Method and electronic device for acquiring image for biometric recognition of companion animal

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and an electronic device for controlling a camera to acquire an image suitable for biometric recognition of a companion animal. The method for acquiring an image for biometric recognition of a companion animal according to the present invention includes the steps of: outputting a preview image of a companion animal photographed by a camera provided in an electronic device; detecting a feature area for biometric recognition of the companion animal from the preview image; determining a focal length on the basis of a position of the feature area in a state in which a focus mode of the camera is configured to an automatic focus mode; applying manual focus adjustment to the focal length in a state in which the focus mode of the camera is switched to a manual focus mode; and storing the image for biometric recognition of the companion animal in a memory in a state in which the focus of the camera is applied using the focal length to which the manual focus adjustment has been applied.

Description

Method and electronic device for acquiring images for biometric identification of companion animals

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an electronic device for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal.

[0002] In modern society, demand for companion animals, which people can rely on emotionally, is increasing. To provide various additional services, such as lifecycle management and health care, there is a growing need to manage companion animal information in a database. This requires individual identification information, and each pet can be individually defined for each object. For example, similar to human fingerprints, a dog's nose print (the shape of its nose wrinkles) is known to vary from individual to individual, and generally, once a dog reaches adulthood (6 months of age), this characteristic remains unchanged for the remainder of its life. Therefore, it can be said that a dog's nose print can be used as a means of identification.

[0003] However, unlike people who can assume specific positions or use various sensors, pets find it difficult to do so. Because they lack verbal communication, methods such as forcing them into specific positions or contacting sensors using physical force or tools like a frame can be considered. However, this is not desirable from the perspective of protecting the rights of pets and potentially causing resistance from pet owners. Furthermore, because it requires someone to secure the pet and someone to operate the device that captures the pet's biometric information, it presents a practical problem: it's difficult to collect biometric information alone.

[0004] For the reasons described above, the process of acquiring images for pet biometric identification presents challenges in obtaining images of suitable quality for recognition or learning. Specifically, when a person directly photographs a pet, the focus and exposure are often not suitable for AI-based learning and recognition. Therefore, when a user activates the camera toward a pet, an electronic device, rather than a human, must control the camera to capture the image so that it is suitable for capturing the pet's biometric information.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide a method and an electronic device for controlling a camera to acquire an image suitable for biometric identification of a companion animal.

[0006] A method for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal according to the present invention comprises the steps of: outputting a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera provided in an electronic device; detecting a feature region for biometric identification of the companion animal from the preview image; determining a focal length as a position of the feature region while the focus mode of the camera is set to an auto focus mode; applying manual focus adjustment to the focal length while the focus mode of the camera is switched to a manual focus mode; and acquiring an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the focus of the camera to the focal length to which the manual focus adjustment has been applied.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of applying manual focus adjustment to the auto-focus distance may include the step of changing the focal distance by adding or subtracting a manual focus adjustment value to the auto-focus distance set by the auto-focus mode.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the manual focus adjustment value may be set to a fine adjustment value less than a specific ratio with respect to the auto focus distance.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of applying the manual focus adjustment and the step of acquiring an image for biometric recognition of the companion animal may be repeated two or more times.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the focus mode of the camera may be set to be periodically switched to the auto focus mode at regular intervals.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of acquiring an image for biometric recognition of the companion animal may include a step of identifying a feature object located inside the feature area, a step of performing a quality check on an image of the feature object, and a step of storing the image of the feature object in a memory if the image of the feature object satisfies a quality condition according to the quality check.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of acquiring an image for biometric identification of the companion animal may include a step of determining a manual focus adjustment value for the manual focus adjustment based on the quality inspection.

[0013] A method for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: outputting a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera provided in an electronic device; detecting a feature area for biometric identification of the companion animal from the preview image; determining an exposure value of the feature area while the exposure mode of the camera is set to an automatic exposure mode; applying manual exposure adjustment to the exposure value while the exposure mode of the camera is switched to a manual exposure mode; and acquiring an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the exposure of the camera to the exposure value to which the manual exposure adjustment has been applied.

[0014] An electronic device for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal according to the present invention includes a camera for capturing an image, a display for visually displaying the image, a processor functionally connected to the display and the camera, and a memory functionally connected to the processor. The processor outputs a preview image of the companion animal captured by the camera through the display, detects a feature area for biometric identification of the companion animal from the preview image, determines a focal length based on a position of the feature area while the focus mode of the camera is set to an auto focus mode, applies manual focus adjustment to the focal length while the focus mode of the camera is switched to a manual focus mode, and stores an image for biometric identification of the companion animal in the memory while the focus of the camera is applied to the focal length to which the manual focus adjustment has been applied.

[0015] An electronic device for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal according to the present invention includes a camera for capturing an image, a display for visually displaying the image, a processor functionally coupled to the display and the camera, and a memory functionally coupled to the processor. The processor outputs a preview image of the companion animal captured by the camera, detects a feature area for biometric identification of the companion animal from the preview image, determines an exposure value of the feature area while the exposure mode of the camera is set to an automatic exposure mode, applies manual exposure adjustment to the exposure value while the exposure mode of the camera is switched to a manual exposure mode, and acquires an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the exposure of the camera to the exposure value to which the manual exposure adjustment has been applied.

[0016] According to the present invention, an image more suitable for biometric recognition can be acquired by first determining a focal length while the focus mode of the camera is set to auto focus mode and then applying manual focus adjustment while the focus mode of the camera is switched to manual focus mode.

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the imaging process for biometric identification of a companion animal.

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a screen output during a photographing process for biometric identification of a companion animal.

[0020] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the auto-focus distance used in the process of taking an image for biometric identification of a companion animal and the focal distance of an image suitable for biometric identification.

[0021] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method for acquiring biometric information of a companion animal according to the present invention.

[0022] Figures 6a and 6b are drawings for explaining the focal length in the process of taking an image to obtain the biometric information of a companion animal.

[0023] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether to acquire an image in the process of acquiring biometric information of a companion animal according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a process of performing exposure control in the process of acquiring biometric information of a companion animal according to the present invention.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0026] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0027] In addition, in various embodiments, components having the same configuration are described only in representative embodiments using the same symbols, and in other embodiments, only configurations different from the representative embodiments are described.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected (or coupled)" with another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected (or coupled)" but also cases where it is "indirectly connected (or coupled)" with other elements in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0030] Hereinafter, a method and electronic device for biometric identification of a companion animal according to the present invention will be described. Biometric information of a companion animal is acquired to confirm the companion animal's identity. Biometric information of a companion animal may include iris, facial shape, body shape, and nose wrinkle shape (nasal print). This document focuses on photographing a dog's nose print as a biometric information of a companion animal. However, the scope of companion animals in the present invention is not limited to dogs and cats, and various physical characteristics of companion animals can be used as identification information, not limited to nose prints.

[0031] According to the present invention, an electronic device (1) photographs a companion animal using a camera (10) and acquires the companion animal's biometric information from the photographed image. The electronic device (1) may be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. In addition, the electronic device (1) may correspond to a computing device (e.g., a laptop computer or a desktop computer). In the case of a foldable mobile device such as a foldable phone, a front camera may be present before and after folding. In the electronic device (1) according to the present invention, the front camera may be provided inside or outside the display (20).

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (1) according to the present invention includes a camera (10), a display (20), a processor (30), and a memory (40). Optionally, the electronic device (1) may further include a gyro sensor (61), a touch sensor (62), or an illuminance sensor (63). Optionally, the electronic device (1) may further include a communication module (50), a speaker (71), or a microphone (72).

[0033] The display (20) is a device that outputs visual information. The display (20) may include a panel and a control circuit. The panel may be equipped with a touch sensor (62). In particular, the display (20) may output an image (preview image, captured frame) of the pet being photographed. In addition, the display (20) may output an interface that provides information to the user during the process of acquiring the pet's biometric information.

[0034] A camera (10) is a device that captures images (still images or moving images). The camera may include one or more image sensors, a lens, a camera controller, an image processing processor, and a flash. The camera (10) may include a front camera and a rear camera. The camera (10) may capture images for acquiring biometric information of a companion animal. The characteristics of the camera (e.g., focus, exposure) may be controlled so that a characteristic object for acquiring biometric information of a companion animal can be properly identified. The front camera is a camera that captures images toward the display direction of the display (20), and the rear camera is a camera that captures images toward the opposite direction of the display direction of the display (20). The camera may include not only a camera built into the electronic device (1), but also an external camera connected to the electronic device (1) by wire or wirelessly.

[0035] The processor (30) can perform calculations and data processing for performing the operation of the electronic device (1), and control each module of the electronic device (1). The processor (30) can execute one or more software programs stored in the memory (40). The processor (30) can include a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU, AP) that executes an operating system that manages the overall operation of the electronic device (1). In addition, the processor (30) can include a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU, NPU) for specific calculation processing. The processor (30) can include one or more processing circuits. The processor (30) can perform data processing and control operations for acquiring biometric information of a companion animal.

[0036] The memory (40) can store programs such as an operating system and applications for the operation of the electronic device (1), and data used during the execution of the programs. The memory (40) can include volatile memory (e.g., DRAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). The memory (40) can store images for biometric identification of a companion animal. In addition, the memory (40) can store biometric information of the companion animal and behavioral information of the person together with the images.

[0037] The communication module (50) provides an environment in which the electronic device (1) can communicate with an external entity (e.g., a server, a base station, an IoT device, a mobile device). The communication module (50) may include an antenna, an RF circuit, and a communication processor. The communication module (50) may provide data received from an external entity to the processor (30). The communication module (50) may convert the data provided from the processor (30) and transmit it to the external entity. The communication module (50) may receive image data for biometric authentication of a companion animal provided from the processor (30) and transmit the image data to a server.

[0038] An electronic device (1) can communicate with a server (2). The electronic device (1) can acquire biometric information (e.g., a nose image) of a companion animal and transmit the acquired biometric information to the server. The server can store the biometric information in a database. The server can perform data processing for learning or identifying the companion animal from the biometric information. The server can generate identification information for the companion animal from the biometric information and transmit the identification information to the electronic device (1).

[0039] The process of acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal described below can be performed by the electronic device (1) of FIG. 1.

[0040] Figure 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the process of acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal. As previously described, images typically taken by users are often out of focus or have inadequate lighting conditions, making them unsuitable for AI-based learning and recognition for biometric identification of companion animals. In particular, unlike humans, animals do not recognize actions such as taking pictures and tend to constantly move their heads, making it difficult to acquire more suitable images. The method for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal according to the present invention involves a user executing an application for biometric identification and activating a camera directed toward a companion animal. The processor (30) of an electronic device (1) selectively acquires an image with a quality suitable for AI-based learning or recognition from among the images captured in real time. Thus, even general users who are not skilled in image capture can easily acquire an image suitable for biometric identification of a companion animal using the electronic device (1).

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, at step S310, when an application for biometric identification of a companion animal is executed and the camera (10) is activated, a preview image is output through the user interface of the application.

[0042] At step S320, the processor (30) detects a feature object for biometric recognition from a preview image captured by the camera (10). For example, in the case of a dog, the processor (30) may detect the nose region in the dog's face area as a feature object to obtain facial information.

[0043] At step S330, the processor (30) may perform a quality check on the image of the feature object. For example, the processor (30) may apply preprocessing to the image of the feature object and perform a quality check on the preprocessed image. The processor (30) may check whether the size, clarity, brightness, etc. of the image of the feature object meet quality requirements.

[0044] If the image of the feature object satisfies the quality condition at step S340, the process proceeds to step S350, where the processor (30) can store the captured image in the memory (40) for biometric recognition.

[0045] At step S360, the processor (30) determines whether image acquisition is complete. For example, if five images are required for biometric identification of a companion animal and the number of stored images is five, the processor (30) may terminate image capture. For example, if five images are required for biometric identification of a companion animal and the number of stored images is two, the processor (30) may proceed to step S370 to acquire additional images.

[0046] If the image of the feature object does not meet the quality condition at step S340, the processor (30) does not use the captured image for biometric recognition and proceeds to the next step S370. At step S370, the processor (30) can control the settings of the camera to capture the next image. For example, the processor (30) can set the focus position to the location of the feature object (e.g., nose area (200)) detected in the previous image. In addition, the processor (30) can adjust the exposure value of the camera (10) according to the brightness information measured in the previous image. By adjusting the settings of the current camera (10) according to the results of object detection and quality inspection in the previously captured image, the possibility of acquiring an image suitable for biometric recognition of a companion animal can be increased.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, when an application for biometric identification of a companion animal is launched and the camera (10) is activated, a preview image is output through the application's user interface. In frame (a) of FIG. 3, the dog's face area (100) and nose area (200) are detected. When the dog's nose print is used as biometric information, the acquisition of the corresponding frame is determined through a quality check of the image of the nose area (200). The nose position information detected in frame (a) can be used to determine the focus position. Thereafter, nose position detection and quality check are also performed in frames (b), (c), and (d), and the status of biometric information acquisition can be displayed as an icon depending on the quality of the detected nose image. For example, the color of the icon displayed overlapping the nose position can change depending on the image quality check. For example, if the image of the nose being captured is suitable, it can be displayed in orange, and if the image of the nose is inadequate, it can be displayed in gray. In addition, the progress of the shooting for biometric identification of the companion animal can be displayed through the interface at the bottom.

[0048] Meanwhile, in the biometric identification of companion animals, it is required to obtain a clear image, and the clarity of the image is mainly determined by the focus of the camera (10). Most cameras equipped with mobile devices support an autofocus function, but there is a problem in the biometric identification of companion animals. The focus of the camera (10) according to the autofocus mode is mainly determined to be aligned with the center of the animal's face area, but the focus position of the autofocus mode and the nose position of the dog may not match. Referring to (a) of Fig. 4, the autofocus distance (d) according to the autofocus mode AF ) is set to the distance from the camera (10) to the location around the dog's mouth, but the focal length (d) required to acquire the inscription F ) is the distance from the camera (10) to the position of the dog's nose. That is, the auto focus distance (d AF ) is the focal length (d) suitable for obtaining the inscription. F ) is larger than the focal length, the clarity of the nose image may not be secured accordingly. Similarly, as in (b) of Fig. 4, the auto focus distance (d AF ) may be smaller than the focal length (dF) suitable for acquiring the inscription, and in this case, the clarity of the nasal image may not be secured.

[0049] Similarly, even if the camera (10) supports an automatic exposure mode that sets the exposure value according to the surrounding illuminance in setting the exposure value of the camera (10), the exposure value according to the automatic exposure mode may not match the appropriate exposure value for biometric identification of a companion animal.

[0050] The present invention utilizes the auto-focus and auto-exposure functions of a camera (10) provided in an electronic device (1), and acquires an image by determining a focus and exposure more suitable for biometric identification of a companion animal. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for acquiring an image for acquiring biometric information of a companion animal according to the present invention. The processes of Fig. 5 can be executed by a processor (30).

[0051] A method for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal according to the present invention includes a step (S510) of outputting a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera (10) provided in an electronic device (1) to a display (20), a step (S520) of detecting a feature area for biometric identification of the companion animal from the preview image, a step (S530) of determining a focal length as a position of the feature area while the focus mode of the camera (10) is set to an auto focus mode, a step (S540) of applying manual focus adjustment to the focal length while the focus mode of the camera (10) is switched to a manual focus mode, and a step (S550) of storing an image for biometric identification of the companion animal in a memory (40) while the focus of the camera (10) is applied to the focal length with the manual focus adjustment applied.

[0052] At step S510, when an application program for biometric identification of a companion animal is executed, the camera (10) is activated and image capturing is performed by the camera (10). The image captured by the camera (10) is output to the display (20) as a preview image.

[0053] At step S520, a feature region for biometric identification of the pet is detected from the preview image. The feature region may correspond to the animal's face or nose. Alternatively, the feature region may correspond to the cat's face. The feature region can be extracted using a detector (feature detection algorithm) utilizing deep learning.

[0054] At step S530, the focus mode of the camera is set to autofocus mode, and the focal length is determined by the position of the feature area. The focal length set according to the autofocus mode is the autofocus distance (d AF ) can be referred to as the auto focus distance (d AF) may correspond to the distance from the camera (10) to any location (e.g., the center location) within the feature area. For example, the auto-focus distance (d) according to the auto-focus mode at the shooting start time (T71a) of FIGS. 6a and 6b AF ) is determined, and the camera (10) has the determined auto-focus distance (d AF ) to capture the video. At this time, the quality of the captured video can be inspected and a decision can be made on whether to acquire it or not.

[0055] At step S540, the focus mode of the camera (10) is switched to the manual focus mode, and fine adjustment of the focal length is performed under the manual focus mode. In the present invention, manual focus adjustment is performed by adjusting the auto focus distance (d) of the camera (10). AF ) refers to the process of resetting the focal length by adding or subtracting a certain distance unit (manual focus adjustment value).

[0056] Autofocus distance (d) AF ) is a step (S540) of applying manual focus adjustment to the auto focus distance (d AF ) for manual focus adjustment value (d) u ) includes a step of changing the focal length by adding or subtracting the focal length. Referring to Fig. 6a, at the shooting point (T71b), the auto focal length (d AF ) for manual focus adjustment value (d) u ) is set as the focal length of the camera (10). The manual focus adjustment value (d u ) is the auto focus distance (d AF ) can be set to a fine-tuning value less than a certain percentage (e.g. 5%). For example, the auto focus distance (d AF ) is 1m, the manual focus adjustment value (d u) can be determined as 1 cm. Fig. 6a illustrates a case where the focal length is adjusted to a small size, but the adjustment of the focal length may include not only reducing the focal length but also adding the focal length as in Fig. 6b. Referring to Fig. 6b, the auto focal length (d) at the shooting point (T71b) AF ) for manual focus adjustment value (d) u ) can be set as the focal length of the camera (10).

[0057] Autofocus distance (d) calculated using the autofocus function AF ) instead of using the auto focus distance (d AF ) can be fine-tuned to obtain a clearer bio-image. For example, when capturing a bio-image using a focal length with focus adjustment applied at the shooting point (T71b) of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the auto-focus distance (d AF ) can be used to obtain clearer images of the inscription.

[0058] At step S550, an image for biometric identification of a companion animal may be captured with the focus of the camera (10) set to a focal length with manual focus adjustment applied, and a quality inspection and acquisition decision may be performed on the image. For example, a quality inspection and acquisition decision may be performed on an image captured with the focus adjusted at the shooting point (T71b), and if the quality condition is satisfied, the image may be stored in the memory (40).

[0059] Autofocus distance (d) AF) and the step of acquiring an image for biometric recognition of the companion animal may be repeated two or more times. Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, at the shooting point (T71c), additional focus adjustment is performed to the focal length of the previous shooting point (T71d). At the shooting point (T71c), the focal length is the manual focus adjustment value (d) of the focal length of the previous shooting point (T71b). u ) can be determined as a value minus the acquisition time point (T71c). Quality inspection of the image acquired at the shooting time point and image storage according to the decision on whether to acquire can be performed similarly. In addition, similar focus adjustment can be performed at the shooting time point (T71d), and image quality inspection and decision on whether to acquire can be performed. This focus adjustment can be performed more than twice, and the number of focus adjustments can be changed depending on the system design. Focus adjustment can be performed in a fixed time unit (e.g., 0.1 second), and this can also be changed depending on the system design.

[0060] While the shooting for the biometric identification of the pet continues, the auto focus distance (d AF ) is executed several times, and at this time, the focus mode of the camera (10) is manual focus mode. Meanwhile, the focus mode of the camera (10) is set to a constant time (T AF ) can be periodically switched to auto focus mode. The execution cycle of the auto focus mode can be set to a time (e.g., 1 second) greater than the cycle (e.g., 0.1 second) at which focus adjustment is performed in the manual focus mode. Alternatively, the focus mode of the camera (10) can be set to switch to auto focus mode when focus adjustment is performed a certain number of times in the manual focus mode.

[0061] Since animals generally have a habit of moving their heads, the switching of autofocus mode and focus adjustment according to manual focus mode are repeated while the pet's picture is being taken. When switching to autofocus mode, the autofocus distance (d) according to autofocus mode is set again at the shooting point (T72a). AF ) is determined, and at the shooting point (T72b, T72c, T72d), the focus distance adjustment according to the manual focus mode is performed. Again, at the shooting point (T73a), the focus mode of the camera (10) is switched to the auto focus mode, and at the shooting point (T73b, T73c, T73d), the focus distance adjustment according to the manual focus mode is performed.

[0062] At the time of shooting (T74a), the focus mode of the camera (10) is set to auto focus mode and the auto focus distance (d AF ) is recalculated. At this time, if the puppy moves away from the camera (10), the auto focus distance (d AF ) is changed to increase. After that, the auto focus distance (d) at the shooting point (T74b, T74c, T74d) AF ) can be executed to adjust the process so that an image in focus is acquired.

[0063] Depending on the focus adjustment, feature object identification and quality inspection can be performed on the captured image. For example, the dog's face area (100) may first be detected as a feature area, focus adjustment may be performed based on the feature area, and then the nose area (200) within the face area (100) may be detected, and quality inspection and image storage may be performed on the detected nose area (200).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, the step (S505) of acquiring an image for biometric recognition of a companion animal includes the step (S710) of identifying a feature object (e.g., nose region (200)) located inside a feature region (e.g., face region (100)), the step (S720) of performing a quality check on the image of the feature object, and the step (S730) of storing the image of the feature object in the memory (40) if the image of the feature object satisfies the quality condition according to the quality check. Instead of the procedure as in FIG. 7, auto focus setting and quality check on the image of the nose region (200) may be performed with the nose region (200) as the feature region.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step (S505) of acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal includes setting a manual focus adjustment value (d) for manual focus adjustment according to the quality inspection result. u ) may further include a step of determining a blurriness value. For example, if the blurriness level of the image of the feature object is evaluated and the blurriness level is higher than the reference value, the manual focus adjustment value (d) is set because the current feature object is not in focus in the auto focus mode. u ) can be set to a larger value than the default value. On the other hand, if the blurriness of the image of the feature object is evaluated and the blurriness is lower than the standard value, the focus is on the current feature object in the auto focus mode, so the manual focus adjustment value (d) is used to adjust the focus only to a very small degree. u ) can be set to a value smaller than the default value.

[0066] Meanwhile, during the process of acquiring images for biometric identification of companion animals, exposure control can be performed to obtain images with appropriate brightness, in addition to focus adjustment. The exposure control according to the present invention can be performed in parallel with the focus control described above.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 8, a method for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal according to the present invention includes a step (S810) of outputting a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera (10) provided in an electronic device (1), a step (S820) of detecting a feature area for biometric identification of the companion animal from the preview image, a step (S830) of determining an exposure value of the feature area while the exposure mode of the camera (10) is set to an automatic exposure mode, a step (S840) of applying manual exposure adjustment to the exposure value while the exposure mode of the camera (10) is switched to a manual exposure mode, and a step (S840) of acquiring an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the exposure of the camera (10) to the exposure value to which the manual exposure adjustment has been applied.

[0068] According to the present invention, the automatic exposure mode is first executed, the automatic exposure value of the camera (10) is first determined, and shooting begins with the determined exposure value. Thereafter, the exposure value is changed by adding or subtracting a fine adjustment value (manual exposure adjustment value) to the exposure value, and a quality inspection and decision on whether to acquire the captured images can be performed based on the changed exposure value.

[0069] The image acquisition for biometric identification of a companion animal described above can be performed by an electronic device (1). The electronic device (1) according to the present invention includes a camera (10) for capturing an image, a display (20) for visually displaying the image, a processor (30) functionally coupled to the display (20) and the camera (10), and a memory (40) functionally coupled to the processor (30).

[0070] The processor (30) outputs a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera (10) through a display (20), detects a feature area for biometric recognition of the companion animal from the preview image, determines a focal distance based on a location of the feature area while the focus mode of the camera (10) is set to an auto focus mode, applies manual focus adjustment to the focal distance while the focus mode of the camera (10) is switched to a manual focus mode, and acquires an image for biometric recognition of the companion animal while applying the focus of the camera (10) to the focal distance to which the manual focus adjustment has been applied.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (30) sets an auto focus distance (d) set by the auto focus mode. AF ) for manual focus adjustment value (d) u ) to change the focal length.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a manual focus adjustment value (d u ) is the auto focus distance (d AF ) is set to a fine-tuning value below a certain ratio.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the process of applying manual focus adjustment and the process of acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal may be repeated two or more times.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the focus mode of the camera (10) is set to be periodically switched to the auto focus mode at regular intervals.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (30) identifies a feature object located inside a feature area, performs a quality check on an image of the feature object, and if the image of the feature object satisfies a quality condition according to the quality check, stores the image of the feature object in a memory (40).

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (30) can determine a manual focus adjustment value for manual focus adjustment based on quality inspection.

[0077] An electronic device (1) according to the present invention can perform an operation to acquire an image for biometric identification of a companion animal.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor (30) can output a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera (10), detect a feature area for biometric identification of the companion animal from the preview image, determine an exposure value of the feature area while the exposure mode of the camera (10) is set to an automatic exposure mode, apply manual exposure adjustment to the exposure value while the exposure mode of the camera (10) is switched to a manual exposure mode, and acquire an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the exposure of the camera (10) to the exposure value to which the manual exposure adjustment has been applied.

[0079] The present embodiments and drawings attached to the present specification only clearly illustrate a part of the technical idea included in the present invention, and it will be obvious that all modified examples and specific embodiments that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea included in the specification and drawings of the present invention are included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0080] Therefore, the idea of ​​the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all things that are equivalent or equivalent to the claims described below as well as the claims are considered to fall within the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal, A step of outputting a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera equipped in an electronic device; A step of detecting a feature area for biometric recognition of the companion animal in the preview image; A step of determining a focal distance based on the position of the feature area while setting the focus mode of the camera to auto focus mode; A step of applying manual focus adjustment to the focal length while switching the focus mode of the above camera to manual focus mode; and A method characterized by comprising a step of acquiring an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the focus of the camera to a focal length to which the manual focus adjustment is applied.

2. In paragraph 1, The steps of applying the above manual focus adjustment are: A method characterized by comprising a step of changing the focal distance by adding or subtracting a manual focus adjustment value to the auto-focus distance set by the auto-focus mode.

3. In paragraph 2, A method characterized in that the manual focus adjustment value is set to a fine adjustment value less than a specific ratio of the auto focus distance.

4. In paragraph 1, A method characterized in that the focus mode of the above camera is set to be periodically switched to the auto focus mode at regular intervals.

5. In paragraph 1, The step of acquiring an image for biometric identification of the above companion animal is as follows: A step of identifying a feature object located inside the above feature area; A step of performing a quality check on an image of the above feature object; and A method characterized by comprising a step of storing an image of the feature object in memory if the image of the feature object satisfies a quality condition according to the quality inspection.

6. In paragraph 5, A method characterized in that the step of acquiring an image for biometric identification of the companion animal includes a step of determining a manual focus adjustment value for the manual focus adjustment according to the quality inspection.

7. A method for acquiring an image for biometric identification of a companion animal, A step of outputting a preview image of a companion animal captured by a camera equipped in an electronic device; A step of detecting a feature area for biometric recognition of the companion animal in the preview image; A step of determining an exposure value of the feature area while setting the exposure mode of the camera to automatic exposure mode; A step of applying manual exposure adjustment to the exposure value while switching the exposure mode of the above camera to manual exposure mode; and A method characterized by comprising a step of acquiring an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the exposure of the camera to an exposure value to which the manual exposure adjustment is applied.

8. In an electronic device for acquiring images for biometric identification of a companion animal, A camera that records video; A display visually displaying the above image; a processor functionally coupled with the display and the camera; and comprising a memory functionally coupled to the processor; The above processor, A preview image of the pet captured by the above camera is output through the above display, Detecting a feature area for biometric recognition of the companion animal in the above preview image, Determine the focal length based on the location of the feature area while setting the focus mode of the above camera to auto focus mode, Apply manual focus adjustment to the focal length while switching the focus mode of the above camera to manual focus mode, An electronic device characterized in that it acquires an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the focus of the camera to the focal length to which the manual focus adjustment is applied.

9. In paragraph 8, The above processor, An electronic device characterized in that the focal distance is changed by adding or subtracting a manual focus adjustment value to the auto focus distance set by the auto focus mode.

10. In paragraph 9, An electronic device characterized in that the manual focus adjustment value is set to a fine adjustment value less than a specific ratio with respect to the auto focus distance.

11. In paragraph 8, An electronic device characterized in that the focus mode of the above camera is set to periodically switch to the auto focus mode at regular intervals.

12. In paragraph 8, The above processor, Identifying a feature object located inside the above feature area, Perform quality checks on images of the above feature objects, An electronic device characterized in that, if the image of the feature object satisfies the quality condition according to the above quality inspection, the image of the feature object is stored in the memory.

13. In paragraph 12, An electronic device characterized in that the processor determines a manual focus adjustment value for the manual focus adjustment based on the quality inspection.

14. In an electronic device for acquiring images for biometric identification of a companion animal, A camera that records video; A display visually displaying the above image; a processor functionally coupled with the display and the camera; and comprising a memory functionally coupled to the processor; The above processor, Output a preview image of the pet captured by the above camera, Detecting a feature area for biometric recognition of the companion animal in the above preview image, Determine the exposure value of the feature area while setting the exposure mode of the above camera to automatic exposure mode, Apply manual exposure adjustment to the above exposure value while switching the exposure mode of the above camera to manual exposure mode, An electronic device characterized in that it acquires an image for biometric identification of the companion animal while applying the exposure of the camera to the exposure value to which the manual exposure adjustment is applied.

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