JP2005301552A - Authentication apparatus, system and method using vein pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an authentication device capable of accurately reading human vein patterns without intimidating or forcing users to assume awkward postures; an authentication system that allows easy maintenance; and an authentication method capable of authentication using vein patterns without being affected by the circumstances of the users. <P>SOLUTION: A reading means (11) for reading the vein pattern of an inspection target and a comparison means (12) for comparing the read vein pattern to a plurality of vein pattern data are linked together by a general-purpose network communication means (13). The authentication device serving as the reading means includes an installation part (2) positioned on the visual axis (X) of an imaging means (1), for the inspection target (10) whose vein pattern is to be read, and a light source (3) placed in a position where an optical axis (Y) intersects the visual axis at a predetermined angle (A). The vein pattern read from the inspection target is compared to the plurality of vein pattern data and results are obtained depending on whether or not there are any of the data matching the vein pattern read. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an authentication device, an authentication method, and an authentication system used for authenticating an individual using a vein pattern.

  In authenticating an individual, a method using an authentication number, an ID card, a fingerprint, an iris or the like has already been widely used, but in recent years, an authentication technology using a vein pattern has been proposed. This vein pattern is suitable for personal authentication in that it varies from person to person, does not change with time, and is an internal structure of the human body, so that forgery is almost impossible. In addition, there is an advantage that the user's mental resistance to being inspected is small, such as fingerprints and irises used for criminal investigations.

  The vein pattern is read from a part of the human body, and several techniques have been proposed for the reading method. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-295684 discloses a personal identification method for extracting and comparing vein distribution characteristics from back of the image data, as well as detecting light reflected by the back of the hand by the sensing means and converting the light. A personal identification device for identifying an individual using still image data obtained in this manner is disclosed. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-187235 discloses a finger vein recognition apparatus that captures a vein image of a finger of a hand using an infrared light emitting element and an imaging lens / camera that are arranged to face each other.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-295673 also discloses a personal identification system for exchanging data between a personal identification device and a data storage device via a communication network. The personal identification device applied to this personal identification system is not limited to the personal identification device using the back of the hand, and a finger vein recognition device can also be applied.
JP-A-10-295664 JP 2003-187235 A

  However, in the personal identification device using the back of the hand, there is a possibility that the hair on the back of the hand becomes an obstacle and cannot be read accurately. On the other hand, in the finger vein authentication device, much of the light transmitted through the finger is blocked by the bone, and there is a risk that the amount of light is insufficient and accurate reading cannot be performed.

In both of the above-described apparatuses, a component that is indispensable for reading is disposed above the inspection target portion in the installed state. A viewing window for the user to check his / her finger or back of the hand to be inserted into the apparatus has to be provided on the side wall. For this reason, when the reading device is embedded in the wall, only the insertion opening in which the inside of the reading device cannot be confirmed is formed on the wall surface, and there is a problem that the user has a feeling of fear or disgust.
In the personal identification device using the back of the hand, if the back of the hand is directed to the wall surface, the user can check the state of the back of the hand for the time being. However, in order to turn the back of the hand to the wall, the user has to twist his hand, which has the problem that the user may be forced into an uncomfortable posture.

  Furthermore, the personal identification system has a problem that it becomes difficult to add a new device or connect to another network depending on the specifications of the communication network, and to maintain and maintain it.

  Furthermore, in the authentication method using the above device or system, it is necessary to specify the data for collating the read vein pattern by an ID card or an authentication number, etc. There was a problem that it could not be authenticated.

  Therefore, the first object of the present invention is to accurately read a person's vein pattern, and even when embedded in a wall surface, the user is forced to have an uncomfortable posture without fear or disgust. An object of the present invention is to provide an authentication device that can read a vein pattern without any problem.

  A second object of the present invention is to provide an authentication system that can be easily maintained and maintained.

  A third object of the present invention is to provide an authentication method that uses a vein pattern and can perform authentication without being affected by the circumstances of the user.

  An authentication device according to the present invention is disposed on a line of sight of an imaging unit, and is placed at a position where an optical axis intersects the line of sight with an installation portion to be examined for reading a vein pattern. A light source.

  The light source may be arranged on the opposite side of the imaging unit with respect to the inspection object, and in this case, the inspection object part may be a finger, a hand, or a wrist.

  The light source may be arranged on the same side as the imaging unit with respect to the inspection object, and in this case, the inspection object may be a palm.

  In addition, in this invention, a hand shall mean the terminal side part ahead from the wrist in a person's arm. In addition, the palm means a surface that is one surface of the part and is an inner surface when grasped. Therefore, the palm becomes a part of the hand. On the other hand, the wrist is not included in the hand, and the hand and the wrist are different parts.

  The light source may be controlled to be turned on / off by a sensor that senses that the inspection target is installed.

  The installation portion may be covered with a covering member having a transparent portion disposed on the visual axis.

  An authentication system according to the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a vein pattern to be examined, a storage unit that stores a plurality of vein pattern data, and a comparison unit that compares the read vein pattern with the plurality of vein pattern data. Are connected by general-purpose network communication means. The general-purpose network communication means is, for example, equipment that is connected by a twisted pair cable and performs communication using a communication method called Ethernet (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The communication between the reading unit and the comparison unit is encrypted.

  The reading unit and the comparing unit may be managed by a management unit installed in a remote place connected by the Internet.

  The authentication method according to the present invention reads a vein pattern to be examined, compares the read vein pattern with a plurality of vein pattern data, and obtains a result based on the presence or absence of data that matches the read vein pattern.

  According to the authentication device of the present invention, the position where the light source is arranged is not particularly limited as long as the optical axis intersects the visual axis of the imaging unit at a predetermined angle. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the position where the light source is arranged according to the installation state or the like, a sufficient amount of light can reach the imaging means, or a viewing window of the installation unit can be provided at an appropriate place. The vein pattern can be read accurately, and when the device is embedded in the wall, the vein pattern can be read without causing the user to feel afraid or disgusting or forcing an uncomfortable posture. Is possible.

  When the light source is arranged on the opposite side of the imaging means with respect to the inspection object, the vein pattern can be read using light transmitted through the inspection object. At this time, since the optical axis of the light source intersects with the visual axis of the imaging means at a predetermined angle, the light emitted from the light source passes through the part off the visual axis of the inspection target and reaches the imaging means. Will do. Therefore, if the inspection object is a site with bone, the amount of light blocked by the bone can be reduced by installing the bone on the visual axis, and the amount of light reaching the imaging means from the light source can be increased. In addition, the vein can be read more accurately.

  On the other hand, when the light source is arranged on the same side as the imaging unit with respect to the inspection object, the vein pattern can be read using light reflected from the inspection object. At this time, accurate reading is performed by arranging the light source so that the amount of light reaching the imaging unit is maximized in a range where the optical axis intersects the visual axis of the imaging unit at a predetermined angle. It becomes possible.

  The inspection object is preferably a part of the distal side portion of the person's arm in consideration of the convenience of installation in the apparatus. However, it is necessary to select a site most suitable for reading the vein pattern depending on the positional relationship with respect to the light source and the imaging means. When the light source is arranged on the opposite side of the imaging means with respect to the inspection object, that is, when light transmitted through the inspection object is used, reading can be performed even with a bone. The entire hand including the wrist or the wrist can be the inspection target. On the other hand, when the light source is arranged on the same side as the imaging unit with respect to the inspection object, that is, when light reflected from the inspection object is used, a palm with no hair is suitable for the inspection object. In particular, if the object to be inspected is a palm, even if the installation part is embedded in the wall surface, it can be installed without being twisted there, so that the user is not forced to take an uncomfortable posture.

  If the light source is turned on / off by a sensor that senses that the inspection object has been installed, the light source will not be turned on when it is not needed, and the installation part can be prevented from being heated. In addition, the life of the light source can be extended.

  Furthermore, if the installation part is covered with a covering member having a transparent part disposed on the line of sight, the transparent part becomes a viewing window, and the user can be covered without fear or disgust. A site to be inspected can be inserted into the installation part.

  Further, according to the authentication system of the present invention, in order to use widely used communication methods, communication devices, communication facilities, etc., maintenance, including addition of new devices and connection with other networks, etc. Maintenance can be performed easily.

  Furthermore, if the reading means and the comparing means are managed by a management means installed in a remote place connected by the Internet, there is no need for a technician to be resident at the site where the authentication work is actually performed. Maintenance and maintenance can be performed more efficiently.

  It should be noted that if the encryption process is applied to the communication between the reading means and the comparison means, an illegal reading action of the vein pattern data can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to safely use widely used communication methods and the like. In particular, when management is performed via the Internet, there is a high possibility that a third party will intrude into the system via the Internet, which is an effective measure for safely operating the system.

  Further, according to the authentication method of the present invention, information for selectively extracting specific vein pattern data is not required, and authentication can be performed by one user. Therefore, authentication can be performed without being affected by the circumstances of the user such as forgetting the authentication number or not carrying the ID card. It can also be used for searching for a person having a vein pattern that matches one of the vein pattern data based on a plurality of known vein pattern data, such as a criminal investigation.

  1-3, the specific example of the authentication apparatus concerning this invention is shown. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of the authentication device, FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a positional relationship of main components arranged inside the authentication device, and FIG. 3 is a case where the authentication device is embedded in a wall surface. It is a slope view which shows an aspect.

(Claim 1) In this authentication apparatus, the optical axis Y is set at a predetermined angle A with respect to the visual axis X, and the installation part 2 of the inspection object 10 that reads the vein pattern disposed on the visual axis X of the imaging means 1. And the light source 3 arranged at the intersecting position.

  According to this authentication apparatus, the position at which the light source 3 is disposed is not particularly limited as long as the optical axis Y intersects the visual axis X of the imaging unit 1 with a predetermined angle A. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the position where the light source 3 is arranged according to the installation state or the like, a sufficient amount of light reaches the imaging means 10 or a viewing port of the installation unit 2 is provided at an appropriate place. Can do. Then, the vein pattern can be read accurately, and when the device is embedded in the wall surface 6, the vein pattern is read without causing the user to feel a sense of fear or disgust and without forcing an unreasonable posture. It becomes possible.

The light source 3 is arranged on the opposite side of the imaging means 1 with respect to the inspection object 10.
In this way, the vein pattern can be read using the light L transmitted through the inspection object 10. At this time, since the optical axis Y of the light source 3 intersects the visual axis X of the imaging means 1 at a predetermined angle A, the light emitted from the light source 3 is a portion deviated from the visual axis X of the inspection object 10. And reaches the imaging means 1. Therefore, if the inspection object 10 is a part having the bone 10a, the light amount blocked by the bone 10a is reduced by installing the bone 10a so as to be positioned on the visual axis X, and the light amount reaching the imaging means 1 from the light source 3 is reduced. Can be increased. In addition, the vein can be read more accurately.
Further, although the inspection object 10 is a finger, this authentication apparatus can read the vein pattern even if it has the bone 10a. Therefore, the entire hand including the finger or the wrist can be the inspection object. Good.

The light source 3 is controlled to be turned on / off by a sensor 4 that senses that the inspection object 10 has been installed.
In this way, the light source 3 is not turned on when it is not necessary, the installation unit 2 can be prevented from being heated, and the life of the light source 3 can be extended.

The installation portion 2 is covered with a covering member 5 having a transparent portion 5a disposed on the visual axis X.
If it carries out like this, the transparent part 5a becomes a viewing window, and the site | part used as the test | inspection object 10 can be inserted in the coating | coated installation part 2, without making a user hold fear and disgust. In addition, it is good also considering the transparent part 5a as an open part according to the usage condition of an authentication apparatus.

The light source 3 may be disposed on the same side as the imaging unit 1 with respect to the inspection object 10. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the positional relationship between the light source and other components when the light source is arranged on the same side as the imaging unit with respect to the installation unit. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same parts as in FIGS.
In this way, the vein pattern can be read using the light M reflected from the inspection object 10. At this time, the light source 3 is arranged so that the amount of light reaching the imaging unit 1 is maximized in a range where the optical axis Y intersects the visual axis X of the imaging unit 1 at a predetermined angle A. It is possible to perform accurate reading.
In this case, a palm with no hair is suitable as the inspection object 10. In particular, if the inspection object 10 is a palm, even if the installation part 2 is embedded in a wall surface, it can be installed without being twisted there, so that it does not impose an unreasonable posture on the user.

FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the authentication system according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the system.
In this authentication system, reading means 11 for reading a vein pattern to be inspected and comparing means 12 for comparing the read vein pattern with a plurality of vein pattern data are connected by a general-purpose network communication means 13. The comparison unit 12 includes a storage unit 16, and the plurality of vein pattern data are stored in the storage unit 12.

  According to this authentication system, in order to use widely used communication methods, communication devices, communication facilities, etc., maintenance and maintenance including addition of new devices and connection with other networks are easily performed. be able to.

The reading unit 11 and the comparison unit 12 are managed by a management unit 15 installed in a remote place connected by the Internet 14.
This eliminates the need for technicians to reside at the site where the certification work is actually performed, and makes maintenance and maintenance more efficient.

  An unauthorized intrusion prevention means (firewall) 17 is provided between the authentication system and the Internet 14 to prevent unauthorized entry into the system by a third party.

The communication between the reading unit 11 and the comparison unit 12 is encrypted.
In this way, illegal reading of vein pattern data can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to safely use widely used communication methods and the like. In particular, when management is performed via the Internet, there is a high possibility that a third party will intrude into the system via the Internet, which is an effective measure for safely operating the system.

  Next, the authentication method according to the present invention will be described as a specific example using the authentication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the authentication system shown in FIG.

A system for performing authentication uses the authentication apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as the reading means 11 and a commercially available PC connected as the comparison means 12 by the general-purpose network communication means 13.
For authentication, first, a finger to be inspected 10 is placed on the placement unit 2 and the vein pattern is read. The read vein pattern is transmitted to the comparison means 12, where it is compared with a plurality of vein pattern data. A result is obtained based on the presence or absence of data that matches the read vein pattern. For example, when performing admission restriction, if there is matching data, the person who is allowed to enter is authenticated, and if there is no matching data, the person who cannot enter is authenticated. Further, when the passage of a specific person is prevented at the departure gate, if there is matching data, it is authenticated as a person who is not allowed to pass, and if there is no matching data, it is authenticated as a person who is allowed to pass.

  If it carries out like this, it will become possible to authenticate by one user, and it will be possible to authenticate without being influenced by the circumstances of the user such as forgetting the authentication number or not carrying the ID card. It can also be used for searching for a person having a vein pattern that matches one of the vein pattern data based on a plurality of known vein pattern data, such as a criminal investigation.

It is a slope view which shows the specific example of the authentication apparatus concerning this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the positional relationship of the main components arrange | positioned inside the authentication apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the use aspect when the authentication apparatus is embed | buried under the wall surface. In another specific example of the authentication apparatus according to the present invention, it is a conceptual diagram showing the positional relationship between the light source and other components when the light source is arranged on the same side as the imaging means with respect to the installation unit. It is a block diagram which shows the specific example of the authentication system concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging means 2 Installation part 3 Light source 4 Sensor 5 Cover member 5a Transparent part 10 Inspection object 11 Reading means 12 Comparison means 13 General-purpose network communication means 14 Internet 15 Management means A Angle X Visual axis Y Optical axis

Claims (13)

  Placed on the visual axis (X) of the imaging means (1), the installation part (2) of the inspection object (10) for reading the vein pattern, and the optical axis (Y) with respect to the visual axis (X) at a predetermined angle A light source (3) arranged at a position intersecting with (A).   The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the light source (3) is arranged on the opposite side of the imaging means (1) with respect to the inspection object (10).   The authentication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inspection object is a finger.   The authentication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inspection object is a hand.   The authentication device according to claim 2, wherein the inspection object is a wrist.   The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the light source (3) is arranged on the same side as the imaging means (1) with respect to the inspection object (10).   The authentication device according to claim 6, wherein the inspection object is a palm.   The authentication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light source (3) is controlled to be turned on / off by a sensor (4) that senses that the inspection object (10) is installed. .   The said installation part (2) is covered with the coating | coated member (5) which has the transparent part (5a) arrange | positioned on this visual axis (X). Authentication device.   The general-purpose network communication means (13) is connected to the reading means (11) for reading the vein pattern to be inspected and the comparing means (12) for comparing the read vein pattern with a plurality of vein pattern data. Authentication system.   11. The authentication system according to claim 10, wherein the reading means (11) and the comparing means (12) are managed by management means (15) installed in a remote place connected by the Internet (14).   The authentication system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein an encryption process is applied to communication between the reading means (11) and the comparing means (12).   An authentication method, wherein a vein pattern to be examined is read, the read vein pattern is compared with a plurality of vein pattern data, and a result is obtained based on the presence or absence of data that matches the read vein pattern.

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