JP2001256198A - Information storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information storage device for storing information required by an individual and providing a user with the information only when the user is recognized as the individual. SOLUTION: This information storage device is provided with a fingerprint storage part for storing the fingerprint pattern of a specified user, an information storage part for storing the information, a liquid crystal display part 1 for presenting the information read from the information storage part, a fingerprint detection part 3 for detecting the fingerprint pattern of the user and a control part for comparing and discriminating the fingerprint pattern detected in the fingerprint detection part 3 with and from the fingerprint pattern of the specified user stored in the fingerprint storage part and making the information readable from the information storage part only when both fingerprint patterns match.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information storage device for providing information stored in advance to a user as needed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the advance of computerization, various services using information terminal equipment have become widespread. In these services, a card created in advance is inserted into an information terminal device, and only the person who inserts the card can confirm the identity of the person who can receive the service for security reasons. It is common to input a password.

[0003]

By the way, the person's date of birth and the telephone number owned by the person are often used as they are as the password, but if the password is determined easily as described above, the password is difficult. Can be easily predicted and used by malicious third parties without permission. Therefore, it is preferable to use a number that is completely unfamiliar to the person so that the password is not easily predicted by a third party, but this makes it difficult for the person to remember the password, and once forgotten, such You will not be able to use the service.

Further, in order to use a plurality of different services, it is necessary to create a card for each service and individually register a personal identification number, but once the same personal identification number is registered for different services, once the personal identification number is registered, If they were stolen, all of those services could be used without permission by malicious third parties.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to change the password for each service to be used, but it is difficult to remember all of them. Also, even if the PIN is determined based on the date of birth or the telephone number owned, it may be difficult for the elderly to remember.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and stores information required by a person in advance and uses the information only when it is recognized that the user is the person. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information storage device provided to a user.

[0007]

As means for solving the above-mentioned problems, an information storage device having the following configuration is employed. That is, the information storage device according to claim 1 includes a fingerprint storage unit that stores a fingerprint pattern of a specific user;
An information storage unit for storing information, an information disclosure unit for disclosing information read from the information storage unit, a fingerprint detection unit for detecting a fingerprint pattern of a user, and a fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint detection unit And a control unit for comparing and discriminating the fingerprint pattern of the specific user stored in the fingerprint storage unit and enabling information to be read from the information storage unit only when both fingerprint patterns match. I do.

[0008] A person who intends to use this information storage device stores his / her own fingerprint pattern in the fingerprint storage unit in advance, and further stores necessary information in the information storage unit. And when trying to retrieve information,
When a finger is pressed against the fingerprint detection unit, the fingerprint pattern of the finger is detected and compared with a previously stored fingerprint pattern. When both fingerprint patterns match, information is read from the information storage unit. It is disclosed to the information disclosure department. However, even if a third party other than a specific user presses a finger on the fingerprint detection unit, information is not read from the information storage unit and is not disclosed unless the fingerprint pattern stored in advance matches the fingerprint pattern. . As a result, only a specific user can extract necessary information when necessary.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information storage device according to the first aspect, the fingerprint detection unit repeatedly detects a fingerprint pattern and compares it with a fingerprint pattern of the specific user each time. And if the two fingerprint patterns do not match or the fingerprint detection unit does not detect the fingerprint pattern, the information disclosure in the information disclosure unit is interrupted.

[0010] The information disclosure in the information disclosing unit is performed by repeatedly detecting the fingerprint pattern of the specific user in the fingerprint detecting unit and comparing the detected fingerprint pattern with the fingerprint pattern of the specific user stored in the fingerprint storage unit. Is performed only when the password matches, and the process is stopped when the fingerprint pattern of the specific user is not detected. In this case, even if the information storage device is separated from the hand of a specific user, information does not leak to others. The information disclosing unit may employ a display means such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying numbers and characters, and a voice transmission stage for transmitting information by voice.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information storage device of the first aspect, a pressure detecting unit is provided in the fingerprint detecting unit, and the information is disclosed when a pressed finger is separated from the fingerprint detecting unit. Disclose the information in the department.

The information disclosure in the information disclosure section is performed only while the fingerprint detection section detects the fingerprint pattern of a specific user and the pressure of the finger pressed by the fingerprint detection section is detected by the pressure detection section. When the pressed finger leaves the fingerprint detection unit, the operation is stopped. In this case, even if the information storage device is separated from the hand of a specific user, information does not leak to others.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information storage device of the first, second or third aspect, an input unit for inputting information to the information storage unit is provided.

Information input to the information storage unit is performed by the input unit. The input unit may have a plurality of keys such as a calculator and a personal computer, or may have a function of voice input. Further, the input unit may be integrated with the information storage device main body, but may be configured such that a personal computer or the like is used as an input unit and an external input is performed via a signal cable or the like.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment of an Information Storage Device According to the Present Invention
The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the information storage device according to the present embodiment has a shape of a card having the same size as a cash card or the like, and has a liquid crystal display ( An information disclosing unit) 1, a key operation unit (input unit) 2 for inputting information or selecting necessary information from already stored information, and a fingerprint detecting unit 3 for detecting a fingerprint pattern of a user Are provided.

The liquid crystal display unit 1 has a function of displaying a plurality of digits, a plurality of letters such as alphabets, hiragana, and kanji. The liquid crystal display unit 1 is larger than the outer shape of the information storage device body.
For example, information is easy to see for elderly people.

A key operation unit 2 is an input key 2 for inputting characters from 0 to 9 such as numbers, alphabets, and hiragana.
a, a plurality of keys such as a mode switching key 2b for switching each mode of fingerprint pattern registration / information input / information search, and an arrow key 2c for information search. The fingerprint detection unit 3 has an inspection surface 3a for pressing a fingertip.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram including the internal structure of the information storage device according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information storage device includes an information storage unit 4 for storing information input from the key operation unit 2, a fingerprint storage unit 5 for storing a fingerprint pattern of a specific user, A control unit 6 for controlling the operation of each unit.

The control unit 6 compares and discriminates the fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint detection unit 3 with the fingerprint pattern of a specific user stored in the fingerprint storage unit 5, and only when the two fingerprint patterns match, the information storage unit. 4 can read information. In addition, the fingerprint detection unit 3 repeatedly performs the detection of the fingerprint pattern, and performs a comparison determination with the fingerprint pattern of the specific user each time. If the two fingerprint patterns do not match or the fingerprint detection unit 3 does not detect the fingerprint pattern. For example, the information display on the liquid crystal display unit 1 is interrupted.

The usage of the information storage device configured as described above is described in [1. Registration of fingerprint pattern], [2. Input of information], [3. Information Search]. [1. Registration of Fingerprint Pattern] The mode switching key 2b is operated to select "fingerprint pattern registration", and when a message "press your fingertip" appears on the liquid crystal display 1, the fingertip is pressed against the inspection surface 3a. When the fingertip is pressed, a fingerprint pattern is detected by the fingerprint detection unit 3 and stored in the fingerprint storage unit 5.

When the fingerprint pattern is stored, a message "Fingerprint pattern is stored" appears on the liquid crystal display unit 1. Release the finger from the inspection surface 3a and operate the mode switching key 2b to obtain the "information". If "input" or "information search" is selected, registration of the fingerprint pattern is completed.

[2. Input of information] Mode switching key 2b
Is operated to select "information input", and when a message "press a fingertip" appears on the liquid crystal display 1, the fingertip is pressed against the inspection surface 3a. When your fingertip is pressed,
The fingerprint detection unit 3 detects the fingerprint pattern and compares and discriminates the fingerprint pattern with the fingerprint pattern stored in the fingerprint storage unit 5. If the two fingerprint patterns match, the message on the liquid crystal display unit 1 disappears and the information Input is possible.

The information is input to the information storage unit 4 by operating the input key 2a. For example, when inputting the password 1234 of the savings account opened at Bank A, enter
"1234", and if the content displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1 is correct, the content is determined and stored. Similarly, a plurality of pieces of information can be input. When inputting information, it is not necessary to keep the fingertip pressed against the inspection surface 3a at all times, and the key can be operated by releasing the finger.

When the input is completed, the information input is completed by operating the mode switching key 2b and selecting "information search".
Here, when the information search is selected, the inspection surface 3a
If the fingertip is pressed against the fingertip and the fingerprint pattern of the finger and the fingerprint pattern stored in the fingerprint storage unit 3 do not match, the standby state is continued, so that even information retrieval or even key operation is impossible. In practice, only a specific user who has registered a fingerprint pattern can use this information storage device (cannot retrieve information)
It has become.

[3. Information Search] When a fingertip is pressed against the inspection surface 3a in a state where “information search” is selected, the fingerprint pattern is detected by the fingerprint detection unit 3 and stored in the fingerprint storage unit 5 and the fingerprint pattern. The fingerprint pattern is compared with the fingerprint pattern, and when the two fingerprint patterns match, the message on the liquid crystal display section 1 disappears and the information can be searched. Therefore, the information stored in the information storage unit 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1 one after another by operating the arrow keys 2c, and desired information is extracted and used.

By the way, while the information is being searched, the fingerprint pattern of the fingertip pressed against the fingerprint detection unit 3 is repeatedly detected, and each time the detection is performed, the specific usage registered beforehand is completed. If the fingertip is separated from the inspection surface 3a and the fingerprint pattern cannot be detected, or if another user presses the fingertip on behalf of the specific user, Assuming that the fingerprint patterns do not match, the information display on the liquid crystal display unit 1 is interrupted (the display is erased), and the information retrieval function is stopped. Therefore, the user needs to keep the fingertip pressed against the inspection surface 3a during the information search. When the desired information can be taken out, if the finger is released from the inspection surface 3a, the information retrieval function stops and the apparatus enters a standby state.

The information storage device in this embodiment is used as described above. According to this information terminal device, if a fingerprint pattern is registered in advance, only a specific user who has registered the fingerprint pattern Can perform an information search. In other words, even if another user who has not registered the fingerprint pattern attempts to search for information, the information cannot be searched for unless the results of comparison and determination of the fingerprint patterns match, thereby preventing information from being stolen.

Moreover, during the information search, the information search is interrupted unless the fingertip is constantly pressed against the inspection surface 3a. Therefore, the information storage device may be dropped during use or taken up by another person. Even the information will not be seen by others.

Further, since the outer shape of the main body of the information storage device is the same size as a cash card or the like, the information storage device can be easily carried and carried, for example, in a purse or card case together with cards.

In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 1 is provided along the upper edge of the main body when viewed from the front surface, and the key operation unit 2 is provided in a range from the center to the right side of the main body. Since the detection unit 3 is provided on the left side of the main body, the fingerprint pattern of the left thumb is registered in advance, and when performing the information search, the left thumb is pressed against the inspection surface 3a as shown in FIG. If the user holds the main body with another finger along the back surface of the main body and operates the key operation section 2 with the right hand to visually recognize the information displayed on the liquid crystal display section 1, the information storage device Can be easily handled.

Although the liquid crystal display unit 1 is employed in the present embodiment, the information disclosure unit is not limited to one that discloses information as a visual image, but one that discloses information by sound. However, in this case, it does not make sense if the voice is heard by other users, so it is desirable to listen to the sound through earphones, for example.

In this embodiment, the key operation unit 2 is provided integrally with the information storage device main body. However, a separately provided external input device (for example, a personal computer) is used as an input unit, and a signal cable is connected to the external input device. The information input may be performed via the like, or may be performed by voice.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information storage device is of a card type, but the information storage device according to the present invention is not limited to this, and may be in a form combined with, for example, a wristwatch, a mobile phone, an electronic organizer, or the like. It is possible.

Next, the second embodiment of the information storage device according to the present invention will be described.
This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The components already described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The information storage device according to the present embodiment includes a pressure sensor (pressure detection unit) 7 on the inspection surface 3a of the fingerprint detection unit 3 as shown in FIG. When the finger is separated from the inspection surface 3a and the pressure is no longer detected, the information display on the liquid crystal display unit 1 is interrupted. The detection of the fingerprint pattern in the fingerprint detection unit 3 is not repeatedly performed as in the first embodiment.

The information storage device according to the present embodiment can be used in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If the fingertip is not always pressed against the inspection surface 3a during the information search, the information search will be interrupted, so the information storage device may be dropped or taken up by others during the search. Even so, the information will not be seen by others.

[0036]

As described above, according to the information storage device of the present invention, only a specific user can retrieve necessary information when necessary. Further, even if the information storage device is separated from a specific user's hand, information can be prevented from leaking to another person. Further, operations such as information input and search can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a first embodiment of an information storage device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram including an internal structure of the information storage device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a preferred manner of holding the information storage device.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the information storage device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 liquid crystal display unit (information disclosure unit) 2 key operation unit (input unit) 3 fingerprint detection unit 4 information storage unit 5 fingerprint storage unit 6 control unit 7 pressure sensor (pressure detection unit)

Claims (4)

[Claims] A fingerprint storage unit that stores a fingerprint pattern of a specific user; an information storage unit that stores information; an information disclosure unit that discloses information read from the information storage unit; A fingerprint detection unit that detects a fingerprint pattern of a user; and a fingerprint pattern detected by the fingerprint detection unit is compared with the fingerprint pattern of the specific user stored in the fingerprint storage unit. An information storage device, comprising: a control unit that enables information to be read from the information storage unit only when the information is stored. 2. The fingerprint detection unit repeatedly performs detection of a fingerprint pattern, and performs comparison and discrimination with a fingerprint pattern of the specific user each time, so that the two fingerprint patterns do not match or the fingerprint detection unit detects a fingerprint. 2. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein disclosure of information in the information disclosure unit is interrupted if a pattern is not detected. 3. The fingerprint detecting unit according to claim 1, wherein a pressure detecting unit is provided in the fingerprint detecting unit, and when the pressed finger leaves the fingerprint detecting unit, the information disclosure in the information disclosure unit is interrupted. Information storage device. 4. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein an input unit for inputting information to the information storage unit is provided.