JP2007334604A - Authentication system and image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an authentication system preventing any unexpected action of an object to be controlled. <P>SOLUTION: The authentication system S1 comprises an information recording medium 1 recording information on the preset posture, an information acquisition unit 80 for acquiring information on the posture recorded in the information recording medium, image acquisition units 30, 40, 50 for acquiring an image of an object P, a comparison unit 92 for comparing the preset posture with the posture of the object P based on the information on the posture acquired by the information acquisition unit and the image of the object acquired by the image acquisition units, and a control unit 93 for controlling an object 60 to be controlled according to the output of the comparison unit 92. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an authentication system and an imaging apparatus using an imaging apparatus such as a camera.

There is known a system for determining whether or not to photograph a person in accordance with information recorded on an IC tag possessed by the person (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In this conventional system, the camera authenticates whether the information recorded in the IC tag possessed by the person is for permission to shoot, and whether or not to shoot the person is controlled based on the result. The Therefore, a person can select permission or non-permission of photographing by selecting an IC tag.
JP-A-2005-107358

However, in this conventional system, the person cannot control the timing of shooting even when shooting is permitted, so there is a possibility that the person is shot when taking an unintended pose.
The subject of this invention is providing the authentication system which can prevent the operation | movement which the control target object does not intend.

The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although it attaches | subjects and demonstrates the code | symbol corresponding to drawing which shows embodiment of this invention, it is not limited to this.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information recording medium (1) in which information on a preset posture is recorded, an information acquisition unit (80) for acquiring information on the posture recorded on the information recording medium, P) based on the image acquisition unit (30, 40, 50) for acquiring the image, the information on the posture acquired by the information acquisition unit, and the subject image acquired by the image acquisition unit; The authentication system includes a comparison unit (92) that compares the posture of the subject and a control unit (93) that controls the control object (60) according to the output of the comparison unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the authentication system according to the first aspect, the information on the posture recorded on the information recording medium (1) is image information that can identify the preset posture, and the comparison The unit (92) is an authentication system that compares the image information with the subject image.
The invention according to claim 3 is the authentication system according to claim 1, further comprising an information holding unit that holds image information capable of specifying a preset posture, and the information regarding the posture recorded in the information recording medium is: The related information associated with the image information held by the information holding unit, the comparison unit refers to the information holding unit based on the related information, and the image information held by the information holding unit and the information An authentication system characterized by comparing a subject image.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the authentication system according to any one of the first to third aspects, the information recording medium is an IC tag (1), and the image acquisition unit (30, 40, 50) is an authentication system characterized in that an image of the subject (P) is acquired when the ID of the IC tag matches an ID registered in advance.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the authentication system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit (93) is configured such that the preset posture and the posture of the subject (P) are In the authentication system (S1), the image acquisition unit (30, 40, 50) displays or records the acquired subject image when they match.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the authentication system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control unit (93) is configured such that the preset posture and the posture of the subject (P) are The authentication system (S2) is characterized in that when it matches, the door (3) registered in advance is controlled to be opened or closed.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the authentication system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the information on the posture includes information on a preset color, and the comparison unit (92) In the authentication system, the posture and color of the subject are compared with the preset posture and color.
The invention according to claim 8 is the authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information on the posture recorded in the information recording medium (1) is rewritable. It is an authentication system.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the information on the posture is obtained from the image acquisition unit (30, 40, 50) for acquiring the image of the subject (P) and the information recording medium (1) on which the information on the predetermined posture is recorded. An information acquisition unit (80) to be acquired, and a comparison unit that compares the posture set in advance with the posture of the subject based on the information about the posture acquired by the information acquisition unit and the subject image acquired by the image acquisition unit ( 92) and a control unit (93) that displays or records the subject image when the preset posture matches the posture of the subject.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the ninth aspect, the information on the posture recorded in the information recording medium (1) is image information that can specify the preset posture, and the comparison The unit (92) is an imaging apparatus that compares the image information with the subject image.
The invention according to claim 11 is the imaging device according to claim 9, further comprising an information holding unit that holds image information capable of specifying a preset posture, wherein the information about the posture recorded in the information recording medium is the information Related information associated with the image information held by the information holding unit, and the comparison unit refers to the information holding unit based on the related information, and the image information and the subject held by the information holding unit An imaging device characterized by comparing an image.
A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, further comprising a rewriting unit that rewrites information recorded on the information recording medium. Note that the configuration described with reference numerals may be changed as appropriate, and at least a part of the configuration may be replaced with another component.

  As described above, according to the authentication system and the imaging apparatus of the present invention, since the subject can control the control target according to his / her posture when the image is acquired by the image acquisition unit, the control target is not intended. Operation can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following first embodiment, a photo shooting system will be described as an example of the authentication system.

[Embodiment 1]
The photography system of Embodiment 1 controls cameras provided in, for example, amusement parks and theme parks, and the camera is a predetermined photography spot such as a space where attractions are installed in these facilities. There are several units installed.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographic system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a camera provided in the photo photographing system of FIG. 1 and a person who is a subject of the camera. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the poses of the persons are different.

The photography system S1 includes an IC tag 1 and a camera 2.
The IC tag 1 is an information recording medium possessed by the subject P, and is formed in a card shape, for example.
The IC tag 1 is also referred to as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and data can be written to the IC chip 10 and data recorded on the IC chip 10 can be read out by wireless communication via the antenna 20 in a non-contact state. It can be done.
In the IC tag 1, an ID capable of identifying a specific IC tag 1 from a plurality of IC tags is recorded on the IC chip 10.
Here, in this specification, the IC tag means an IC chip that includes an IC chip in which data including an ID is recorded and an antenna, and performs non-contact communication of data with an external transmission / reception device via the antenna. A so-called IC card or the like is also included.

In the IC tag 1, posture information preset by the person P is recorded on the IC chip 10.
Here, in this specification, posture information represents, for example, the arrangement of body components such as a person's head, hand, and leg using coordinates and the like. This is image information that can specify a pose as an image.
This posture information is prepared in advance in a plurality of patterns (poses), and a person selects an arbitrary one from these and registers it in the IC tag 1. Hereinafter, the posture information registered in the IC tag 1 will be described as registered posture information.

The registered attitude information can be rewritten, and the rewriting is performed by a communication device (not shown) called a reader / writer device (R / W device). The installation location of this R / W device is not particularly limited. For example, the R / W device is provided in the vicinity of an entrance gate of a facility such as an amusement park to register registration posture information at the entrance, A W device may be provided at each shooting spot where the camera is installed so that the registered posture information can be rewritten for each shooting spot.
The ID of the aforementioned IC tag 1 cannot be rewritten by this R / W device.

The camera 2 is an imaging device that includes a photographic lens 30, an imaging element 40, an image processing unit 50, a recording unit 60, a memory 70, a transmission / reception unit 80, and a CPU 90.
The photographic lens 30 is a photographic optical system that forms a subject image, and includes a plurality of lenses that function as a focus lens and a zoom lens.
The imaging element 40 is a photoelectric conversion element that converts subject image light formed by the photographing lens 30 into an electrical signal.
The image processing unit 50 is a part that generates image data based on the electrical signal output from the image sensor 40.
The photographing lens 30, the image sensor 40, and the image processing unit 50 described above function as an image acquisition unit that cooperates to acquire an image of a subject. Here, in this specification, to acquire an image of a subject means to temporarily store the subject image in a memory or the like, and record the subject image on a recording medium (HD, flash memory, paper, or the like). This shall not be included.

The recording unit 60 is a part where the image data output from the image processing unit 50 is recorded, and includes a drive device that writes image data to a recording medium such as a detachable flash memory card. .
The memory 70 is a part in which image data generated by the image processing unit 50 is temporarily stored, and functions as a work area of the CPU 90 described later.

The transmission / reception unit 80 is an information acquisition unit that performs wireless communication with the IC tag 1 described above and reads the ID recorded in the IC chip 10 and the registered posture information in a non-contact state.
The transmission / reception unit 80 constantly transmits radio waves to the IC tag 1 and can detect whether or not the IC tag 1 exists within a predetermined communicable area.
The communication method between the transmission / reception unit 80 and the IC tag 1 is not particularly limited. For example, communication can be performed by an electromagnetic induction communication method, a communication method using a radio wave in the UHF band, or the like.

The CPU 90 controls each element such as the image processing unit 50, the recording unit 60, the memory 70, and the transmission / reception unit 80, and includes an attitude information generation unit 91, a determination unit 92, and a control unit 93. Yes.
The posture information generation unit 91 is a portion that generates posture information based on the image data stored in the memory 70.
The determination unit 92 is a comparison unit that compares the registered posture information recorded in advance in the IC tag 1 with the posture information generated by the posture information generation unit 91 and determines whether or not they match.
The control unit 93 controls whether or not to record the image data generated by the image processing unit 50 on the recording medium provided in the recording unit 60 according to the output of the determination unit 92. More specifically, the control unit 93 records image data (subject image) only when the registered posture information registered in advance matches the posture information generated by the posture information generation unit 91. Yes.

In this specification, recording a subject image means storing the subject image in a recording medium or the like so that the subject image can be reproduced and displayed, and storing the image data in a recording medium such as a flash memory attached to the camera 2. In addition to this, transferring data to an information recording medium provided outside the camera 1 and printing on paper or the like are also included.
The camera 2 includes a display device, a light emitting device, an operation unit, and the like (not shown) in addition to the elements other than those described above.

Next, an operation procedure of the photo shooting system S1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the photograph photographing system. Hereinafter, each step will be described.
(Step S01: Attitude information registration)
In the photography system S1, first, a person P who is a subject sets posture information.
The person P selects a pose desired to be photographed from a plurality of poses prepared in advance, and registers this in the IC tag 1 as registered posture information.
As described above, when the R / W device is provided at an entrance gate such as an amusement park, the registered posture information is common to the plurality of cameras 2. On the other hand, when the R / W device is provided at each installation location of the camera 2, the registered posture information can be different for each camera 2. Note that when the posture information is registered at the installation location of the camera 2, the R / W device function may be provided in the communication unit 80 and the CPU 90 of the camera 2, and the posture information may be registered by the camera 2. In this case, the communication unit 80 and the CPU 90 function as a rewriting unit.
In the first embodiment, the person P selects, for example, a pose with both arms raised as shown in FIG. 2A, and the posture information generated based on the pose is registered as posture information. It shall be registered.

(Step S02: IC tag authentication)
The camera 2 is fixed at a predetermined location, and the transmission / reception unit 90 communicates with the IC tag 1 existing in the communicable area. As a result of this communication, if the ID of the IC tag 1 matches that registered in advance, the camera 2 proceeds to step S03 and starts acquiring the subject image.
On the other hand, if the ID of the IC tag 1 does not match the registered ID, the camera 2 does not acquire the subject image and ends the process.
(Step S03: Subject image acquisition)
In the camera 2, the photographing lens 30, the image sensor 40, and the image processing unit 50 cooperate to acquire a subject image, generate image data, and the image data is temporarily stored in the memory 70.

(Step S04: Attitude information generation)
The posture information generation unit 91 of the CPU 90 generates posture information based on the image data stored in the memory 70.
Here, a method for generating posture information based on image data acquired and generated by the photographing lens 30 or the like will be described.
In the photography system S1 of the first embodiment, the person P is not equipped with a special sensor or the like, and the camera 2 generates posture information by applying a technique called markerless motion capture.

Markerless motion capture is an expression of the arrangement of body components such as a person's head, hands, legs, and the like using coordinates and the like from the contour of the subject image.
Such markerless motion capture is disclosed in, for example, Kimio Hirao, et al. “Estimation of posture of both arms by using a monocular camera and motion capture” (Osaka University Graduate School Master's Thesis Feb. 2005).

(Step S05: Attitude information authentication)
The determination unit 92 of the CPU 90 determines whether or not the pose (posture) taken by the person P in front of the camera 2 matches the posture of the registered posture information recorded in the IC tag 1.
More specifically, the camera 2 compares the registered posture information with the posture information generated by the posture information generation unit, and when the ratio of data such as coordinates included therein is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, It is assumed that the registered posture matches the posture of the person P in front of the camera 2.
For example, when the person P takes a pose with both arms as shown in FIG. 2A, the CPU 90 of the camera 2 registers the posture information generated based on the image data of the person P taking this pose. Compare with posture information. As described above, since the registered posture information set by the person P is a pose with both arms raised, the determination unit 92 of the CPU 90 considers that the posture information matches.

On the other hand, when the person P takes a posture in which both hands are arranged on the side of the torso as shown in FIG. 2B, the determination unit 92 of the CPU 90 determines the posture registered as the posture of the person P. Is determined not to match.
If the camera 2 determines that the posture information matches, the process proceeds to step S06. If the camera 2 determines that these do not match, the camera 2 discards the image data temporarily stored in the memory 70, and Returning to S04, new posture information is generated.

(Step S06: Image data recording)
The control unit 93 of the CPU 90 transfers the acquired image data temporarily recorded in the memory 70 to the IC tag 1 via the transmission / reception unit 80 and causes the IC chip 10 to record the acquired image data. As a result, the person P posing for the camera 2 can acquire his / her own image data.

As described above, in the photography system S1 of the first embodiment, an image is recorded only when the subject P, who is the subject, takes the same pose as the subject, and takes a pose other than this pose. Sometimes no image is recorded.
That is, the person P can control the camera 2 according to the pose he / she takes, and can select whether or not to record his / her own image. Therefore, the person P can prevent taking a picture of a pose that he does not want.

In addition, the photography system S1 performs IC tag authentication for determining whether or not the ID of the IC tag 1 is registered and pause authentication for determining whether or not a pause is registered. Combined two-stage person authentication is performed, and an image is recorded according to the result.
Therefore, even if the camera 2 has the IC tag 1 in which the registered ID is recorded, the camera 2 does not record an image of a person who does not know the set pose.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In the following second embodiment, a door lock release system will be described as an example of the authentication system.
In the second embodiment, the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals at the end, and repeated descriptions and drawings are appropriately omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the door lock release system according to the second embodiment.
The door lock release system S2 of the second embodiment controls the control object according to the results of the IC tag authentication and the pose authentication, similarly to the photo shooting system S1 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the control object is the camera 2 and whether or not to record an image is determined according to the authentication result, whereas the control object of the door lock release system S2 in the second embodiment is the door 3. This is a locking mechanism 100.

The door lock release system S2 includes an IC tag 1, a camera 2, and a door 3.
Since the IC tag 1 and the camera 2 have the same configuration and function as the IC tag 1 and the camera 2 of the first embodiment, respectively, description thereof is omitted.
The door 3 is, for example, a general one-sided door. For example, the camera 2 is arranged above the door 3 and acquires an image of the person P standing in front of the door 3.

The door 3 includes a lock mechanism 100, a communication unit 110, and a control unit 120.
The lock mechanism 100 includes a latch provided in the door 3 and a latch hole provided in the door frame, and restricts the opening and closing of the door 3 by engaging them when the door 3 is closed. . The lock mechanism 100 is configured to engage and disengage the latch and the latch hole by driving a solenoid (not shown).
The communication unit 110 is a part that performs wireless communication with the transmission / reception unit 80 of the camera 2.
The control unit 120 supplies electricity to the solenoid in accordance with a signal transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 80 of the camera 2, thereby controlling the lock mechanism 100.

In the door lock release system S <b> 2 of the second embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 80 provided in the camera 2 communicates with the IC tag 1. The CPU 90 of the camera 2 starts acquiring image data of the person standing in front of the door 3 by the photographing lens 30 or the like when the ID of the IC tag 1 matches that registered in advance.
Next, in the camera 2, the posture information generation unit 91 generates posture information based on the image data.
The IC tag 1 is registered in advance with posture information set by a person who has the authority to open the door 3, and the camera 2 compares the registered posture information with the posture information generated by the posture information generating unit 91. To do.
The CPU 90 transmits a release permission signal of the lock mechanism 100 to the communication unit 110 provided in the door 3 when the posture information matches. The control unit 120 of the door 3 releases the lock mechanism 100 in response to the release permission signal, so that the door 3 can be opened and closed.

Since the door lock release system S2 of the second embodiment performs two-step person authentication, that is, IC tag authentication and pause authentication, the lock mechanism 100 cannot be released simply by holding the IC tag 1. Therefore, even if the IC tag 1 is lost, it is possible to prevent the lock mechanism 100 from being released by a third party who has acquired the IC tag 1, and security is improved.
Further, the person P can release the lock mechanism 100 of the door 3 by taking a pose set in front of the camera 2. Therefore, for example, even when the key is not held, the lock mechanism 100 can be released.
Further, if the door 3 is an automatic door, the door 3 can be opened and closed by taking a set pose even when the keys and the doorknob cannot be operated, such as carrying a baggage or the like in both hands. .

(Deformation)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible, and these are also within the technical scope.
(1) The configurations of the authentication system and the imaging apparatus of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the information recording medium is not limited to an IC tag, and may be a medium that performs contact communication such as a flash memory. In this case, the camera may be provided with a reading device that reads data held in such an information recording medium. Further, the control object of the present invention is not limited to the recording unit of the camera or the door locking mechanism.
(2) In the embodiment, the registered posture information is recorded on the IC tag. However, the registered posture information is not limited to this, and may be recorded on a recording medium attached to a memory or a recording unit of the camera. In this case, the camera records the registered posture information in association with the IC tag ID and the like, and the determination unit refers to the registered posture information recorded on the recording medium according to the IC tag ID and the like. Compare information. Therefore, the recording medium functions as an information holding unit, and the ID of the IC tag functions as related information.
(3) The camera of the first embodiment is a plurality of fixed cameras provided in a facility such as an amusement park. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is applied to a general camera for personal use. A photographing function may be provided. When shooting with this camera, the subject can remotely operate the camera in the same manner as remote control shooting by taking a pose registered for the camera.

(4) Although the image capturing system of Embodiment 1 transfers image data to an IC tag, the present invention is not limited to this, and image data is recorded on a recording medium, and a number associated with the image data for the IC tag. URL may be transferred. In this case, the recording medium for recording the image data may be provided in the camera or provided outside the camera.
(5) The camera photographing system of the embodiment transfers the image data itself to the subject. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a photograph printed based on the image data may be provided to the subject.
(6) In the embodiment, the registered posture information is set by selecting an arbitrary one from a plurality of poses prepared in advance. However, the setting of the registered posture information is not limited to this. For example, prior to the use of the present system. Then, the subject may shoot with a pose selected by himself and the registered posture information may be generated based on the pose.
(7) The posture information of the embodiment is, for example, a representation of the arrangement of body components such as a person's head, hand, and leg using coordinates and the like. It may be included in the element. In this case, the comparison unit acquires RGB values from the image data and compares whether or not the RGB values match. Therefore, for example, even if a person takes the same pose as the registered pose, shooting or the like is not performed if the color of the clothes of the subject is different.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographic system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the camera with which the imaging | photography system of FIG. 1 was equipped, and the person who is a to-be-photographed object of this camera. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the imaging | photography system of the photograph of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the door lock cancellation | release system of Embodiment 2.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 IC tag: 2 Camera: 10 IC chip: 50 Image processing part: 60 Recording part: 70 Memory: 80 Transmission / reception part: 90 CPU: 91 Posture information generation part 92 Determination part 93 Control part: P person: S1 Photographing system

Claims (12)

An information recording medium on which information on a preset posture is recorded;
An information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the posture recorded in the information recording medium;
An image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of the subject;
A comparison unit that compares the preset posture with the posture of the subject based on the information about the posture acquired by the information acquisition unit and the subject image acquired by the image acquisition unit;
An authentication system comprising: a control unit that controls a control object in accordance with an output of the comparison unit. The authentication system according to claim 1,
The information related to the posture recorded in the information recording medium is image information that can identify the preset posture,
The comparison unit compares the image information with the subject image. The authentication system according to claim 1,
An information holding unit for holding image information capable of specifying a preset posture;
The information on the posture recorded on the information recording medium is related information associated with the image information held by the information holding unit,
The comparison unit refers to the information holding unit based on the related information, and compares the image information held by the information holding unit with the subject image. In the authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The information recording medium is an IC tag,
The authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires an image of the subject when an ID of the IC tag matches an ID registered in advance. In the authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The said control part displays or records the said to-be-photographed image acquired by the said image acquisition part, when the said preset attitude | position and the attitude | position of the said subject correspond. The authentication system characterized by the above-mentioned. In the authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The authentication system, wherein the control unit performs door opening / closing control registered in advance when the preset posture and the posture of the subject coincide with each other. In the authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The information on the posture includes information on a preset color,
The comparison unit compares the posture and color of the subject with the preset posture and color. In the authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An authentication system characterized in that information on the posture recorded in the information recording medium can be rewritten. An image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of the subject;
An information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the posture from an information recording medium in which information on the posture set in advance is recorded;
A comparison unit that compares the posture set in advance with the posture of the subject based on the information about the posture acquired by the information acquisition unit and the subject image acquired by the image acquisition unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that displays or records the subject image when the preset posture matches the posture of the subject. The imaging device according to claim 9,
The information related to the posture recorded in the information recording medium is image information that can identify the preset posture,
The comparison unit compares the image information with the subject image. The imaging device according to claim 9,
An information holding unit for holding image information capable of specifying a preset posture;
The information on the posture recorded on the information recording medium is related information associated with the image information held by the information holding unit,
The comparison unit refers to the information holding unit based on the related information, and compares the image information held by the information holding unit with the subject image. In the imaging device according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a rewriting unit that rewrites information recorded on the information recording medium.

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