Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring biological information of a first subject passing through a predetermined area for use in biometric authentication of the first subject; and a guidance means for outputting guidance information to a second subject who enters the predetermined area following the first subject, if the first subject is moving in the predetermined area. The guidance means changes the content of the guidance information according to the progress of processing related to the biometric authentication of the first subject.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Recording Medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of information processing apparatuses, information processing methods, and recording media.

[0002] As an apparatus of this type, there has been proposed an apparatus that tracks an authentication target before the authentication target moves to a first area, and associates a result of face authentication processing of the authentication target with a tracking result when the authentication target moves to the first area (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. WO 2022 / 124089

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium that aim to improve a technology related to the above-described prior art document.

[0005] One aspect of the information processing apparatus comprises: an acquisition unit configured to acquire biometric information of a first target, the biometric information being used for biometric authentication of the first target passing through a predetermined area; and a guidance unit configured to output guidance information to a second target that enters the predetermined area after the first target when the first target is moving within the predetermined area, wherein the guidance unit changes the content of the guidance information in accordance with progress of processing related to the biometric authentication of the first target.

[0006] One aspect of the information processing method comprises: acquiring biometric information of a first target, the biometric information being used for biometric authentication of the first target passing through a predetermined area; and outputting guidance information to a second target that enters the predetermined area after the first target when the first target is moving within the predetermined area, wherein the content of the guidance information is changed in accordance with progress of processing related to the biometric authentication of the first target.

[0007] One aspect of the recording medium has recorded thereon a computer program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method, the information processing method comprising: acquiring biometric information of a first target, the biometric information being used for biometric authentication of the first target passing through a predetermined area; outputting guidance information to a second target that enters the predetermined area after the first target when the first target is moving within the predetermined area; and changing the content of the guidance information in accordance with progress of processing related to the biometric authentication of the first target.

[0008] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. This is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of biometric authentication according to the embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an information processing device according to the embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer. This is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. This is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration when iris authentication is performed. This is a diagram showing an example of a guidance method according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of a progress bar. This is a diagram showing another example of a guidance method according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing another example of a guidance method according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing another example of a guidance method according to the embodiment.

[0009] <First Embodiment> An information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In the following, the information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium according to the first embodiment will be described using the information processing device 10.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of biometric authentication according to the embodiment. In Figure 2, area Ar1 is defined by two members W. Area Ar1 may also be referred to as a "passageway". In this embodiment, when the object of biometric authentication (for example, object Pa1) passes through area Ar1, the camera CAM takes an image of the object, thereby performing biometric authentication of the object. In other words, in this embodiment, biometric authentication is performed using a walk-through method. For this reason, area Ar1 may also be referred to as an "authentication lane". Iris authentication may be performed as biometric authentication. Walk-through iris authentication may be referred to as "Iris on the Move (IoTM)".

[0011] In Figure 1, the information processing device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a guidance unit 12. The acquisition unit 11 acquires biometric information of an object (e.g., object Pa1) that is passing through a predetermined area (e.g., area Ar1) for use in biometric authentication of the object. The predetermined area refers to the area that the object of biometric authentication must pass through in order to be authenticated.

[0012] For example, biometric authentication may be at least one of facial recognition and iris recognition. For example, biometric authentication may be multimodal biometric authentication that combines facial recognition and iris recognition. If biometric authentication is facial recognition, the biometric information may be a facial image including the face of the subject. In this case, the biometric information may be features extracted from the facial image. If biometric authentication is iris recognition, the biometric information may be an eye image including the eyes of the subject. In this case, the biometric information may be features extracted from the eye image.

[0013] For example, when the target Pa1 is passing through region Ar1, the camera CAM may image the target Pa1. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire the above-mentioned biological information from the image generated by the camera CAM imaging the target Pa1. Various existing methods can be applied to the method of acquiring biological information. For this reason, a detailed explanation of the method of acquiring biological information will be omitted.

[0014] In Figure 2, target Pa2 is the target that enters area Ar1 after target Pa1. For example, if target Pa2 enters area Ar1 after target Pa1, camera CAM1 may not be able to properly image target Pa2. As a result, biometric authentication of target Pa2 may not be performed properly. For example, target Pa2 may enter area Ar1 only after target Pa1 has completely passed through area Ar1. In this way, if the target to be authenticated first has completely passed through area Ar1 before the next target to be authenticated enters area Ar1, and there are a relatively large number of targets to be authenticated, a waiting queue may form among the multiple targets waiting for authentication.

[0015] Therefore, when the aforementioned object (for example, object Pa1) is moving within a predetermined area (for example, area Ar1), the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 outputs guidance information to an object (for example, object Pa2) that enters the predetermined area after the aforementioned object. The guidance information may be visual information or sound information. For example, the guidance unit 12 may output visual information as guidance information. For example, the guidance unit 12 may output sound information as guidance information. For example, the guidance unit 12 may output both visual information and sound information as guidance information. Note that sound information is a concept that includes speech information.

[0016] The guidance unit 12 specifically changes the content of the guidance information according to the progress of the biometric authentication process for target Pa1. For example, the biometric authentication process for target Pa1 may include imaging of target Pa1 by camera CAM1, obtaining biometric information of target Pa1 from the image of target Pa1, comparing the biometric information of target Pa1 with registered information, and determining whether or not target Pa1 is a registered person based on the comparison result.

[0017] For example, the guidance unit 12 may output guidance information to target Pa2 prompting it to enter area Ar1 when the processing status related to biometric authentication of target Pa1 reaches a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1. The processing status in which target Pa2 can enter area Ar1 may be set appropriately according to the specifications of the device.

[0018] For example, when target Pa1 enters area Ar1, the guidance unit 12 may output guidance information to target Pa2 indicating that entry into area Ar1 is not permitted, such as an image containing the words "Stop," a red image, or an audio message saying "Please wait." For example, when the status of the biometric authentication process for target Pa1 reaches a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1, the guidance unit 12 may output guidance information to target Pa2 encouraging entry into area Ar1, such as an image containing the words "Proceed," a green image, or an audio message saying "Please proceed." In other words, the guidance information may be information indicating whether or not target Pa2 can enter area Ar1.

[0019] For example, the guidance unit 12 may output guidance information indicating the timing at which the processing status of the biometric authentication of target Pa1 reaches a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1. The timing information may be color-related information. In this case, the color indicated by the color-related information may change according to the period from the present to the timing at which target Pa2 reaches a state where it can enter area Ar1. For example, at the timing at which target Pa2 reaches a state where it can enter area Ar1, the color indicated by the color-related information may be "green". In this case, the color indicated by the color-related information may change in the order of red, orange, yellow, and green as the processing status of the biometric authentication of target Pa1 progresses.

[0020] The information indicating timing may be a bar extending in one direction. In this case, the length of the bar may change according to the period from the present moment until the timing when the target Pa2 reaches a processing state in which it can enter region Ar1. Such a bar may be called a progress bar. The length of the bar may shorten as the timing when the target Pa2 reaches a processing state in which it can enter region Ar1 approaches. Alternatively, the length of the bar may lengthen as the timing when the target Pa2 reaches a processing state in which it can enter region Ar1 approaches.

[0021] The information indicating the timing may be information indicating the remaining time from the current time until the time when the target Pa2 is in a processing state that allows it to enter region Ar1. The information indicating the remaining time may be an image containing a numerical value indicating the remaining time. The information indicating the remaining time may be an audio message announcing the remaining time.

[0022] The operation of the information processing device 10 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the acquisition unit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires biometric information of target Pa1, which is used for biometric authentication of target Pa1 as it passes through area Ar1 (i.e., a predetermined area) (step S101). The guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 outputs guidance information to target Pa2, which enters area Ar1 after target Pa1, when target Pa1 is moving within area Ar1 (step S102). Here, the guidance unit 12 changes the content of the guidance information according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of target Pa1.

[0023] Thus, the information processing device 10 may acquire biometric information of a first target used for biometric authentication of a first target passing through a predetermined area, and when the first target is moving within the predetermined area, it may output guidance information to a second target that enters the predetermined area after the first target, and the content of the guidance information may be changed according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first target.

[0024] The information processing device 10 described above may be implemented by a computer reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. In this case, the recording medium may contain a computer program that causes the computer to execute an information processing method which involves acquiring biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of a first object passing through a predetermined area, outputting guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, and changing the content of the guidance information according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

[0025] (Technical Effects) For example, when target Pa1 is moving within area Ar1, the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 outputs guidance information to target Pa2, which enters area Ar1 after target Pa1. The guidance unit 12 changes the content of the guidance information according to the progress of the biometric authentication process for target Pa1. As a result, the information processing device 10 can guide target Pa2 to area Ar1 at an appropriate time. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can appropriately perform biometric authentication of target Pa2 in area Ar1. In addition, the information processing device 10 can suppress the formation of a waiting line caused by multiple targets waiting for authentication in the vicinity of area Ar1. The guidance unit 12 may output at least one of visual information and sound information as guidance information. With this configuration, target Pa2 can be made to recognize the guidance information relatively easily.

[0026] For example, the guidance information may be information indicating whether or not the target Pa2 can enter area Ar1. With this configuration, it is easy to recognize whether or not the target Pa2 can enter area Ar1. For example, the guidance information may be information indicating the timing when the target Pa2 will be able to enter area Ar1. For example, the timing information may be information that indicates the timing by color. In this case, the color may change according to the period from the present to the timing when the target Pa2 will be in a processing state in which it can enter area Ar1. For example, the timing information may be information related to a progress bar. In this case, the length of the progress bar may change according to the period from the present to the timing when the target Pa2 will be in a processing state in which it can enter area Ar1. For example, the timing information may be information indicating the remaining time from the present to the timing when the target Pa2 will be in a processing state in which it can enter area Ar1. With this configuration, it is easy to recognize the period until the target Pa2 can enter area Ar1.

[0027] <Second Embodiment> The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4 in addition to Figures 1 to 3. In the following, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the second embodiment will be described using the information processing apparatus 10. Note that in the second embodiment, explanations that overlap with the first embodiment described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0028] The first embodiment described above explains the concept of the information processing device 10. The second embodiment will describe the information processing device 10 in detail. For example, the information processing device 10 may be implemented by the computer COM shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer.

[0029] In Figure 4, the computer COM comprises an arithmetic unit 110, a storage device 120, a communication device 130, an input device 140, and an output device 150. The arithmetic unit 110, storage device 120, communication device 130, input device 140, and output device 150 are connected via a data bus 160. Note that the computer COM does not necessarily have to include at least one of the input device 140 and the output device 150.

[0030] The arithmetic unit 110 may have a processor. The arithmetic unit 110 may have a single processor or multiple processors. In other words, the arithmetic unit 110 may have one or more processors. Furthermore, the processor may be a multi-core processor. If the arithmetic unit 110 has a single processor that is a multi-core processor, then logically, the arithmetic unit 110 can be said to have multiple processors.

[0031] The processor may be, for example, at least one of the following: CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), and quantum processor.

[0032] The storage device 120 may be at least one of the following: RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), hard disk drive, magneto-optical disk drive, SSD (Solid State Drive), and optical disk array. In other words, the storage device 120 may be implemented by a single device or by multiple devices.

[0033] The communication device 130 may be capable of communicating with devices outside the computer COM. Furthermore, the communication device 130 may use either wired or wireless communication.

[0034] The input device 140 is a device capable of receiving information input to the computer COM from an external source. The input device 140 may include an operating device (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.) that can be operated by the user of the computer COM. The input device 140 may include a recording medium reader capable of reading information recorded on a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the computer COM, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. When information is input to the computer COM via the communication device 130 (in other words, when the computer COM acquires information via the communication device 130), the communication device 130 may function as an input device.

[0035] The output device 150 is a device capable of outputting information to the outside of the computer COM. The output device 150 may have a display device capable of outputting visual information such as characters and images as the above information. The output device 150 may have a speaker capable of outputting auditory information such as sound as the above information. The output device 150 may have a vibration motor capable of outputting tactile information such as vibration as the above information. The output device 150 may have a printer. The output device 150 may be capable of outputting information to a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the computer COM, such as a USB memory. When the computer COM outputs information via the communication device 130, the communication device 130 may function as an output device.

[0036] The storage device 120 is capable of storing desired data. The storage device 120 may store a computer program CP that the arithmetic unit 110 will execute. The storage device 120 may temporarily store data that the arithmetic unit 110 will use temporarily when the arithmetic unit 110 is executing the computer program CP.

[0037] Furthermore, the computer program CP may be recorded on a computer-readable and non-temporary recording medium (i.e., a recording medium different from the storage device 120). In this case, the computer program CP may be stored in the storage device 120 by reading the recording medium using a recording medium reading device (not shown) provided by the computer COM. Furthermore, at least one of the following may be used as the recording medium: an optical disc, a magnetic medium, a magneto-optical disc, a semiconductor memory, and any other medium capable of storing a program. Furthermore, the computer program CP may be obtained from an external device (not shown) of the computer COM via the communication device 130. In other words, the computer program CP may be downloaded from an external device to the storage device 120 of the computer COM.

[0038] The arithmetic unit 110 (for example, a processor) may execute the processing that the computer COM should perform together with the storage device 120 in which the computer program CP is stored (in other words, together with the storage device 120 and the computer program CP stored in the storage device 120). For example, by the arithmetic unit 110 executing the computer program CP, a logical functional block for executing the processing that the computer COM should perform may be realized within the arithmetic unit 110 (for example, within the processor).

[0039] Here, the computer program CP may include a computer program that causes the computer to execute an information processing method in which it obtains biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of a first object passing through a predetermined area, and when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, it outputs guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object, and the content of the guidance information is changed according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

[0040] For example, the acquisition unit 110 and the guidance unit 12 may be implemented within the arithmetic unit 110 by executing a computer program CP. In this case, the acquisition unit 11 and the guidance unit 12 may be implemented as the logical functional blocks described above. At least one of the acquisition unit 11 and the guidance unit 12 may be implemented as a physical processing circuit (i.e., hardware). At least one of the acquisition unit 11 and the guidance unit 12 may be implemented in a form in which a logical functional block and a physical processing circuit are mixed.

[0041] Furthermore, if the acquisition unit 11 and the guidance unit 12 are implemented as logical functional blocks, the acquisition unit 11 and the guidance unit 12 may be implemented by a single processor. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 11 and the guidance unit 12 may each be implemented by different processors.

[0042] (Technical Effects) According to the second embodiment, the information processing device 10 can be realized relatively easily.

[0043] <Third Embodiment> The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the following, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the third embodiment will be described using the information processing apparatus 20. In addition, the description of the third embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, as it will overlap with the first and second embodiments described above.

[0044] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing device 20. In Figure 5, the information processing device 20 includes an acquisition unit 11, a guidance unit 12, and an authentication unit 21. The authentication unit 21 uses the biometric information of the target (for example, target Pa1) acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to perform biometric authentication of the target.

[0045] For example, the authentication unit 21 may perform target face authentication as the biometric authentication described above. For example, the authentication unit 21 may extract feature quantities from a face image serving as biometric information of the target. The authentication unit 21 may collate the extracted feature quantities with registered feature quantities, which are pre-registered feature quantities. In this case, the authentication unit 21 may calculate a matching score that indicates the degree of matching between the extracted feature quantities and the registered feature quantities. The authentication unit 21 may determine whether the target is a registered user based on the collation result between the extracted feature quantities and the registered feature quantities. For example, the authentication unit 21 may determine that the target is a registered user when the matching score is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0046] For example, the authentication unit 21 may perform target iris authentication as the biometric authentication described above. For example, the authentication unit 21 may extract feature quantities from an eye image serving as biometric information of the target. For example, the authentication unit 21 may extract a right iris feature quantity related to the iris of the target's right eye and a left iris feature quantity related to the iris of the target's left eye. The authentication unit 21 may collate the extracted feature quantities with registered feature quantities, which are pre-registered feature quantities. For example, the authentication unit 21 may calculate a right iris matching score that indicates the degree of matching between the extracted right iris feature quantity and the registered feature quantity. For example, the authentication unit 21 may calculate a left iris matching score that indicates the degree of matching between the extracted left iris feature quantity and the registered feature quantity. For example, the authentication unit 21 may calculate a fusion score based on the right iris matching score and the left iris matching score. The authentication unit 21 may determine whether the target is a registered user based on the collation result between the extracted feature quantities and the registered feature quantities. For example, the authentication unit 21 may determine that the target is a registered user when the fusion score is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0047] Furthermore, the authentication unit 21 may perform multimodal biometric authentication (for example, face-iris multimodal biometric authentication) as the biometric authentication described above.

[0048] For example, the information processing apparatus 20 may be implemented by the computer COM according to the second embodiment. For example, when the arithmetic device 110 executes a computer program CP, the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may be implemented in the arithmetic device 110. In this case, the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may be implemented as logical functional blocks. Note that at least one of the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may be implemented as a physical processing circuit (that is, hardware). At least one of the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may be implemented in a form in which logical functional blocks and physical processing circuits are mixed.

[0049] Note that when the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 are implemented as logical functional blocks, the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may be implemented by a single processor. The acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may each be implemented by different processors. One of the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may be implemented by one processor, and the rest of the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the authentication unit 21 may be implemented by one or more other processors.

[0050] (Technical Effect) According to the information processing apparatus 20 according to the third embodiment, biometric authentication of a target can be performed.

[0051] <Fourth Embodiment> An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a recording medium according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the recording medium according to the fourth embodiment will be described using the information processing apparatus 30. Note that, for the fourth embodiment, descriptions overlapping with those of the above-described first to third embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 30. In FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 30 includes an acquisition unit 11, a guidance unit 12, a processing unit 31, and a communication unit 32. The information processing apparatus 30 can communicate with an authentication apparatus 40 using the communication unit 32. The authentication apparatus 40 may be implemented by a server (for example, a cloud server) on a network such as the Internet.

[0053] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire an image (for example, at least one of a face image and an eye image) as biometric information of the target (for example, target Pa1). In this case, the processing unit 31 may extract feature quantities from the image as biometric information. The processing unit 31 may transmit the extracted feature quantities to the authentication device 40 via the communication unit 32. The processing unit 31 may also transmit the image as biometric information to the authentication device 40 via the communication unit 32. In this case, the information processing device 30 and the authentication device 40 may be connected via VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0054] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire feature quantities (for example, feature quantities relating to at least one of the face and iris) as biometric information of the target (for example, target Pa1). In this case, the processing unit 31 may transmit the feature quantities as biometric information to the authentication device 40 via the communication unit 32. In other words, the processing unit 31 may transmit the biometric information of the target acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to the authentication device 40 via the communication unit 32.

[0055] For example, the authentication device 40 may perform biometric authentication of the target using feature quantities transmitted by the processing unit 31 of the information processing device 30. For example, the authentication device 40 may perform biometric authentication of the target using images (for example, at least one of a face image and an eye image) transmitted by the processing unit 31 of the information processing device 30. The authentication device 40 may transmit the result of the biometric authentication of the target to the information processing device 30.

[0056] For example, the information processing device 30 may be implemented by a computer COM according to the second embodiment. For example, the communication unit 32 may be implemented by a communication device 130 of the computer COM. For example, the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may be implemented within the arithmetic unit 110 by the execution of a computer program CP by the arithmetic unit 110. In this case, the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may be implemented as logical functional blocks. At least one of the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may be implemented as a physical processing circuit (i.e., hardware). At least one of the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may be implemented in a form in which logical functional blocks and physical processing circuits coexist.

[0057] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 are implemented as logical functional blocks, the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may be implemented by a single processor. The acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may each be implemented by different processors. One of the acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may be implemented by one processor, and the remaining acquisition unit 11, the guidance unit 12, and the processing unit 31 may be implemented by one or more other processors.

[0058] (Technical Effects) According to the information processing device 30 of the fourth embodiment, the processing load of the information processing device 30 can be reduced.

[0059] <Fifth Embodiment> The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 7. In the following, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the fifth embodiment will be described using the information processing apparatus 10. In addition, in the fifth embodiment, explanations that overlap with the first to fourth embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the fifth embodiment is also applicable to the information processing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 30.

[0060] In the fifth embodiment, iris recognition may be performed as biometric authentication of the target (for example, target Pa1). In Figure 7, camera CAM1 may be a camera that captures an eye image including the eye of target Pa1. Camera CAM1 may be a near-infrared camera. Camera CAM2 may be a camera that captures target Pa1 as it approaches region Ar1. In this case, the field of view of camera CAM1 may be narrower than that of camera CAM2. In other words, the field of view of camera CAM2 may be wider than that of camera CAM1.

[0061] For example, when imaging the iris of a stationary object, the camera's autofocus function can be used to focus on the iris. However, when the object is moving, it is difficult to focus the camera on the object's iris using the camera's autofocus function. Therefore, a method has been proposed to obtain an image in focus on the iris by rapidly capturing images of the object passing through the camera's focus area while keeping the camera's focal length fixed.

[0062] For example, the minute region including position Po1 in Figure 7 may be the focus region of camera CAM1. For example, based on the image generated by camera CAM2 imaging target Pa1, it may be determined whether or not target Pa1 has reached position Po2, which corresponds to the edge of region Ar1. If it is determined that target Pa1 has reached position Po2, camera CAM1 may be controlled to start imaging target Pa1. In this case, camera CAM1 may be controlled to continue imaging target Pa1 for a predetermined time after the start of imaging.

[0063] With this configuration, the camera CAM1 can only capture an image when the target Pa1 is located near the camera CAM1's focus area. Therefore, it is relatively easy to extract an image in focus on the iris of the target Pa1 from the multiple images generated by the camera CAM1 capturing images. The determination of whether the target Pa1 has reached position Po2 and the control of the camera CAM2 may be performed by the information processing device 10, or by a device other than the information processing device 10.

[0064] For example, the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may output guidance information indicating the remaining time until the processing status of the biometric authentication of target Pa1 reaches a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1. In this case, the guidance unit 12 may make the content of the guidance information output when target Pa1 reaches position Po2 and the content of the guidance information output when target Pa1 passes position Po1 different from each other.

[0065] (Technical Effects) According to the fifth embodiment, iris recognition, which is more secure than facial recognition, can be realized using a walk-through method.

[0066] <Sixth Embodiment> The information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the sixth embodiment, an example of a method for outputting guidance information will be described. Hereinafter, the information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium according to the sixth embodiment will be described using the information processing device 10. In addition, in the sixth embodiment, explanations that overlap with the first to fifth embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the sixth embodiment is also applicable to the information processing device 20 and the information processing device 30.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the display device D1 may be installed on the floor. Note that an existing display device that can be installed on the floor may be used as the display device D1. The guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may control the display device D1 to display guidance information.

[0068] For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D1 to display an image as guidance information indicating that entry into area Ar1 is not permitted, such as an image containing the word "Stop" or a red image, when target Pa1 enters area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D1 to display an image as guidance information indicating that entry into area Ar1 is not permitted, such as an image containing the word "Proceed" or a green image, when the status of the biometric authentication process for target Pa1 reaches a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1.

[0069] For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D1 to display information indicating the timing at which the processing status of the biometric authentication of target Pa1 will reach a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1, as guidance information. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D1 so that the displayed color changes according to the period from the present to the timing at which target Pa2 will reach a state where it can enter area Ar1. In this case, the color displayed on the display device D1 corresponds to an example of guidance information. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D1 to display a progress bar PB whose length changes according to the period from the present to the timing at which target Pa2 will reach a state where it can enter area Ar1. In this case, the progress bar PB corresponds to an example of guidance information. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D1 to display an image that includes a numerical value indicating the remaining time until the timing at which target Pa2 will reach a state where it can enter area Ar1. In this case, the image that includes a numerical value indicating the remaining time corresponds to an example of guidance information.

[0070] (Technical Effects) According to the sixth embodiment, guidance information can be appropriately output to an object (for example, object Pa2) that enters region Ar1 after the previous object (for example, object Pa1).

[0071] (Modification) In addition to controlling the display device D1 to display guidance information, the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may also control a speaker (not shown) to output sound as guidance information. In this case, the speaker may be installed near the display device D1.

[0072] <Seventh Embodiment> The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. In the seventh embodiment, another example of the method for outputting guidance information will be described. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the seventh embodiment will be described using the information processing apparatus 10. In addition, in the seventh embodiment, explanations that overlap with the first to sixth embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the seventh embodiment is also applicable to the information processing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 30.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, a projector Pr may be installed to project an image onto the floor. The guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may control the projector Pr to project an image as guidance information.

[0074] For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the projector Pr to project an image indicating that entry into area Ar1 is not permitted, such as an image containing the word "Stop" or a red image, as guidance information when target Pa1 enters area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the projector Pr to project an image encouraging entry into area Ar1, such as an image containing the word "Proceed" or a green image, as guidance information when the biometric authentication process for target Pa1 reaches a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1.

[0075] For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the projector Pr to project an image as guidance information that indicates the timing when the processing status related to biometric authentication of target Pa1 will reach a state in which target Pa2 can enter area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the projector Pr so that the projected color changes according to the period from the present to the timing when target Pa2 will reach a state in which it can enter area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the projector Pr to project an image that includes a progress bar whose length changes according to the period from the present to the timing when target Pa2 will reach a state in which it can enter area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the projector Pr as guidance information that includes a numerical value indicating the remaining time until the timing when target Pa2 will reach a state in which it can enter area Ar1.

[0076] (Technical Effects) According to the seventh embodiment, guidance information can be appropriately output to an object (for example, object Pa2) that enters region Ar1 after the previous object (for example, object Pa1).

[0077] (Modification) In addition to controlling the projector Pr to project an image as guidance information, the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may also control a speaker (not shown) to output sound as guidance information. In this case, the speaker may be installed near the projector Pr and at least one of the positions where the projector Pr projects an image.

[0078] <Eighth Embodiment> The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. In the eighth embodiment, another example of the method for outputting guidance information will be described. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the eighth embodiment will be described using the information processing apparatus 10. In addition, in the eighth embodiment, explanations that overlap with the first to seventh embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the eighth embodiment is also applicable to the information processing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 30.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, a display device D2 may be installed. The guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may control the display device D2 to display guidance information.

[0080] For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D2 to display an image indicating that entry into area Ar1 is not permitted, such as an image containing the word "Stop" or a red image, as guidance information when target Pa1 enters area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D2 to display an image encouraging entry into area Ar1, such as an image containing the word "Proceed" or a green image, as guidance information when the status of the biometric authentication process for target Pa1 reaches a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1.

[0081] For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D2 to display guidance information indicating the timing at which the processing status of the biometric authentication of target Pa1 will reach a state where target Pa2 can enter area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D2 so that the displayed color changes according to the period from the present to the timing at which target Pa2 will reach a state where it can enter area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D2 to display a progress bar whose length changes according to the period from the present to the timing at which target Pa2 will reach a state where it can enter area Ar1. For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D2 to display guidance information including a numerical value indicating the remaining time until the timing at which target Pa2 will reach a state where it can enter area Ar1.

[0082] (Technical Effects) According to the eighth embodiment, guidance information can be appropriately output to an object (for example, object Pa2) that enters region Ar1 after the previous object (for example, object Pa1).

[0083] (Modification) In addition to controlling the display device D2 to display guidance information, the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may also control a speaker (not shown) to output sound as guidance information. In this case, the speaker may be installed near the display device D2.

[0084] <Ninth Embodiment> The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. In the ninth embodiment, another example of the method for outputting guidance information will be described. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium according to the ninth embodiment will be described using the information processing apparatus 10. In addition, in the ninth embodiment, explanations that overlap with the first to eighth embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate. The configuration according to the ninth embodiment is also applicable to the information processing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 30.

[0085] In each of the regions Ar1, Ar2, and Ar3 in Figure 12, biometric authentication of the target may be performed. That is, in the ninth embodiment, biometric authentication of the target passing through region Ar1, biometric authentication of the target passing through region Ar2, and biometric authentication of the target passing through region Ar3 may be performed. In other words, multiple authentication lanes may be provided. As shown in Figure 12, a display device D1 may be installed on the floor.

[0086] For example, the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may acquire information indicating the progress of the biometric authentication process in area Ar1, information indicating the progress of the biometric authentication process in area Ar2, and information indicating the progress of the biometric authentication process in area Ar3. For example, the guidance unit 12 may guide the target Pa2 to any of areas Ar1, Ar2, and Ar3 according to the progress of biometric authentication in each area.

[0087] For example, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D1 to display an image as guidance information prompting entry into area Ar3 when the status of the biometric authentication process in area Ar3 reaches a state where the target Pa2 can enter area Ar3. In this case, the image displayed on the display device D1 may include an arrow indicating the direction of area Ar3. Alternatively, a display device D2 (see Figure 11) or a projector Pr (see Figure 10) may be provided instead of the display device D1. In this case, the guidance unit 12 may control the display device D2 or the projector Pr instead of the display device D1.

[0088] According to the ninth embodiment, even when multiple authentication lanes are provided, guidance information can be appropriately output to the target (for example, target Pa2).

[0089] (Modification) In addition to controlling the display device D1 to display guidance information, the guidance unit 12 of the information processing device 10 may also control a speaker (not shown) to output sound as guidance information. In this case, the speaker may be installed near the display device D1.

[0090] <Note> Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0091] (Note 1) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of the first object passing through a predetermined area; and a guidance means for outputting guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, wherein the guidance means changes the content of the guidance information according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

[0092] (Note 2) The information processing device described in Note 1, wherein the guidance information is information indicating whether or not the second target can enter the predetermined area.

[0093] (Note 3) The information processing device described in Note 1, wherein the guidance information is information indicating the timing at which the second target can enter the predetermined area.

[0094] (Note 4) The information processing device described in any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the guidance information is at least one of visual information and sound information.

[0095] (Note 5) The biometric authentication is iris recognition, as described in any one of Notes 1 to 4.

[0096] (Note 6) An information processing apparatus according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, comprising an authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the first target using the biometric information of the first target.

[0097] (Note 7) The information indicating the timing is information relating to color, and the color indicated by the information relating to color changes according to the period from the present to the timing as described in Note 3.

[0098] (Note 8) The information indicating the timing is information relating to a bar extending in one direction, and the length of the bar changes according to the period from the present time to the timing, as described in Note 3.

[0099] (Note 9) The information processing device described in Note 3, wherein the information indicating the timing is information indicating the remaining time from the present time to the timing.

[0100] (Note 10) An information processing method which acquires biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of a first object passing through a predetermined area, and when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, outputs guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object, wherein the content of the guidance information is changed according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

[0101] (Note 11) A recording medium on which a computer program is recorded that causes a computer to execute an information processing method which involves acquiring biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of a first object passing through a predetermined area, outputting guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, and the content of the guidance information being changed according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

[0102] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 9, which are subordinate to Appendice 1 above, may also be subordinate to Appendices 10 and 11, respectively, in the same manner as those described in Appendices 2 to 9. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1, 10, and 11, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, without departing from the embodiments described above.

[0103] This disclosure may be modified as appropriate, insofar as it does not contradict the gist or idea of ​​the invention as can be inferred from the claims and the specification as a whole, and information processing devices, information processing methods and recording media with such modifications are also included in the technical idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0104] 10, 20, 30 Information Processing Device 11 Acquisition Unit 12 Guidance Unit 21 Authentication Unit 31 Processing Unit 32 Communication Unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of the first object passing through a predetermined area; and a guidance means for outputting guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, wherein the guidance means changes the content of the guidance information according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guidance information is information indicating whether or not the second object can enter the predetermined area.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guidance information is information indicating the timing at which the second object can enter the predetermined area.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guidance information is at least one of visual information and sound information.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biometric authentication is iris recognition.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising authentication means for performing biometric authentication of the first target using the biometric information of the first target.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information indicating the timing is information relating to color, and the color indicated by the information relating to color changes according to the period from the present time to the timing.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information indicating the timing is information relating to a bar extending in one direction, and the length of the bar changes according to the period from the present time to the timing.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information indicating the timing is information indicating the remaining time from the present time to the timing.

10. An information processing method which acquires biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of a first object passing through a predetermined area, outputs guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, and the content of the guidance information is changed according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

11. A recording medium on which a computer program is stored that causes a computer to execute an information processing method which involves acquiring biometric information of a first object used for biometric authentication of the first object passing through a predetermined area, outputting guidance information to a second object that enters the predetermined area after the first object when the first object is moving within the predetermined area, and the content of the guidance information being changed according to the progress of the biometric authentication process of the first object.

Images