DE202007016079U1 - Face recognition system and this comprehensive security system - Google Patents

Abstract

One Face recognition system, which is a terminal with which a user interacts, comprising, said terminal at least two cameras, means for determining which of said cameras to take the image the face of the user should be used, as well as means to Viewing the image of the user's face includes one the mentioned cameras over the other camera or the other cameras is arranged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates to face recognition systems, security systems and methods for the operation of these systems. In particular, the present invention relates The invention also relates to entry systems incorporating one or more of these systems include or use such operating methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Face recognition systems have been around for a long time. Essentially, such systems are designed to test whether users are authorized or authorized persons, and these systems can be used in security systems for a variety of applications. One company that developed this technology is Cognitec System GmbH ( www.cognitecsystems.de ). However, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that conventional systems of this type are not user-friendly for many reasons and also do not do justice to the administrators who maintain these systems and often result in a high failure rate in their operation.

The The present invention aims to address these user or system administrator unfriendly problems to solve or at least to provide the general public with an alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one The first aspect of the present invention is a face recognition security system provided, which is a terminal includes, with which the user interacts, the terminal at least two cameras, means for determining which of the cameras to record of the image of the user's face and means for displaying the image of the user's face, wherein one of the cameras over the other camera or the other cameras is arranged.

Preferably The system may include two cameras at the terminal and the display means may be arranged between the two cameras. That on the display means displayed image can be a mirror image.

In an embodiment The system may include a database containing information from facial images of users or authorized users.

suitable Way, the system can over the Internet connected to the database. An advantage of this arrangement is that the database is maintained and updated from one place that is away from the system or far away.

advantageously, For example, the system may include means for identifying users. The system may include means for detecting the identification means. The identification means can be used in the Generally the form of cards have the identification information the respective authorized user of the system included and this available be put. Alternatively you can the detection means for detecting other specific features adapted to the respective user.

According to one second aspect of the present invention is an input system provided for allowing or denying entry by users, comprising a system as described above. The entrance system can be a gate or a door include.

To confirmation the authenticity the user can use the gate or door on instructions from the face recognition system open become.

• (i) Mittel zum Erfassen eines ersten Datensatzes vom Benutzer, der das System passieren möchte;
• (ii) Mittel zum Bestimmen auf Grundlage des ersten Datensatzes, welche der Kameras des Gesichtserkennungssystems zum Aufnehmen des Bilds des Gesichts des Benutzers verwendet werden soll;
• (iii) Mittel zum Erzeugen eines zweiten Datensatzes auf Grundlage des aufgenommenen Bildes;
• (iv) Mittel zum Vergleichen des zweiten Datensatzes mit Informationen in einer Datenbank, die eine Identifikation von autorisierten Benutzern des Systems enthält;
• (v) Mittel zum Erzeugen eines dritten Datensatzes auf Grundlage des Vergleichs von Schritt (iv); und
• (vi) Mittel zum Erteilen oder Verweigern auf Grundlage des dritten Datensatzes der Erlaubnis an den Benutzer, das System zu passieren.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for authenticating the identity of a user by using a face recognition system according to claim 1, comprising:

• (i) means for acquiring a first record from the user who wishes to pass the system;
• (ii) means for determining based on the first set of data to be used by the cameras of the face recognition system to capture the image of the user's face;
• (iii) means for generating a second data set based on the captured image;
• (iv) means for comparing the second data set with information in a database containing an identification of authorized users of the system;
• (v) means for generating a third data set based on the comparison of step (iv); and
• (vi) means for granting or denying based on the third record of permission to the user to pass the system.

According to one fourth aspect is a method for authenticating the identity of a User using a system as described above will be provided.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for authenticating the identity of a user using a face recognition system comprising the steps of (a) acquiring sensing (b) determining, on the basis of the first data set, which of the cameras to use to capture the user's image, of (c) capturing the image of the user, the (d ) Generating a second data set based on the captured image, comparing (e) the second data set with information in a database containing an identification of authorized users of the system, (f) generating a third data set based on the comparison of step e and (g) the user passes the permitting or denying system based on the third record. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise a step of displaying the image of the user's face in a display means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments The present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a terminal of a face recognition system or an entry system according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 a front view of the in 1 shown terminal is; and

3 is a flow chart illustrating the logistics of operating the system according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As discussed above There have been face recognition systems for a long time. Computer software that is used to capture a captured facial image of a user compare with images stored in a database and then to determine if the user is an authorized user, is not new. conventional Face recognition systems are typically designed with a terminal with which a user interacts with the system. In use would be Users so in front of the terminal, that one on the terminal located camera can capture the facial image of a user. But kick during of the image acquisition process frequently Problems on, because the terminal typically rigidly mounted to the wall or on a stand and the camera is fixed at a certain ground level on the terminal is. Because users have different body sizes and the camera is rigid mounted is the taking of the facial image of users often unsatisfactory. The present invention or embodiments according to the present The invention, as described below, aims to make the To solve problems associated with such a problem.

A face recognition system according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises, as in 1 shown a terminal 2 that a user interacts with. The terminal is rigidly mounted at a suitable height on a wall. 1 and 2 show a schematic representation of a front view and a perspective view of the terminal 2 , The terminal 2 has a generally rectangular shape and is vertically arranged on the wall. Starting from the top to the bottom of the device 2 are a first image pickup means such as a camera 4 , Means for displaying the facial image of a user such as a screen 6 , a second image pickup means such as a camera 8th , a variety of indicators 10 and means for determining an identification of the user, such as a detector 12 intended. The screen 6 has several functions, a function of which will be explained in more detail later in the description is to provide the user with bio-feedback.

Although not in 1 and 2 The terminal also includes means for determining which of the cameras 4 and 8th to use to capture the facial image of the user. In this embodiment, this determining means comprises a computer algorithm for performing the determining function, although in other embodiments the determining means may comprise circuitry suitable for carrying out the determining procedures. The system also includes identification cards (eg, contactless cards, smart cards, etc.) previously issued to the user authorized to use the system. The identification cards contain an information profile of the respective authorized users, such as their name, their access authorization level and their body size (or body size type). The detector of the terminal is adapted to recognize the identification card and to retrieve information from the user's card. It should be noted that a variety of identification cards can be used. These include contact identification cards, contactless identification cards, long-range RFID cards, short-range RFID cards, EM cards, Mifare cards and Wiegand cards. Depending on the type of card used, the determining means comprises a corresponding reader suitable for recognizing a particular card type.

In this embodiment, the first camera is 4 on the terminal 2 arranged so that they are at a height of about 5'9 '' above the ground and near the screen 6 located, and the second camera 8th on the terminal 2 is positioned so that it is about 5'3 "above the ground and near the screen 6 and further under the first camera 4 located. The screen 6 is located on the terminal 2 between the first and the second camera. The detector 12 located at the bottom of the terminal 2 under the second camera 8th ,

Further there are two in this embodiment Height types namely Type H, the for a larger person is determined, and type h, for a smaller person is intended. In this embodiment becomes a person with a height of 5 Foot and 6 inches or larger than Class H and a person of less than 5 feet and 6 Customs are classified as type h. This body size type is part of her Identification card stored information profile. For the purpose the explanation the characteristics and operation of the system is assumed the user is a type H person in the following scenario.

With reference to 3 the system is in its standby mode 14 ready to carry out a detection or verification of the user's face (type H). When the user to the terminal 2 he comes on the screen 6 prompted his identification card at the detector 12 to register. In response, the user gets his identification card at the detector 12 place (see 16 ). The detector 12 will then first try to check if the card is a valid card (see 18 ). If she is not, he will be at the screen 6 a signal for displaying an error message on the screen 6 spend (see 20 ) and the system will then return to its standby mode (see 22 ). If it does, it will try to get more information from the profile stored in the map and determine the body size type of the person being checked (ie, an H or h type user) 24 ). Then, if the person has been identified as a type H person (as stated above, in this embodiment, the user is an H type person and the ID card has assigned this type H information to the information profile), the detector will issue a signal, around the first camera 4 activate, which is in a higher position (see 20 ). If the camera 4 is activated, it is set up to record the user's facial image within the camera area (from approximately 5'6 '' to 6 '). After the image has been taken, the captured image is converted into information for comparison with information in a database, which aims to determine whether or not the person with the particular facial image taken is a person authorized to pass the system (see 28 ). If it is determined that the recorded face image does not match any recorded information, the system aborts the recognition process (see 30 ), outputs a signal to request an error message to the screen (see 32 ) and then returns to its standby mode temporarily (see 34 ). The system also records information related to this "failed" detection for later use in a log table (see 36 ). If it is determined that the captured facial image matches information of an authorized user, the system outputs a signal for requesting a personalized greeting message to the screen (see 38 ). In the scenario where the system is connected to an entrance gate, the system may also be arranged to output a signal to unlock the gate or to automatically open the gate. The system also records information related to this "successful" detection for later use in a log table (see 40 ). The system then returns to its standby mode for the next recognition task (see 42 ).

Of course, when the system is for recognizing the face image of an authorized user of the type h, the lower camera is used instead 8th although the rest of the algorithm will generally be similar.

The system described above is technically significant in many ways. First, in conventional face recognition systems, only one camera is provided. When a camera is mounted too high relative to a user on a mount, the camera tends to take a perspective view from above the user's face, or if the user is very small, the camera tends to image the forehead of the user User record. Of course, the database attached to the system contains information from facial images of users (or authorized users), and if the captured image is not really a face image but a frontal image of the user, then the recognition system is very authorized, even if the user is an authorized one User may not be able to distinguish the user and allow the user to pass the system. When a camera is mounted too low in relation to a user on a mount, the camera tends to take a perspective view from below of the user's face, or if the user is very tall, the camera tends to image the chin of the user. This would equally lead to a failed recognition task again. By contrast, according to the embodiment set forth above, by using a two camera arrangement, the system is able to select an appropriate camera from the two cameras to more accurately capture the user's facial image.

Secondly is in a conventional face recognition system no means for providing feedback to the user Available. It was common the case that a user is not exactly in front of the camera and do not know that he at a for the recognition process is inappropriate place, allowing the system the right execution the recognition task fails. According to the embodiment set out above however, the user can by using a screen see if his picture appears on the screen when he sees himself to the terminal approaches. Due to a natural The tendency of the user to seek his picture on the screen becomes he himself moves in front of the terminal until his frontal image Completely is displayed on the screen. The introduction of the screen generated essentially a bio-feedback, by which the user can be stimulated to become one for the activity the detection system to go right position.

A second embodiment according to the present Invention is similar the first embodiment except that the screen for displaying a mirror image is set up by the user so that the picture follows the user and moves to the right as the user moves to the right, and vice versa. This design is beneficial because of the user follow the movement of the picture and correct its position accordingly can.

A third embodiment according to the present Invention is similar the first embodiment except that no means for displaying the image of the User is provided. Although such an embodiment less desirable is, it is still beneficial because at least the use of two cameras handling a wider range of users different Size allows.

A fourth embodiment according to the present Invention is similar the first embodiment with the exception that only one camera is provided. Although such an embodiment less desirable is, nevertheless, it is advantageous because the user by the presence a screen for the purpose of bio-feedback by the screen at least supported will be up for to position the recognition through the system.

A fifth embodiment according to the present Invention is similar the first embodiment except that the fingerprint detection detector of authorized users. The detection of fingerprints can be used to (i) determine which body size type a particular authorized user is and / or (ii) determine whether the user at all is an authorized user.

It is provided that in a further embodiment, the database of Face images or authorized facial images at a remote Location is located and that the terminal over the Internet connected to the database. This is from several establish advantageous. First, the maintenance of the database at a remote Place performed become. Second, the theft may be personal information prevented at the terminal when the database is in a remote location. Third, the database may contain facial images of criminals and the system can be set up for that be automatically notified to law enforcement if these offenders be recognized by the recognition system.

Intended is also that a face recognition system in an entrance system may be included to access a building via an entrance of the system to grant or refuse. The face recognition system can work in others Be included in systems such as an ATM, being the user performing any transaction is allowed only when the user the face recognition system has passed.

It It should be noted that the processing of the various o.g. algorithms through circuitry, software programming, firmware programming or other hardware programming can be performed, and that the Whichever method is used for the execution of the advantages differs from the present invention.

Claims (11)

A face recognition system comprising a terminal with which a user interacts, said terminal comprising at least two cameras, means for determining which of said cameras to capture the image of the user's face, and means for displaying the image of the user Face of the user wherein one of said cameras is arranged above the other camera or cameras. A system according to claim 1, comprising two cameras comprising, said display means between said two cameras is arranged. The system of claim 1, wherein the image is a mirror image is. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database includes information from facial images of users. The system of claim 4, wherein said database Includes information from facial images of authorized users. The system of claim 4, wherein said system is over the Internet is connected to the said database. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for identifying includes by users. The system of claim 7, further comprising means for detecting the identification means comprises. A system according to claim 8, wherein said identification means generally have the form of cards, the identification information the respective authorized user of said system and this available be put. An entrance system for granting or denying access of users, the a face recognition system according to one of claims 1 to 9 includes. System for authenticating the identity of a User by using a face recognition system Claim 1, comprising the following means: (i) means for detecting a first record from the user who passed the system would like to; (Ii) Means for determining based on the first record which the cameras of the face recognition system to take the picture the user's face should be used; (iii) means for generating a second record based on the recorded one image; (iv) means for comparing the second data record with Information in a database, which is an identification of authorized Contains users of the system; (V) Means for generating a third record based on the Comparison of step (iv); and (vi) means of granting or Refuse on the basis of the third record of the permission the user to pass the system.