JP2006220666A - Photographing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide photographing equipment which quickly photographs any object to determine whether the object is a genuine document, etc.. <P>SOLUTION: This photographing equipment is mounted on a desk, etc. to take a picture of the object as if holding the object up. The lighting device irradiates light of plural wavelengths, and uses a camera to photograph images of the object in various wavelengths. By processing these images in various wavelengths, quality in material of the object becomes known. The photographed images are also cross-checked with registered images stored in the photographing equipment, etc. to be used for image determination. Additional determination is provided on those images in which differences in intensity of irradiation between lights of various wavelengths are compensated, in order to improve accuracy in image determination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for photographing an object in a non-contact manner using a plurality of wavelengths.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a difference in reflectance of light due to a difference in substance.
How it reflects when exposed to light depends on the nature of the material. FIG. 24 shows an example thereof. FIG. 24 shows one characteristic of the substance A and the substance B and shows the characteristics with respect to light. The horizontal axis represents the wavelength of the light irradiated to the target object. The vertical axis represents the reflectance of light when the light is applied. The substance A and the substance B have different reflectance characteristics with respect to the wavelength of light. Therefore, for example, the substances A and B can be determined by selecting the wavelengths A, B, C, and D in FIG. 24 and comparing the reflectance values at that time.

  There exists patent document 1 etc. as invention which determines a substance by non-contact. Light containing a wavelength that is easily absorbed by moisture or a wavelength that is not easily absorbed by moisture is irradiated from a light source, and the presence of moisture is determined by photographing with a camera.

On the other hand, there are Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 as conventional photographing apparatuses that read slips and the like in a non-contact manner.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an outline of a conventional non-contact photographing apparatus.

First, there is a pedestal 10 on which a document 13 to be read is placed. The pedestal 10 is provided with a column 11, a header portion 12 is provided on the column 11, and a reading device is provided in the header portion 12. The image taken by the reading device is sent to the PC 14 or the like, and reading processing such as a slip or a check is performed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-61351 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-342752 JP 2000-148887 A

  A conventional imaging apparatus using a plurality of wavelengths has a structure in which a target object is fixed and imaged. However, in the case of this structure, there is a problem that the device becomes large because a pedestal or the like is required and is difficult to handle. In addition, since the target object is photographed after being placed on the pedestal, it takes time to shoot and is not suitable for use where it is desired to photograph quickly.

  The conventional reading device such as a slip has the same problem because it is a method of fixing a document on a pedestal or the like as described above. There is also a problem that there is no means for determining whether or not the slip being read is genuine.

  The subject of this invention is providing the imaging device which can image | photograph a target object quickly and can judge whether a target object is a genuine document etc. or not.

  The imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a camera that acquires image data of an imaging target, illumination that irradiates the imaging target with a non-single wavelength, storage means that stores a registered image of the imaging target to be captured, and the registration Comparison determination means for comparing the image with the acquired image data of the shooting target and determining whether or not they match, and the material of the shooting target from the image of the shooting target obtained at the non-single wavelength Material determining means for determining, and the image data is acquired by holding the object to be photographed over the camera and the illumination.

  According to the present invention, since shooting is performed while holding the shooting target, the shooting target can be quickly shot. In addition, since an image is obtained by irradiating the object to be imaged with a plurality of wavelengths, the material of the object to be imaged can be known from these luminances. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the photographing target is an expected genuine photographing target or a fake. Also, by having a means for comparing with a registered image, it is possible to determine whether it is a genuine photographing object or a fake.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to photograph a target object using a plurality of wavelengths with a non-contact imaging apparatus. At that time, it has a function of correcting a positional shift and a difference in illumination intensity between a plurality of wavelengths. Therefore, the material can be determined from the wavelength characteristics. It also has an image matching processing function. Therefore, it can be used as a reading device having a function of preventing counterfeit bills and false checks.

  The imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has 1) an image matching function, and 2) a function for determining the material of a target object by imaging an image at a plurality of wavelengths and examining a specific wavelength characteristic. It is a feature. By providing these functions, it can be used as a check reading device with a forgery prevention function based on material determination or a counterfeit bill determination device.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a photographing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
An imaging apparatus that captures an object with a plurality of wavelengths is placed, and a method of using “holding” the target object in front of the imaging apparatus is employed. By adopting such a structure, a pedestal or the like for holding the target object becomes unnecessary, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and weight. In addition, since photographing can be performed simply by holding the photographing object over the apparatus, it is possible to quickly perform photographing and (true / false determination such as a slip).

  In addition, the imaging apparatus of the present invention captures images at a plurality of wavelengths. By photographing an object with a plurality of wavelengths, the material of the target object can be determined based on the characteristics with respect to the wavelength. The function of determining the material can be used as a function for preventing counterfeiting of checks and banknotes.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a fraud prevention function using a material determination function based on the embodiment of the present invention.
By determining the wavelength characteristics of the entire target object as in case A of FIG. 2 or by attaching a substance having a known wavelength characteristic to a part of the determination target object in advance as in case B and performing the material determination. A method of preventing forgery is possible.

In order to determine the material to be imaged from images of a plurality of wavelengths, the imaging device of the present invention includes a material determining unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining two methods for capturing an image of a plurality of wavelengths.

  FIG. 3A shows a configuration in which illumination for irradiating light of different wavelengths is provided, and the configuration is simple and can be realized at low cost. In particular, by using an inexpensive LED as illumination, the cost can be suppressed. However, in FIG. 3A, since shooting is performed while holding the shooting target, the target object may move while switching the wavelength of the irradiation light. For this reason, there arises a problem of positional deviation between images of a plurality of wavelengths.

  FIG. 3 (b) uses illumination that irradiates light of a continuous wavelength and photographs reflected light of a specific wavelength using a filter when photographing with a camera. In order to prepare a filter on the camera side. The structure is complicated and the price is high. However, FIG. 3B is advantageous in that a plurality of different wavelength images can be taken at the same time, so there is no problem that the target object moves while switching the irradiation wavelength. Misalignment between images does not occur).

Which one of FIG. 3 (a) and FIG. 3 (b) is better depends on the price and the assumed moving speed of the target object. Therefore, the most appropriate method is selected according to the actual application situation.
In addition, the imaging apparatus includes a determination target object information holding unit that holds information about an object to be imaged. The determination target object information holding unit holds information about an object to be imaged, such as a banknote or a check. Specifically, it has 1) an image of an object to be photographed, and 2) wavelength characteristic information for material determination.

  When the present invention is used as a bill or check reading device, 1) a comparison between a registered image and a currently photographed image, and a registered object material and a currently photographed object. The two methods of comparing the materials are used to determine what the object being photographed is and whether it has been forged. The determination target object information holding unit holds information for comparison.

  In addition, the photographing apparatus includes a matching processing unit that compares images. By comparing bill marks, numbers, check signs, and the like with a matching processing unit, it is possible to determine whether the currently captured image is registered or genuine.

  For example, the type of banknote can be determined by comparing marks and numbers written on the banknote. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not the signature is genuine by registering in advance the signature written on the check and comparing it with the signature of the principal.

For details of the matching process, refer to the following documents.
“Image Analysis Handbook” p707-p746 The University of Tokyo ISBN 4-13-061107-0 January 17, 1991 First edition With the configuration described so far, the type of banknote can be changed by simply holding it in front of the photographing device. A device that reads and determines a counterfeit bill or a device that determines whether or not a check is genuine is possible.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a problem in the case of irradiating a subject with light of different wavelengths.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the material is determined based on the reflectance characteristics of the photographic object when the illumination wavelength is changed. However, the distribution of the intensity of light emitted from the lighting device may differ depending on the wavelength, such as the wavelength λ1 and the wavelength λ2 shown in FIG. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a plurality of illuminations for irradiating light of different wavelengths are provided and switched, the tendency becomes large. As a result, even at the same position (point P (x, y) in FIG. 4), the illumination intensities at the wavelengths λ1 and λ2 are different. In such a state, the material cannot be determined based on the wavelength characteristics.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the reason why the illumination intensity varies depending on the wavelength.
One of the reasons why the illumination intensity varies depending on the wavelength is as follows. In the case of FIG. 3A in which a plurality of wavelengths are switched by the illumination device, an illumination device such as an LED having different wavelengths is attached. Since the mounting position and mounting direction are deviated, there arises a problem that the intensity of illumination between wavelengths varies depending on the position of the photographing object (FIG. 5B).

  As a method for solving this problem, a plurality of light emitting elements can be placed in one lens. As shown in FIG. 5A, the LED includes a lens portion and a light emitting element portion. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), by putting light emitting elements corresponding to two or more wavelengths into one lens, the difference in illumination intensity between wavelengths based on the difference in mounting position and the difference in mounting direction. Can be eliminated.

  In addition, the reason why the illumination intensity varies depending on the wavelength includes that the electricity → energy conversion efficiency, the area of the light emitting element, and the refractive index differ depending on the wavelength. Therefore, it is difficult to completely eliminate the difference in illumination intensity between a plurality of wavelengths. Therefore, after taking a picture with the camera, a method of correcting the luminance is taken.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of correcting a difference in luminance according to wavelength using a luminance correction table.
First, the illumination intensity of each wavelength is measured in advance for each measurement point and recorded as a brightness correction table. When an object is actually photographed, the luminance is corrected based on the luminance correction table. Thereby, the influence of the difference in illumination intensity between wavelengths can be eliminated, and accurate material determination can be performed.

  Since the illumination intensity distribution changes depending on the distance from the illumination, the luminance correction table can be provided for each distance. The distance correction luminance table to be used for the current input image includes a method of using a distance sensor and a method of determining a distance from the result of matching with a registered image.

  The imaging apparatus can be configured to include a distance sensor that measures the distance to the object. Based on the output of the distance sensor, an optimum brightness correction table is selected and the brightness is corrected, whereby correct material determination can be made.

  Further, by using the distance sensor, it can be determined whether there is an object to be imaged. When there is no object to be imaged, it is possible to save power and processor power by turning off the illumination or stopping image capturing.

7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining a configuration for determining a material.
This imaging apparatus determines the material of an object using images of a plurality of wavelengths. At this time, the material determination process need not be performed on the entire screen captured by the camera.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the amount of calculation can be reduced by extracting a small area in which a photographic object is shown from the shooting area and performing the determination process only on the area. Further, the material can be determined by thinning out the pixels in the small area appropriately. For example, the calculation amount can be reduced to ¼ by determining by thinning out every other pixel.

The material determination area holding unit holds information indicating which pixel in which area is used to determine the material of the target object.
The material determination result storage unit holds a record of the material determination determined by the material determination unit. If the image matching results match, but the material determination result is different from the registered one, there is a possibility that an illegal act such as forgery has been performed. Therefore, if the material determination result that the material of the photographed object is different from the registered material is more than a certain number of times, processing such as raising a warning is performed.

  One wavelength among a plurality of wavelengths irradiated by the illumination device is selected as an optimum wavelength for matching with a registered image in the determination target object information. For example, banknote patterns and check signs use ink that is visible in the visible light region. Therefore, one of a plurality of wavelengths used for material determination is in the visible light range, and the material is determined in combination with other wavelengths. By doing so, the number of illumination wavelengths to be used can be reduced, the amount of internal buffers, the number of parts of the illumination device, and the like can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the image capturing apparatus may be provided with a monitor function for displaying an image currently being captured, a material determination region, and the like. With the monitor function, when the user holds the photographic object, it can be confirmed whether or not the material determination area is properly within the object.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of storing image data obtained by irradiating different wavelengths.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the illumination and the camera are synchronized, and shooting is performed at a different wavelength for each shooting field of the camera.

  When taking an image, there is a type in which the camera is operated at intervals of one line as shown in FIG. 9 (interlace method). The even and odd lines are called the even field and the odd field, respectively.

  For example, a case where a target object is photographed with two wavelengths λ1 and λ2 is taken as an example. First, the target object is irradiated with the wavelength λ1. The camera records an image of this wavelength λ1 in an odd field (1 to n in FIG. 9). At the moment when shooting of the odd field is completed, the illumination is switched to λ2, and this time, an image is recorded in the even field. Thus, an image for two wavelengths can be stored in one image. In this manner, by storing data for two wavelengths in one image, the required buffer capacity can be reduced. This is because the entire image does not need to be used for material determination, and some information is sufficient, so the entire image to be photographed is not saved for material determination. It is configured.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, imaging at a wavelength for material determination and imaging at a wavelength for image matching are performed. At this time, information on the entire area of the screen is not necessary for the wavelength for determining the material. Therefore, the buffer can be effectively used by first photographing with the wavelength for material determination and finally photographing with the wavelength for image matching.

  In order to determine the material of the target object using a plurality of wavelengths, the illumination intensity of the plurality of wavelengths must be constant. Therefore, a luminance correction table is provided to correct the difference in illumination intensity. This brightness correction table is set at the time of shipment. Further, as described below, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a brightness correction table is newly generated or updated using an input image.

  To create a new brightness correction table using the input image, do as follows. First, in the initial state, the brightness correction table is initialized with zero. At this time, since the luminance cannot be corrected, the material is not determined.

  When an object is held over the photographing apparatus, matching processing between the registered image of the determination target object and the input image is performed directly without performing material determination. As a result, if the similarity between the input image and the determination target object is higher than a preset threshold, the input image is likely to be a previously registered determination target object (created illegally) We assume that the probability that something will be held over first is small). Therefore, the brightness correction table is generated so that the brightness of the current input image matches the wavelength characteristic of the determination target object that is known in advance. After the brightness correction table is generated, brightness correction and material determination are performed based on this table. It is also possible to update the brightness correction table using the input image in a similar manner.

The present photographing apparatus can be configured to newly generate or update the brightness correction table using information at the time of registration of the determination target object.
When a new brightness correction table is created using the information at the time of registration of the determination target object, it is as follows. First, in the initial state, the brightness correction table is initialized with zero.
At this time, since the luminance cannot be corrected, the material is not determined.

  Here, the image of the determination target object is registered in the determination target object information section. Since the determination target object information is a known object such as a banknote or a check, the wavelength characteristic is also known. When this known object is stored in the determination target object information holding unit, a brightness correction table is also generated. Specifically, the brightness correction table is generated so that the currently registered determination target object has a known wavelength characteristic. After the brightness correction table is generated, brightness correction and material determination are performed based on this table.

It is also possible to update the brightness correction table using the determination target information in the same manner.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a luminance correction method using a standard reflective object.

In order to correct the luminance between wavelengths, the imaging apparatus can be configured such that the imaging apparatus has a standard reflective object with a known wavelength characteristic and is reflected in the imaging area of the camera.
For example, the configuration is as shown in FIG. A standard reflecting object with known wavelength characteristics is installed above the camera. When holding the object to be imaged, the standard reflection object is imaged so as to overlap a part of the object to be imaged. Then, the object to be photographed and the standard reflecting object are captured simultaneously on the camera. Since the wavelength characteristics of the standard reflective object are known, the imaging apparatus can correct the luminance of the captured images of a plurality of wavelengths from the luminance of the standard reflective object.

  As another configuration of the imaging apparatus, the imaging target side may have a standard reflective object with a known wavelength characteristic. For example, when holding a bill or the like, a user wears a wristband or the like, and a standard reflective object is incorporated in the wristband. Alternatively, a standard reflecting object is incorporated in a holder that holds a bill.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for dealing with a positional deviation of a photographing target.
As described above, in the case of the imaging apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 3A, when imaging a plurality of wavelengths, imaging is performed while switching the wavelength of irradiation light of the illuminating device. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11, the position of the target object may be shifted while taking an image of each wavelength.

  In order to correct misalignment between these images, image matching is performed while applying image conversion such as translation and rotation, and a position where the images most closely match is searched. After such alignment, the wavelength characteristics are examined to determine the material.

The imaging apparatus can be configured to have a network communication function. By having the network function, it becomes possible to cooperate with other photographing apparatuses, to be remotely operated, and to be monitored remotely.
By providing the network communication function, it is possible to register the determination target object information in all other imaging apparatuses by registering the determination target object information in one imaging apparatus.

  When updating the information of the determination target object information via the network, in order to prevent unauthorized registration and information leakage, the determination target object information is encrypted and transmitted. It can be set as the structure registered.

  In addition, a configuration having a function of sending a message to another photographing apparatus through a network can be adopted. For example, when it is detected as a result of the material determination that a fake banknote has been used, the information is notified to another photographing apparatus, and a message “to temporarily suspend the use of the corresponding banknote” may be sent. it can.

  An external storage medium access unit that reads data from an external storage medium such as an IC card can be used. By registering determination target object information using an external storage medium, a new determination target object can be easily registered. For example, when used as a counterfeit bill discriminating device, it can quickly cope with new types of banknotes.

In addition to the camera that captures the target object, the camera can be configured to store a camera at a certain time interval by providing a camera for capturing the periphery.
Thereby, when an illegal banknote, a check, etc. are detected by material determination, the person who used it can be image | photographed. Further, by distributing the image via the network, unauthorized use by the same person can be prevented in advance.

  In the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to perform 1) image matching processing between a photographic object and determination target object information registered in advance, and 2) material determination. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not a bill or a check is genuine from two directions of image matching processing and material determination. Therefore, a more accurate judgment can be made.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, a brightness correction table is provided so that photographing and material determination can be performed in a state where the object (banknote, check, etc.) to be photographed is held on the camera without being fixed to a pedestal or the like. Yes. Therefore, a pedestal or the like for placing the target object is not necessary, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and weight. Further, since it is only necessary to hold the target object in front of the photographing apparatus, it is possible to photograph quickly. This is effective when used as a reading device for banknotes and checks at retail stores.

  By inserting a plurality of light emitting elements in a lens of one lighting device such as an LED, a difference in illumination intensity between wavelengths due to a difference in mounting position of the lighting device and a difference in mounting direction can be eliminated. As a result, material determination can be performed more accurately.

  The photographing apparatus includes a brightness correction table that corrects a difference in illumination intensity depending on a distance and a position from the camera. Since the material determination is performed based on the difference in reflectance between wavelengths, accurate material determination cannot be performed if the intensity of illumination varies depending on the distance or position. On the other hand, in the present photographing apparatus, accurate material determination can be performed by correcting the luminance using the luminance correction table.

Since the intensity distribution of illumination changes depending on the distance from the illumination, a luminance correction table is provided for each distance. As a result, more accurate material determination can be performed.
By adopting a configuration equipped with a distance sensor that measures the distance to the target object, an appropriate material determination can be made by selecting an optimum luminance correction table based on the output of the distance sensor and correcting the luminance.

  Further, the presence or absence of an object to be imaged can be determined by the distance sensor. For this reason, when there is no object to be photographed, it is possible to save power and processor power by turning off the illumination or stopping image photographing.

  When performing the material determination based on the wavelength characteristics, the same result can be obtained regardless of the region as long as the same material is used. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform material determination based on wavelength characteristics for the entire photographing screen. Therefore, the material determination region holding unit stores information on which pixel in which region is used to determine the material of the target object. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the amount of calculation compared to performing material determination for the entire screen.

  The material determination result storage unit holds a record of the material determination determined by the material determination unit. If the result shows that the material of the photographed object is different from the registered one, there is a possibility that fraud has been done. Therefore, the determination result is stored in the material determination result storage unit, and a warning can be raised depending on the content.

  One wavelength among a plurality of wavelengths irradiated by the lighting device for material determination can be selected as an optimum wavelength for matching with a registered image of the determination target object. As a result, since the number of wavelengths for material determination can be reduced while maintaining the accuracy of image matching, the internal buffer capacity, the number of illumination components, and the like can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

  A monitor function is provided to display the currently photographed image, material determination area, and the like. With the monitor function, when the user holds the shooting object, it can be used while checking whether the shooting is properly performed or whether the material judgment area is properly within the object. can do.

  By capturing images of different wavelengths in the even field and the odd field of the camera image, the interval of the capturing time of the two-wavelength image can be made shorter than when capturing the one-wavelength image in one frame. As a result, the positional deviation of the photographed object between the two-wavelength images is reduced, so that more accurate material determination can be performed.

It is possible to operate with a small memory by performing photographing for material determination, saving only necessary information, and then performing matching photographing.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the image capturing order of matching image data and image data for material determination and the memory area.

  As shown in the upper side of FIG. 12, when image capturing for material determination is first performed, image data captured at the first wavelength is stored in a memory which is an image buffer. Then, the image data corresponding to the material determination is left, and other image data is discarded or saved in another memory. Then, when the imaging target is imaged at the second wavelength and the image data is stored in the image buffer, the image data of the two wavelengths fits in one image buffer. Here, since the captured image at the second wavelength is an image for image matching, it is assumed that the entire image data is necessary. On the other hand, in the lower case of FIG. 12, when image data for image matching is first captured at the first wavelength, and then an image for material determination is captured at the second wavelength, Since all the image data is necessary for the previous image data, all of the image data must be stored in the image buffer. On top of this, if the image data for material determination is acquired at the second wavelength and stored in the image buffer, it will not fit in the image buffer. In order to extract only the image data of the part necessary for material judgment from the image data for material judgment, it is necessary to store all the image data once. Therefore, if image data for image matching is taken first, the capacity of the image buffer is extra Need.

  The brightness correction table can be set in advance at the time of factory shipment. However, if the table is updated based on the input image, it is not necessary to calibrate the brightness correction table at the time of factory shipment. Therefore, production cost can be reduced.

  In the present photographing apparatus, the luminance correction table using the input image can be updated at regular time intervals. As a result, it is possible to suppress the influence of secular change of the lighting device (the intensity of illumination attenuates with time), and the accuracy of the material determination can be maintained with high accuracy.

  By adopting a configuration in which the standard reflective object is always placed within the imaging range, the brightness correction table can be constantly updated using the standard reflective object. Therefore, more accurate material determination can be performed.

  By aligning images of a plurality of wavelengths using image matching, it is possible to correct the positional deviation of the photographic object between the images. As a result, material determination can be performed with high accuracy.

  By providing a network communication function, it is possible to cooperate with other photographing devices, perform remote operation, and monitor. For example, it is possible to remotely monitor the imaging apparatus, register the determination target object information in one imaging apparatus, and register all other imaging apparatuses.

By transmitting the determination target object information after encrypting it and decrypting and registering it at the time of reception, it is possible to prevent information relating to the determination target object information from leaking and being used illegally.
In addition, by providing a function to send a message to another imaging device through the network, for example, when it is detected that a fake banknote has been used as a result of the material determination, the information is notified to the other imaging device, A message such as “suspending the use of the corresponding banknote” can be sent.

  By registering and updating the determination target object information from an external storage medium such as an IC card, the determination target object information can be quickly updated. For example, in the case of banknote determination, when it is desired to determine a type of banknote that has not been registered in advance, it can be used quickly by registering the information using an IC card or the like. .

  In addition to the camera that shoots the determination target object, the photographic device can be configured to shoot a picture around the apparatus and take images at regular time intervals. This makes it possible to take a picture of a person using the bill when an illegal bill or check is detected by the material determination. Further, by distributing the image via the network, the same action by the same person can be prevented in advance.

In the following, configuration examples of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In these configuration examples, a check reading device is taken as an example.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first configuration example according to the embodiment of the present invention. This configuration example is configured to operate with the photographing apparatus alone. FIG. 14 is an external view of the first configuration example. According to FIG. 14, the photographing device includes a camera, a lighting device, a distance sensor, and an external monitor. When the photographing device is arranged so as to hold the photographing object, the image is taken.

The overall control unit 20 issues appropriate commands to each unit such as the illumination device 22, the camera 23, the matching processing unit 26, the determination target object information holding unit 25, and controls the entire device.
The distance sensor 21 is a device that measures the distance to the target object. A type that measures the distance by irradiating infrared rays and capturing the reflected light can be used.

The illuminating device 22 is used to irradiate the object to be imaged and to capture the image for matching processing and acquire the wavelength characteristics for material determination.
When it is set as the structure of Fig.3 (a), what was provided with LED from which a peak wavelength differs as a concrete illuminating device can be used. In addition, an LED in which a plurality of light emitting elements having different peak wavelengths are enclosed in one lens can be used.

When it is set as the structure of FIG.3 (b), the illuminating device 22 uses what irradiates the light of the continuous wavelength. Specifically, a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp is used.
Although light having a plurality of wavelengths is used for the material determination, one of the plurality of wavelengths is made common with the wavelength for image matching. By doing so, the wavelength used for material determination can be reduced by one and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since the number of times the camera captures images can be reduced, response speed can be improved.

  The camera 23 takes an image of a target object having a plurality of wavelengths for matching and material determination. Specifically, an image sensor such as a CMOS or a CCD can be used. In the case of the configuration of FIG. 3B, a filter and an image sensor corresponding to the wavelength for material determination are prepared for the camera.

  The image buffer 24 is an area for holding an image captured by the camera. Images taken by the camera at a plurality of wavelengths are first stored in the image buffer 24. Thereafter, the luminance is corrected by the luminance correction unit 30, and then used for image matching by the matching processing unit 26 and wavelength characteristic determination by the material determination unit 27.

  When capturing a matching image and a material determination image, first a material determination image is captured, and after a necessary portion is saved, a matching image is captured. By doing so, the image buffer can be used effectively.

  The determination target object information holding unit 25 stores information on an object to be subjected to image matching and material determination. For example, when using the photographing apparatus as an apparatus for identifying a check, a signature of a registered person is registered in advance and matching with an image photographed by a camera is performed. By comparing the signature with the determination target object information, it is possible to determine whether the check is a valid check.

  In addition, for use as a counterfeit bill identification device, the bill design is recorded. By performing the matching process, it is possible to determine whether or not the bill currently being photographed is registered in advance. If it matches the banknote registered in advance, the type of banknote can be specified. By updating the determination target object information, various banknotes can be identified.

Specifically, the determination target object information holding unit 25 has the following information.
1) Matching image,
2) Wavelength characteristics for material determination 3) It is also possible to add a determination target region information.

  In this configuration example, a forged check can be identified by using a check sign image as a matching image, and embedding a substance having a known wavelength characteristic in a part of the check and performing material determination. .

  The matching processing unit 26 compares the image captured by the camera 23 with the registered image stored in the determination target object information holding unit 25, and determines whether the images match. At that time, matching can be performed while performing image conversion such as translation and rotation, so that the image can be deformed by holding the target object.

Also, the matching result of the matching processing unit is used to correct the positional deviation between a plurality of wavelengths.
The material determination unit 27 determines the material of the shooting object from the luminance information of the images shot at a plurality of wavelengths.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of processing contents performed by the material determination processing unit. It is assumed that the image of each wavelength is corrected in advance by the luminance correction unit. That is, when the shape of the curve of the wavelength characteristic of the registered information and the captured image is the same and only the magnitude of the brightness is different, the brightness correction unit corrects the brightness of the captured image, and the wavelength characteristic of the registered information The difference between them is very small.

In FIG. 15, in step S10, the difference Δ between the wavelength characteristics of the registered information and the photographed image is initialized to zero. In step S11, a pixel number n used for determination is initialized to 1. In step S <b> 12, the nth coordinate (x, y) is acquired from the material determination region holding unit 29. In step S13, the wavelength number m used for material determination is initialized to 1. In step S14, the difference between the wavelength characteristics of the captured image having the wavelength λm and the registered information is calculated and added to Δ. Specifically, when the luminance of the point (x, y) in the input image of the wavelength m is Pm (x, y) and the reflectance of the registered object at the wavelength m is R (m),
Δ = Δ + | Pm (x, y) −R (m) |
Calculate In step S15, m is incremented by 1. In step S16, it is determined whether or not processing has been performed for all wavelengths. If the determination in step S16 is no, the process returns to step S14. If the determination in step S16 is YES, in step S17, n is incremented by 1, and in step S18, it is determined whether all coordinates have been processed. If the determination in step S18 is NO, the process returns to step S12. If the determination in step S18 is YES, the process ends.

  The material determination area holding unit 29 holds an area in the photographing screen that the material determination unit 27 uses for determining the material. Specifically, 1) The position of the point to be determined is stored in order. Alternatively, 2) the determination area is stored by a method of storing the center coordinates of the determination target area and the length of one side of the determination area.

  If the input image is different from the registered material of the target object as a result of determination by the material determination unit 27, the material determination result holding unit 28 records the information because there is a possibility of unauthorized use. It is something to keep. The material determination result holding unit 28 holds information shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is an example of information held by the material determination result holding unit.
No is a serial number of material mismatch detected by the imaging device. The time is the time when the material mismatch is detected. The ID is a number that uniquely represents the target object that has detected the material mismatch. For example, A's check is assigned ID = 1058. If this ID is known, it will be understood in which check the material mismatch has occurred. If the same ID is continuously generated, a fraudulent act is highly likely to be performed, so a warning message is displayed on the external monitor device. In the above description, only information when a material mismatch is detected is stored as information held by the material determination result holding unit 28. However, information when a material match is detected is also included as a normal operation log. You may make it store.

The luminance correction unit 30 and the luminance correction table 31 are for correcting differences in illumination intensity of a plurality of wavelengths. Specifically, the brightness correction table has a data structure as shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of the data structure of the brightness correction table. The brightness correction table 31 uses data as shown in FIG. 17A for distances from the camera to the target object for 5 cm and 6 cm. ... and for each distance. The relative distance L from the center represents the distance from the center of the screen as a ratio with respect to the length of the imaging region, as shown in FIG. This is because the intensity of illumination changes in a circular shape, and the same correction coefficient can be used if the relative distance from the center is the same.

  The luminance correction unit 30 measures the distance to the target object according to the output of the distance sensor 21, and uses the result to select an appropriate luminance correction table 31. At this time, if there is no brightness correction table that matches the distance to the target object, the existing brightness correction table 31 having the closest distance to the target object is selected. Alternatively, it is possible to select two tables having a short distance and obtain the luminance correction table 31 for the corresponding distance from the values of the tables by linear interpolation or the like.

In this photographing apparatus, the luminance correction table 31 is generated using an input image as described below.
First, in the initial state, the brightness correction table is initialized with zero. First, when an object is held over the photographing apparatus, matching processing with a registered image is performed directly without performing material determination. As a result, when the image similarity between the input image and the determination target object is higher than a preset threshold value, it is determined that the input image is the determination target object.
As the similarity, a result obtained by adding a difference of values for each pixel between the input image and the registration information of the determination target object can be used. Therefore, the luminance correction table 31 is generated so that the luminance of the current input image matches the wavelength characteristic of the determination target object that is known in advance.

Specifically: It is assumed that the luminance of the point (x, y) in the input image when the illumination wavelength is λm is Pm (x, y). On the other hand, it is assumed that the reflectance of the determination target object is R (m). The luminance correction coefficient for the point (x, y) is
Luminance correction coefficient = R (m) / Pm (x, y)
Can be expressed as

  Further, the brightness correction table is periodically updated using the input image. When updating, when there is a certain input image, the above means is applied only when the input image is a pre-registered determination target object based on the result of matching processing with the registered image and material determination. And update. By periodically updating the brightness correction table, it is possible to remove the influence of the change in illumination intensity over time.

  The luminance correction unit 30 takes out images taken at each wavelength from the image buffer 24. Then, the image brightness is corrected using a correction coefficient corresponding to the relative distance from the center of the screen. Specifically, the following calculation is performed.

Brightness of corrected point (x, y) = luminance of corrected point (x, y) × correction coefficient (x, y)
The external storage medium access unit 32 performs data read / write processing with an external storage medium such as an IC card. Since the determination target object information registered in the photographing apparatus can be read from and written to the external storage medium, when a new determination target object is registered in a plurality of photographing apparatuses, registration processing is performed in all the photographing apparatuses. There is no need, and after registering in one photographing apparatus, the same content can be registered in another photographing apparatus using an external storage medium.

The external monitor device 33 has a function of displaying an image currently being shot and a material determination area. An example of the external monitor device 33 is as shown in FIG.
With the external monitor function, the user can hold the object to be photographed while checking whether the object has been photographed properly.

FIG. 18 shows a second configuration example of the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an external view of a second configuration example.
In the second configuration example, an operation is performed by connecting an external processor such as a personal computer to the photographing apparatus. In FIG. 18, the same constituent elements as those in FIG.

In FIG. 19, the photographing device includes a camera, a lighting device, and a distance sensor, and is connected to a PC that is an external processor. The object to be imaged is placed over the imaging device and photographed.
In the second configuration example of FIG. 18, image matching processing is performed by an external processor 51, and material determination is performed in the imaging device 50. Since image matching is heavy, processing is performed by the external processor 51, and material determination that is light in processing is performed in the photographing apparatus 50, whereby the processing load can be distributed.

  In the second configuration example, since the matching process and the material determination process are performed separately, the determination target object information holding unit is also divided into two. (44 and 48 in the figure). The determination target object holding unit 44 holds a registered image for performing a matching process. On the other hand, the determination target object information holding unit 48 holds wavelength characteristic information for performing material determination processing.

The brightness correction table 31 is generated using the determination target information registered first.
First, in the initial state, the brightness correction table is initialized with zero.
When the determination target information is registered for the first time, a luminance correction table is generated so that the luminance of the registration screen matches the wavelength characteristic specific to the determination target object that is known in advance.

It is assumed that the luminance of the point (x, y) in the registered image when the illumination wavelength is λm is Pm (x, y). On the other hand, it is assumed that the reflectance of the determination target object is R (m). The luminance correction coefficient for the point (x, y) is
Luminance correction coefficient = R (m) / Pm (x, y)
It can be expressed as.

  When the determination target object is registered, the brightness correction table 31 is periodically updated using the same method as described above. By periodically updating the brightness correction table 31, it is possible to remove the influence of the change in illumination intensity over time.

  The communication unit 47 exchanges data with the imaging device 50 via a line with the communication unit 46 of the external processor 51. The illumination / camera synchronization circuit 40 synchronizes the imaging operation of the camera and the switching operation of the illumination wavelength in the above-described interless imaging, and captures image data obtained by two wavelengths in one image data. used.

  In order to perform heavy matching processing by the external processor 51, the external processor 51 is provided with a matching processing unit 45 in addition to the determination target object information holding unit 44. In addition, an image buffer 43 is also provided to store the image data sent from the photographing device 50, and the user uses the external monitor device 42 to check whether the photographing target is correctly arranged. I can do it. The overall control unit 41 of the external processor 51 is a processing unit that controls each unit of the external processor 51.

FIG. 20 shows a third configuration example of the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In the third configuration example, an operation is performed by connecting an external processor such as a personal computer to the photographing apparatus. FIG. 21 is an external view of a third configuration example. In the third configuration example, as shown in FIG. 21, a standard reflection object is newly provided. In FIG. 20, the same components as those in FIGS. 13 and 18 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

In the third configuration example of FIG. 20, image matching processing and material determination processing are performed by an external processor. Accordingly, the determination processor object information holding unit 25, the matching processing unit 45, the material determination unit 27, the material determination result holding unit 28, the material determination region holding unit 29, the luminance correction unit 30, and the luminance correction table 31 are provided in the external processor 51. ing.
Since the main processing is performed by an external processor, the cost of the photographing apparatus main body can be reduced.

  Data transmission from the imaging device 50 to the external processor 51 is performed as follows. First, the entire image for image matching is sent to the external processor 51. On the other hand, only the image information in the material determination area possessed by the material determination area holding unit 29 is sent to the external processor 51 as the image for material determination. By doing in this way, the amount of communication information between the imaging device 50 and the external processor 51 can be reduced, and the response of imaging can be improved. Therefore, the material determination region holding unit 29 exists in both the photographing device 50 and the external processor 51.

  In the third configuration example, as shown in FIG. 21, a standard reflective object is provided in order to correct the luminance of a multi-wavelength image for material determination. The external processor that receives the image of each wavelength from the imaging device 50 corrects the brightness of the image of each wavelength by using the brightness of the standard reflection object.

Since the standard reflecting object is not present in front of the imaging area, the brightness of the entire imaging area is corrected as follows.
First, it is assumed that the distribution of the illumination intensity in the imaging region is known. For example, the central part where the illumination is concentrated is brightest, and the illumination intensity decreases as it goes to the periphery. This decrease in illumination intensity is approximated linearly. Assume that the brightness of a standard reflecting object existing at a distance X from the center of the imaging region is P. Then, the approximate value P (x) of the brightness when the standard reflecting object is located at a position x away from the center of the imaging region is
P (x) = P + (X−x) × α
It becomes. α is a constant representing the amount of decrease in luminance proportional to the distance from the center. α is measured in advance. By applying the above equation to each point in the screen, it is possible to obtain an approximate value of the luminance of the standard reflecting object in the entire imaging region. As a result, the difference in luminance between wavelengths can be corrected by measuring the wavelength characteristics of the standard reflecting object in advance.

FIG. 22 shows a fourth configuration example of the photographing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is an external view of a fourth configuration example. In FIG. 23, a distance sensor, an illumination device, a camera, a peripheral photographing camera, and an external monitor device are attached to the photographing device, and the photographing device itself is connected to the network. In FIG. 22, the same components as those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the fourth configuration example of FIG. 22, the photographing apparatus operates alone and has a network function. Furthermore, a peripheral photographing camera 60 for monitoring the periphery of the photographing apparatus is provided.
The fourth configuration example includes a network communication unit 62. By providing a network communication function, it is possible to remotely monitor the state of the photographing device, register the determination target object information in one photographing device, and register it in all other photographing devices. .

In order to prevent fraud using the network, the network communication unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with an encryption function.
In addition, it has a function of sending a message to another photographing apparatus through a network, and when detecting that a fake check is used, the information can be sent to another photographing apparatus as a warning message.

Further, in the fourth configuration example, a peripheral photographing camera 60 that photographs the periphery of the apparatus is provided, and images are captured at regular time intervals. The peripheral photographing camera 60 employs a camera with a wide angle of view so that a wide range of images can be photographed. Image data captured by the peripheral camera 60 is stored in the peripheral camera buffer 61.
By monitoring the surroundings with a peripheral photographing camera, it is possible to photograph a person using the same when an illegal check or the like is detected.

(Supplementary Note 1) a camera that acquires image data to be imaged;
Illumination for illuminating the object to be imaged with a non-single wavelength;
Storage means for storing a registered image to be photographed to be photographed;
A comparison determination means for comparing the registered image with the acquired image data of the photographing target and determining whether or not they match,
A material determination means for determining the material of the imaging target from the image of the imaging target obtained at the non-single wavelength;
With
An imaging apparatus, wherein the image data is acquired by holding the imaging object over the camera and the illumination.

    (Supplementary note 2) The supplementary note 1 is characterized in that the illumination has a plurality of light sources having intensity peaks at different wavelengths, and switches the light sources to obtain the image to be photographed at the non-single wavelength. The photographing apparatus described.

    (Additional remark 3) The said illumination has a light source which irradiates the light of the range of the continuous wavelength, and when image | photographing an image with the said camera, it acquires the image of a specific wavelength using a filter, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1.

(Supplementary note 4) The photographing apparatus according to supplementary note 1, further comprising luminance correction means for correcting a difference in luminance at which light of different wavelengths irradiates the subject.
(Supplementary Note 5) The photographing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the luminance correction unit includes a luminance correction table that stores a correction coefficient for correcting the luminance.

(Additional remark 6) Furthermore, it has the distance sensor which measures the distance between the said imaging | photography subjects,
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 4, wherein the brightness correction unit includes a brightness correction table that stores a correction coefficient for correcting the brightness for each distance from the imaging target.

(Supplementary note 7) The photographing apparatus according to supplementary note 1, wherein the material determination of the photographing target is performed using a part of the image of the photographing target.
(Supplementary note 8) As a result of the material determination, when it is determined that the material to be photographed is not a predetermined material, information regarding photographing in which a different material is recognized is stored. Shooting device.

(Additional remark 9) The imaging device of Additional remark 1 characterized by using the image obtained by one wavelength among the wavelengths irradiated with the said illumination for a comparison with the said registration image.
(Additional remark 10) The imaging device of Additional remark 1 further provided with the monitor means which shows what kind of posture the said imaging | photography object is hold | maintained to the user who uses the said imaging device.

(Additional remark 11) The imaging device of Additional remark 1 characterized by acquiring the image data using the wavelength which is different by the even-numbered and odd-numbered scanning line of the image which the said camera acquires.
(Supplementary Note 12) An image buffer for storing the acquired image is provided,
First, image data for material determination is acquired, and after leaving only image data necessary for material determination, image data for comparison with the registered image is acquired, and image data is acquired in the reverse order to obtain an image buffer. The imaging apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein a storage capacity required for the image buffer is suppressed to be smaller than that in the case of storing in the camera.

    (Additional remark 13) In order to correct | amend the difference in the brightness which the light of a different wavelength irradiates the said imaging | photography object, It further has a brightness correction means which has a brightness correction table which stores the correction coefficient for brightness correction, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The photographing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1.

    (Supplementary Note 14) The brightness correction table compares the acquired image data with the registered data at the time of the first operation of the photographing apparatus, and if the degree of similarity is within a predetermined range, the acquired image data The imaging apparatus according to appendix 13, wherein the imaging apparatus is generated using the imaging apparatus.

(Supplementary note 15) The photographing apparatus according to supplementary note 1, wherein a standard reflection object is photographed together with the photographing target in order to correct a difference in luminance in which light of different wavelengths irradiates the photographing target.
(Supplementary note 16) The photographing apparatus according to supplementary note 1, further comprising a network communication function.

    (Supplementary Note 17) Registering the registered image and the wavelength characteristics of the registered image in a device connected via a network, or updating the wavelength characteristics of the registered image and the registered image based on an instruction from the device. The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 16, which is a feature.

(Supplementary note 18) The imaging device according to supplementary note 16, wherein encrypted data is exchanged in network communication.
(Supplementary note 19) The supplementary note 1 further includes an external storage medium access unit that reads data from the external storage medium, and performs registration and update of the registered image and the wavelength characteristic of the registered image from the external storage medium. The imaging device described.

(Supplementary note 20) The photographing apparatus according to supplementary note 1, further comprising a peripheral photographing camera for photographing a surrounding situation when photographing the photographing target of the photographing device.
(Supplementary note 21) acquiring image data to be imaged;
Illuminating the subject with a non-single wavelength;
A storing step for storing a registered image to be photographed to be photographed;
A comparison determination step of comparing the registered image with the acquired image data of the imaging target and determining whether or not they match,
A material determination step of determining a material of the imaging target from the image of the imaging target obtained at the non-single wavelength;
With
An imaging method, wherein image data is acquired by a method of holding the imaging object.

It is an external view of the imaging device of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the fraud prevention function using the material determination function based on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the two methods of imaging | photography the image of multiple wavelengths. It is a figure explaining the problem in the case of irradiating the imaging | photography object with the light of a different wavelength. It is a figure explaining the reason illumination intensity changes with wavelengths. It is a figure explaining the method of correct | amending the difference of the brightness | luminance by a wavelength using a brightness | luminance correction table. It is FIG. (1) explaining the structure for material determination. It is FIG. (2) explaining the structure for material determination. It is a figure explaining the storage method of the data of the image obtained by irradiating a different wavelength. It is a figure explaining the method of the brightness correction using a standard reflective object. It is a figure explaining the coping method of the position shift of imaging | photography object. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the imaging | photography order of the image data for matching, and the image data for material determination, and a memory area. It is a figure which shows the 1st structural example according to embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the 1st example of composition. The flowchart of the processing content which a material determination process part performs is shown. It is an example of the information which a material determination result holding part hold | maintains. It is a figure explaining the example of the data structure of a brightness correction table. 2 shows a second configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an external view of the 2nd example of composition. It is a figure which shows the 3rd structural example of the imaging device according to embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the 3rd example of composition. It is a figure which shows the 4th structural example of the imaging device according to embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the 4th example of composition. It is a figure explaining the difference in the reflectance of light by the difference in a substance. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the conventional non-contact imaging device.

Explanation of symbols

20, 41 Overall control unit 21 Distance sensor 22 Illumination device 23 Camera 24, 43 Image buffer 25, 44, 48 Determination target object information holding unit 26, 45 Matching processing unit 27 Material determination unit 28 Material determination result holding unit 29 Material determination region Holding unit 30 Brightness correction unit 31 Brightness correction table 32 External storage medium access unit 33, 42 External monitor device 46, 47 Communication unit 50 Imaging device 51 External processor 60 Peripheral camera 61 Peripheral camera buffer 62 Network communication unit

Claims (13)

A camera that acquires image data of the shooting target;
Illumination for illuminating the object to be imaged with a non-single wavelength;
Storage means for storing a registered image to be photographed to be photographed;
A comparison determination means for comparing the registered image with the acquired image data of the photographing target and determining whether or not they match,
A material determination means for determining a material of the imaging target by wavelength characteristics from an image of the imaging target obtained at the non-single wavelength;
Luminance correction means for correcting a difference in luminance of the light of different wavelengths that irradiates the object to be photographed;
A distance sensor for measuring a distance between the object to be photographed;
With
The image data is acquired by holding the object to be photographed over the camera and the illumination, and if the material is determined to be fake as a result of the determination by the material determining means, the fact is notified,
The brightness correction means includes a brightness correction table that stores a correction coefficient for correcting the brightness for each distance to the subject.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that.   2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the material to be photographed is not a predetermined material as a result of the material judgment, information relating to photographing in which a different material is recognized is stored. .   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a monitor unit that indicates a posture of the photographing object held by a user who uses the photographing apparatus.   The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein image data is acquired using different wavelengths for even and odd scan lines of an image acquired by the camera. It has an image buffer to store the acquired image,
First, image data for material determination is acquired, and after leaving only image data necessary for material determination, image data for comparison with the registered image is acquired, and image data is acquired in the reverse order to obtain an image buffer. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a storage capacity required for the image buffer is suppressed to be smaller than that in the case of storing in the camera.   2. A brightness correction unit having a brightness correction table for storing a correction coefficient for correcting the brightness in order to correct a difference in brightness with which light of different wavelengths irradiates the object to be photographed. The imaging device described in 1.   The brightness correction table is generated using the acquired image data when the degree of similarity is within a predetermined range by comparing the acquired image data and registered data at the time of the first operation of the photographing apparatus. The imaging device according to claim 6.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a standard reflection object is imaged together with the imaging object in order to correct a difference in luminance with which light of different wavelengths illuminates the imaging object.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a network communication function.   The registered image and the wavelength characteristic of the registered image are registered in a device connected via a network, or the wavelength characteristic of the registered image and the registered image is updated based on an instruction from the device. Item 10. The photographing device according to Item 9.   10. The photographing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein encrypted data is exchanged in network communication.   The imaging according to claim 1, further comprising external storage medium access means for reading data from the external storage medium, and registering and updating the registered image and wavelength characteristics of the registered image from the external storage medium. apparatus.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a peripheral photographing camera that photographs a surrounding situation when photographing the photographing target of the photographing apparatus.

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