Information processing device and control method

Abstract

This information processing device detects a facial image region containing a facial image from within an image captured by an imaging unit, gives an instruction for activation from a standby state on the basis of the detection of the facial image region from within a first image captured by the imaging unit while in the standby state in order to activate a system on the basis of the instruction, and executes authentication processing for authenticating whether or not a user is legitimate after the system is activated. The information processing device next determines whether or not the instruction for activation from the standby state is to be given when the facial image region is detected from within the first image captured by the imaging unit while in the standby state on the basis of the facial image detected from within the first image while in the standby state and the authentication result of the authentication processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] There is an information processing apparatus that transitions to a usable state when a person approaches and transitions to a standby state where it stops except for some functions when the person leaves. For example, in Patent Document 1, an infrared sensor is used to detect whether a person is approaching or moving away.

[0003] In recent years, with the development of computer vision and the like, the detection accuracy when detecting a face from an image has been increasing. Therefore, face detection has begun to be used instead of detecting a person using an infrared sensor. Also, when the information processing apparatus is started up, authentication (for example, login authentication) as to whether the user is a legitimate user is performed, and face authentication has come to be used as this authentication method. For example, when a person approaches, the information processing apparatus starts up by detecting the face of the person, and then, if the person is a legitimate user by performing face authentication, login is permitted and it transitions to a usable state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the information processing apparatus starts up by detecting a face even when a person other than a legitimate user approaches. In this case, at the subsequent login authentication stage, the authentication fails and login is not permitted. That is, the information processing apparatus not only starts up when a legitimate user approaches, but also has a problem that it starts up unnecessarily even when a person other than a legitimate user approaches.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an information processing device and a control method that suppress unnecessary activation when activating a system by face detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an information processing device that starts a system from a standby state based on a face detection result by face detection according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a memory for temporarily storing the program of the system; a first processor for detecting a region of a face image in which a face is captured from an image captured by an imaging unit; a second processor for issuing an instruction to start the system from the standby state based on the detection of a region of a face image in the first image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state; and a third processor for executing a program stored in the memory based on the instruction from the second processor to start the system, and for executing an authentication process to authenticate whether or not the user is a legitimate user after the system has started, wherein the second processor decides whether or not to issue an instruction to start the system from the standby state when a region of a face image is detected in the first image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, based on the face image detected in the first image captured in the standby state and the authentication result of the authentication process.

[0008] In the above-described information processing device, the first processor may associate a face image detected from the first captured image in the standby state with the authentication result of the authentication process, and the second processor may then, when a region of a face image is detected from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, decide whether or not to issue an instruction to start from the standby state based on the authentication result of the association.

[0009] In the above-described information processing device, the first processor may associate a face image detected from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit between the standby state and the authentication process with the authentication result of the authentication process.

[0010] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may, if it detects a region of a face image from the first image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, and the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is authentication failure, then not issue an instruction to start up from the standby state.

[0011] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may, if a region of a face image is detected from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, issue an instruction to start up from the standby state if the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is successful.

[0012] In the above-described information processing device, the third processor may execute the authentication process based on a face recognition process that detects a face image from a second captured image captured by the imaging unit after the system has been started.

[0013] In the above-described information processing device, the imaging unit includes a first imaging unit that captures an image based on visible light and a second imaging unit that captures an image based on infrared light, wherein the first image is an image captured using the first imaging unit, and the second image may be an image captured using the second imaging unit, or both the first and second imaging units.

[0014] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may issue an instruction to transition to the standby state if, after the system has started up, no facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit.

[0015] In the above-described information processing device, the second processor may, after the system has started up, issue an instruction to transition to the standby state if a region of a face image is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit, but the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is an authentication failure.

[0016] Furthermore, a control method for an information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention, which includes a memory for temporarily storing a system program and starts the system from a standby state based on a face detection result obtained by face detection, includes the steps of: a first processor detecting a region of a face image in which a face is captured from an image captured by an imaging unit; a second processor issuing an instruction to start the system from the standby state based on the detection of a region of a face image from a first image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state; a third processor executing a program stored in the memory based on the instruction from the second processor to start the system, and performing an authentication process to authenticate whether or not the user is a legitimate user after the system has started; and a second processor deciding whether or not to issue an instruction to start the system from the standby state when a region of a face image is next detected in a first image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, based on the face image detected in the first image captured in the standby state and the authentication result of the authentication process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when activating the system by face detection, it is possible to suppress unnecessary activation. It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the overview of HPD processing in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the person detection range of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an overview of the HPD process using the authentication result according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing a configuration example of the appearance of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of the HPD process in the standby state according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of the login authentication process by face authentication according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of the HPD process in the normal operation state according to the embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. The information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a notebook (clamshell type) PC (Personal Computer). Note that the information processing apparatus 1 may be any form of information processing apparatus such as a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone.

[0020] The information processing device 1 is capable of transitioning between at least a normal operating state (power-on state) and a standby state as a system operating state. The normal operating state is an operating state in which processing can be executed without particular restrictions, and corresponds to, for example, the S0 state defined in ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface). The standby state is a state in which at least a part of the system processing is restricted. For example, the standby state may be a standby state, a sleep state, etc., and may correspond to a state such as modern standby in Windows® or the S3 state (sleep state) defined in ACPI. For example, the standby state is an operating state in which power consumption is lower than that of the normal operating state.

[0021] In the following, the transition of the system's operating state from standby to normal operation will sometimes be referred to as "startup." In standby, the system's activity level is generally lower than in normal operation; therefore, starting up the information processing device 1 system activates the system's operation.

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the HPD processing of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 detects a person (i.e., a user) in its vicinity. The process of detecting the presence of this person is called HPD (Human Presence Detection) processing. The information processing device 1 detects the presence or absence of a person through HPD processing and controls the operating state of the information processing device 1 system based on the detection result. For example, as shown in Figure 1(A), when the information processing device 1 detects a change from a state in which there is no person in front of the information processing device 1 (Absence) to a state in which there is a person (Presence), that is, when it detects that a person has approached the information processing device 1 (Approach), it determines that a user has approached and automatically starts the system to transition to the normal operating state. Also, as shown in Figure 1(B), when the information processing device 1 is in a state in which there is a person in front of the information processing device 1 (Presence), it determines that a user is present and continues the normal operating state. Then, as shown in Figure 1(C), when the information processing device 1 detects a change from a state in front of the information processing device 1 (Presence) to a state of absence (Absence), that is, when it detects that the person has left the information processing device 1 (Leave), it determines that the user has left and transitions the system to a standby state.

[0023] The information processing device 1 detects the presence of a person within a predetermined range in front of it. Figure 2 shows an example of the person detection range of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. In the illustrated example, the detection range FoV (Field of View) in front of the information processing device 1 is the range in which a person can be detected. For example, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not a person (user) is present in front of the information processing device 1 by detecting the area of ​​the face image in which a face is captured (hereinafter referred to as the "face area") from the captured image taken in front of the information processing device 1. The detection range FoV corresponds to the image field of view captured by the information processing device 1. If the information processing device 1 detects a face area from the captured image, it determines that a user is present. On the other hand, if the information processing device 1 does not detect a face area from the captured image, it determines that a user is not present.

[0024] Furthermore, if the information processing device 1 detects a face region from the captured image and determines that a user exists, it starts the system and transitions to the normal operating state. However, after startup, it performs an authentication process to verify whether the user is a legitimate user. A legitimate user is a user registered to use the information processing device 1. If the information processing device 1 determines that the user is a legitimate user, it grants permission to use the system (permits login) and continues the startup process, transitioning to the normal operating state. On the other hand, if the information processing device 1 determines that the user is not a legitimate user, it does not grant permission to use the system (permits login) and continues in a state waiting for authentication. This user authentication at startup will be referred to as "login authentication" below.

[0025] Login authentication methods include password authentication, where the user enters a password using a keyboard; PIN authentication, where the user enters a PIN (Personal Identification Number); facial authentication, where the user's face is used for authentication; and fingerprint authentication, where the user's fingerprint is used for authentication. When facial authentication is enabled, the information processing device 1 performs facial authentication by comparing the facial image features of the facial region detected from the captured image with the facial image features of a pre-registered legitimate user.

[0026] In the HPD process, the information processing device 1 activates the system by detecting the face region from the captured image when a person approaches. At this point, the system is activated without determining whether the approaching person is a legitimate user. On the other hand, in the login authentication process after activation, the information processing device 1 authenticates whether the person is a legitimate user based on the face image of the face region detected from the captured image. Therefore, if a person other than a legitimate user approaches, the login authentication will fail after the system is activated, and login will not be permitted.

[0027] Thus, the system may be unnecessarily activated even when someone other than a legitimate user approaches. Therefore, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment uses the authentication result from login authentication to suppress unnecessarily activated systems through HPD processing.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the HPD processing using the authentication results according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 3, the overview of the HPD processing according to this embodiment will be explained in the order of (1) to (8). Hereinafter, the image captured by the information processing device 1 in the standby state, showing the front (front side), will be referred to as the "first image." The image captured by the information processing device 1 in the front (front side) during login authentication after system startup will be referred to as the "second image." (1) The information processing device 1 starts up the system by detecting a face region from the first captured image while in standby mode.

[0029] (2) After startup, the information processing device 1 performs login authentication to allow use only by legitimate users. For example, the information processing device 1 detects a face region from the second image captured during the login authentication event after startup, and performs face authentication processing based on the face image of the detected face region. Note that the authentication method for login authentication may be an authentication method other than face authentication.

[0030] (3) The information processing device 1 registers the authentication result of the login authentication. For example, in the standby state described in (1) above, the information processing device 1 associates the face image of the face region detected from the first captured image with the authentication result (authentication success or authentication failure) and registers them together.

[0031] (4) Next, if the information processing device 1 detects a face region from the first captured image while in standby mode, it determines whether or not the user is legitimate based on the authentication result registered in (3) above. For example, if the information processing device 1 detects a face region from the first captured image while in standby mode, it determines whether or not the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is an authentication failure.

[0032] (5) If the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is an authentication failure (YES), the information processing device 1 determines that the user is not a legitimate user and continues in a standby state without starting the system.

[0033] (6) On the other hand, the information processing device 1 starts the system if the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is not an authentication failure (NO). An authentication result that is not an authentication failure means that the authentication result is an authentication success (i.e., the face image has been authenticated as a legitimate user in the past), or that the authentication result has not yet been registered (i.e., the face image has not been determined to be a legitimate user in the past).

[0034] (7) After startup, the information processing device 1 performs login authentication processing in the same manner as in (2) above. (8) Then, similar to (3) above, the information processing device 1 associates the face image of the face region detected from the first captured image with the authentication result (authentication success or authentication failure) and registers it in the standby state described in (4) above. If the face image is not yet registered, the information processing device 1 registers it in association with the authentication result, and if the face image has already been registered in association with the authentication result, it updates it according to the authentication result.

[0035] From here on, steps (4) to (8) are repeated. This allows the information processing device 1 to be prevented from activating even if a person who has previously failed to authenticate during login approaches, thus preventing it from being unnecessarily activated when someone other than a legitimate user approaches.

[0036] Furthermore, when the information processing device 1 associates and registers the facial image and authentication result as described in (3) and (8), it may associate and register both successful and unsuccessful authentication, or it may associate and register only unsuccessful authentication, or it may associate and register only successful authentication.

[0037] For example, in (4) above, when the information processing device 1 determines whether the authentication result associated with the face image is an authentication failure, it may register both authentication success and authentication failure separately, but it is possible to make the determination by registering only the authentication failure.

[0038] Furthermore, if the information processing device 1 only associates and registers successful authentications, in (4) above, it may determine whether the authentication result associated with the face image is a successful authentication or not, and if it determines that the authentication is a successful authentication or if no authentication result is registered, it may determine that the authentication result associated with the face image is not an authentication failure.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. [External Configuration of Information Processing Device] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 comprises a first housing 10, a second housing 20, and a hinge mechanism 15. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected using the hinge mechanism 15. The first housing 10 is rotatable relative to the second housing 20 around the axis of rotation formed by the hinge mechanism 15. The opening angle due to the rotation of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is shown as "θ".

[0040] The first enclosure 10 is also called the A cover or display enclosure. The second enclosure 20 is also called the C cover or system enclosure. In the following description, the sides of the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 20 on which the hinge mechanism 15 is located are referred to as sides 10c and 20c, respectively. The sides of the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 20 opposite to sides 10c and 20c are referred to as sides 10a and 20a, respectively. In the diagram, the direction from side 20a toward side 20c is referred to as "rear," and the direction from side 20c toward side 20a is referred to as "front." The right and left sides relative to the rear are referred to as "right" and "left," respectively. The left sides of the first enclosure 10 and the second enclosure 20 are referred to as sides 10b and 20b, respectively, and the right sides are referred to as sides 10d and 20d, respectively. Furthermore, the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 overlap and are completely closed (opening angle θ = 0°) is called the "closed state". In the closed state, the faces of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 facing each other are called the "inner surfaces", and the surface opposite to the inner surface is called the "outer surface". Also, the state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are open relative to the closed state is called the "open state".

[0041] The appearance of the information processing device 1 shown in Figure 4 is an example of the open state. In the open state, the side surface 10a of the first housing 10 and the side surface 20a of the second housing 20 are separated. In the open state, the inner surfaces of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are exposed. The open state is one of the states in which the user uses the information processing device 1, and is typically used with an opening angle θ of approximately 100 to 130°. The range of the opening angle θ in the open state can be arbitrarily determined according to the range of angles that can be rotated by the hinge mechanism 15, etc.

[0042] A display unit 110 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 10. The display unit 110 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an electroluminescent (EL) display, etc. An imaging unit 120 is provided in the area surrounding the display unit 110 on the inner surface of the first housing 10. For example, the imaging unit 120 is located on the side 20a side of the area surrounding the display unit 110. Note that the position of the imaging unit 120 is just an example, and it may be placed in other positions as long as it is possible to image the direction facing the inner surface of the first housing 10 (forward).

[0043] When in the open state, the imaging unit 120 captures a predetermined imaging range in the direction facing the inner surface of the first housing 10 (forward). The predetermined imaging range is the range of the field of view determined by the image sensor of the imaging unit 120 and the optical lens provided in front of the imaging surface of the image sensor, and corresponds to the person (face) detection range FoV shown in Figure 2. For example, the imaging unit 120 can capture an image that includes a person (e.g., a user) that is in front of (facing) the information processing device 1.

[0044] Furthermore, a power button 140 is provided on the side 20b of the second housing 20. The power button 140 is an operator used by the user to instruct the power on or off, transition from standby state to normal operation state, and transition from normal operation state to standby state. In addition, a keyboard 151 and a touchpad 153 are provided on the inside of the second housing 20 as input devices that accept user input. Note that a touch sensor may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the keyboard 151 and touchpad 153 as input devices, or a mouse or external keyboard may be connected. In the configuration where a touch sensor is provided, the area corresponding to the display surface of the display unit 110 may be configured as a touch panel that accepts operation. Furthermore, the input devices may include a microphone for inputting voice.

[0045] [Hardware configuration of information processing equipment] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a display unit 110, an imaging unit 120, a power button 140, an input device 150, a communication unit 160, a storage unit 170, an EC (Embedded Controller) 200, a face detection unit 210, a main processing unit 300, and a power supply unit 400. The display unit 110 displays display data (images) generated based on system processing performed by the main processing unit 300 and processing of application programs operating on the system processing.

[0046] The imaging unit 120 captures an image of an object within a predetermined field of view (for example, the detection range Fov shown in Figure 2) in the direction facing the inner surface of the first housing 10 (forward), and outputs the captured image to the face detection unit 210 and the main processing unit 300. For example, the imaging unit 120 includes an RGB camera and an IR (Infrared Rays) camera. An RGB camera is a normal camera that captures images based on visible light. An IR camera is a camera that captures images based on infrared rays emitted from an object.

[0047] IR cameras, for example, emit infrared light when capturing images, resulting in higher power consumption during image capture compared to RGB cameras. Therefore, when detecting a face region from the first captured image in standby mode, an RGB camera is used to minimize standby power consumption. On the other hand, when performing face authentication by detecting a face region from the second captured image in facial recognition login authentication, an IR camera is used to improve authentication accuracy. It should be noted that both IR cameras and RGB cameras may be used in facial recognition login authentication.

[0048] The imaging unit 120 may be equipped with either an IR camera or an RGB camera. For example, an IR camera may be used in the standby state, or an RGB camera may be used in the authentication process at startup.

[0049] The power button 140 outputs an operation signal to the EC200 in response to user operation. The input device 150 is an input unit that receives user input and includes, for example, a keyboard 151 and a touchpad 153. The input device 150 outputs an operation signal indicating the content of the operation to the EC200 in response to operation on the keyboard 151 and the touchpad 153.

[0050] The communication unit 160 connects to other devices via a wireless or wired communication network and transmits and receives various types of data. For example, the communication unit 160 is configured to include a wired LAN interface such as Ethernet® and a wireless LAN interface such as Wi-Fi®.

[0051] The storage unit 170 is comprised of storage media such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 170 stores various programs such as the OS, device drivers, and applications, as well as various data acquired through the operation of these programs.

[0052] The power supply unit 400 supplies power to each part of the information processing device 1 according to its operating status. The power supply unit 400 is equipped with a DC (Direct Current) / DC converter. The DC / DC converter converts the voltage of the DC power supplied from an AC (Alternate Current) / DC adapter or a battery (battery pack) to the voltage required by each part. The power whose voltage has been converted by the DC / DC converter is supplied to each part via each power supply system. For example, the power supply unit 400 supplies power to each part via each power supply system based on control signals input from the EC200.

[0053] The EC200 is a microcomputer comprising a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM, ROM, and I / O (Input / Output) logic circuits. The EC200's CPU reads a control program (firmware) pre-stored in its ROM, executes the read control program, and performs its functions. The EC200 operates independently of the main processing unit 300, controls the operation of the main processing unit 300, and manages its operating state. The EC200 is also connected to the power button 140, input device 150, and power supply unit 400, etc.

[0054] For example, the EC200 communicates with the power supply unit 400 to obtain information about the battery status (such as remaining capacity) from the power supply unit 400, and outputs control signals to the power supply unit 400 to control the power supply according to the operating status of each part of the information processing device 1. The EC200 also obtains operation signals from the power button 140 and the input device 150, and outputs operation signals related to the processing of the main processing unit 300 to the main processing unit 300.

[0055] The face detection unit 210 includes a processor that processes image data of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 120. The face detection unit 210 acquires image data of the captured image captured by the imaging unit 120 and temporarily stores the acquired image data in memory. The memory in which the image data is stored may be the system memory 304 or a memory (not shown) within the face detection unit 210.

[0056] For example, the face detection unit 210 processes the image data of the captured image acquired from the imaging unit 120 to perform face detection processing to detect face regions from the captured image, and face authentication processing to authenticate the face image of the detected face region. The face detection unit 210 transmits the detection results of the face detection processing, the authentication results of the face authentication processing, etc., to the chipset 303 of the main processing unit 300.

[0057] The face detection unit 210 operates not only in normal operation but also in standby mode. In standby mode, the face detection unit 210 acquires image data of a first image captured by the RGB camera of the imaging unit 120, for example, and detects the face region. By using the RGB camera instead of the IR camera for imaging, power consumption in standby mode (standby power) can be reduced. On the other hand, during the login authentication process after startup, the face detection unit 210 acquires image data of a second image captured by the IR camera of the imaging unit 120 (or both the RGB camera and the IR camera) to detect the face region and perform face authentication, thereby improving the accuracy of face authentication.

[0058] For example, in the HPD process described with reference to Figure 3, the face detection unit 210 performs face detection based on the authentication result of the login authentication process. The functional configuration of this HPD processing will be explained in detail later.

[0059] The main processing unit 300 is comprised of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 302, a chipset 303, and system memory 304, and can execute various application programs on the OS (Operating System) through system processing based on the OS.

[0060] The CPU 301 executes processes performed by the BIOS, the OS, and application programs running on the OS. The CPU 301 controls the system's operating state based on instructions from the chipset 303 and other sources. For example, the CPU 301 performs the startup process to wake the system from a standby state. After starting from the standby state, the CPU 301 also performs login authentication to verify whether the user is legitimate, and if authentication is successful, transitions to the normal operating state.

[0061] For example, CPU301 performs authentication using facial recognition during login authentication. However, CPU301 may also perform authentication other than facial recognition (e.g., password authentication, PIN authentication, fingerprint authentication, etc.) during login authentication.

[0062] If CPU301 determines that the user is a legitimate user (authentication successful), it grants permission to use (allows login) and transitions to the normal operating state. On the other hand, if CPU301 determines that the user is not a legitimate user (authentication failed), it does not grant permission to use (allows login) and continues in a state waiting for login authentication.

[0063] The GPU 302 is connected to the display unit 110. The GPU 302 performs image processing based on the control of the CPU 301 and generates display data. The GPU 302 outputs the generated display data to the display unit 110.

[0064] The chipset 303 has functions as a memory controller and an I / O controller. For example, the chipset 303 controls the reading and writing of data from the system memory 304 and storage unit 170 by the CPU 301 and GPU 302. The chipset 303 also controls the input and output of data from the communication unit 160, display unit 110 and EC200. Furthermore, the chipset 303 has a function as a sensor hub. For example, in HPD processing, the chipset 303 acquires the detection result of face detection from the face detection unit 210, detects the presence of a person (user) based on the detection result, and controls the operating state of the system.

[0065] The system memory 304 is used as a reading area for programs executed by the CPU 301 and as a work area for writing processing data. The system memory 304 also temporarily stores image data of images captured by the imaging unit 120.

[0066] The CPU 301, GPU 302, and chipset 303 may be configured as a single integrated processor, or they may be configured as individual processors, either partially or individually. For example, in normal operation, the CPU 301, GPU 302, and chipset 303 are all operational, but in standby mode, at least a portion of the chipset 303 is operational. In standby mode, at least the functions necessary for HPD processing during startup are operational.

[0067] [Functional Configuration of Information Processing Equipment] Next, we will describe the functional configuration in which the information processing device 1 controls the operating state of the system through HPD processing.

[0068] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 1 comprises a face detection unit 210, a system processing unit 310, and an HPD control processing unit 330. The face detection unit 210 corresponds to the face detection unit 210 shown in Figure 5 and has a functional configuration realized by executing a program within the face detection unit 210. The system processing unit 310 and the HPD control processing unit 330 have functional configurations realized by the main processing unit 300 shown in Figure 5 executing the OS and programs that run on the OS. For example, the system processing unit 310 has a functional configuration realized by the CPU 301 executing a program of the OS. Also, the HPD control processing unit 330 has a functional configuration realized by the chipset 303 executing a program that runs on the OS.

[0069] The face detection unit 210 comprises a face detection processing unit 211, an HPD processing unit 212, a face detection image registration unit 213, and a face authentication processing unit 214. The system processing unit 310 comprises an operation control unit 311 and an authentication processing unit 312. The HPD control processing unit 330 comprises an operation instruction unit 331 and an authentication result registration unit 332.

[0070] The face detection processing unit 211 reads image data of images captured by the imaging unit 120 at predetermined time intervals from the system memory 304 and detects face regions in each captured image. Any face detection method can be applied, such as a face detection algorithm that detects faces based on facial feature information, or face detection using machine learning-generated training data (trained model) or a face detection library based on facial feature information. The predetermined time interval can be, for example, 15-second intervals or 10-second intervals, but can be set to any time interval.

[0071] For example, in standby mode, the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from a first captured image (RGB image) captured using the RGB camera of the imaging unit 120, and outputs coordinate information of the face region as a detection result. Also, for example, during login authentication, the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from a second captured image (IR image) captured using the IR camera of the imaging unit 120, and outputs coordinate information of the face region as a detection result. Alternatively, during login authentication, the face detection processing unit 211 may detect a face region from a second captured image (IR image and RGB image) captured using both the IR camera and the RGB camera of the imaging unit 120.

[0072] The HPD processing unit 212 determines whether a user is present in front of the information processing device 1 based on whether a face region is detected from the first captured image by the face detection processing unit 211. For example, if a face region is detected from the first captured image by the face detection processing unit 211, the HPD processing unit 212 determines that a user is present in front of the information processing device 1. On the other hand, if a face region is not detected from the first captured image by the face detection processing unit 211, the HPD processing unit 212 determines that a user is not present in front of the information processing device 1.

[0073] Furthermore, if the HPD processing unit 212 determines that a user is present in front of the information processing device 1, it determines whether or not that user is a legitimate user. For example, if the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the first captured image, the HPD processing unit 212 determines whether or not the user is a legitimate user based on the detected face image and the authentication result from past login authentication.

[0074] Specifically, even if the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the first captured image, the HPD processing unit 212 determines that the user in front of the information processing device 1 is not a legitimate user if the face image of the detected face region corresponds to a face image that previously failed to authenticate during login authentication. On the other hand, if the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the first captured image, the HPD processing unit 212 determines that a legitimate user exists in front of the information processing device 1 if the face image of the detected face region corresponds to a face image that previously succeeded in authentication during login authentication.

[0075] The HPD processing unit 212 outputs presence information if it determines that a legitimate user is present in front of the information processing device 1. On the other hand, if the HPD processing unit 212 determines that no user is present in front of the information processing device 1, or if it determines that the user present in front of the information processing device 1 is not a legitimate user, it outputs absence information.

[0076] Furthermore, if the HPD processing unit 212 detects a face region from the first captured image by the face detection processing unit 211, and there is no corresponding face image among the face images used for past login authentication, it is unclear whether the user is a legitimate user. In this case, since there is a possibility that the user is a legitimate user, the HPD processing unit 212 outputs presence information. Subsequently, after the system starts up, it is determined whether the user is a legitimate user during login authentication and the result is fed back.

[0077] Furthermore, when the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the first captured image, the HPD processing unit 212 only needs to determine whether the face image of the detected face region corresponds to a face image that previously failed to authenticate during login authentication, and does not need to determine whether it corresponds to a face image that succeeded in authentication. In that case, the HPD processing unit 212 may output absent information if it corresponds to a face image that failed to authenticate, and presence information otherwise.

[0078] When the operation instruction unit 331 acquires presence information output from the HPD processing unit 212 while in standby mode, it issues an instruction to start the system from standby mode. For example, the operation instruction unit 331 outputs startup instruction information to the operation control unit 311 indicating an instruction to start the system from standby mode. Also, while the operation instruction unit 331 is acquiring absentness information from the HPD processing unit 212 while in standby mode, it does not issue an instruction to start the system.

[0079] Furthermore, in the normal operating state, if the operation instruction unit 331 obtains absentness information from the HPD processing unit 212, it issues an instruction to transition the system to a standby state. For example, the operation instruction unit 331 outputs standby instruction information to the operation control unit 311, indicating an instruction to transition the system to a standby state.

[0080] When the operation control unit 311 receives the startup instruction information output from the operation instruction unit 331, it executes the system program to start the system from the standby state. After starting the system from the standby state, the operation control unit 311 generates a login authentication event. The operation control unit 311 then waits without allowing login until authentication is successful. If authentication is successful, the operation control unit 311 allows login and transitions to the normal operating state.

[0081] In normal operation, when the operation control unit 311 receives standby instruction information output from the operation instruction unit 331, it transitions the system from normal operation to standby.

[0082] When a login authentication event occurs, the authentication processing unit 312 executes an authentication process to verify whether or not the user is legitimate. For example, the authentication processing unit 312 executes an authentication process using one of the following methods: facial recognition, password recognition, PIN recognition, or fingerprint recognition. For example, when the authentication processing unit 312 executes an authentication process using facial recognition, it obtains the facial recognition authentication result from the face detection unit 210 and executes the authentication process based on the obtained authentication result. The authentication processing unit 312 determines that the user is legitimate if authentication is successful, and determines that the user is not legitimate if authentication fails.

[0083] In the case of password authentication or PIN authentication, the authentication processing unit 312 acquires operation signals based on user operations on the keyboard 151 via the EC200. Based on the acquired operation signals, the authentication processing unit 312 performs authentication by comparing the password or PIN entered by the user with a pre-registered password or PIN. In the case of fingerprint authentication, the authentication processing unit 312 performs authentication by comparing the fingerprint acquired using a fingerprint sensor (not shown) with a pre-registered fingerprint.

[0084] When a login authentication event occurs, the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the second captured image (IR image) captured using the IR camera of the imaging unit 120. The face authentication processing unit 214 performs face authentication processing based on the face image of the face region detected by the face detection processing unit 211 from the second captured image (IR image). For example, the face authentication processing unit 214 performs face authentication processing by comparing the face image of the detected face region with a pre-registered face image and outputs the authentication result to the authentication processing unit 312.

[0085] Furthermore, when a login authentication event occurs, the face detection processing unit 211 may detect a face region from the second captured image (IR image and RGB image) captured using both the IR camera and RGB camera of the imaging unit 120. In addition, the face authentication processing unit 214 may perform face authentication processing based on the face image of the face region detected by the face detection processing unit 211 from the second captured image (IR image and RGB image).

[0086] The authentication result registration unit 332 feeds back the authentication result of login authentication performed by the authentication processing unit 312 to the face detection unit 210 and registers the authentication result when the system is started from a standby state. For example, the authentication result registration unit 332 outputs the authentication result of login authentication performed by the authentication processing unit 312 to the face detection unit 210.

[0087] The face detection image registration unit 213 associates the face image obtained when the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the first captured image with the authentication result of the login authentication performed after startup when the system is activated from a standby state due to the detection of the face region. For example, the face detection image registration unit 213 associates the face image obtained when the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the first captured image with the authentication result obtained from the authentication result registration unit 332 and stores it in a memory (non-volatile memory) not shown in the face detection unit 210. The information registered by associating the face image with the authentication result will be referred to as "face image authentication information" below.

[0088] When the face detection processing unit 211 detects a face region from the first captured image, the HPD processing unit 212, as described above, determines whether or not the person is a legitimate user based on the detected face image and the authentication results from past login authentications. This determination is made based on the face image authentication information registered by the face detection image registration unit 213.

[0089] [Operation via HPD processing] Next, we will describe the operation of the process that controls the operating state of the system by HPD processing. First, with reference to Figure 7, we will describe the operation of HPD processing in the standby state. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of HPD processing in the standby state according to this embodiment.

[0090] (Step S101) The face detection unit 210 acquires the first captured image (RGB image) captured by the imaging unit 120 in standby mode and proceeds to the process in step S103.

[0091] (Step S103) The face detection unit 210 detects a face region from the first captured image (RGB image) acquired in step S101. If the face detection unit 210 does not detect a face region (NO), it returns to the process in step S101. On the other hand, if the face detection unit 210 detects a face region (YES), it proceeds to the process in step S105.

[0092] (Step S105) The face detection unit 210 determines whether the face image detected in step S103 is already registered in the face image authentication information. If the face detection unit 210 determines that the detected face image is not registered in the face image authentication information (NO), it proceeds to the process in step S109. On the other hand, if the face detection unit 210 determines that the detected face image is already registered in the face image authentication information (YES), it proceeds to the process in step S107.

[0093] (Step S107) The face detection unit 210 determines whether the face image detected in step S103 corresponds to a face image that has been authenticated in a previous login authentication (i.e., a face image that has been successfully authenticated). For example, based on the face image authentication information, the face detection unit 210 determines that the face image detected in step S103 is an authenticated face image if the authentication result associated with the face image is successful, and an unauthenticated face image if the authentication result is unsuccessful. If the face detection unit 210 determines that the face image is unauthenticated (NO), it returns to the process in step S101. On the other hand, if the face detection unit 210 determines that the face image is authenticated (YES), it proceeds to the process in step S109.

[0094] (Step S109) The face detection unit 210 outputs presence information. When the HPD control processing unit 330 receives the presence information output from the face detection unit 210, it outputs startup instruction information to the system processing unit 310 as a startup instruction by the HPD, indicating an instruction to start the system from standby state. Then, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0095] (Step S111) When the system processing unit 310 receives the startup instruction information output from the operation instruction unit 331, it executes the system program to start the system from the standby state. The system processing unit 310 also executes the system program to start the system from the standby state if there is a startup instruction other than HPD (such as operation of the power button 140). Then, it proceeds to step S113.

[0096] (Step S113) After starting up from the standby state, the system processing unit 310 generates a login authentication event and executes an authentication process to authenticate whether or not the user is legitimate. For example, the system processing unit 310 executes an authentication process using one of the following: facial recognition, password authentication, PIN authentication, or fingerprint authentication.

[0097] (Step S115) The system processing unit 310 feeds back the authentication result of the login authentication to the face detection unit 210 and registers the authentication result when the system is started from the standby state. For example, the authentication result registration unit 332 outputs the authentication result of the login authentication by the authentication processing unit 312 to the face detection unit 210. The face detection unit 210 associates the face image when the face region is detected from the first captured image by the face detection processing unit 211 with the authentication result of the login authentication after startup when the system is started from the standby state due to the detection of the face region and registers them together.

[0098] Next, referring to Figure 8, we will explain the operation of the authentication process using facial recognition as an example of the login authentication process in step S113. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a login authentication process using facial recognition according to this embodiment.

[0099] (Step S151) The face detection unit 210 acquires the second captured image (IR image, or IR image and RGB image) captured by the imaging unit 120, and proceeds to the process in step S153.

[0100] (Step S153) The face detection unit 210 detects a face region from the second captured image (IR image, or IR image and RGB image) acquired in step S151. If the face detection unit 210 does not detect a face region (NO), it returns to the process of step S151. On the other hand, if the face detection unit 210 detects a face region (YES), it proceeds to the process of step S155.

[0101] (Step S155) The face detection unit 210 performs face authentication based on the face image of the face region detected in step S153. For example, the face detection unit 210 performs face authentication by comparing the face image of the detected face region with a pre-registered face image and outputs the authentication result to the system processing unit 310. The system processing unit 310 determines whether authentication was successful or not based on the authentication result of the face authentication process output from the face detection unit 210. If the system processing unit 310 determines that authentication failed (NO), it does not allow login and returns to step S151. On the other hand, if the system processing unit 310 determines that authentication was successful (YES), it allows login and proceeds to the process in step S157.

[0102] (Step S157) The system processing unit 310 executes the login process with the user's account that has been facially recognized and transitions to the normal operating state.

[0103] While this example uses facial recognition for login authentication, it is not limited to facial recognition; password authentication, PIN authentication, or fingerprint authentication may also be used.

[0104] Next, the operation of HPD processing in the normal operating state will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of HPD processing in the normal operating state according to this embodiment.

[0105] (Step S201) The face detection unit 210 acquires the first captured image (RGB image) captured by the imaging unit 120 in standby mode and proceeds to the process in step S203.

[0106] (Step S203) The face detection unit 210 detects a face region from the first captured image (RGB image) acquired in step S201. If the face detection unit 210 does not detect a face region (NO), it proceeds to step S209 because there is no user. On the other hand, if the face detection unit 210 detects a face region (YES), it proceeds to step S205.

[0107] (Step S205) The face detection unit 210 determines whether the face image detected in step S203 is already registered in the face image authentication information. If the face detection unit 210 determines that the detected face image is not registered in the face image authentication information (NO), it returns to the process in step S201. On the other hand, if the face detection unit 210 determines that the detected face image is already registered in the face image authentication information (YES), it proceeds to the process in step S207.

[0108] (Step S207) The face detection unit 210 determines whether the face image detected in step S203 corresponds to a face image that has been authenticated in a previous login authentication (i.e., a face image that has been successfully authenticated). For example, based on the face image authentication information, the face detection unit 210 determines that the face image is authenticated if the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the face image detected in step S203 is successful, and determines that it is an unauthenticated face image if the authentication result is unsuccessful. If the face detection unit 210 determines that the face image is authenticated (YES), it returns to the process of step S201. On the other hand, if the face detection unit 210 determines that the face image is not authenticated (NO), it proceeds to the process of step S209 because it is not a legitimate user.

[0109] (Step S209) The face detection unit 210 outputs absentee information. When the HPD control processing unit 330 receives the absentee information output from the face detection unit 210, it outputs standby instruction information to the system processing unit 310, which is an instruction by the HPD to transition the system to a standby state. Then, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0110] (Step S211) When the system processing unit 310 receives standby instruction information output from the operation instruction unit 331, it transitions the system from the normal operating state to the standby state. The system processing unit 310 also transitions the system from the normal operating state to the standby state if there is an instruction to enter a standby state other than HPD. Instructions to enter a standby state other than HPD include, for example, a period of time without operation, or the user performing an operation to put the system into sleep mode.

[0111] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment starts the system from a standby state based on HPD processing using the face detection result obtained by face detection. The information processing device 1 includes a system memory 304 (an example of memory) for temporarily storing the system program, a face detection unit 210 (an example of a first processor), an HPD control processing unit 330 (for example, a chipset 303, an example of a second processor), and a system processing unit 310 (for example, a CPU 301, an example of a third processor).

[0112] The face detection unit 210 detects the face image region (face region) in which a face is captured from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 120. The HPD control processing unit 330 issues an instruction to start from the standby state based on the detection of a face region in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit 120 in the standby state. The system processing unit 310 starts the system by executing a program stored in the system memory 304 based on the instruction from the HPD control processing unit 330, and after the system starts, it performs a login authentication process (an example of an authentication process) to authenticate whether or not the user is a legitimate user. Then, the HPD control processing unit 330 decides whether or not to issue an instruction to start from the standby state when a face region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit 120 in the standby state, based on the face image detected in the first captured image in the standby state and the authentication result of the login authentication process.

[0113] As a result, the information processing device 1 can determine whether or not to start the system the next time it is started via face detection, based on the authentication result of the login authentication when the system was started via face detection, thereby preventing unnecessary startup.

[0114] For example, the face detection unit 210 associates a face image detected from the first captured image in the standby state with the authentication result of the login authentication process and registers it. As an example, the face detection unit 210 associates a face image detected from the first captured image in the standby state with the authentication result of the login authentication process and registers it as face image authentication information. Then, the HPD control processing unit 330, when a face region is detected from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit 120 in the standby state, decides whether or not to issue an instruction to start from the standby state based on the authentication result in the above association (for example, face image authentication information).

[0115] As a result, the information processing device 1 registers the authentication result of the login authentication when the system is started by face detection, associating it with the detected face image. The next time the system is started by face detection, it uses the authentication result of the login authentication to decide whether or not to start the system, thus preventing unnecessary startup.

[0116] Here, the face detection unit 210 may associate the face image detected from the first captured image taken between the standby state and before the login authentication process with the authentication result of the login authentication process.

[0117] As a result, the information processing device 1 associates and registers multiple face images captured between the standby state and the login authentication process with the authentication result of the login authentication process, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether or not a face image has been detected.

[0118] For example, if the HPD control processing unit 330 detects a face region (area of ​​a face image) from the first captured image taken by the imaging unit 120 in standby mode, and the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is authentication failure, it will not issue an instruction to start from standby mode.

[0119] As a result, the information processing device 1, based on the authentication result of login authentication when the system is started by face detection, will not start the system if a face is detected but it is not that of a legitimate user when the system is started by face detection again, thereby preventing unnecessary startup.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, if the HPD control processing unit 330 detects a face region (area of ​​a face image) from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit 120 in standby mode, and the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is successful, it issues an instruction to start up from standby mode.

[0121] As a result, the information processing device 1, based on the authentication result of the login authentication when the system is started by face detection, will start the system only if the detected face is that of a legitimate user when the system is started by face detection next time, thereby preventing unnecessary startups.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, the system processing unit 310 executes a login authentication process based on a face recognition process that detects a face image from a second image captured by the imaging unit 120 after the system has started up.

[0123] This allows the information processing device 1 to determine whether or not a user is legitimate through facial recognition.

[0124] For example, the imaging unit 120 includes an RGB camera (an example of a first imaging unit) that captures an image (RGB image) based on visible light, and an IR camera (an example of a second imaging unit) that captures an image (IR image) based on infrared light. For example, the first image captured by the imaging unit 120 in standby mode is an image (RGB image) captured using the RGB camera. Also, for example, the second image captured by the imaging unit 120 during login authentication after system startup is an image (IR image, or RGB image and IR image) captured using the IR camera, or both the RGB camera and the IR camera.

[0125] As a result, the information processing device 1 can reduce standby power consumption by not using the IR camera in standby mode, and can improve the accuracy of facial recognition by using the IR camera during login authentication after startup.

[0126] Furthermore, the HPD control processing unit 330 issues an instruction to transition to a standby state if, after the system has started up (for example, in a normal operating state), a face region is no longer detected in the first image captured by the imaging unit 120.

[0127] This allows the information processing device 1 to automatically transition to a standby state when a user leaves the device during normal operation.

[0128] Furthermore, the HPD control processing unit 330, after the system has started up (for example, in the normal operating state), even if a face region is detected in the first captured image taken by the imaging unit 120, if the authentication result associated with the face image corresponding to the detected face image is authentication failure, will issue an instruction to transition to the standby state.

[0129] As a result, even if a face is detected during normal operation, the information processing device 1 can automatically transition to a standby state if the face is not that of a legitimate user and the legitimate user leaves the system.

[0130] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes the steps of: a face detection unit 210 (an example of a first processor) detecting a face image region (face region) in which a face is captured from an image captured by the imaging unit 120; an HPD control processing unit 330 (for example, a chipset 303, an example of a second processor) issuing an instruction to start from the standby state based on the detection of a face region from a first image captured by the imaging unit 120 in the standby state; a system processing unit 310 (for example, a CPU 301, an example of a third processor) executing a program stored in the system memory 304 based on the instruction from the HPD control processing unit 330 to start the system, and after the system starts, executing a login authentication process (an example of an authentication process) to authenticate whether or not the user is a legitimate user; and an HPD control processing unit 330 deciding whether or not to issue an instruction to start from the standby state when a face region is next detected from a first image captured by the imaging unit 120 in the standby state, based on the face image detected from the first image captured in the standby state and the authentication result of the login authentication process.

[0131] As a result, the information processing device 1 can determine whether or not to start the system the next time it is started via face detection, based on the authentication result of the login authentication when the system was started via face detection, thereby preventing unnecessary startup.

[0132] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the embodiments described above, and include designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. For example, the configurations described in the embodiments described above can be combined in any way.

[0133] Furthermore, the CPU 301 (an example of a third processor) and the chipset 303 (an example of a second processor) may be configured as separate processors or as an integrated single processor.

[0134] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the face detection unit 210 (an example of a first processor) is provided separately from the chipset 303, part or all of the face detection unit 210 may be provided in the chipset 303, or in a processor integrated with the chipset 303. Also, the face detection unit 210, the chipset 303, and the CPU 301 may be configured as a single integrated processor. In addition, part or all of the face detection unit 210 may be provided in the EC200.

[0135] Furthermore, the standby states described above may include hibernation and power-off states. The hibernation state corresponds to, for example, the S4 state as defined by ACPI. The power-off state corresponds to, for example, the S5 state (shutdown state) as defined by ACPI. Note that among the standby states, the standby state, sleep state, hibernation state, and power-off state are states that consume less power than the normal operating state (states with reduced power consumption).

[0136] The information processing device 1 described above has a computer system inside. The processing in each configuration of the information processing device 1 may be performed by recording a program for realizing the functions of each configuration of the information processing device 1 onto a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into the computer system, and executing it. Here, "loading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0137] Furthermore, the recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from the distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined in each configuration of the information processing device 1. The distribution servers for each of the divided programs may also be different. Moreover, "computer-readable recording media" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. The program itself may also be intended to implement some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0138] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 1 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processorized, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single processor. In addition, the method of implementing the integrated circuit is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit using that technology may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 Information processing device, 10 First housing, 20 Second housing, 15 Hinge mechanism, 110 Display unit, 120 Imaging unit, 140 Power button, 150 Input device, 151 Keyboard, 153 Touchpad, 160 Communication unit, 170 Memory unit, 200 EC, 210 Face detection unit, 211 Face detection processing unit, 212 HPD processing unit, 213 Face detection image registration unit, 214 Face authentication processing unit, 300 Main processing unit, 301 CPU, 302 GPU, 303 Chipset, 304 System memory, 310 System processing unit, 311 Operation control unit, 312 Authentication processing unit, 330 HPD control processing unit, 331 Operation instruction unit, 332 Authentication result registration unit, 400 Power supply unit

Claims

1. An information processing device that starts a system from a standby state based on the results of face detection, A memory for temporarily storing the program of the aforementioned system, A first processor detects the region of a face image in which a face is captured from the captured image captured by the imaging unit, A second processor issues an instruction to start up from the standby state based on the detection of a facial image region from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, A third processor executes a program stored in the memory based on instructions from the second processor to start the system, and after the system has started, performs an authentication process to verify whether the user is a legitimate user. Equipped with, The second processor is, Next, if a facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, a decision is made on whether or not to issue an instruction to start the system from the standby state, based on the facial image detected in the first captured image in the standby state and the authentication result of the authentication process that was previously executed after the system was started. Information processing device.

2. The first processor is, In the standby state, the face image detected from the first captured image is associated with the authentication result of the authentication process. The second processor is, Next, if a facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, a decision is made on whether or not to issue an instruction to start from the standby state based on the authentication result in the association. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first processor is, The face image detected from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit between the standby state and the time before the authentication process is associated with the authentication result of the authentication process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The second processor is, Next, if a facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit while in standby mode, and the authentication result associated with the facial image corresponding to the detected facial image is authentication failure, then no instruction to start from standby mode is issued. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The second processor is, Next, if a facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, and the authentication result associated with the facial image corresponding to the detected facial image is successful, an instruction to start from the standby state is issued. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned third processor is After the system is started, the authentication process is executed based on a facial recognition process that detects a facial image from a second image captured by the imaging unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The imaging unit includes a first imaging unit that captures an image based on visible light, and a second imaging unit that captures an image based on infrared light. The first captured image is an image captured using the first imaging unit. The second image is an image captured using the second imaging unit, or both the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The second processor is, If, after the system has been started, the region of a face image is no longer detected in the first image captured by the imaging unit, an instruction is given to transition to the standby state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

9. The second processor is, Even if a facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit after the system has been started, if the authentication result associated with the facial image corresponding to the detected facial image is authentication failure, an instruction is given to transition to the standby state. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. A control method for an information processing device that includes a memory for temporarily storing the system's program and starts the system from a standby state based on the results of face detection, The first processor performs the step of detecting a region of the face image in which a face is captured from the captured image captured by the imaging unit, The second processor, based on the detection of a facial image region from the first image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, issues an instruction to start up from the standby state. The third processor executes a program stored in the memory based on instructions from the second processor to start the system, and after the system has started, it performs an authentication process to verify whether the user is a legitimate user. The second processor then, if it detects a region of a face image from the first image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, determines whether or not to issue an instruction to start the system from the standby state based on the face image detected from the first image captured in the standby state and the authentication result of the authentication process performed after the system was started in the past. A control method including

11. An information processing device that starts a system from a standby state based on the results of face detection, The system includes a memory for temporarily storing the program of the aforementioned system, The imaging unit detects the region of the image containing a face from the captured image, Based on the detection of a facial image region from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, an instruction is given to start the system from the standby state. An information processing device that executes a program stored in the memory based on the aforementioned instructions to start the system, and after the system has started, performs an authentication process to verify whether or not the user is a legitimate user, Next, if a facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, a decision is made on whether or not to issue an instruction to start the system from the standby state, based on the facial image detected in the first captured image in the standby state and the authentication result of the authentication process that was previously executed after the system was started. Information processing device.

12. An information processing device that starts a system from a standby state based on the results of face detection, A memory for temporarily storing the program of the aforementioned system, A first processor detects the region of a face image in which a face is captured from the captured image captured by the imaging unit, A second processor issues an instruction to start up from the standby state based on the detection of a facial image region from the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, A third processor executes a program stored in the memory based on instructions from the second processor to start the system, and after the system has started, performs an authentication process to verify whether the user is a legitimate user. Equipped with, The first processor is, In the standby state, the face image detected from the first captured image and the authentication result of the authentication process are associated and registered. The second processor is, Next, if a facial image region is detected in the first captured image captured by the imaging unit in the standby state, a decision is made on whether or not to issue an instruction to start the system from the standby state, based on the facial image detected in the first captured image in the standby state and the authentication result of the authentication process that was executed and registered after the system was started in the past. Information processing device.

Images