PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biometric authentication system or the like which allows for both acquisition of a clear image and miniaturization of the system.SOLUTION: The system includes: an imaging means which an epidermis of a living body faces and a radiation means which is spaced from the imaging means in such degree as to avoid light radiation to an epidermal part facing the imaging means and radiates light toward a deep tissue deeper than the epidermis of the living body. The imaging means images return light which returns in a direction other than a radiation direction due to scattering in the deep tissue, out of light radiated from the radiation means.COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT【課題】明瞭な画像取得と装置の小型化をともに実現可能な生体認証装置等を提案する。【解決手段】生体の表皮が対向される撮像手段と、撮像手段に対向される表皮部分に光が照らされることを避ける程度に、撮像手段から離間されて設けられ、表皮よりも生体の深部にある深部組織に向けて光を照射する照射手段とを有する。この撮像手段は、照射手段から照射される光のうち、深部組織での散乱により照射方向と異なる方向に戻る戻り光を撮像する。【選択図】図8
