PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a photography condition for each authentication, on which the identity can not be ensured by the prior arts, uniform at low costs in an operation system that is burden-free for a user.SOLUTION: An authentication apparatus includes: guide means such as a pattern or molding that allows a user to image a portion at which a finger is to be placed or to which the finger is made close, in guide means, contact means such as a button switch being provided at a portion to place a tip of the finger and an optical opening part being provided at a portion to place a portion to be imaged for authentication a light source for irradiating the portion to be imaged with near infrared light and imaging means for capturing an image formed from near infrared light transparent through the portion to be imaged, through the opening part. Furthermore, the apparatus includes start means for starting authentication when a contact is connected by the contact means, and shield means for shielding external light which is permeated to the imaging means.COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT【課題】 従来の技術では同一性が保証できなかった、認証ごとの撮影条件を、ユーザにとって負担のない操作体系の中で低コストに均一化させることにある。【解決手段】 上記の目的を達成するため、認証装置において、指を置くか、しくは近づけるべき部位をユーザに想起させる模様もしくは造形等のガイド手段と、該ガイド手段では、指先を置くべき部位にボタンスイッチ等の接点手段を、認証のための被撮像部分を置くべき部位に光学上の開口部を設け、該被撮像部分に近赤外光を照射する光源と、該開口部を通して、該被撮像部分を透過した近赤外光が成す画像を撮影するための撮像手段とを設ける。また、該接点手段により、接点が接続された場合に認証を開始する起動手段と、該撮像手段に侵入する外光を遮断する遮蔽手段を設ける。【選択図】 図1
