Imaging device, imaging method, and program

Abstract

An imaging device according to the present disclosure includes: an imaging unit that images a subject; a rotary mirror capable of rotating about a first rotation axis to change the imaging direction of the imaging unit; and a control unit that causes the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a first lane in a first direction by rotating the rotary mirror to a first angle, and causes the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a second lane in a second direction, which is different from the first direction, by rotating the rotary mirror to a second angle.

Description

Imaging device, imaging method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, an imaging method, and a recording medium.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a gate system that performs biometric authentication of a subject using a biometric image of the subject and manages entry and exit to a controlled area.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-242775

[0004] This disclosure aims to improve upon the techniques described in the prior art documents cited above.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an imaging device comprising: an imaging unit that images a subject; a rotating mirror that rotates around a first rotation axis and is capable of changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit; and a control unit that rotates the rotating mirror to a first angle to cause the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a first direction in a first lane, and rotates the rotating mirror to a second angle to cause the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a second direction different from the first direction in a second lane.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an imaging method comprising the steps of: rotating a rotating mirror that rotates around a rotation axis and is capable of changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit to a first angle, thereby imaging a subject moving in a first direction in a first lane with the imaging unit; and rotating the rotating mirror to a second angle, thereby imaging the subject moving in a second lane in a second direction different from the first direction with the imaging device.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of: rotating a rotating mirror that rotates around a rotation axis and is capable of changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit to a first angle, thereby causing the imaging unit to image a subject moving in a first direction in a first lane; and rotating the rotating mirror to a second angle, thereby causing the imaging device to image the subject moving in a second lane in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an authentication system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a rear view of an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the overall configuration of an authentication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the internal structure of an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by an authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating the overall configuration of an authentication system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of an authentication system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an authentication device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a top view illustrating the overall configuration of an authentication system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a top view illustrating the overall configuration of an authentication system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by an authentication device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating a coupling structure between a rotating mirror and an illumination device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a coupling structure between a rotating mirror and an illumination device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by an authentication device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by an authentication device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an authentication device according to a seventh embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of an authentication device according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging device according to an eighth embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, similar or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified. [First Embodiment]

[0010] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an authentication system 1 according to the first embodiment. The authentication system 1 is composed of an authentication device 10, an authentication server 20, a gate device 30, and a proximity sensor 40. Each device is connected to networks NW1 and NW2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0011] The authentication system 1 is a walk-through type biometric authentication system that acquires biometric information of a subject moving within a lane in which an authentication section is set, and performs biometric authentication by comparing the acquired biometric information with registered biometric information that has been pre-registered in the database 22.

[0012] The term "biometric information" in the first embodiment refers to an iris image and features extracted from the iris image, but the biometric information is not limited to an iris image and features. That is, the authentication system 1 may perform biometric authentication using biometric images other than an iris image (such as a face image, a fingerprint image, a palm print image, or an ear image) and features as the biometric information of the subject.

[0013] The authentication system 1 can be applied to, for example, identity verification for immigration at airports, identity verification at government agencies, identity verification for entry and exit at factories and offices, identity verification for entry and exit at event venues, and the like.

[0014] The authentication device 10 is an imaging device for biometric authentication that captures an image of the iris of a person to be authenticated who is present in an authentication zone and outputs the iris image to the authentication server 20. In the first embodiment, the "authentication zone" refers to a three-dimensional space of a predetermined range set within a first lane and a second lane, which will be described later.

[0015] The authentication server 20 is a computer that performs biometric authentication. The authentication server 20 includes an authentication engine 21 and a database 22. The authentication engine 21 executes a process of matching the iris image (or feature amount) of the subject captured by the authentication device 10 with the registered iris images (or feature amount) of registrants pre-registered in the database 22, and performs iris authentication of the subject based on the matching result. The database 22 is a storage device that stores the registered iris images and attribute information of registrants who are permitted to pass through the gate device 30 in association with the registrant ID. Note that the database may also store biometric information other than iris images.

[0016] The gate device 30 is a passage control device that opens and closes the gate based on control information from the authentication device 10, and controls the passage of subjects. The gate type is not particularly limited, and examples include a flapper gate in which flappers installed on one or both sides of the lane open and close, and a turnstile gate in which three bars rotate.

[0017] The proximity sensor 40 is a device that detects an approaching target person without contact. Note that the sensor for detecting the target person is not limited to the proximity sensor 40. Examples of the sensor include a pressure sensor, a photomicrosensor, a photoelectric sensor, and a contact detection sensor.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the authentication device 10 according to the first embodiment. The authentication device 10 is a computer that performs calculations, control, and storage, and includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a storage 104, a communication I / F (Interface) 105, a first display 106A, a second display 106B, a first general camera 107A, a second general camera 107B, an iris camera 108, a rotating mirror 109, a first lighting device 110A, a second lighting device 110B, a mirror driving mechanism 111, and a lighting driving mechanism 112. The devices are connected to each other via buses, wiring, driving devices, etc. (not shown).

[0019] The processor 101 has a function of performing predetermined calculations in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 103, the storage 104, etc., and controlling each part of the authentication device 10. Furthermore, as the processor 101, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. may be used. Furthermore, one of the above-mentioned examples may be used, or multiple processors may be used in parallel.

[0020] The RAM 102 is made up of a volatile storage medium and provides a temporary memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 101. The RAM 102 may be, for example, a D-RAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM 103 is made up of a non-volatile storage medium and stores necessary information such as programs used in the operation of the authentication device 10. The ROM 103 may be, for example, a P-ROM (Programmable ROM).

[0021] The storage 104 is configured from a non-volatile storage medium and stores data and programs for operating the authentication device 10. The storage 104 is configured from, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0022] The communication I / F 105 is a communication interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), 4G, or 5G, and is a module for communicating with other devices.

[0023] The processor 101 loads a program stored in the ROM 103, the storage 104, etc. into the RAM 102 and executes the program.

[0024] The first display 106A and the second display 106B are display devices that display moving images, still images, text, etc. The first display 106A is provided on a first surface (front surface) within the housing of the authentication device 10. On the other hand, the second display 106B is provided on a second surface (rear surface) within the same housing, facing the first surface. The first display 106A and the second display 106B have the same functions and differ only in their installation positions within the housing of the authentication device 10. Hereinafter, when the first display 106A and the second display 106B are not distinguished from each other, the first display 106A and the second display 106B will be collectively referred to as the display 106. A liquid crystal display, an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display, or the like may be used as the display 106.

[0025] The first general camera 107A and the second general camera 107B are imaging devices that capture an overall image of the area surrounding the authentication device 10. The first general camera 107A is provided on the first surface (front surface) of the housing. On the other hand, the second general camera 107B is provided on the second surface (back surface) of the same housing. The first general camera 107A and the second general camera 107B have the same functions and differ only in their installation positions within the housing of the authentication device 10. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first general camera 107A and the second general camera 107B, the first general camera 107A and the second general camera 107B will be collectively referred to as the general camera 107.

[0026] The full-view camera 107 includes a light-receiving element configured to be sensitive to visible light. As the full-view camera 107, a digital camera using a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, or the like is used so as to be suitable for image processing in the authentication device 10. The full-view camera 107 can capture a facial image including the iris of the subject, an image of the whole body including the iris, and the like.

[0027] The iris camera 108 is an imaging device that captures an image of a predetermined body part of the subject. The predetermined body part includes the iris. The iris camera 108 includes a light receiving element configured to be sensitive to infrared light. The iris camera 108 may be a digital camera using a CMOS image sensor, a CCD image sensor, or the like.

[0028] The rotating mirror 109 is a member that is rotatable about a rotation axis and changes the imaging direction of the imaging unit (iris camera 108). The rotating mirror 109 of the first embodiment rotates about a rotation axis that extends in the horizontal direction.

[0029] The first illumination device 110A and the second illumination device 110B include light-emitting elements that emit infrared light, such as infrared LEDs. The first illumination device 110A is provided on the first surface (front surface) of the housing. Meanwhile, the second illumination device 110B is provided on the second surface (back surface) of the same housing. The first illumination device 110A and the second illumination device 110B have the same functions and differ only in their installation positions within the housing of the authentication device 10. Hereinafter, when the first illumination device 110A and the second illumination device 110B are not distinguished from each other, they will be collectively referred to as illumination devices 110. The wavelength of the infrared light emitted from the illumination device 110 may be, for example, in the near-infrared region of approximately 800 nm. The timing of illumination light emission from the illumination device 110 is synchronized with the timing of image capture by the iris camera 108. However, there may be cases where the timing of irradiating the illumination light from the illumination device 110 is not synchronized with the timing of capturing an image from the iris camera 108 .

[0030] The mirror drive mechanism 111 is a drive device that drives the rotating mirror 109 connected to a rotation shaft (not shown). In the first embodiment, the rotating mirror 109 is directly connected to the rotation shaft of the mirror drive mechanism 111. Note that the rotating mirror 109 may be indirectly connected to the rotation shaft of the mirror drive mechanism 111 via, for example, a gear or a belt.

[0031] The lighting drive mechanism 112 is a drive device that drives the lighting device 110 connected to a rotation shaft (not shown). In the first embodiment, the lighting device 110 is directly connected to the rotation shaft of the lighting drive mechanism 112. Note that the lighting device 110 may be indirectly connected to the rotation shaft of the lighting drive mechanism 112 via, for example, a gear, a belt, or the like.

[0032] The hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and other devices may be added, or some devices may not be provided. Furthermore, some devices may be replaced with other devices having similar functions. Furthermore, some functions of the first embodiment may be provided by other devices via a network, or the functions of the first embodiment may be distributed and realized among multiple devices. The illustrated hardware configuration can be modified as appropriate.

[0033] 3 and 4 are front and rear views of the authentication device 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the positional relationship of the components constituting the authentication device 10 is explained using a three-dimensional coordinate system consisting of mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes. The X-, Y-, and Z-axes are axes in a horizontal plane. The X-, Y-, and Z-axes are mutually orthogonal. The Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The first opening 12 and the second opening 13 formed on the front and back of the housing 11 of the authentication device 10 are covered by filters or the like, but are omitted from FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0034] 3, a first display 106A, a first overall camera 107A, and a rotating mirror 109 are arranged, from top to bottom, along the center line of the authentication device 10. The rotating mirror 109 is provided inside the housing 11 of the authentication device 10, but the mirror surface of the rotating mirror 109 can be seen through the first opening 12. A pair of first lighting devices 110A are arranged on both sides of the first opening 12.

[0035] 4, the second display 106B, the second overall camera 107B, and the rotating mirror 109 are arranged, from top to bottom, along the center line of the authentication device 10. The back surface of the rotating mirror 109 can be seen from the second opening 13. A pair of second lighting devices 110B are arranged on both sides of the second opening 13.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a top view illustrating the overall configuration of the authentication system 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 5, the authentication device 10 is installed between the first lane LA1 and the second lane LA2. The area surrounded by the dashed dotted line indicates the imaging direction and imaging range of the authentication device 10. That is, the two imaging directions of the authentication device 10 intersect with the directions in which the first lane LA1 and the second lane LA2 extend, respectively. This allows the authentication device 10 to capture images of subjects moving in the first lane LA1 and the second lane LA2 from an oblique direction.

[0037] The subject P1 is present in a first trigger section TR1 provided in front of the entrance to the first lane LA1. When the first gate 31 ahead of the subject P1 opens, the subject P1 moves in a first direction D1. The first trigger section TR1 is a section for detecting the subject P1 moving toward the first lane LA1. A first gate 31 and a second gate 32 of the gate device 30 are provided on the entrance and exit sides of the first lane LA1. Between the first gate 31 and the second gate 32, near the first gate 31, is provided a first authentication section A1 where authentication of the subject P1 is performed. When the first gate 31 of the first lane LA1 is open, the subject P1 moves from the first trigger section TR1 to the first authentication section A1. As a result, the authentication device 10 switches the imaging direction of the iris camera 108 to capture an image of the subject P1 and captures an image of the iris of the subject P1.

[0038] Similarly, the subject P2 is present in a second trigger section TR2 provided in front of the entrance to the second lane LA2. The subject P2 moves in the second direction D2 when the first gate 31 ahead is opened. The second trigger section TR2 is a section for detecting the subject P2 moving toward the second lane LA2. A first gate 31 and a second gate 32 of the gate device 30 are provided on the entrance and exit sides of the second lane LA2. Between the first gate 31 and the second gate 32, near the first gate 31, is provided a second authentication section A2 where authentication of the subject P2 is performed. When the first gate 31 of the second lane LA2 is opened, the subject P2 moves from the second trigger section TR2 to the second authentication section A2. As a result, the authentication device 10 switches the imaging direction of the iris camera 108 to capture an image of the subject P2 and captures an image of the iris of the subject P2. When biometric authentication of a subject in one of the first lane LA1 and the second lane LA2 is being performed, the authentication device 10 controls the gate device 30 to a closed state, restricting movement to the other lane. When the biometric authentication is completed, the authentication device 10 controls the gate device 30 to an open state. In this case, it is possible to avoid allowing a subject who cannot be authenticated to pass through.

[0039] As a result, the authentication system 1 authenticates the subject P1 moving in the first direction D1 in the first lane LA1 toward the authentication device 10, and the subject P2 moving in the second lane LA2 in the second direction D2.

[0040] 6 to 9 are diagrams illustrating the internal structure of the authentication device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6 to 9, the iris camera 108 is disposed with its lens surface facing vertically upward (positive direction of the Z axis) and faces a rotating mirror 109 located above. The rotating mirror 109 has a rotation axis 109a, a support substrate 109b, and a mirror surface 109c.

[0041] The dashed arrow L1 in Figure 6 indicates the traveling direction of light incident from the first opening 12 on the front surface of the housing 11. After being reflected by the mirror surface 109c of the rotating mirror 109, the light L1 enters the iris camera 108. In Figure 6, the light L1 enters the front surface of the housing 11 in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the imaging direction of the iris camera 108 is 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. In the first embodiment, the setting mode for setting the tilt angle of the rotating mirror 109 shown in Figure 6 is called the first preparation mode. Furthermore, in the first authentication mode described below, the tilt angle (mirror angle) of the rotating mirror 109 is set within a predetermined range in the vertical direction based on the tilt angle set in the first preparation mode.

[0042] In contrast, in Fig. 7 , the rotating mirror 109 is rotating counterclockwise from the state shown in Fig. 6 . The rotating mirror 109 reflects light L2, which is incident at an angle θ1 from obliquely below the horizontal plane HP, toward the iris camera 108. In the first embodiment, the setting mode in which the tilt angle of the rotating mirror 109 is set to match the eye position of the subject present on the surface side of the housing 11, as shown in Fig. 7 , is called the first authentication mode. Note that in the first authentication mode, the rotating mirror 109 may rotate clockwise from the state shown in Fig. 6 depending on the subject's height. The imaging direction of the iris camera 108 can be changed up or down with respect to the horizontal plane by driving the rotating mirror 109.

[0043] The dashed arrow L3 in Figure 8 indicates the traveling direction of light incident from the second opening 13 on the back side of the housing 11. After being reflected by the mirror surface 109c of the rotating mirror 109, the light L3 enters the iris camera 108. In Figure 8, the light L3 enters the back side of the housing 11 in a horizontal direction. The imaging direction of the iris camera 108 is 180 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, based on the state in Figure 6. In the first embodiment, the setting mode in which the tilt angle of the rotating mirror 109 in Figure 8 is set is called the second preparation mode. In the second authentication mode, which will be described later, the tilt angle (mirror angle) during imaging is set within a predetermined range in the vertical direction based on the tilt angle set in the second preparation mode.

[0044] In contrast, in Fig. 9, rotating mirror 109 is rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in Fig. 8. Rotating mirror 109 reflects light L2 incident at an angle θ2 from diagonally above the horizontal plane HP toward iris camera 108. In the first embodiment, a setting mode in which the tilt angle of rotating mirror 109 is set to match the eye position of the subject present on the front side of housing 11, as shown in Fig. 7, is called the second authentication mode. Note that in the second authentication mode, rotating mirror 109 may rotate clockwise from the state shown in Fig. 8 depending on the subject's height.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the authentication device 10 according to the first embodiment. The processing in Fig. 10 is processing for switching the setting mode in the authentication device 10. There are five setting modes in the first embodiment: standby mode, first preparation mode, first authentication mode, second preparation mode, and second authentication mode. The setting mode in the initial state is standby mode.

[0046] In step S101, the authentication device 10 determines whether the currently set mode is the standby mode.

[0047] Here, if the authentication device 10 determines that the setting mode is the standby mode (step S101: YES), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the setting mode is not the standby mode (step S101: NO), the process of step S101 is repeated until the standby mode is reached. For example, if the preparation mode and authentication mode are set for another subject, the setting mode is determined to be other than the standby mode. In this case, the process of step S101 is repeated until authentication for the other subject is completed and the device is initialized to the standby mode.

[0048] In step S102, the authentication device 10 determines, based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40, whether or not a target person has been detected in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1.

[0049] Here, if the authentication device 10 determines that it has detected the target person in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1 (step S102: YES), it switches the setting mode to the first preparation mode (step S103), and the processing proceeds to step S104.

[0050] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has not been detected in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1 (step S102: NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0051] In step S104, the authentication device 10 determines whether or not the target person has been detected in the first authentication section A1 based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40. That is, it determines whether or not the target person has moved from the first trigger section TR1 to the first authentication section A1 in the first lane LA1.

[0052] If the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has been detected in the first authentication section A1 of the first lane LA1 (step S104: YES), the setting mode is switched to the first authentication mode (step S105), and the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has not been detected in the first authentication section A1 (step S104: NO), the process of step S104 is repeated.

[0053] In step S106, the authentication device 10 determines, based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40, whether or not a target person has been detected in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2.

[0054] Here, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has been detected in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2 (step S106: YES), the setting mode is switched to the second preparation mode (step S107), and the processing proceeds to step S108.

[0055] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has not been detected in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2 (step S106: NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0056] In step S108, the authentication device 10 determines whether or not the subject has been detected in the second authentication section A2 of the second lane LA2 based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40. That is, it determines whether or not the subject has moved from the second trigger section TR2 to the second authentication section A2 in the second lane LA2.

[0057] If the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has been detected in the second authentication section A2 of the second lane LA2 (step S108: YES), the setting mode is switched to the second authentication mode (step S109), and the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has not been detected in the second authentication section A2 (step S108: NO), the process of step S108 is repeated.

[0058] In step S110, the authentication device 10 determines whether biometric authentication for the subject has been completed. If the authentication device 10 determines that biometric authentication has been completed (step S110: YES), the authentication device 10 switches the setting mode to the standby mode (step S111) and ends the process.

[0059] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the biometric authentication has not been completed (step S110: NO), the process of step S110 is repeated until the biometric authentication is completed.

[0060] 10, the presence or absence of a subject in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1 is determined before the presence or absence of a subject in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2, so that biometric authentication in the first lane LA1 can be performed with priority over the second lane LA2. Furthermore, exclusive control is performed so that one lane cannot be switched to the preparation mode or authentication mode until the biometric authentication in the other lane is completed.

[0061] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the authentication device 10 according to the first embodiment. The processing in Fig. 11 differs from that in Fig. 10 in steps S201 to S208. The processing that differs from that in Fig. 10 will be described below.

[0062] After step S101, the process proceeds to step S201. In step S201, the authentication device 10 determines, based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40, whether or not a target person has been detected in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2.

[0063] Here, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has been detected in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2 (step S201: YES), the setting mode is switched to the second preparation mode (step S202), and the processing proceeds to step S203.

[0064] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has not been detected in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2 (step S201: NO), the processing proceeds to step S205.

[0065] In step S203, the authentication device 10 determines whether or not the subject has been detected in the second authentication section A2 of the second lane LA2 based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40. That is, it determines whether or not the subject has moved from the second trigger section TR2 to the second authentication section A2 in the second lane LA2.

[0066] If the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has been detected in the second authentication section A2 of the second lane LA2 (step S203: YES), the setting mode is switched to the second authentication mode (step S204), and the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has not been detected in the second authentication section A2 (step S203: NO), the process of step S203 is repeated.

[0067] In step S205, the authentication device 10 determines, based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40, whether or not a target person has been detected in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1.

[0068] Here, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has been detected in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1 (step S205: YES), the setting mode is switched to the first preparation mode (step S206), and the processing proceeds to step S207.

[0069] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has not been detected in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1 (step S205: NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0070] In step S207, the authentication device 10 determines whether or not the target person has been detected in the first authentication section A1 of the first lane LA1 based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40. That is, it determines whether or not the target person has moved from the first trigger section TR1 to the first authentication section A1 in the first lane LA1.

[0071] If the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has been detected in the first authentication section A1 of the first lane LA1 (step S207: YES), the setting mode is switched to the first authentication mode (step S208), and the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has not been detected in the first authentication section A1 of the first lane LA1 (step S207: NO), the process of step S207 is repeated.

[0072] Thus, in the processing of Figure 11, unlike the case of Figure 10, the presence or absence of a subject in the second trigger section TR2 of the second lane LA2 is determined before the presence or absence of a subject in the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1 is determined, so biometric authentication can be performed preferentially in the second lane LA2 over the first lane LA1.

[0073] 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the authentication device 10 according to the first embodiment. The processing in FIG. 12 is executed independently of the processing in FIGS.

[0074] In step S301, the authentication device 10 determines whether the currently set mode is the preparation mode (first preparation mode or second preparation mode).

[0075] If the authentication device 10 determines that the setting mode is the first or second preparation mode (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the setting mode is neither the first nor the second preparation mode (step S301: NO), the process of step S301 is repeated until the setting mode is changed to the first or second preparation mode.

[0076] In step S302, the authentication device 10 determines the control range of the mirror angle corresponding to the first or second preparation mode. For example, in the first preparation mode, the authentication device 10 drives the rotating mirror 109 so that the mirror surface 109c of the rotating mirror 109 faces the first authentication zone A1 of the first lane LA1. Similarly, in the second preparation mode, the authentication device 10 drives the rotating mirror 109 so that the mirror surface 109c of the rotating mirror 109 faces the second authentication zone A2 of the second lane LA2. This minimizes the amount of adjustment of the mirror angle when switching from the first preparation mode to the first authentication mode.

[0077] In step S303, the authentication device 10 outputs a control signal to the gate device 30 to instruct it to open the first gate 31. The gate device 30 opens the first gate based on the control signal from the authentication device 10. At this time, it is preferable for the authentication device 10 to display guidance information such as "Please proceed forward and perform authentication" on the display 106. Providing appropriate guidance information to the subject can improve the efficiency of biometric authentication within the lane.

[0078] In step S304, the authentication device 10 determines whether the subject has passed through the first gate 31 based on the detection signal of the proximity sensor 40. That is, the authentication device 10 determines whether the subject has moved from the trigger zone to the authentication zone.

[0079] If the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has passed through the first gate 31 (step S304: YES), it outputs a control signal to the gate device 30 to instruct it to close the first gate 31, and the process proceeds to step S306. The gate device 30 closes the first gate 31 based on the control signal from the authentication device 10.

[0080] In step S306, the authentication device 10 determines whether the currently set mode is the first or second authentication mode. If the authentication device 10 determines that the currently set mode is the first or second authentication mode (step S306: YES), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0081] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the setting mode is neither the first authentication mode nor the second authentication mode (step S306: NO), the processing of step 306 is repeated until the setting mode is changed to the first or second authentication mode.

[0082] In step S307, the authentication device 10 analyzes the image of the subject in the authentication zone captured by the first full-view camera 107A or the second full-view camera 107B and estimates the subject's eye position. The subject's eye position refers to the vertical height of the eyes. The eye position can be estimated, for example, from the distance from the installation position of the authentication device 10 to the zone where the subject is located and the coordinate distance from the subject's feet to their eyes in the image.

[0083] In step S308, the authentication device 10 controls the mirror angle (tilt angle) of the rotating mirror 109 in accordance with the eye position estimated in step S307.

[0084] In step S309, the authentication device 10 captures an image of the iris of the subject using the iris camera 108, and generates an iris image.

[0085] In step S310, the authentication device 10 requests the authentication server 20 to perform iris authentication based on the iris image. The authentication server 20 performs iris authentication by comparing the iris image received from the authentication device 10 with the registered iris image of the registrant stored in the database 22. The authentication server 20 then transmits the authentication result of the iris authentication to the authentication device 10.

[0086] In step S311, when the authentication device 10 receives the authentication result from the authentication server 20, it determines whether or not the authentication of the subject person has been successful.

[0087] If the authentication device 10 determines that the authentication has been successful (step S311: YES), it outputs a control signal to the gate device 30 to instruct it to open the second gate 32, and the process ends. At this time, it is preferable that the authentication device 10 displays guidance information such as "Authentication has been successful" on the display 106.

[0088] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the authentication has failed (step S311: NO), the process proceeds to step S313.

[0089] In step S313, the authentication device 10 displays an authentication error message on the display 106 (first display 106A or second display 106B) facing the subject whose authentication has failed, and outputs control information to the gate device 30 to instruct it to open the first gate, and the process ends. At this time, it is preferable that the authentication device 10 displays guidance information such as "Authentication has failed" on the display 106.

[0090] Generally, in gate systems that have multiple lanes through which subjects pass when entering and exiting a controlled area, an optical device for capturing images of subjects is often provided for each lane. However, providing an optical device for each lane has the problem of high implementation costs. In contrast, the authentication system 1 according to the first embodiment can perform biometric authentication for multiple subjects approaching from different directions in multiple lanes using a single authentication device. This reduces the implementation costs of the authentication system 1.

[0091] Furthermore, while the rotating mirror 109 is rotating, the iris camera 108 does not capture an image, but instead captures an image when the rotation is complete. This avoids unnecessary image capture and reduces operational costs. Furthermore, while the rotating mirror 109 is rotating, the iris camera 108 may shake, potentially resulting in a blurred captured image. However, by having the iris camera 108 capture an image after the rotation of the rotating mirror 109 is complete, it is possible to suppress the shake of the iris camera 108 and improve the quality of the captured image. [Second Embodiment]

[0092] The authentication system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below. The following mainly focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will be omitted or simplified.

[0093] Fig. 13 is a top view illustrating the overall configuration of the authentication system 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of the authentication system 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, in the second embodiment, a first trigger section TR1 is provided at one end of one lane LA, and a second trigger section TR2 is provided at the other end.

[0094] A U-shaped installation stand 50 is provided between the first gate 31 and the second gate 32 so as to straddle the lane LA. As shown in Fig. 14, the authentication device 10 of the second embodiment is attached to the installation stand 50 and captures an image of a subject P1 moving from the first trigger section TR1 to the first authentication section A1 facing diagonally downward. The same applies when capturing an image of a subject P2 moving from the second trigger section TR2 to the second authentication section A2.

[0095] When the proximity sensor 40 detects a subject P1 moving in the direction D1, the authentication device 10 drives the rotating mirror 109 to set the imaging range to the first authentication zone A1. Conversely, when the proximity sensor 40 on the opposite side of the first lane LA1 detects a subject P2 moving in the direction D2, the authentication device 10 drives the rotating mirror 109 to switch the imaging range from the first authentication zone A1 to the second authentication zone A2. Note that the installation location of the authentication device 10 is not limited to the installation stand 50. If the lane LA is installed indoors, the authentication device 10 may be installed, for example, on the ceiling directly above the lane LA.

[0096] As described above, according to the authentication system 1 of the second embodiment, by appropriately switching the imaging direction in one authentication device 10, it is possible to sequentially perform biometric authentication on a plurality of subjects approaching the authentication device 10 from both directions in the same lane LA.

[0097] The authentication system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described below. The following mainly focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will be omitted or simplified.

[0098] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an authentication device 10 according to the third embodiment. The authentication device 10 according to the third embodiment differs from the authentication device 10 shown in Fig. 2 in that it further includes a housing drive mechanism 113. The housing drive mechanism 113 drives and rotates the housing 11 that houses the imaging unit (various cameras), lighting unit (various lighting devices), and rotating mirror 109.

[0099] 16 and 17 are top views illustrating the overall configuration of an authentication system 1 according to the third embodiment. Each of FIGS. 16 and 17 shows the authentication device 10 rotated about a rotation axis 14 that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. When subjects P11 to P14 are detected in each trigger section, the authentication device 10 rotates about the rotation axis 14 and drives a rotating mirror 109 internally, thereby switching the imaging range to each of the authentication sections A11, A12, A21, and A22.

[0100] 16 and 17 , in the third embodiment, a first trigger section TR11 is provided at one end of the first lane LA1, and a second trigger section TR12 is provided at the other end. Furthermore, a first authentication section A11 and a second authentication section A12 of the first lane LA1 are provided between the first gate 31 and the second gate 32. The first authentication section A11 is an area for authenticating a subject P11 who has passed through the first gate 31 from the first trigger section TR11. The second authentication section A12 is an area for authenticating a subject P12 who has passed through the second gate 32 from the second trigger section TR12.

[0101] Similarly to the first lane LA1, the second lane LA2 has a first trigger section TR21 at one end and a second trigger section TR22 at the other end. A first authentication section A21 and a second authentication section A22 of the second lane LA2 are provided between the first gate 31 and the second gate 32 of the second lane LA2. The first authentication section A21 is an area for authenticating a subject P21 who has passed through the first gate 31 from the first trigger section TR21. The second authentication section A22 is an area for authenticating a subject P22 who has passed through the second gate 32 from the second trigger section TR22.

[0102] 16, the authentication device 10 can switch the imaging range to the first authentication zone A11 of the first lane LA1 or the first authentication zone A21 of the second lane LA2 by panning around the rotation axis 14 and then driving the rotating mirror 109. Similarly, the authentication device 10 can switch the imaging range to the second authentication zone A12 of the first lane LA1 or the second authentication zone A22 of the second lane LA2 by panning as shown in FIG. 17 and then driving the rotating mirror 109.

[0103] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the authentication device according to the third embodiment. The processing in Fig. 18 differs from the processing in Fig. 10 in steps S401 to S407.

[0104] After step S101, the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, the authentication device 10 captures an image of the area in front of the gate. In the example shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the authentication device 10 captures an image of the area outside each of the four gates (two first gates 31 and two second gates 32).

[0105] In step S402, the authentication device 10 analyzes the captured image and obtains the number of people waiting in each area. For example, if an image is captured of an area including the first trigger section TR11 of the first lane LA1 and a position behind it, and five faces are detected in the captured image, the number of people waiting in line is considered to be five.

[0106] In step S403, the authentication device 10 identifies the highest priority section from among all trigger sections. For example, the authentication device 10 identifies the section with the largest number of waiting people from among all trigger sections as the highest priority section.

[0107] In step S404, the authentication device 10 switches the setting mode to the preparation mode corresponding to the trigger section with the highest priority. For example, if the first trigger section TR11 has the highest priority among all the trigger sections, the authentication device 10 switches to the first preparation mode.

[0108] In step S405, the authentication device 10 pans the housing in accordance with the preparation mode. The direction of the panning and whether or not the panning is necessary can be determined in consideration of the current position of the authentication device 10 and the position of the authentication device 10 after the panning.

[0109] For example, when switching the imaging range from the first authentication zone A11 of the first lane LA1 to the first authentication zone A21 of the second lane LA2, only driving of the rotating mirror 109 is required, and panning is not required. When switching the imaging range from the first authentication zone A11 of the first lane LA1 to the second authentication zone A22 of the second lane LA2, both panning and driving of the rotating mirror 109 are required. This allows the amount of driving of the authentication device 10 to be minimized.

[0110] In step S406, the authentication device 10 determines whether or not the subject has been detected in the authentication zone. If the authentication device 10 determines that the subject has been detected in the authentication zone (step S406: YES), the setting mode is switched to the authentication mode (step S407), and the process proceeds to step S110.

[0111] For example, when a subject is detected in the authentication section of the first lane LA1, the authentication device 10 switches the setting mode from the first preparation mode to the first authentication mode. Similarly, when a subject is detected in the authentication section of the second lane LA2, the authentication device 10 switches the setting mode from the second preparation mode to the second authentication mode.

[0112] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the target person has not been detected in the authentication section corresponding to the current preparation mode (step S406: NO), the process of step S406 is repeated until the target person is detected in the authentication section. For example, if the current preparation mode is the first preparation mode, it is determined whether the target person has been detected in the first authentication section A11 of the first lane LA1.

[0113] As described above, according to the authentication system 1 of the third embodiment, the entire authentication device 10 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, so that a single authentication device 10 can perform biometric authentication for subjects approaching the authentication device 10 from both directions in each of two adjacent lanes. This further reduces the introduction cost of the authentication system 1. [Fourth Embodiment]

[0114] The authentication system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. The following mainly focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will be omitted or simplified.

[0115] 19 and 20 are schematic diagrams illustrating the internal structure of the authentication device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The rotating mirror 109 is connected to a roller RL1. Since the roller RL1 is connected to a rotation axis 109a of the rotating mirror 109, the roller RL1 and the rotating mirror 109 rotate integrally.

[0116] Furthermore, a roller RL2 is provided above the rotating mirror 109. A first lighting device 110A and a second lighting device 110B are connected to the roller RL2. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first lighting device 110A and the second lighting device 110B are driven integrally with the roller RL2.

[0117] The diameter Dm2 of the roller RL2 is half the diameter Dm1 of the roller RL1. An endless belt BL is wound around the circumferential surfaces of the rollers RL1 and RL2. This allows the rotating mirror 109, the first lighting device 110A, and the second lighting device 110B to be driven integrally.

[0118] Furthermore, the first illumination device 110A and the second illumination device 110B are set to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane HP by an inclination angle α. The inclination angle α is set so that the illumination range of the illumination light from the first illumination device 110A or the second illumination device 110B coincides with the imaging range of the iris camera 108.

[0119] In Fig. 19, illumination light EL1 from the first illumination device 110A is irradiated onto the face of the subject P10. Furthermore, light L5 traveling horizontally from the face of the subject P10 is reflected by the mirror surface 109c of the rotating mirror 109 and reaches the iris camera 108. In this state, the imaging angle (viewpoint angle) of the iris camera 108 is set to 0 degrees. This imaging angle is set when the setting mode is the first authentication mode. In the first authentication mode of the fourth embodiment, only the first illumination device 110A irradiates illumination light.

[0120] 19, illumination light EL20 from the second illumination device 110B is irradiated onto the face of the subject P20. Light L6 traveling horizontally from the face of the subject P20 is reflected by the mirror surface 109c of the rotating mirror 109 and reaches the iris camera 108. In this state, the imaging angle (viewpoint angle) of the iris camera 108 is set to 180 degrees. This imaging angle is set when the setting mode is the second authentication mode. In the second authentication mode of the fourth embodiment, only the second illumination device 110B irradiates illumination light.

[0121] When iris camera 108 captures an image reflected on rotating mirror 109, the imaging angle of iris camera 108 fluctuates by twice the rotation angle of rotating mirror 109. As a result, when the imaging angle of iris camera 108 changes by angle θ, the irradiation angle of the illumination light from first illumination device 110A and second illumination device 110B also changes by angle θ. For this reason, diameter Dm2 of roller RL2 is set to half the diameter Dm1 of roller RL1. The ratio of the rotation angle of rotating mirror 109 to the rotation angle of illumination device 110 is set to 1:2.

[0122] In the fourth embodiment, the first and second illumination devices 110A and 110B, which are light sources, are installed above the rotating mirror 109 and are therefore fixed to the roller RL2 at a predetermined tilt angle α. Specifically, when the imaging direction is horizontal, the first illumination device 110A, which is the first light source, has an illumination direction that intersects with the horizontal direction at a first tilt angle α. When the imaging direction is horizontal, the second illumination device 110B, which is the second light source, has an illumination direction that intersects with the horizontal direction at a second tilt angle α. The first and second tilt angles α have the same magnitude and are opposite to each other relative to the horizontal direction. Therefore, even when the rotating mirror 109 is driven arbitrarily, the imaging range of the iris camera 108 and the illumination range of the illumination light from the first illumination device 110A or the second illumination device 110B coincide with each other.

[0123] The connecting structure that enables the illumination unit to rotate in accordance with changes in the imaging angle of the iris camera 108 is not limited to the structure using the rollers RL1, RL2, and endless belt BL shown in Figures 19 and 20. For example, a structure using multiple gears as connecting members instead of the endless belt BL may also be used.

[0124] As described above, according to the authentication device of the fourth embodiment, the first illumination device 110A and the second illumination device 110B are linked to the rotation of the rotating mirror 109, so that illumination light can be irradiated onto the body part to be authenticated of the subject with high accuracy.

[0125] The authentication system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. The following mainly focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will be omitted or simplified.

[0126] The authentication system 1 of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it compares the number of people waiting in the queue in each of the first lane LA1 and the second lane LA2 to determine the lane in which biometric authentication of the subject will be performed preferentially.

[0127] 21 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the authentication device 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The following description will be given taking the first lane LA1 and the second lane LA2 shown in FIG.

[0128] In step S501, the authentication device 10 captures an image of the area ahead including the first trigger section TR1 of the first lane LA1.

[0129] In step S502, the authentication device 10 acquires the number of people N1 waiting in the queue in the first lane LA1.

[0130] In step S503, the authentication device 10 captures an image of the area ahead including the second trigger section of the second lane LA2.

[0131] In step S504, the authentication device 10 acquires the number of people N2 waiting in the queue in the second lane LA2.

[0132] In step S505, the authentication device 10 determines whether the number of people waiting in the queue in the first lane N1 is equal to or greater than the number of people waiting in the queue in the second lane N2.

[0133] Here, if the authentication device 10 determines that the number of people queuing in the first lane LA1 N1 is equal to or greater than the number of people queuing in the second lane LA2 N2 (step S505: YES), the process proceeds to step S506.

[0134] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the number of people queuing in the first lane LA1 is less than the number of people queuing in the second lane LA2 N2 (step S505: NO), the process proceeds to step S507.

[0135] In step S506, the authentication device 10 determines the first lane LA1 as the priority lane. At this time, the authentication device 10 controls the rotation angle of the rotating mirror 109 so that the imaging direction of the iris camera 108 is directed toward the first lane LA1. Furthermore, when the first lane LA1 is the priority lane, it is preferable to control the number of times the gate in the first lane LA1 is opened to be greater than the number of times the gate in the second lane LA2 is opened.

[0136] In step S507, the authentication device 10 determines the second lane LA2 as the priority lane. At this time, the authentication device 10 controls the rotation angle of the rotating mirror 109 so that the imaging direction of the iris camera 108 is directed toward the second lane LA2. Furthermore, when the second lane LA2 is the priority lane, it is preferable to control the number of times the gate in the second lane LA2 is opened to be longer than the number of times the gate in the first lane LA1 is opened. Even if a target person is detected in each trigger section of the first lane LA1 and the second lane LA2, it is only necessary to open the first gate 31 on the entrance side of the first lane LA1, and not open the first gate 31 on the entrance side of the second lane LA2.

[0137] As described above, the authentication device 10 according to the fifth embodiment can determine the priority of biometric authentication in consideration of the congestion status in the first lane and the second lane, and can appropriately switch the imaging direction based on the priority.

[0138] The authentication system 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described below. The following mainly focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will be omitted or simplified.

[0139] The authentication system 1 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a lane for preferentially performing biometric authentication is determined based on the number of visitors in a controlled area.

[0140] Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the authentication device according to the sixth embodiment. In Fig. 22, the first lane is the entrance lane, the second lane is the exit lane, and each lane is connected to a controlled area.

[0141] In step S601, the authentication device 10 acquires the number of visitors N3 in the controlled area from the authentication server 20.

[0142] In step S602, the authentication device 10 determines whether the number of visitors N3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0143] Here, if the authentication device 10 determines that the number of visitors N3 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (step S602: YES), the process proceeds to step S603.

[0144] On the other hand, if the authentication device 10 determines that the number of visitors N3 is less than the predetermined threshold value (step S602: NO), the process proceeds to step S604.

[0145] In step S603, the authentication device 10 determines the exit lane as the priority lane and ends the process. In this case, the authentication device 10 controls the rotation angle of the rotating mirror 109 so that the imaging direction of the iris camera 108 is directed toward the exit lane. Furthermore, if the exit lane is the priority lane, the authentication device 10 controls the gate device 30 to close the gate on the entry lane side until the number of entrants falls below the threshold, and to perform biometric authentication only on the exit lane side.

[0146] In step S604, the authentication device 10 determines the entry lane as the priority lane and ends the process. In this case, the authentication device 10 controls the rotation angle of the rotating mirror 109 so that the imaging direction of the iris camera 108 is directed toward the entry lane.

[0147] As described above, the authentication device 10 according to the sixth embodiment can determine the priority of biometric authentication for the entrance lane and the exit lane depending on the number of visitors in the controlled area, and can switch the imaging direction appropriately based on the priority.

[0148] The authentication system 1 according to the seventh embodiment will be described below. The following mainly focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will be omitted or simplified.

[0149] Fig. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an authentication device 10 according to the seventh embodiment. The authentication device 10 according to the seventh embodiment differs from the authentication device 10 shown in Fig. 2 in that it includes two iris cameras. The first iris camera 108A and the second iris camera 108B have the same functions as the iris camera 108 according to the first embodiment.

[0150] Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of an authentication device according to the seventh embodiment. In Fig. 24, a first iris camera 108A is provided below a rotating mirror 109. The arrangement of the first iris camera 108A is the same as that of the iris camera 108 in the first embodiment.

[0151] Moreover, unlike the first embodiment, the rotating mirror 109 of the seventh embodiment is a double-sided mirror having a first mirror surface 109c and a second mirror surface 109d.

[0152] A second iris camera 108B is provided above rotating mirror 109. Second iris camera 108B is disposed with its lens surface facing vertically downward (negative direction of the Z axis), and faces second mirror surface 109d of rotating mirror 109 located below.

[0153] Dashed arrow L7 indicates the traveling direction of light incident from first opening 12 on the front side of housing 11. Light L7 is reflected by second mirror surface 109d of rotating mirror 109 and then enters second iris camera 108B. In Figure 24, light L7 enters from first opening 12 in the horizontal direction. At this time, the imaging direction of second iris camera 108B is set to 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0154] Dashed arrow L8 indicates the traveling direction of light entering through second opening 13 on the back side of housing 11. Light L8 is reflected by mirror surface 109c of rotating mirror 109 and enters first iris camera 108A. In Figure 24, light L8 enters second opening 13 in the horizontal direction. At this time, the imaging direction of first iris camera 108A is set to 180 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane to distinguish it from the imaging direction of second iris camera 108B.

[0155] As described above, according to the authentication device of the seventh embodiment, the first iris camera 108A and the second iris camera 108B are arranged above and below the double-sided mirror, so that the amount of movement of the rotating mirror 109 when switching modes between different lanes can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. As a result, the time required to switch the setting mode can be shortened. [Eighth Embodiment]

[0156] FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging device 150 according to the eighth embodiment. The imaging device 150 includes an imaging unit 150A, a rotating mirror 150B, and a control unit 150C. The imaging unit A captures an image of a subject. The rotating mirror 150B rotates about a first rotation axis, allowing the imaging unit to change the imaging direction. The control unit 150C rotates the rotating mirror to a first angle, causing the imaging unit to capture an image of a subject moving in a first direction in the first lane, and rotates the rotating mirror to a second angle, causing the imaging unit to capture an image of a subject moving in a second direction different from the first direction in the second lane. According to the eighth embodiment, an imaging device 150 is provided that can perform biometric authentication of multiple subjects approaching from both directions at low cost. [Modified Embodiment]

[0157] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure. For example, an example in which part of the configuration of one embodiment is added to another embodiment, or an example in which part of the configuration of another embodiment is replaced with another embodiment, is also an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0158] In the first embodiment described above, a configuration in which a full-view camera is provided on each of the front and back sides of the authentication device 10 has been described, but the device structure is not limited to this. For example, if an omnidirectional camera capable of capturing 360-degree panoramic photos and 360-degree videos in all directions is used as the full-view camera, only one full-view camera is required for the authentication device 10, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of the authentication device 10.

[0159] The authentication device 10 may further include a rotatable illumination mirror that reflects illumination light from the illumination device 110 toward the subject. By linking the illumination mirror to the rotating mirror 109, the irradiation direction of the illumination light from the illumination device 110 can be changed to match the image capturing direction of the iris camera 108. In this case, only one illumination device 110 needs to be provided in the authentication device 10, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the authentication device 10.

[0160] In the fourth embodiment described above, the first illumination device 110A and the second illumination device 110B are attached to the same rotating member in a predetermined positional relationship as light sources. However, the first illumination device 110A and the second illumination device 110B may be independent structures. In this case, the illumination device 110 (illumination unit) may also have a light source whose irradiation direction intersects with the horizontal direction at a predetermined angle when the imaging direction is horizontal. This allows the imaging range of the iris camera 108 to coincide with the irradiation range of the illumination light, even when the rotating mirror 109 is driven arbitrarily.

[0161] The scope of each embodiment also includes a processing method in which a program that operates the configuration of the embodiment to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded on a storage medium, the program recorded on the storage medium is read as code, and the program is executed on a computer. That is, a computer-readable storage medium is also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, not only the storage medium on which the above-described program is recorded, but also the program itself is included in each embodiment. Furthermore, one or more components included in the above-described embodiments may be circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs configured to realize the functions of each component.

[0162] Examples of the storage medium that can be used include a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD (Compact Disk)-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, and a ROM. In addition, the scope of each embodiment is not limited to programs that execute processing by themselves recorded on the storage medium, but also includes programs that execute processing by operating on an OS (Operating System) in cooperation with other software and functions of an expansion board.

[0163] The services realized by the functions of the above-described embodiments can also be provided to users in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0164] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out this disclosure, and the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, this disclosure can be carried out in various forms without departing from its technical idea or main features.

[0165] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0166] (Supplementary Note 1) An imaging device comprising: an imaging unit that images a subject; a rotating mirror that rotates around a first rotation axis and is capable of changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit; and a control unit that rotates the rotating mirror at a first angle to cause the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a first direction in a first lane, and rotates the rotating mirror at a second angle to cause the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a second direction different from the first direction in a second lane.

[0167] (Supplementary Note 2) The imaging device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the imaging device is disposed between the first lane and the second lane.

[0168] (Supplementary Note 3) The imaging device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the entire device rotates about a second rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0169] (Supplementary Note 4) The imaging device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the control unit rotates the rotating mirror to the first angle when the number of first persons waiting to be imaged by the imaging unit in the first lane is equal to or greater than the number of second persons waiting to be imaged by the imaging unit in the second lane, and rotates the rotating mirror to the second angle when the number of first persons is less than the number of second persons.

[0170] (Supplementary Note 5) The imaging device described in any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the control unit rotates the rotating mirror to the first angle when the number of entrants in a controlled area connected to the first lane for entry and the second lane for exit is less than a predetermined number, and rotates the rotating mirror to the second angle when the number of entrants is equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

[0171] (Supplementary Note 6) The imaging device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the control unit controls a gate device that restricts movement to the other lane to a closed state when biometric authentication is being performed on the subject in one of the first lane and the second lane, and controls the gate device to an open state when the biometric authentication is completed.

[0172] (Supplementary Note 7) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, further comprising an illumination unit that emits illumination light, wherein the control unit changes the irradiation direction of the illumination light from the illumination unit in conjunction with a change in the imaging direction.

[0173] (Supplementary Note 8) The imaging device according to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising an illumination mirror that rotates around a third rotation axis and is capable of changing the irradiation direction, wherein the control unit controls the rotation mirror so that the ratio of an angle at which the rotation mirror rotates to an angle at which the illumination mirror rotates is 1:2.

[0174] (Supplementary Note 9) The imaging device described in Supplementary Note 7, wherein the illumination unit rotates around a fourth rotation axis that is parallel to the first rotation axis, and the rotating mirror and the illumination unit are connected via a connecting member so that the ratio of the angle through which the rotating mirror rotates to the angle through which the illumination unit rotates is 1:2.

[0175] (Supplementary Note 10) The imaging device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the illumination unit includes a light source whose irradiation direction intersects with the horizontal direction at a predetermined angle when the imaging direction is a horizontal direction.

[0176] (Supplementary Note 11) The imaging device described in Supplementary Note 9, wherein the illumination unit includes: a first light source whose irradiation direction intersects with the horizontal direction at a first tilt angle when the imaging direction is horizontal; and a second light source whose irradiation direction intersects with the horizontal direction at a second tilt angle when the imaging direction is horizontal, wherein the first tilt angle and the second tilt angle have the same magnitude and are in opposite directions with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0177] (Supplementary Note 12) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, wherein the control unit does not capture an image of the subject using the imaging unit while the rotating mirror is rotating, and causes the imaging unit to capture an image of the subject when the rotation operation is completed.

[0178] (Supplementary Note 13) The imaging device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, wherein the control unit outputs guidance information regarding biometric authentication to the subject in each of the first lane and the second lane.

[0179] (Appendix 14) An imaging device described in any of Appendices 1 to 13, wherein the rotating mirror has a first mirror surface and a second mirror surface opposite the first mirror surface, and the imaging unit has a first camera that images the subject present in the first lane via the first mirror surface, and a second camera that images the subject present in the second lane via the second mirror surface.

[0180] (Supplementary Note 15) An imaging method comprising: rotating a rotating mirror that rotates around a rotation axis and is capable of changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit to a first angle, thereby causing the imaging unit to image a subject moving in a first direction in a first lane; and rotating the rotating mirror to a second angle, thereby causing the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a second lane in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0181] (Supplementary Note 16) A recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of: rotating a rotating mirror, which rotates around a rotation axis and is capable of changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit, to a first angle, thereby causing the imaging unit to image a subject moving in a first direction in a first lane; and rotating the rotating mirror to a second angle, thereby causing the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a second lane in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0182] (Supplementary Note 17) An imaging device comprising: an imaging unit that images a subject; a rotating mirror that rotates around a rotation axis and is capable of changing the imaging direction of the imaging unit; and a control unit that rotates the rotating mirror to a first angle to cause the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a first direction in a lane, and rotates the rotating mirror to a second angle to cause the imaging unit to image the subject moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the lane.

[0183] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1: Authentication system 10: Authentication device 20: Authentication server 21: Authentication engine 22: Database 30: Gate device 31: First gate 32: Second gate 40: Proximity sensor 101: Processor 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: Storage 105: Communication I / F 106: Display 107: Whole-view camera 107A: First whole-view camera 107B: Second whole-view camera 108: Iris camera 108A: First iris camera 108B: Second iris camera 109: Rotating mirror 110: Lighting device 110A: First lighting device 110B: Second lighting device 111: Mirror driving mechanism 112: Lighting driving mechanism 113: Housing driving mechanism 150: Imaging device 150A: Rotating mirror 150B: Imaging unit 150C: Control unit

Claims

1. An imaging unit that images a subject; a rotating mirror that rotates around a first rotation axis and is capable of changing an imaging direction of the imaging unit; a control unit that rotates the rotating mirror at a first angle to cause the imaging unit to capture an image of the subject moving in a first direction in a first lane, and rotates the rotating mirror at a second angle to cause the imaging unit to capture an image of the subject moving in a second direction different from the first direction in a second lane; An imaging device comprising:

2. disposed between the first lane and the second lane, The imaging device according to claim 1 .

3. The entire device rotates about a second rotation axis extending perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit rotates the rotating mirror to the first angle when a number of first persons waiting to be imaged by the imaging unit in the first lane is equal to or greater than a number of second persons waiting to be imaged by the imaging unit in the second lane, and rotates the rotating mirror to the second angle when the number of the first persons is less than the number of the second persons. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

5. the control unit rotates the rotating mirror to the first angle when the number of entrants in a controlled area connected to the first lane for entry and the second lane for exit is less than a predetermined number, and rotates the rotating mirror to the second angle when the number of entrants is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

6. When biometric authentication of the subject is being performed in one of the first lane and the second lane, the control unit controls a gate device that restricts movement to the other lane to a closed state, and when the biometric authentication is completed, controls the gate device to an open state. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

7. Further comprising an illumination unit that emits illumination light, The control unit changes a direction of irradiation of the illumination light from the illumination unit in conjunction with the change of the imaging direction. The imaging device according to claim 1 .

8. a step of rotating a rotating mirror that rotates about a rotation axis and is capable of changing an imaging direction of the imaging unit at a first angle, thereby causing the imaging unit to image a target person moving in a first direction in a first lane; rotating the rotating mirror at a second angle to capture an image of the subject moving in a second lane in a second direction different from the first direction with the imaging unit; An imaging method comprising:

9. On the computer, a step of rotating a rotating mirror that rotates about a rotation axis and is capable of changing an imaging direction of the imaging unit at a first angle, thereby causing the imaging unit to image a target person moving in a first direction in a first lane; rotating the rotating mirror at a second angle to capture an image of the subject moving in a second lane in a second direction different from the first direction with the imaging unit; A program that executes the following.

10. An imaging unit that images a subject; a rotating mirror that rotates around a rotation axis and is capable of changing an imaging direction of the imaging unit; a control unit that rotates the rotating mirror at a first angle to cause the imaging unit to capture an image of the subject moving in a first direction on the lane, and rotates the rotating mirror at a second angle to cause the imaging unit to capture an image of the subject moving in a second direction on the lane opposite to the first direction; An imaging device comprising: