JP2009199200A - Mobile type iris authentication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely obtain an image of an eye by holding a position of the eye at a proper position with respect to a device when photographing the image of the eye. <P>SOLUTION: When photographing the eye, a supporting member 40 is approximately orthogonally opened relating to a case unit 31, and an iris authentication device 30 is supported so as not to be shaken by contacting a contact unit 41 of the supporting member 40 to a forehead. In this state, a camera 32 provided on a surface of the case unit is located at a position where distance of a predetermined clearance D is maintained at a front direction of a visual line of the eye of a user. When an authentication start button is depressed, then the eye is irradiated with light emission of a light source 33 of an illuminating unit 53, while the eye is photographed by the camera 32 of a photographing unit 52 by control of a control unit 51. Iris data is extracted from the photographed image of the eye by an iris recognizing unit 54, the user is recognized whether being principal or not by comparing with the iris data registered in an iris recognition dictionary 55 by an iris recognition unit 54. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable iris authentication apparatus that authenticates an individual using the iris of an individual (for example, a person, an animal, etc.), and when the eye image is taken, the position of the eye is an appropriate position relative to the apparatus. It is related with the technique which hold | maintained in this and was able to acquire the image of an eye reliably.

  Conventionally, a portable iris authentication device using an image of an iris portion of a human eye has been disclosed in the following documents.

JP 2005-292542 A JP 2005-327161 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-15588

  FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram showing an external appearance of a conventional portable iris authentication device described in Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, and the like.

  The portable iris authentication device 10 is a device mounted on a mobile phone which is a mobile terminal device, and has a housing unit 11. A camera 12, an illumination light source 13, and a back surface of the housing unit 11 are provided. And a display unit 14 and the like. The illumination light source 13 shoots eyes with the camera 12 and irradiates the eyes with light when acquiring an image of the eyes, and operates the shutter of the camera 12 in synchronization with the light emission. Is supposed to shoot. An iris authentication device main body (not shown) is provided in the housing unit 11. The portable authentication device main body includes an iris authentication unit, an iris recognition dictionary, and the like.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a use state in the portable iris authentication device 10 of FIG.
FIG. 9 shows a method of positioning the device on the eye 21 when the user 20 takes an image of the eye 21 with the portable iris authentication device 10.

  When the user 20 authenticates the eye 21 using the portable iris authentication device 10, the user grasps the casing 11 with the hand 22 and lifts it in front of his / her own eye 21, and holds the camera 12 with the line of sight of the eye 21. It is positioned in the front, and shooting is performed with a predetermined distance D between the eye 21 and the camera 12. The captured image of the eye 21 is sent to an iris recognition unit (not shown) built in the housing unit 11, and iris data is extracted from the image of the eye 21, and stored and registered in advance in an iris recognition dictionary (not shown). Compared with the iris data, it is recognized whether or not the user 20 is the user.

However, the conventional iris authentication apparatus 10 has the following problems.
In the case of photographing the eye 21 using the iris authentication device 10, in order to acquire the image of the eye 21 in a state suitable for recognition, in the alignment method shown in FIG. 9, the interval between the eye 21 and the iris recognition device 10. D needs to be maintained at a constant distance according to the setting of the shooting distance of the camera 12 and the like. However, in the conventional iris authentication device 10, the interval D is left to the sense of the user 20, and it may be difficult to adjust to the optimum distance. Further, it may be difficult to keep the distance D constant at all times due to the hand shake of the user 20 or the like.

  In such a case, since the camera 12 cannot be positioned at the correct shooting distance, an eye image suitable for authentication cannot be taken, and as a result, the authentication accuracy may be lowered.

  In the portable iris authentication apparatus of the present invention, the portable iris authentication device has a housing part and a contact part for making contact in the vicinity of the eyes of the individual, and the contact part can protrude from the surface of the housing part by a predetermined distance and the predetermined part A support member attached to the housing part so as to be retractable by a distance; an illuminating means provided on the housing part for irradiating light to the eyes with the support member protruding; and the housing An imaging unit provided on the surface side of the body part for capturing the eye irradiated with the light and acquiring the image of the eye; and iris data provided from the acquired eye image provided in the housing unit And recognizing means for recognizing the individual by comparing the extracted iris data with previously registered iris data. The photographing is performed by the photographing unit in a state where the contact member protrudes and is in contact with the vicinity of the eyes.

  According to the present invention, when taking an image of the eye, the support member is projected forward of the surface of the housing portion, and the contact portion of the support member is brought into contact with the vicinity of the eye. Even a user who is unfamiliar with the use of the authentication device can easily place his eyes on the photographing means at an appropriate distance. As a result, since a correct eye image is always taken, iris authentication can be performed with high accuracy.

  When the support member is composed of a telescopic rod antenna, the effects similar to those described above can be obtained with a simple configuration, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the case where the detection means is provided in the contact portion of the support member, when the contact portion of the support member is brought into contact with the vicinity of the eyes, this is detected by the detection means, and the photographing operation is started. Therefore, it is possible to perform shooting smoothly without performing complicated key operations, thereby improving the operability of the apparatus.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are only for explanation and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

(Configuration of Example 1)
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic configuration diagrams of a portable iris authentication apparatus showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1A is an external view of the portable iris authentication apparatus, and FIGS. FIG. (B) is a block diagram of the iris authentication apparatus main body in FIG.

  A portable iris authentication device 30 shown in FIG. 1A is a device that is mounted on a portable terminal device (for example, a mobile phone) and authenticates the iris of an individual (for example, a person), and has a casing 31. ing. A camera 32 including a lens, a shutter, and the like, and an illumination light source 33 that generates light are provided on the front side (that is, the front side) of the housing unit 31. Furthermore, an operation portion 34 such as a numeric keypad shown in FIG. 1B and a display portion such as a liquid crystal display (not shown) are provided at an arbitrary position of the housing portion 31. The illumination light source 33 shoots the eyes with the camera 32 and generates light to irradiate the eyes when acquiring an image of the eyes, and operates the shutter of the camera 32 in synchronization with the generation of the light. Let me shoot the eyes.

A rectangular support member 40 is attached to the front side of the casing 31 so as to be foldable. The rectangular support member 40 is formed by bending a wire-like metal part into a rectangle, for example, and has a linear contact portion 41 for making contact with the forehead near the eye in a human head. In addition, support portions 42 and 43 that are bent at substantially right angles from both ends of the contact portion 41 are extended. Each of the support portions 42 and 43 has a length corresponding to a distance D (for example, around 10 cm), and an end portion of each of the support portions 42 and 43 is formed in the vicinity of the side on the surface side of the housing portion 31. It is penetrated in the hole which is not shown in figure so that rotation is possible. The support member 40 is locked at a substantially right-angled position in a state where the support member 40 is opened with respect to the surface of the housing unit for photographing the eyes (a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1). It has a structure that can be opened and closed that changes to a state folded on the front surface side (a state indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1).
Yes.

  The iris authentication apparatus main body 50 shown in FIG. 1B is built in the casing unit 31, and includes a control unit 51 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus based on an operation signal from the operation unit 34, and the control unit 51. An imaging unit (for example, an imaging unit) 52 that is connected and has a camera 32, an illumination unit (for example, an illumination unit) 52 that is connected to the imaging unit 52 and has a light source 33, and a recognition unit that is connected to the imaging unit 52. (For example, an iris recognition unit) 54 and an iris recognition dictionary 55 connected to the iris recognition unit 54.

  The imaging unit 52 has a function of operating the lens, shutter, and the like of the camera 32 to capture the eye that is a subject arranged in front of the camera 32 and acquiring an image of the eye. The illuminating unit 53 has a function of causing the light source 33 to emit light and irradiating light to the eyes in synchronization with the timing when the imaging unit 52 captures the eyes. The iris recognition unit 54 recognizes whether the user is the user by extracting iris data from the eye image given from the photographing unit 52 and comparing it with the iris data stored and registered in the iris recognition dictionary 55 in advance. It has a function to do.

  Each component necessary for such an iris authentication function is configured by software incorporated in the iris authentication device body 50 or an individual circuit.

  A hook-shaped member (for example, a light shielding plate) may be attached to the inside of the rectangular support member 40. The contact portion 41 of the support member 40 is provided with detection means (for example, a contact sensor) 36 for detecting that this portion has contacted the forehead near the user's eyes. A configuration may be adopted in which the shooting by the is started.

(Operation of Example 1)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a use state in the portable iris authentication device 30 of FIG.
FIG. 2 shows a method of positioning the device on the eye 21 when the user 20 takes an image of the eye 21 by the portable iris authentication device 30.

  When the user 20 shoots the eye 21 using the portable iris authentication device 30, the support member 40 is opened and locked at a substantially right angle with respect to the surface of the housing unit, and is in a protruded state. One end of the housing part 31 is gripped by the hand 22 and the contact part 41 of the support member 40 is brought into contact with the forehead to support the iris authentication device 30 so that it does not shake. In this state, the camera 32 on the surface of the housing portion is positioned at a position where a distance of a predetermined distance D is maintained at the tip of the line of sight of the eyes 21 of the user 20. The predetermined interval D is a distance (for example, around 10 cm) at which an eye image suitable for authentication is reliably captured.

  Then, an authentication start button (not shown) in the operation unit 34 is pressed. Then, under the control of the control unit 51, the photographing unit 52 operates the camera 32 to photograph the front eye 21. At this time, the illumination unit 53 irradiates the eye 21 by causing the light source 33 to emit light in synchronization with the timing at which the imaging unit 52 captures the eye 21. The iris recognition unit 54 extracts iris data from the captured image of the eye 21 and compares it with iris data stored and registered in advance in the iris recognition dictionary 55 to recognize whether or not the user 20 is the user.

  In the case where the contact sensor 36 is provided in the contact portion 41 of the support member 40, when the contact portion 41 contacts the forehead, this is detected by the contact sensor 36, and shooting by the camera 32 is controlled by the control portion 51. Done.

  When the user 20 completes the authentication process, the user 20 folds the support member 40 toward the surface of the housing unit and removes the device.

(Effect of Example 1)
According to the first embodiment, there are the following effects (a) to (c).

  (A) When the user 20 takes an image of the eye 21, the support member 40 is opened and projected forward of the surface of the housing portion, and the contact portion 41 of the support member 40 is brought into contact with the forehead of the user 20. Since the photographing is configured, even the user 20 who is unfamiliar with the use of the iris authentication device 30 can easily position the eye 21 on the camera 32 at an appropriate distance. As a result, since a correct eye image is always taken, iris authentication can be performed with high accuracy.

  (B) When a bowl-shaped light shielding member is attached to the inside of the rectangular support member 40, the influence of sunlight or other external illumination can be reduced, so that an eye image suitable for iris authentication is taken. As a result, the iris authentication accuracy is improved.

  (C) When the contact sensor 36 is provided in the contact part 41 of the support member 40, when the user 20 brings the contact part 41 of the support member 40 into contact with the forehead, this is detected by the contact sensor 36 and the photographing operation is started. The For this reason, since the photographing can be performed smoothly without performing complicated key operations in the positioning posture of the eyes 21, the operability of the apparatus is improved.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portable iris authentication device showing the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 1A showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals. ing.

  The portable iris authentication device 30A according to the second embodiment has a casing 31 similar to that of the first embodiment, and a rectangular support member 40A is provided on the back side (that is, the back side) of the casing 31. It is attached so that it can be folded. The rectangular support member 40A includes a linear contact portion 41A for contacting the forehead, and a support portion 42A bent substantially at right angles from both ends of the contact portion 41A, similar to the support member 40 of the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the end portions of the support portions 42A and 43A can be rotated in holes (not shown) formed in the vicinity of the side of the rear surface side of the housing portion 31. Has been intruded. The support member 40A is locked at a substantially right angle in a state where the support member 40A is opened with respect to the surface of the housing unit for photographing an eye (a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 3). It has a structure that can be opened and closed that changes to a state folded on the back surface side (a state indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 3).

  As in the first embodiment, a hook-shaped member may be attached to the inside of the rectangular support member 40A, and a contact sensor 36 is provided at the contact portion 41A of the support member 40A. Thus, the camera 32 may be configured to start shooting. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when photographing for authentication is performed, the support member 40A is opened and protruded at a substantially right angle with respect to the surface of the housing portion. When photographing is finished, the support member 40A is moved to the housing portion. Since the apparatus is folded into the back side, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

(Configuration of Example 3)
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portable iris authentication apparatus showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and elements common to those in FIG. 1A showing Embodiment 1 are denoted by common reference numerals. ing.

  The portable iris authentication device 30B according to the third embodiment has a casing 31 similar to that of the first embodiment, and the casing 31 has a telescopic radio having a configuration different from that of the support member 40 according to the first embodiment. A wireless antenna type rectangular support member 40B such as an antenna is attached. The wireless antenna type rectangular support member 40B includes a linear contact portion 41B for contacting the forehead, and extendable support portions 42B and 43B extending substantially at right angles from both ends of the contact portion 41B. It is configured. The expandable and contractible support members 42B and 43B extend while maintaining a substantially right angle with respect to the surface of the housing part, protrude forward (indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4), and contract (indicated by the alternate long and short dashed line in FIG. ), And is housed in the housing 31 side.

  As in the first embodiment, a hook-shaped member may be attached to the inside of the rectangular support member 40B, and a contact sensor 36 is provided in the contact portion 41B of the support member 40B. Thus, the camera 32 may be configured to start shooting. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Operation of Example 3)
2, the user 20 extends the support member 40B of the portable iris authentication device 30B and projects the support member 40B forward from the surface of the casing when the eye 21 is photographed. The contact portion 41B of 40B is brought into contact with the forehead of the user 20. In a state where the contact portion 41B is in contact with the forehead of the user 20 and supports the portable iris authentication device 30B, the distance D between the camera 32 and the eyes 21 of the user 20 is sure to be an eye image suitable for authentication. The distance to be taken is maintained. Similar to the first embodiment, the user 20 takes an image of the eye 21 in this state. When the photographing is finished, the support member 40B is contracted and stored in the housing unit 31 side.

(Effect of Example 3)
According to the third embodiment, when the eye 21 is photographed, the support member 40B is extended from the surface of the housing portion and protruded forward, and the contact portion 41 of the support member 40B is brought into contact with the forehead of the user 20. Since photographing is performed, substantially the same effects as the effects (a) to (c) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Configuration of Example 4)
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portable iris authentication device showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 1A showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals. ing.

  The portable iris authentication device 30C according to the fourth embodiment has the same casing 31 as that of the first embodiment, and the support member 40 according to the first embodiment is provided near the side of the front surface of the casing 31. A foldable rod-shaped support member 40C having a different configuration is attached. The rod-shaped support member 40C has a support portion 41C that can be folded by a hinge or the like. One end portion of the support portion 41C is attached to a corner on the surface side of the housing portion, and the other end portion is on the forehead. It is a contact part 42C for making it contact. When the foldable support member 41C is in an open state (a state further extending linearly from the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 5), the foldable support member 41C projects forward at a substantially right angle with respect to the surface of the housing, and is folded and contracted. (The state shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 5) is structured to be housed on the surface side of the casing.

  As in the first embodiment, the contact sensor 36 may be provided in the contact portion 42C located at the tip of the support member 40C, and the camera 32 may be activated by the contact sensor 36. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Operation of Example 4)
As in FIG. 2, the user 20 extends the support member 40 </ b> C that is folded of the portable iris authentication device 30 </ b> C and opens it at a substantially right angle with respect to the surface of the casing when supporting the eye 21. The contact part 42C at the tip of the member 40C is brought into contact with the forehead so that the apparatus does not shake. The support member 40 </ b> C is configured to maintain a substantially right angle with respect to the surface of the housing in the opened state. In a state where the contact portion 42C of the support member 40C is in contact with the forehead of the user 20 and supports the apparatus, the distance D between the camera 32 and the eyes 21 of the user 20 ensures that an eye image suitable for authentication is obtained. It is maintained at the shooting distance. Similar to the first embodiment, the user 20 takes an image of the eye 21 in this state. When shooting is completed, the support member 40C is contracted and stored on the surface side of the housing.

(Effect of Example 4)
According to the fourth embodiment, the support member 40C that can be folded by a hinge or the like is provided on the surface side of the housing portion of the portable iris authentication device 30C, and when the eye 21 is photographed, the folded support member 40C is attached to the housing portion. Since the front portion of the support member 40C is opened and extended so as to project, and the contact portion 41 at the tip of the support member 40C is brought into contact with the forehead of the user 20 to perform photographing, the effects (a) and ( The substantially same effect as c) is obtained.

(Configuration of Example 5)
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portable iris authentication device showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 1A showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals. ing.

  The portable iris authentication apparatus 30D according to the fifth embodiment includes the same housing unit 31 as that of the first embodiment, and the housing unit 31 has a configuration different from the rectangular support member 40 according to the first embodiment. A support member 40D made of a rod antenna such as a possible radio antenna is rotatably attached. The support member 40D made of a rod antenna has a structure that can be expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 6, and has a function as a contact portion 41D for the tip to contact the forehead. The fulcrum 42D of the base part is rotatably attached to the side surface of the casing, and the direction can be freely changed with reference to the fulcrum 42D. When the support member 40D is contracted, the support member 40D is housed on the housing unit 31 side. When the support member 40D is used as an actual wireless antenna, the fulcrum 42D is connected to a transmission / reception circuit (not shown) built in the housing unit 31.

  As in the first embodiment, a contact sensor 36 may be provided in the contact portion 41D of the support member 40D, and the camera 32 may be activated by the contact sensor 36. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Operation of Example 5)
As in FIG. 2, the user 20 extends the support member 40 </ b> D of the portable iris authentication device 30 </ b> D and projects it forward substantially perpendicular to the surface of the casing when photographing the eye 21. The contact portion 41D at the tip of the member 40D is brought into contact with the forehead so that the apparatus does not shake. In a state where the contact portion 41D at the tip of the support member 40D is in contact with the forehead of the user 20 and supports the apparatus, the distance D between the camera 32 and the eye 21 of the user 20 is an eye image suitable for authentication. It is maintained at a distance that is surely shot. Similar to the first embodiment, the user 20 takes an image of the eye 21 in this state. When the photographing is finished, the support member 40D is contracted and stored on the housing side.

(Effect of Example 5)
According to the fifth embodiment, the support member 40D is configured by a single rod antenna such as a radio antenna, and is provided in the casing 31 as a stretchable structure. When the eye 21 is photographed, the support member 40D is extended. The front surface of the housing part is projected forward and the contact part 41D at the tip is brought into contact with the forehead of the user 20 to perform photographing, so the embodiment can be realized with a simple configuration using a single rod antenna. The effects (a) and (c) of 1 can be obtained, and the cost can be reduced.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portable iris authentication device showing Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and elements common to those in FIG. 6 showing Embodiment 5 are denoted by common reference numerals.

  The portable iris authentication device 30E according to the sixth embodiment includes a casing 31 similar to that of the fifth embodiment, and a support member 40D including a rod antenna such as a radio antenna according to the fifth embodiment is provided in the casing 31. A support member 40E made of the same rod antenna is housed so as to be extendable and contractible. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, the support member 40E made of a rod antenna has a structure that can be expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the housing, and the tip contacts the forehead. It has a function as a contact portion 41E for causing the housing portion 31 to be stored in the housing portion 31 when contracted.

  Since the support member 40E according to the sixth embodiment has substantially the same structure as the support member 40D according to the fifth embodiment, it can achieve substantially the same operational effects as the fifth embodiment.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various usage forms and modifications are possible. For example, there are the following (I) and (II) as usage forms and modifications.
(I) In the embodiment, the example in which the iris authentication devices 30 to 30E are mounted on the mobile phone has been described. However, the iris authentication devices 30 to 30E may be mounted on another mobile terminal device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Further, the iris authentication apparatus main body 50 may add other functional blocks other than those shown in the drawing in order to improve accuracy and expand applications.
(II) In the embodiment, the human eye iris authentication apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can also be used for eye iris authentication of animals other than humans.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic block diagram of the portable iris authentication apparatus which shows Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the use condition in the portable iris authentication apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the portable iris authentication apparatus which shows Example 2 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the portable iris authentication apparatus which shows Example 3 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the portable iris authentication apparatus which shows Example 4 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the portable iris authentication apparatus which shows Example 5 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the portable iris authentication apparatus which shows Example 6 of this invention. It is a general | schematic structural diagram which shows the external appearance of the conventional portable iris authentication apparatus. It is a figure which shows the use condition in the portable iris authentication apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E Portable iris authentication device 31 Case 32 Camera 33 Light source 36 Contact sensor 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E Support member 50 Iris authentication device body 52 Imaging unit 53 Illumination Part 54 Iris recognition part 55 Iris recognition dictionary

Claims (7)

A housing part;
A support member having a contact portion for making contact in the vicinity of the eyes of an individual, the contact portion being protruded from the surface of the housing portion by a predetermined distance and retracted by the predetermined distance. When,
An illuminating means that is provided in the housing portion and irradiates light to the eyes under a state in which the support member protrudes;
An imaging unit that is provided on the surface side of the housing unit and acquires the image of the eye by capturing the eye irradiated with the light;
Recognizing means provided on the housing unit for recognizing the individual by extracting iris data from the acquired image of the eye and comparing the extracted iris data with previously registered iris data. And
The portable iris authentication apparatus, wherein the photographing is performed by the photographing unit in a state where the contact member protrudes and is in contact with the vicinity of the eye.   The portable iris authentication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is foldably attached to the casing.   The portable iris authentication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is attached to the casing so as to be extendable and contractible.   The portable iris authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is attached to be foldable on a side edge on the surface of the casing.   2. The portable iris authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a rod antenna that is attached to the casing portion so as to be extendable and contractable, and the contact portion is located on a distal end side. In the portable iris authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A portable iris authentication apparatus, comprising: a detection unit that is provided in the contact part and detects that the contact part is in contact with the vicinity of the eye and performs the photographing.   The portable iris authentication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual is a person.

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