Information acquisition device, information acquisition system, and information processing system

Abstract

An information acquisition device D1 comprises: a connection unit 11 that connects to an information acquisition unit for acquiring biological information; a recording unit 12 for recording the biological information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and a transmission unit 13 that transmits, to another device, the biological information recorded by the recording unit 12.

Description

Information acquisition device, information acquisition system, information processing system, information acquisition method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical fields of an information acquisition device, an information acquisition system, an information processing system, an information acquisition method, and a recording medium.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, by inserting a previously measured electronic thermometer into a vital information measuring device storage section that is engaged with an upper case at a predetermined position, a Hall element serving as a magnetic sensor detects the magnetic force of a magnet reed switch built into the thermometer and automatically starts reading body temperature data based on a flashing pattern of a part of the display. Patent Document 2 describes a technology in which an authentication token is formed integrally with a sensor, a memory circuit, a matching circuit, and a communication circuit, the sensor detects a user's fingerprint and outputs the detection result as sensing data, the matching circuit matches the sensing data from the sensor with registered fingerprint data stored in the memory circuit and outputs the matching result indicating the user authentication result as authentication data, and the authentication data is transmitted from the communication circuit to a user device as communication data, and the user device performs a predetermined process based on the authentication data received as communication data from the authentication token. Patent document 3 describes a technology in which a light source unit for fingerprint authentication in a digital camera is detachably attached to the tip of the lens barrel via a connector, and the four light-emitting elements of the light source unit are arranged at equal intervals, offset by 90 degrees from each other, and a light-emitting element driver causes each of the four light-emitting elements to emit light at different times, and a CCD driver controls the driving of the CCD so that a fingerprint is photographed each time at the driving timing of this light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element driver adjusts the light intensity of each light-emitting element according to the color temperature of the subject detected by the AE / AWB detection circuit. Patent Document 4 describes a technology that includes a placement section on which a finger is placed, an image acquisition section that is arranged below the placement section and authenticates the fingerprint of the finger placed on the placement section, a finger sensor that detects whether a finger is placed on the placement section, and an ultraviolet irradiation lamp that is arranged above the placement section and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the placement section, and the ultraviolet irradiation lamp irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the placement section when the finger sensor does not detect a finger, thereby preventing infection by viruses, bacteria, etc. and performing fingerprint authentication quickly and accurately.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-266890 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-278640 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-142558 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-232990

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to provide an information acquisition device, an information acquisition system, an information processing system, an information acquisition method, and a recording medium that aim to improve upon the techniques described in prior art documents.

[0005] One aspect of the information acquisition device includes a connection means for connecting to an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, a storage means for storing the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a transmission means for transmitting the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device.

[0006] One aspect of the information acquisition system includes an information acquisition device having an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, a connection means that connects to the information acquisition unit, a memory means that stores the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a transmission means that transmits the biometric information stored in the memory means to another device, and the information acquisition unit includes a housing or cover member formed of a material that includes at least one of an ultraviolet-resistant material and a boiling-resistant material.

[0007] One aspect of the information processing system includes an information acquisition device that includes an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, another device that processes the biometric information, and a connection means that connects to the information acquisition unit, a storage means that stores the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a transmission means that transmits the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device, wherein when the transmission means transmits the biometric information stored in the storage means to the other device, the other device stores each piece of received biometric information by assigning the same biometric identification number, and the storage means deletes the stored biometric information.

[0008] One aspect of the information acquisition method involves connecting to an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, storing the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit in a storage means, and transmitting the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device.

[0009] One aspect of the recording medium has a computer program recorded on it for causing a computer to execute an information acquisition method that connects to an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, stores the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit in a storage means, and transmits the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information acquisition device in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view of an information acquisition system in a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view of an attachment unit in the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information acquisition system in the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of information acquisition operations of the information acquisition system in the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information acquisition system in a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of information acquisition operations of the information acquisition system in the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is an external view of an information acquisition system in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of information acquisition operations of the information acquisition system in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an external view of an information acquisition system in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information acquisition system in a sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system in a seventh embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing operations of the information processing system in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is an external view of an information acquisition system in an eighth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system in the eighth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing operations of an information processing system in the eighth embodiment. Fig. 17 is an external view illustrating the flow of information processing operations of an information processing system in the eighth embodiment. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing operations of an information processing system in the eighth embodiment. Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system in the ninth embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of an information acquisition device, an information acquisition system, an information processing system, an information acquisition method, and a recording medium will be described with reference to the drawings. [1: First Embodiment]

[0012] A first embodiment of an information acquisition device, an information acquisition system, an information processing system, an information acquisition method, and a recording medium will be described below. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information acquisition device D1 to which the first embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied. [1-1: Configuration of the information acquisition device D1]

[0013] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information acquisition device D1 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information acquisition device D1 includes a connection unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a transmission unit 13.

[0014] The connection unit 11 connects to an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information. The storage unit 12 stores the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The transmission unit 13 transmits the biometric information stored in the storage unit 12 to another device. [1-2: Technical Effects of the Information Acquisition Device D1]

[0015] The information acquisition device D1 in the first embodiment has a replaceable information acquisition unit, so that a single device can acquire multiple types of biometric information and transmit the information to another device. [2: Second Embodiment]

[0016] Next, a second embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information acquisition system S2 to which the second embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied. [2-1: Appearance of the information acquisition system S2]

[0017] 2A is an external view of an information acquisition system S2 according to a second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the information acquisition system S2 according to the second embodiment may include an information acquisition device D2 and an attachment unit A as an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information.

[0018] The information acquisition device D2 includes a connection unit 11 which is a specific example of a "connection means" described in the appendix to be described later, a holding unit H which is a specific example of a "holding unit" described in the appendix to be described later, a collection button CB which is a specific example of an "acceptance means" described in the appendix to be described later, and a send button SB. However, the information acquisition device D2 does not necessarily have to include the send button SB.

[0019] The connection unit 11 is a mechanism that connects to the attachment unit A. The connection unit 11 may be a mechanism that is physically and electrically connectable to the attachment unit A. The information acquisition device D2 may be capable of supplying power to the attachment unit A via the connection unit 11.

[0020] The holding unit H may be a housing of the information acquisition device D2. The holding unit H is a mechanism that allows the information acquisition device D2 to be held in one hand. The holding unit H is provided with a collection button CB and a send button SB. The collection button CB accepts input of an operation instruction for the attachment unit A.

[0021] The information acquisition device D2 is connected at least either wired or wirelessly to an information processing device C as another device. The send button SB may receive an input of an instruction to send biometric information to the information processing device C.

[0022] The attachment part A may include a connection part AC, an exterior part E, and a sensor part Sen. The connection part AC may be a mechanism for connecting to the connection part 11. The exterior part E may be a housing or a cover member formed of a material containing at least one of an ultraviolet-resistant material and a boiling-resistant material. Since the exterior part E covers the attachment part A, the attachment part A can be disinfected as needed. This allows the attachment part A, which may come into direct contact with a living body, to be kept clean. The sensor part Sen will be described with reference to Figures 2(b) to 2(e).

[0023] 2(b) to 2(e) show an example of the attachment unit A in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the information acquisition device D2 may be connected to at least one of the attachment units A1 to A4 shown in FIGS. 2(b) to 2(e). That is, the information acquisition system S2 may include the information acquisition device D2 and multiple attachment units A.

[0024] The attachment unit A1 illustrated in FIG. 2B may be an iris information collection device. The sensor unit Sen1 included in the attachment unit A1 may be an iris imaging unit. The sensor unit Sen1 may include a light projector L1 and a light receiver R1. The light projector L1 may be a light projector that projects light of a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared or infrared region, for example. That is, the sensor unit Sen1 may irradiate a target area with light of a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared or infrared region and capture an iris image of the target area irradiated with light of the predetermined wavelength. The attachment unit A1 may include a guide member AG1 that defines the imaging range to a predetermined range. The guide member AG1 can maintain the focal length when collecting iris information.

[0025] The attachment unit A2 illustrated in FIG. 2C may be a face information collecting device. The sensor unit Sen2 included in the attachment unit A2 may be a face imaging unit. The sensor unit Sen2 may include a light projecting unit L2 and a light receiving unit R2. The light projecting unit L2 may be a light projector. The light projecting unit L2 may be a light projector that projects light of a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared region or the infrared region, similar to the light projecting unit L1.

[0026] The attachment unit A3 illustrated in FIG. 2(d) may be a fingerprint information collection device. The sensor unit Sen3 included in the attachment unit A3 may be a fingerprint imaging unit. The sensor unit Sen3 may include a light-projecting unit L3 and a light-receiving unit R3. The light-projecting unit L3 may be a light-emitter. The light-projecting unit L3 may be a light-emitter that emits light of a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared region or the infrared region, similar to the light-projecting unit L1.

[0027] The attachment A4 illustrated in FIG. 2( e) may be a vein information collection device. The sensor Sen4 included in the attachment A4 may be a vein imaging unit. The sensor Sen4 may include a light projector L4 and a light receiver R4. The light projector L4 may be a light projector that projects light of a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared or infrared region, similar to the light projector L1. The attachment A4 may include a guide member AG4 that defines the imaging range to a predetermined range. The guide member AG4 can maintain the focal length when collecting vein information.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a modified example of the attachment unit A. FIG. 2 illustrates the attachment unit A in which the light-projecting unit L, the light-receiving unit R, and the guide member AG are provided so as to project light toward the side opposite to the side where the connection unit AC is provided (the side where the information processing device D2 is located), as shown in FIG. 3( a). That is, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3( a) is such that the sensor unit Sen is provided to project light in the direction of the arrow and receive light from the direction of the arrow, and the guide member AG is provided to guide the light. However, this configuration is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 3( b), the attachment unit A may be provided so that the light-projecting unit L, the light-receiving unit R, and the guide member AG are provided so as to project light from the side adjacent to the side where the connection unit AC is provided (the side where the information processing device D2 is located). That is, the sensor unit Sen is provided so as to project light in the direction of the arrow and receive light from the direction of the arrow, and the guide member AG is provided to guide the light. In FIG. 3B, the arrow points to the upper side of the drawing, but a configuration may be adopted in which light is irradiated to the lower side, right side, or left side of the drawing.

[0029] The light irradiation direction may be different for each attachment part A. For example, attachment parts A1, A2, and A3 may adopt the configuration illustrated in Fig. 3(a), and attachment part A4 may adopt the configuration illustrated in Fig. 3(b).

[0030] Although not shown in the drawings, the attachment A may be a voice recording device equipped with a sensor Sen with a microphone function, or at least one of the attachments A1 to A4 may be equipped with a microphone function and be capable of collecting voice.

[0031] Furthermore, the collection of face information, iris information, fingerprint information, and vein information may be realized with a single attachment unit A by using a lens whose focal length can be changed by voltage. A liquid crystal lens may be used as the lens whose focal length can be changed by voltage. [2-2: Configuration of information acquisition device D2]

[0032] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information acquisition device D2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the information acquisition device D2 includes a calculation device 21 and a storage device 22. The information acquisition device D2 may further include a communication device 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25. However, the information acquisition device D2 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25. The calculation device 21, the storage device 22, the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25 may be connected via a data bus 26.

[0033] The arithmetic device 21 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The arithmetic device 21 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in the storage device 22. For example, the arithmetic device 21 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium using a recording medium reading device (e.g., an input device 24 described later) not shown in the figures provided in the information acquisition device D2. The arithmetic device 21 may acquire (i.e., download or read) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the information acquisition device D2 via the communication device 23 (or another communication device). The arithmetic device 21 executes the read computer program. As a result, a logical function block for executing the operation to be performed by the information acquisition device D2 is realized within the calculation device 21. In other words, the calculation device 21 can function as a controller for realizing the logical function block for executing the operation (in other words, processing) to be performed by the information acquisition device D2.

[0034] 4 shows an example of logical functional blocks realized within the arithmetic device 21 to execute the information acquisition operation. As shown in FIG. 4, a communication control unit 211, a storage control unit 212, and a transmission unit 213, which is a specific example of the "transmission means" described in the appendix below, are realized within the arithmetic device 21. However, at least one of the communication control unit 211 and the storage control unit 212 does not have to be realized within the arithmetic device 21. Details of the respective operations of the communication control unit 211, the storage control unit 212, and the transmission unit 213 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0035] The storage device 22 can store desired data. For example, the storage device 22 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device 21. The storage device 22 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic device 21 temporarily uses when the arithmetic device 21 is executing a computer program. The storage device 22 may store data that the information acquisition device D2 stores long-term. The storage device 22 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device 22 may include a non-transitory recording medium. The storage device 22 includes a biometric information storage unit 221, which is a specific example of a "storage means" described in the appendix below.

[0036] The communication device 23 can communicate with devices external to the information acquisition device D2 via a communication network (not shown). The communication device 23 may be a communication interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or USB (Universal Serial Bus). The information acquisition device D2 may transmit and receive signals to and from at least one of the attachment unit A and the information processing device C via the communication device 23.

[0037] The input device 24 is a device that accepts information input to the information acquisition device D2 from outside the information acquisition device D2. In the second embodiment, the input device 24 may include a collection button CB and a send button SB. Furthermore, for example, the input device 24 may include an operation device (e.g., at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by an operator of the information acquisition device D2. Furthermore, for example, the input device 24 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the information acquisition device D2.

[0038] The output device 25 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the information acquisition device D2. For example, the output device 25 may output information as an image. That is, the output device 25 may include a display device (a so-called display) that can display an image showing the information to be output. For example, the output device 25 may output information as sound. That is, the output device 25 may include an audio device (a so-called speaker) that can output sound. For example, the output device 25 may output information on paper. That is, the output device 25 may include a printing device (a so-called printer) that can print desired information on paper. [2-3: Information Acquisition Operation Performed by the Information Acquisition Device D2]

[0039] Next, the information acquisition operation performed by the information acquisition device D2 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information acquisition operation performed by the information acquisition device D2 in the second embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, when the connection unit 11 and the connection unit AC are connected and the information acquisition device D2 and the attachment unit A are connected (step S20: Yes), the communication control unit 211 starts communication with the attachment unit A (step S21).

[0041] If the collection button CB receives input of an operation instruction for the attachment unit A (step S22: Yes), the communication control unit 211 sends an operation instruction to the attachment unit A in accordance with the input of the operation instruction for the attachment unit A received by the collection button CB (step S23).

[0042] The communication control unit 211 receives the biometric information acquired by the attachment unit A (step S24), and the storage control unit 212 stores the biometric information acquired by the attachment unit A in the biometric information storage unit 221 (step S25).

[0043] When the send button SB receives an input of an instruction to send the biometric information to the information processing device C (step S26: Yes), the sending unit 213 sends the biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit 221 to the information processing device C (step S27). [2-4: Technical Effects of the Information Acquisition System S2]

[0044] The information acquisition device D2 in the second embodiment can be held in one hand and has a transmission button SB for receiving input of an operation instruction, so that it is easy for the operator to operate.

[0045] For example, the technical example described in Patent Document 3 above, as a comparative example, has a replacement part limited to a light source unit for personal authentication, and is not designed to be replaced including the imaging part. Therefore, it cannot accommodate technological advances, changes in industry standards, or changes in applications such as facial recognition in ultra-short focus photography, or situations where the resolution of the imaging part itself needs to be improved or changed depending on the imaging subject. Furthermore, the technical example described in Patent Document 4 above, as a comparative example, uses a system in which the imaging device itself emits ultraviolet light, and the irradiation target is limited to the imaging part where the subject places their finger. This leaves other parts undisinfected, which is insufficient from the perspective of infection prevention. Furthermore, all devices are equipped with ultraviolet light control devices, and when no finger is detected, ultraviolet light is emitted without controlling power consumption, making it impossible to disinfect multiple devices at once when needed, resulting in inefficiency. Furthermore, since the UV irradiation cannot be confirmed, there are safety concerns if the device is constantly irradiated in the event of a malfunction.

[0046] In contrast, the information acquisition system S2 in the second embodiment can disinfect the entire detachable portion, i.e., the entire attachment part A, by at least one of ultraviolet irradiation and heat, including boiling. For example, when biological information is acquired from multiple target parts of a certain living body, multiple attachment parts A can be disinfected together after use. Since multiple attachment parts A can be disinfected by ultraviolet irradiation and / or heat, including boiling, for each living body, hygiene can be maintained even when an unspecified number of people use the same device. Since the entire attachment part A can be disinfected, including parts that may come into contact with the living body, this is particularly effective when the attachment part A is used while in contact with the target part. [3: Third Embodiment]

[0047] Next, a third embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information acquisition system S3 to which the third embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied.

[0048] The information acquisition system S3 in the third embodiment may include an information acquisition device D3 and a plurality of attachment units A, similar to the information acquisition system S2 in the second embodiment. [3-1: Configuration of the information acquisition device D3]

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6 , the information acquisition device D3 of the third embodiment includes a calculation device 21 and a storage device 22, similar to the information acquisition device D2 of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the information acquisition device D3 of the third embodiment may include a communication device 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25, similar to the information acquisition device D2 of the second embodiment. However, the information acquisition device D3 does not necessarily include at least one of the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25. The information acquisition device D3 of the third embodiment differs from the information acquisition device D2 of the second embodiment in that the calculation device 21 further includes a determination unit 314. Furthermore, in the information acquisition device D3, the storage device 22 may include a flag table 222. The flag table 222 stores attachment unit identification information for identifying the attachment unit A and flag information as identification information indicating the type of biometric information that the attachment unit A can acquire, in association with each other. Other features of the information acquisition device D3 may be the same as other features of the information acquisition device D2 in the second embodiment. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the parts that are different from the embodiments already described, and will omit the description of other overlapping parts as appropriate.

[0050] The attachment unit A in the third embodiment holds attachment unit identification information for identifying the attachment unit A, and when connected to the information acquisition device D3, presents the attachment unit identification information to the information acquisition device D3. [3-2: Information Acquisition Operation Performed by the Information Acquisition Device D3]

[0051] Next, the information acquisition operation performed by the information acquisition device D3 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information acquisition operation performed by the information acquisition device D3 in the third embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, when the information acquisition device D3 and the attachment unit A are connected (step S20: Yes), the communication control unit 211 starts communication with the attachment unit A, and the communication control unit 211 acquires the attachment unit identification information presented by the attachment unit A (step S30).

[0053] The determination unit 314 determines which attachment A the information acquisition device D3 is connected to based on the attachment identification information (step S31). The determination unit 314 then refers to the flag table 222 shown in Table 1 below to determine which flag information the connected attachment A corresponds to (step S32). [Table 1: Flag Table]

[0054]

[0055] As exemplified in Table 1 above, for example, if attachment unit A is an iris information acquisition device, the attachment unit identification information may be "A1" and flag information indicating iris information may be "1." Also, if attachment unit A is a face information acquisition device, the attachment unit identification information may be "A2" and flag information indicating face information may be "2." Also, if attachment unit A is a fingerprint information acquisition device, the attachment unit identification information may be "A3" and flag information indicating fingerprint information may be "3." Also, if attachment unit A is a vein information acquisition device, the attachment unit identification information may be "A4" and flag information indicating vein information may be "4."

[0056] The storage control unit 212 associates the biometric information with flag information indicating the type of biometric information that can be acquired by the attachment unit A as determined by the determination unit 314, and stores the associated information in the biometric information storage unit 221 (step S33). That is, flag information that can identify the type of biometric information is attached to the biometric information. For example, if the attachment unit A is a fingerprint information acquisition device, "4" indicating fingerprint information is attached to the biometric information acquired from the attachment unit A. The biometric information storage unit 221 may, for example, have separate storage areas for each type of biometric information.

[0057] The storage control unit 212 determines whether all necessary biometric information has been stored (step S34). For example, if iris information and fingerprint information are necessary, the storage control unit 212 determines whether both the iris information and the fingerprint information are stored in the biometric information storage unit 221.

[0058] If all the necessary biometric information has not been stored (step S34: No), the process returns to step S20 to collect the necessary biometric information. In this case, as will be described in a later embodiment, the information acquisition device D3 may prompt the operator of the information acquisition device D3 to connect the attachment unit A to the information acquisition device D3 in order to acquire the necessary biometric information.

[0059] If all the necessary biometric information has been stored (step S34: Yes), the operations of steps S26 and S27 are executed.

[0060] The storage control unit 212 may collectively store biometric information collected from multiple collection target sites of a living body. The transmission unit 213 may collectively transmit the biometric information collected from the living body to the information processing device C in a batch. This reduces errors such as mixing up information from different living bodies. [3-3: Technical Effects of Information Acquisition System S3]

[0061] The information acquisition system S3 according to the third embodiment can accurately distinguish from which target site the biometric information was collected, even when multiple types of biometric information are acquired. [4: Fourth Embodiment]

[0062] Next, a fourth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information acquisition system S4 to which the fourth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied.

[0063] The information acquisition system S4 in the fourth embodiment may include an information acquisition device D4 and a plurality of attachment units A, similar to the information acquisition system S2 in the second embodiment and the information acquisition system S3 in the third embodiment. The configuration of the information acquisition device D4 in the fourth embodiment may be similar to the configuration of the information acquisition device D3 in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4-1: Appearance of the information acquisition system S4

[0064] 8A, the connection portion 11 has a plurality of recesses 11P. The recesses 11P may be pin holes. For example, the connection portion 11 may have pin holes numbered 11P1 to 11P4.

[0065] The connection portion AC has at least one protrusion ACP that is unique to the attachment portion A. The at least one protrusion ACP may be a pin whose position and / or number is fixed for each attachment portion A. As shown in FIG. 8( b), for example, the attachment portion A1 may have pins ACP1 and ACP2 corresponding to the pin holes No. 1 11P1 and No. 2 11P2. As shown in FIG. 8( c), for example, the attachment portion A2 may have pins ACP1 and ACP3 corresponding to the pin holes No. 1 11P1 and No. 3 11P3. As shown in FIG. 8( d), for example, the attachment portion A3 may have pins ACP1 and ACP4 corresponding to the pin holes No. 1 11P1 and No. 4 11P4. As shown in FIG. 8( e), for example, the attachment portion A4 may have pins ACP2 and ACP3 corresponding to the pin holes No. 2 11P2 and No. 3 11P3. [4-2: Information Acquisition Operation Performed by Information Acquisition Device D4]

[0066] Next, with reference to FIG. 9 , the information acquisition operation performed by the information acquisition device D4 in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the information acquisition operation performed by the information acquisition device D4 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the information acquisition device D4 and the attachment unit A are connected (step S20: Yes), the communication control unit 211 starts communication with the attachment unit A, and the communication control unit 211 acquires connection status information indicating which of the multiple recesses 11P is connected to the protrusion ACP (step S40). The determination unit 314 determines which attachment unit A is connected based on the connection status information (step S41). The determination unit 314 references the flag table 222 illustrated in Table 2 below and determines which flag information corresponds to the connected attachment unit A (step S42). [Table 2: Flag Table]

[0067]

[0068] As illustrated in Table 2 above, for example, when the attachment unit A is the attachment unit A1, the recesses 11P connected to the protrusions ACP may be "1" and "2," which correspond to "1" indicating iris information. When the attachment unit A is the attachment unit A2, the recesses 11P connected to the protrusions ACP may be "1" and "3," which correspond to "2" indicating face information. When the attachment unit A is the attachment unit A3, the recesses 11P connected to the protrusions ACP may be "1" and "4," which correspond to "3" indicating fingerprint information. When the attachment unit A is the attachment unit A4, the recesses 11P connected to the protrusions ACP may be "2" and "3," which correspond to "4" indicating vein information.

[0069] The operations from step S22 onward may be the same as the information acquisition operations in the third embodiment described with reference to Fig. 7. [4-3: Technical Effects of Information Acquisition System S4]

[0070] The information acquisition system S4 according to the fourth embodiment can accurately distinguish from which target site the biometric information was collected, even when multiple types of biometric information are acquired. [5: Fifth Embodiment]

[0071] Next, a fifth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information acquisition system S5 to which the fifth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied.

[0072] The information acquisition system S5 in the fifth embodiment differs from the other embodiments in the method of changing the connection between the information acquisition device D5 and the attachment unit A. The information acquisition device D5 in the fifth embodiment may have at least one other feature that is the same as the information acquisition device D2 in the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D4 in the fourth embodiment. [5-1: Appearance of the information acquisition system S5]

[0073] As shown in Fig. 10 , the information acquisition system S5 in the fifth embodiment includes a mounting unit M. The mounting unit M is equipped with a plurality of types of attachment units A. In the example shown in Fig. 10 , the mounting unit M is equipped with attachment units A1, A2, A3, and A4. The positional relationship of the mounting unit M relative to the connection unit 11 is changeable.

[0074] The attachment unit A connected to the information acquisition device D5 can be changed by changing the relative positional relationship between the mounting unit M and the connection unit 11. By changing the relative positional relationship between the mounting unit M and the connection unit 11, the connection unit AC of any of the attachment units A can be connected to the connection unit 11. Figure 10 illustrates an example of a state in which the connection unit 11 and the connection unit AC2 are connected and the attachment unit A2 is operable.

[0075] The mounting unit M may be bar-shaped. That is, the relative positional relationship between the mounting unit M and the connection unit 11 in the linear direction may be changed. As illustrated in Fig. 10 , the information acquisition device D5 and the mounting unit M may be moved relative to each other in the direction of the arrow S to connect the connection unit 11 to one of the connection units AC1 to AC4, and the attachment unit A corresponding to the connected connection unit AC may be operated.

[0076] The mounting portion M may be circular or arc-shaped. That is, the relative positional relationship between the mounting portion M and the connection portion 11 in the rotational direction may be changed.

[0077] For example, the positional relationship between the information acquisition device D5 and the mounting unit M may be automatically changed depending on how the operator holds the holding unit H. For example, if the mounting unit M is bar-shaped and the operator holds the holding unit H so that the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit M is vertical, the positional relationship may be changed to one in which the connection unit 11 and the uppermost attachment unit A1 are connected.

[0078] Furthermore, the usability of a given attachment unit A may be changed depending on how the operator holds the holding unit H. For example, if the mounting unit M is bar-shaped and the operator holds the holding unit H so that the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit M is vertical, the attachment units A1 and A2 may be changed to usable, and the attachment units A3 and A4 may be changed to unusable. Furthermore, if the mounting unit M is bar-shaped and the operator holds the holding unit H so that the longitudinal direction of the mounting unit M is horizontal, the attachment units A3 and A4 may be changed to usable, and the attachment units A1 and A2 may be changed to unusable. [5-2: Technical Effects of Information Acquisition System S5]

[0079] The method for changing the connection between the information acquisition device D5 and the attachment unit A in the information acquisition system S5 according to the fifth embodiment allows the attachment unit A to be changed smoothly. [6: Sixth Embodiment]

[0080] Next, a sixth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the sixth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information acquisition system S6 to which the sixth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied. [6-1: Configuration of the information acquisition device D6]

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11 , the information acquisition device D6 of the sixth embodiment includes a calculation device 21 and a storage device 22, similar to the information acquisition device D2 of the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D5 of the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, the information acquisition device D6 of the sixth embodiment may include a communication device 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25, similar to the information acquisition devices D2 of the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D5 of the fifth embodiment. However, the information acquisition device D6 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25. The information acquisition device D6 of the sixth embodiment differs from the information acquisition devices D2 of the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D5 of the fifth embodiment in that the storage device 22 further stores a driver D. The storage device 22 stores a driver D corresponding to each attachment unit A connectable to the information acquisition device D6. Furthermore, the calculation device 21 included in the information acquisition device D6 may include a determination unit 314. Other features of the information acquisition device D6 may be the same as at least one other feature of the information acquisition device D2 in the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D5 in the fifth embodiment. Therefore, in the following, differences from the already described embodiments will be described in detail, and descriptions of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate. [6-2: Information Acquisition Operation Performed by the Information Acquisition Device D6]

[0082] In the sixth embodiment, when the connection unit 11 and the connection unit AC are connected and the information acquisition device D6 and the attachment unit A are connected, the communication control unit 211 may acquire attachment unit identification information from the attachment unit A, and the determination unit 314 may determine which attachment unit A is connected based on the attachment unit identification information. Alternatively, the communication control unit 211 may acquire connection status information indicating which of the multiple recesses 11P is connected to the protrusion ACP, and the determination unit 314 may determine which attachment unit A is connected based on the connection status information. The communication control unit 211 operates the attachment unit A using the driver D corresponding to the attachment unit A in accordance with the determination by the determination unit 314. [6-3: Technical Effects of the Information Acquisition System S6]

[0083] According to the information acquisition system S6 of the sixth embodiment, the driver D is included in the information acquisition device D6, so that even if the attachment A is changed, the attachment A can be operated stably. [7: Seventh Embodiment]

[0084] Next, a seventh embodiment of an information acquisition device, an information acquisition system, an information processing system, an information acquisition method, and a recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing system SYS7 to which the seventh embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied. [7-1: Configuration of Information Processing System SYS7]

[0085] 12, the information processing system SYS7 includes an information acquisition system S7 and an information processing device C7. The information acquisition system S7 in the seventh embodiment may be similar to at least one of the information acquisition systems S2 in the second embodiment to S6 in the sixth embodiment.

[0086] 12, the information processing device C7 may include a calculation device C1, a storage device C2, a communication device C3, an input device C4, and an output device C5. The calculation device C1, the storage device C2, the communication device C3, the input device C4, and the output device C5 may be connected via a data bus C6.

[0087] The arithmetic device C1 includes, for example, at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The arithmetic device C1 reads a computer program. For example, the arithmetic device C1 may read a computer program stored in a storage device C2. For example, the arithmetic device C1 may read a computer program stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium using a storage medium reading device (e.g., an input device C4, described later) not shown in the drawings provided in the information processing device C7. The arithmetic device C1 may acquire (i.e., download or read) the computer program from a device (not shown) located outside the information processing device C7 via a communication device C3 (or another communication device). The arithmetic device C1 executes the read computer program. As a result, logical functional blocks for executing the operations to be performed by the information processing device C7 are realized within the arithmetic device C1. In other words, the arithmetic device C1 can function as a controller for realizing logical functional blocks for executing the operations (in other words, processing) to be performed by the information processing device C7.

[0088] The storage device C2 can store desired data. For example, the storage device C2 may temporarily store a computer program executed by the arithmetic device C1. The storage device C2 may temporarily store data temporarily used by the arithmetic device C1 when the arithmetic device C1 is executing a computer program. The storage device C2 may store data to be stored long-term by the information processing device C7. The storage device C2 may include at least one of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a disk array device. In other words, the storage device C2 may include a non-transitory recording medium. The storage device C2 may include a biometric information database DB. The above-mentioned arithmetic device C1 may realize a matching unit C17. The matching unit C17 may match biometric information registered in the biometric information database DB with biometric information acquired from the information acquisition device D7.

[0089] The communication device C3 can communicate with devices external to the information processing device C via a communication network (not shown). The communication device C3 may be a communication interface based on standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or USB (Universal Serial Bus). The information processing device C7 may transmit and receive signals to and from the information acquisition device D7 via the communication device C3.

[0090] The input device C4 is a device that accepts information input to the information processing device C7 from outside the information processing device C7. For example, the input device C4 may include an operation device (e.g., at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel) that can be operated by an operator of the information processing device C7. Furthermore, for example, the input device C4 may include a reading device that can read information recorded as data on a recording medium that can be externally attached to the information processing device C7.

[0091] The output device C5 is a device that outputs information to the outside of the information processing device C7. For example, the output device C5 may output information as an image. That is, the output device C5 may include a display device (a so-called display) that can display an image showing the information to be output. For example, the output device C5 may output information as sound. That is, the output device C5 may include an audio device (a so-called speaker) that can output sound. For example, the output device C5 may output information on paper. That is, the output device C5 may include a printing device (a so-called printer) that can print desired information on paper. [7-2: Information Processing Operation Performed by the Information Processing System SYS7]

[0092] Next, the information processing operation performed by the information processing system SYS7 in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing operation performed by the information processing system SYS7 in the seventh embodiment.

[0093] 13, when the send button SB is operated (step S70: Yes), the transmitter 213 transmits the biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit 221 to the information processing device C8 (step S71). For example, when a desired combination of biometric information for a single living organism is stored in the biometric information storage unit 221, the send button SB may be operated. The transmitter 213 may transmit the biometric information collectively to the information processing device C7.

[0094] The information processing device C7 receives the biometric information from the information acquisition device D7 (step S72). The information processing device C7 stores the received biometric information by attaching the same individual identification information to each piece of the information (step S73). The information processing device C7 stores the biometric information sent in bulk by attaching the same individual identification information to each piece of the information. The information processing device C7 may store each piece of the received biometric information in the biometric information database DB.

[0095] When the storage operation in the information processing device C7 is completed, the information processing device C7 transmits a deletion request signal to the information acquisition device D7 (step S74). The communication control unit 211 receives the deletion request (step S75), and the storage control unit 212 deletes the biometric information from the biometric information storage unit 221 (step S76).

[0096] The transmitting unit 213 may transmit the biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit 221 when detecting a connection with the information processing device C7.

[0097] Furthermore, when the connection with the information processing device C7 is cut off, the storage control unit 212 may delete the biometric information temporarily stored in the biometric information storage unit 221. Furthermore, when the transmission unit 213 transmits the biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit 221 to the information processing device C7, the biometric information storage unit 221 may delete the biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit 221. [7-3: Technical Effects of the Information Processing System SYS7]

[0098] In the information processing system SYS7 of the seventh embodiment, the information acquisition device D7 and the information processing device C7 collectively transmit and receive biometric information collected from the same individual, so that the mix-up of biometric information does not occur. Furthermore, after transmitting the biometric information from the information acquisition device D7 to the information processing device C7, the biometric information stored in the information acquisition device D7 is deleted, so that theft of the biometric information can be prevented. [8: Eighth Embodiment]

[0099] Next, an eighth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing system SYS8 to which the eighth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied. [8-1: Appearance of the information acquisition system S8]

[0100] In the eighth embodiment, the information acquisition device D8 is provided with notification elements 8E corresponding to each of multiple types of attachment units A. The notification elements 8E may be capable of notifying the acquisition status of biometric information obtainable from the corresponding attachment unit A, the connection status of the corresponding attachment unit A, etc., by changing their color or lighting pattern. The notification elements 8E may include a light-emitting unit 8El and an illustration unit 8Ei. The light-emitting unit 8El may be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The LED may be capable of changing color. The illustration unit 8Ei may be an illustration indicating the function of the attachment unit A. For example, the lighting mode of the light-emitting unit 8El corresponding to the attachment unit A connected to the information acquisition device D8 may be changed. Additionally or alternatively, the illustration unit 8Ei corresponding to the attachment unit A connected to the information acquisition device D8 may be highlighted.

[0101] In the eighth embodiment, the information acquisition device D8 may be connectable to attachment units A1, A2, A3, and A4. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the information acquisition device D8 may be provided with a light-emitting unit 8El1 and an illustration unit 8Ei1 corresponding to attachment unit A1, a light-emitting unit 8El2 and an illustration unit 8Ei2 corresponding to attachment unit A2, a light-emitting unit 8El3 and an illustration unit 8Ei3 corresponding to attachment unit A3, and a light-emitting unit 8El4 and an illustration unit 8Ei4 corresponding to attachment unit A4. [8-2: Configuration of Information Processing System SYS8]

[0102] As shown in FIG. 15 , the information acquisition device D8 of the eighth embodiment includes a computing device 21 and a storage device 22, similar to the information acquisition device D2 of the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D7 of the seventh embodiment. Furthermore, the information acquisition device D8 of the eighth embodiment may include a communication device 23, an input device 24, and an output device 25, similar to the information acquisition devices D2 of the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D7 of the seventh embodiment. However, the information acquisition device D8 does not necessarily include at least one of the communication device 23, the input device 24, and the output device 25. The information acquisition device D8 of the eighth embodiment differs from the information acquisition devices D2 of the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D7 of the seventh embodiment in that the computing device 21 further includes a receiving unit 815 and an alarm unit 816. The receiving unit 815 receives information indicating desired biometric information from the information processing device C8. The alarm unit 816 controls the alarm operation of an alarm element 8E corresponding to each of the multiple types of attachment units A. Other features of the information acquisition device D8 may be the same as at least one other feature of the information acquisition device D2 in the second embodiment to the information acquisition device D7 in the seventh embodiment.

[0103] 15, the information processing device C8 in the eighth embodiment may include a calculation device C1, a storage device C2, a communication device C3, an input device C4, and an output device C5, similar to the information processing device C7 in the seventh embodiment. The information processing device C8 in the eighth embodiment differs from the information processing device C7 in the seventh embodiment in that the calculation device C1 further includes an output control unit C18. The output control unit C18 may control the output device C5 to output information related to the acquisition of biometric information. Other features of the information processing device C8 may be the same as other features of the information processing device C7 in the seventh embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, differences from the embodiments already described will be described in detail, and descriptions of other overlapping parts will be omitted as appropriate. [8-3: Information Processing Operation Performed by Information Processing System SYS8]

[0104] First, the information processing operation performed by the information acquisition device D8 in the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing operation performed by the information acquisition device D8 in the eighth embodiment.

[0105] 16, the receiving unit 815 receives information indicating desired biometric information from the information processing device C8 (step S80). The receiving unit 815 may receive information indicating desired biometric information such as the example shown in Table 3 below from the information processing device C8. Individual identification information may be associated with the information indicating the desired biometric information. [Table 3: Information indicating desired biometric information]

[0106]

[0107] Table 3 above illustrates that the iris information acquired by attachment unit A having attachment unit identification information "A1", i.e., attachment unit A1, is "required", the face information acquired by attachment unit A having attachment unit identification information "A2", i.e., attachment unit A2, is "required", the fingerprint information acquired by attachment unit A3 is "required", and the iris information acquired by attachment unit A having attachment unit identification information "A4", i.e., attachment unit A4, is "unnecessary". As illustrated in Table 3 above, the information indicating the desired biometric information may include information about all attachment units A that can be connected to information acquisition device D8.

[0108] The notification unit 816 determines whether or not it is necessary to acquire biometric information for each of the attachment units A connectable to the information acquisition device D8 (step S81). The notification unit 816 determines whether or not it is necessary to acquire biometric information for the attachment unit A1. If it is necessary to acquire biometric information (step S81: Yes), the notification unit 816 causes the light-emitting unit 8El1 corresponding to the attachment unit A1 to issue a notification in a second notification mode (step S82). For example, the second notification mode may be a mode in which a second color is lit.

[0109] The notification unit 816 determines whether notification has been made for all attachment units A connectable to the information acquisition device D8 (step S84). If notification has not been made for all attachment units A connectable to the information acquisition device D8 (step S84: No), the process proceeds to step S81.

[0110] The alarm unit 816 determines whether or not biometric information needs to be acquired for the attachment unit A2, and if so (step S81: Yes), the alarm unit 816 causes the light-emitting unit 8El2 corresponding to the attachment unit A2 to issue an alert in the second alert mode (step S82). The alarm unit 816 determines whether or not biometric information needs to be acquired for the attachment unit A3, and if so (step S81: Yes), the alarm unit 816 causes the light-emitting unit 8El3 corresponding to the attachment unit A3 to issue an alert in the second alert mode (step S82). The alarm unit 816 determines whether or not biometric information needs to be acquired for the attachment unit A4, and if so (step S81: No), the alarm unit 816 causes the light-emitting unit 8El4 corresponding to the attachment unit A4 to issue an alert in the first alert mode (step S83). For example, the first notification mode may be a mode in which a first color is illuminated.

[0111] If the information indicating the desired biometric information is the information exemplified in Table 3 above, as shown in Figure 17 (a), the alarm unit 816 may light up the light-emitting units 8El1, 8El2, and 8El3 in the second color and light up the light-emitting unit 8El4 in the first color.

[0112] If notifications have been sent for all attachment units A connectable to the information acquisition device D8 (step S84: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20. If the information acquisition device D8 and attachment unit A are connected (step S20: Yes), the determination unit 314 determines the attachment unit A (step S85). The determination unit 314 may determine which attachment unit A corresponds to the notification element 8E. The notification unit 816 may change the display mode of the corresponding illustration unit 8Ei. For example, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the information acquisition device D8 and attachment unit A4 are connected, the notification unit 816 may change the display mode so that the illustration unit 8Ei4 is emphasized. Furthermore, when the information acquisition device D8 and attachment unit A1 are connected, the notification unit 816 may change the display mode so that the illustration unit 8Ei1 is emphasized, as shown in FIG. 17(c).

[0113] The alarm unit 816 determines whether the attachment unit A determined in step S85 is an attachment unit A that requires acquisition of biometric information (step S86). If the attachment unit A is an attachment unit A that does not require acquisition of biometric information (step S86: No), the alarm unit 816 outputs an alert (step S87). As shown in FIG. 14(b), for example, when the information acquisition device D8 and the attachment unit A4 are connected, the alarm unit 816 may blink the light-emitting unit 8El4. Furthermore, the alarm unit 816 may transmit information to the information processing device C8 indicating that an attachment unit A that does not require acquisition of biometric information has been connected to the information acquisition device D8. The output control unit C18 may cause the output device C5 to output information indicating that an attachment unit A that does not require acquisition of biometric information has been connected to the information acquisition device D8. In particular, when the information processing device C8 and the information acquisition device D8 are located apart, it is preferable that the alarm be provided by both the information processing device C8 and the information acquisition device D8. After the alert is output, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0114] If attachment unit A is an attachment unit A that requires the acquisition of biometric information (step S86: Yes) and the collection button CB accepts input of an operation instruction for attachment unit A (step S22: Yes), the communication control unit 211 sends an operation instruction (step S23), receives the biometric information (step S24), and the memory control unit 212 stores the biometric information (step S33).

[0115] The memory control unit 212 associates the biometric information with flag information indicating the type of biometric information that the attachment unit A can acquire, as determined by the determination unit 314, and stores the associated information in the biometric information storage unit 221. The notification unit 816 causes the light-emitting unit 8El corresponding to the attachment unit A to issue a third notification mode (step S88). That is, when biometric information that the attachment unit A can acquire is stored, the notification unit 816 changes the notification mode of the light-emitting unit 8El corresponding to the attachment unit A from the second notification mode to the third notification mode. For example, the third notification mode may be a mode in which a third color is illuminated. The notification unit 816 causes each notification element 8E to issue a notification so that the first, second, and third notification modes are different from each other. For example, when the information acquisition device D8 and the attachment unit A1 are connected and iris information is stored, as shown in Figure 17 (c), the alarm unit 816 changes the alarm mode of the light-emitting unit 8El1 from the second alarm mode to the third alarm mode.

[0116] The notification unit 816 determines whether all of the desired biometric information has been acquired (step S89). If all of the desired biometric information has been acquired (step S89: Yes), the process proceeds to step S26. If all of the desired biometric information has not been acquired (step S89: No), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0117] The case where all of the desired biometric information has been acquired may be the case where the light-emitting unit 8El of the second notification mode is no longer present. The information acquisition device D8 may perform control so that the send button SB can be operated when the light-emitting unit 8El of the second notification mode is no longer present. When all of the desired biometric information has been acquired (step S89: Yes), the information acquisition device D8 may enable operation of the send button SB. Alternatively, when all of the desired biometric information has not been acquired (step S89: No), the information acquisition device D8 may disable operation of the send button SB.

[0118] When all the desired biometric information has been acquired, the output control unit C18 may cause the output device C5 to output guidance indicating that the biometric information has been acquired. Furthermore, when the send button SB is operated despite the presence of the light-emitting unit 8El in the second notification mode, the output control unit C18 may cause the output device C5 to output an alert indicating that all the biometric information has not been acquired.

[0119] In step S27, the information acquisition device D8 may associate the acquired desired biometric information with individual identification information and transmit the information to the information processing device C8.

[0120] Next, the information processing operation performed by the information processing device C8 in the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing operation performed by the information processing device C8 in the eighth embodiment.

[0121] The information processing operation by the information processing device C8 shown in FIG. 18 may be an operation performed when the information acquisition device D8 transmits biometric information.

[0122] 18, the information processing device C8 receives biometric information from the information acquisition device D8 (step S90). The matching unit C17 matches at least one of the biometric information and the individual identification information registered in the biometric information database DB with at least one of the biometric information and the individual identification information received from the information acquisition device D8 (step S91).

[0123] The storage device C2 stores the biometric information received from the information acquisition device D8 in the biometric information database DB as necessary (step S92). If it is determined by the matching that biometric information acquired from the same living body is already stored in the biometric information database DB, the storage device C2 may associate the received biometric information with the already stored biometric information and store the received biometric information as biometric information acquired from the same living body in the biometric information database DB.

[0124] The output control unit C18 determines whether further biometric information is required (step S93). If further biometric information is required, the output control unit C18 causes the output device C5 to notify the same (step S94). The output control unit C18 also transmits this information to the information acquisition device D8 (step S95). The information transmitted in step S95 may be the information received in step S80 shown in FIG. 16. [8-4: Technical Effects of Information Processing System SYS8]

[0125] In the information processing system SYS8 of the eighth embodiment, the information acquisition device D8 causes the notification element 8 to notify the acquisition status of biometric information, thereby preventing the incorrect collection of biometric information. Also, when an attachment unit A that does not require the acquisition of biometric information is connected to the information acquisition device D8, both the information acquisition device D8 and the information processing device C8 output an alert, so that attention can be reliably drawn. Furthermore, when there is biometric information that needs to be acquired but has not yet been acquired for a living body corresponding to the biometric information received from the information acquisition device D8, both the information acquisition device D8 and the information processing device C8 output an alert, so that the necessary biometric information can be reliably acquired. [9: Ninth Embodiment]

[0126] Next, a ninth embodiment of an information acquisition device, an information acquisition system, an information processing system, an information acquisition method, and a recording medium will be described. Hereinafter, the ninth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium will be described using an information processing system SYS9 to which the ninth embodiment of the information acquisition device, the information acquisition system, the information processing system, the information acquisition method, and the recording medium is applied. [9-1: Configuration of Information Processing System SYS9]

[0127] As shown in FIG. 19 , the information processing device C9 of the ninth embodiment may include a calculation device C1, a storage device C2, a communication device C3, an input device C4, and an output device C5, similar to the information processing device C7 of the seventh embodiment and the information processing device C8 of the eighth embodiment. The information processing device C9 of the ninth embodiment differs from the information processing device C7 of the seventh embodiment and the information processing device C8 of the eighth embodiment in that the calculation device C1 further includes a dirt detection unit C19. The dirt detection unit C19 detects dirt on the light receiving unit R. Other features of the information processing device C9 may be the same as those of the information processing device C7 of the seventh embodiment or the information processing device C8 of the eighth embodiment. Therefore, the following will describe in detail the differences from the previously described embodiments, and will omit appropriate descriptions of other overlapping features. Also, as shown in FIG. 19 , the information acquisition system S9 of the ninth embodiment may have the same features as the information acquisition system S8 of the eighth embodiment.

[0128] Similar to the attachment part A in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the attachment part A in the ninth embodiment includes a light receiving part R. As shown in Fig. 2, the light receiving part R1 is a component included in the sensor part Sen1 provided in the attachment part A1. The light receiving part R2 is a component included in the sensor part Sen2 provided in the attachment part A2. The light receiving part R3 is a component included in the sensor part Sen3 provided in the attachment part A3. The light receiving part R4 is a component included in the sensor part Sen4 provided in the attachment part A4.

[0129] The dirt detection unit C19 detects dirt on the light receiving unit R. When connected, the attachment unit A may automatically acquire a dirt detection image of a reference object and transmit the image to the information processing device C9 via the connection unit 11. The reference object may be a flat, monochromatic item. The storage device C2 may store a reference image of the reference object when the light receiving unit R is completely clean. The dirt detection unit C19 may compare the acquired dirt detection image with the reference image and detect the degree of dirt on the light receiving unit R depending on the degree of difference between the images.

[0130] The dirt detection unit C19 controls notification of detected dirt. The information processing device C9 may cause the output device C5 to output guidance according to the degree of dirt. The dirt detection unit C19 may, for example, prompt at least one of replacement, cleaning, and disinfection of the attachment unit A according to the degree of dirt on the light receiving unit R. For example, if the degree of dirt is severe, the dirt detection unit C19 may cause the output device C5 to output guidance prompting replacement of the sensor unit Sen. [9-2: Technical Effects of the Information Processing System SYS9]

[0131] The information processing system SYS9 in the ninth embodiment can detect dirt, and therefore can acquire high-quality and useful biometric information.

[0132] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiments. [Supplementary Note 1] An information acquisition device comprising: connection means for connecting to an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information; storage means for storing the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and transmission means for transmitting the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device. [Supplementary Note 2] The information acquisition device of claim 1, further comprising: a housing that can be held in one hand; and reception means, provided in the housing, for receiving input of an operation instruction for the information acquisition unit. [Supplementary Note 3] The information acquisition device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising determination means for acquiring identification information that identifies the information acquisition unit presented by the information acquisition unit and determining which of the information acquisition units it is connected to, and the storage means stores the biometric information in association with identification information that indicates the type of biometric information that the information acquisition unit can acquire as determined by the determination means. [Supplementary Note 4] The information acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the connection means has a plurality of recesses and is connected to any one of a plurality of types of information acquisition units, wherein a connection portion of the information acquisition unit that is connected to the connection means has at least one protrusion that is unique to the information acquisition unit, and further comprises a determination means that determines which of the information acquisition units the information acquisition unit is connected to depending on which of the plurality of recesses is connected to the protrusion, and wherein the storage means stores the biometric information in association with identification information that indicates the type of biometric information that the information acquisition unit can acquire as determined by the determination means. [Supplementary Note 5] The information acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of types of information acquisition units are mounted on an information acquisition unit mounting unit that is changeable in positional relationship relative to the connection means, and wherein changing the relative positional relationship between the information acquisition unit mounting unit and the connection means connects the connection portion of any one of the information acquisition units to the connection means. [Supplementary Note 6] The information acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the storage means includes a driver corresponding to the information acquisition unit, and the connection means operates the information acquisition unit using the driver corresponding to the information acquisition unit.[Supplementary Note 7] The information acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, further comprising: notification means for causing each notification element to issue a notification so that a first notification mode of the notification element corresponding to an information acquisition unit that does not need to acquire biometric information, a second notification mode of the notification element corresponding to an information acquisition unit that has not acquired necessary biometric information, and a third notification mode of the notification element corresponding to an information acquisition unit that has already acquired biometric information are different from one another. [Supplementary Note 8] An information acquisition system comprising: an information acquisition device comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, and connection means for connecting to the information acquisition unit, storage means for storing the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and transmission means for transmitting the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device, wherein the information acquisition unit includes a housing or cover member made of a material including at least one of an ultraviolet resistant material and a boiling resistant material. [Supplementary Note 9] An information processing system including an information acquisition device comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information; another device that processes the biometric information; and connection means for connecting to the information acquisition unit, storage means for storing the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and transmission means for transmitting the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device, wherein when the transmission means transmits the biometric information stored in the storage means to the other device, the other device stores the received biometric information by assigning the same biometric identification number to each piece of the biometric information, and the storage means deletes the stored biometric information. [Supplementary Note 10] The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the information acquisition unit includes a light receiving unit, and the other device further comprises dirt detection means for detecting dirt on the light receiving unit and notifying the user. [Supplementary Note 11] The information processing system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, when the information acquisition unit that does not require the acquisition of biometric information is connected to the information acquisition device, the other device further comprises output means for outputting a message to that effect. [Supplementary Note 12] The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 11, wherein the other device further comprises output means for outputting, when there is biometric information that needs to be acquired but has not yet been acquired, for a biometric corresponding to the biometric information received from the information acquisition device.[Supplementary Note 13] An information acquisition method comprising: connecting to an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, storing the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit in storage means, and transmitting the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device. [Supplementary Note 14] A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for causing a computer to execute an information acquisition method comprising: connecting to an information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information, storing the biometric information acquired by the information acquisition unit in storage means, and transmitting the biometric information stored in the storage means to another device.

[0133] At least some of the constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined with at least some of the other constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments. Some of the constituent elements of each of the above-described embodiments may not be used. Furthermore, to the extent permitted by law, the disclosures of all documents (e.g., published patent applications) cited in this disclosure are incorporated by reference as part of the description of this disclosure.

[0134] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims and the technical idea that can be read from the entire specification. Information acquisition devices, information acquisition systems, information processing systems, information acquisition methods, and recording media that involve such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0135] SYS7, SYS8, SYS9 Information processing system S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 Information acquisition system D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9 Information acquisition device 11 Connection unit 12 Memory unit 13, 213 Transmission unit 211 Communication control unit 212 Memory control unit 221 Biometric information storage unit H Holding unit CB Collection button SB Transmission button 314 Determination unit 11P Recessed part D Driver 815 Receiving unit 816 Notification unit 8E Notification element 8El Light-emitting unit 8Ei Illustration unit A Attachment unit E Exterior unit AC Connection unit ACP Convex part AG Guide member R Light-receiving unit M Mounting unit C, C7, C8, C9 Information processing device C17 Collation unit C18 Output control unit C19 Dirt detection unit DB Biometric information database

Claims

1. Connection means for connecting to an information acquisition unit that acquires biological information, Storage means for storing the biological information acquired by the information acquisition unit, Transmission means for transmitting the biological information stored in the storage means to another device An information acquisition device comprising.

2. A housing that can be gripped with one hand, Provided in the housing, Receiving means for receiving an input of an operation instruction for the information acquisition unit And The information acquisition device according to claim 1, further comprising.

3. Further comprising determination means for acquiring identification information for identifying the information acquisition unit presented by the information acquisition unit and determining which information acquisition unit is connected, The storage means stores the biological information in association with identification information indicating the type of biological information that can be acquired by the information acquisition unit determined by the determination means. The information acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The connection means, Has a plurality of recesses, Is connected to any one of a plurality of types of the information acquisition units, The connection part of the information acquisition unit with the connection means has, At least one convex part unique to the information acquisition unit, Further comprising determination means for determining which information acquisition unit is connected according to which recess of the plurality of recesses is connected to the convex part, The storage means stores the biological information in association with identification information indicating the type of biological information that can be acquired by the information acquisition unit determined by the determination means. The information acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The plurality of types of information acquisition units are mounted on an information acquisition unit mounting part where the relative positional relationship with the connection means can be changed, By changing the relative positional relationship between the information acquisition unit mounting part and the connection means, the connection part of any one of the information acquisition units is connected to the connection means. The information acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The storage means includes a driver corresponding to the information acquisition unit, The connection means operates the information acquisition unit using the driver corresponding to the information acquisition unit. The information acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Including notification elements corresponding to each of the plurality of types of information acquisition units, A first notification mode of the notification element corresponding to the information acquisition unit for which there is no need to acquire biological information, A second notification mode of the notification element corresponding to the information acquisition unit for which the necessary biological information has not been acquired, and A third notification mode of the notification element corresponding to the information acquisition unit for which biological information has been acquired. Further comprising notification means for causing each notification element to perform notification so that they are different from each other. The information acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. An information acquisition unit that acquires biological information, and Connection means for connecting to the information acquisition unit, Storage means for storing the biological information acquired by the information acquisition unit, Transmission means for transmitting the biological information stored in the storage means to another device An information acquisition device including, The information acquisition unit includes a housing or a cover member formed of a material including at least one of an ultraviolet-resistant material and a boiling-resistant material Information acquisition system.

9. An information acquisition unit that acquires biological information, Another device that processes the biological information, and Connection means for connecting to the information acquisition unit, Storage means for storing the biological information acquired by the information acquisition unit, Transmission means for transmitting the biological information stored in the storage means to another device An information acquisition device including, When the transmission means transmits the biological information stored in the storage means to the other device, The other device attaches the same biological identification number to each of the received biological information and stores it, The storage means deletes the stored biological information Information processing system.

10. The information acquisition unit includes a light receiving unit, The other device further includes dirt detection means for detecting and notifying dirt on the light receiving unit The information processing system according to claim 9.