Biometric Authentication Luminance Correction for Vignetting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biometric authentication systems using Shape From Shading (SFS) techniques face challenges in accurately detecting hand position and shape due to vignetting effects and limitations in arranging multiple distance sensors, leading to reduced accuracy in personal identification and authentication.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that includes a light source, imaging device, luminance computing unit, and coefficient computing unit to correct luminance values based on distance from the light source, improving the accuracy of hand position detection and shape recognition by accounting for vignetting and distance dependencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple distance sensors are used to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of distance sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple mechanical distance sensors with an optical-based Shape From Shading (SFS) technique using a single imaging device. The SFS algorithm calculates three-dimensional shape information by analyzing luminance distribution in captured images, eliminating the need for multiple physical distance sensors while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces luminance correction as an intermediary processing step between image capture and shape calculation. By correcting luminance values to account for vignetting effects and distance dependencies, the system enables accurate SFS-based distance measurement using only a single imaging device, rather than requiring multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If the distance from light source to capturing target is made sufficiently long to reduce vignetting effects, then luminance distribution becomes more uniform, but the apparatus size increases and physical restrictions are violated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance distribution uniformityVSAvoiddistance from light source to target
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful vignetting effect into a useful measurement tool. Instead of trying to eliminate vignetting by increasing distance, the system deliberately maintains a short distance where vignetting is present, then uses luminance correction algorithms to compensate for the effect. This allows accurate shape and distance measurement while keeping the apparatus compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing approach by introducing luminance correction coefficients that account for distance and vignetting effects. Rather than changing the physical distance parameter, the system changes the luminance parameter through computational correction, enabling accurate measurement at short distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a guide member is provided to guide hand position during registration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand position accuracyVSAvoidguiding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the imaging system to self-guide the capturing target through software-based detection. The system automatically detects the position and orientation of the hand in the captured image using SFS technology, eliminating the need for physical guide members. The hand is guided to the correct position through computational analysis rather than mechanical guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the accuracy of biometric authentication by correcting luminance values and improving distance measurement, thereby improving the matching accuracy between registered and captured biometric data, even in near-field optical systems where traditional SFS techniques fail.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device configured to capture the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the so-called vignetting occurs at the lens. In a case in which the distance from the light source to the capturing target is sufficiently long, the distances from the light source to each of the points on the capturing target may be regarded as being the same, and effects of the vignetting are relatively small.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVignetting:

Data Source

PatentEP2919151B1Image processing apparatus, biometric authentication apparatus, and image processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP2919151B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2919151B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2919151B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a light source to irradiate light on an object, an imaging device to capture the object, a luminance computing unit to compute a luminance at a plurality of positions on the object, and a coefficient computing unit. The coefficient computing unit computes a correction coefficient for each of the plurality of positions, according to a distance from the light source to each of the plurality of positions and the luminance at each of the plurality of positions.