JP2001005972A - Device and method for individual authentication - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a device smaller, also to reduce the burden on a user in finger pattern input and improves reproducibility. SOLUTION: This individual authentication device consists of a sensor unit 1 and a host computer 2 and performs authentication by performing relative movement (slide) of a finger in the longitudinal direction with the finger in contact with the unit 1, the unit 1 performs sampling in a fixed interval and sends time series pattern data to the computer 2, and the computer 2 receives the time series pattern data, stores the data in a temporary memory 2a and synthesizes a characteristic pattern for the whole finger from the entire time series patterns stored in the memory 2a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a personal authentication device and a personal authentication method using an uneven pattern on the surface of the skin, particularly a finger.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an increasing need for a personal authentication device using biometric information as an alternative to a conventional password such as login to a personal computer as well as substitution of a key in entry / exit management of important facilities. I have.
It is convenient to use a finger as the biometric information, and a representative is a fingerprint that has been used in criminal investigations and the like.

[0003] The method is similar in that a finger is used. However, as a method different from the conventional fingerprint input, a one-dimensional multivalued projection signal (fingerprint information) in the longitudinal direction of the finger is obtained from an image signal of the entire finger.
And a method has been proposed in which this one-dimensional multi-valued projection signal is extracted as a characteristic amount of a finger and is used as a signal for personal authentication (“personal authentication method using finger characteristics”).
Takeda, Uchida, Hiramatsu, Matsunami, IEICE Technical Report: PRU89-50).

According to this, since a one-dimensional multi-level projection signal is used, the data amount can be reduced as compared with the case where a two-dimensional fingerprint image signal is used, and the processing algorithm can be simplified. For this reason, the signal processing speed is improved, and the time required for authentication verification can be reduced. Further, it is said that in this method, the influence of fingerprint convex portions, that is, interruption of finger ridges, is small.

[0005] To realize this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
Individuals who detect the characteristic pattern of a finger (in particular, a wrinkle pattern of a joint) by measuring the surface electric resistance value (DC impedance) of the finger as in JP-A-68930 and JP-A-7-85276, and perform identity verification. There was an authentication method.

Further, in the above-described resistance value measuring method, there is a problem that the surface condition of the finger such as the presence or absence of sweat is easily affected. There has been a personal authentication method in which the identity is similarly confirmed by measuring the capacitance value (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-26108).
No. 8).

In a conventional system using only a fingerprint pattern of a fingertip, an input method using a semiconductor chip sensor in addition to an optical system has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-917).
No. 69).

However, the concave / convex pattern of the fingertip is inherently fine, and has a disadvantage that a circuit for inputting the pattern becomes complicated and is easily affected by noise. Also, when this pattern is used for personal authentication, a complicated matching algorithm is required.

There is also a method using a pattern of the entire finger. There is a problem that the area of the input unit is larger than that of a fingerprint system using only the fingertip unit because one finger used for personal authentication rests on the finger rest unit and a signal is input as one operation. For this reason, personal computer (PC) peripheral devices such as a mouse and a keyboard, a notebook personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a notebook PC),
Incorporation into a portable information terminal itself is not always easy, as it requires some ingenuity in design and is subject to restrictions.

[0010] In addition, a general user requires more labor in inputting than in a method in which only a fingertip is placed in an input section, and a little accustomedness is required to place the finger with good reproducibility.

[0011] Further, in the case of the purpose of embedding into personal computer peripherals, it has been still difficult to realize a low cost.

[0012]

As described above, the concavo-convex pattern of the fingertip is inherently fine, and the circuit becomes complicated to input the pattern, and at the same time it is easily affected by noise. When a single finger used for personal authentication is rested on the finger rest part and a signal is input as a single operation, the area of the input part becomes larger as compared with the fingerprint method using only the finger tip part, and only the finger tip is required for the user. There is a problem that more labor is required at the time of input as compared with the method of placing in the input section, and it is necessary to get used to placing with good reproducibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a personal authentication device and a personal authentication method which can further reduce the size of the device, reduce the burden on the user when inputting a finger pattern, and have good reproducibility.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided a personal authentication apparatus comprising: input means for inputting characteristic information of a finger to be verified of a person to be verified; When relatively moved in the direction, control means for controlling the transfer of the characteristic information input from the input means at predetermined time intervals, storage means for temporarily storing the characteristic information for each predetermined time transferred by the control means, And synthesizing means for synthesizing characteristic information for the entire finger from all of the characteristic information for each predetermined time stored in the storage means.

According to the personal authentication apparatus of the present invention, there is provided an input means for dividing and inputting the characteristic information of a finger to be verified of a person to be verified into a plurality of pieces, and a longitudinal direction in which the finger to be verified is kept in contact with the input means. Control means for controlling the transfer of the plurality of divided pieces of feature information input from the input means at predetermined time intervals when the relative movement is performed, and the plurality of divided feature information for each predetermined time transferred by the control means. The storage unit temporarily stores information, and a synthesizing unit that synthesizes characteristic information for the entire finger from all of the plurality of divided pieces of characteristic information for each predetermined time stored in the storage unit.

According to the personal authentication apparatus of the present invention, input means for inputting characteristic information of two fingers to be collated by the person to be authenticated, and the two adjacent fingers to be collated contact the input means. Control means for controlling the transfer of the characteristic information input from the input means at predetermined time intervals when the relative movement is performed in the longitudinal direction while keeping the same, and temporarily storing the characteristic information for each predetermined time transferred by the control means. It comprises a storage means and a synthesizing means for synthesizing the characteristic information for the entire two fingers from all the characteristic information for each predetermined time stored in the storage means.

According to the personal authentication apparatus of the present invention, there is provided an input means for inputting characteristic information of a wrinkle pattern of a second joint of a finger to be collated by a person to be authenticated, and the second joint of the finger to be collated to the input means. Control means for controlling the transfer of the characteristic information of the wrinkle pattern of the second joint input from the input means when the part is touched; storage means for temporarily storing the characteristic information transferred by the control means; And processing means for processing the characteristic information stored in the storage means.

According to the personal authentication method of the present invention, when the finger to be verified is relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while being kept in contact with the input means for inputting the characteristic information of the finger to be verified,
The transfer of the feature information input from the input means at predetermined time intervals is performed, the transferred feature information for each predetermined time is temporarily stored, and the feature information for the entire finger is obtained from all of the stored feature information for each predetermined time. It is characterized in that information is synthesized.

In the personal authentication method of the present invention, the finger to be collated is relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while the finger to be collated is in contact with the input means for dividing and inputting the characteristic information of the finger to be collated into a plurality of pieces. At this time, the plurality of divided pieces of feature information inputted from the input means are controlled to be transferred at predetermined time intervals, and the plurality of pieces of transferred pieces of feature information at predetermined time intervals are temporarily stored. Characteristic information for the entire finger is synthesized from all of the plurality of pieces of characteristic information for each time.

According to the personal authentication method of the present invention, the two fingers to be collated in the longitudinal direction are kept in contact with the input means for inputting the characteristic information of the two fingers to be collated. When the relative movement is made, the characteristic information input from the input means is controlled to be transferred at predetermined time intervals, the transferred characteristic information at predetermined time intervals is temporarily stored, and the stored characteristic information at predetermined time intervals is stored. Is characterized in that the characteristic information for the entire two fingers is synthesized from all of.

According to the personal authentication method of the present invention, the second joint of the finger to be compared is brought into contact with input means for inputting the characteristic information of the wrinkle pattern of the second joint of the finger to be verified. In this case, the feature information of the wrinkle pattern of the second joint input from the input means is transferred and controlled, the transferred feature information is temporarily stored, and the stored feature information is processed. And

A personal authentication method for a notebook personal computer according to the present invention is a personal authentication method for a notebook personal computer having input means for inputting characteristic information of a finger to be collated by a person to be authenticated. When the finger to be compared is relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while being touched, the feature information input from the input means is transferred at predetermined time intervals, and the transferred feature information for each predetermined time is temporarily stored. Then, by synthesizing the characteristic information for the entire finger from all of the stored characteristic information for each predetermined time, and comparing the synthesized characteristic information for the entire finger with the previously registered characteristic information for the entire finger, It is characterized in that it is determined whether the person to be authenticated is himself or another person.

The personal authentication method for a portable information terminal device according to the present invention is a personal authentication method for a portable information terminal device having input means for inputting characteristic information of a finger to be collated by a person to be authenticated. When the finger to be compared is relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while being touched, the feature information input from the input means is transferred at predetermined time intervals, and the transferred feature information for each predetermined time is temporarily stored. Then, by synthesizing the characteristic information for the entire finger from all of the stored characteristic information for each predetermined time, and comparing the synthesized characteristic information for the entire finger with the previously registered characteristic information for the entire finger, It is characterized in that it is determined whether the person to be authenticated is himself or another person.

[0024]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a personal authentication device according to the present invention. This personal authentication device
It is composed of one sensor unit 1 and a host computer 2. The sensor unit 1 and the host computer 2 are connected by a standard external interface (parallel interface, USB, etc.). The host computer 2 has a temporary memory 2a for storing a finger characteristic pattern described later.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the sensor unit 1. The sensor unit 1 includes, for example, a pattern input unit 3 and a control unit 4 that are made into one chip.

Next, a first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the pattern input section 3 in the sensor unit 1 of the first embodiment. The pattern input unit 3 includes a linear electrode array 5, an analog switch group 7, an oscillator 8, a timing pulse generator 9, a detection circuit 10, an A / D converter 11, and a terminating resistor 12. The linear electrode array 5 includes a plurality of output electrodes 5a,.

The linear electrode array 5 has a plurality of linear output electrodes 5a,... Extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the finger F to be collated with the authentication target at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger F. It is constituted by arranging in. The interval between the output electrodes 5a is, for example, about 1/10 mm. The end along the longitudinal direction of the finger F is long in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the finger F,
Is provided with a single input electrode 6 whose width in the longitudinal direction is longer than the output electrode 5a.

One end of the analog switch group 7 is connected to each of the plurality of output electrodes 5a. The analog switch group 7 is sequentially turned on and off by a timing pulse output from the timing pulse generator 26.
The other ends of the analog switch group 7 are commonly connected, and this common connection point is connected to the output of the oscillator 8. In this example, the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 8 is set to, for example, 1 MHz (megahertz).

The input electrode 6 is connected to a ground point via a terminating resistor 12 and to the input of the detection circuit 10. The output of the detection circuit 10 is input to the A / D converter 11. The A / D converter 11 performs A / D conversion according to the timing pulse output from the timing pulse generator 9.

The pattern input unit 3 realizes a capacitance detecting unit fixed to a substrate for detecting an impedance generated by capacitive coupling between one contacting finger F and one-dimensionally arranged electrodes. I have.

In the pattern input section 3, the number of output electrodes 5a arranged at a constant pitch on the substrate is plural, and the width of capacitance detection (output electrode 5a) is set so that one finger can sufficiently contact. ing. Further, the length is determined in consideration of the pitch of the electrode arrangement, the relative sliding speed of the finger, the data acquisition speed / cycle, and the length of the overlapping acquisition data for each time-series data. Further, it is assumed that the data transfer to the host computer 2 is sufficiently completed within the data capture cycle time.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the control unit 4 in the sensor unit 1 of the first embodiment, which comprises a CPU 13, a storage unit 15, and an interface (I / F) 14. The control unit 4 includes a CPU 13 that controls the whole of the sensor unit 1 including a control of receiving the data sent from the pattern input unit 3, a storage unit 15 that stores the data, and a host computer 2 that receives an instruction from the host computer 2. An interface 14 for transferring data to the computer is realized. Interface 14 is
For example, USB and IEEE1394.

In the first embodiment, the input of the characteristic pattern of one finger as a whole is performed by relatively moving (sliding) the finger in the longitudinal direction while keeping the finger in contact with the sensor unit 1 as shown in FIG. . The sensor unit 1 performs sampling at regular time intervals, and sends time-series pattern data to the host computer 2.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a finger feature pattern obtained from the sensor unit 1. As shown, the output electrodes 5a,... And the input electrodes 6 in the sensor unit 1 are covered with an insulator thin film 16 as an electrical insulator. Then, a finger characteristic pattern is input by sliding a finger on the insulator thin film 16.

FIG. 6 is an example of a time-series pattern. The host computer 2 determines the time t ₁ of the time series pattern,
By analyzing t ₂ ,... t _n , a feature pattern corresponding to one finger as a whole is finally synthesized.

Next, the overall processing performed by the host computer 2 in such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the host computer 2 receives finger characteristic pattern data as a time series pattern at a time interval of Δt transferred from the sensor unit 1 and stores it in the temporary memory 2a (Process 1).

Subsequently, the host computer 2 sets the time t
The process of calculating the overlapping partial pattern between the finger feature pattern at and t + 1 is repeated, and the overlapping portion between all the patterns is determined (process 2). If there is any abnormality here, the process ends.

In this way, the host computer 2 synthesizes a characteristic pattern for the entire finger from all the time-series patterns stored in the temporary memory 2a (process 3), and terminates.

FIG. 8 shows the state of the shift comparison calculation between the finger feature patterns at times t and t + 1, and the processing of combining one finger feature pattern as a whole by overlapping the overlapping portions.

The operation of the above processing 2 of the host computer 2 for actually calculating the overlapping partial pattern will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the host computer 2 sets the overlap prediction width to L, the maximum shift width to S, and the collation degree threshold to T (0 ≦ T ≦
1) (ST1). Then host computer 2
Calculates the shift width P and the collation degree M (0 ≦ M ≦ 1) that maximize the collation degree by shifting the finger feature pattern at times t and t + 1 forward and backward with respect to L as a reference point (ST2).

Then, the host computer 2 compares the obtained collation degree M with the collation degree threshold value T (ST3), and when the same is greater than or equal to the threshold value P, shifts the above P to the processing 3 as the overlap width of the pattern at time t and t + 1. . In step ST3, if M ≧ T is not satisfied, it is determined to be abnormal.

In this embodiment, the data acquisition (sampling) speed and the data acquisition cycle of the sensor unit 1 are sufficiently faster than the finger sliding speed, and the relative sliding speed of the finger is locally substantially constant. At this time, the characteristic pattern at time t and time t + 1 always has an overlapping portion (see FIG. 6).

For example, if the width of the sensor unit 1 is 5 mm,
The pitch of the electrode arrangement is 5 lines / mm (electrode width: 0.1 mm,
(Electrode interval: 0.1 mm), the total number of electrodes of the sensor unit 1 is 25. Assuming that the data acquisition speed for 25 lines is 0.005 (1/200) seconds and the finger slide speed is assumed to be almost constant and 10 mm / second, the distance of the finger moving in 0.005 seconds is 0.05 mm (<0). .1mm)
It can be said that the data acquisition speed is sufficient.

The data fetching period is determined depending on how many overlapping portions are measured for data. This overlapping portion should be set in consideration of the degree of noise at the time of data acquisition and the detection accuracy of the overlapping portion between the time-series data. For example, when it is desired to capture time-series data by overlapping data of 15 electrodes, the moving time of the finger is 0.2 seconds because the moving distance of the finger is 10 electrodes (2 mm). Therefore, the data fetch cycle is set to 0.
It may be set to 2 seconds. At this time, the number of data of one feature pattern is 25, and the feature patterns are obtained one after another in a time series at intervals of 0.2 seconds. The transfer of 25 data to the host computer 2 is executed so as to be sufficiently completed within 0.2 seconds of the data fetch cycle.

The host computer 2 temporarily buffers all the time-series patterns in a temporary memory 2a contained therein. Then, a process of obtaining the overlapping portion by performing a partial correlation operation of two adjacent feature patterns on the time series is executed one after another, and the data length is corrected by estimating the finger sliding speed. Finally, one final feature pattern is synthesized by overlapping the overlapping portions. At this time, the data value of each sample point of the overlapping portion is an average value thereof.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the result of the synthesis in the host computer 2 in this way.

In this case, the state where the finger is placed (time point)
It is assumed that the detection of the state (time point) in which the finger is released is performed by the host computer 2 calculating the sum of the signal levels of the characteristic patterns. That is, it is determined that the finger is touching when the sum is equal to or more than a certain value.

The method of registering and collating these data may be the same as the conventional one.

Here, the processing operation of registration and verification of personal data performed by the host computer 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The host computer 2 performs a filtering process (noise removal and feature emphasis) on the feature pattern obtained by combining the entire finger obtained in the process 3 (ST11). The personal data is registered in a storage device (not shown) (ST13).

If the collation mode is set in step ST12, the host computer 2 calculates the collation degree with reference to the storage device (not shown) (ST13), and compares the calculated collation degree with a preset threshold value. Compare (ST1
4) If the degree of collation ≧ threshold, “Person” is output,
If the collation degree is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, “other” is output (S
T16).

As a modification of the first embodiment, the detection of the state where the finger is placed (time) and the state where the finger is released (time) may be combined with another means such as a pressure sensor.

The detection of the relative sliding speed of the finger in the longitudinal direction may be realized by adding a mechanism such as a rotating roller and measuring the rotating distance (assuming that the finger does not slip). At this time, the number of output electrodes may be one in principle, but it is possible to increase the reliability of data by performing averaging processing on the overlapped portion by considering a variation in signals.

FIG. 12 shows signal values obtained at each time point.
An example of a characteristic pattern of the entire finger obtained by arranging on the time axis in units of electrodes based on information on the relative sliding distance of the finger (the rotation distance of the rotating roller) is shown (when the number of output electrodes is two).

FIG. 12A shows a characteristic pattern of the entire finger including the first joint portion and the second joint portion. FIG. 12B shows a state in which the output electrode slides the finger F on the sensor unit at a distance of Δl in the sliding direction (right direction in the figure) R. For example, it is assumed that a data capture signal is output from the rotation distance sensor of the rotation roller every time the relative movement distance of the finger is Δl / N (N is an appropriate positive integer of 1 or more). FIG. 12C shows the acquired data obtained at the output electrode, and FIG.
2 (d) shows the acquired data obtained at the output electrode. (E) of FIG. 12 shows the characteristic pattern data of the entire finger obtained by superimposing the data obtained at the output electrode and the data obtained at the output electrode by shifting them by a distance Δl. In addition, the overlapping part is taking the average.

Further, the substrate forming the fixed capacitance detecting section may be of a fixed + or flexible type depending on the application. In the circuit mounting of the sensor unit, for example, it is possible to reduce the area of the substrate by mounting the electrode portion on the front surface of the substrate and mounting other circuits on the rear surface (double-side mounting).

Further, when the finger is relatively moved in contact and its surface unevenness pattern data is captured, the movement range may be the entire finger, or may be a specific portion, for example, only near the second joint. .

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the pattern input unit 3 in the sensor unit 1 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the control unit 4 in the sensor unit 1 of the second embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment,
This configuration uses a sensor unit in which two pattern input units are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the finger (two output electrodes are arranged in the lateral direction).

The pattern input section 3 shown in FIG. 13 includes a linear electrode array 20, analog switch groups 24 and 25, oscillators 26 and 27, a timing pulse generator 28, band pass filters (BPF) 31, 32, and a detection circuit 33. , 34,
It is composed of A / D converters 35 and 36 and the terminating resistor 12. The linear electrode array 20 includes a plurality of output electrodes 21,..., A plurality of output electrodes 22,.

In the pattern input unit 3 of the second embodiment, the processing after the input electrode 23 is divided into two systems,
, Output electrodes 22, ..., analog switch group 24,
25, oscillators 26 and 27, bandpass filter (BPF
# 1, BPF # 2) 31, 32, detection circuits 33, 34,
It has A / D converters 35 and 36 and two systems as shown in FIG. Each configuration is shown in FIG.
The left side of the finger placed on the output electrode (output electrode 2
2,...) And the right side (output electrodes 21,...) Feature patterns are extracted.

The oscillator (# 1) 26 and the oscillator (# 2) 27
Are sequentially connected to the right output electrodes 21,... And the left output electrodes 22,. The oscillation frequencies of these two oscillators 26 and 27 are set to be different from each other. The band-pass filters 31 and 32 are respectively connected to the oscillator 26,
The pass band of the frequency is selected so as to pass the frequency component of the output of the oscillator 27 and block the other frequency component.
With such a configuration, even if both output electrodes (21, 22) are connected to the oscillators (26, 27) at the same time as shown in FIG. Can be.

The control unit 4 shown in FIG. 14 includes a CPU 13, an interface (I / F) 14, a storage unit 15, and a FIFO.
(First In First Out) memories 41 and 42 and switches 43, 44, 45 and 46.

The control section 4 of the second embodiment has two FIFO memories 41 and 42 for temporarily storing the characteristic pattern obtained by the pattern input section 3, and the CPU 13, the storage section 15, the interface 14 Are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

The CPU 13 simultaneously controls the writing / reading of the FIFO memories 41 and 42 by using the switches 43 to 46, so that when the pattern input unit 3 writes the characteristic pattern to the FIFO memories 41 and 42,
The characteristic patterns are read from the IFOs 41 and 42. CP
U13 captures data (feature patterns)
Data (feature patterns) for two channels are transferred to the host computer 2 in a fixed order. (B) of FIG.
Shows an example of data (feature pattern) transfer. With such a configuration, the feature pattern data for two channels can be transferred while being continuously captured.

The host computer 2 obtains an overlap between the time-series patterns in the transferred feature pattern data for each channel in the same manner as in the first embodiment. At this time, the overlap calculation is performed while synchronizing between the two channels (while preserving the positional relationship), and the part that maximizes the sum of the correlation values of both is determined as the overlap part.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a process of detecting an overlapping portion in a two-channel time-series pattern. Similarly, at the time of the matching process, the matching pattern and the matching calculation (optimal correlation while shifting the position of the entire pattern) are performed while synchronizing each channel. The overall matching degree in the case of multiple channels is defined as the sum of the matching degrees of each channel.

In the second embodiment, the pattern input units having two sequences are operated in parallel. However, if the pattern capturing speed is sufficient, they may be operated sequentially.

In the above-described sensor unit, a pattern input unit having two lines is used. However, a plurality of lines can be arranged and processing of a multi-channel time-series pattern can be performed in the same manner as described above.

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of a sensor unit 51 for inputting a feature pattern using two adjacent fingers. In the third embodiment, an index finger and a middle finger are used. The width of the sensor unit 51 is set to an appropriate value (about twice the width of the first embodiment). Host computer 5
2 is the same as the processing of the multi-channel time-series pattern in the second embodiment.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 18 shows a configuration example of the sensor unit 61 using only the wrinkle pattern of the second joint. In the fourth embodiment, the width of the sensor unit 61 is set to 1
The length includes just one joint, so there is no need to slide the fingers relative to each other. Host computer 62
Are the same as the processing of the multi-channel time-series pattern of the second embodiment, but in this case, the processing for obtaining the overlapping portion and the processing for synthesizing the entire pattern are not required, so that the processing is considerably reduced. You.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 19 shows that the sensor unit 71
This figure shows an example of the configuration of a personal authentication device that is incorporated in the upper part of a lid (liquid crystal display unit) of C70 and that inputs a characteristic pattern of a finger by sliding the finger side. The host computer at this time is the notebook PC 70 of the built-in main body, and the processing performed by the CPU (not shown) of the notebook PC 70 is the same as in the above embodiment.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the configuration of a personal authentication device in which a sensor unit 81 is incorporated into a portable information terminal 80 and a finger characteristic pattern is input by manually sliding the sensor unit 81 side (terminal body). is there.
As the portable information terminal 70, various portable devices such as a mobile phone and an electronic organizer with a built-in computer can be considered. The host computer in this case is a CPU built in the portable information terminal 80, and the processing performed by this CPU is the same as in the above embodiment.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the capacitance distribution corresponding to the uneven pattern on the surface of the skin to be contacted can be obtained, so that highly reliable personal authentication can be performed.

Further, since the capacitance distribution is obtained from the relative movement between the capacitance detector and the skin to be detected, a small-sized capacitance detector can be used, and the device can be downsized. can do.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the above embodiment, the case of personal authentication using the uneven pattern on the surface of the finger has been described. However, the uneven pattern on the surface of another part, for example, the uneven pattern on the surface of a large part such as a hand or foot is used. It can also be applied to personal recognition. In this case, since the entire apparatus is of a stationary type, electric power can be used for scanning linear contact electrodes (linear electrode arrays) and the like. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0085]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a personal authentication device and a personal authentication method with high reproducibility by further reducing the size of the device and reducing the burden on the user when inputting a finger pattern.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a personal authentication device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sensor unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a pattern input unit in the sensor unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit in a sensor unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a finger feature pattern obtained from a sensor unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a time-series pattern.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the overall processing operation performed by the host computer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing processing for synthesizing one finger feature pattern.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the host computer.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a result of synthesis in a host computer.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing operations for registering and collating personal data;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a characteristic pattern of the entire finger.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pattern input unit in the sensor unit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control unit in the sensor unit of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining two-series pattern input;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a process of detecting an overlapping portion for a two-channel time-series pattern.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a sensor unit that inputs a feature pattern using two adjacent fingers.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a sensor unit using only a wrinkle pattern of a second joint.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example in which a sensor unit is incorporated in a notebook PC.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which a sensor unit is incorporated in a portable information terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 51, 61, 71, 81: sensor unit (input means) 2, 52, 62: host computer (storage means, synthesizing means, processing means) 3: pattern input section 4: control section (control means) 5, 20 ... Linear electrode array 5a, 21,22 ... Output electrode 6,23 ... Input electrode 7,24,25 ... Analog switch group 8,26,27 ... Oscillator 9,28 ... Timing pulse generator 10,33,34 ... Detection Circuits 11, 35, 36 A / D converter 12 Terminating resistor 13 CPU 14 Interface 15 Storage unit 41, 42 FIFO memory

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenichi Ide 70 Yanagicho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa F-term in Toshiba Yanagimachi Plant (reference) 5B043 AA04 AA09 BA03 EA05 FA07 FA09 GA02

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An input means for inputting characteristic information of a finger to be verified of a person to be verified, and when the finger to be verified is relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while being kept in contact with the input means, Control means for controlling transfer of input characteristic information at predetermined time intervals; storage means for temporarily storing characteristic information for each predetermined time transferred by the control means; characteristics for each predetermined time stored in the storage means Synthesizing means for synthesizing feature information for the entire finger from all of the information, and a personal authentication device. 2. An input means for inputting a plurality of pieces of characteristic information of a finger to be collated by a subject to be collated, and when the finger to be collated is relatively moved in a longitudinal direction while being kept in contact with the input means. Control means for controlling transfer of a plurality of divided pieces of characteristic information input from the input means at predetermined time intervals; and storage for temporarily storing the plurality of divided pieces of characteristic information at predetermined time intervals transferred by the control means. Means for synthesizing characteristic information for the entire finger from all of the plurality of divided pieces of characteristic information for each predetermined time stored in the storage means. 3. An input means for inputting characteristic information of two fingers to be collated by the subject to be collated, and the two fingers to be collated are kept in contact with the input means in the longitudinal direction. Control means for controlling transfer of characteristic information input from the input means at predetermined time intervals when the relative movement is performed; storage means for temporarily storing characteristic information for each predetermined time transferred by the control means; Synthesizing means for synthesizing characteristic information for the entire two fingers from all of the characteristic information for each predetermined time stored in the means. 4. An input means for inputting characteristic information of a wrinkle pattern of a second joint of a finger to be collated by a person to be authenticated, and when the second joint of the finger to be collated contacts the input means. Control means for controlling the transfer of the characteristic information of the wrinkle pattern of the second joint input from the input means; storage means for temporarily storing the characteristic information transferred by the control means; A personal authentication device, comprising: processing means for processing characteristic information. 5. The characteristic information inputted from the input means when the finger to be collated is relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while being in contact with the input means for inputting characteristic information of the finger to be collated by the subject. At predetermined time intervals, temporarily storing the transferred characteristic information at predetermined time intervals, and synthesizing characteristic information for the entire finger from all of the stored characteristic information at predetermined time intervals. Characteristic personal authentication method. 6. When the finger to be collated is relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while being kept in contact with the input means for dividing and inputting the characteristic information of the finger to be collated by the subject into a plurality of pieces, The input characteristic information divided into a plurality of pieces is transferred and controlled at predetermined time intervals, the transferred characteristic information divided into plural pieces every predetermined time is temporarily stored, and the stored plural pieces of characteristic information are divided into plural pieces every predetermined time. A personal authentication method characterized in that feature information for the entire finger is synthesized from all of the obtained feature information. 7. When the two fingers to be collated are relatively moved in the longitudinal direction while the two fingers to be collated are kept in contact with input means for inputting characteristic information of two fingers to be collated to be collated by the subject. Transfer control of the characteristic information input from the input means at a predetermined time interval, temporarily storing the transferred characteristic information at a predetermined time interval, and selecting two of the stored characteristic information at a predetermined time interval. A personal authentication method characterized in that feature information for the entire finger is synthesized. 8. When the second joint of the finger to be collated is contacted with the input means for inputting the characteristic information of the wrinkle pattern of the second joint of the finger of the person to be collated, the input means A personal authentication method, comprising: transferring and controlling input characteristic information of a wrinkle pattern of a second joint, temporarily storing the transferred characteristic information, and processing the stored characteristic information. 9. A personal authentication method for a notebook personal computer having input means for inputting characteristic information of a finger to be verified of a person to be verified, wherein the finger to be verified is kept in contact with the input means. When relatively moved in the longitudinal direction, the feature information input from the input means is transferred at predetermined time intervals, the transferred feature information at predetermined time intervals is temporarily stored, and the stored feature information at predetermined time intervals is stored. By synthesizing feature information on the entire finger from all of the information, and comparing the synthesized feature information on the entire finger with the feature information on the entire pre-registered finger, the user is the authenticated person or the other person. A personal authentication method for a notebook personal computer, wherein 10. A personal authentication method for a portable information terminal device having input means for inputting characteristic information of a finger to be verified of a person to be verified, wherein the finger to be verified is kept in contact with the input means. When relatively moved in the longitudinal direction, the feature information input from the input means is transferred at predetermined time intervals, the transferred feature information at predetermined time intervals is temporarily stored, and the stored feature information at predetermined time intervals is stored. By synthesizing feature information on the entire finger from all of the information, and comparing the synthesized feature information on the entire finger with the feature information on the entire pre-registered finger, the user is the authenticated person or the other person. A personal authentication method for a portable information terminal device, characterized in that it is determined whether or not the personal authentication is performed.