JP2010015352A - Authentication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an authentication device wherein possibility that a third party peeps at information input by a user from behind is low, and wherein a plurality of users can be authenticated as valid users. <P>SOLUTION: This device 10 generates image information in accordance with light emitted by a photographic subject by imaging the photographic subject (26). The device 10 extracts a characteristic amount representing a state of a portion allowing opening/closing movement (an openingly/closingly movable portion) of a face as an input characteristic amount based on the generated image information (27). The device 10 previously stores a reference characteristic amount that is a reference value of the characteristic amount (23). The device 10 determines whether the extracted input characteristic amount and the stored reference characteristic amount are corresponding or not, outputs authentication success information representing the effect that the authentication succeeds when determining that the input characteristic amount and the reference characteristic amount are corresponding, and outputs authentication failure information representing the effect that the authentication fails when determining that the input characteristic amount and the reference characteristic amount are not corresponding (25). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an authentication apparatus that performs processing for authenticating that a user is a valid user.

  An authentication device that performs authentication processing based on password information representing a plurality of character strings is known. This authentication device stores reference password information in advance. The authentication device accepts input password information input by the user. Then, the authentication device determines whether or not the received input password information matches the stored reference password information. Next, when it is determined that the input password information and the reference password information match, the authentication device outputs authentication success information indicating that the authentication is successful.

  By the way, the user looks at the display or the input key (button corresponding to the character string) while inputting the password information. For this reason, there is a relatively high possibility that a display or an input key is peeped by a third party (a person different from the user) from behind the user without the user's recognition.

  Therefore, the authentication device described in Patent Literature 1 determines that the input password information and the reference password information correspond to each other, captures the user's face, and performs authentication processing based on the face image representing the captured face. Do. Specifically, the authentication device extracts a feature amount from the face image, and determines whether or not the extracted feature amount (input feature amount) corresponds to a pre-stored reference feature amount. When the authentication device determines that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other, the authentication device outputs authentication success information.

By the way, even when a third party steals password information input by the user, the third party images a face having the same feature quantity extracted from the user's face on the authentication device. I can't let you. Therefore, according to the above authentication device, it is possible to prevent a third party (fake user) from being illegally authenticated as a legitimate user (true user).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-80080

  By the way, when the authentication process is performed based on the face image, only one user is authenticated as a valid user. Therefore, for example, when the above-described authentication device is used to determine whether to permit the start of use of a mobile phone, and when a plurality of users use one mobile phone, there are a plurality of authentication devices. There is a problem that each of the users cannot be authenticated as a valid user.

  For this reason, the object of the present invention is to identify each of a plurality of users as a legitimate user while reducing the possibility that information entered by the user will be stolen by a third party from behind the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an authentication apparatus capable of solving the “cannot be authenticated as”.

In order to achieve such an object, an authentication apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention provides:
Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction means for extracting a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion that can be opened and closed in the face as an input feature amount;
Reference feature value storage means for storing in advance a reference feature value that is a reference value of a feature value representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
Is provided.

In addition, a mobile phone device according to another embodiment of the present invention,
Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction means for extracting a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion that can be opened and closed in the face as an input feature amount;
Reference feature value storage means for storing in advance a reference feature value that is a reference value of a feature value representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
Is provided.

Moreover, the authentication program which is the other form of this invention is:
In an authentication device comprising a storage device,
Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction means for extracting a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion that can be opened and closed in the face as an input feature amount;
Reference feature value storage processing means for storing in advance in the storage device a reference feature value that is a reference value of a feature value representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
It is a program for realizing.

In addition, an authentication method according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
An imaging process for generating image information corresponding to light emitted from the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction step of extracting, as an input feature amount, a feature amount that represents a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion of the face that can be opened and closed;
A reference feature amount storage processing step of storing in a storage device a reference feature amount that is a reference value of a feature amount that represents the state of the openable / closable portion;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. An authentication step for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other.
including.

  By configuring as described above, the present invention can reduce the possibility that information input by a user can be seen by a third party from behind the user, and each of a plurality of users can It can be authenticated as a legitimate user.

An authentication apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention
Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction means for extracting a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion that can be opened and closed in the face as an input feature amount;
Reference feature value storage means for storing in advance a reference feature value that is a reference value of a feature value representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
Is provided.

  According to this, in the authentication apparatus, the state of the part where the user can open and close the user's face (for example, the opening or closing state of the mouth or eyes) is set to a state corresponding to the pre-stored reference feature amount. Authentication success information is output when imaging is performed when the image is maintained. On the other hand, the authentication device outputs authentication failure information when imaging is performed when the user does not maintain the state of the user's openable / closable part in a state corresponding to the reference feature amount stored in advance. .

  By the way, it is impossible to see the state of the user's openable / closable part from behind the user. That is, according to the authentication device, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the information input by the user, that is, the state of the user's openable / closable part can be seen by a third party from behind the user.

  Further, according to the authentication device, each of the plurality of users maintains the state of the openable / closable part in a state corresponding to the reference feature amount, so that the authentication device makes each of the plurality of users a valid user. It can be authenticated.

  As described above, according to the authentication apparatus, it is possible to reduce the possibility that information input by the user is stolen by a third party from behind the user, and each of the plurality of users is an authorized user. Can be authenticated as

In this case, the authentication device
Password accepting means for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
Password storage means for storing password information as reference password information in advance;
With
The authentication means determines whether or not the received input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other Preferably, the authentication success information is output when it is determined and it is determined that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information.

  According to this, when the state of the user's openable / closable part is maintained in a state corresponding to the reference feature amount and the input password information corresponding to the reference password information is input, the authentication device can perform the authentication success information. Is output. Thereby, the possibility that a third party is unjustly authenticated as a valid user can be reduced.

in this case,
The password receiving means is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed,
Preferably, the imaging unit is configured to start the imaging when the password receiving unit receives the input completion information.

  According to this, when the user inputs input completion information, the authentication device starts execution of imaging. Therefore, the user can cause the authentication apparatus to perform imaging without performing any operation other than the operation of inputting the input completion information in order to cause the authentication apparatus to start performing imaging. That is, the user's trouble can be reduced.

in this case,
The reference feature amount storage means stores a plurality of reference feature amounts,
The imaging unit is configured to execute the imaging every time the password receiving unit receives information representing one character,
The authentication unit determines whether or not the input feature value corresponds to one of the stored plurality of reference feature values every time the imaging unit performs the imaging, and all the input features It is preferable that the authentication success information is output when it is determined that the input feature quantity and the reference feature quantity correspond to the quantity.

  According to this, each time the user inputs information representing one character constituting the character string represented by the password information, the authentication device changes the state of the user's openable / closable part to one of the plurality of reference feature amounts. Authentication success information is output when the state corresponding to the is maintained. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that a third party is illegally authenticated as a legitimate user.

in this case,
The reference feature amount storage means stores a plurality of reference feature amounts,
A selection information receiving means for receiving selection information representing one of the plurality of reference feature values inputted by the user and stored;
The authentication means is configured to determine whether or not the reference feature amount represented by the received selection information among the plurality of stored reference feature amounts corresponds to the input feature amount. Is preferable.

in this case,
The feature amount is preferably an amount that represents one of a state in which the mouth is open and a state in which the mouth is closed among the states of the openable / closable part.

in this case,
The feature amount is preferably an amount that represents one of a state where the mouth is opened widely and a state where the mouth is opened small, among the states of the openable and closable parts.

in this case,
The feature amount is preferably an amount that represents one of a state where the teeth are visible and a state where the teeth are not visible among the states of the openable and closable parts.

In addition, a mobile phone device according to another embodiment of the present invention,
Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction means for extracting a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion that can be opened and closed in the face as an input feature amount;
Reference feature value storage means for storing in advance a reference feature value that is a reference value of a feature value representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
Is provided.

In this case, the mobile phone device
Password accepting means for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
Password storage means for storing password information as reference password information in advance;
With
The authentication means determines whether or not the received input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other Preferably, the authentication success information is output when it is determined and it is determined that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information.

in this case,
The password receiving means is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed,
Preferably, the imaging unit is configured to start the imaging when the password receiving unit receives the input completion information.

Moreover, the authentication program which is the other form of this invention is:
In an authentication device comprising a storage device,
Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction means for extracting a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion that can be opened and closed in the face as an input feature amount;
Reference feature value storage processing means for storing in advance in the storage device a reference feature value that is a reference value of a feature value representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
It is a program for realizing.

In this case, the authentication program is
Furthermore, in the authentication device,
Password accepting means for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
Password storage processing means for storing password information as reference password information in the storage device in advance;
And realize
The authentication means determines whether or not the received input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other Preferably, the authentication success information is output when it is determined and it is determined that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information.

in this case,
The password receiving means is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed,
Preferably, the imaging unit is configured to start the imaging when the password receiving unit receives the input completion information.

In addition, an authentication method according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
An imaging process for generating image information corresponding to light emitted from the subject by imaging the subject;
Based on the generated image information, a feature amount extraction step of extracting, as an input feature amount, a feature amount that represents a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion of the face that can be opened and closed;
A reference feature amount storage processing step of storing in a storage device a reference feature amount that is a reference value of a feature amount that represents the state of the openable / closable portion;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value and the stored reference feature value correspond to each other, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. An authentication step for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other.
including.

In this case, the authentication method is
A password accepting step for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
Password storage processing step for storing password information as reference password information in the storage device in advance,
Including
The authentication step determines whether or not the received input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other Preferably, the authentication success information is output when it is determined and it is determined that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information.

in this case,
The password receiving step is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed,
The imaging step is preferably configured to start the imaging when the input completion information is received in the password receiving step.

  Even the invention of the mobile phone device, the authentication program, or the authentication method having the above-described configuration can achieve the above-described object of the present invention because it has the same operation as the above-described authentication device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an authentication device, a mobile phone device, an authentication program, and an authentication method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<First Embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone device 10 to which the authentication device according to the first embodiment is applied includes an antenna unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a camera unit 14, and a control unit (not shown). And.

  The cellular phone device 10 is configured to be able to communicate with a base station (not shown) via an antenna included in the antenna unit 11. The display unit 12 has a display. The display unit 12 displays an image made up of characters and graphics on the display based on the image information output from the control unit.

  The input unit 13 has a plurality of input keys (button type switches). The mobile phone device 10 is configured such that information based on user operations is input via these input keys.

  The camera unit 14 has a camera. The camera detects light emitted from the subject and generates image information corresponding to the detected light. The camera is configured to switch between a state where light can be detected and a state where light cannot be detected. In response to an imaging instruction from the control unit, the camera unit 14 sets the camera state to a state where light can be detected. And the camera part 14 outputs the image information produced | generated by the camera. That is, the camera unit 14 outputs image information corresponding to light emitted from the subject by imaging the subject.

  The control unit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device (memory) (not shown). The cellular phone device 10 is configured to realize functions to be described later when a CPU executes a program stored in a storage device.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the mobile phone device 10 configured as described above. This function is realized when the CPU of the mobile phone device 10 executes a program or the like represented by flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The functions of the cellular phone device 10 include a password storage unit (password storage unit, password storage processing unit, password storage processing step) 21, a password reception unit (password reception unit) 22, and a reference feature amount storage unit (reference feature amount). Storage means, reference feature value storage processing means, reference feature value storage processing step) 23, selection information receiving unit (selection information receiving unit) 24, authentication unit (authentication unit) 25, and imaging unit (imaging unit) 26 , A feature amount extraction unit (feature amount extraction means) 27.

  The password storage unit 21 stores password information representing a character string in a storage device in advance as reference password information.

  The password accepting unit 22 accepts password information input by the user using the input key as input password information. Furthermore, the password reception part 22 receives the input completion information which the user input using the input key. The input completion information is information indicating that the input of the input password information has been completed.

  The reference feature quantity storage unit 23 stores in the storage device a reference feature quantity that is a reference value of a feature quantity that represents the state of an openable / closable part (in this example, a mouth) that is a part of the face that can be opened and closed. I remember it. Note that the feature amount is an amount extracted based on the hue, brightness, saturation, and the like in an image obtained by capturing (capturing) an area where the opening and closing operation is possible (that is, according to a predetermined algorithm from image information representing the image). is there.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing mouth images in each state when the mouth states are classified into five states. The first state is a state where the mouth is closed. The second state is a state where the mouth is small and the teeth are visible. The third state is a state where the mouth is small and the teeth are not visible. The fourth state is a state where the mouth is wide open and the teeth are visible. The fifth state is a state where the mouth is wide open and the teeth are not visible.

  In this example, the feature amount is an amount for distinguishing each of the five states from the other states. That is, the feature amount represents either a state in which the mouth is open or a state in which the mouth is closed, and any one of a state in which the mouth is wide open or a state in which the mouth is small open. It is a quantity that represents a state and represents either a state where the tooth is visible or a state where the tooth is not visible. Therefore, in this example, the reference feature amount storage unit 23 stores in advance a reference feature amount representing each of the five states in the storage device.

  The selection information receiving unit 24 is an image representing an image for selecting one reference feature amount from a plurality (five in this example) of reference feature amounts stored in the reference feature amount storage unit 23. Information is generated, and an image based on the generated image information is displayed on the display of the display unit 12. And the selection information reception part 24 receives the selection information which the user input using the input key. The selection information is information representing one of a plurality of reference feature amounts stored in the reference feature amount storage unit 23.

  The authentication unit 25 determines whether the input password information received by the password receiving unit 22 and the reference password information stored by the password storage unit 21 correspond (match in this example).

  On the other hand, when the password accepting unit 22 accepts the input completion information and the authentication unit 25 determines that the input password information and the reference password information correspond to each other, the imaging unit 26 is the camera unit 14. Image information is generated by taking an image using. That is, the imaging unit 26 can be said to start imaging when the password receiving unit 22 receives input completion information.

  Based on the image information generated by the imaging unit 26, the feature amount extraction unit 27 extracts a feature amount representing the state of the opening / closing operation possible part (mouth in this example) as an input feature amount.

  Furthermore, the authentication unit 25 corresponds (in this example, the correspondence) between the input feature amount extracted by the feature amount extraction unit 27 and the reference feature amount represented by the selection information received by the selection information reception unit 24. It is determined whether or not.

  Note that the authentication unit 25 determines that the input feature quantity and the reference feature quantity calculated according to a predetermined algorithm (an index value indicating the degree to which both match) are higher than a predetermined threshold. And the reference feature amount may be determined to correspond to each other.

  If the authentication unit 25 determines that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information, and determines that the input feature quantity corresponds to the reference feature quantity, the authentication unit 25 outputs authentication success information. . The authentication success information is information indicating that the authentication is successful.

  On the other hand, when the authentication unit 25 determines that the input password information and the reference password information do not correspond and / or determines that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond, the authentication failure information Is output. The authentication failure information is information indicating that the authentication has failed.

  In addition, the mobile phone device 10 is in a state where at least a part of the functions of the mobile phone device 10 (in this example, a function for making a call) cannot be used (locked state) and a state in which the function can be used (locked) The state can be set to any one of the following states. When the authentication success information is output by the authentication unit 25, the mobile phone device 10 sets the state of the mobile phone device 10 to the unlocked state. On the other hand, when the authentication failure information is output by the authentication unit 25, the mobile phone device 10 sets the state of the mobile phone device 10 to a locked state.

Next, the operation of the mobile phone device 10 described above will be specifically described.
First, the operation when the mobile phone device 10 stores the selection information when the user selects one of the plurality of reference feature amounts and inputs selection information indicating the selected reference feature amount will be described. To do.

  The CPU of the mobile phone device 10 executes the reference feature value selection program shown by the flowchart in FIG. 4 in accordance with an execution instruction input by the user.

  Specifically, when starting the processing of the reference feature value selection program, the CPU displays an image for inputting password information on the display of the display unit 12. Thus, the user inputs password information by inputting a plurality of pieces of input information associated with each input key using the input keys.

  In step 405, the CPU accepts input information input by the user. Next, in step 410, the CPU determines whether or not the received input information is input completion information (that is, input completion information has been received).

  At this point, the input information is part of the password information. Therefore, the input information is not input completion information. Accordingly, the CPU makes a “No” determination at step 410 to return to step 405 to repeatedly execute the process at step 405.

  Thereafter, when the input of the password information is completed, the user inputs the input completion information. As a result, the CPU makes a “Yes” determination at step 410 to proceed to step 415. Further, the CPU accepts the input information received until the input completion information is received as input password information.

  In step 415, the CPU determines whether the received input password information corresponds to the reference password information stored in the storage device. If the input password information does not correspond to the reference password information, the CPU makes a “No” determination at step 415 to repeatedly execute the processes at steps 405 to 410. That is, the user inputs password information again.

  On the other hand, if the input password information corresponds to the reference password information, the CPU makes a “Yes” determination at step 415 to proceed to step 420. Then, the CPU causes the display of the display unit 12 to display an image for selecting one reference feature amount from the plurality of stored reference feature amounts. Then, the CPU waits until selection information is received.

  On the other hand, the user selects one of the plurality of reference feature values and inputs selection information representing the selected reference feature value. In this example, the description will be continued assuming that the user has selected a reference feature amount that represents a state where the mouth is small and the teeth are not visible (third state).

  Thereby, the mobile phone device 10 receives the selection information. Accordingly, the CPU makes a “Yes” determination at step 420 to proceed to step 425.

Then, the CPU sends an imaging instruction to the camera unit 14. Thereby, the camera part 14 produces | generates image information by imaging.
Next, in step 430, the CPU extracts a feature amount as an input feature amount from the image information generated by the camera unit 14 (calculates an input feature amount based on the image information).

  In step 435, the CPU determines whether or not the input feature amount extracted in step 430 corresponds to the reference feature amount represented by the selection information received in step 420.

  Now, when the camera unit 14 captures an image in step 425, the user maintains the mouth state in a state where the mouth is small open and the teeth are not visible (third state). The explanation is continued assuming that

  In this case, the input feature value corresponds to the reference feature value. Therefore, the CPU makes a “Yes” determination at step 435 to proceed to step 440 to store the received selection information in the storage device. Then, the CPU ends the execution of this reference feature value selection program.

  When the camera unit 14 captures an image in step 425, if the user maintains the mouth state in a state other than the third state, the input feature amount and the reference feature amount are Since it is not compatible, the CPU makes a “No” determination at step 435 to return to step 420 and repeatedly execute the processing of step 420 to step 435.

Next, an operation when the mobile phone device 10 performs the authentication process will be described.
The CPU of the mobile phone device 10 executes the authentication processing program (authentication program) shown by the flowchart in FIG. 5 according to the execution instruction input by the user.

  Specifically, when starting the processing of the authentication processing program, the CPU displays an image for inputting password information on the display of the display unit 12. Thus, the user inputs password information by inputting a plurality of pieces of input information associated with each input key using the input keys.

  In step 505, the CPU accepts input information input by the user. Next, in step 510, the CPU determines whether or not the received input information is input completion information (that is, input completion information has been received).

  At this point, the input information is part of the password information. Therefore, the input information is not input completion information. Therefore, the CPU makes a “No” determination at step 510 to return to step 505 to repeatedly execute the process at step 505.

  Thereafter, when the input of the password information is completed, the user inputs the input completion information. As a result, the CPU makes a “Yes” determination at step 510 to proceed to step 515. Further, the CPU receives the input information received until the input completion information is received as input password information (password receiving step).

  In step 515, the CPU determines whether or not the received input password information corresponds to the reference password information stored in the storage device (part of the authentication process). If the input password information does not correspond to the reference password information, the CPU makes a “No” determination at step 515 to proceed to step 520 to output authentication failure information (part of the authentication process). Thereby, the mobile phone device 10 sets the state of the mobile phone device 10 to a locked state. Then, the CPU ends the execution of this authentication processing program.

  On the other hand, if the input password information corresponds to the reference password information, the CPU determines “Yes” in step 515, proceeds to step 525, and sends an imaging instruction to the camera unit 14. Thereby, the camera part 14 produces | generates image information by imaging (imaging process). That is, it can be said that the camera unit 14 starts imaging when the CPU receives the input completion information.

Next, in step 530, the CPU extracts a feature amount from the image information generated by the camera unit 14 as an input feature amount (feature amount extraction step).
In step 535, the CPU determines whether the input feature amount extracted in step 530 corresponds to the reference feature amount represented by the stored selection information (in the authentication step). part).

  Now, when the camera unit 14 captures an image in step 525, the user maintains the mouth state in a state where the mouth is small open and the teeth are not visible (third state). The explanation is continued assuming that

  In this case, the input feature value corresponds to the reference feature value. Therefore, the CPU makes a “Yes” determination at step 535 to proceed to step 540 to output authentication success information (part of the authentication process). Thereby, the mobile phone device 10 sets the state of the mobile phone device 10 to the unlocked state. Then, the CPU ends the execution of this authentication processing program.

  When the camera unit 14 captures an image in step 525, if the user maintains the mouth state in a state other than the third state, the input feature amount and the reference feature amount are Since it is not compatible, the CPU makes a “No” determination at step 535 to proceed to step 520 to output authentication failure information (part of the authentication process). Thereby, the mobile phone device 10 sets the state of the mobile phone device 10 to a locked state. Then, the CPU ends the execution of this authentication processing program.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the mobile phone device (authentication device) according to the present invention, the mobile phone device 10 stores in advance the state of the mouth as a part where the user can open and close. Authentication success information is output when imaging is performed in a state corresponding to the reference feature value. On the other hand, the mobile phone device 10 outputs authentication failure information when imaging is performed when the user does not maintain the mouth state in a state corresponding to the reference feature amount stored in advance.

  By the way, the state of the user's mouth cannot be seen from behind the user. That is, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that information input by the user, that is, the state of the user's mouth, can be seen by a third party from behind the user.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, each of the plurality of users maintains the mouth state in a state corresponding to the reference feature amount, so that the mobile phone device 10 makes each of the plurality of users a valid user. It can be authenticated.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that information input by a user can be seen by a third party from behind the user, and each of a plurality of users is legitimate. It can be authenticated as a user.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the mobile phone device 10 is maintained when the state of the user's mouth is maintained in a state corresponding to the reference feature amount and the input password information corresponding to the reference password information is input. , Output authentication success information. Thereby, the possibility that a third party is unjustly authenticated as a valid user can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, when the user inputs input completion information, the mobile phone device 10 starts execution of imaging. Therefore, the user can cause the mobile phone device 10 to perform imaging without performing any operation other than the operation of inputting the input completion information in order to cause the mobile phone device 10 to start execution of imaging. That is, the user's trouble can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment, the mobile phone device 10 is configured to store a plurality of reference feature amounts in the storage device, but is configured to store only one reference feature amount in the storage device. It may be. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the mobile phone device 10 does not include the selection information receiving unit 24 as shown in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the mobile phone device 10 is configured to perform the authentication process based on both the feature amount indicating the state of the openable / closable part state and the password information. You may be comprised so that an authentication process may be performed only based on the feature-value showing the state of a possible site | part. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the mobile phone device 10 does not include the password storage unit 21 and the password reception unit 22.

  Furthermore, in the modification of the first embodiment, the mobile phone device 10 stores only one reference feature amount in the storage device, and performs the authentication process based only on the feature amount representing the state of the openable / closable part. It may be configured. In this case, it is preferable that the function of the mobile phone device 10 does not include the password storage unit 21, the password reception unit 22, and the selection information reception unit 24 as illustrated in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the mobile phone device 10 is configured to perform the authentication process based on the feature value after performing the authentication process based on the password information, but performs the authentication process based on the feature value. The authentication process based on the password information may be performed later.

Second Embodiment
Next, a mobile phone device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cellular phone device according to the second embodiment is different from the cellular phone device according to the first embodiment in that imaging is performed every time information representing one character is received. Accordingly, the following description will focus on such differences.

  The imaging unit 26 that is a function of the mobile phone device 10 according to the second embodiment executes imaging every time the password receiving unit 22 receives information (input information) representing one character.

  Furthermore, the reference feature quantity storage unit 23 stores a plurality of reference feature quantities in the storage device in association with order information that is information indicating the order.

  In addition, every time imaging is performed by the imaging unit 26, the authentication unit 25 displays the order represented by the order information associated with the reference feature amount from the reference feature amounts stored in the reference feature amount storage unit 23. The reference feature values are acquired one by one.

  The authentication unit 25 determines whether or not the acquired reference feature amount and the input feature amount correspond to each other when the image pickup unit 26 executes image pickup. If the authentication unit 25 determines that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to all the input feature values, the authentication unit 25 outputs authentication success information. On the other hand, if the authentication unit 25 determines that the input feature amount and the reference feature amount do not correspond to any one input feature amount, the authentication unit 25 outputs authentication failure information.

  According to the mobile phone device 10 configured as described above, the mobile phone device 10 is configured so that every time the user inputs information representing one character constituting the character string represented by the password information, If the state corresponding to the preset reference feature amount is maintained, authentication success information is output. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that a third party is illegally authenticated as a legitimate user.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, A various modification can be employ | adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the openable / closable part is the mouth, but it may be a part other than the mouth (for example, the eyes).

  The present invention is applicable to an authentication system that performs processing for authenticating that a user is a valid user.

It is a figure showing schematic structure of the mobile telephone apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the mobile telephone apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the image of the mouth of each state at the time of classifying a mouth state into five states. It is the flowchart which showed the reference | standard feature-value selection program which CPU of the mobile telephone apparatus shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is the flowchart which showed the authentication processing program which CPU of the mobile telephone apparatus shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the mobile telephone apparatus which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline of the function of the mobile telephone apparatus which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Cellular phone apparatus 11 Antenna part 12 Display part 13 Input part 14 Camera part 21 Password memory | storage part 22 Password reception part 23 Reference | standard feature-value storage part 24 Selection information reception part 25 Authentication part 26 Imaging part 27 Feature-value extraction part

Claims (17)

Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Feature amount extraction means for extracting, as an input feature amount, a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable part that is a part of the face that can be opened and closed based on the generated image information;
Reference feature amount storage means for storing in advance a reference feature amount that is a reference value of a feature amount representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value corresponds to the stored reference feature value, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
An authentication device comprising: The authentication device according to claim 1,
Password accepting means for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
Password storage means for storing password information as reference password information in advance;
With
The authentication unit determines whether or not the accepted input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other An authentication device configured to output the authentication success information when determining and determining that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information. The authentication device according to claim 2,
The password receiving means is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed;
An authentication apparatus configured to start execution of the imaging when the password receiving unit receives the input completion information. The authentication device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein
The reference feature amount storage means stores a plurality of reference feature amounts,
The imaging unit is configured to execute the imaging every time the password receiving unit receives information representing one character,
The authentication unit determines whether or not the input feature value corresponds to one of the stored plurality of reference feature values every time the imaging unit executes the imaging, and all the input features An authentication device configured to output the authentication success information when it is determined that the input feature quantity and the reference feature quantity correspond to a quantity. An authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The reference feature amount storage means stores a plurality of reference feature amounts,
A selection information receiving unit that receives selection information that is input by the user and that represents one of the stored reference feature amounts;
The authentication unit is configured to determine whether or not the reference feature amount represented by the received selection information among the plurality of stored reference feature amounts corresponds to the input feature amount. Authentication device. An authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The feature amount is an authentication device that is an amount that represents one of a state in which the mouth is open and a state in which the mouth is closed, among the states of the openable and closable parts. The authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The said feature-value is an authentication apparatus which is the quantity showing either the state in which the opening | mouth is large open and the state in which the opening | mouth is open small among the states of the said opening-and-closing operation possible part. The authentication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The feature amount is an authentication device that is an amount that represents one of a state where a tooth is visible and a state where a tooth is not visible, among the states of the openable / closable part. Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Feature amount extraction means for extracting, as an input feature amount, a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable part that is a part of the face that can be opened and closed based on the generated image information;
Reference feature amount storage means for storing in advance a reference feature amount that is a reference value of a feature amount representing the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value corresponds to the stored reference feature value, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
A mobile phone device comprising: The mobile phone device according to claim 9, wherein
Password accepting means for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
Password storage means for storing password information as reference password information in advance;
With
The authentication unit determines whether or not the accepted input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other A mobile phone device configured to output the authentication success information when determining and determining that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information. The mobile phone device according to claim 10, wherein
The password receiving means is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed;
The mobile phone device configured to start execution of the imaging when the password receiving unit receives the input completion information. In an authentication device comprising a storage device,
Imaging means for generating image information corresponding to light emitted by the subject by imaging the subject;
Feature amount extraction means for extracting, as an input feature amount, a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable part that is a part of the face that can be opened and closed based on the generated image information;
Reference feature value storage processing means for storing in advance in the storage device a reference feature value that is a reference value of a feature value indicating the state of the openable / closable part;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value corresponds to the stored reference feature value, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. Authentication means for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other,
An authentication program for realizing An authentication program according to claim 12,
Furthermore, the authentication device includes:
Password accepting means for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
Password storage processing means for storing password information as reference password information in the storage device in advance;
And realize
The authentication unit determines whether or not the accepted input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other An authentication program configured to output the authentication success information when determining and determining that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information. An authentication program according to claim 13,
The password receiving means is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed;
An authentication program configured to start execution of the imaging when the password receiving unit receives the input completion information. An imaging process for generating image information corresponding to light emitted from the subject by imaging the subject;
A feature amount extraction step of extracting, as an input feature amount, a feature amount representing a state of an openable / closable portion that is a portion of the face that can be opened and closed based on the generated image information;
A reference feature amount storage processing step of storing in a storage device a reference feature amount that is a reference value of a feature amount that represents the state of the openable / closable portion;
It is determined whether or not the extracted input feature value corresponds to the stored reference feature value, and authentication is performed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other. An authentication step for outputting authentication failure information indicating that the authentication has failed when it is determined that the input feature value and the reference feature value do not correspond to each other.
An authentication method that includes: The authentication method according to claim 15, comprising:
A password accepting step for accepting password information input by the user and representing a character string as input password information;
A password storage processing step for storing password information as reference password information in the storage device in advance;
Including
The authentication step determines whether or not the accepted input password information and the stored reference password information correspond to each other, and the input feature value and the reference feature value correspond to each other An authentication method configured to output the authentication success information when determining and determining that the input password information corresponds to the reference password information. The authentication method according to claim 16, comprising:
The password receiving step is configured to receive input completion information indicating that the input of the input password information is completed,
The authentication method configured to start the imaging when the input completion information is received in the password receiving step.

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