JP3466057B2 - Eye imaging device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an eye photographing apparatus for photographing a frontal image of an animal's eye.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a front image of an animal's eye is photographed, a gazing point is provided near the camera and the line of sight is directed to the gazing point.

[0003]

In the conventional eye photographing apparatus, if the subject can understand the words, the subject can be called to direct the gaze to the gazing point. However, when the subject is an infant or a horse. There is a problem that it is difficult to direct the subject's line of sight to the point of gaze because he does not understand the words.

An object of the present invention is to provide an eye photographing apparatus capable of photographing a front image of the eyes even when the subject is an infant or a horse.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, in the eye photographing apparatus of the present invention, an analyzing unit that irradiates the eyes of an animal with light and analyzes the direction of the line of sight from a retina reflection image,
An image receiving unit that stores an image when the line of sight is directed to the camera according to an instruction from the analysis unit.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the drawings are given the same reference numerals. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an eye photographing apparatus according to a first embodiment, and includes a camera 1, an illumination 2, and a control unit 3.
The control unit 3 includes an analysis unit 7 including a central processing unit and a control program, and an image receiving unit 8 including a memory that stores image data. The camera 1 is connected to the analysis unit 7 and the image reception unit 8, and the illumination 2 is connected to the analysis unit 7.

The camera 1 transfers the captured image (still image) to the analysis unit 7 and the image reception unit 8. The illumination 2 is a near infrared illumination device and illuminates the eyes 10 of the subject. The analysis unit 7 analyzes the image sent from the camera 1 by performing image processing, such as whether the image of the eyes is present or whether the line of sight is toward the camera 1. The image receiving unit 8 receives the image sent from the camera 1 and stores it according to a command from the analyzing unit 7.

FIG. 2 is a layout diagram (1) of the lighting.
The illumination 2 is arranged so that the optical axis line (thin solid line) of the camera 1 and the optical axis line of the lens 1a of the camera 1 (thick solid line) are parallel to each other.
A plurality of them are arranged around the.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of retinal reflection, which is a phenomenon used when detecting the direction of the line of sight of a subject. That is, as shown in (A), the retinal reflection means that the flash light 11 (solid line) incident on the subject's eye 10 during flash photography in the dark is reflected by the retina 13 of the eyeball 12 and is reflected through the pupil 14 by the retinal reflection light. 15 (broken line) enters the lens 1a, and (B)
This is a phenomenon in which the retina reflection image 16 shines red in the eye 10 of the subject and appears in the photograph, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the relationship between the optical axis of the illumination and the line of sight of the subject. In FIG. 4A, the light of the illumination unit 4a incident on the eye 10 of the subject is reflected by the retina 13 and reflected from the retina. 15 (broken line) is incident on the lens 1a of the camera 1 and the line of sight of the subject is facing the camera 1. In (B), the retina reflected light 15 (broken line) is not incident on the camera 1, the retina reflection image 16 is close to an ellipse, and the line of sight of the subject is not facing the camera 1.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the image of the retina reflection and the line of sight of the subject. (A) is looking at the camera, (B) is looking at the upper side of the camera, (C) is looking at the lower side of the camera, (D) is looking at the left side of the camera , (E) shows the state of looking at the right side of the camera.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described according to the steps of FIG. Take the camera 1 in front of a subject, for example, the face of a horse. In step S1, the analysis unit 7 turns on the illumination and acquires the front image of the horse's eyes. The image is transferred to the analysis unit 7 through the camera.

In step S2, the analysis unit 7 performs a basic evaluation of the image. The basic evaluation of an image is to check whether the acquired image is a high quality image free from focus error or camera shake due to image processing. If the image acquired in step S3 is good, the process branches to step S4, and if not, the process branches to step S1.

In step S4, the analysis unit 7 checks the presence of horse eyes by template matching. If the presence of horse eyes is good in step S5, the process branches to step S6. If not, the process branches to step S1. To do.

In step S6, the analyzing section 7 detects the pupil. The pupil part is cut out based on the difference between the position / size information of the horse's eyes and the brightness value of the image. In step S7, the analysis unit 7
Performs retinal reflection detection, and identifies a bright portion within the pupil range as retinal reflection. In step S8, the analysis unit 7 analyzes the shape and position of the retina reflection image. In step S9, the analysis unit 7
Judges whether the direction of the line of sight is good or not. If the direction of the line of sight is good in step S10, the process branches to step S11, and if not, the process branches to step S1.

The criterion for the determination is that in the shape of the retina reflection image 16, the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis is larger than 1/2, and |
If the retinal reflection center position−pupil center position | <pupil radius / 5, the gaze direction is determined to be good.

In step S11, the analyzing section 7 transfers the acquired image to the image receiving section 8. The image transferred to the image receiving unit 8 is acquired by, for example, an individual identification device (not shown) and used for individual identification of the horse.

According to the first embodiment, since the analysis unit transfers only good images to the image receiving unit, the processing load after image reception is reduced and the image storage capacity of the image receiving unit is reduced. It has the effect of being reduced and achieved with a small memory.

Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an eye photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the notifying section connected to the analyzing section 7 is used. 20 is provided.
The notification unit 20 is provided in the operation unit operated by the operator,
The operator is notified of the state of the image and whether or not the line of sight of the subject is facing the camera 1.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the notification unit. A light emitting diode 22 (hereinafter referred to as LED 22) is provided in a display frame 21a so as to surround the display 21, and an arrow-shaped LED 23a is provided outside the light emitting diode 22. .About.23d are provided. As described in the first embodiment, the LED 22 is turned on when it is determined that the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the retina reflection image 16 is larger than 1/2.

As described in the first embodiment, the LEDs 23a to 23d indicate the line of sight of the subject when the position of the retina reflection image 16 is determined to be | retina reflection center position-pupil center position | <pupil radius / 2. It is assumed that the deviation of the direction of is small, and one of the LEDs 23a to 23d is turned on in green according to the direction of the line of sight.

Further, when it is determined that the position of the retina reflection image 16 is | retina reflection center position−pupil center position | ≧ pupil radius / 2, it is determined that the deviation of the line of sight of the subject is large, and the LEDs 23a ... Any one of 23d is turned on in red.

[0024]

[Table 1]

Is the radius of the pupil Rd, the center of the pupil is the origin, and the values Dx and D of the center of the retina reflection in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.
The relationship between y and the direction of the line of sight is shown.

For example, Dx≤-Rd / 2, Dy≤-Rd
In the case of / 2, the center of the retina reflection image is the third when viewed from the camera.
In the quadrant, the line of sight is toward the upper right side of the camera (upper left side as viewed from the subject), and the deviation of the direction of the line of sight is large. Therefore, the arrow-shaped LEDs 23b and LE shown in FIG.
D23c lights up in red. Based on this notification, the operator moves the camera 1 toward the first quadrant side so that the LED 22 lights up.

Also, -Rd / 2 <Dx <-Rd / 5,-
In the case of Rd / 2 <Dy <−Rd / 5, the center of the retina reflection image is in the third quadrant as seen from the camera 1, and the line of sight of the subject is toward the upper right side of the camera 1 (upper left side as seen from the subject). However, since the deviation in the direction of the line of sight is small, the arrow-shaped LEDs 23a and 23d shown in FIG. 8 light up in green. Based on this notification, the operator slightly moves the camera to the first quadrant side so that the LED 22 lights up.

Further, -Rd / 5 <Dx <Rd / 5, -R
In the case of d / 5 <Dy <Rd / 5, the center of the retina reflection image is almost in the center as viewed from the camera, and the direction of the line of sight is good. Therefore, the LED 22 shown in FIG. The user can know that the camera 1 is at the shooting position based on this notification. The analysis unit 7 transfers the acquired image at that time to the image reception unit 8. The image transferred to the image receiving unit 8 is acquired by, for example, an individual identification device (not shown) and used for individual identification of the horse.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. The difference from the operation of the first embodiment is that step S3-1 is performed between step S3 and step S4, step S4-1 is performed between step S4 and step S5, and step S9 is performed between step S9 and step S10. This is the point where step S9-1 is inserted.

In step S3-1, if the acquired image is good, its contents are displayed on the display 21. In step S4-1, if the presence of the horse's eyes is good, the content is displayed on the display 21. In step S9-1, the result of the determination of the quality of the line of sight is determined by the LED 22 and the LE as described above.
This is notified by lighting D23a to 23d.

In this embodiment, the direction of the line of sight, the shift, etc.
Although the ED is turned on to notify, the operability is improved by further notifying the moving direction of the camera or the like by voice through the speaker.

According to the second embodiment, since the notification unit for notifying the direction of the line of sight to the camera and the magnitude of the shift is provided, the operability of the operator for the subject is improved.

Third Embodiment FIG. 10 is a configuration block diagram of an eye photographing apparatus according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a drive unit for moving a camera and a visible light cut filter. The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 10, a drive unit 30 for moving the camera 1 including the illumination 2 is provided.
And a visible light cut filter 31 that covers the operation of the drive unit 30 from the line of sight of the subject.

As shown in FIG. 11, the drive unit 30 has a cross-shaped moving rail 32, movable arms 33a and 33b for supporting the camera 1, and moving arms 33a and 33b. Drive motors 34a, 34b for moving along the rule 32
(For example, a stepping motor), the driving motors 34a and 34b are rotationally driven according to the output of the analysis unit 7 to move the camera 1 along the moving rail 32 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Let

The movement amount (Mx, My) of the drive unit 30 is a function of the values Dx, Dy in the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the retina reflection center position with the pupil center position described in the second embodiment as the origin. I want it.

(Mx, My) = {Fx (Dx), Fy (Dy)} (1) Here, Fx and Fy are determined according to the distance between the photographing device and the subject and the shape of the eyes. It is what is done.

Also, if the eyes are on a plane like a human, the camera 1 need only be moved on the plane, but if it is on the side of the face like an animal such as a horse, a front image of the eyes. Since the camera 1 for taking a picture must also be able to move accordingly, the camera 1 is rotatably provided with respect to the movable arms 33a and 33b.

The visible light cut filter 31 prevents the line of sight of the subject from moving in response to the operation of the camera 1 and the drive unit 30. It should be noted that the visible light mentioned here is visible light to the subject and varies depending on the subject.

When the driving unit 30 determines that the camera 1 cannot move in the direction of the line of sight of the subject, the analyzing unit 7 notifies the operator through the notifying unit 20 to prompt the movement of the photographing device. In the present embodiment, the case where the LEDs 23a to 23d of the notification unit 20 described in the second embodiment are turned on in red depending on the direction of the line of sight falls within this range.

When the analysis unit 7 determines that the drive unit 30 can move the camera 1 in the direction of the line of sight of the subject, the analysis units 7 rotate the drive motors 34a and 34b based on the equation (1). LEDs 23a-2 of the notification unit 20
3d is turned on in green according to the direction of the line of sight.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the eye photographing apparatus according to the third embodiment. The difference from the operation of the second embodiment is steps S10-1 to S10-3.
Is the added point.

In step S10, the analysis unit 7 turns on the LED 22 shown in FIG. 8 when the direction of the line of sight is good, and branches to step S11. If not, it branches to step S10-1. In step S10-1, the analysis unit 7 determines that the drive unit 30 can move the camera 1 in the direction of the line of sight of the subject, and turns on the LEDs 23a to 23d of the notification unit 20 in green according to the direction of the line of sight, and then in step S10. -2, and if negative, branches to step S10-3. In step S10-3, the analyzing unit 7 determines that the driving unit 30 cannot move the camera 1 in the direction of the line of sight of the subject, and the notifying unit 20 determines the direction of the line of sight.
LED 23 is turned on in red to notify the operator of the movement of the device.

According to the third embodiment, when the deviation of the line of sight with respect to the camera is small, the driving unit can be driven to automatically correct the direction of the line of sight of the camera. Operability is improved.

Although the illumination is arranged around the lens of the camera in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, as shown in FIG.
Half mirror-4 between the lens 1a and the CCD sensor 40
1 is provided, and the illumination 2 is provided at the bottom of the Haugh Mira 41.
It is also possible that a part of the light of the illumination 2 is refracted by the half mirror 41 and irradiated on the eyes of the subject, and the reflected light of the retina passes through the half mirror 41 and is input to the CCD sensor 40.

[0045]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. By illuminating the eyes of the animal, analyzing the direction of the line of sight from the retina reflection image, and storing the images when the line of sight is facing the camera Even if there is, you can easily take a frontal image of your eyes.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an eye photographing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a layout diagram (1) of lighting.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of retinal reflection.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an optical axis of illumination and a line of sight of a subject.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between an image of retinal reflection and a line of sight of a subject.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration block diagram of an eye photographing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a notification unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a configuration block diagram of an eye photographing apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a drive unit for moving a camera and a visible light cut filter.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a layout diagram (2) of lighting.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 camera 7 Analysis section 8 Image receiver 20 Notification section 30 Drive 31 Visible light cut filter

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Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An eye photographing apparatus for photographing a frontal image of an animal's eye with a camera, wherein light is emitted to the animal's eye, and the movement of the line of sight is determined from the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the shape of the retina reflection image with respect to the pupil. An image capturing apparatus for eyes, characterized by analyzing images and accumulating images when the line of sight is directed to the camera. 2. The eye photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cross-shaped moving rail provided so as to move the camera in a direction of a line of sight based on the analysis. 3. The state of the front image based on the analysis,
The eye photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operator is notified of the direction of the line of sight and the degree of deviation of the retina reflection image with respect to the pupil. 4. The illumination for illuminating the eyes of the animal is near-infrared illumination, and the illumination and the camera are arranged such that the optical axis of the near-infrared illumination is parallel to the optical axis of the camera. The eye photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the photographing apparatuses are arranged around the periphery. 5. An eye photographing apparatus for photographing a frontal image of an animal's eye with a camera , the shape of a retina reflection image of a pupil being irradiated with light.
When the movement of the line of sight is analyzed from the ratio of the minor axis and the major axis of the shape , and it is determined that the deviation of the retinal reflected light with respect to the pupil cannot move the camera based on the analysis, the first color is turned on and the operation is performed. Person is notified, and when it is determined that the shift is such that the camera can be moved, the second color is turned on and the camera is moved, and the eye photographing apparatus is characterized.