imaging when imaging the living body pattern. The imaging control system 10 includes a light amount control unit 101 and an imaging instruction unit 102 as functional blocks for realizing its functions.

[0016] The light amount control unit 101 is configured to be able to control the amount of light irradiated to a subject who is the imaging target of the living body pattern (specifically, the amount of illumination light for capturing an appropriate image) based on a first operation performed by an operator who operates the imaging control system 10. The light amount control unit 101 controls the light amount according to the operation amount of the first operation. For example, when the operation amount is small, the light amount control unit 101 performs control such that the light amount changes slightly, and when the operation amount is large, the light amount control unit 101 performs control such that the light amount changes greatly. Note that the first operation may include an operation of increasing the light amount (that is, an operation of increasing it) and an operation of decreasing the light amount (that is, an operation of decreasing it).

[0017] The image capture instruction unit 102 is configured to be able to instruct the capture of an image of a biometric pattern based on a second operation performed by the operator. The image capture instruction unit 102 instructs the capture of an image at the timing when the second operation is performed, for example. Alternatively, the image capture instruction unit 102 may instruct the capture of an image at the timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the second operation was performed. Note that the second operation is an operation different from the above-mentioned first operation (i.e., an operation for controlling the amount of light). However, the first operation and the second operation may be operations performed using a common operation unit.

[0018] (Hardware configuration) Next, the hardware configuration of the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the imaging control system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] 2, the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a processor 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, and a storage device 14. The imaging control system 10 may further include an input device 15 and an output device 16. The processor 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16 are connected via a data bus 17. The imaging control system 10 may include multiple units of each of the processor 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16.

[0020] Processor 11 reads a computer program. For example, processor 11 is configured to read a computer program stored in at least one of RAM 12, ROM 13, and storage device 14. Alternatively, processor 11 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable recording medium using a recording medium reader (not shown). Processor 11 may acquire (i.e., read) a computer program from a device (not shown) disposed outside imaging control system 10 via a network interface. By executing the read computer program, processor 11 controls RAM 12, storage device 14, input device 15, and output device 16. In particular, in this embodiment, when the computer program read by processor 11 is executed, a functional block for controlling the amount of light irradiated onto a living body and instructing imaging is realized in processor 11 (see FIG. 1). Note that as processor 11, any one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), DSP (digital signal processor), and ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) may be used. Also, a plurality of these may be used in parallel.

[0021] RAM 12 temporarily stores the computer program executed by processor 11. RAM 12 temporarily stores data temporarily used by processor 11 when processor 11 is executing a computer program. RAM 12 may be, for example, D-RAM (Dynamic RAM).

[0022] ROM 13 stores the computer program executed by processor 11. ROM 13 may also store other fixed data. ROM 13 may be, for example, P-ROM (Programmable ROM).

[0023] The storage device 14 stores data that the imaging control system 10 stores in the long term. The storage device 14 may operate as a temporary storage device of the processor 11. The storage device 14 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device.

[0024] The input device 15 is a device that receives an input instruction from a user of the imaging control system 10. The input device 15 may include, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel.

[0025] The output device 16 is a device that outputs information regarding the imaging control system 10 to the outside. For example, the output device 16 may be a display device (e.g., a display) capable of displaying information regarding the imaging control system 10.

[0026] (Flow of operations) Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow of operations of the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the imaging control system according to the first embodiment.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, during the operation of the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment, first, the light amount control unit 101 determines whether a first operation has been detected (step S11). If the first operation is not detected (step S11: NO), the processing after step S12 is not executed. However, if a second operation is detected while the first operation is not detected, the processing of step S15 described later may be executed.

[0028] When the first operation is detected (step S11: YES), the light amount control unit 101 acquires the operation amount of the first operation (step S12). Subsequently, the light amount control unit 101 controls the light amount irradiated to the subject based on the acquired operation amount of the first operation (step S13).

[0029] Next, the imaging instruction unit 102 determines whether or not a second operation has been detected (step S14). If the second operation has not been detected (step S14: NO), the processes from step S12 onward are not executed. However, if the first operation is detected again without detecting the second operation, the processes of steps S12 and S13 may be executed repeatedly.

[0030] If the second operation is detected (step S14: YES), the imaging instruction unit 102 instructs to perform imaging of the subject (step S15).

[0031] (Technical Effects) Next, an example of the technical effect obtained by the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0032] When capturing an image of a living body (especially a biometric pattern such as a fingerprint), there is a risk that an appropriate image cannot be captured with a constant amount of light due to, for example, differences in the amount of sweat, etc. Therefore, in order to capture an appropriate image, it is desirable to first adjust the amount of light according to the subject's condition before capturing the image.

[0033] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment, the amount of light irradiated on the subject is controlled based on a first operation, and an instruction to capture an image is issued based on a second operation. Therefore, according to the imaging control system according to the first embodiment, it is possible to control the amount of light according to the subject's condition and then capture an image at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately capture an image of the subject's biometric pattern. This technical effect is particularly pronounced when a clear image is required, such as in biometric authentication.

[0034] Second Embodiment The imaging control system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Note that the second embodiment is only different in some operations compared to the above-described first embodiment, and the rest is generally the same. Therefore, in the following, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0035] (System Configuration) First, with reference to FIG. 4, the overall configuration of the imaging control system according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the imaging control system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment includes a light quantity output unit 103 in addition to the components of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0037] The light quantity output unit 103 is configured to be able to output information indicating the value of the light quantity irradiated on the subject. Here, the "value of the light quantity" is a parameter indicating the magnitude of the light quantity, for example, a numerical value obtained by quantifying the magnitude of the light quantity. When the light quantity is controlled by the light quantity control unit 101, the light quantity output unit 103 outputs the value of the controlled light quantity. The information indicating the value of the light quantity is output to, for example, a display device or the like.

[0038] (Hardware Configuration) The hardware configuration of the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment may be the same as the hardware configuration of the imaging control system 10 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), and thus the description thereof will be omitted. Note that the light quantity output unit 102 can be realized by, for example, the processor 11.

[0039] (Operation Flow) Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation flow of the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the imaging control system according to the second embodiment.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, during the operation of the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment, first, the light amount control unit 101 determines whether or not the first operation has been detected (step S11). If the first operation has been detected (step S11: YES), the light amount control unit 101 acquires the operation amount of the first operation (step S12). Then, based on the acquired operation amount of the first operation, the light amount control unit 101 controls the light amount irradiated to the subject (step S13).

[0041] Subsequently, in the second embodiment, the light amount output unit 103 outputs information indicating the value of the light amount (step S21). Note that the light amount output unit 103 may output information indicating the value of the light amount even when the light amount is not controlled (in other words, when the first operation is not detected). For example, the light amount output unit 103 may output information indicating the value of the light amount at a predetermined period.

[0042] Subsequently, the imaging instruction unit 102 determines whether or not the second operation has been detected (step S14). If the second operation has been detected (step S14: YES), the imaging instruction unit 102 instructs to execute imaging of the subject (step S15).

[0043] (Technical Effect) Next, an example of the technical effect obtained by the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0044] As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment, information indicating the value of the light amount is output by the light amount output unit 103. Therefore, according to the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment, by performing the first operation, it is possible to grasp how the light amount is controlled. For example, when the information indicating the value of the light amount is output to the display device, it becomes possible to visually grasp the current light amount. Therefore, the operation of adjusting the light amount to an appropriate value can be easily performed.

[0045] <Third Embodiment> An imaging device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the imaging control system 10 already described functions as part of the imaging device (specifically, the imaging control unit 100 described later). Note that the third embodiment differs only in part from the first and second embodiments described above in terms of configuration and operation, and is otherwise generally similar. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that differ from the first and second embodiments, and will omit a description of the other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0046] (Device configuration) First, the overall configuration of the imaging device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the imaging device according to the third embodiment. Note that in Fig. 6, the same components as those shown in Figs. 1 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the imaging device 200 according to the third embodiment includes an imaging control unit 100, an operation unit 20, an irradiation unit 30, an imaging unit 40, and a display unit 50.

[0048] The imaging control unit 100 is configured to have the same functions as the imaging control system 10 according to the first and second embodiments described above. Specifically, it is configured to include a light intensity control unit 101, an imaging instruction unit 102, and a light intensity output unit 103. Note that the hardware configuration of the imaging control unit 100 may be the same as the hardware configuration of the imaging control system 10 (see FIG. 2), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the light intensity output unit 102 can be realized by, for example, the processor 11, as in the second embodiment described above. Furthermore, the operation unit 20 may be realized by, for example, the input device 15. The display unit 50 may be realized by, for example, the output device 16.

[0049] The operation unit 20 is an input means provided to accept operations by an operator, and is configured to include, for example, switches, various sensors, etc. The operation unit 20 includes a first detection unit 21 and a second detection unit 22. That is, the operation unit 20 is provided as a common operation unit capable of detecting a first operation and a second operation, respectively. The first detection unit 21 is configured to be able to detect a first operation by the operator. The amount of the first operation detected by the first detection unit 21 is configured to be output to the light intensity control unit 101 of the imaging control unit 100. The second detection unit 22 is configured to be able to detect a second operation by the operator. The presence or absence of the second operation detected by the second detection unit 22 is configured to be output to the imaging instruction unit 102 of the imaging control unit 100.

[0050] The irradiation unit 30 is configured to be able to irradiate light onto the subject (particularly, the area where the subject's biological pattern is to be imaged). The irradiation unit 30 is configured to include, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. A plurality of irradiation units 30 may be provided. The amount of light irradiated by the irradiation unit 30 can be controlled by a light amount control unit 101 of the imaging control unit 100.

[0051] The imaging unit 40 is configured to be able to capture an image of the subject's biological pattern. The imaging unit 40 is configured to include, for example, a small camera. The imaging unit 40 is capable of capturing an image at the timing instructed by the imaging instruction unit 102.

[0052] The display unit 50 is configured to be able to display information related to the amount of light irradiated by the irradiation unit 30. The display unit 50 is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 50 is configured to be able to display information related to the amount of light based on information output from the light amount output unit 103. Note that the display unit 50 may be configured as an external device of the imaging device 200 (for example, a display of a personal computer, etc.).

[0053] (Configuration of the imaging unit) Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a specific configuration of the imaging unit 40 side (i.e., the surface on the side where fingerprint imaging is performed) of the imaging device 200 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the surface configuration of the imaging device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing a state when fingerprint imaging is performed with the imaging device according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, a case where the imaging device 200 is configured as a device for fingerprint imaging will be described as an example.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, in the imaging device 200, an imaging area 260 is provided on one surface of the housing 250 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "front surface"). In the imaging area 260, for example, the imaging unit 40 is disposed on the back side via glass or the like, and is capable of imaging a living body that has come into contact with the imaging area. Further, two irradiation units 30 are provided on the side of the imaging area 260. The irradiation unit 30 is capable of irradiating light toward the imaging area (in other words, toward the living body in the imaging area 260).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, when fingerprint imaging is performed, the subject whose fingerprint is to be imaged brings the finger 500 into contact with the imaging area. Then, light is irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 toward the finger 500. In such a state, the imaging unit 40 images the fingerprint of the subject.

[0056] (Configuration on the operation unit side) Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a specific configuration of the operation unit 20 side (i.e., the surface on the side where the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 are provided) of the imaging device 200 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the back surface configuration of the imaging device according to the third embodiment.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, the imaging device 200 is provided with an operation unit 20 on the surface of the housing 250 opposite to the side where the imaging unit 40 is provided (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the "rear surface"). The configuration of the operation unit 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the first operation and the second operation. That is, the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 can be appropriately configured by various sensors, buttons, switches, or the like. Examples of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 will be described in detail in other embodiments described later.

[0058] (Flow of operations) The flow of operations of the imaging device 200 according to the third embodiment may be the same as the flow of operations of the imaging control system 10 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 5), and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] (Technical effects) Next, an example of the technical effects obtained by the imaging control device 200 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0060] As described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, in the imaging device 200 according to the third embodiment, the first detection unit 21 detects the first operation, and the amount of light irradiated from the irradiation unit 30 is controlled based on the operation amount of the first operation. Therefore, it is possible to control the amount of light according to the state of the subject. Further, in the imaging device 200 according to the third embodiment, the second detection unit 22 detects the second operation, and an imaging instruction is given to the imaging unit 40. Therefore, it is possible to execute imaging at an appropriate timing.

[0061] Also, in the third embodiment, in particular, the imaging unit 40 is arranged on the front surface of the housing 250, and the operation unit 20 is arranged on the back surface. Therefore, the operator can perform a series of operations of adjusting the light amount and executing imaging with one hand while fixing the finger 500 of the subject in the imaging area 260. Such a technical effect is significantly demonstrated, for example, when the operator himself / herself needs to fix the finger 500 of the subject (for example, when imaging the fingerprint of a newborn, etc.). According to the research of the inventor of the present application, since the sweating amount of a newborn varies greatly during growth, the light amount suitable for imaging also changes significantly. Therefore, the imaging device 200 according to the present embodiment capable of controlling the light amount is extremely effective when targeting a newborn.

[0062] <Fourth Embodiment> The imaging device according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Note that the fourth embodiment shows a specific example of the first detection unit 21 in the imaging control system 10 (for example, see FIG. 6) according to the third embodiment already described, and a specific example of the first operation detected thereby. Therefore, hereinafter, the description of what has already been described, such as the device configuration and the overall operation flow, will be omitted.

[0063] The first detection unit 21 may be configured to include, for example, a slide switch. In this case, the first detection unit 21 may detect the slide amount of the slide switch as the operation amount of the first operation. Also, it may be determined whether to increase or decrease the light amount according to the slide direction.

[0064] The first detection unit 21 may be configured as, for example, a wheel-shaped touch panel. In this case, the first detection unit 21 may detect the slide amount on the touch panel as the operation amount of the first operation. Also, it may be determined whether to increase or decrease the light amount according to the slide direction (i.e., the rotation direction).

[0065] The first detection unit 21 may be configured as a physical wheel type switch. In this case, the first detection unit 21 may detect the rotation amount of the wheel type switch as the operation amount of the first operation. Further, it may be determined whether to increase or decrease the light amount according to the sliding direction (i.e., the rotation direction). Further, it may be determined whether to increase or decrease the light amount according to the rotation direction.

[0066] The first detection unit 21 may be configured as a stick type switch that can be tilted in the 360-degree direction. In this case, the first detection unit 21 may detect the tilting amount of the stick type switch as the operation amount of the first operation. Further, it may be determined whether to increase or decrease the light amount according to the tilting direction. When performing the first operation with the operation unit 20b, the operator may rotate the wheel type switch of the operation unit 20b.

[0067] (Technical effect) Next, an example of the technical effect obtained by the imaging control device 200 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0068] In the imaging device 200 according to the fourth embodiment, as described above, it is possible to detect the first operation in various modes. Therefore, it is possible to realize appropriate light amount control according to the usage situation of the device and the like. Note that the above-described configuration is merely an example, and the first operation may be detected by other configurations.

[0069] <Fifth Embodiment> The imaging device according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment shows a specific example of the second detection unit 22 in the imaging control system 10 according to the third embodiment already described (see, for example, FIG. 6), and a specific example of the second operation detected thereby. Therefore, hereinafter, descriptions of those already described, such as the device configuration and the overall operation flow, will be omitted.

[0070] The second detection unit 22 may be configured to include, for example, a pressure sensor. In this case, the second detection unit 22 may detect that the second operation has been performed when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value (for example, when pressed). Alternatively, the second detection unit 22 may detect that the second operation has been performed when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined lower threshold value (for example, when a finger is removed).

[0071] The second detection unit 22 may be configured to include, for example, a physical button or switch. In this case, the second detection unit 22 may detect that the second operation has been performed when the button or switch is pressed. Alternatively, the second detection unit 22 may detect that the second operation has been performed when a finger is removed from the pressed button or switch.

[0072] (Technical effect) Next, an example of the technical effect obtained by the imaging control device 200 according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0073] In the imaging device 200 according to the fifth embodiment, as described above, it is possible to detect the second operation in various modes. Therefore, it is possible to realize appropriate imaging control according to the usage situation of the device and the like. Note that the above-described configuration is merely an example, and the second operation may be detected by other configurations.

[0074] <Sixth Embodiment> The imaging device according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a state of a slide operation in the imaging device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing a state of a pressing operation in the imaging device according to the sixth embodiment. Note that the sixth embodiment shows specific examples of the first detection unit 21 and the second detection unit 22 in the imaging control system 10 (see, for example, FIG. 6) according to the already-described third embodiment, and specific examples of the first operation and the second operation detected thereby. Therefore, hereinafter, descriptions of what has already been described, such as the device configuration and the overall operation flow, will be omitted.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10, the operation unit 20 according to the sixth embodiment includes a first detection unit 21 including a slide switch and a second detection unit 22 including a pressure sensor. When performing the first operation, the operator may move the finger 600 to slide on the operation unit 20. At this time, when the finger 600 is slid to the left side of the figure, the light amount is controlled to decrease. On the other hand, when the finger 600 is slid to the right side of the figure, the light amount is controlled to increase.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 11, when performing the second operation, the operator may operate to press the finger 600 on the operation unit 20. Note that it may be any part of the operation unit 20 to be pressed, and the second operation can be performed immediately after performing the first operation. In the example shown in the figure, since the second operation is executed in a state where the finger 600 is slid near the right end of the operation unit, imaging is executed in a state where the light amount is adjusted to increase.

[0077] (Modification example) Next, a modification example of the imaging device 200 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit according to the first modification example. FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit according to the second modification example. FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit according to the third modification example. FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the display unit according to the fourth modification example.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, the operation unit 20a according to the first modification is configured as a wheel-shaped panel. To perform a first operation on the operation unit 20a, the operator simply slides his / her finger 600 in a circular motion on the operation unit 20a. In this case, whether to increase or decrease the amount of light can be determined based on the sliding direction (i.e., the rotation direction). To perform a second operation on the operation unit 20a, the operator simply presses the point where the sliding in the first operation ended (or the center of a wheel provided as a physical switch).

[0079] As shown in FIG. 13, the operation unit 20b according to the second modification is configured as a depressible physical wheel-type switch (FIG. 13 is a side view of the housing 250 of the imaging device 200). To perform a first operation on the operation unit 20b, the operator simply rotates the wheel-type switch of the operation unit 20b. In this case, the direction of rotation determines whether to increase or decrease the amount of light. To perform a second operation on the operation unit 20b, the operator simply presses the wheel-type switch.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 14, the operation unit 20c according to the third modification is configured as a depressible stick-type switch. To perform a first operation with the operation unit 20c, the operator simply tilts the stick of the operation unit 20b. In this case, the direction of tilt determines whether to increase or decrease the amount of light. To perform a second operation with the operation unit 20c, the operator simply presses the stick-type switch.

[0081] 15, the display unit 50a according to the fourth modification is provided as a plurality of LEDs on the side surface of the housing 250. The display unit 50a is configured to change its lighting state depending on the current light intensity (in other words, the amount of operation of the first operation). For example, the display units 50a may be configured not to light up when the light intensity is at its lowest, and to light up sequentially from the left side of the figure as the light intensity increases, until all the display units are lit when the light intensity is at its highest.

[0082] (Technical Effects) Next, an example of the technical effect obtained by the imaging control system 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0083] 10 to 15, the imaging device 200 according to the sixth embodiment can detect two different operations (i.e., a first operation and a second operation) using the common operation unit 20. Therefore, the amount of light emitted from the irradiation unit 30 can be controlled based on the first operation, and an imaging instruction can be given to the imaging unit 40 based on the second operation. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately capture an image of the subject's biological pattern.

[0084] <Additional Notes> The above-described embodiment may be further described as follows, but is not limited to the following.

[0085] (Appendix 1) The viewpoint position estimation system described in Appendix 1 is an imaging control system characterized by comprising a light amount control means for controlling the amount of light to be irradiated onto a subject in accordance with the amount of a first operation by an operator, and an imaging instruction means for instructing the imaging of a biological pattern of the subject in accordance with a second operation by the operator that is different from the first operation.

[0086] (Appendix 2) The imaging control system described in Appendix 2 is the imaging control system described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the biometric pattern is a fingerprint, and the light intensity control means controls the amount of light irradiated onto the subject's finger.

[0087] (Appendix 3) The imaging control system described in Supplementary Note 3 is the imaging control system described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, further comprising an output means for outputting the value of the light amount controlled by the light amount control means.

[0088] (Appendix 4) The imaging device described in Supplementary Note 4 is an imaging device characterized by comprising: an imaging means for imaging a biological pattern of a subject; an irradiation means for irradiating light onto the subject's biological pattern; a first detection means for detecting an amount of a first operation by an operator; a light amount control means for controlling the amount of light to be irradiated onto the subject in accordance with the amount of the first operation; a second detection means for detecting a second operation by the operator that is different from the first operation; and an imaging instruction means for instructing the imaging means to image the biological pattern in accordance with the second operation.

[0089] (Appendix 5) The imaging device described in Appendix 5 is the imaging device described in Appendix 4, characterized in that the first detection means and the second detection means detect operations on a common operating unit as the first operation and the second operation, respectively.

[0090] (Appendix 6) The imaging device described in Appendix 6 is the imaging device described in Appendix 4 or 5, characterized in that the first detection means detects the slide amount of the slide operation by the operator as the operation amount of the first operation.

[0091] (Appendix 7) The imaging device according to Supplementary Note 7 is the imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 4 to 6, wherein the second detection means detects a pressing operation by the operator as the second operation.

[0092] (Appendix 8) The imaging device described in Appendix 8 is the imaging device described in any one of Appendixes 4 to 7, characterized in that the first detection means and the second detection means detect operations on an operating unit provided on the back side of a housing in which the imaging means is provided, as seen from the imaging means, as the first operation and the second operation.

[0093] (Appendix 9) The imaging control method described in Appendix 9 is an imaging control method characterized by controlling the amount of light irradiated onto a subject in accordance with the amount of a first operation by an operator, and instructing to capture an image of the subject's biological pattern in accordance with a second operation by the operator that is different from the first operation.

[0094] (Appendix 10) The computer program described in Appendix 10 is characterized by operating a computer to control the amount of light irradiated onto a subject in accordance with the amount of a first operation by an operator, and to instruct the computer to capture an image of the subject's biological pattern in accordance with a second operation by the operator that is different from the first operation.

[0095] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and imaging control systems, imaging devices, imaging control methods, and computer programs that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10. Imaging control system 20 Control section 21 First detection unit 22 Second detection unit 30 Irradiation unit 40 Imaging unit 50 Display section 101 Light quantity control unit 102 Imaging instruction unit 103 Light output unit 200 Imaging device 250 cabinets 260 imaging area 500 Subject's Finger 600 Operator's finger

Claims

1. Light quantity control means for controlling the quantity of light irradiated onto an object according to the operation quantity of a first operation by an operator; Imaging instruction means for instructing to image the fingerprint or palmprint of the object according to a second operation different from the first operation by the operator and comprising; wherein the first operation and the second operation are operations on a common operation unit characterizing an imaging control system.

2. The imaging control system according to claim 1, further comprising output means for outputting the value of the light quantity controlled by the light quantity control means.

3. Imaging means for imaging the fingerprint or palmprint of an object; Irradiation means for irradiating light onto the object; First detection means for detecting the operation quantity of a first operation by an operator; Light quantity control means for controlling the quantity of light irradiated onto the object according to the operation quantity of the first operation; Second detection means for detecting a second operation different from the first operation by the operator; Imaging instruction means for instructing the imaging means to image the fingerprint or palmprint according to the second operation and comprising; wherein the first detection means and the second detection means respectively detect operations on a common operation unit as the first operation and the second operation characterizing an imaging device.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the first detection means detects the slide quantity of a slide operation by the operator as the operation quantity of the first operation.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second detection means detects a pressing operation by the operator as the second operation.

6. The imaging device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first detection means and the second detection means detect operations on an operation unit provided on the back side as viewed from the imaging means in a housing in which the imaging means is provided as the first operation and the second operation.

7. Controlling the quantity of light irradiated onto an object according to the operation quantity of a first operation by an operator; Instructing to image the fingerprint or palmprint of the object according to a second operation different from the first operation by the operator and including; wherein the first operation and the second operation are operations on a common operation unit characterizing an imaging control method.

8. Controlling the quantity of light irradiated onto an object according to the operation quantity of a first operation on a common operation unit by an operator; Instruct to capture the fingerprint or palmprint of the target in response to a second operation on the common operation unit that is different from the first operation by the operator. A computer program characterized by causing a computer to operate as described above.

Images