1. A detection method executed by a detection apparatus, the detection method comprising: performing detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and changing setting for performing a face region detection 5 process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection.

2. The detection method according to Claim 1, comprising instructing the other imaging device to adjust a parameter used when the other imaging 10 device acquires image data, based on the result of the detection.

3. The detection method according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising adjusting a face detection threshold value used for performing the face region detection process with the image data acquired by the other imaging device, based on the result of the 15 detection.

4. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device, changing the setting for performing the face region detection 20 process with the image data acquired by the other imaging device. 56

5. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, comprising in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device, changing setting for performing the face region detection process with the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device and performing detection of a face region, and thereafter, changing the setting for performing 5 the face region detection process with the image data acquired by the other imaging device.

6. The detection method according to Claim 5, comprising in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the 10 predetermined imaging device, changing setting of a region estimated based on a result of detection of a posture of a person, and also performing detection of a face region on the region estimated based on the result of the detection of the posture of the person.

7. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, comprising 15 in a case where there are a plurality of other imaging devices, estimating an imaging device located ahead in an advancing direction of a person based on a result of detection of a posture of the person, and changing setting for performing the face region detection process with image data acquired by the estimated imaging device. 20 8. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, comprising detecting a feature of a person, and instructing the imaging device to acquire image data 57 in a state that the person is magnified based on a detected result.A detection apparatus comprising: a detection unit configured to perform detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and 15 a setting change unit configured to change setting for performing a face region detection process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection by the detection unit.A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program comprising instructions for causing a detection apparatus to realize: a detection unit configured to perform detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and 10 a setting change unit configured to change setting for performing a face region detection process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection by the detection unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a detection apparatus, 5 a detection method, and a recording
medium.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
10 An authentication technique such as face authentication, which is detecting a face region
and performing authentication based on a feature value of the detected face region, is known.
[0003]
For example, Patent Document 1 describes one of the techniques used to detect a face
region. Patent Document 1 describes an image pickup device (imaging device) that includes a
15 detection determination means, a correction means, a calculation means, and a cancel
determination means. According to Patent Document 1, the detection determination means
determines whether or not a subject region can be detected based on a plurality of types of
classifiers. The correction means performs a correction process on image data when it is
determined that a subject region cannot be detected. The cancel determination means compares
20 the results calculated by the calculation means that calculates the degrees of similarity between the
image data before and after the correction and the classifiers, and determines whether or not to
3
cancel the correction process based on the results of the comparison.
[0004]
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. JP-A 2013-198013
[0005]
As described in Patent Document 1, there is a method of 5 correcting image data when a
region such as a face region cannot be detected by a detection means. However, in a case where a
target is caught by a camera for a short time, there is a possibility that even if correction of the
image data, for example, by adjustment of the parameter of the camera acquiring image data is
intended, the target is out of the angle of view during the adjustment. As a result, failure to detect
10 a face region may occur.
[0006]
Thus, there has been a problem that it is difficult to inhibit failure to detect a face region.
SUMMARY
15 [0007]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a detection apparatus, a
detection method, and a recording medium which solve the problem that it is difficult to inhibit
failure to detect a face region.
[0008]
20 In order to achieve the object, a detection method as an aspect of the present disclosure is
a detection method executed by a detection apparatus. The detection method includes: performing
4
detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and
changing setting for performing a face region detection process with image data acquired by
another imaging device, based on a result of the detection.
[0009]
Further, a detection apparatus as another 5 aspect of the present disclosure includes: a
detection unit configured to perform detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a
predetermined imaging device; and a setting change unit configured to change setting for
performing a face region detection process with image data acquired by another imaging device,
based on a result of the detection by the detection unit.
10 [0010]
Further, a recording medium as another aspect of the present disclosure is a non-transitory
computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon. The program includes
instructions for causing a detection apparatus to realize: a detection unit configured to perform
detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and
15 a setting change unit configured to change setting for performing a face region detection process
with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection by the
detection unit.
[0011]
The configurations as described above make it possible to provide a detection apparatus,
20 a detection method, and a recording medium which can inhibit failure to detect a face region.
5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012]
Fig. 1 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a face authentication system in
a first example embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example 5 of a configuration of a face authentication
apparatus shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a view showing an example of image information shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a view showing an example of posture information shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a view for describing processing by a face region estimation unit;
10 Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a camera shown in
Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the face authentication
apparatus in the first example embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 8 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a face authentication system in
15 a second example embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a face authentication
apparatus shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a view for showing an example of processing by a move destination estimation
unit shown in Fig. 9;
20 Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the face authentication
apparatus in the second example embodiment of the present disclosure;
6
Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the face
authentication apparatus in the second example embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 13 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a face authentication system
in a third example embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of 5 a configuration of a face authentication
apparatus shown in Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a view showing an example of authentication-related information shown in Fig.
14;
Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a camera shown in
10 Fig. 13;
Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the face authentication
apparatus in the third example embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 18 is a view showing an example of a hardware configuration of a detection apparatus
in a fourth example embodiment of the present disclosure; and
15 Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the detection
apparatus shown in Fig. 18.
EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0013]
20 [First Example Embodiment]
A first example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
7
Figs. 1 to 7. Fig. 1 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a face authentication system
100. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a face authentication
apparatus 200. Fig. 3 is a view showing an example of image information 234. Fig. 4 is a view
showing an example of posture information 235. Fig. 5 is a view for describing processing by a
face region estimation unit 244. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing 5 an example of a configuration
of a camera 300. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the face authentication
apparatus 200.
[0014]
In the first example embodiment of the present disclosure, the face authentication system
10 100 that detects a face region and performs face authentication will be described. As will be
described later, in a case where the face authentication system 100 cannot detect the face region
of an authentication target person based on image data acquired by a camera 300-1, the face
authentication system 100 adjusts a parameter of an estimated region and the like based on the
result of posture detection, and also reconfirms whether a face region is detected in the estimated
15 region. In a case where a face region is not detected by the reconfirmation, the face authentication
system 100 instructs a camera 300-2 that is a move destination camera to perform parameter
adjustment, and adjusts a face detection threshold value used in detection of a face region. Then,
the face authentication system 100 performs detection of a face region using the adjusted face
detection threshold value based on image data acquired by the camera 300-2 after parameter
20 adjustment. Thus, in a case where the face authentication system 100 cannot detect a face region
based on image data acquired by the camera 300-1 that is a predetermined imaging device, the
8
face authentication system 100 changes setting for performing a face region detection process
based on image data acquired by the camera 300-2 that is another imaging device. The setting to
be changed includes, for example, at least one of the parameter used when the camera 300 acquires
image data and the face detection threshold value.
5 [0015]
Fig. 1 shows an example of a configuration of the whole face authentication system 100.
Referring to Fig. 1, the face authentication system 100 includes, for example, the face
authentication apparatus 200 and two cameras 300 (the camera 300-1 and the camera 300-2, which
will be described as the camera 300 when not particularly discriminated). As shown in Fig. 1, the
10 face authentication apparatus 200 and the camera 300-1 are connected so as to be able to
communicate with each other. Moreover, the face authentication apparatus 200 and the camera
300-2 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.
[0016]
The face authentication system 100 is deployed in, for example, a shopping mall, an
15 airport and a shopping street, and performs face authentication to search for a suspicious person,
a lost child, and the like. A place to deploy the face authentication system 100 and a purpose that
the face authentication system 100 performs face authentication may be other than those illustrated
above.
[0017]
20 The face authentication apparatus 200 is an information processing apparatus that
performs face authentication based on image data acquired by the camera 300-1 and the camera
9
300-2. For example, in a case where the face authentication apparatus 200 cannot detect a face
region based on image data acquired by the camera 300-1, the face authentication apparatus 200
performs detection of a face region based on image data acquired by the camera 300-2. Fig. 2
shows an example of a configuration of the face authentication apparatus 200. Referring to Fig. 2,
the face authentication apparatus 200 includes, as major 5 components, a screen display unit 210, a
communication I/F unit 220, a storage unit 230, and an operation processing unit 240, for example.
[0018]
The screen display unit 210 includes a screen display deice such as an LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display). The screen display unit 210 displays, on a screen, information stored in the
10 storage unit 230 such as authentication result information 236 in accordance with an instruction
from the operation processing unit 240.
[0019]
The communication I/F unit 220 includes a data communication circuit. The
communication I/F unit 220 performs data communication with the camera 300 and an external
15 device connected via a communication line.
[0020]
The storage unit 230 is a storage device such as a hard disk and a memory. The storage
unit 230 stores therein processing information necessary for various processing by the operation
processing unit 240 and a program 237. The program 237 is loaded to and executed by the
20 operation processing unit 240 to realize various processing units. The program 237 is loaded in
advance from an external device or a recording medium via a data input/output function such as
10
the communication I/F unit 220, and is stored in the storage unit 230. Major information stored in
the storage unit 230 includes, for example, information for detection 231, a trained model 232,
feature value information 233, the image information 234, posture information 235, and the
authentication result information 236.
5 [0021]
The information for detection 231 is information used when a face region detection unit
242 performs detection of a face region. As will be described later, the face region detection unit
242 may perform face detection by a generally-used face detection technique. Therefore,
information included by the information for detection 231 may also be information corresponding
10 to a method by which the face region detection unit 242 performs face detection. For example, the
information for detection 231 may be a model trained based on luminance gradient information.
The information for detection 231 is, for example, acquired in advance from an external device
via the communication I/F unit 220 and stored in the storage unit 230.
[0022]
15 The trained model 232 is a model having been trained, used when a posture detection unit
243 performs posture detection. The trained model 232 is, for example, generated in advance by
learning using training data such as image data containing skeletal coordinates in an external
device or the like, and is acquired from the external device or the like via the communication I/F
unit 220 or the like and stored in the storage unit 230.
20 [0023]
The feature value information 233 includes information indicating a face feature value
11
used when a face authentication unit 246 performs face authentication. In the feature value
information 233, for example, identification information for identifying a person and information
indicating a face feature value are associated with each other. The feature value information 233
is, for example, acquired in advance from an external device or the like via the communication I/F
5 unit 220 or the like, and is stored in the storage unit 230.
[0024]
The image information 234 includes image data acquired by the camera 300. In the image
information 234, for example, the image data and information indicating time and date of
acquisition of the image data by the camera 300 are associated with each other.
10 [0025]
Fig. 3 shows an example of the image information 234. As shown in Fig. 3, the image
information 234 includes image data acquired from the camera 300-1 and image data acquired
from the camera 300-2.
[0026]
15 The posture information 235 includes information indicating a person’s posture detected
by the posture detection unit 243. For example, the posture information 235 includes information
indicating the coordinates of each site of a person. Fig. 4 shows an example of the posture
information 235. Referring to Fig. 4, in the posture information 235, identification information
and site coordinates are associated with each other.
20 [0027]
Sites included in the site coordinates correspond to those of the trained model 232. For
12
example, Fig. 4 illustrates the upper part of the backbone, the right shoulder, the left shoulder, ….
The site coordinates can include, for example, approximately 30 sites (may be other than those
illustrated). The sites included in the site coordinates may be other than those illustrated in Fig. 4
and others.
5 [0028]
The authentication result information 236 includes information indicating the result of
authentication by the face authentication unit 246. The details of processing by the face
authentication unit 246 will be described later.
[0029]
10 The operation processing unit 240 has a microprocessor such as an MPU and a peripheral
circuit thereof, and loads the program 237 from the storage unit 230 and executes the program 237
to make the abovementioned hardware and the program 237 cooperate and realize various
processing units. The major processing units realized by the operation processing unit 240 are, for
example, an image acquisition unit 241, the face region detection unit 242, the posture detection
15 unit 243, the face region estimation unit 244, a parameter adjustment unit 245, the face
authentication unit 246, and an output unit 247.
[0030]
The image acquisition unit 241 acquires image data acquired by the camera 300 from the
camera 300 via the communication I/F unit 220. Then, the image acquisition unit 241 associates
20 the acquired image data with, for example, the time and date of acquisition of the image data, and
stores as the image information 234 into the storage unit 230.
13
[0031]
In this example embodiment, the image acquisition unit 241 acquires image data from the
camera 300-1, and also acquires image data from the camera 300-2. The image acquisition unit
241 may acquire image data from the camera 300-1 and the camera 300-2 at all times or, for
example, may not acquire image data from the camera 5 300-2 until a predetermined condition is
satisfied. For example, in a case where the face authentication apparatus 200 cannot detect a face
region based on image data acquired by the camera 300-1, the face authentication apparatus 200
perform detection of a face region based on image data acquired by the camera 300-2. Therefore,
the image acquisition unit 241 may be configured to, in a case where a face region cannot be
10 detected based on image data acquired by the camera 300-1, acquire image data from the camera
300-2.
[0032]
The face region detection unit 242 detects a face region of a person based on image data
included by the image information 234. As described above, the face region detection unit 242 can
15 detect a face region by a known technique. For example, the face region detection unit 242
performs detection of a face region using the information for detection 231 and a face detection
threshold value. In other words, the face region detection unit 242 can detect a region where, for
example, the degree of similarity to the information for detection 231 is equal to or more than the
face detection threshold value, as a face region.
20 [0033]
In this example embodiment, first, the face region detection unit 242 performs detection
14
of a face region based on image data acquired from the camera 300-1 among image data included
by the image information 234.
[0034]
Further, in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired
from the camera 300-1, the parameter adjustment unit 245 adjust 5 a parameter of a region estimated
based on the result of posture detection. After the abovementioned parameter adjustment, the face
region detection unit 242 can confirm whether or not a face region exists in a region estimated by
the face region estimation unit 244 based on the result of posture detection. In other words, the
face region detection unit 242 can perform detection of a face region in a region estimated by the
10 face region estimation unit 244 in a state that the parameter adjustment unit 245 has adjusted a
parameter of a region estimated by the face region estimation unit 244.
[0035]
Further, in a case where a face region is not detected even by reconfirmation (for example,
in a case where a face region cannot be detected for a predetermined time period), the parameter
15 adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300-2 to adjust a parameter, and the face detection
threshold value is adjusted. For example, the parameter adjustment unit 245 lowers the face
detection threshold value. The face region detection unit 242 can detect a face region using the
adjusted face detection threshold value based on image data acquired by the camera 300-2 after
the parameter adjustment. By performing face detection in a state that the face detection threshold
20 value is lowered, a probability that face detection can be performed increases.
[0036]
15
For example, as described above, the face region detection unit 242 can perform detection
of a face region by various methods, such as detection of a face region based on image data
acquired from the camera 300-1, detection of a face region based on image data acquired from the
camera 300-1 and the camera 300-2 after parameter adjustment.
5 [0037]
The posture detection unit 243 detects the posture of an authentication target person in
image data by recognizing the skeleton of the person by using the trained model 232. For example,
as shown in Fig. 4, the posture detection unit 243 recognizes sites such as the upper part of the
backbone, the right shoulder, and the left shoulder. Moreover, the posture detection unit 243
10 calculates the coordinates in screen data of each of the recognized sites. Then, the posture detection
unit 243 associates the recognition and calculation results with identification information, and
stores as the posture information 235 into the storage unit 230.
[0038]
The sites recognized by the posture detection unit 243 correspond to those of the trained
15 model 232 (training data used for training the trained model 232). Therefore, the posture detection
unit 243 may recognize a site other than the sites illustrated above in accordance with the trained
model 232.
[0039]
The face region estimation unit 244 estimates a region where a face region is estimated
20 to exist based on the result of detection by the posture detection unit 243. For example, the face
region estimation unit 244 estimates the region, for example, in a case where the face region
16
detection unit 242 cannot detect a face region while the posture detection unit 243 detects a posture.
The face region estimation unit 244 may estimate the region at a timing other than that illustrated
above.
[0040]
Fig. 5 is a view for describing an example of estimation 5 by the face region estimation unit
244. As shown in Fig. 5, it can be estimated that a face region is located in the vicinity of the
shoulders, neck and the like on the opposite side to a side where the hips, legs and others are
located when viewed from a site such as the shoulders. Then, the face region estimation unit 244
can estimate a region where a face region is thought to exist by confirming the coordinates of each
10 site with reference to the posture information 235.
[0041]
The parameter adjustment unit 245 adjusts parameters used in the face authentication
process, such as a parameter used when the camera 300 acquires image data and a face detection
threshold value.
15 [0042]
For example, in a case where the face region detection unit 242 cannot detect a face region
based on image data acquired from the camera 300-1, the parameter adjustment unit 245 performs
parameter adjustment on a region estimated by the face region estimation unit 244. Specifically,
for example, the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300-1 to performs adjustment
20 of parameters used when the camera 300-1 acquires image data on a region estimated by the face
region estimation unit 244. Consequently, the camera 300-1 corrects the parameters and acquires
17
image data by using the corrected parameters.
[0043]
The parameter adjustment unit 245 may instruct the camera 300-1 to perform parameter
correction on the entire image data. Moreover, together with the instruction to the camera 300-1
described above, the parameter adjustment unit 245 5 may perform adjustment of parameters used
when the face region detection unit 242 detects a face region, for example, lower the face detection
threshold value.
[0044]
Further, in a case where the face region detection unit 242 cannot detect a face region
10 even by reconfirmation, the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300-2 to adjust
parameters used in acquisition of image data. When the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs
the camera 300-2 to adjust parameters based on the result of detection of a face region based on
image data acquired by the camera 300-1, it is thereby possible to adjust the parameters in advance,
for example, before an authentication target person is caught in image data acquired by the camera
15 300-2. Moreover, the parameter adjustment unit 245 can adjust the parameters used when the face
region detection unit 242 detects a face region, for example, lower the face detection threshold
value.
[0045]
For example, as described above, the parameter adjustment unit 245 adjusts parameters
20 used in face authentication based on the result of detection by the face region detection unit 242.
[0046]
18
The parameters that the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300 to adjust
include, for example, brightness, sharpness, contrast and the like, and a frame rate indicating the
number of image data acquisitions per unit time. For example, in a case where it is assumed that
face detection has failed because the brightness value is too high due to backlight, the parameter
adjustment unit 245 instructs to lower the brightness. The parameters 5 adjusted by the parameter
adjustment unit 245 may be at least some of those illustrated above, or may be other than those
illustrated above.
[0047]
Further, the parameter adjustment unit 245 can instruct the camera 300-1 and the camera
10 300-2 to perform parameter adjustment and also instruct the time for performing parameter
adjustment. For example, it is possible to calculate in advance a time from when an authentication
target person is caught in image data acquired by the camera 300-1 to when the authentication
target person is caught in image data acquired by the camera 300-2, based on information
indicating the installation positions of the camera 300-1 and the camera 300-2 and information
15 indicating a walking speed. Then, the parameter adjustment unit 245 may instruct the camera 300-
2 to perform parameter adjustment during a time that the authentication target person is estimated
to be caught by the camera 300-2. The time to instruct the camera 300-2 to perform parameter
adjustment may be estimated in advance, for example, by using a normal walking speed, or may
be calculated based on the walking speed of the person calculated based on the image data acquired
20 by the camera 300-1.
[0048]
19
The face authentication unit 246 performs face authentication by using the result of
detection by the face region detection unit 242. Then, the face authentication unit 246 stores the
result of the face authentication as the authentication result information 236 into the storage unit
230.
5 [0049]
For example, the face authentication unit 246 extracts feature points such as the eyes,
nose and mouth of a person in the face region detected by the face region detection unit 242, and
calculates a feature value based on the extracted result. Then, for example, by confirming whether
or not the degree of similarity between the calculated feature value and the face feature value
10 included in the feature value information 233 exceeds a face comparison threshold value, the face
authentication unit 246 performs matching between the calculated feature value and the feature
value stored in the storage unit 230, and performs authentication based on the result of matching.
By performing face authentication in this manner, the face authentication unit 246 can identify an
identification target person such as a lost child.
15 [0050]
The output unit 247 outputs the authentication result information 236 indicating the result
of the authentication process by the face authentication unit 246. The output by the output unit 247
is, for example, displaying on a screen of the screen display unit 210, or transmitting to an external
device via the communication I/F unit 220.
20 [0051]
The above is an example of a configuration of the face authentication apparatus 200.
20
[0052]
The camera 300 is an imaging device that acquires image data, for example, a surveillance
camera. Fig. 6 shows an example of a configuration of the camera 300. Referring to Fig. 6, the
camera 300 includes, for example, a transmission and reception unit 310, a setting unit 320, and
5 an imaging unit 330.
[0053]
For example, the camera 300 includes an arithmetic logic unit such as a CPU and a storage
unit. The camera 300 can realize the abovementioned processing units by execution of a program
stored in the storage unit by the arithmetic logic unit.
10 [0054]
The transmission and reception unit 310 transits and receives data to and from the face
authentication apparatus 200 and the like. For example, the transmission and reception unit 310
transmits image data acquired by the imaging unit 330 to the face authentication apparatus 200.
Moreover, the transmission and reception unit 310 receives a parameter adjustment instruction and
15 the like from the face authentication apparatus 200.
[0055]
The setting unit 320 adjusts a parameter used when the imaging unit 330 acquires image
data based on a parameter adjustment instruction received from the face authentication apparatus
200. For example, the setting unit 320 adjusts brightness, sharpness, contrast, frame rate, and the
20 like, based on an instruction received from the face authentication apparatus 200. The setting unit
320 can perform parameter adjustment on a designated region in accordance with an instruction.
21
[0056]
The imaging unit 330 acquires image data by using a parameter set by the setting unit 320.
Image data acquired by the imaging unit 330 can be associated with time and date of acquisition
of image data by the imaging unit 330, and the like, and transmitted to the face authentication
5 apparatus 200 via the transmission and reception unit 310.
[0057]
The above is an example of a configuration of the camera 300. Subsequently, an example
of an operation of the face authentication apparatus 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7.
[0058]
10 Referring to Fig. 7, the face region detection unit 242 performs detection of a face region
based on image data acquired from the camera 300-1 among image data included by the image
information 234 (step S101).
[0059]
In a case where a face region cannot be detected, for example, for a predetermined time
15 period (step S102, No), the face region estimation unit 244 estimates a region where a face region
is estimated to exist based on the result of detection by the posture detection unit 243 (step S103).
Moreover, the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300-1 to perform adjustment of
a parameter used when the camera 300-1 acquires image data on the region estimated by the face
region estimation unit 244 (step S104). Then, the camera 300-1 corrects the parameter.
20 [0060]
The face region detection unit 242 performs detection of a face region on the region
22
estimated by the face region estimation unit 244 (step S105).
[0061]
In a case where a face region cannot be detected, for example, for a predetermined time
period (step S106, No), the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300-2 to adjust a
parameter used in acquisition of image 5 data. Moreover, the parameter adjustment unit 245 adjusts
a parameter used when the face region detection unit 242 performs detection of a face region, for
example, lowers a face detection threshold value (step S107).
[0062]
The face region detection unit 242 performs detection of a face region using the adjusted
10 face detection threshold value based on image data acquired by the camera 300-2 after the
parameter adjustment (step S108).
[0063]
When the face region detection unit 242 detects a face region, the face authentication unit
246 performs face authentication using the result of detection by the face region detection unit 242
15 (step S109).
[0064]
The above is an example of the operation of the face authentication apparatus 200.
[0065]
Thus, the face authentication apparatus 200 includes the face region detection unit 242
20 and the parameter adjustment unit 245. With such a configuration, the parameter adjustment unit
245 can instruct the camera 300-2 to adjust a parameter based on the result of detection of a face
23
region based on image data acquired by the camera 300-1. Moreover, the parameter adjustment
unit 245 can lower a face detection threshold value in advance. As a result, the face region detection
unit 242 can perform detection of a face region based on image data acquired in a state that a
parameter is adjusted in advance. Consequently, it becomes possible to appropriately adjust a
parameter and inhibit 5 failure to detect a face region.
[0066]
Further, with the above configuration, for example, it becomes possible to increase the
frame rate of the camera 300-2 only at a timing when detection of a face region based on image
data acquired by the camera 300-2 is required. As a result, it is possible to inhibit unnecessarily
10 increasing data traffic, and it becomes possible to realize efficient processing.
[0067]
Further, the face authentication apparatus 200 includes the posture detection unit 243 and
the face region estimation unit 244. With such a configuration, the face region estimation unit 244
can estimate a region where a face region is estimated to exist, based on the result of detection by
15 the posture detection unit 243. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to narrow down the
range of parameter adjustment by the parameter adjustment unit 245 and the range of detection of
a face region by the face region detection unit 242, and it becomes possible to realize efficient
parameter adjustment and face region detection.
[0068]
20 In this example embodiment, the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300-
2 to adjust a parameter used in acquisition of image data when the face region detection unit 242
24
cannot detect a face region even by reconfirmation. However, the parameter adjustment unit 245
may be configured to, when a face region cannot be detected based on image data acquired from
the camera 300-1, instruct the camera 300-2 to perform parameter correction without
reconfirmation. In this case, for example, the processes from steps S103 to S105 described with
reference to Fig. 7 may be omitted. Moreover, in a case where 5 the processes from steps S103 to
S105 are not performed, the face authentication apparatus 200 may not have the posture detection
unit 243 and the face region estimation unit 244. For example, as described above, the face
authentication apparatus 200 may have only part of the configuration illustrated in Fig. 2
[0069]
10 Further, Fig. 2 illustrates a case of realizing the function as the face authentication
apparatus 200 by using one information processing apparatus. However, the function as the face
authentication apparatus 200 may be realized by, for example, a plurality of information processing
apparatuses connected via a network.
[0070]
15 [Second Example Embodiment]
Next, a second example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with
reference to Figs. 8 to 12. Fig. 8 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a face
authentication system 400. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a
face authentication apparatus 500. Fig. 10 is a view for describing an example of processing by a
20 move destination estimation unit 548. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation
of the face authentication apparatus 500. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing another example of
25
the configuration of the face authentication apparatus 500.
[0071]
In the second example embodiment of the present disclosure, the face authentication
system 500, which is a modified example of the face authentication system 100 described in the
first example embodiment, will be described. 5 In the first example embodiment, the face
authentication system 100 including two cameras 300, that is, the camera 300-1 and the camera
300-2 has been described. In this example embodiment, the face authentication system 400
including three or more cameras 300 will be described. As will be described later, when the face
authentication system 400 cannot detect a face region based image data acquired by the camera
10 300-1, the face authentication system 400 estimates a camera to be a move destination based on
the result of posture detection. Then, the face authentication system 400 instructs the estimated
camera 300 to perform parameter adjustment.
[0072]
Fig. 8 shows an example of a configuration of the whole face authentication system 400.
15 Referring to Fig. 8, the face authentication system 400 includes the face authentication apparatus
500 and three cameras 300 (camera 300-1, camera 300-2, camera 300-3). As shown in Fig. 8, the
face authentication apparatus 500 and the camera 300-1 are connected so as to be able to
communicate with each other. The face authentication apparatus 500 and the camera 300-2 are
connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The face authentication apparatus 500
20 and the camera 300-3 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.
[0073]
26
Fig. 8 illustrates a case where the face authentication system 400 includes three cameras
300. However, the number of the cameras 300 included by the face authentication system 400 is
not limited to three. The face authentication system 400 may include four or more cameras 300.
[0074]
The face authentication apparatus 500, as well 5 as the face authentication apparatus 200
described in the first example embodiment, is an information processing apparatus that performs
face authentication. Fig. 9 shows an example of a configuration of the face authentication
apparatus 500. Referring to Fig. 9, the face authentication apparatus 500 includes, as major
components, a screen display unit 210, a communication I/F unit 220, a storage unit 230, and an
10 operation processing unit 540, for example. Below, a configuration which is characteristic of this
example embodiment will be described.
[0075]
The operation processing unit 540 includes a microprocessor such as an MPU and a
peripheral circuit thereof, and retrieves the program 237 from the storage unit 230 and executes
15 the program 237 to make the abovementioned hardware and the program 237 cooperate and realize
various processing units. Major processing units realized by the operation processing unit 540 are,
for example, the image acquisition unit 241, the face region detection unit 242, the posturer
detection unit 243, the face region estimation unit 244, a parameter adjustment unit 545, the face
authentication unit 246, an output unit 546, and a move destination estimation unit 548.
20 [0076]
The move destination estimation unit 548 estimates the camera 300 located in the move
27
destination of a person whose face region cannot be detected, based on the result of detection by
the posture detection unit 243. For example, in a case where the face region detection unit 242
cannot detect a face region even by reconfirmation, the move destination estimation unit 548 refers
to the posture information 235, and acquires information indicating the installation position of the
camera 300. Then, the move destination estimation 5 unit 548 estimates the camera 300 located in
the move destination of the person based on the posture information 235 and the information
indicating the installation position of the camera 300.
[0077]
Fig. 10 is a view for describing an example of estimation by the move destination
10 estimation unit 548. As shown in Fig. 10, the body of a person is generally oriented in the moving
direction. Therefore, it can be estimated that a direction in which the body of a person to be
determined based on the posture information 235 faces is the moving direction of the person. The
move destination estimation unit 548 estimates that the camera 300 located ahead of the estimated
movement direction of the person is the camera 300 located at the move destination of the person,
15 based on the posture information 235 and the information indicating the installation position of
the camera 300.
[0078]
The move destination estimation unit 548 may be configured to extract the movement
locus of a person based on image data of a plurality of frames and estimate the camera 300 whether
20 the camera 300 is located at the move destination based on the extracted movement locus. The
move destination estimation unit 548 may perform estimation by combining estimation based on
28
the result of detection by the posture detection unit 243 and estimation based on the movement
locus, for example.
[0079]
The parameter adjustment unit 545 adjusts parameters used in the face authentication
process, such as a parameter used when the camera 300 acquires image 5 data and a face detection
threshold value.
[0080]
For example, when the face region detection unit 242 cannot detect a face region based
on image data acquired from the camera 300-1, the parameter adjustment unit 545 performs
10 parameter adjustment on a region estimated by the face region estimation unit 244. Specifically,
for example, the parameter adjustment unit 245 instructs the camera 300-1 to perform adjustment
of a parameter used when the camera 300-1 acquires image data on a region estimated by the face
region estimation unit 244. Then, the camera 300-1 corrects the parameter and acquires image data
using the corrected parameter.
15 [0081]
Further, in a case where the face region detection unit 242 cannot detect a face region
even by reconfirmation, the parameter adjustment unit 545 instructs the camera 300 estimated by
the move destination estimation unit 548 to adjust a parameter used in acquisition of image data.
Moreover, the parameter adjustment unit 545 can adjust a parameter used when the face region
20 detection unit 242 detects a face region, for example, lower the face detection threshold value.
[0082]
29
For example, as described above, when adjusting the parameter of the move destination
camera 300, the parameter adjustment unit 545 instructs the camera 300 estimated by the move
destination estimation unit 548 to perform parameter adjustment.
[0083]
The output unit 547 outputs the authentication 5 result information 236 indicating the result
of the authentication process by the face authentication unit 246. The output by the output unit 547
is, for example, displaying on a screen of the screen display unit 210, or transmitting to an external
device via the communication I/F unit 220.
[0084]
10 Further, the output unit 547 can output information of an identification target person
identified by authentication by the face authentication unit 246, and the like, and also output
information indicating a moving direction of the person estimated by the move destination
estimation unit 548, and the like. By outputting the information indicating the moving direction
together with the information of the identification target person having been identified, a person
15 who receives the output by the output unit 547 can know the moving direction of the identification
target, and can find the identification target person more rapidly.
[0085]
The above is a description of the configuration that is characteristic of this example
embodiment in the configuration of the face authentication apparatus 500. Subsequently, an
20 example of an operation of the face authentication apparatus 500 will be described with reference
to Fig. 11. Hereinafter, an operation that is characteristic of this example embodiment in the
30
operation of the face authentication apparatus 500 will be described.
[0086]
The processes up to step S105 are the same as in the operation of the face authentication
apparatus 200 described in the first example embodiment. In a case where a face region cannot be
detected, for example, for a predetermined time period 5 after the process at step S105 (step S106,
No), the move destination estimation unit 548 estimates the camera 300 located at the move
destination of the person (step S201).
[0087]
The parameter adjustment unit 545 instructs the camera 300 estimated by the move
10 destination estimation unit 548 to adjust a parameter used in acquisition of image data. Moreover,
the parameter adjustment unit 245 adjusts a parameter used when the face region detection unit
242 performs detection of a face region, for example, lowers a face detection threshold value (step
S107). The subsequent processes are the same as in the operation of the face authentication
apparatus 200 described in the first example embodiment.
15 [0088]
The above is an operation that is characteristic of this example embodiment in the
example of the operation of the face authentication apparatus 500.
[0089]
Thus, the face authentication apparatus 500 includes the move destination estimation unit
20 548 and the parameter adjustment unit 245. With such a configuration, the parameter adjustment
unit 245 can instruct the camera 300 estimated by the move destination estimation unit 548 to
31
adjust a parameter used in acquisition of image data. As a result, it becomes possible to adjust only
the parameter of the required camera 300 in advance, and it becomes possible to more exactly
adjust even when three or more cameras 300 are provided. Moreover, since it is possible to inhibit
increase of the frame rate of the camera 300 that is not the move destination, it is possible to inhibit
a situation in which data traffic is unnecessarily 5 increased, for example.
[0090]
The move destination estimation unit 548 may use information for move destination
estimation 238 stored in the storage unit 230 as shown in Fig. 12 when estimating the camera 300
located at the move destination. The information for move destination estimation 238 can include,
10 other than information indicating the position of the camera 300, for example, information
indicating the movement tendency of persons for each time of day such that many people heads in
this direction in the morning time, information indicating the movement tendency for each
person’s attribute such as clothes, belongings, gender and age. The information for move
destination estimation 238 may include information other than the information used in estimation
15 of the move destination illustrated above.
[0091]
Further, the face authentication system 400 and the face authentication apparatus 500 can
be modified in various manners as described in the first example embodiment.
[0092]
20 [Third Example Embodiment]
Next, a third example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with
32
reference to Figs. 13 to 17. Fig. 13 is a view showing an example of a configuration of a face
authentication system 600. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a
face authentication apparatus 700. Fig. 15 is a view showing an example of authentication-related
information 732. Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a camera
800. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation 5 of the face authentication apparatus
700.
[0093]
In the third example embodiment of the present disclosure, the face authentication system
600 that detects a face region and performs face authentication will be described. As will be
10 described later, the face authentication system 600 manages person-related information such as the
color of clothes and belongings of a person whose face has been authenticated. Moreover, when it
is determined that a person having an unauthenticated feature is caught in image data based on the
person-related information, the face authentication system 600 instructs the camera 800 to magnify
the face of the person by optical zoom, digital zoom, or the like, on the person.
15 [0094]
Fig. 13 shows an example of a configuration of the whole face authentication system 600.
Referring to Fig. 13, the face authentication system 600 includes the face authentication apparatus
700 and the camera 800. As shown in Fig. 13, the face authentication apparatus 700 and the camera
800 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.
20 [0095]
Fig. 13 illustrates a case where the face authentication system 600 includes one camera
33
800. However, the number of the cameras 800 included by the face authentication system 600 is
not limited to one. The face authentication system 600 may include two or more cameras 800.
Moreover, in a case where the face authentication system 600 includes two or more cameras 800,
the face authentication apparatus 700 may have a function as the face authentication apparatus 200
described in the first example embodiment or the face authentication 5 apparatus 500 described in
the second example embodiment.
[0096]
The face authentication apparatus 700 is an information processing apparatus that
performs face authentication based on image data acquired by the camera 800. For example, in a
10 case where the face authentication apparatus 700 determines that a person having an
unauthenticated feature is caught in image data based on the person-related information managed
thereby, the face authentication apparatus 700 instructs the camera 800 to magnify the person and
the face of the person by optical zoom, digital zoom, or the like, on the person. Then, the face
authentication apparatus 700 performs detection of a face region and performs face authentication
15 based on the image data in which the person is magnified. Fig. 14 shows an example of a
configuration of the face authentication apparatus 700. Referring to Fig. 14, the face authentication
apparatus 700 includes, as major components, a screen display unit 710, a communication I/F unit
720, a storage unit 730, and an operation processing unit 740, for example.
[0097]
20 The configurations of the screen display unit 710 and the communication I/F unit 720
may be the same as those of the screen display unit 210 and the communication I/F unit 220
34
described in the first and second example embodiments. Therefore, a description thereof will be
omitted.
[0098]
The storage unit 730 is a storage device such as a hard disk and a memory. The storage
unit 730 stores therein processing information necessary 5 for various processing in the operation
processing unit 740 and a program 734. The program 734 is loaded to and executed by the
operation processing unit 740 to realize various processing units. The program 734 is retrieved in
advance from an external device or a recording medium via a data input/output function such as
the communication I/F unit 720 and is stored in the storage unit 730. Major information stored in
10 the storage unit 730 are, for example, information for detection 731, authentication-related
information 732, and image information 733.
[0099]
The information for detection 731 may be the same as the information for detection 231
described in the first and second example embodiments. Therefore, a description thereof will be
15 omitted.
[0100]
The authentication-related information 732 includes information indicating a face feature
value used when the face authentication unit 745 performs face authentication. Moreover, the
authentication-related information 732 includes information indicating whether or not
20 authentication has been performed, person-related information such as the color of clothes and
belongings of a person, and the like.
35
[0101]
Fig. 15 shows an example of the authentication-related information 732. Referring to Fig.
15, in the authentication-related information 732, for example, information indicating the feature
value of a person, identification information such as name, the presence or absence of detection
indicating whether or not authentication has been 5 performed, the color of clothes, and belongings
are associated with each other. The authentication-related information 732 may include personrelated
information other than the color of clothes and the belongings.
[0102]
The image information 733 includes image data acquired by the camera 800. In the image
10 information 733, for example, the image data, information indicating time and date of acquisition
of the image data by the camera 800, and the like, are associated with each other. As described
above, the camera 800 may acquire image data in which a person or a face is magnified in
accordance with an instruction from the face authentication apparatus 700. Therefore, the image
information 733 includes image data in which a person or a face is magnified.
15 [0103]
The operation processing unit 740 includes a microprocessor such as an MPU and a
peripheral circuit, and retrieves the program 734 from the storage unit 730 and executes the
program 734 to make the above hardware and the programs cooperate with each other and realize
various processing units. Major processing units realized by the operation processing unit 740 are,
20 for example, an image acquisition unit 741, a feature detection unit 742, a magnification instruction
unit 743, a face region detection unit 744, and a face authentication unit 74.
36
[0104]
The image acquisition unit 741 acquires image data acquired by the camera 800 from the
camera 800 via the communication I/F unit 720. Then, the image acquisition unit 741 associates
the acquired image data with, for example, time and date of acquisition of the image data and
5 stores as the image information 733 into the storage unit 730.
[0105]
The feature detection unit 742 detects person-related information, which is information
to be a feature of a person such as the color of clothes of the person and the belongings of the
person, based on image data included by the image information 733. The feature detection unit
10 742 may detect information indicating the color of clothes of the person and the belongings of the
person by a known technique. For example, in a case where the face authentication apparatus 700
has a function of a posture detection unit or the like (the posture detection unit 243 described in
the first example embodiment), the feature detection unit 742 may detect the color of the clothes
and the belonging of a person by using the result of detection by the posture detection unit.
15 [0106]
The magnification instruction unit 743 confirms whether or not the person-related
information detected by the feature detection unit 742 is stored as authenticated in the
authentication-related information 732. Then, in a case where the person-related information
detected by the feature detection unit 742 is not stored as authenticated in the authentication-related
20 information 732, the magnification instruction unit 743 instructs the camera 800 to magnify the
person having the unstored feature. For example, the magnification instruction unit 743 may
37
instruct to magnify the person and the periphery thereof, or may instruct to magnify the person’s
face and the periphery thereof.
[0107]
The face region detection unit 744 detects a face region of a person based on image data
included by the image information 733. As well as the face 5 region detection unit 242, the face
region detection unit 744 can detect a face region by a known technique.
[0108]
As described above, the image information 733 includes image data in which a person or
a face is magnified. Therefore, the face region detection unit 744 can detect the face region of the
10 person based on the image data in which the person or the face is magnified.
[0109]
The face authentication unit 745 performs face authentication using the result of detection
by the face region detection unit 744. Then, the face authentication unit 745 associates the face
authentication result with person-related information of the authenticated person, and stores as the
15 authentication-related information 732 into the storage unit 730.
[0110]
Processing in performing the face authentication by the face authentication unit 745 may
be the same as that of the face authentication unit 246 described in the first and second example
embodiments. Therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.
20 [0111]
The above is an example of the configuration of the face authentication apparatus 700.
38
[0112]
The camera 800 is an imaging device that acquires image data. Fig. 16 shows an example
of a configuration of the camera 800. Referring to Fig. 16, the camera 800 includes, for example,
a transmission and reception unit 810, a zoom setting unit 820, and an imaging unit 830.
5 [0113]
For example, the camera 800 includes an arithmetic logic unit such as a CPU and a storage
unit. The camera 800 can realize the above processing units by execution of a program stored in
the storage unit by the arithmetic logic unit.
[0114]
10 The transmission and reception unit 810 transmits and receives data to and from the face
authentication apparatus 700. For example, the transmission and reception 810 transmits image
data acquired by the imaging unit 830 to the face authentication apparatus 700. Moreover, the
transmission and reception unit 810 receives a zoom instruction from the face authentication
apparatus 700.
15 [0115]
The zoom setting unit 820 magnifies a designated person or face based on a zoom
instruction received from the face authentication apparatus 700. The zoom setting unit 820 may
perform optical zoom or perform digital zoom based on the zoom instruction.
[0116]
20 The imaging unit 830 acquires image data. In a case where the zoom setting unit 820 has
accepted a zoom instruction, the imaging unit 830 acquires image data in which a person or a face
39
is magnified. The image data acquired by the imaging unit 830 can be associated with time and
date when the imaging unit 830 acquires the image data, and transmitted to the face authentication
apparatus 700 via the transmission and reception unit 810.
[0117]
The above is an example of the configuration 5 of the camera 800. Subsequently, an
example of an operation of the face authentication apparatus 700 will be described with reference
to Fig. 17.
[0118]
Referring to Fig. 17, the feature detection unit 742 detects person-related information,
10 which is information to be a feature of a person such as the color of clothes of the person and the
belongings of the person, based on image data included by the image information 733 (step S301).
[0119]
The magnification instruction unit 743 confirms whether or not the person-related
information detected by the feature detection unit 742 is stored as authenticated in the
15 authentication-related information 732 (step S302).
[0120]
In a case where the person-related information detected by the feature detection unit 742
is not stored as authenticated in the authentication-related information 732 (step S303), the
magnification instruction unit 743 instructs the camera 800 to magnify the person having the
20 unstored feature (step S303). For example, the magnification instruction unit 743 may instruct to
magnify the person and the periphery thereof, or may instruct to magnify the person’s face and the
40
periphery thereof.
[0121]
The face region detection unit 744 detects a face region of the person based on the image
data included by the image information 733 (step S304). Since the magnification instruction unit
743 has instructed to zoom by the process at step S303, 5 the face region detection unit 744 can
detect the face region of the person based on the image data in which the person or the face is
magnified.
[0122]
The face authentication unit 745 performs face authentication using the result of detection
10 by the face region detection unit 744 (step S305). Then, the face authentication unit 745 associates
the result of face authentication with the person-related information of the authenticated person,
and stores as the authentication-related information 732 into the storage unit 730.
[0123]
The above is an example of the operation of the face authentication apparatus 700.
15 [0124]
Thus, the face authentication apparatus 700 includes the feature detection unit 742, the
magnification instruction unit 743, and the face region detection unit 744. With such a
configuration, the magnification instruction unit 743 can instruct the camera 800 to magnify a
person or a face based on the result of detection by the feature detection unit 742. As a result, the
20 face region detection unit 744 can perform detection of a face region by using image data in which
the person or the face is magnified. Consequently, it becomes possible to perform detection of a
41
face region more accurately.
[0125]
As described above, the face authentication system 600 can include a plurality of cameras
800. Moreover, the face authentication apparatus 700 can include a function of the face
authentication apparatus 200 described in the 5 first example embodiment and the face
authentication apparatus 500 described in the second example embodiment. The face
authentication system 600 and the face authentication apparatus 700 may have the same modified
examples as in the first example embodiment and the second example embodiment.
[0126]
10 [Fourth Example Embodiment]
Next, a fourth example embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to Figs. 18 and 19. Figs. 18 and 19 show an example of a configuration of a detection
apparatus 900
[0127]
15 The detection apparatus 900 detects a face region of a person based on image data. Fig.
18 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the detection apparatus 900. Referring to Fig.
18, the detection apparatus 900 has, as an example, the following hardware configuration
including;
a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901 (arithmetic logic unit),
20 a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 (storage unit),
a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903 (storage unit),
42
programs 904 loaded to the RAM 903,
a storage device 905 for storing the programs 904,
a drive device 906 that reads from and writes into a recording medium 910 outside the
information processing apparatus,
a communication interface 907 connecting 5 to a communication network 911 outside the
information processing apparatus,
an input/output interface 908 that inputs and outputs data, and
a bus 909 connecting the respective components.
[0128]
10 Further, the detection apparatus 900 can realize functions as a detection unit 921 and a
setting change unit 922 shown in Fig. 30 by acquisition and execution of the programs 904 by the
CPU 901. The programs 904 are, for example, stored in the storage device 905 or the ROM 902
in advance, and are loaded to the RAM 903 or the like by the CPU 901 as necessary. Moreover,
the programs 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via the communication network 911, or may
15 be stored in the recording medium 910 in advance and retrieved and supplied to the CPU 901 by
the drive device 906.
[0129]
Fig. 18 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the detection apparatus 900.
The hardware configuration of the detection apparatus 900 is not limited to the abovementioned
20 case. For example, the detection apparatus 900 may be configured by part of the abovementioned
configuration, for example, excluding the drive device 906.
43
[0130]
The detection unit 921 performs detection of a face region based on image data acquired
by a predetermined imaging device.
[0131]
The setting change unit 922 changes the setting for 5 performing a face region detection
process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on the result of detection by
the detection unit 921.
[0132]
Thus, the detection apparatus 900 includes the detection unit 921 and the setting change
10 unit 922. With such a configuration, the setting change unit 922 can change the setting for
performing a face region detection process with image data acquired by another imaging device,
based on the result of detection by the detection unit 921. As a result, it becomes possible to
properly perform parameter adjustment and inhibit failure to detect a face region.
[0133]
15 The above detection apparatus 900 can be realized by installation of a predetermined
program into the detection apparatus 900. Specifically, a program as another aspect of the present
invention is a program for causing the detection apparatus 900 performing detection of a face
region based on image data to realize: the detection unit 921 performing detection of a face region
based on image data acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and the setting change unit 922
20 changing the setting for performing a face region detection process with image data acquired by
another imaging device, based on the result of detection by the detection unit 921.
44
[0134]
Further, a detection method executed by the above detection apparatus 900 is a method
including, by the detection apparatus 900 performing detection of a face region based on image
data: performing detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined
imaging device; and changing the setting for performing a 5 face region detection process with
image data acquired by another imaging device, based on the detection result.
[0135]
A program (a recording medium on which a program is recorded) or a detection method
having the above configuration also has the same action and effect as the above detection apparatus
10 900, and therefore, can achieve the abovementioned object of the present invention.
[0136]

The whole or part of the example embodiments disclosed above can be described as the
following supplementary notes. Below, the overview of a detection method and others according
15 to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the
following configurations.
[0137]
(Supplementary Note 1)
A detection method executed by a detection apparatus, the detection method comprising:
20 performing detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined
imaging device; and
45
changing setting for performing a face region detection process with image data acquired
by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection.
(Supplementary Note 2)
The detection method according to Supplementary Note 1, comprising
instructing the other imaging device to adjust 5 a parameter used when the other imaging
device acquires image data, based on the result of the detection.
(Supplementary Note 3)
The detection method according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, comprising
adjusting a face detection threshold value used for performing the face region detection
10 process with the image data acquired by the other imaging device, based on the result of the
detection.
(Supplementary Note 4)
The detection method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, comprising
in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the
15 predetermined imaging device, changing the setting for performing the face region detection
process with the image data acquired by the other imaging device.
(Supplementary Note 5)
The detection method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, comprising
in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the
20 predetermined imaging device, changing setting for performing the face region detection process
with the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device and performing detection of a
46
face region, and thereafter, changing the setting for performing the face region detection process
with the image data acquired by the other imaging device.
(Supplementary Note 6)
The detection method according to Supplementary Note 5, comprising
in a case where a face 5 region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the
predetermined imaging device, changing setting of a region estimated based on a result of detection
of a posture of a person, and also performing detection of a face region on the region estimated
based on the result of the detection of the posture of the person.
(Supplementary Note 7)
10 The detection method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, comprising
in a case where there are a plurality of other imaging devices, estimating an imaging
device located ahead in an advancing direction of a person based on a result of detection of a
posture of the person, and changing setting for performing the face region detection process with
image data acquired by the estimated imaging device.
15 (Supplementary Note 8)
The detection method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, comprising
detecting a feature of a person, and instructing the imaging device to acquire image data
in a state that the person is magnified based on a detected result.
(Supplementary Note 9)
20 The detection method according to Supplementary Note 8, comprising
in a case where a feature of an undetected person is detected, instructing the imaging
47
device to acquire image data in a state that the person is magnified.
(Supplementary Note 10)
The detection method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, comprising:
performing face authentication based on the result of the detection of the face region; and
outputting a result of the face authentication, 5 and information indicating an advancing
direction estimated based on a result of detection of a posture of a person identified by the result
of the face authentication.
(Supplementary Note 11)
A detection apparatus comprising:
10 a detection unit configured to perform detection of a face region based on image data
acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and
a setting change unit configured to change setting for performing a face region detection
process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection by
the detection unit.
15 (Supplementary Note 12)
The detection apparatus according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein
the setting change unit is configured to instruct the other imaging device to adjust a
parameter used when the other imaging device acquires image data, based on the result of the
detection by the detection unit.
20 (Supplementary Note 13)
The detection apparatus according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein
48
the setting change unit is configured to adjust a face detection threshold value used for
performing the face region detection process with the image data acquired by the other imaging
device, based on the result of the detection by the detection unit.
(Supplementary Note 14)
The detection apparatus according 5 to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 13, wherein
the setting change unit is configured to, in a case where the detection unit cannot detect a
face region based on the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device, change the
setting for performing the face region detection process with the image data acquired by the other
imaging device.
10 (Supplementary Note 15)
The detection apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 14, wherein
the setting change unit is configured to, in a case where the detection unit cannot detect a
face region based on the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device, change setting
for performing the face region detection process with the image data acquired by the predetermined
15 imaging device and perform detection of a face region, and thereafter, change the setting for
performing the face region detection process with the image data acquired by the other imaging
device.
(Supplementary Note 16)
The detection apparatus according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein:
20 the setting change unit is configured to, in a case where the detection unit cannot detect a
face region based on the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device, change setting
49
of a region estimated based on a result of detection of a posture of a person; and
the detection unit is configured to perform detection of a face region on the region
estimated based on the result of the detection of the posture of the person.
(Supplementary Note 17)
The detection apparatus according to any 5 one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 16,
comprising
a move destination estimation unit configured to estimate an imaging device located
ahead in an advancing direction of a person based on a result of detection of a posture of the person,
wherein the setting change unit is configured to change setting for performing the face
10 region detection process with image data acquired by the imaging device estimated by the move
destination estimation unit.
(Supplementary Note 18)
The detection apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 17,
comprising:
15 a feature detection unit configured to detect a feature of a person; and
a magnification instruction unit configured to instruct the imaging device to acquire image
data in a state that the person is magnified based on a result detected by the feature detection unit.
(Supplementary Note 19)
The detection apparatus according to Supplementary Note 18, wherein
20 the magnification instruction unit is configured to, in a case where the detection unit
detects a feature of an undetected person, instruct the imaging device to acquire image data in a
50
state that the person is magnified.
(Supplementary Note 20)
The detection apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 19,
comprising:
a face authentication unit configured to perform 5 face authentication based on the result of
the detection of the face region; and
an output unit configured to output a result of the face authentication by the face
authentication unit, and information indicating an advancing direction estimated based on a result
of detection of a posture of a person identified by the result of the face authentication by the face
10 authentication unit.
(Supplementary Note 21)
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded
thereon, the program comprising instructions for causing a detection apparatus to realize:
a detection unit configured to perform detection of a face region based on image data
15 acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and
a setting change unit configured to change setting for performing a face region detection
process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection by
the detection unit.
[0138]
20 The program described in the example embodiments and supplementary notes is stored
in a storage device, or recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the
51
recording medium is a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magnetooptical
disk, and a semiconductor memory.
[0139]
Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the example
embodiments, the present invention is not limited to 5 the example embodiments. The configurations
and details of the present invention can be changed in various manners that can be understood by
one skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS
10 [0140]
100 face authentication system
200 face authentication apparatus
210 screen display unit
220 communication I/F unit
15 230 storage unit
231 information for detection
232 trained model
233 feature value information
234 image information
20 235 posture information
236 authentication result information
52
237 program
238 information for move destination estimation
240 operation processing unit
241 image acquisition unit
5 242 face region detection unit
243 posture detection unit
244 face region estimation unit
245 parameter adjustment unit
246 face authentication unit
10 247 output unit
300 camera
310 transmission and reception unit
320 setting unit
330 imaging unit
15 400 face authentication system
500 face authentication apparatus
540 operation processing unit
545 parameter adjustment unit
547 output unit
20 548 move destination estimation unit
600 face authentication system
53
700 face authentication apparatus
710 screen display unit
720 communication I/F unit
730 storage unit
5 731 information for detection
732 authentication-related information
733 image information
734 program
740 operation processing unit
10 741 image acquisition unit
742 feature detection unit
743 magnification instruction unit
744 face region detection unit
745 face authentication unit
15 800 camera
810 transmission and reception unit
820 zoom setting unit
830 imaging unit
900 detection apparatus
20 901 CPU
902 ROM
54
903 RAM
904 programs
905 storage device
906 drive device
5 907 communication interface
908 input/output interface
909 bus
910 recording medium
911 communication network
10 921 detection unit
922 setting change unit.

WE CLAIM:
1. A detection method executed by a detection apparatus, the detection method comprising:
performing detection of a face region based on image data acquired by a predetermined
imaging device; and
changing setting for performing a face region detection 5 process with image data acquired
by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection.
2. The detection method according to Claim 1, comprising
instructing the other imaging device to adjust a parameter used when the other imaging
10 device acquires image data, based on the result of the detection.
3. The detection method according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising
adjusting a face detection threshold value used for performing the face region detection
process with the image data acquired by the other imaging device, based on the result of the
15 detection.
4. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising
in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the
predetermined imaging device, changing the setting for performing the face region detection
20 process with the image data acquired by the other imaging device.
56
5. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, comprising
in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the
predetermined imaging device, changing setting for performing the face region detection process
with the image data acquired by the predetermined imaging device and performing detection of a
face region, and thereafter, changing the setting for performing 5 the face region detection process
with the image data acquired by the other imaging device.
6. The detection method according to Claim 5, comprising
in a case where a face region cannot be detected based on the image data acquired by the
10 predetermined imaging device, changing setting of a region estimated based on a result of detection
of a posture of a person, and also performing detection of a face region on the region estimated
based on the result of the detection of the posture of the person.
7. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, comprising
15 in a case where there are a plurality of other imaging devices, estimating an imaging
device located ahead in an advancing direction of a person based on a result of detection of a
posture of the person, and changing setting for performing the face region detection process with
image data acquired by the estimated imaging device.
20 8. The detection method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, comprising
detecting a feature of a person, and instructing the imaging device to acquire image data
57
in a state that the person is magnified based on a detected result.A detection apparatus comprising:
a detection unit configured to perform detection of a face region based on image data
acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and
15 a setting change unit configured to change setting for performing a face region detection
process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection by
the detection unit.A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded
thereon, the program comprising instructions for causing a detection apparatus to realize:
a detection unit configured to perform detection of a face region based on image data
acquired by a predetermined imaging device; and
10 a setting change unit configured to change setting for performing a face region detection
process with image data acquired by another imaging device, based on a result of the detection by
the detection unit.