Face Authentication Apparatus Using Buffer Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods using face images captured around image forming apparatuses cannot reliably determine if the person present is the intended user, leading to potential authentication of individuals other than the target user.
Innovation Solution
An authentication apparatus with an imaging unit, authentication unit, and instruction unit that captures face images and performs authentication only after receiving an instruction, ensuring the person is within a specified region and has the intention to use the apparatus, thereby preventing unauthorized authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If authentication is instantly started when a face image of a person is captured, then authentication speed is improved, but authentication accuracy deteriorates because it cannot distinguish between the intended user and other persons
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions of capturing face images and storing them in a buffer before the authentication instruction is given. Multiple face images are acquired in advance while the person is in the authentication region, so that when authentication is triggered, there are already sufficient images ready for processing, thus maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer memory is introduced as an intermediary component between the image capture unit and the authentication processing unit. This buffer stores multiple captured face images and supplies them to the authentication unit as needed, decoupling the capture process from the authentication process and enabling both high-speed capture and accurate authentication.
2Measurement precision
If face images are captured and stored for later authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing all captured images indefinitely, the system stores only a limited number of recent face images in the buffer (e.g., a predetermined number such as 10 images). This partial storage approach provides sufficient images for accurate authentication while avoiding excessive storage requirements.
3Productivity
If authentication is performed without verifying user intention, then processing speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the authentication trigger conditions based on the person's behavior and position. Authentication is not performed at a fixed moment but is triggered dynamically when specific conditions are met (e.g., when the person stops moving, when they approach a certain distance, or when they make eye contact), thereby ensuring user intention while maintaining efficient processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
An authentication apparatus includes: an imaging unit that images a person around the authentication apparatus; an authentication unit that authenticates an individual by using a face image of a person imaged by the imaging unit; and an instruction unit that gives an instruction for starting authentication, in which the authentication unit acquires a face image before an instruction is given by the instruction unit, and performs authentication after the instruction is given by the instruction unit.