Image Processing, Image Feature Extraction and Image Matching Apparatuses, Methods and Programs, and Image Matching System

An image feature extraction apparatus comprising:

• image feature extraction means for extracting an image feature from each division region of an input image to generate feature data;
• control means for causing the image feature extraction means to act on the input image according to a plurality of input image division methods;
• and
• image feature output means for outputting a plurality of feature data generated using the plurality of input image division methods.

An image matching apparatus comprising:

• matching means for extracting an image feature from each division region of an input image to generate feature data and performing matching between the feature data and feature data for authentication so as to generate a matching result;
• control means for causing the matching means to act on the input image according to a plurality of input image division methods;
• and
• matching integration means for integrating a plurality of matching results generated using the plurality of input image division methods to generate integrated matching data.

An image matching method comprising:

• extracting an image feature from each division region of image data while changing a previously set image division method to generate a plurality of feature data;
• performing matching between the plurality of feature data and externally input feature data for authentication so as to generate a plurality of matching data;
• and
• integrating the plurality of matching data to generate integrated matching data.

An image matching system comprising:

• means for extracting an image feature from each division region of image data while changing a previously set image division method to generate a plurality of feature data;
• means for performing matching between the plurality of feature data and externally input feature data for authentication to obtain a plurality of matching score data;
• means for integrating the plurality of matching score data to generate integrated matching score data;
• and
• means for comparing the integrated matching score data and a previously set threshold to perform authentication.

An image matching program allowing a computer to execute:

• obtaining a plurality of feature data from image data by changing a previously set image division method;
• performing matching between the plurality of feature data and externally input feature data for authentication to obtain a plurality of matching data;
• and
• integrating the plurality of matching data to generate integrated matching data.