JP2000085536A - Controller for access to object - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a security function against unauthorized use by adding a function to a trigger unit for generating a trigger signal only when validity of a user's biological characteristic is authorized. SOLUTION: A biometrical detection unit is provided to each of trigger units 6 mounted to doors (e.g. all the doors) of an automobile 1. The biometrical detection unit detects and estimates a biometrical characteristic. Only when the trigger unit 6 decides that the biometric characteristic is valid, the trigger unit 6 outputs a trigger signal. A fingerprint, a voiceprint, a handprint, a signature, looks, an iris, or the like is used as the biometrical characteristic. By using this check of the biometrical characteristic and a conventional check of code information by a portable code input device 4 at the same time, the validity of a user is checked. Thereby, danger of a vehicle theft can be still more avoided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an access control device for an object, for example, an automobile, which is disposed inside or outside the object, for transmitting and receiving an inquiry code signal and / or receiving a response code signal. A portable code input device for transmitting a response code signal,
An evaluation unit for inspecting the received response code signal placed in the subject and relating to its validity and releasing the security device when the validity is identified, and a trigger unit for transmitting a trigger signal, whereby the inquiry code signal Alternatively, the present invention relates to an access control device that causes transmission of a response code signal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Such an access control device is known, for example, from European Patent Application EP-0138090 B1. This device has a transmitting / receiving unit arranged in a motor vehicle. For the operation of the trigger switch provided on the doorknob, an interrogation signal is transmitted from the transceiver unit there. When the portable code input device receives the interrogation signal, it automatically sends a response signal. This response signal is evaluated and checked for validity.
One or all doors are unlocked or the travel lock is released.

In such an access control device, a so-called inquiry-response dialog is triggered each time whoever touches the switch on the doorknob. Even if the code input device is obtained without permission, the vehicle can be completely used immediately.

German patent application DE 40 27 491
From the C2 specification, further access control devices are known in which a query-response dialog is triggered by a voice command. In this case, if the inquiry-response dialogue has passed without delay, a corresponding action is performed in the vehicle according to the content of the voice command.

[0005] Even in the case of this access control device, anyone who can obtain the code input device without permission can input a corresponding voice command, and can unlock the vehicle and use it improperly.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an access control device having a security function against unauthorized use which is further enhanced.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, a trigger unit having a biometric detection unit for detecting a biometric feature of a user, wherein the biometric feature is a trigger unit. Is checked for validity, and a trigger signal is generated only when the validity is authenticated.

[0008]

In this case, a trigger unit for a query-response dialog is provided, which detects and evaluates biometric features. The query-response dialog is then triggered only if the biometric feature is authenticated as valid.

An advantage of this is that only valid users can trigger the query-response dialog. This helps with theft protection. It also helps protect against unauthorized recording / playback of the query-response dialog to gain entry to the subject. According to the invention, a double check (check) for legitimacy
Is performed, the reliability of the access control device is high. This also helps prevent fraud such as insurance. This is because it is no longer possible to intrude into the target simply by obtaining a code input device.

[0010] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. For example, the trigger unit may be a fingerprint identification unit, a voice identification unit or an image identification unit for performing a unique identification of the user. Along with this user identification, personalized settings may be made on the subject. This is to be done by the user after entry in any case. For example, such an access control device is applicable in an automobile. For example, seats, air conditioners, mirrors, etc., may be automatically set for this user as soon as the person who wants to get on is identified as a legitimate person.

[0011]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

The access control device according to the present invention checks the legitimacy of the person in order to permit access to the object or use of the object. At this time, not only the legitimacy is checked, but also the corresponding person is identified. Next, this access control device will be described in detail below on the basis of use in the automobile 1 (FIG. 1).

The access control device according to FIG.
The transmission / reception unit 2 is provided. An inquiry code signal is transmitted via the antenna 3 and a response code signal is received. When the portable code input device 4 receives the inquiry code signal, it automatically sends and returns a response code signal. This signal is received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2,
It is evaluated there. When the validity of the response signal is determined, the security device 5 is triggered.

The security device 5 may be, for example, a traveling lock device. This makes it possible to start the internal combustion engine and run the vehicle 1 only when the legitimacy is found. The security device may be a lock device such as a centralized door lock device. This locks or unlocks the door or trunk when the validity of the response code signal is determined.

However, the inquiry signal is transmitted after a trigger is first made. For this purpose, for example, a trigger unit 6 is provided on all doors of the automobile 1. According to the invention, the trigger unit 6 has a biometric detection unit, which
Detect biometric characteristics of. This biometric feature is evaluated in the trigger unit 6. The trigger unit 6 performs an unambiguous verification of the user 7 and only sends a trigger signal if the biometric characteristic is validated.

As the biometric feature, for example, a fingerprint, a voiceprint, a handprint, a signature, a human face, an iris, etc. of the user 7 may be used.

FIG. 2 shows an access control device provided with a trigger unit 6. The trigger unit 6 detects a voice (voice) emitted from the user 7 as a biometric feature. To this end, a microphone 10 is provided, which is connected to the voice recognition unit 11. User 7 is 1
If one or more voices, words, partial or complete sentences are spoken, the voice is detected and compared to a stored voice pattern (recorded in main memory 12).

The voice is identified and verified, and the identity of the party itself and its validity are determined. If the user 7 is uniquely identified on the basis of his voice, the transceiver unit 2 is activated with a trigger signal. The transmission / reception unit 2 transmits an inquiry code signal to the transmission / reception unit 2 via one or more antennas 3.

Thereafter, the transmission / reception unit 2 waits for a response code signal. If the response code signal is received within a predetermined period, the validity of the response code signal is checked. In response, the code information included in the response code signal is compared with the target code information stored in the target code memory 13. When the validity of the response code signal is recognized, access to the automobile 1 is permitted, and the activation of the security device 5 is controlled or canceled.

Embodiment according to the present invention (application to automobile 1)
In, the security device 5 may be a door lock system (centralized door lock device) or a traveling lock device. Their release allows access to and use of the object (vehicle).

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further alternative embodiment for the trigger unit 6. In this case, FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. 2 or those having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The trigger unit 6 also detects and evaluates the biometric characteristics of the user 7 based on optical measurements. On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG.
Is provided. It captures a video image of a portion of the user 7, for example, a face, iris, and the like. The captured image is evaluated by the image processing unit 15. For this, a comparison with the stored pattern is performed. When the user 7 is identified by the comparison, the transmission / reception unit 2 is instructed to transmit the interrogation signal via the antenna 3, and is in a standby state for receiving a response signal.

The response code signal contains encoded information, and the validity of the information is checked. When the response code signal is received, the encoded information contained in the signal is compared with the target code information stored in the target code memory 13. When at least a sufficient match with the target code information is found, the security device 5 is released.

The trigger unit 6 may have a fingerprint sensor 17. This detects the fingerprint of the user 7 (FIG. 4). Advantageously, this fingerprint sensor 17 is
Are integrated on the operation surface 18. As soon as the finger 20 of the user 7 operates the switch 19, a fingerprint of a part of the finger 20 placed on the operation surface is detected. The fingerprint is subsequently evaluated and the identity of the user 7 and possibly the identity of the user 7 are checked. If the user 7 is unambiguously identified and justified, the query-response-dialog is triggered again.

A biometric switch 19 (as part of the trigger unit 6; here cooperating with the fingerprint sensor 17) is arranged at each door knob of the motor vehicle 1, at the opening of the hatchback and elsewhere. Is also good. Similarly, such a switch 19 is used to activate the vehicle 1
May be arranged in the room. In such a case, the switch 19 is an ignition switch. If the user 7 is identified based on the fingerprint, an inquiry-response-
The dialog is triggered. When the inquiry-response-dialog is achieved (when the validity of the code information is identified), the internal combustion engine is started and the vehicle can be started. If the query-response-dialog is not achieved, the engine is shut off again.

Advantageously, in conjunction with the switching of the switch 19, the supply of energy to the trigger unit 6 and the remaining units for biological feature detection may be switched.
To this end, a microswitch (not shown) may be arranged on the operation surface 18. This is the operation surface 18
Is switched by approaching, touching, or pressing, thereby making a connection to the energy source 21 (FIG. 2). This eliminates the need for energy in the stationary state. When necessary, that is, when there is a request for access, the supply of energy is turned on by operating the switch 19.

With the access control device according to the invention, a double check on the legitimacy of the user 7 is carried out. On the one hand, biometric characteristics are examined,
On the other hand, the code information emitted from the portable code input 4 is checked. In order to gain unrestricted access to the vehicle or object, the user 7 must first be fulfilled (even if this user is unauthorized) with two validity criteria. In this way, the risk of theft is avoided in the vehicle. This is because the thief has to fulfill not only the portable code input device 4 but also a validity check based on biometric characteristics. For example, insurance fraud can no longer be easily implemented. This is because it becomes difficult for a fraudster to sell the code input device 4 (key) together with the car 1 and register the car as a stolen car. In addition, even a face-up purchaser cannot use the car 1. Because access and use of the car is not possible without a unique identification of the user and the start of a query-response-dialog based on it.

Using this access control device,
Individual settings unique to the user may be performed on the target (for example, an automobile). The user 7 is identified based on the biometric detection unit. If the user's setting data is stored in the object, this is called up and the user 7 is confirmed and access is granted at the same time. Although not shown, a central control unit storing these setting data may be provided. At that time, the car 1, the seat, the air conditioner, the mirror,
Setting data on style etc. is user 7
May be set at the same time as the identification.

[0029] These settings are used for the transmission / reception unit 2 if it has a memory and corresponding control means.
It may be performed by.

The biological detection units 10, 14, 17
It may be provided in the portable code input device 4. At the same time that the user 7 places his / her finger on the fingerprint sensor 17, for example, the user 7 is identified and its validity is checked.
If the validity is determined, a code signal is transmitted from the code input device 4, and the target performs a check on the validity. If this code signal is also valid, access is permitted.

The objects for which entry or access is desired include computers, telephones, garages, hotel rooms,
Examples include a factory area and a security area in a building.

As such, voice identification systems, image identification systems, and fingerprint identification systems are well known and therefore need not be described in detail here.
In the present invention, a known system may be used for identification based on the biological characteristics of the user 7. The query-response-dialog is triggered only after the identification has been identified.

The transmission / reception unit 2 is provided inside and outside the object. In this case, the transmission / reception unit 2 may be configured in a common casing as a central control device. Further, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be spatially separated from each other and disposed inside and outside the object. Furthermore, a plurality of transmitting / receiving units 2 may be provided inside and outside the target.

Similarly, a plurality of antennas 3 may be provided at exposed locations inside and outside the object. These antennas may be configured to be used for both transmitting and receiving signals. Further, one antenna may be provided exclusively for transmission, and the other antenna may be provided exclusively for reception. Advantageously, these antennas 3 may be configured as antennas (or coil antennas). Similarly, the antenna 3 may be configured as a ferrite antenna, a rod antenna or other transmitting and / or receiving antenna.

For applications in the motor vehicle 1, the antenna 3 may advantageously be arranged in the door frame between the door skin and the door trim, inside the door trim or in the rearview mirror.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of an access control device according to the present invention in an example of access control for an automobile.

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of a voice identification unit of the access control device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram of an image processing unit of the access control device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a fingerprint identification unit of the access control device according to FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automobile 2 Transmission / reception unit 3 Antenna 4 Code input device 5 Security device 6 Trigger unit 7 User 10 Microphone 11 Voice identification unit 12 Main storage device 13 Target code memory 14 Camera 17 Fingerprint sensor 18 Operation surface 19 Switch

Claims (8)

[Claims] An access control device for an object, for example a motor vehicle (1), comprising: transmitting and receiving an inquiry code signal located inside and outside the object;
And / or a transmitting / receiving unit (2) for receiving a response code signal, a portable code input device (4) for transmitting a response code signal, and a response code signal related to its validity which is located in the subject and received. An evaluation unit (2, 13) for inspecting and releasing the security device (5) if validity is identified, and a trigger unit (6) for transmitting a trigger signal, whereby an inquiry code signal or a response code signal is provided. Wherein the trigger unit (6) detects a biometric characteristic of the user (7), wherein the trigger unit (6) detects a biometric characteristic of the user (7).
0,14,17), said biometric features being validated in a trigger unit (6),
An access control device wherein a trigger signal is generated only when the validity is authenticated. 2. The detection unit (10, 14, 17).
Is a fingerprint detection unit (12, 17), said fingerprint detection unit identifying itself based on its characteristic fingerprint, together with the legitimacy of the user (7). Control device. 3. The detection unit (10, 14, 17).
Is a voice identification unit (11,17), which identifies the user (7) himself based on his characteristic voice, together with the legitimacy of the user (7). Control device. 4. The detection unit (10, 14, 17).
Is an image identification unit (12,14,15), which identifies the user (7) based on its characteristic features or iris, together with the legitimacy of the user (7). 2. The access control device according to 1. 5. The trigger unit (6) is connected to a central control unit (2), wherein the central control unit is associated with individual settings for each user (7), the settings being associated with the user (7). The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the access control device is set in the object after the identification in 7). 6. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the trigger unit (6) is arranged on the object side and triggers an interrogation code signal after the identified identification. 7. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the object is a motor vehicle (1), and the security device (5) is a centralized door lock device or a travel lock device. 8. The trigger unit (6) is a manually operable ignition switch, the switch comprising:
2. The access control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation surface (18) has a fingerprint identification unit (17).