JP2009245416A - Biometric information acquisition apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further miniaturize the size of a biometric information acquisition apparatus while ensuring application of light over a given range of a subject. <P>SOLUTION: The biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 acquires vein images of a finger 100 based on application of light to the finger 100. The biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 includes; a light source 21 to emit light to be applied to the finger 100; a light guide 22 to guide light from the light source 21 from a light incident surface to a light exiting surface; an optical detector 31 in which one or more pixel arrays including a plurality of pixels on a main surface, wherein the light output surface extends along a plurality of pixel arrangement directions included in the pixel array, and the light guide 22 and the optical detector 31 are sequentially arranged along a direction intersecting with the plurality of pixel arrangement directions included in the pixel array. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological information acquisition apparatus, and more particularly to a biological information acquisition apparatus applicable to vein authentication.

  Known biometric authentication techniques include fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, and pupil iris authentication. Among them, vein authentication is attracting attention as a particularly promising technique because it is difficult to forge authentication compared to fingerprint authentication, and authentication can be performed relatively easily.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques related to vein authentication. Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device used for biometric authentication. In this imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus is downsized by stacking the light source (100), the support base (300), and the image authentication unit (200). Patent Document 2 discloses an apparatus that acquires a blood vessel image using a line sensor.
JP 2001-119008 A JP 2006-218019 A

  In vein authentication, in order to acquire a good vein image, it is necessary to irradiate near infrared rays over a predetermined range of the subject. In order to sufficiently irradiate near-infrared rays over a predetermined range of the subject, it is necessary to keep the light source sufficiently away from the subject or to prepare a large number of light sources. However, in such a case, the biometric information acquisition apparatus that acquires a vein image is increased in size, and the space occupied in the main device is increased.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to further reduce the size of a biological information acquisition apparatus while ensuring that light is irradiated over a predetermined range of a subject. And

  A biological information acquisition apparatus according to the present invention is a biological information acquisition apparatus capable of acquiring a vein image of a subject based on light irradiation on the subject, and emits light to be irradiated on the subject. A light source, a first light guide for guiding emitted light of the first light source from the first light incident surface to the first light emitting surface, and light detection in which one or more pixel columns including a plurality of pixels are formed on the main surface The first light exit surface extends along a direction in which the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column are arranged, and the first light guide and the photodetector are arranged in the pixel column. Are sequentially arranged along a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel.

  By utilizing the light guide, it is possible to irradiate light over a predetermined range of the subject. In addition, the biological information acquisition apparatus can be thinned by sequentially arranging the light guide and the photodetector.

  It is preferable to further include a substrate on which at least the first light guide and the photodetector are mounted. Thereby, modularization of a biological information acquisition device can be achieved.

  The capacitance sensor and the photodetector further include a capacitance sensor having one or more electrode columns in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column. It is preferable that the pixels are sequentially arranged along a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column.

  A second light source that emits light having a wavelength different from that of the first light source; and a second light guide that guides the emitted light of the second light source from the second light incident surface to the second light emitting surface. The second light exit surface extends along an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column, and the second light guide and the photodetector include a plurality of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column. It is preferable that the pixels are sequentially arranged along a direction intersecting the pixel arrangement direction.

  The first light source may emit light having a wavelength in the near infrared region, and the second light source may emit light having a wavelength in the visible region.

  It is preferable to further include a plurality of lenses provided corresponding to the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row. It is preferable that a light shielding layer formed between the plurality of lenses and the photodetector is further provided, and the light shielding layer has a plurality of openings corresponding to the optical axes of the lenses.

  The first light guide may be a long plate-like member extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row.

  A biological information acquisition apparatus according to the present invention is a biological information acquisition apparatus capable of acquiring a vein image of a subject based on light irradiation on the subject, and emits light to be irradiated on the subject. A light source, a first light guide for guiding emitted light of the first light source from the first light incident surface to the first light emitting surface, and a photodetector having one or more pixel rows including a plurality of pixels formed on the main surface The first light exit surface extends along a direction in which the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row are arranged, and the first light guide and the photodetector are in a common plane. Placed in.

  By utilizing the light guide, it is possible to irradiate light over a predetermined range of the subject. Further, by arranging the light guide and the light detector in a common plane, the biological information acquisition apparatus can be thinned.

  A biological information acquisition apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of light emitting elements that emit light emitted to a subject, a photodetector formed with one or more pixel rows in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, and The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel column, and the plurality of light emitting elements and the photodetector are arranged in a common plane. The

  A biological information acquisition device according to the present invention includes a biological information including a light irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with light, and a photodetector in which one or more pixel rows in which a plurality of pixels are arranged are formed. In the acquisition device, the light irradiation unit and the photodetector are arranged in a common plane, and the light irradiation unit emits light emitted from one or more light sources in a region corresponding to the pixel column. Uniform and emit.

  The light irradiation unit may include a light guide extending along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel column.

  The light irradiation unit may include a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at substantially constant intervals.

  A biological information acquisition apparatus according to the present invention includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with light, and a photodetector having one or more pixel rows in which a plurality of pixels are arranged. And the said light irradiation part and the said photodetector are arrange | positioned in a mutually common plane, and the said light irradiation part radiate | emits light over the range corresponding to the said pixel row at least.

  The light irradiation unit may include a light guide extending along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel column.

  The light irradiation unit may include a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at substantially constant intervals.

  The light irradiation unit may include an organic light emitting layer extending along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel column.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a biological information acquisition apparatus can be further reduced in size, ensuring that it irradiates light over the predetermined range of a subject.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment is simplified for convenience of explanation. Since the drawings are simple, the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted narrowly based on the drawings. The drawings are only for explaining the technical matters, and do not reflect the exact sizes or the like of the elements shown in the drawings. The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Words indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used on the assumption that the drawing is viewed from the front.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration and functions of a biometric information acquisition apparatus used for vein authentication will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the biological information acquisition apparatus 60. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the biological information acquisition apparatus 60. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the light guide 22. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a top surface configuration of the biological information acquisition apparatus 60. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the biological information acquisition apparatus 60.

  In FIG. 1, the schematic perspective view of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the biological information acquisition device 60 has a light source 21, a light guide 22, a photosensor (light detector) 31, an optical functional layer 32, a light source 41, and a light guide 42 on a wiring board (substrate) 50. And a capacitance sensor 10. By being supported by the wiring board 50, the light source 21, the light guide 22, the photo sensor 31, the light source 41, the light guide 42, and the capacitance sensor 10 are arranged in a common plane. The light guide 22, the photo sensor 31, the light guide 42, and the capacitance sensor 10 are arranged from left to right in this order.

  The light source 21 and the light guide 22 are collectively referred to as a light irradiation unit 20. Similarly, the light source 41 and the light guide 42 are collectively referred to as a light irradiation unit 40. The photosensor 31 and the optical function layer 32 are collectively referred to as a light detection unit 30. It is obvious that the light irradiation unit corresponds to the light irradiation unit.

  The biological information acquisition device 60 acquires a plurality of vein images of the finger (subject) 100 placed thereon at different timings. Based on the individual vein images acquired by the biometric information acquisition device 60, an image for biometric authentication is formed. In addition, the biological information acquisition device 60 acquires a fingerprint image of the finger 100 placed above. Based on the plurality of fingerprint images acquired by the biological information acquisition device 60, the moving direction of the finger 100 and the moving amount of the finger 100 per unit time are obtained. The biometric authentication device in which the biometric information acquisition device 60 is incorporated clarifies the relative positional relationship of the acquired individual vein images by obtaining the movement direction of the finger 100 and the movement amount of the finger 100 per unit time, An image for biometric authentication is formed based on individual vein images. In addition, the acquisition of the vein image and the acquisition of the fingerprint image in the biological information acquisition device 60 are executed at the same timing.

  In FIG. 2, the schematic diagram which shows the partial cross-section structure of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 is shown. FIG. 2A shows a cross section between X1-X1 in FIG. FIG. 2B shows a cross section between X2 and X2 in FIG. FIG. 2C shows a cross section between X3 and X3 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the capacitance sensor 10 includes a sensor substrate 15 and a protective film 16. On the upper surface of the sensor substrate 15, an electrode row in which a plurality of electrodes EL1 to EL8 are arranged in one row is formed. The capacitance sensor 10 constitutes a fingerprint detection unit (means for detecting the movement of the fingerprint pattern of the finger 100) that detects the movement of the fingerprint pattern of the finger 100.

  The capacitance sensor 10 detects a capacitance value formed between the finger 100 placed above and the electrodes EL1 to EL8 by a capacitance detection circuit connected between the electrodes EL1 to EL8. The capacitance value detected by each capacitance detection circuit is in accordance with the distance between the electrodes EL1 to EL8 and the skin of the finger 100. Finger 100 is formed with a fingerprint. Therefore, when the finger 100 is placed on the capacitance sensor 10, the capacitance distribution output from the capacitance detection circuit connected to each of the electrodes EL1 to EL8 corresponds to the fingerprint pattern on the electrodes EL1 to EL8. become. In this way, the capacitance sensor 10 acquires a fingerprint image of the finger 100 placed above. In addition, the arrangement | positioning aspect of an electrode is arbitrary. The electrodes may be arranged in a matrix. The fingerprint image (information) detected by the capacitance sensor 10 is used when obtaining the movement direction of the finger 100 and the movement amount of the finger 100 per unit time.

  The protective film 16 shown in FIG. 2 (a) is a thin film that protects the electrodes EL1 to EL8 from the outside. The protective film 16 is formed on the sensor substrate 15. The material of the protective film 16 is, for example, a transparent resin or glass.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the light irradiation unit 20 includes a light source 21 and a light guide 22. In addition, the structure of the above-mentioned light irradiation unit 40 is equal to the structure of the light irradiation unit 20. Therefore, the overlapping description is omitted.

  The light source 21 is a semiconductor optical element in which a semiconductor chip such as a semiconductor light emitting element (LED (Light Emitting Diode)) or a semiconductor laser element (LD (Laser Diode)) is molded and packaged. By flowing a current between the electrodes, light (here, 760 nm or 870 nm) having a wavelength in the near infrared region (wavelength: 600 nm to 1000 nm) is emitted from the light source 21.

  The light guide 22 is a substantially transparent light guide member with respect to the light emitted from the light source 21. The light guide 22 is a plate-like member having an upper surface 23, a lower surface 24, and a side surface 25. The light source 21 is disposed to face the side surface 25 of the light guide 22. The material of the light guide 22 is arbitrary, and examples thereof include quartz, resin, and glass.

  A plurality of grooves 26 extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface are formed on the lower surface 24 of the light guide 22. By forming the plurality of grooves 26, a plurality of convex portions 27 and a plurality of reflecting surfaces 28 and 29 are formed on the lower surface 24 of the light guide 22.

Here, the function of the light guide 22 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the light emitted from the light source 21 introduced into the light guide 22 from the side surface (light incident surface) 25 of the light guide 22 travels leftward in the light guide 22 and is reflected by the reflecting surface. The light is reflected at 29 and output from the upper surface (light emitting surface) 23. By appropriately disposing the reflecting surface 29, for example, it is possible to realize an intensity distribution of emitted light as shown in FIG. That is, it is possible to realize a distribution in which the intensity of the emitted light at the center portion of the light guide 22 is stronger than the intensity of the emitted light at the end portion.

  Returning to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the light detection unit 30 includes a photosensor 31 and an optical function layer 32.

  The photosensor 31 is a semiconductor photodetector (so-called line sensor) having a pixel column in which a plurality of pixels PX1 to PX8 are arranged in one column. Each of the pixels PX1 to PX8 is composed of, for example, a photodiode. Each of the pixels PX1 to PX8 outputs a current having a value corresponding to the incident light intensity. The output current from each pixel PX1 to PX8 is converted into a voltage by an IV converter, and finally converted into a digital signal by an AD converter.

  The optical function layer 32 includes a light shielding layer 33 and a lens substrate 34. The light shielding layer 33 is formed on the photosensor 31. The lens substrate 34 is formed on the light shielding layer 33.

  The light shielding layer 33 has a plurality of light shielding structures 35 corresponding to the pixels PX1 to PX8. The lens substrate 34 includes a plurality of lenses L1 to L8 corresponding to the pixels PX1 to PX8. The lenses L1 to L8 are convex microlenses having a lens diameter of about several to several hundreds of micrometers. The light blocking structure 35 absorbs incident light. The light shielding structure 35 is, for example, black resin. The light shielding structure 35 has an opening OP corresponding to the optical axis AX of the lenses L1 to L8.

  The light incident on the light detection unit 30 proceeds as follows. The light input to each of the lenses L1 to L8 is transmitted through the substrate portion of the lens substrate 34 while converging by receiving the lens action at each lens, passes through the opening OP of the light shielding structure 35 of the light shielding layer 33, and finally. It is input to each pixel PX1 to PX8 of the photosensor 31.

  By appropriately setting the lens diameter of each of the lenses L1 to L8, a vein image inside the finger 100 can be preferably acquired.

  Further, the light shielding structure 35 of the light shielding layer 33 effectively separates the optical channels between the lens and the pixels, and effectively suppresses crosstalk between the optical channels. As a result, the quality of the image finally obtained by the photosensor 31 can be improved.

  Next, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the top structure of the biological information acquisition device 60. Note that in FIG. 4, axes that are orthogonal to each other are set as x-axis and y-axis.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the light guide 22 is a long member extending along the y-axis. The light guide 42 is the same as the light guide 22.

  The plurality of pixels PX1 to PX8 are arranged along the y axis. Similarly, the plurality of lenses L1 to L8 are also arranged along the y-axis. Similarly, the plurality of electrodes EL1 to EL8 are also arranged along the y axis. That is, the arrangement direction of each pixel, the arrangement direction of each lens, and the arrangement direction of each electrode are substantially parallel to each other. The longitudinal direction of each light guide is substantially parallel to the arrangement direction of each pixel, the arrangement direction of each lens, and the arrangement direction of each electrode. The light guide 22, the light detection unit 30 (photo sensor 31), the light guide 42, and the capacitance sensor 10 are arranged in this order along the x-axis.

  Next, the function of the biological information acquisition device 60 will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration between Y1 and Y1 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the light emitted from the light source 21 is irradiated to the finger 100 through the light guide 22. The light transmitted through the finger 100 is input to the light detection unit 30. Light emitted from the light source 41 is applied to the finger 100 through the light guide 42. In the vein 102 in the finger 100, the light emitted from the light source 41 is partially absorbed. The light emitted from the light source is absorbed by the portion of the finger 100 where the vein 102 is present. Accordingly, the photosensor 31 can acquire an image of the vein 102 with the plurality of pixels PX1 to PX8.

  Further, as schematically shown in FIG. 5, the capacitance sensor 10 detects the capacitance value of the parasitic capacitance Cx formed between the electrode EL4 of the sensor substrate 15 and the skin of the finger 100. Here, a plurality of grooves 101 for patterning the fingerprint are formed on the skin of the finger 100. The value of the parasitic capacitance Cx depends on the distance between the upper surface of the electrode and the skin of the finger 100. The capacitance sensor 10 acquires a fingerprint image of the finger 100 in a range corresponding to the arrangement range of the electrodes EL1 to EL8.

  Next, the configuration and operation of a biometric authentication device including the biometric information acquisition device 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the biometric authentication device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the biometric authentication apparatus. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the finger moves. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship of acquired vein images.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the biometric authentication device 80 includes a processing unit 81, an authentication execution unit 82, an image forming unit 83, a storage unit 84, a light emitting unit 85, a vein image acquisition unit 86, and a fingerprint detection unit 87. The light emitting unit 85 corresponds to the light irradiation units 20 and 40. The vein image acquisition unit 86 corresponds to the light detection unit 30. The fingerprint detection unit 87 corresponds to the capacitance sensor 10. The biometric authentication device 80 is assumed to be composed of a normal computer having a biometric information acquisition device as an interface. Further, the biometric authentication device 80 should not be limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The biometric authentication device 80 operates as shown in FIG. Note that the biometric authentication device 80 is incorporated in a mobile phone.

  First, the mobile phone incorporating the biometric authentication device 80 is in a non-operating state.

  Next, the biometric authentication function of the mobile phone is activated (S1). A specific method for activating the biometric authentication function is arbitrary. It may be set so that the biometric authentication function is activated when the operator presses a button on the mobile phone.

  Next, with activation of the biometric authentication function, light is emitted from the light emitting unit 85 toward the finger 100 (S2). More specifically, the light irradiation units 20 and 40 of the biological information acquisition device 60 irradiate the finger 100 with light. At S2, the finger 100 is moved forward along the arrow in FIG.

  Next, the vein image acquisition unit 86 acquires a plurality of vein images at an extremely short time interval, and the fingerprint detection unit 87 similarly acquires a plurality of fingerprint images at an extremely short time interval (S3). More specifically, the biological information acquisition device 60 acquires a plurality of vein images of the finger 100 placed on the light detection unit 30 at an extremely short time interval. The biological information acquisition device 60 acquires a plurality of fingerprint images of the finger 100 placed on the capacitance sensor 10 at an extremely short time interval. Here, the biological information acquisition device 60 acquires a vein image and a fingerprint image at the same timing.

  Next, the image forming unit 83 forms a vein image for authentication (S4). In this embodiment, since the line sensor is used, only a vein image in a range corresponding to one pixel column can be obtained. Therefore, in order to realize highly accurate vein authentication, the photosensor 31 acquires a plurality of vein images when the finger 100 moves, and a single vein image is formed on the image forming unit 83 from the plurality of vein images.

  The image forming unit 83 obtains the movement direction of the finger 100 and the movement amount of the finger 100 per unit time from the plurality of fingerprint images acquired by the fingerprint detection unit 87, and acquires the plurality of vein images acquired by the vein image acquisition unit 86. A vein image for authentication is formed.

  The operation of the image forming unit 83 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a finger movement mode. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the acquired vein images.

  As schematically shown by an arrow in FIG. 8A, the finger 100 may cross horizontally with respect to the biological information acquisition device 60. Further, as schematically shown by an arrow in FIG. 8B, the finger 100 may cross obliquely with respect to the biological information acquisition device 60.

  In the case of FIG. 8A, as schematically shown in FIG. 9A, the photosensor 31 sequentially acquires vein images in the range of the region R1, the region R2, and the region R3. In the case of FIG. 8B, as schematically shown in FIG. 9B, the photosensor 31 sequentially acquires vein images in the range of the region R4, the region R5, and the region R6.

  In the case of FIG. 8A, the image forming unit 83 horizontally connects a plurality of images acquired by the photosensor 31 to form a single vein authentication image. In the case of FIG. 8B, the image forming unit 83 connects a plurality of images acquired by the photosensor 31 at an angle to form a single vein authentication image.

  When forming an authentication vein image from a plurality of vein images acquired by the vein image acquisition unit 86, the image forming unit 83 detects the relative positional relationship of the individual vein images acquired by the vein image acquisition unit 86 by fingerprint detection. Identification is made based on a plurality of fingerprint images acquired by the unit 87.

  The fingerprint pattern of the finger 100 has a certain regularity. Therefore, the image forming unit 83 can calculate the moving direction of the finger 100 and the moving amount of the finger 100 per unit time by specifying the transition of the volume distribution sequentially output from the fingerprint detecting unit 87. it can.

  More specifically, on the same principle as that of the optical mouse, the image forming unit 83 compares sequentially acquired capacitance distributions and identifies movement of the same pattern included in the capacitance distribution. Thereby, the moving amount and moving direction of the finger 100 per unit time are calculated. Here, the unit time corresponds to the frame interval (acquisition interval) of the capacity distribution acquired by the fingerprint detection unit 87.

  The image forming unit 83 calculates a moving direction of the finger 100 by applying a predetermined algorithm to the volume distribution sequentially output from the fingerprint detecting unit 87, and calculates the moving amount of the finger 100 per unit time. It may be calculated.

  Returning again to FIG.

  Next, the authentication execution unit 82 performs authentication (S5). Specifically, the authentication execution unit 82 performs biometric authentication based on the authentication image output from the image forming unit 83 and the vein image image registered in advance in the storage unit 84. For example, the authentication execution unit 82 determines that the authentication is successful if the branching mode of the veins between the two images matches at N (N: a natural number of 2 or more) or more, and the branching mode of the veins matches between the two images. If there are less than N locations, authentication failure is determined (S6). The specific method of authentication depends on the image processing method, and should not be limited to the above example.

  If the authentication is successful, the function of the mobile phone in which the biometric authentication device 80 is incorporated is activated (S7). Then, the mobile phone returns to a normal operation state. In the case of authentication failure, the mobile phone in which the biometric authentication device 80 is incorporated maintains a non-operating state.

  In this way, by incorporating the biometric authentication device 80 into the mobile phone, the security performance of the mobile phone is dramatically improved.

  In the present embodiment, the biological information acquisition apparatus 60 can be reduced in size by using a line sensor. Further, the photosensor 31 and the light guide 22 are arranged in a common plane. As a result, the biological information acquisition device 60 can be made sufficiently thin. Since the light from each light source is output from the upper surface (the surface facing the finger 100) of each light guide, it is not hindered to sufficiently irradiate light over the desired range of the finger 100. As described above, a plurality of pixels are arranged on the upper surface of the photosensor 31 (the surface facing the finger 100). Each light guide guides input light to the intended light exit surface through a plurality of appropriately arranged reflecting surfaces.

  Moreover, the biological information is obtained by mounting the members (light source 21, light guide 22, photo sensor 31, light source 41, light guide 22, and capacitance sensor 10) necessary for acquiring biological information on the common wiring board 50. The acquisition device can be modularized.

  In addition, by arranging the optical functional layer 32 on the photosensor 31, it is possible to acquire a higher-quality vein image with the photosensor 31. By setting the focal length of the lens corresponding to the depth of the vein from the epidermis of the finger 100, a clearer vein image can be acquired by the photosensor 31. By forming a light-shielding layer having a plurality of openings formed corresponding to the optical axis of the lens on the photosensor 31, crosstalk between optical channels is suppressed, and a clearer vein image is acquired by the photosensor 31. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, the manufacturing procedure of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 is arbitrary. The light source 21, light guide 22, light detection unit 30, light source 41, light guide 22, and capacitance sensor 10 prepared in advance may be mounted on the wiring board 50. The manufacturing procedure of the light detection unit 30 is also arbitrary. The optical functional layer 32 is manufactured by utilizing ordinary semiconductor process technology (thin film formation process, etching process, overheating process, etc.). If the optical functional layer 32 thus manufactured is fixed to the upper surface of the photosensor 31, the light detection unit 30 is completed.

[Second Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 10 thru | or 11, the structure and function of the biometric information acquisition apparatus used for vein authentication are demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the biological information acquisition device 61. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the biological information acquisition apparatus 61.

  The biological information acquisition apparatus 61 according to the present embodiment detects the movement of the fingerprint pattern of the finger 100 using an optical method. The biometric authentication device 80 obtains the movement amount of the finger 100 per unit time and the movement direction of the finger 100 based on the detection result detected by the biometric information acquisition device 61. Even in such a case, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, the means (fingerprint detection unit) for detecting the movement of the fingerprint pattern of the finger 100 is not limited to the capacitance sensor, and may be realized by using a line sensor for acquiring a vein image.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the biological information acquisition device 61 includes a light irradiation unit 70. The light irradiation unit 70 irradiates the finger 100 with light in the visible region. As a result, pattern information (fingerprint information) reflecting the fingerprint image of the finger 100 can be acquired by the photosensor 31. That is, the photosensor 31 in the present embodiment also acquires pattern information (hereinafter simply referred to as pattern information) reflecting a fingerprint image in addition to a vein image. Then, based on the plurality of pattern information acquired by the photosensor 31, an authentication vein image is formed from the plurality of vein images acquired by the photosensor 31. The pattern information acquired by the photosensor 31 is used to obtain the movement amount of the finger 100 per unit time and the movement direction of the finger 100.

  The light irradiation unit 70 includes a light source 71 and a light guide 72.

  The light source 71 is a semiconductor optical element in which a semiconductor chip such as a semiconductor light emitting element (LED (Light Emitting Diode)) or a semiconductor laser element (LD (Laser Diode)) is molded and packaged. By flowing a current between the electrodes, light (here, 530 nm) having a wavelength in the visible region (wavelength: 360 nm to 830 nm) is emitted from the light source 71.

  The light guide 72 is a light guide member that is substantially transparent to the light emitted from the light source 71. The light guide 72 has the same configuration as the light guides 22 and 42. The light guide 72 guides light from the light source 71 input to the side surface (light incident surface) to the upper surface (light emitting surface) via a plurality of reflecting surfaces provided on the lower surface. Note that the arrangement interval of the reflection surfaces formed on the light guide 72 is different from that of the light guides 22 and 42 according to the difference in the wavelength of the guided light.

  The biological information acquisition device 61 operates as shown in FIG.

  Between t0 and t1, the biological information acquisition device 61 is in the vein image acquisition mode. At this time, near-infrared light is emitted from the light source 21 and the light source 41. Light emitted from each light source is applied to the finger 100 through each light guide. Then, a vein image in a range corresponding to the formation range of the pixels PX1 to PX8 is acquired by the photosensor 31.

  Between t1 and t2, the biological information acquisition device 61 is in the fingerprint information acquisition mode. At this time, visible light is emitted from the light source 71. The light emitted from the light source 71 is applied to the finger 100 through the light guide 72. Then, pattern information (fingerprint information) reflecting a fingerprint image in a range corresponding to the formation range of the pixels PX1 to PX8 is acquired by the photosensor 31.

  The operation between t2 and t3 is equal to the operation between t0 and t1. The operation between t3 and t4 is equal to the operation between t1 and t2. Therefore, the overlapping description is omitted.

  The biological information acquisition device 61 alternately repeats the vein image acquisition mode and the fingerprint information acquisition mode described above at extremely short time intervals.

  The image forming unit 83 forms individual vein images acquired by the photosensor 31 based on the plurality of pattern information acquired by the photosensor 31 when forming a vein image for authentication from the plurality of vein images acquired by the photosensor 31. The relative positional relationship of is specified. The operation of the image forming unit 83 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the movement amount of the finger 100 per unit time and the movement direction of the finger 100 are obtained by an optical method, and the relative positional relationship between the plurality of vein images is specified based on the obtained movement amount. Regardless, it is possible to generate a single authentication image from a plurality of vein images.

  In the present embodiment, the fingerprint detection unit 87 includes the light irradiation unit 70 and the light detection unit 30. In addition, when the image forming unit 83 forms a vein image for authentication from a plurality of vein images acquired by the photosensor 31, the image forming unit 83 uses the photosensor based on the plurality of pattern information reflecting the fingerprint image acquired by the photosensor 31. The relative positional relationship of the individual vein images acquired at 31 is specified.

  The focal lengths of the lenses L1 to L8 are set according to the vein image to be acquired, but a pattern reflecting a fingerprint image can also be acquired by the pixels PX1 to PX8.

[Third Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 12, a biological information acquisition apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the biological information acquisition apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of light sources 21 are arranged along the pixel arrangement direction of the fosa sensor 31 without using the light guide 22. Similarly, a plurality of light sources 41 are arranged along the pixel arrangement direction of the photosensor 31 without using the light guide 42. Even in such a case, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, it is possible to irradiate the subject with light over a desired range without enlarging the biological information acquisition device 61.

  The light sources 21 and 41 emit near infrared rays. The light sources 21a to 21c are arranged at substantially constant intervals. Similarly, the light sources 41a to 41c are arranged at substantially constant intervals. By arranging the plurality of light sources 21 and 41 in this way, it is possible to easily generate uniform light within a range corresponding to the pixel column of the photosensor 31. In addition, a light irradiation part is formed by the light sources 21a-21c. A light irradiation part is formed by the light sources 41a to 41c.

[Fourth Embodiment]
A biometric information acquisition apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the biological information acquisition apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, a light source 71 that outputs visible light is disposed instead of the light source 21 as compared with the third embodiment. Even in such a case, the same effects as those described in the second embodiment can be obtained.

  The light sources 71a to 71c are arranged at substantially constant intervals. By arranging a plurality of light sources 71 in this way, it is possible to easily generate light that is uniformized within a range corresponding to the pixel column of the photosensor 31. In addition, a light irradiation part is formed by the light sources 71a-71c.

[Fifth Embodiment]
A biometric information acquisition apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the biological information acquisition apparatus. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a light source.

  In the present embodiment, a surface light source 90 using EL (Electroluminescence) is employed as the light irradiation unit. Even in such a case, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained. Here, two surface light sources 90a and 90b are arranged with the photosensor 31 in between.

  The surface light source 90 is a long member along the pixel arrangement direction of the photosensor 31. The surface light source 90 emits light when energized. The surface light source 90 emits light within a range corresponding to the pixel column of the photosensor 31. The surface light source 90 emits light having a uniform intensity within a range corresponding to the pixel column of the fosa sensor 31.

  When the emission light wavelength of the surface light source 90 does not include near infrared rays, a wavelength conversion filter is disposed on the surface light source 90. The surface light source 90a may be a near infrared light source and the surface light source 90b may be a visible light source by utilizing a wavelength conversion filter or the like. In this case, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained.

  A schematic cross-sectional structure of the surface light source 90 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the surface light source 90 includes a transparent substrate 91, an electrode layer 92, an organic EL layer 93, an electrode layer 94, and a transparent substrate 95.

  The transparent substrates 91 and 95 are transparent plate members such as glass. The electrode layers 92 and 94 are electrodes that are transparent to the light emitted from the organic EL layer 93. Note that the electrode layers 92 and 94 may be patterned. The organic EL layer (organic light emitting layer) 93 is a layer in which an electron transport layer, a light emitting layer, and a hole transport layer are sequentially stacked.

  By energizing between the pair of electrode layers 92 and 94, the energy state of the organic molecules forming the light emitting layer transitions, and thereby light having a predetermined wavelength is generated from the light emitting layer. The light generated in the light emitting layer is emitted forward through the electrode 94 and the transparent substrate 95. Note that the electrode layer 92 may have a property of reflecting light generated in the light emitting layer. Further, a reflective layer may be formed between the light emitting layer 93 and the transparent substrate 91. The layer thickness of each layer shown in FIG. 15 does not indicate the actual layer thickness.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The specific configuration of the light irradiation unit is arbitrary. The biometric information acquisition apparatus can be applied to a biometric authentication apparatus that performs fingerprint authentication in addition to vein authentication. The main body device into which the biometric authentication device is incorporated may be a mobile phone, a notebook computer, or a stationary device. The subject is not limited to a human finger, and may be another part of a human body such as a human palm. The photosensor may be a general image sensor in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix and an image in a desired range can be acquired at a time. The capacitance sensor may be one in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a matrix and can detect a desired range of fingerprints at a time. The specific configuration of the biometric authentication device is arbitrary. Further, instead of the method of moving the finger, a method of moving the biological information acquisition apparatus itself by mechanical means may be used. A method of forming the divided image into one authentication image is also arbitrary.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a biological information acquisition device 60 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cross-sectional structure of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the function of the light guide 22 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the upper surface structure of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the function of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 60 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a biometric authentication apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the biometrics apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the movement aspect of a finger | toe. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the positional relationship of the acquired vein image. It is a schematic perspective view of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 61 concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the biometric information acquisition apparatus 61 concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the biometric information acquisition apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the biometric information acquisition apparatus concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the biometric information acquisition apparatus concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic sectional structure of the surface light source concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Finger 60 Biometric information acquisition apparatus 10 Fingerprint detector 15 Sensor substrate 16 Protective film 20 Light irradiation unit 21 Light source 22 Light guide 30 Light detection unit 31 Photosensor 32 Optical functional layer 33 Light blocking layer 34 Lens substrate 35 Light blocking structure 40 Light irradiation unit 41 Light source 42 Light guide 50 Wiring board

70 Light Irradiation Unit 71 Light Source 72 Light Guide

90 surface light source

80 Biometric Authentication Device 81 Processing Unit 82 Authentication Execution Unit 83 Image Forming Unit 84 Storage Unit 85 Light Emitting Unit 86 Vein Image Acquisition Unit 87 Fingerprint Detection Unit

Claims (17)

A biological information acquisition device capable of acquiring a vein image of a subject based on light irradiation on the subject,
A first light source that emits light to be irradiated on the subject;
A first light guide for guiding the emitted light of the first light source from the first light incident surface to the first light emitting surface;
A photodetector in which one or more pixel columns including a plurality of pixels are formed on the main surface;
With
The first light exit surface extends along an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row,
The biological information acquisition apparatus, wherein the first light guide and the photodetector are sequentially arranged along a direction intersecting an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row.   The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a substrate on which at least the first light guide and the photodetector are mounted. A capacitance sensor further including one or more electrode columns in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column;
The biological information according to claim 1, wherein the capacitance sensor and the photodetector are sequentially arranged along a direction that intersects an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column. Acquisition device. A second light source that emits light having a wavelength different from that of the first light source;
A second light guide for guiding the emitted light of the second light source from the second light incident surface to the second light emitting surface;
The second light exit surface extends along an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row,
2. The biological information according to claim 1, wherein the second light guide and the photodetector are sequentially arranged along a direction intersecting an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel column. Acquisition device. The first light source emits light having a wavelength in the near infrared region,
The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second light source emits light having a wavelength in a visible region.   The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lenses provided corresponding to the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row. A light shielding layer formed between the plurality of lenses and the photodetector;
The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the light shielding layer has a plurality of openings corresponding to the optical axis of the lens.   The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first light guide is a long plate-like member extending along an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row. A biological information acquisition device capable of acquiring a vein image of a subject based on light irradiation on the subject,
A first light source that emits light to be irradiated on the subject;
A first light guide for guiding the emitted light of the first light source from the first light incident surface to the first light emitting surface;
A photodetector in which one or more pixel rows including a plurality of pixels are formed on the main surface;
With
The first light exit surface extends along an arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels included in the pixel row,
The biological information acquisition apparatus, wherein the first light guide and the photodetector are arranged in a common plane. A plurality of light emitting elements that emit light irradiated to the subject; and
A photodetector in which one or more pixel rows in which a plurality of pixels are arranged are formed;
A biological information acquisition device comprising:
The plurality of light emitting elements are arranged along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel column,
The biological information acquisition apparatus, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements and the photodetector are arranged in a common plane. A light irradiation unit for irradiating the subject with light;
A photodetector in which one or more pixel rows in which a plurality of pixels are arranged are formed;
A biological information acquisition device comprising:
The light irradiation unit and the photodetector are arranged in a common plane,
The said light irradiation part is a biometric information acquisition apparatus which equalizes and radiate | emits the emitted light from one or more light sources within the area | region corresponding to the said pixel row | line | column.   The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a light guide extending along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel row.   The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at substantially constant intervals. A light irradiation unit for irradiating the subject with light;
A photodetector having one or more pixel columns in which a plurality of pixels are arranged;
A biological information acquisition device comprising:
The light irradiation unit and the photodetector are arranged in a common plane,
The said light irradiation part is a biological information acquisition apparatus which radiate | emits light over the range corresponding to the said pixel row at least.   The biometric information acquisition apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a light guide extending along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel row.   The biological information acquisition apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the light irradiation unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged at substantially constant intervals.   The biometric information acquisition apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the light irradiation unit includes an organic light emitting layer extending along a pixel arrangement direction in the pixel column.

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