Face Authentication Apparatus Lighting Control for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face authentication systems struggle to capture high-quality facial images in varying ambient lighting conditions, leading to potential delays in authentication due to the time required to adjust camera parameters.
Innovation Solution
A face authentication apparatus that captures an initial image of a person and, if it does not meet authentication criteria, adjusts lighting and captures a second image, ensuring that face authentication can be executed using an image optimized for recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera parameters are adjusted to adapt to ambient environment, then face authentication precision is improved, but authentication time increases due to parameter adjustment delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of the captured facial image to determine if it meets authentication criteria. When the image is insufficient, lighting adjustment is initiated immediately without waiting for camera parameter changes, thereby reducing authentication time while maintaining precision through selective re-capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two authentication paths: using the first image when it meets criteria, or adjusting lighting and capturing a second image when it doesn't. This dynamic adaptation optimizes authentication time based on real-time image quality assessment while preserving authentication precision through conditional image selection.
2Measurement precision
If camera parameters are changed to improve image quality, then face authentication precision is improved, but the response speed decreases relative to walking person speed
Solution Approach 1:
Lighting adjustment serves as an intermediary solution between insufficient image quality and the need for fast response. Instead of changing camera parameters which takes time, the system quickly adjusts lighting conditions to improve image quality, thereby maintaining both speed and precision in moving person authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical camera parameter adjustment with electrical lighting control. Lighting adjustment can be executed instantly through electrical signals, whereas camera parameter changes involve mechanical adjustments that take longer, thus improving response speed while maintaining image quality for authentication.
3Measurement precision
If lighting is controlled to improve facial image quality, then authentication precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the camera's existing image capture output to assess image quality and automatically determines whether lighting adjustment is needed. This self-assessment mechanism eliminates the need for external complex monitoring systems, improving facial image quality while minimizing the increase in device complexity through autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting control system serves multiple functions: it improves image quality for authentication, provides feedback for image adequacy assessment, and enables the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive performance benefits beyond simple illumination.
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
This approach improves authentication precision by ensuring that facial images captured are suitable for face authentication, reducing the likelihood of unsuccessful authentications and associated delays.
Implementation Method 1
an image generation unit that generates a first image by capturing an image of a person
Implementation Method 2
a control unit that, when the first image does not satisfy a criterion for face collation, controls lighting
Data Source
AI summary
A face authentication apparatus (50) includes an image generation unit (102) that generates a first image by capturing an image of a person, a control unit (104) that, when the first image does not satisfy a criterion for face collation, controls lighting and causes the image generation unit (102) to generate a second image by capturing an image of the person again, and a face authentication unit (52) that executes face authentication by using the second image.