JP2008173237A - Face photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a face photographing device capable of photographing under the same conditions when photographing a face of the same person at different times.
SOLUTION: An imaging means for photographing a face, a head holding means for holding any one of the heads excluding the face in a predetermined position, and a holding condition of the head of the head holding means are converted into data, and the holding condition Holding condition setting means for setting the holding condition, data storage means for storing the holding condition of the holding condition setting means as holding data, holding condition adjusting means for changing the holding condition of the head based on the holding data, It is equipped with.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a face photographing apparatus used for diagnosing a skin condition.

  Such a face photographing apparatus is used in cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, etc., and regularly changes the state of the skin by photographing a person's face, and is used for cosmetics and skin treatment. It is used for the purpose of confirming the effect (for example, Patent Document 1 below). Specifically, evaluation of stains, wrinkles, pores, color unevenness, and the like is performed from the obtained face image, and further, porphyrins, hide-and-spots using ultraviolet rays are also evaluated. In order to evaluate such a skin condition, a face image shot before and a face image shot this time are compared using an image processing technique (software). Therefore, it is necessary that the previous face image and the current face image are taken under the same conditions. That is, it is necessary to accurately grasp the position of the head including the face and to reproduce the position.

  For this reason, for example, a face imaging apparatus 101 as shown in FIG. 10 has been proposed. Specifically, when using the apparatus 101, first, the height of the chin rest 116, the height of the forehead press 117, and the front and rear positions are set to standard positions, and the imaging apparatus 103 is positioned at the imaging position Po. With the light source 113 of the illuminating device 104 turned on, the customer / patient's face is put into the opening 105 of the light shielding box 102, the image capturing device 103 is turned on with the light shielding curtain suspended, and the image is displayed. Projected on a monitor (not shown). In this state, if it is not necessary to adjust the position of the face, the imaging process is performed as it is, and in the case of adjustment, the height of the chin rest 116 and the height and front / rear position of the forehead press 117 are read on a scale and recorded. To perform imaging processing. Here, 114 is a diffusion plate, and 119 is an illuminance adjusting device (for example, Patent Document 1 below).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a tomographic imaging fixture 210 has been proposed that is used to accurately capture a tomographic image of a head at a predetermined position even when imaging conditions change. Specifically, since the face mounting part 220 that grips the face has a shape corresponding to the face skeleton shape, when it is attached to the face, it is attached to the face skeleton with the facial epidermis interposed become. In this state, when the face mounting part 220 is fixed to the CT table 240 by fixing means, the head is fixed to a predetermined position with high accuracy. Further, since the face mounting unit 220 is mounted on the face skeleton with the face epidermis interposed, if the reference position display means for displaying the reference position serving as the reference of the tomographic position is provided on the face mounting unit, this reference position The display means displays the tomographic position reference on the face skeleton via the face mounting unit 220. Furthermore, since the contrast material is provided at a predetermined interval in the face wearing part 220, the distortion of the image itself can be known from the tomographic image obtained by tomography. Here, reference numeral 230 denotes a head mounting portion, 231 denotes a head mounting portion, and 222 and 234 denote surface fasteners (for example, Patent Document 2 below).

JP 2005-148540 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-67871

  However, in the face photographing apparatus as shown in FIG. 10, since the face is fixed at two points of the forehead and the chin, it is difficult to fix the left and right positions. In this state, the fulcrum of the jaw may be slightly shifted, and the fulcrum of the forehead may be shifted when the face moves. For this reason, even if you want to shoot at the same angle every time, there will be a slight shift every time. To place the face at the same position, there is another head fixing mechanism or adjustment mechanism. Needed. In addition, the forehead, chin, and surrounding area are hidden, and a part of the face to be photographed cannot be photographed. In addition, if the face is moved, it may not be possible to shoot with good reproduction.

  In addition, when using a photographing fixture as shown in FIG. 11, the head can be fixed firmly, but a part of the face to be photographed is hidden, and when photographing using light reflection, Inappropriate. In addition, a method of exchanging the fixture depending on the shooting location is possible, but the operation becomes complicated and reproducibility may be a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of photographing under the same conditions without hiding the face portion to be photographed when photographing the face of the same person at different times. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a face photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes:
A head holding means for holding any head except a face in a predetermined position;
Holding condition setting means for converting the holding condition of the head of the head holding means into data and setting the holding condition;
Data storage means for storing the holding conditions of the holding condition setting means as holding data;
Based on this holding data, holding condition adjusting means for changing the holding condition of the head,
It is characterized by having.

  The operation and effect of the face photographing apparatus having such a configuration will be described. Either one of the heads excluding the face by the head holding means (hereinafter referred to as “head” in the text, indicating that if a face is included) is held at a predetermined position, and the face is photographed by the photographing means. I do. When this photographing is performed, the head holding condition of the head holding means is converted into data, and the obtained holding data is stored in the data storage means. When photographing a face image of the same person at a later date, the stored data about the person stored in the data storage means is read out. Based on this holding data, the holding condition setting means enables setting of the holding condition of the head so that the same imaging conditions as the previous time can be reproduced.

  In other words, as a result of comparison and verification with a conventional general forehead and chin two-point holding or fixing method by gripping the face, the present inventor can hold the head for (a) photographing the face. (B) that the size of the holding part necessary for maintaining the fixed with little fluctuation can be secured, and (c) that the personality of the subject can be easily reproduced. It has been found that quantitative information about the shape of the head or the contact point with the holding part can be converted into data, and that the conditions necessary for photographing under the same conditions are satisfied. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between the face and the photographing means can be accurately reproduced by adjusting the holding condition of the head based on the information on the head of the photographed person. As a result, it is possible to provide a face photographing apparatus capable of photographing under the same conditions when photographing the face of the same person at different times. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately evaluate the skin of the subject.

  In the present invention, the head holding means has a function of converting the holding condition of the head into data on the entire head or a plurality of points or surfaces obtained by dividing the entire head vertically and horizontally. It is preferable to have a function of holding the head by reproducing the holding condition of the head based on the above.

  With conventional face holding means, it is difficult to avoid subtle differences from the previous time, such as the orientation of the face. As a function of the head holding means, the present invention converts the holding condition at the whole head surface or at a plurality of points together with the placement of the head into data, and compares the data with the previous data to obtain several means described later. By adjusting the position of the head at each point so as to reproduce the previous holding condition, the orientation of the face can be corrected. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the photographing means and the face can be reproduced with higher accuracy.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the head holding means and the photographing means are separated from each other by an equal distance and connected in a movable state.

  The face is photographed from several directions including the front and the left and right sides, and the relative positional relationship between the photographing means and the face is required to be constant. The present invention aims to reproduce the relative positional relationship between the photographing means and the face by holding the head, and the function is preferably maintained even when the photographing direction is changed. Therefore, for example, when the head holding means and the photographing means are connected so as to be movable around the top of the head, the photographing direction can be changed under the condition that they are separated by an equal distance. Thereby, the relative positional relationship between the photographing means and the face can be more accurately reproduced even in different photographing directions.

  A preferred embodiment of a face photographing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the face photographing apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the face photographing apparatus shown in FIG.

  The face photographing apparatus A is used in cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery and the like. It is used for the purpose of observing changes in skin condition over time by photographing human faces at regular or moderate intervals and confirming the effects of cosmetics and skin treatments. This apparatus has a function of evaluating spots, wrinkles, pores, color unevenness, and the like from the obtained face image, and can also evaluate porphyrins, hide spots, etc. using ultraviolet rays.

<Configuration of face photographing device>
In FIG. 1, the face photographing apparatus A includes a substantially cubic housing 1. When photographing a face, the face photographing apparatus A is performed with a head held at a predetermined position in the housing 1, indoor light, etc. Is employed so that it is difficult to enter the inside of the housing 1 (Configuration Example 1). The face photographing apparatus A includes at least (1) head holding means for holding the head in a predetermined position, (2) irradiation means for irradiating the face with visible light and ultraviolet rays, and (3) photographing means for photographing the face. And (4) holding condition setting means for converting the holding condition of the head of the head holding means into data and setting the holding condition, and (5) data storage for storing the holding condition of the holding condition setting means as holding data. And (6) a holding condition adjusting means that can change the holding condition of the head, and (7) a camera rotation movement mechanism and (8) a control means for controlling these components to It works functionally.

  (A) It is required to hold a part that does not affect the photographing of the face, and (b) it is possible to sufficiently secure the size of the holding part necessary for maintaining the fixed with little fluctuation, (c) This is because the condition that the individuality of the subject can be easily reproduced can be realized by holding the head. In addition, the shape of the head or the point of contact with the holding part can be quantitatively converted into objective information that has been digitized by several methods described later, so that the holding state can be reproduced repeatedly. became.

  In the face photographing apparatus A, an opening 1a is formed in the front surface of the housing 1, and the entire head is inserted from here. As a head holding means for holding a person's head in a predetermined position, a head mounting part 2 and a head holding part 3 are provided, and a person lies on his / her head and places the head on the head holding part 3. Put. Or the housing | casing 1 moves in the state which the person laid down so that the whole head may be covered. In addition, a curtain 1b is provided to prevent external light from entering from the opening 1a. In FIG. 1, the case where the back head is hold | maintained also in the head is illustrated. The back of the head is preferable because it is easy to hold the entire head and has high stability, and holding by the top of the head is also suitable as will be described later. Next, each element constituting the face photographing apparatus A will be described in detail.

(1) Head-holding means The head-holding means in the face photographing apparatus A has a basic function of placing the head by the head-mounting unit 2, and the head-holding unit 3 detects the holding condition and / or It has a head position adjustment function. In other words, the head holding unit 3 is arranged on the entire head or a plurality of points or planes obtained by dividing the entire head vertically and horizontally so as to correspond to individuality such as the size and shape of the human head. It is comprised so that the shape of the contact part may change. At the same time, the change in the shape of the contact portion is converted into data by the conversion means. In addition, if there is a difference from the previous data stored in the memory of the known subject to be photographed, the shape of the contact portion or the non-contact portion is changed to correct the previous holding state. Specifically, a method of converting the holding state into holding data and a method of changing the holding state by the conversion means exemplified below will be described in detail.

(1-1) Head holding unit composed of a plurality of compartments capable of taking in air The head holding means has a basic function of placing the head, data on holding conditions, and comparison with previous data. , And the position adjustment of the head. Specifically, such a function can be ensured by providing a mechanism for changing the air holding state, in which the mounting portion of the head is composed of a plurality of compartments that can take in air. That is, by providing a pressure gauge in a compartment or a flow path from the compartment provided in a predetermined part when the head is placed, it is possible to convert the head holding condition data in that part. Further, by adjusting the pressure inside the compartment, it is possible to create the same air condition as the previous data. Thereby, the same imaging conditions can be automatically and smoothly reproduced without bothering the operator or the subject.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the head holding unit 3 includes a plurality of compartments Daa, Dab,... Dnn (“Dnn” which are divided vertically and horizontally on the entire surface, and are associated with each compartment hereinafter. Display of “flow channel nn”, “pressure gauge Gnn”, “pump Pnn”, and “valve Vnn”), and has a function of changing the air state in the compartment. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, a pressure gauge Gnn and a pump Pnn are disposed in each compartment or a flow path nn from the compartment, and the air pressure associated with the placement of the head Fluctuation (pressure increase) is measured by the pressure gauge Gnn, and the output is converted into data to be held data. At the same time, the pump Pnn or the valve Vnn is driven and adjusted so that the air pressure in the compartment is the same as the previous value. . By performing such adjustment in each compartment Dnn, the previous holding state can be reproduced as the entire head holding unit 3.

  Also, instead of measuring the air pressure by the pressure gauge Gnn of the compartment Dnn, a strain sensor (not shown) is provided in the compartment Dnn, the amount of strain caused by the pressing of the head is measured, and the output is converted into data. Similarly, the holding state can be reproduced by adjusting the air pressure inside the compartment as the holding data.

(1-2) Head holding part composed of a plurality of extendable pins The functions of holding condition data and head position adjustment in the head holding means may be mechanically realized in addition to the air pressure of the compartment. Specifically, using a head holding means consisting of a large number of pins on the head, the holding state is converted into data based on the protruding state of the pin, and the head is held by controlling the protruding state of the pin The shape can be changed. As a result, the same holding state as the previous data can be created, and the same photographing conditions can be automatically and smoothly reproduced without bothering the operator and the subject.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the head holding unit 3 includes pins Baa, Bab,... Bnn (hereinafter abbreviated as “Bnn”) disposed at a plurality of points obtained by dividing the entire surface vertically and horizontally. And the actuators Aaa, Aab,... Ann (hereinafter abbreviated as “Ann”) connected thereto, the pin Bnn has a telescopic function for changing the protruding state. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the amount of contraction of each pin Bnn as the head is placed is measured by the actuator Ann, and the output is converted into data to be retained data. At the same time, the actuator Ann is driven to adjust the contraction amount of the pin Bnn so that the contraction amount of the pin Bnn becomes the same as the previous value. By performing such adjustment in each pin Bnn, the previous holding state can be reproduced as the entire head holding unit 3. In this case, since a method of controlling the input of the actuator Ann can be taken based on the output from the actuator Ann, the target holding state of the head can be reproduced by a single conversion means. Is an advantage.

  Further, instead of the actuator Ann, the amount of movement of the pin Bnn is measured by an optical sensor (not shown), the output is converted into data to be held data, and the protruding state of the pin Bnn is adjusted as in (1-1). It is also possible to carry out by air pressure inside the flow path connected to Bnn. The holding state can be reproduced by adjusting the position of the pin Bnn.

(2) Irradiation means Light sources 8 for illuminating the face are arranged at a plurality of locations in the housing 1. The light sources 8 are arranged so as to face the face along the circumferential direction with the position of the face as the center, and are also arranged at a plurality of locations above as shown in FIG. The light source 8 includes a light source that irradiates visible light and a black light that irradiates ultraviolet rays. Either one or both are used depending on the purpose. As the light source 8 for irradiating visible light, an appropriate one such as a halogen lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or an LED can be used. A flash light source may be used as the light source 8. The light source 8 having a flash function is often suitable because the skin is evaluated based on the photographed images from a plurality of directions and it is not necessary to continuously shoot or the short-time ultraviolet irradiation is preferable.

  A diffusion plate 9 for uniformly diffusing light emitted from the light source 8 is disposed between the light source 8 and the face. The diffusing plate 9 has an arc shape (semicircular shape) in cross section shown in FIG. 1 and is formed concentrically with the guide plate 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the diffusion plate 9 is arranged not only on the front surface of the face but also on the ceiling portion and the bottom surface portion, and thus the face is surrounded by the diffusion plate 9. The diffusion plate 9 does not have to be semicircular, and may have a polygonal shape or an elliptical shape. Since the photographing camera 4 moves to the back side of the diffusion plate 9, a rectangular opening 9a is formed to enable photographing at the front position Po and the side positions P1 and P2.

(3) Shooting means A shooting camera 4 is provided as an imaging means for shooting a face, and is held by a camera support 5. In addition, a distance measuring sensor 6 is also attached to the camera support 5 and is positioned just above the photographing camera 4 so that relative distance data between the photographing camera 4 and the face can be acquired. . As shown in FIG. 1, three face positions Po and left and right side faces P1 and P2 are set as the face photographing positions by the photographing camera 4. The front position Po is a position where the photographing camera 4 faces the face, and the side positions P1 and P2 are positions set to 45 ° with respect to the front position Po. However, the angle of 45 ° is not limited to this value, and may be set to other angles. Also, the side surface positions P1 and P2 are not limited to two locations, and more side surface positions are provided. It may be set. For example, it may be set at 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, and 75 °.

  As described above, the photographing camera 4 is configured to be able to rotate around the face position in order to photograph face images at a plurality of locations. The rotation center B of the photographing camera 4 is set near the upper part of the top of the head. By connecting in a state where it can move around the top of the head, it is possible to change the shooting direction under the condition that the face and the shooting camera 4 are separated by an equal distance. An arcuate guide plate 7 for rotating the photographing camera 4 is also provided.

  As the photographing camera 4, a digital camera is used, but any type of camera may be used. If necessary, one having a video function may be used, or a video camera capable of taking a still image may be used. It is also possible to use a CCD sensor or a CCD camera provided with an optical sensor such as a photodiode or photocell.

(4) Holding condition setting means The holding condition setting means outputs the output from the conversion means (specifically, the pressure gauge Gnn, the actuator Ann, etc. in (1-1)) provided in the head holding unit 3. The head holding condition of the part holding means is converted into data. Further, the holding condition is set for the head holding means based on the holding data at the time of another photographing, and by having both of these functions, the head of the face photographing apparatus A can be reproduced with high reproducibility. Positioning can be performed. Therefore, the same photographing conditions can be automatically and smoothly reproduced without bothering the operator or the subject.

(5) Data storage means The data storage means stores the input data or output data of each means constituting the face photographing apparatus A, including the retained data from the conversion means. Specific data storage means will be described later. For example, the stored data is stored in the stored data storage unit, and the holding state of the head at the time of photographing based on the obtained stored data (for example, (1 When the compartments in -1) are used, the pressure of each divided compartment) is calculated, and the calculated holding state is set. At this time, the pressure of the compartment Dnn calculated in the above (1-1) and the contraction amount of the pin Bnn in the above (1-2) are each systematically stored in the data storage means, and the next face image of the same person is taken. At that time, it is possible to form photographing conditions with high reproducibility using these data.

(6) Holding Condition Adjusting Unit The holding condition adjusting unit has a function of adjusting and setting the holding condition of the head so that photographing under the same conditions can be performed. For example, the pressure of the compartment Dnn calculated in the above (1-1), the contraction amount of the pin Bnn in the above (1-2), and the like can be mentioned.

(7) Camera Rotation Movement Mechanism The photographing camera 4 is moved in the face photographing direction by the rotation movement mechanism. A drive motor 10 and a drive shaft 11 are provided at the rotation center B, and an arm 12 is connected to the drive shaft 11. A connecting shaft 13 is planted in the vertical direction at the distal end 12 a of the arm 12, and the camera support 5 is coupled to the upper end of the connecting shaft 13. The camera support 5 has a substantially U-shape when viewed from the side, the photographing camera 4 is disposed inside the U-shape, and the distance measuring sensor 6 is attached to the upper portion. Accordingly, the distance measuring sensor 6 moves together with the movement of the photographing camera 4.

  A roller 15 is rotatably held at the tip of the arm 12. The roller 15 has a structure capable of rotating on the guide plate 7, whereby the photographing camera 4 can be smoothly rotated. The rotational movement mechanism of the photographing camera 4 is not limited to the present embodiment, and various modifications can be considered.

  The distance measuring sensor 6 is a sensor for measuring the distance between the face and the photographing camera 4. As the distance measuring sensor 6, a known sensor such as an optical type or an ultrasonic type can be used. When photographing a face image, it is necessary to photograph under the same photographing conditions in order to confirm the effect of skin treatment or the like by comparing the face image photographed before with the face image photographed this time. This is because if the image is taken in a state where the angle of the face has changed from the previous time, the position of spots and wrinkles to be matched will differ and accurate evaluation will not be possible. Therefore, the distance sensor 6 obtains and stores the distance measurement data between the main face points and the photographing camera 4, and sets the position of the photographing camera 4 based on the distance measurement data when the photographing camera 4 takes a picture next time. And even if the day changes, the same shooting conditions as the first can be reproduced.

<Control function of face photographing device>
The control device 20 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of controlling the operation of the face photographing apparatus A and a function of performing image processing on a face image photographed by the photographing camera 4. The captured face image is displayed on the monitor 21. The keyboard 22 inputs various operation commands to the face photographing apparatus A and various operation commands and data inputs for performing image processing. The control device 20, the monitor 21, and the keyboard 22 may be configured by a general-purpose computer (personal computer).

  Next, main control functions of the face photographing apparatus A will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. The controller 30 provides a function for comprehensively controlling the face photographing apparatus A, and includes a CPU, a memory, and other necessary programs.

  The illumination control unit 31 controls the turning on / off of the light source 8. The light source 8 is turned on when taking a face image. When using visible light and ultraviolet light separately, control is performed as to which of them is lit or both of them are lit. When the flash function is provided, the lighting time or the lighting time interval is controlled.

  The camera position control unit 32 performs movement control for stopping the photographing camera 4 at each of the front position Po and the side positions P1 and P2, and issues an operation command to the drive motor 10. In order to stop the photographing camera 4 at a predetermined position, a camera position sensor 33 is provided. As the camera position sensor 33, sensors for detecting the above three photographing positions are provided. For example, the position of the arm 12 can be detected by an optical sensor, a micro switch, or the like. Further, not only the above three shooting positions but also an intermediate position between them can be detected. For example, the position of the photographing camera 4 can be detected in fine steps based on a signal from an encoder that rotates in conjunction with the drive motor 10, a count value of a drive pulse supplied to the drive motor 10 (pulse motor), or the like. it can. Therefore, position detection can be performed for the entire range in which the photographing camera 4 is movable. Basically, the position control of the photographing camera 4 is performed so as to be stopped at the three photographing positions. Further, fine adjustment is performed based on distance measurement data obtained by the distance measurement sensor 6. That is, as described above, the position of the photographing camera 4 is finely adjusted at each photographing position so that the same photographing condition as that at the previous photographing is obtained. Note that the light source 8 may be disposed near the photographing camera 4 and moved together with the photographing camera 4.

  The camera control unit 34 controls the operation of the photographing camera 4. Specifically, the camera control unit 34 captures a face image by releasing the shutter in accordance with the lighting of the light source 8. The face image is shot at each of the three shooting positions. When fine adjustment is necessary, shooting is performed after fine adjustment is completed.

  The distance sensor control unit 35 controls the distance sensor 6. The distance measuring sensor 6 is configured to be able to perform distance measurement at a plurality of locations on the face. In order to perform distance measurement at a plurality of locations, it is preferable to provide a mechanism for minutely moving the position of the distance measurement sensor 6 back and forth and right and left. Such a mechanism may not be provided as long as the sensor can perform multipoint ranging.

  The face image data storage unit 36 stores face image data photographed by the photographing camera 4. The face image data is digital color image data, and is stored in an appropriate file format such as JPEG. The face image data is stored for each front image and left and right side images, and is stored together with a person ID (identification information) for identifying a person and a shooting date.

  The distance measurement data storage unit 37 functions as data storage means for storing distance measurement data, and stores distance measurement data in association with a distance measurement point ID representing a distance measurement point and a person ID. The controller 30 has a function as the imaging position setting means 30 a, and issues a command to the camera position control unit 32 based on the distance measurement data stored in the distance measurement data storage unit 37, so that the photographing camera 4 is Move to a position where the shooting conditions are the same as the previous time.

  The image processing unit 38 is configured by software necessary for confirming effects such as skin treatment based on the face image data. Specifically, a comparison between the face image taken last time and the face image taken this time is performed using image processing technology, for example, comparison of size and shape such as spots and wrinkles in a specific part of the face, calculation of area, It has a function to analyze the degree of discoloration. These analysis results are converted into data and stored in the storage unit.

  The retained data storage unit 39 functions as data storage means for storing retained data, and retains retained data in association with a person ID. The holding data includes the output from the conventional or current conversion means, and the pressure of the compartment Dnn before and after the head placement, the contraction amount of the pin Bnn (input / output of the actuator Ann), and the like. The setting controller 30 has a function as the holding condition setting means 30b, and issues a command to the holding control unit 40 based on the holding data stored in the holding data storage unit 39, for example, the pressure in the compartment Dnn. And the amount of contraction of the pin Bnn is adjusted so as to satisfy the same photographing conditions as the previous time. Note that it is also preferable to prepare standard holding data in advance for the case where there is no holding data in the first shooting. That is, for the first time by holding the heads on the head holding unit 3 in advance for a plurality of subjects, grasping the average holding data at that time and the holding data in an abnormal situation, and setting the allowable range In this case, it is possible to confirm the appropriateness of placement of the subject.

  The holding control unit 40 converts the output from the head holding unit 3 into data and uses it as holding data, and controls the operation of the head holding unit 3 based on a command from the setting controller 30. Specifically, for example, the output from the pressure gauge Gnn related to the compartment Dnn is converted into data, the pump Pnn or the valve Vnn is adjusted, and the pressure control of the compartment Dnn is performed. Further, the output from the actuator Ann related to the pin 4nn is converted into data, the input of the actuator Ann is adjusted, and the contraction amount of the pin Bnn is controlled.

<Operation and operation of face photographing device>
Next, operations and operations when photographing a face image will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6A and 6B. Here, the case where the head holding part 3 is composed of a plurality of compartments Dnn will be described as an example.

(1) Holding the Head First, as shown in FIG. 6A, the entire head is inserted through the opening 1a of the face photographing apparatus A, and the head holding unit 3 holds the head (S1). Next, holding data at a plurality of positions on the head is acquired by the head holding unit 3 (S2).
If the current photographing is the first (S3), the measured retained data is stored in the retained data storage unit 37 so that it can be used for the next photographing (S7).
If the current shooting is not the first time, the stored data for the person is read from the stored data storage unit 37 (S4).
Based on the read holding data and the holding data measured in step S2, it is determined whether or not the set holding state of the head is correct (S5). This is done by comparing the data held in the corresponding divided areas or compartments Dnn, and if all the held data match, it is determined that the head is held correctly. That is, if all the stored data matches, it can be determined that the same shooting conditions as the previous time can be reproduced.
If it is determined that the head holding state is not correct, fine adjustment of the head holding condition is performed (S6). The head holding condition is finely adjusted by adjusting the pump Pnn or the valve Vnn.

(2) Adjustment of Camera Position Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the photographing camera 4 is driven by the drive motor 10 to set the photographing position (S8). The first shooting position is set to be the front position Po.
Next, distance measurement data at a plurality of positions on the face is acquired by the distance measurement sensor 6 (S9).
If the current shooting is the first (S10), the measured distance measurement data is stored in the distance measurement data storage unit 37 so that it can be used for the next shooting (S14).
If the current shooting is not the first time, distance measurement data for the person is read from the distance measurement data storage unit 37 (S11).
It is determined whether or not the set camera position is correct based on the read distance measurement data and the distance measurement data measured in step S9 (S12). This is done by comparing the distance measurement data of the corresponding parts, and if all the distance measurement data match, it is determined that the camera position is correct. That is, if all the distance measurement data matches, it can be determined that the same shooting conditions as the previous time can be reproduced.
If it is determined that the camera position is not correct, fine adjustment of the camera position is performed (S13). Fine adjustment of the camera position is also performed by driving the drive motor 10. In the case of fine adjustment, it is necessary to decide whether to move the photographing camera 4 in the right direction or the left direction from the current position. About this point, since it can be judged in which direction it has shifted from comparison of each ranging data, it can be determined based on this. By moving the photographing camera 4 while acquiring distance measurement data in real time, it can be efficiently set to the correct position.

(3) Photographing of face image When the photographing camera 4 is set at a correct position, the camera control unit 34 operates the photographing camera 4 to photograph a face image (S15). The photographed face image data is stored in the face image data storage unit 36 (S16). When the photographing at one photographing position is completed, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to move to another photographing position (S17). If necessary, the process returns to step S8 and the same operation is repeated. If it is not necessary, the operation ends.

  (4) By the above operation, the head, that is, the face at the time of shooting is adjusted to a holding condition that is an appropriate shooting condition set in advance when the current shooting is the first time. By adjusting to the holding conditions of the same shooting conditions as the previous time, when shooting the same person's face at different times, it is possible to perform shooting under the same conditions. If the current shooting is not the first time, the holding condition can be adjusted to the same shooting condition as the previous time.

<Another embodiment 1>
In the above configuration example 1, the head holding state is adjusted based on the head holding data collected by the head holding means so that the imaging conditions are the same as the previous time. Thus, the head holding state may be molded (Configuration Example 2). The face photographing apparatus A includes at least (1a) a head holding means for holding the head in a predetermined position using molding, (2) an irradiation means, and (3) a photographing means, and (7) Each component is functionally operated by a camera rotation movement mechanism and (8) a control means for controlling them. Basically, the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be used as in the configuration example 1.

  In the face photographing apparatus, in order to ensure the same holding conditions of the head holding means of the head holding means and to reproduce the shooting conditions, as described above, based on the holding data obtained by converting the holding conditions of the head into data, In addition to the method of adjusting the holding state of the head, a method of copying the holding state of the head by the molding means is possible. In other words, (1) the shape of the head is easy to reproduce the personality of the subject, and (2) it is highly storable over time if there is no damage, etc. Even when a human face image is shot, the head can be held by the holding condition setting means so that the same shooting conditions as the previous time can be reproduced. In addition, the molding means can be integrated with the head holding means. However, the molding means is a separate unit for smooth replacement of the molding corresponding to the person to be photographed or ensuring the mobility of the head holding means. It is preferable to have a structure that can be fixed at the same position.

  In other words, in addition to the conditions (a) to (c) required in the face photographing apparatus as described above, (d) if there is no damage or the like, the storability is high over time. Thus, even when a face image of the same person is shot at a later date, it is possible to reproduce the same shooting conditions as the previous time. At this time, it is preferable that the head holding means 3 is molded in the head holding portion 3 where a person lies on his back and places the head. The head holding means is divided into the head mounting portion 2 and the head holding portion 3 so as to form a small capacity, which facilitates storage. Below, the example of the method of shape | molding the holding | maintenance state of a head specifically is explained in full detail.

(1a-1) Molding made of an irreversible molding material such as gypsum or urethane foam Copying the holding state of the head by the molding means ensures the same holding conditions of the head of the head holding means and reproduces the photographing conditions. This is one of the preferred methods for illustration. As a specific method of copying the holding state, there is a method of fixing the molded copy using an irreversible molding material such as gypsum or urethane foam. It is excellent in that it can hold the head with high reproducibility by a stable and highly-storable molding.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7 (A) and (B), from the head holding portion 3 made of an irreversible molding material such as gypsum or urethane foam, as illustrated in FIG. 7 (C), The shape 3s of the entire head can be accurately taken out as a molding. Therefore, by using such molding, the previous holding state can be reproduced as the entire head holding unit 3.

  Specifically, in the case of using gypsum, the molding is completed by placing the head on the head holding portion 3 into which uncured gypsum has been poured in advance, and allowing to stand under heating conditions for a predetermined time. Can do. In addition, when using urethane foam, the head is placed in a state where it floats from the lower surface of the head holding part 3 in advance, the foaming raw material is quickly flowed in, and the mold is formed by allowing it to stand under heating conditions for a predetermined time. Can be completed. Alternatively, it is possible to place the head in an uncured state in advance, like gypsum. The foamed urethane is not limited to this as long as it is a fast-curing irreversible molding material other than the foamed urethane, but the foamed urethane is excellent in terms of easy operability. At this time, by covering the head mounting surface with gypsum or urethane foam with a flexible film or the like, it is possible to prevent the subject from being soiled and to prevent the gypsum or urethane foam itself from being damaged or contaminated.

  As a method of copying the holding state of the head, in addition to the method of fixing the molding copied using an irreversible molding material such as gypsum, the same temperature condition as the temperature when the shape is fixed using a shape memory alloy Then, there is a method of immobilizing the molded copy using a reversible molding material that can reproduce the shape. Furthermore, there are a method of reproducing the entire head with a shape memory alloy and a method of dividing the head into a plurality of parts and reproducing the shape of each part to form the entire shape. Both are excellent in that the head can be reliably held with high reproducibility.

(1-2) Molding made of shape memory alloy As a method of copying the holding state of the head, in addition to a method of fixing the molding copied using an irreversible molding material such as gypsum, a shape memory alloy is used, There is a method of fixing a molding copied using a reversible molding material that can reproduce the shape when the temperature is the same as the temperature at which the shape is fixed. Furthermore, there are a method of reproducing the entire head with a shape memory alloy and a method of dividing the head into a plurality of parts and reproducing the shape of each part to form the entire shape. Both are excellent in that the head can be reliably held with high reproducibility.

  In other words, as a method of molding the shape of the entire head, a reversible molding material that can reproduce the shape when the temperature is the same as the temperature when the shape was previously fixed when used for molding differences. A method of immobilizing the molding copied by use is preferred. A shape memory alloy having a function as a reversible molding material can be mentioned. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the flat body 3f is used when not in use, and the stored shape 3m is illustrated in FIG. 8B depending on the body temperature when the head is placed. By forming the head, it is possible to reliably hold the head with high reproducibility.

  In any of the above moldings, not only the head excluding the back of the head and the face, but also when performing regular shooting from a specific direction, the head including a part of the face in that direction, For example, the side of the head including the forehead and chin can be molded, and molding is preferable in view of such flexibility.

  In addition, a configuration combining a configuration using molding as in configuration example 2 and a configuration using head holding data as in configuration example 1 is also suitable. Specifically, the positioning of the head is primarily determined by molding, and the holding direction with higher reproducibility can be ensured by making fine adjustments of the face direction and the top, bottom, left, and right of the head based on the holding data. It becomes possible.

<Another embodiment 2>
In the above embodiment, the head holding state is adjusted based on the head holding data collected by the head holding means so that the imaging conditions are the same as the previous time. You may comprise so that the holding | maintenance state of a head may be set with a bag-shaped head holding body (structure example 3). The face photographing apparatus A includes at least (1b) a head holding means for holding the head in a predetermined position using a bag-like head holding body, (2) an irradiation means, and (3) a photographing means. Further, each component is functionally operated by (7) a camera rotational movement mechanism and (8) a control means for controlling them.

  As described above, it is important for the face photographing apparatus to hold the face position with good reproducibility. The head holding means in the present invention has a bag-like head holding body capable of taking in and out air, and functions so that the entire head including the head is located at the center of the head holding means. . That is, the face can always be in the same position by matching the center of the head holding means with the center of the head. In particular, when the photographing means is joined to the head holding means, it is possible to always maintain the face and the photographing means at the same distance by moving the photographing means with the center of the head holding means as a base point. It is possible to perform high quality photography and further evaluate the skin.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the helmet-shaped head holding unit 3 has a structure that covers a half surface of the head, and the inside of the head holding unit 3. The bag-like body 3b is arranged from the top of the head, the back of the head, and both side surfaces. When air is inserted into the bag-like body 3b, the entire head can be positioned at the approximate center of the head holding portion 3 by pressing from three directions. As a result, the same person is always positioned at the same position with good reproducibility, and a highly reproducible holding state can be ensured.

  According to this method, as in the configuration examples 1 and 2, it is not necessary for the subject to lie on his back and place the head on the head holding unit 3, and the top of the tower can be photographed. It is. In addition, when the head holding unit 3 and the photographing means are connected by an arm or the like and a structure that can rotate and move around the top of the head is formed with a light weight, the face photographing apparatus A is attached to the subject in a helmet type It is also possible to shoot in the state.

Cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the face photographing device Longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the face photographing device Schematic showing the configuration of an example of the head holding unit Schematic which shows the structure of another example of a head holding | maintenance part. Block diagram showing control functions of face photographing device Operation flow chart of face photographing device Operation flow chart of face photographing device Schematic showing the configuration of an example of molding means made of irreversible molding material Schematic showing the configuration of an example of molding means made of reversible molding material Schematic which shows the structure of an example of the head holding | maintenance part in the structural example 3. Schematic illustrating a conventional face photographing apparatus Schematic illustrating a conventional photographing fixture

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Head mounting part 3 Head holding part 4 Shooting camera 5 Camera holding body 6 Distance sensor 7 Arc-shaped guide plate 8 Light source 9 Diffuser 20 Controller 30 Controller 30a Imaging position setting means 30b Visible light setting means 31 Illumination control unit 32 Camera position control unit 33 Camera position sensor 34 Camera control unit 35 Distance sensor control unit 36 Face image data storage unit 37 Distance data storage unit 38 Image processing unit 39 Retention data storage unit 40 Retention control unit A Face Image taking device Po Front position P1, P2 Side position

Claims (3)

Photographing means for photographing the face;
A head holding means for holding any head except a face in a predetermined position;
Holding condition setting means for converting the holding condition of the head of the head holding means into data and setting the holding condition;
Data storage means for storing the holding conditions of the holding condition setting means as holding data;
Based on this holding data, holding condition adjusting means for changing the holding condition of the head,
A face photographing apparatus comprising:   The head holding means has a function of converting the holding condition of the head into data on the entire head or a plurality of points or surfaces obtained by dividing the entire head vertically and horizontally, and the head based on the holding data. The face photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of reproducing the holding condition and holding the head.   The face photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head holding unit and the photographing unit are connected to each other at an equal distance and in a movable state.

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