Abstract: A method and device for automatically taking pictures of faces has a device for aligning and setting a camera to automatically take pictures of human faces, especially in connection with the electronic further processing (storage, identification, etc.) of face images. The face of a person is detected with the help of an opto-electronic image processing device to localize the direction of the person and his/her face, as a result of which, as a function of at least one positioning signal of the image processing device, a sensor aligning device (2) controls the viewing direction of the camera (8). The invention permits complete pictures, rich in detail, to be taken of faces (portraits) from a distance of several meters by means of a stationary camera without the need for any manual operations.

Abstract: A system for recognizing authorization of a person to use a vehicle includes an optical-electronic image processor arranged to identify an authorized user of the vehicle by recognizing a distinctive physical feature of the user. The image processor provides an output signal which controls locking functions relating to operation of the vehicle based on a comparison of detected information with stored information relating to distinctive individual features of authorized users so that only authorized persons are enabled to use the vehicle.