JP2001092554A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor capable of efficiently recognizing a fingerprint as personal authentication without requiring a specific installation space. SOLUTION: The information processor is provided with a fingerprint detection sensor 201 for detecting (inputting) a fingerprint pattern and a power-on switch (or a key for information input and/or operation instruction) for turning on a power supply and the sensor 201 is attached to the surface of the power-on switch (or a prescribed key).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fingerprint pattern input means for inputting a fingerprint pattern, key input means having a power-on switch for turning on power or keys for inputting information and / or operating instructions, The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including:

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An information processing apparatus owned by an individual stores information that is difficult for others to know. Also, in order to prevent another person from processing and operating information using the information processing device by impersonating the owner, the information may be accessed or the information processing device may be accessed only when it is clear that the user is the owner. It is necessary to be able to perform the processing operation of

Conventionally, when accessing information or performing a predetermined processing operation, the owner has been identified using a password or the like. However, when a password or the like is used, there is always a risk that the password itself is stolen. Therefore, an individual may be identified by using a method other than the password, for example, personal ecological information. For personal ecological information, for example,
It is conceivable to use pattern recognition such as fingerprints, voiceprints, and irises of the eyes. Among them, fingerprint recognition, which is considered to be practical, has attracted attention.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, especially in the method of recognizing a fingerprint pattern,
A sensor for detecting a fingerprint has to be provided in the information processing apparatus main body or separately from the information processing apparatus. Therefore, when it is provided in the information processing apparatus main body, it is particularly necessary to
In a small portable information processing device such as a DA, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure a place (space) for installation. In addition, there is a problem in that providing separately is not practical in consideration of portability, and lowers work efficiency.

In addition, in the above-mentioned conventional method, when accessing information or performing a predetermined processing operation, an operation for causing the information processing apparatus to recognize a fingerprint pattern is required separately from the access or the processing operation. Therefore, there is a problem that the operation is complicated and the efficiency of the entire operation is reduced.

The present invention provides an information processing apparatus which does not require a special installation space and is capable of efficiently performing fingerprint recognition as personal authentication in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. The purpose is to do.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems To solve the above-mentioned problems,
In order to achieve the above object, a first configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus including a fingerprint pattern input unit for inputting a fingerprint pattern, and a power-on switch for turning on the power of the information processing apparatus main body. In the apparatus, the fingerprint pattern input means is provided on a surface of the power-on switch.

According to the first configuration of the present invention, it is possible to input a fingerprint pattern of a finger touching the surface of the power switch when the power is turned on.

[0009] A second aspect of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
The information processing apparatus comprises: a fingerprint pattern input means for inputting a fingerprint pattern; and a key input means having keys for inputting information and / or operating instructions to the information processing apparatus. To
The key input means is provided on a surface of a predetermined key.

According to the second configuration of the present invention, it is possible to input a fingerprint pattern of a finger touching the surface of the key when the key is pressed.

Further, a third aspect of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
Is a detecting means for detecting that the power-on switch is turned on or that the predetermined key is pressed, in the first structure or the second structure of the present invention, And a power supply unit for supplying power to the fingerprint pattern input unit based on the result detected by the power supply unit.

According to the third configuration of the present invention, power can be supplied to the fingerprint pattern input means only when a key is pressed, and there is no need to constantly supply power for inputting a fingerprint pattern, thereby saving power. Can be achieved.

Further, a fourth aspect of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
The configuration according to the first to third configurations of the present invention further includes a fingerprint collation unit that performs fingerprint collation based on the fingerprint pattern input by the fingerprint pattern input unit, and a result collated by the fingerprint collation unit. Control means for controlling power-on or execution of processing assigned to the predetermined key based on

According to the fourth configuration of the present invention, a predetermined processing operation can be validated after a fingerprint is collated and personal authentication is performed.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment (External Appearance of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external appearance of a mobile phone as an example of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, an information processing device (mobile phone) 10
No. 0 has a button-shaped power-on switch 101 on the surface of its housing 102.

On the surface of the power-on switch 101, a fingerprint detection sensor 201 described later is provided. Generally, in mobile phones, the interval between keys is small,
In the power-on switch 101, the interval (α) between the power-on switch 101 and the other keys is wider than the interval (β) between the other keys in order to reliably detect the fingerprint in the fingerprint detection sensor 201. Interval (α> β)
It is desirable to be arranged in.

(Contents of power-on switch) FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a power-on switch provided in the mobile phone shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, a stick-shaped fingerprint detection sensor 201 is built in the surface of a power-on switch 101. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the power switch shown in FIG. 2 from another direction. In FIG. 3, when the fingerprint is detected, the entire fingerprint pattern can be scanned by sliding the finger 300 in the direction of the arrow.

(Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus including the fingerprint detection circuit according to the first embodiment;

In FIG. 4, a power-on switch 101
And a fingerprint detection sensor 201.
A / D for converting analog data of a fingerprint pattern read by the fingerprint detection sensor 201 into digital data
A converter, 402, a CPU that controls the entire information processing apparatus, and 403, an R that stores a boot program and the like.
OM and 404 indicate a RAM used as a work area of the CPU 402, respectively.

(Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 5, the information processing apparatus includes a power-on switch 101, a fingerprint detection unit (circuit) 501,
Switch-on (press) detection section 502, circuit power supply section 503, fingerprint collation section 504, main power supply section 505
And a configuration including:

The fingerprint detection circuit 501 includes the above-described fingerprint detection sensor 201, and is for inputting (detecting) a fingerprint pattern and converting the pattern into collatable data. The switch-on (press) detection unit 502 detects that the power-on switch 101 is turned on.

The circuit power supply unit 503 supplies power to the fingerprint detection circuit 501 based on the result detected by the switch-on (press) detection unit 502. Specifically, normally, power is not supplied to the fingerprint detection circuit 501, but power supply to the fingerprint detection circuit 501 is started when the power supply switch 101 is turned on.

The fingerprint collation unit 504 includes a fingerprint detection circuit 501
The fingerprint collation is performed based on the fingerprint pattern detected by. Specifically, ROM 403 or RAM 4
For example, pattern matching is performed between a fingerprint pattern recorded (registered) on a recording medium such as 04 and the above detected fingerprint pattern to determine whether or not they match. Then, the result is transmitted to the power supply unit 503 and the main power supply unit 505.

The main power supply unit 505 includes a fingerprint matching unit 504
The power is turned on based on the result of the collation. Specifically, when the fingerprint pattern matches as a result of the collation, it is recognized that the user is the owner, and the supply of the main power to the entire information processing apparatus is started. In addition, the circuit power supply unit 503 may stop supplying power to the fingerprint detection circuit when it is determined that there is a mismatch as a result of the collation by the fingerprint collation unit 504.

Note that the fingerprint detection circuit 501, switch-on (press) detection unit 502, circuit power supply unit 503, fingerprint collation unit 504, and main power supply unit 505 are each a recording medium such as the ROM 403 and the RAM 404 shown in FIG. CPU 4 according to the instructions described in the program recorded in
02 realizes the function of each unit by executing the instruction processing.

(Processing Procedure of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, first, it is waited for the power switch to be pressed (step S601), and if the power switch is pressed (step S601: YES), power is supplied to the fingerprint detection circuit 501 (step S602).

Next, the process waits until the input of the fingerprint is completed (step S603), and when the input is completed (step S60).
If “3” is affirmative, collation with the registered fingerprint is performed (step S604). Then, it is determined whether or not it matches the registered fingerprint, that is, whether or not the fingerprint is confirmed (step S605).

If the fingerprint does not match the registered fingerprint in step S605 (No in step S605),
The power supply to the fingerprint detection circuit 501 is stopped (step S
606) Then, the process proceeds to step S601.

On the other hand, when the fingerprint matches the registered fingerprint in step S605 (Yes in step S605)
Is in a state where the main power is supplied and the mobile phone body can be used,
That is, a standby state is set (step S607).

If the fingerprint does not match the registered fingerprint in step S605 (No in step S605), the power supply to the fingerprint detection circuit 501 is stopped (step S606).
03 may receive the fingerprint detection end signal from the fingerprint detection circuit 501 and stop the power supply based on the fingerprint detection end signal.

A switch-on (press) detecting section 502
When the switch is released from the ON (pressed) state,
Specifically, when the finger 300 is released from the power-on switch 101, a switch-on (pressed) state release signal may be received, and the power supply may be stopped based on the release signal.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the fingerprint detection sensor 201 is provided on the surface of the power-on switch 101 for turning on the power of the information processing apparatus main body. The fingerprint pattern of the finger touching the surface of the power switch 101 can be input, thereby eliminating the need for a special installation space and efficiently performing fingerprint recognition as personal authentication.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the switch-on (press) detecting section 502 detects that the power-on switch 101 is turned on, and the circuit power supply section performs the operation based on the detected result. In order to supply power to the fingerprint detection circuit 501, the fingerprint detection circuit 50 is provided only when a key is pressed.
1 can be supplied with power and power can be saved.

According to the first embodiment, the fingerprint collating unit 504 performs fingerprint collation based on the detected fingerprint pattern, and the main power supply unit supplies power to the apparatus main body based on the collation result. After the fingerprint is collated and personal authentication is performed, the main power supply is turned on to be in a standby state.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the fingerprint detection sensor is provided on the surface of the power-on switch of the information processing apparatus. However, as in the second embodiment described below. Alternatively, a fingerprint detection sensor may be provided on the surface of a predetermined key of the keyboard of the information processing device.

(External Appearance of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an external appearance of a notebook personal computer as an example of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, an information processing device (notebook personal computer) 700 includes a keyboard 701 and a power-on button 7.
02 and a display 703.

(Appearance of Keyboard) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a keyboard of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 8, a keyboard 701 has at least an enter key 801 and a space key 802.

Since portable information processing apparatuses such as mobile personal computers and PDAs have many functions in a limited space, in order to achieve further miniaturization, a space for newly installing a fingerprint detection sensor is required. It is extremely difficult to secure. Therefore, the above problem is ensured by using both the key and the sensor.

(Contents of Enter Key) FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the enter key of the keyboard shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the enter key 801 has a larger surface area than other keys. Therefore, incorporating the fingerprint detection sensor 901 into the enter key 801 can increase the area of the fingerprint detection sensor and improve the accuracy of fingerprint detection.

More specifically, considering the size of a normal finger, the size of a fingerprint detection sensor 901 currently on the market is about 15 mm in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The area of the key surface) is larger than this. FIG. 9 shows a state where the fingerprint detection sensor 901 is attached to the enter key 801.

The size of the fingerprint detection sensor 901 is desirably the one described above. However, even if the size of the fingerprint detection sensor 901 is approximately 12 mm in both the vertical and horizontal directions, it substantially functions for fingerprint detection. May be an information processing apparatus in which the size of the key top is smaller than about 15 mm both vertically and horizontally.

(Contents of Space Key) FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the space key of the keyboard shown in FIG. The space key 802 generally has a horizontally long shape, and the length in the vertical direction is almost the same as the length of other keys. Therefore, a stick-shaped fingerprint detection sensor is used depending on the size of the key. As the stick-shaped fingerprint detection sensor, the same one as in the first embodiment may be used, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus including a fingerprint detection circuit according to a second embodiment.

In FIG. 11, an enter key 801 (or a space key 802) and a fingerprint detection sensor 901
, A / D converter 401, CPU 402, RO
M403 and RAM 404 are provided. A /
D converter 401, CPU 402, ROM 403, R
The AM 404 is the same as that shown in the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numeral is given and the description is omitted.

(Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG.
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus includes:
Enter key 801, space key 802, fingerprint detection unit (circuit) 501, circuit power supply unit 503, fingerprint collation unit 504, key press detection unit 1201, display unit 1
202. Here, a fingerprint detection unit (circuit) 501, a circuit power supply unit 503, a fingerprint collation unit 504
Are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will be omitted.

The key press detection unit 1201 detects that the enter key 801 or the space key 802 has been pressed. The circuit power supply unit 503 supplies power to the fingerprint detection circuit 501 based on the result detected by the key press detection unit 1201. Specifically, normally, power is not supplied to the fingerprint detection circuit 501, but when a key on which the fingerprint detection sensor 901 is mounted, such as an enter key 801 or a space key 802, is pressed, the fingerprint detection circuit 501 is not supplied. Start supplying power.

Display unit 1202 displays a predetermined screen on display 703 based on the result of the collation by fingerprint collation unit 504. Specifically, when the fingerprint patterns match as a result of the comparison, an initial screen that can be used when the owner is recognized is displayed.

The key press detecting section 1201 and the display section 1
202 is the ROM 403 and RAM shown in FIG.
The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 402 executing the instruction processing according to the instruction described in the program recorded on the recording medium such as 404.

(Processing Procedure of Information Processing Apparatus) FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, first, after the power is turned on (step S1301), a display for instructing to put a finger at a designated position (predetermined key) for fingerprint detection is performed (step S1302). Specifically, a message “Place the registered finger on the enter key” is displayed on the display 703.

Thereafter, the process waits until the input of the fingerprint is completed (step S1303), and when the input is completed (step S1)
Next, the acquired fingerprint is collated with the fingerprint registered in advance (step S1304). And whether it matches the registered fingerprint, that is,
It is determined whether or not the person is confirmed (step S130)
5).

If it does not match the registered fingerprint in step S1305 (No in step S1305)
Displays a message (step S1306), and then proceeds to step S1301. A specific example of the message is "It does not match the registered fingerprint."

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1305 that the fingerprint matches the registered fingerprint (Yes in step S1305), a usable initial screen is displayed on display 703 (step S1307).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the fingerprint detection sensor 901 is provided on the surface of the enter key 801 and / or the space key 802, the finger touches the surface of the key when the key is pressed. It is possible to input a fingerprint pattern, so that a special installation space is not required and the fingerprint recognition as personal authentication can be efficiently performed.

Further, according to the second embodiment, key press detecting section 1201 detects that enter key 801 or space key 802 has been pressed, and
03 supplies power to the fingerprint detection circuit 501 based on the result detected by the key press detection unit 1201, so that power can be supplied to the fingerprint detection unit 501 only when a key is pressed, thereby saving power. be able to.

Further, according to the second embodiment, fingerprint collation section 504 performs fingerprint collation based on the fingerprint pattern detected by fingerprint detection circuit 501, and display section 1201 provides
The usable initial screen can be displayed based on the result of the collation, and the device by another person can be prevented.

Also, instead of displaying the usable initial screen, a predetermined processing operation can be validated, so that when another person uses the apparatus left in a usable state, the predetermined processing operation can be performed. Can not be. As the predetermined processing operation, for example, transmission and rewriting of data, reference and copying of data, and the like can be considered.

Although the second embodiment has been described with reference to a notebook personal computer as an example, the present invention can be applied to the portable telephone and the like described in the first embodiment. That is, a fingerprint detection sensor is installed on the surface of the transmission key of the mobile phone, and the fingerprint is detected at the time of transmission. As a result, authentication is required each time a fee-charging operation is performed, so that it is possible to prevent the payment of an improper fee due to unauthorized use such as the theft of a mobile phone while the power is on.

Similarly, by installing a fingerprint detection sensor in the reception key, authentication is required each time reception is performed, so that it is possible to prevent others from receiving data without permission.
It can also have the effect of confidential communication.

Further, by installing a fingerprint detection sensor on a key for referring to a telephone number registered in a mobile phone, it is possible to prevent others from referring to information such as a telephone number.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The fingerprint pattern input means for inputting the fingerprint pattern is provided on the surface of the power-on switch for turning on the power of the information processing apparatus main body, so that when the power is turned on, the fingerprint pattern of the finger touching the surface of the power switch is input. As a result, it is possible to obtain an information processing apparatus that does not require a special installation space and that can efficiently perform fingerprint recognition as personal authentication.

According to the present invention, the fingerprint pattern input means for inputting a fingerprint pattern is provided on the surface of a predetermined key of the key input means having keys for inputting information and / or operating instructions to the information processing apparatus. Therefore, when a key is pressed, a fingerprint pattern that touches the surface of the key can be entered, thereby eliminating the need for a special installation space and efficiently recognizing the fingerprint as personal authentication. There is an effect that an information processing device capable of performing the operation can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, the detecting means detects that the power-on switch has been turned on or the predetermined key has been pressed, and the power supply means detects the power by the detecting means. Since power is supplied to the fingerprint pattern input means based on the detected result, power can be supplied to the fingerprint pattern input means only when a key is pressed, and power saving can be achieved. There is an effect that an information processing apparatus that does not require a large installation space and can efficiently perform fingerprint recognition as personal authentication can be obtained.

Further, according to the present invention, the fingerprint collating means performs fingerprint collation with the fingerprint pattern input by the fingerprint pattern inputting means, and the control means based on the result collated by the fingerprint collating means. In order to control the power-on or the execution of the processing assigned to the predetermined key, the predetermined processing operation can be validated after the fingerprint is collated and the personal authentication is performed. There is an effect that an information processing apparatus that does not require a space and that can efficiently recognize a fingerprint as personal authentication can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of a mobile phone as an example of an information processing device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a power-on switch provided in the mobile phone shown in FIG.

3 is an explanatory diagram showing the power-on switch shown in FIG. 2 from another direction.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus including the fingerprint detection circuit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of a notebook personal computer as an example of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an appearance of a keyboard of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment;

9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an enter key of the keyboard shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a space key of the keyboard shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus including a fingerprint detection circuit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram functionally showing the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 information processing device (mobile phone) 101 power-on switch 102 housing 201, 901 fingerprint detection sensor 401 A / D converter 402 CPU 403 ROM 404 RAM 501 fingerprint detection unit (circuit) 502 switch-on detection unit 503 circuit power supply unit 504 Fingerprint collation unit 505 Main power supply unit 700 Information processing device (notebook personal computer) 701 Keyboard 702 Power-on button 703 Display 801 Enter key 802 Space key 901 Fingerprint detection sensor 1201 Key press detection unit 1202 Display unit

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kokichi Ito 1-8-8 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture Inside Seiko Instruments Inc. (72) Inventor Yasuyuki Mitsuoka 1-8-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Seiko Instruments Inc. In-house F term (reference) 4C038 FF01 FF05 FG00 5B011 EA04 MB13 5B047 AA25 BC01 5B085 AE26

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a fingerprint pattern input means for inputting a fingerprint pattern; and a power-on switch for turning on a power supply of the information processing apparatus main body. An information processing device provided on a surface. 2. An information processing apparatus comprising: a fingerprint pattern input means for inputting a fingerprint pattern; and key input means having keys for inputting information and / or operating instructions to the information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus characterized in that means is provided on a surface of a predetermined key of the key input means. 3. A detecting means for detecting that the power-on switch is turned on or pressing of the predetermined key, and the fingerprint pattern input means based on a result detected by the detecting means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power to the information processing apparatus. 4. A fingerprint matching means for performing fingerprint matching based on a fingerprint pattern input by the fingerprint pattern input means; and turning on power or assigning to the predetermined key based on a result of the matching by the fingerprint matching means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit configured to control execution of the performed processing.