JP2000076420A - Picture photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a picture photographing device capable of simultaneously adding functions of fingerprint collation, a video conference, etc., to a small portable information terminal, etc., of a small installing space. SOLUTION: The device is provided with an optical system for collating finger prints 19 guiding illuminating light emitted from a fluorescent tube 13 at the time of being set at a position facing a photographing window 15 to the window 15 and guiding the reflected light of a finger illuminated to the window 15 to an image pickup element 22, and the optical system for a video conference 20, etc., forming an image of objective light incident from the window 15 on the element 22 at the time of being set at the position facing the window 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image photographing apparatus mounted on a small portable information terminal or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a personal computer on which a conventional image photographing device is mounted. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 1 denotes a personal computer, 2 denotes a CCD camera which receives an objective light and shoots an objective image, 3 is a finger window 3a
When a finger is applied to the finger, the illumination light is emitted to the finger, the reflected light of the finger is received to acquire a fingerprint image, and a fingerprint matching device that performs fingerprint matching based on the fingerprint image,
Reference numeral 3a denotes a finger contact window of the fingerprint collation device 3.

Next, the operation will be described. Generally, anyone can use the personal computer 1 when the power is turned on. However, in the case where important trade secrets and the like are stored, the personal computer 1 is used by a person other than a specific person who has been previously licensed to use. Use must be denied.

In such a case, as shown in FIG. 9, a fingerprint matching device 3 is connected to the personal computer 1 to perform fingerprint matching, and only when the fingerprint matches a fingerprint of a specific person,
The use of the personal computer 1 is permitted.

Specifically, when a user who wants to use the personal computer 1 turns on the power of the personal computer 1, for example, the setting is made so that fingerprint collation software is started. As a result, the fingerprint collation software presents a message to the user who wants to use the finger contact window 3a of the fingerprint collation device 3 to instruct close contact of the finger (the message is presented by voice output or screen display).

[0006] Then, the fingerprint collation device 3 includes a finger contact window 3a.
When a finger of the user is applied to the finger, illumination light is emitted to the finger, and reflected light of the finger is received to acquire a fingerprint image, and fingerprint collation is executed based on the fingerprint image.
When the fingerprint collation device 3 completes the fingerprint collation, the fingerprint collation device 3 outputs to the personal computer 1 a determination result indicating whether or not the fingerprint of the desired user matches the fingerprint of the specific person.

When the personal computer 1 acquires the fingerprint collation determination result from the fingerprint collation device 3, if the determination result indicates that the fingerprint of the person who wants to use matches the fingerprint of the specific person, the personal computer 1 thereafter If the use of the personal computer is permitted and the user's fingerprint does not match the fingerprint of the specific person, the use of the personal computer is refused thereafter (for example, the power of the personal computer 1 is forcibly turned off). To).

Thus, the user of the personal computer 1 can be limited to a specific person. However, when the personal computer 1 is used, for example, when a use situation for a video conference with a distant person occurs. , C
The software for starting the CD camera 2 is executed.

Then, when the CCD camera 2 receives the objective light of the user who performs the video conference and captures the objective image, the personal computer 1 transmits the objective image to a computer or the like used by a distant person.

[0010]

Since the conventional image photographing apparatus is constructed as described above, the fingerprint collating apparatus 3 and C
If the CD camera 2 is connected to the personal computer 1, fingerprint matching and video conference functions can be added to the personal computer 1. However, in the case of a small portable information terminal such as a mobile computer, the fingerprint matching device 3 is used.
There is a problem that it is difficult to secure a space for mounting both the camera and the CCD camera 2, and it is not possible to simultaneously add the functions of fingerprint collation and video conference.

If the fingerprint collation device 3 and the CCD camera 2 are not mounted on the portable information terminal but the fingerprint collation device 3 and the CCD camera 2 are externally attached (see FIG. 10), the fingerprint collation and the video conference can be performed. Although the function can be added at the same time, if the fingerprint collation device 3 and the CCD camera 2 are externally attached, there arises a problem that the advantage of the portable information terminal that it is convenient to carry is offset.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an image which can simultaneously add functions such as fingerprint collation and a video conference to a small portable information terminal or the like having a small installation space. It is intended to obtain an imaging device.

[0013]

An image photographing apparatus according to the present invention guides illumination light emitted from a light emitting means to a photographing window when the image photographing apparatus is set at a position opposite to a photographing window.
A light guide for guiding the reflected light of the finger applied to the imaging window to the imaging device; and an imaging device for setting the object light incident from the imaging window to the imaging device when set at a position opposite to the imaging window. Image means.

The image photographing apparatus according to the present invention comprises moving means using a slide mechanism for sliding the light guide means or the image forming means to a position opposite to the photographing window in conjunction with the operation of the switching lever. is there.

The image photographing device according to the present invention is a light guiding means for guiding illumination light emitted from a light emitting means to a photographing window and guiding reflected light of a finger applied to the photographing window to an image pickup device. And image forming means for forming an image of the object light incident from the light receiving hole on the image sensor, and adjusting means for adjusting the light receiving angle of the image sensor with respect to the reflected light of the finger or the object light.

In the image photographing apparatus according to the present invention, the light receiving angle of the image pickup device with respect to the reflected light of the finger or the objective light is adjusted so as to be perpendicular to the operation of the switching lever.

The image photographing apparatus according to the present invention uses light emitted from a fluorescent tube as illumination light.

An image photographing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a collating means for executing fingerprint collation based on an output image of the imaging element when the light guiding means guides the reflected light of the finger to the imaging element. .

The image photographing apparatus according to the present invention permits use of the apparatus only when the fingerprint matches a fingerprint of a specific person.

The image photographing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a character recognizing means for extracting and registering a character from an output image of the image pickup element when the image forming means forms an object light on the image pickup element.

An image photographing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a transmission means for transmitting an output image of the image pickup device when the image forming means forms an object light on the image pickup device.

An image photographing apparatus according to the present invention uses an artificial retinal chip as an image pickup device.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable information terminal equipped with an image photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of a main part of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a structural diagram illustrating an image capturing device. In the figure, 11 is a portable information terminal (collating means, character recognition means, transmission means) having a fingerprint collating function, a business card reading function and a video conference function, 12 is an LCD panel of the portable information terminal 11, and 13 is a fluorescent light emitting light. The tubes (light emitting means) and 14 are backlight light guide plates for guiding the light emitted from the fluorescent tubes 13 to the LCD panel 12.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a photographing window through which a finger is brought into close contact when performing fingerprint collation, and 16 denotes a switching lever (moving means) for sliding the fingerprint collating optical system 19, the video conference optical system 20, and the business card reading optical system 21. , 17 are switching levers 16
Is a slide rail (moving means) that slides any of the fingerprint collation optical system 19, the video conference optical system 20, or the business card reading optical system 21 to a position facing the photographing window 15 in conjunction with the above operation.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a light guide mirror (light guide means) for guiding light emitted from the fluorescent tube 13 to illumination optical system 19 as illumination light, and 19 is set at a position opposite to the imaging window 15. And the illumination light received from the light guide mirror 18
5, a fingerprint collation optical system (light guide means) for guiding the reflected light of the finger applied to the imaging window 15 to the image sensor 22; 19a reflects illumination light while reflecting light of the finger. Is a half mirror (although a prism or the like may be provided in place of the half mirror 19a) of the fingerprint collation optical system 19 that allows the passage of light.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a videoconference optical system (imaging means) for imaging an objective light of a videoconference user or the like incident on the imaging window 15 onto the image pickup device 22 when set at a position opposed to the imaging window 15. ), 20a is an objective lens of the optical system 20 for videoconference, 20b is a wall for blocking illumination light received from the light guide mirror 18, and 21 is incident from the shooting window 15 when set at a position opposite to the shooting window 15. A business card reading optical system (imaging means) for forming an image of the business card objective light on the image pickup device 22, and an objective lens 21 a of the business card reading optical system 21 is compared with the objective lens 20 a of the video conference optical system 20. The focus is set at the close position. Reference numeral 21b denotes a wall that blocks illumination light received from the light guide mirror 18, and reference numeral 22 denotes an imaging element such as an artificial retinal chip that receives a reflected light of a finger or objective light and outputs a fingerprint image or an objective image.

Next, the operation will be described. Generally, anyone can use the portable information terminal 11 when the power is turned on. However, in the case where important trade secrets or the like are stored, a person other than a specific person who is permitted to use the portable information terminal 11 in advance is used. Need to refuse to use.

In such a case, if a fingerprint collation device is externally attached to the portable information terminal 11 (see FIG. 10), fingerprint collation can be executed, so that use of anyone other than a specific person can be refused. As described above, an external fingerprint collation device can offset the advantage of the portable information terminal 11 that it is convenient to carry.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the convenience of the portable information terminal 11 is ensured by mounting the fingerprint collating optical system 19 on the portable information terminal 11. To enable the information terminal 11 to be provided with a video conference function and a business card reading function simultaneously with the fingerprint collation function, the imaging device 22 is shared and illumination light to be irradiated on the finger is obtained from the existing fluorescent tube 13. I can do it.

More specifically, in order to share the image pickup device 22 and reduce the number of components, the fingerprint collation optical system 19, the video conference optical system 20, and the business card reading optical system 21 are fitted to the slide rail 17 and switched. When the lever 16 is slid, any one of the fingerprint collation optical system 19, the video conference optical system 20, and the business card reading optical system 21 is moved to the photographing window 1.
It is configured to be able to move to a position opposite to 5.

When performing fingerprint collation, as described above, the user's finger is brought into close contact with the imaging window 15, so that when a fingerprint image of the finger is obtained, illumination light must be applied to the finger. However, if the finger is brought into close contact with the photographing window 15, natural light will not be applied to the finger, so that it is necessary to irradiate illumination light. No light is required), LCD panel 1
2 is equipped with the fluorescent tube 13, the light guided from the fluorescent tube 13 to the LCD panel 12 is diverted as illumination light, eliminating the need to mount an illumination light source. I do.

As a result, the image sensor 22 is shared,
Since there is no need to mount a light source for illumination, various optical systems 19
If an installation space for mounting such devices can be secured, functions such as fingerprint collation and video conference can be added at the same time.

When the fingerprint collation is performed (see FIG. 4), the fingerprint collation optical system 19 is slid to a position facing the imaging window 15, as shown in FIG.
The light emitted from the fluorescent tube 13 is reflected by the light guide mirror 18 and is reflected by the half mirror 19 a of the fingerprint collation optical system 19.
After that, the light is reflected by the half mirror 19a and illuminated on the finger of the applicant. On the other hand, the light reflected by the finger passes through the half mirror 19a and is received by the image sensor 22.

When the image pickup device 22 generates and outputs a fingerprint image from the reflected light of the finger, the portable information terminal 11
(Collating means) performs fingerprint collation based on the fingerprint image,
If the fingerprint of the person who wants to use matches the fingerprint of the specific person, the use of the portable information terminal 11 is permitted thereafter. on the other hand,
If the fingerprint of the applicant does not match the fingerprint of the specific person, the use of the portable information terminal 11 is rejected thereafter (for example, the power of the portable information terminal 11 is forcibly turned off).

When a video conference is performed (see FIG. 5), the video conference optical system 20 is slid to a position opposite to the image capturing window 15. In this case, the object of the user performing the video conference is set. The light is incident from the shooting window 15,
An image is formed on the image sensor 22 by the objective lens 20a of the optical system 20 for video conference.

Thus, when the imaging device 22 generates and outputs an objective image from the user's objective light, the portable information terminal 1
1 (transmission means) transmits the object image to a computer or the like used by a distant person via a network, for example.

Further, when the business card reading process is executed (see FIG. 6), the business card reading optical system 21 is slid to a position opposite to the photographing window 15. In this case, the objective light of the business card is The light enters the image capturing window 15 and is imaged on the image sensor 22 by the objective lens 21a of the business card reading optical system 21.

When the image pickup device 22 generates and outputs an objective image from the objective light of the business card, the portable information terminal 11
(Character recognizing means) extracts characters (text data) from the objective image and registers the name and address printed on the business card in an address book or the like.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a portable information terminal equipped with an image photographing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a structural diagram showing an image photographing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figures, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. Reference numeral 31 denotes a light guide lens (light guide unit) that guides illumination light to a finger applied to the imaging window 15, and 32 denotes a prism (guide) that guides reflected light of the finger applied to the imaging window 15 to the imaging lens 33. A light guide means 33, an imaging lens (light guide means) for forming an image of the reflected light of the finger on the image sensor 22, a light receiving hole 34 for receiving the objective light, and a light receiving hole 35 for receiving the objective light from the light receiving hole 34; This is an objective lens (imaging means) that forms an image on the image sensor 22, and the objective lens 35 employs a lens whose focal length is adjustable. Reference numeral 36 denotes a rotation axis (adjusting means) of the image sensor 22 that adjusts the light receiving angle of the image sensor 22 with respect to the reflected light of the finger or the objective light so as to be vertical in conjunction with the operation of a switching lever (not shown).

Next, the operation will be described. In the first embodiment, the fingerprint collating optical system 19, the video conference optical system 20, or the business card reading optical system 21 is slid to a position facing the imaging window 15 in conjunction with the operation of the switching lever 16. As shown in FIG. 8, a switching lever (not shown) is operated to rotate the rotation axis 3 of the image sensor 22 as shown in FIG.
By rotating 6, the light receiving angle of the image sensor 22 with respect to the reflected light of the finger or the objective light may be adjusted to be vertical.

That is, the rotation axis 36 orthogonal to the light receiving surface of the image sensor 22 is attached to the image sensor 22 so as to be able to rotate by 135 degrees. Then, when performing fingerprint collation, the rotation is performed to the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8 and the light receiving angle of the image sensor 22 with respect to the reflected light of the finger is adjusted to be vertical. On the other hand, when performing a video conference or business card reading process, the image sensor 22 is rotated by 135 degrees (in FIG. 8, the image sensor 22 is rotated to a horizontal position), and the image sensor 22 receives the object light. Adjust so that the angle becomes vertical (however, when a video conference is performed, the focal length of the objective lens 35 is set to, for example, 20 cm to
When the processing is set to 30 cm and the business card reading process is executed, the focal length of the objective lens 35 is set to, for example, 5 cm.

Thus, in addition to the fingerprint collation, it is possible to execute the video conference and the business card reading process. However, as in the first embodiment, the image sensor 22 is shared and the illumination light source is mounted. (E.g., because the fluorescent tube 13 can be used), it is easy to secure the installation space, and as a result, it is possible to simultaneously add functions such as fingerprint collation and video conference.

Embodiment 3 In the first embodiment, the case where the photographing window 15 is provided on the right side of the LCD panel 12 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
It may be installed on the upper or lower part of the panel 12, or on the left side. When the LCD panel is installed above or below the LCD panel, a notch is provided in a part of the backlight light guide plate provided on the back of the LCD panel, and light for fingerprint collation is obtained through the notch and the light guide means. Then, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be realized.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention, the illumination light emitted from the light emitting means is guided to the photographing window when set at a position opposed to the photographing window, and is applied to the photographing window. Light guiding means for guiding the reflected light of the finger to the image sensor, and image forming means for imaging the objective light incident from the image capturing window on the image sensor when set at a position opposed to the image capturing window. The fingerprint image and the objective image can be obtained only by mounting a single image sensor, and as a result, the fingerprint collation and the video conference can be performed on a small portable information terminal having a small installation space. And the like can be added at the same time.

According to the present invention, the moving means is constituted by using the slide mechanism for sliding the light guide means or the image forming means to a position opposite to the photographing window in conjunction with the operation of the switching lever. Without providing a complicated mechanism, 1
There is an effect that the number of imaging elements can be shared.

According to the present invention, the light guide means for guiding the illumination light emitted from the light emitting means to the photographing window and guiding the reflected light of the finger applied to the photographing window to the image pickup device,
An image forming unit for forming an image of the objective light incident from the light receiving hole on the image pickup device, and an adjusting unit for adjusting the light receiving angle of the image pickup device with respect to the reflected light of the finger or the objective light are provided. Fingerprint images and objective images can be obtained simply by mounting an image sensor, and as a result, functions such as fingerprint collation and video conferencing can be simultaneously added to small portable information terminals with little installation space. There is an effect that can be.

According to the present invention, since the light receiving angle of the image pickup device with respect to the reflected light of the finger or the objective light is adjusted to be vertical in conjunction with the operation of the switching lever, a complicated mechanism is provided. In addition, there is an effect that one image sensor can be shared.

According to the present invention, since the light emitted from the fluorescent tube is used as the illumination light, the finger can be irradiated with the illumination light without separately mounting a light source for emitting the illumination light. As a result, there is an effect that the size of the device can be further promoted.

According to the present invention, when the light guide unit guides the reflected light of the finger to the image sensor, the collation unit for executing fingerprint collation based on the output image of the image sensor is provided. There is an effect that the security function of the information terminal or the like can be enhanced.

According to the present invention, the use of the apparatus is permitted only when the fingerprint matches the fingerprint of the specific person, so that the use of a person other than the specific person authorized in advance can be rejected. There is.

According to the present invention, when the imaging means forms the objective light on the image sensor, the character recognition means for extracting and registering the character from the output image of the image sensor is provided. There is an effect that the name and address printed on the business card can be easily registered.

According to the present invention, when the imaging means forms the objective light on the image pickup device, the transmission means for transmitting the output image of the image pickup device is provided. There is an effect that a function can be added.

According to the present invention, since an artificial retinal chip is used as an image sensor, an output image can be obtained without providing a processor for image processing. As a result, the image sensor can be obtained. As compared with the case where a CCD camera is used, there is an effect that the miniaturization of the device can be promoted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable information terminal equipped with an image capturing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural perspective view of a main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a structural diagram showing an image photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of fingerprint collation.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of a video conference.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of a business card reading process.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a portable information terminal equipped with an image photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a structural diagram showing an image photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a personal computer equipped with a conventional image photographing apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where the fingerprint collation device 3 and the CCD camera 2 are externally attached to the portable information terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 portable information terminal (collating means, character recognition means, transmission means), 13 fluorescent tube (light emitting means), 15 shooting window, 16
Switching lever (moving means), 17 slide rail (moving means), 18 light guiding mirror (light guiding means), 19 fingerprint collation optical system (light guiding means), 20 videoconference optical system (imaging means), 21 Business card reading optical system (imaging means), 22 image sensor, 31 light guiding lens (light guiding means), 32 prism (light guiding means), 33 imaging lens (light guiding means), 34 light receiving hole, 35 objective lens (Imaging means), 36 rotation axes (adjusting means).

Claims (10)

[Claims] A light emitting means for emitting illumination light; and an illumination light emitted from the light emitting means, when set at a position opposed to the imaging window, is guided to the imaging window and applied to the imaging window. Light guiding means for guiding the reflected light of the finger to the imaging element, and imaging means for imaging the objective light incident from the imaging window when set at a position opposite to the imaging window, on the imaging element, A moving means for setting the light guide means or the image forming means at a position opposite to the photographing window. 2. The moving means according to claim 1, wherein said moving means comprises a slide mechanism which slides the light guide means or the image forming means to a position facing the photographing window in conjunction with the operation of the switching lever. An image capturing apparatus according to the above. 3. A light emitting means for emitting illumination light, guiding the illumination light emitted from the light emitting means to a photographing window, and guiding reflected light of a finger applied to the photographing window to an image sensor. An image comprising: a light guiding unit; an imaging unit configured to form an image of an objective light incident from a light receiving hole on the imaging device; and an adjustment unit configured to adjust a light receiving angle of the imaging device with respect to a reflected light of the finger or the objective light. Shooting equipment. 4. The adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein the adjusting unit adjusts the light receiving angle of the image sensor with respect to the reflected light of the finger or the objective light so as to be perpendicular to the operation of the switching lever.
An image capturing apparatus according to the above. 5. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting means diverts light emitted from the fluorescent tube as illumination light. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a collation unit configured to execute a fingerprint collation based on an output image of the imaging device when the light guiding unit guides the reflected light of the finger to the imaging device. Item 6. The image photographing device according to any one of Items 5. 7. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the matching means permits use of the apparatus only when the fingerprint matches the fingerprint of the specific person. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a character recognizing means for extracting and registering a character from an output image of the image sensor when the image forming means forms the objective light on the image sensor. 6. The image photographing device according to any one of claims 5. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit an output image of the imaging device when the imaging unit forms an image of the objective light on the imaging device. 2. The image photographing device according to claim 1. 10. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an artificial retinal chip is used as the image pickup device.