JP2001265461A - System and method for processing information and storage medium to be used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To process an application with an information processor which is commonly used by plural users without inputting authentication information in spite of the application needs the authentication of the users. SOLUTION: This information processing system is provided with an auxiliary device having an authentication information storing part for preliminarily storing the authentication information of a user and a connection part to be connected to an outside device through a wire or by radio and an information processor having a selecting part for selecting an application, an application processing part for processing the selected application, an obtaining part for obtaining authentication information by connection to the connection part of the auxiliary device through a wire or by radio when the application protected by individual information is selected by the selecting part, a corresponding table for preliminarily storing individual information corresponding to the authentication information, and a retrieving part for retrieving individual information corresponding to the obtained authentication information from the corresponding table. The application processing part releases the protect based on the retrieved individual information, and processes the protected application.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing system and method for processing information that requires authentication while protecting the privacy of an individual by sharing one information processing apparatus with a family or a small company, and the same. The present invention relates to a storage medium used for:

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information providing service called a provider is contracted via the Internet, and a partner whose registered name and personal password for securing security are regarded as a contractor, and the information providing service is provided through a line. If the personal registration name and the personal password do not match, the information providing service cannot be received.

[0003] In this way, in order to receive the service provided by the provider, personal authentication information such as a registered name and a personal password is input to the e-mail terminal and contracted with the provider to connect the e-mail terminal to the Internet. Using a browser provided by a provider, it is possible to browse and download information to be obtained.

When an electronic mail terminal is connected to the Internet, the provider of the information service also checks whether or not the connection request is from a contractor by authenticating the individual with the contractor's personal registration name and personal password. You will be prompted for a connection account and password. Such a method of obtaining mail information is permeating not only in companies but also in general homes and the like.

[0005] However, an electronic mail system that transfers mail information using the Internet via a provider requires input of an ID code and a password, and it has a problem that it takes time and effort to complete line connection. . In particular, it is inconvenient for users who receive received mail at low frequency.

As a conventional technique for solving the above-mentioned problem, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-79248, it is possible to connect / disconnect a portable device to / from an electronic mail terminal body and store / display received mail in the portable device. It also has functions to set outgoing mail, destination, and sending time, automatically send outgoing mail to the center and store incoming mail in the terminal when connected to the e-mail terminal, and remove the portable device There has been proposed an electronic mail terminal system that can display the contents of an incoming mail at any time.

[0007] Recently, personal identification information (personal ID and personal identification number) and writable card information are stored in the card, and are used for various purposes such as credit cards, bank cash cards, and medical cards. A card user inputs a personal identification number and verifies the validity of the card through a communication procedure with the host center to read or write card information. However, there is a possibility that the personal identification number of the card leaks to the outside or that the card is illegally used.

As a conventional technique for solving the above-mentioned problem, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-30745, a personal ID section, a personal name word registration section, and a speaker recognition section are assigned identification levels in a card. When the card is stored and inserted into the terminal device, an application program corresponding to the identification level is a processing system for the card supplied from the host center. The card request identification (application provider) from the host center is There has been proposed a processing system for a card with an individual function that can select an individual identification level according to a request level and improve security.

[0009]

However, the electronic mail terminal system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-79248 stores personal authentication information and private mail data in a portable device that shares the electronic mail terminal body. For protection, a portable device equipped with a display unit, storage unit and operation unit must be prepared for each user, and the total cost is high. There is a problem that can not be.

On the other hand, the processing system for a card with an individual function disclosed in JP-A-8-30745 authenticates the personal information stored on the card, so that the authentication work cannot be reduced. There is a problem that the cost for card production is high because a CPU and a storage unit for processing the data are incorporated.

For example, in an e-mail terminal used at home, it is not necessary for all users to individually own the e-mail terminal, and the e-mail information is shared by one e-mail terminal while protecting personal privacy. It is hoped that they can communicate.

[0012] For example, when one electronic mail terminal is shared by a family, there is information in the mail information that is inappropriate for a child or the like to view. Required. Therefore, there is a function of restricting browsing browsers and providers, that is, a function of parental control and parental lock. However, a user who needs the restriction also needs protection that cannot be invalidated and reset without permission.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. For example, by storing an authentication device of a user and providing an auxiliary device capable of communicating wirelessly or by wire, one unit of information can be obtained. An information processing system and method that can share a processing device among a plurality of users and release and protect an application by an authentication obtained from an auxiliary device without inputting user authentication information, and a method for using the same. Storage media to be provided.

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided an auxiliary device having an authentication information storage unit in which user authentication information is stored in advance and a connection unit for connecting to an external device by wire or wirelessly.
A selection unit for selecting an application, an application processing unit for processing the selected application, and when an application protected by personal information is selected by the selection unit, the authentication information is connected to the connection unit of the auxiliary device by wire or wirelessly. An acquisition unit for acquiring, an information processing apparatus having a correspondence table in which personal information corresponding to the authentication information is stored in advance, and a search unit for searching for the personal information corresponding to the acquired authentication information from the correspondence table; An information processing system that releases protection based on retrieved personal information and processes the protected application.

According to the present invention, one information processing device is shared by a plurality of users by storing user authentication information and providing an auxiliary device that can communicate wirelessly or by wire outside. Without inputting the user's authentication information, it is possible to release the protection of the application with the authentication information obtained from the auxiliary device and process the application. In addition, since the user does not need to remember applications requiring authentication, the burden on the user is reduced.

The auxiliary device is installed at a predetermined external position, connected to the information processing device within a predetermined range from the position by wire or wirelessly, and responds to a request for transmission of authentication information by an acquisition unit of the information processing device. The authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit may be transmitted to the information processing device. According to this configuration, the information processing device
If it is in an area that can communicate with the auxiliary device that stores the authentication information, the authentication information can be obtained from the auxiliary device and the protected application can be processed.

The auxiliary device is installed at a plurality of external predetermined positions, the authentication information storage section stores authentication information including an identification number of the installed auxiliary device in advance, and a correspondence table of the information processing device is The personal information to be authenticated corresponding to the identification number of the auxiliary device may be set and stored in advance. According to this configuration, it is possible to determine a user to be authenticated for each auxiliary device installed at a predetermined position and restrict the use of the application.

[0018] The information processing apparatus further includes a setting table for preliminarily setting and storing the use restriction of the application corresponding to the authentication information of the user, and a display unit for displaying various information. The configuration may be such that the use of the application is restricted by the user's authentication information with reference to the table, and the use restriction status of the application is displayed on the display unit. According to this configuration, use of the application can be restricted for each user.

The information processing apparatus may further include a detection unit for detecting power-on, and when the detection unit detects the power-on, the acquisition unit automatically connects to the auxiliary device. A configuration may be adopted in which authentication information is acquired, and the application processing unit displays a use restriction state of the application on the display unit based on the acquired authentication information.
According to this configuration, when the power is turned on, the authentication information is automatically acquired, and the use restriction state of the application is displayed on the display unit, so that the operation of the user is simplified.

The authentication information stored in the authentication information storage section may be configured to be changeable by a preset procedure. According to this configuration, the user who can rewrite the setting information can freely change the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit of the auxiliary device, so that the setting suitable for the user can be performed.

[0021] The information processing apparatus further includes an input section for inputting personal information, and the application processing section includes:
A configuration may be adopted in which the protection of an application requiring authentication is canceled based on the input personal information and processing is performed. According to this configuration, in a place where there is no auxiliary device, it is possible to cancel the protection of an application requiring authentication by inputting personal information through the input unit and process the application.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method for an information processing system including an information processing device and an auxiliary device, wherein the auxiliary device stores user authentication information using an authentication information storage unit. Store in advance and use the connection
Connect to an external device by wire or wirelessly, select the application using the selection unit in the information processing device, process the selected application using the application processing unit, and select the application protected by personal information When selected by the unit, using the acquisition unit, connected to the connection unit of the auxiliary device by wire or wireless to obtain the authentication information, using a correspondence table, to store personal information corresponding to the authentication information in advance, An information processing method for retrieving personal information corresponding to the acquired authentication information from a correspondence table using a retrieval unit, wherein the application processing unit releases protection based on the retrieved personal information and processes the protected application; Is provided.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited by this.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system according to the present invention includes, for example, a computer network 1 generally called the Internet, a provider 2 that provides an information service by a server connected thereto,
An information processing device 4 that exchanges information with a wired or wireless public telephone line or a facility line 3 for transferring data through a provider 2 and stores, manages, and browses information.
6 and, in response to an information search requiring the user's authentication information, storing the user's authentication information, connecting to the information processing device by wire or wirelessly, and responding to the authentication information request from the information processing device. And auxiliary devices 7 to 9 for transmitting the authentication information to the server.

In the configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 5 moves the information processing apparatus 4 to the vicinity of the auxiliary apparatus 8, and the information processing apparatus 6 similarly switches the information processing apparatus 4 to the auxiliary apparatus 9. The state which moved to the vicinity is shown, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, an information processing apparatus 10 of the present invention controls a CPU 11 that controls the entire apparatus via a bus 18, a memory 12 that stores various data, and controls data that is input and output to and from each apparatus. An I / O controller 19; a display unit 20 connected to the I / O controller 19 for displaying data; and an input unit 2 for inputting data
1. Power supply circuit 2 for supplying power required for operation of each device
2. It comprises a transmission / reception circuit 23 for wirelessly or wiredly exchanging data with the auxiliary device, and a modem 24 connected to the line 3.

The CPU 11 recognizes the user based on the authentication information and the personal information, retrieves the personal information corresponding to the authentication information from the correspondence table, and releases the protected application based on the personal information. It also functions as an application processing unit for processing.

The memory 12 includes a RAM, a ROM, and an EEPROM.
An OM, a hard disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or the like is used and is a storage medium in a broad sense. Inside the memory 12, an application 13 controlled by the CPU 11 and personal information corresponding to authentication information are stored. There is provided a correspondence table 17 which stores information data 14 to 16, and further stores correspondence data between the personal information data and the auxiliary device.

Although the number of personal information data is three here, any number can be prepared, and the present invention is not limited to this. The memory 12
May have a setting table for setting and storing in advance the use restriction of the application corresponding to the authentication information of the user. The memory 12 includes a program area for storing a control program for controlling each device by the CPU 11, and an e-mail box for storing e-mail information for each individual.

The display unit 20 includes a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an EL display, and the like, and displays an application obtained through a communication line, e-mail information, and the like. The input unit 21 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and functions as a selection unit for inputting authentication information and personal information, operating various applications, and selecting an application.

The power supply circuit 22 includes an AC / DC adapter, a power-on switch, a detection circuit for detecting power-on, and the like. The transmission / reception circuit 23 is connected to a connection unit of the auxiliary device by wire or wireless to acquire authentication information, and the modem 24 is connected to a provider, that is, an information distribution service system, through a communication line to exchange e-mail information. Also functions as a communication unit.

A function of selecting an application by using the selection unit, a function of processing the selected application by using the application processing unit, and a function of acquiring an application protected by personal information when the selection unit selects the application. A function of obtaining authentication information by connecting to the connection unit of the auxiliary device by wire or wirelessly using the unit,
Using the correspondence table, a function of storing personal information corresponding to the authentication information in advance, a function of searching for personal information corresponding to the acquired authentication information from the correspondence table using a search unit, and the application processing unit, A storage medium (not shown) storing an information processing program for executing, by a computer, a function of releasing the protection based on the retrieved personal information and processing the protected application by a computer, and a storage medium reading device (not shown) By installing this information processing program in a program memory (not shown), the information processing apparatus of the present invention may be configured.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the auxiliary device according to the present invention in two embodiments. FIG. 3A illustrates a configuration of an auxiliary device 25 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3B illustrates a configuration of an auxiliary device 31 according to another embodiment. Auxiliary device 2
5 and 31 are provided with identification number storage units 29 and 36 each formed of a non-volatile storage medium for storing a unique identification number. These identification numbers are used for laser trimming or laser trimming in order to completely distinguish them from other auxiliary devices. It is stored in a nonvolatile storage medium such as a ROM or an EEPROM at the time of manufacture or later by a method such as electrical writing. Recognition number storage units 29, 3
6 may store a user name and a password for personal authentication with respect to a unique identification number.

The auxiliary devices 25 and 31 further include receiving circuits 26 and 32 for receiving information to exchange information with the information processing device 10 by wire or wirelessly, and transmitting circuits 27 and 33 for transmitting information. And power supply circuits 30 and 37 for supplying power required for the operation of each circuit.

The auxiliary device 25 further includes a detector 28 for detecting that the receiving circuit 26 has accepted the transmission from the information processing device 10. When the detector 28 detects the transmission from the information processing device, the auxiliary device 25 The auxiliary device identification number (see FIG. 9) stored in the number storage unit 29 is transmitted to the information processing device 10 via the transmission circuit 27.

The auxiliary device 31 compares the auxiliary device identification number stored in the identification number storage section 36 with a designated number obtained from the received information received by the receiving circuit 32, and compares it with a comparator 34 shown in FIG. And a setting information storage unit 35 that stores setting information as shown in the figure. When the designated numbers match, the setting information is transmitted from the setting information storage unit 35 to the transmission circuit 3.
3 is sent back to the information processing apparatus 10. The setting information storage unit 35 is configured by a writable and readable storage medium such as a RAM, an EEPROM, a floppy disk, and a hard disk.

An information processing program for executing, by a computer, a function of storing user authentication information in advance using an authentication information storage unit and a function of connecting to an external device by wire or wireless using a connection unit. The storage device (not shown) further stores the information processing program in a program memory (not shown) by a storage medium reading device (not shown), thereby forming the auxiliary device of the present invention. Good.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmission / reception circuit of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission circuit of the information processing device. A D / A conversion circuit 38 for converting digital output data desired to be transmitted to the receiving device into analog data, an oscillation circuit 42 for oscillating a fundamental frequency signal, and a carrier generation for generating a fundamental carrier signal from the fundamental frequency signal in accordance with communication A circuit 43;
A modulation circuit 39 for modulating the analog output of the D / A conversion circuit 38 with a carrier signal; an amplifier 40 for amplifying the modulated signal to a level at which transmission is possible; and an output for transmitting the amplified modulated signal to an auxiliary device. And a transmitter 41 having a mouth.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiving circuit of the information processing apparatus. A receiver 47 for receiving a signal transmitted from a transmission side device, an amplifier 46 for amplifying the received signal to a level that can be processed, and extracting a signal of a frequency component used in communication from the signal Tuning circuit 49, a detector 48 that operates on the extracted signal to generate a detection signal, a detection circuit 45 that extracts a corresponding data portion from the extracted signal, and converts this into digital input data that can be easily captured by the system. And an A / D conversion circuit 44 for taking in the apparatus.

The transmission circuit 2 of the auxiliary device 25 shown in FIG.
7 and the reception circuit 26, and the transmission circuit 33 and the reception circuit 32 of the auxiliary device 31 of FIG. 3B can be the same as the configuration of the transmission / reception circuit of the information processing device shown in FIG. Since the receiving circuit only needs to detect the call signal from the information processing device, the A / D converter 44 and the detection circuit 45 shown in FIG. 4 can be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a connection configuration of a transmission / reception circuit based on the communication method of the information processing device and the auxiliary device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the transmitter 41 and the receiver 47 of the transmission circuit change depending on what communication system is used. FIG. 8A shows a configuration of a transmission / reception circuit using a connector connection. A connector is used instead of the transmitter 41 and the receiver 47, and basically, they are exchanged as electrical signals by electrical connection.

An advantage of this is that power can be supplied from the information processing device to the auxiliary device side. Therefore, the power supply circuit 30 of the auxiliary device 25 in FIG. 3A and the power supply circuit of the auxiliary device 31 in FIG. 37 can be omitted. Also, signals can be transmitted at a higher speed than other communication systems. As disadvantages, since it is basically a contact type, it is necessary to generate contact failure and to attach an auxiliary device to the information processing device.

Further, the power supply circuit 22 of the information processing apparatus 10
May be provided outside the information processing apparatus 10 as a power adapter, and the power adapter may be connected to the information processing apparatus 10 to supply necessary power.

By incorporating the auxiliary device into this power adapter, the power supply circuit 30 of the auxiliary device 25 in FIG. 3A and the power supply circuit 37 of the auxiliary device 31 in FIG. By connecting the adapter to the information processing device 10, necessary communication with the auxiliary device can be performed.

Similarly, communication by electromagnetic coupling using electromagnetic induction is also possible. In the case of electromagnetic induction, power can be transmitted, so that the power supply circuit can be similarly reduced. , For example, within several mm.

FIG. 8B shows the configuration of a transmission / reception circuit of a wireless communication system using infrared light. Infrared LEDs 57 and 62 are used instead of the transmitter 41 and infrared phototransistors 59 and 60 are used instead of the receiver 47 in FIG. If a device that operates with visible light is used, communication using visible light is also possible.

The advantage of this communication system is that the effective range of the auxiliary device can be limited by using the directivity of the infrared LED, and communication is possible over a distance of several tens of cm to several m. Since communication is not possible if the infrared rays are blocked, it is possible to limit the effective range by artificially blocking the infrared rays, for example, to use the infrared ray only in a small room.

FIG. 8C shows the configuration of a transmission / reception circuit of a radio communication system using radio waves. Antennas 65 and 70 are used instead of the transmitter 41 and antennas 67 and 68 are used instead of the receiver 47 in FIG. The same antenna may be used for both transmission and reception, and the shape of the antenna changes depending on the frequency band used for communication, that is, depending on the longwave, shortwave, ultrashortwave, etc., and the rod antenna, bar antenna, air-core coil, etc. It is used according to.

Further, the contents of the transmission / reception circuit slightly change due to a difference in modulation method such as amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and PWM modulation. A description of this will be omitted. The advantage of this is that since the output of the radio wave can be adjusted, the effective range of the auxiliary device can be widened and used, for example, when the auxiliary device is installed in an office and shared in a relatively wide area. Can be.

FIG. 8D shows a configuration of a transmission / reception circuit of a radio communication system using ultrasonic waves. Transmitters 73 and 78 which are vibrators that vibrate ultrasonically in the same manner as the transmitter 41 of FIG.
Receivers 75 and 76 that detect ultrasonic waves are used in the same manner as receiver 47 in FIG. This advantage is the same as that of the infrared ray, but since the directivity is weaker than the infrared ray, the auxiliary device can be made effective in a wider range than the communication method using the infrared ray.

As described above, since the effective range varies depending on the communication method with the auxiliary device, that is, the characteristics of radio waves, infrared rays, and the like, an appropriate communication means can be selected according to the surrounding situation. In addition, by using a communication method depending on the number of people, simplification of the structure of the auxiliary device and cost reduction can be realized.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the auxiliary device number stored in the correspondence table of the information processing apparatus of the present invention and personal information data. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing correspondence between functions stored in the function setting table of the information processing apparatus of the present invention and personal information data. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing personal information data stored in the personal information data table of the information processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing auxiliary device identification numbers assigned to the auxiliary device of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit of the auxiliary device of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing automatic function setting by the auxiliary device displayed on the display device for mail information processing according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the information processing device and the auxiliary device according to the present invention by a communication method.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Step S1: A user whose personal information data exists in the information processing apparatus starts operation of the information processing apparatus and selects a function (application) to be used. Step S2: Check whether the user who has selected and operated the function requires authentication. Those requiring authentication include, for example, connection to the computer network 1 via the contracted provider 2, exchange of e-mail, etc., application processing, reference and creation of personal information data, and the like.

Step S4: If the function does not require authentication, the selected function is activated as a normal process. Step S3: If the function requires authentication,
A call signal for calling the auxiliary device 25 is transmitted from the transmission / reception circuit 23, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the auxiliary device responding to the calling signal transmitted from the information processing device in the processing steps of FIG. Step S20: When the auxiliary device is in a range that can communicate with the information processing device, the transmission from the information processing device is received by the receiving circuit 26, and the signal is detected by the detector 28. Step S21: The unique identification number stored in the identification number storage section 29 is read and sent to the transmission circuit 27. Step S22: The transmission circuit 27 transmits the identification number to the information processing device, and proceeds to step S5 in FIG.

Step S5: The information processing device checks whether there is a reply from the auxiliary device. Step S6: If there is a reply from the auxiliary device, the identification number transmitted from the auxiliary device is received. Step S8: If the identification number is received, it refers to the correspondence table 17 set in the memory 12 of the information processing device, and checks whether the identification number of the auxiliary device stored in the correspondence table 17 matches the received identification number.

Step S7: When the received identification number does not match the identification number of the auxiliary device stored in the correspondence table 17 or when there is no reply from the auxiliary device 25, the user is required to input authentication information, and I do. Step S9: If the authentication information does not match, the process ends.

Step S10: If the authentication information matches, or if the user name or password in the personal information table matches, the personal information data table corresponding to the identification number of the auxiliary device is referred to a more detailed personal information data table. Using the user name and the password in the personal information data table, data necessary for the function selected in step S1 and authentication information necessary for activation are obtained, and the security of the selected function is released and its use is permitted.

Step S11: Use of the corresponding personal information is recognized, and the user starts processing of the selected function. Step S12: When the processing of the function selected by the user ends, the security is reset again, the function is protected, and the processing ends.

In the first embodiment, for example, a correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the auxiliary device number and the personal information data number shown in FIG. 6 and the personal information data shown in FIG. It is assumed that a table is provided.

According to the processing of the first embodiment, when the information processing apparatus executes a function that requires user authentication, the information processing apparatus obtains the authentication information from an auxiliary device that assists the user authentication. A function that requires authentication can be used without inputting a password. In addition, since the user does not need to remember functions that require authentication, the burden on the user is reduced.

FIG. 12A shows the positional relationship between the information processing device and the auxiliary device by radio wave communication, and the authentication process will be described with reference to FIG. Information processing device 85
Is in normal processing state,
Here, state 1 is assumed. When performing data and processing that require personal authentication, a verification procedure by inputting authentication information is required.

The information processing device 86 shows a state in which the information processing device 85 has been moved to a communicable range of the auxiliary device 87, in this case, a circle which is a radio wave reachable range. From the personal information data number 1 shown in FIG.
, The username, password, provider used,
The mail address and other data access locations are set, and the state shifts to usable state 2.

Similarly, the information processing device 86 is connected to the auxiliary device 9.
When it moves within the communication range of 0, it becomes the information processing device 89,
The state becomes the state 3 in which processing using the personal information data number 2 is possible. Various input procedures for personal authentication for using personal information data are omitted.

By installing the auxiliary device at a predetermined location, processing using specific personal information data can be performed only at that location. In particular, it is impossible to view personal information data such as user names and passwords used for authentication, and by keeping the password itself secret, processing can only be performed by authentication with an auxiliary device installed in a predetermined place. Since it becomes possible, if the installation location of the auxiliary device is kept secret, locational protection will be realized.

The functions of the information processing apparatus according to the place of use can be used, and the use of the information processing apparatus can be easily selected. In addition, by using an auxiliary device with a unique identification number, physical protection by an existing location, for example, by installing the auxiliary device in a lockable room in an immovable state, protects the device. Can be enhanced.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Step S31: A certain user selects a function using the information processing device. Step S32: Check whether the processing of the function requires user authentication. That is, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to use security-sensitive information such as personal information data. Step S34: If authentication is not required, normal processing is performed.

Step S33: If authentication is necessary, the corresponding auxiliary device number and its auxiliary device identification number are obtained from the correspondence table shown in FIG. 5 from the personal information data number used by the function selected in step S31. Step S35: Using the acquired auxiliary device identification number,
A calling signal to which an auxiliary device designation is added is transmitted from the transmission / reception circuit 23 to call the auxiliary device having the identification number, and the process proceeds to step S50 in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure (2) of the auxiliary device responding to the calling signal transmitted from the information processing device in the processing steps of FIG. Step S50: The auxiliary device that has successfully received the call signal
(B). Step S51: A / D conversion 44 in the receiving circuit of FIG.
For example, the identification number designation data of the designated auxiliary device is retrieved from the information processing device. Step S52: The recognition number 36 uniquely set to the auxiliary device of FIG. 3B is read.

Step S53: It is compared whether the identification number matches the identification number specified by the information processing apparatus. If they do not match, it is assumed that they are not being called and the auxiliary device does not respond. Step S54: If the identification number matches the identification number specified by the information processing device, the setting information in the setting information storage unit 35 of FIG. 3B is read. Step S55: The signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 33 to the information processing apparatus, and the process proceeds to step S36 in FIG. A series of processes on the auxiliary device side ends.

Step S36: The information processing device checks whether there is a reply from the specified auxiliary device. If there is no reply, the authentication operation itself is not performed and the use of the selected function is not permitted. Step S37: When there is a reply from the designated auxiliary device, the authentication information returned from the auxiliary device is received. Step S38: Set authentication information as authentication data. Step S39: The input unit 21 inputs necessary data for using a function or data selected by the user that requires authentication.
Enter from.

Step S40: The authentication data set in step S38 is compared with the authentication data input by the user in step S39 to see if they match. If the authentication data does not match, it is determined that the authentication has failed, that is, that the user is not permitted to use, and the processing is stopped. Step S41: If they match, the lock for security is released. Step S42: The function selected in step S31 is activated, and the user performs necessary processing. Step S43: After completing the necessary processing, activate the security function again, lock the personal data again, and clear the authentication information set in step S38.

According to the processing of the second embodiment, even if the information processing apparatus does not have the authentication information, the area which can communicate with the auxiliary device having the authentication data for using the personal information data required for the processing is used. If there is an information processing device, authentication can be performed and personal information data that requires authentication can be used.

Therefore, the authentication can be performed only after communication with the auxiliary device storing the authentication information, and the authentication data is not stored in the main body.
In addition to the features described above, it is possible to further tighten security. Since the information processing apparatus does not have the setting information including the authentication information, the risk of another use can be reduced. Since the setting information including the authentication information is stored in the auxiliary device, the confidentiality of the setting information can be further increased. Security can be improved by managing the auxiliary device in a place where the user can manage it.

Referring to FIG. 12A, in the information processing device 85 in which there is no communicable auxiliary device, no information or data whose use is restricted due to security cannot be processed at all. However, if the information or data to be used is associated with the auxiliary device 87, if the information processing device is moved into the communicable range 88 of the auxiliary device 87, the authentication information is obtained from the auxiliary device 87 and the security is obtained. Thus, locked functions and data can be processed.

However, if the auxiliary device 90 is not associated with a target function or data, authentication information cannot be obtained from the auxiliary device 90 even within the communicable range 91 of the auxiliary device 90, so that authentication is not performed. No, it cannot process the desired function or data. That is, it is the same as the information processing device 85 in which there is no auxiliary device capable of communicating around.
Further, if encryption or the like is performed for security at the time of exchange between the auxiliary device and the information processing device or transmission of authentication information from the auxiliary device to the information processing device, it is possible to further improve security.

By omitting step S39 and step S40, authentication can be performed without inputting authentication information even without inputting authentication information by the user, and a desired function / data can be used. As a result, in a certain area around the auxiliary device, that is, in a communicable range, the target function / data can be processed without inputting the authentication information. An information processing device with simple operations is realized.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Step S60: Activate the function that the user wants to use. Step S61: The information processing device 10 transmits a signal for calling the auxiliary device. Step S62: It is checked whether or not there is a reply from the auxiliary device 25 to this transmission. Step S69: If there is no communicable auxiliary device 25 in the vicinity, that is, if there is no reply, normal processing is performed.

Step S63: If there is a communicable auxiliary device 25 in the vicinity, the identification number included in the reply from the auxiliary device is received. Step S64: The function setting table shown in FIG. 6 in the correspondence table 17 in the memory 12 is referred to. Here, by providing a table in the case where there is no auxiliary device, it is also possible to set an operation when there is no reply from the auxiliary device. Step S65: It is checked whether or not there is a table having the same identification number. If not, it is determined that there is no need to set the function, and the process proceeds to step S69. Step S66: If there is a reply from the auxiliary device and there is a table having the same identification number, the function setting table is read.

Step S67: It is determined whether or not the function to be activated is applied by comparison with a function setting table. At that time, if it is a function to be applied, that is, a valid function, the process proceeds to step S69, and is activated as requested by the user. Step S68: If the selected function is not applicable, the activation of the selected function is stopped. Step S70: A message indicating that use cannot be started is displayed, and the process ends.

According to the processing of the third embodiment, by setting the auxiliary device, the effective function can be set according to the place, and the setting can be automatically set by the auxiliary device. In addition, since the setting is automatic, it is possible to easily limit the functions and information that can be used according to the user who uses the location.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the information processing device 85 in the state 1 where there is no auxiliary device is set to the communication range with the auxiliary device 87, the function application state becomes the state 2 and the auxiliary device 8
When the communication range is set to 9 and the function application state can be set to state 3, restrictions on the use of the information processing device in a place where there is no auxiliary device and restrictions different for each place where the auxiliary device is installed can be set. The information processing apparatus can be provided to the user.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Step S80: The user turns on the power of the information processing apparatus 10. Step S81: It is checked whether or not the function setting table shown in FIG. That is, it is checked whether the function setting is properly used by the auxiliary device. Step S87: If the function setting table does not exist,
Start normally.

Step S82: If there is a function setting table, an auxiliary device calling signal is transmitted to check if there is any communicable auxiliary device around. Step S83: Check whether there is a reply from the auxiliary device. If there is no communicable auxiliary device, the process proceeds to step S87 and the device is normally activated. Step S84: If there is a reply from the auxiliary device, the identification number added to the reply is received.

Step S85: The function setting table of the correspondence table 17 in the memory 12 is referred to. Step S86: Check whether there is a table having the same identification number. If not, it is determined that there is no need to set functions, and the process proceeds to step S87. Step S88: If there is a reply from the auxiliary device and there is a table with the same identification number, the function setting table is read. Step S89: A function applied from the function setting table is set as a necessary function.

Step S90: A function which is not applied in the function setting table is set as an unnecessary function. Step S91: The screen is changed to a display screen excluding unnecessary functions as shown in (b) of FIG. 11 or (c) of FIG. 11, instead of a screen displayed at the time of normal startup as shown in (a) of FIG. Step S92: Start in a customized state.

According to the processing of the fourth embodiment, at the same time when the power is turned on, the setting according to the auxiliary device is performed. By installing the auxiliary device according to the user, the setting can be easily customized according to the user. User operation is simplified. The setting can be automatically changed according to the user, and the same information processing apparatus can be shared without changing the setting each time, and the effectiveness of resource utilization is improved.

As described above, when the power is turned on and the operation of the information processing apparatus is started, the function is set to a function corresponding to the communicable auxiliary apparatus installed in the vicinity. According to this, for example, a user who uses the same information processing apparatus determines in advance a function to be mainly used, sets a correspondence between the function and an auxiliary apparatus, and installs an auxiliary apparatus corresponding to a place used by the user in advance. By simply moving the information processing device to the place where the user has previously installed the auxiliary device,
The information processing apparatus is started in a state where the user has customized the function to the target.

Here, the power supply circuit 22 of the information processing apparatus 10 of FIG. 2 is externally attached to the information processing apparatus 10, and the power supply circuit 22 and the auxiliary device 25 of FIG. By connecting the auxiliary device 31 and the externally attached power supply circuit to the information processing device and turning on the power, the information processing device can also start up with a function corresponding to the auxiliary device.

For example, when the same information processing device is used by a family member at home, the setting is made mainly for document creation and Internet connection when the father uses the device in the study, and an older person greets the Japanese-style room. It is possible to use the setting mainly for the use of letters and other hobbies, and the setting mainly for children to use e-mail and Internet connection in the children's room.

Here, in order to prevent the father from browsing and distributing information on the Internet inappropriate for the child, a function table corresponding to the auxiliary device installed in the child's room is used to prevent harmful information browsing such as parental lock and parental control. By applying this function, it is possible to prohibit viewing of harmful information in the children's room even with the same information processing device. Need not be changed each time.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Step S100: The user starts an information change process to change information stored in the setting information storage unit 35 of the auxiliary device 31. Step S101: Obtain the identification number of the corresponding auxiliary device from the table 17. Step S102: The auxiliary device 31 that has designated the identification number is called. Here, if the specified auxiliary device does not exist, the change processing is disabled and the process ends.

Step S103: It is checked whether or not there is a reply operation from the auxiliary device 31. Step S104: When there is a reply of the setting information from the auxiliary device, this is received. Step S105: Information is taken out of the information for authentication and set. Step S106: The user inputs information for authentication in order to confirm whether the user is in a position to change the authentication information.

Step S107: Check whether the information for authentication matches. If the information for authentication does not match, it is determined that the user is not in a position where it can be changed, and the processing is stopped and the processing is terminated. Step S108: If it is confirmed that the information for authentication matches and that the user is in a position to change the setting information stored in the auxiliary device 31 including the authentication information, the user is prompted to input new setting information. Step S109: The identification number of the target auxiliary device 31 is designated, a signal for calling is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the auxiliary device responding to the calling signal transmitted from the information processing device in the processing steps of FIG. Step S120: The auxiliary device 31 receives the calling signal. Step S121: If it can be confirmed that it is designated and called, the process proceeds to step S122 and step 123 sequentially, but if the identification numbers do not match in step 123, no response is made. The process proceeds to step S110 in FIG.

Step S110: The information processing apparatus 10 further transmits the setting information before the change, and then proceeds to step S1 in FIG.
Proceed to 24. Step S124: The auxiliary device 31 receives the setting information before the change. Step S125: It is compared with the setting information stored in the internal setting information storage unit 35 to see if it matches. If they do not match, the process is stopped and no response is made. If they match, step S1
Proceed to 26.

Step S111: The information processing apparatus 10 transmits setting information to be newly set. Step S126: The auxiliary device 31 receives the new setting information. Step S127: The setting information in the setting information storage unit 35 is updated to the newly received setting information, and the processing is ended.
Go to step S112.

Step S112: The information processing apparatus 10
A calling signal is transmitted by designating the identification number of the auxiliary device for confirming whether the new setting information has been reflected. Step S113: The information processing device 10 receives the setting information returned from the auxiliary device 31 having the identification number. Step S114: Check whether the received setting information has been correctly rewritten with new setting information. If the setting information has been correctly changed, the process ends.

Step S115: If the setting information does not match and is not correctly changed in step S114, the setting information returned in step S113 is set as the setting information before the change, and the process returns to step S109 again to perform the changing process. This processing is a step performed to ensure the processing of the change.

According to the processing of the fifth embodiment, it is possible for a user who can rewrite the setting information to freely change the setting information stored in the auxiliary device, thereby enabling the setting to be more tailored to the user. Become.

When a setting table for setting information exists in the information processing apparatus, the step of communication with the auxiliary device in the flowchart described with reference to FIG. 19 is unnecessary, and the setting information is referred to and changed in the information processing apparatus. However, by performing an authentication process for confirming the change authority of the user who performs the change process as in FIG. 19, it is possible to prevent the information of another user from being changed carelessly. can do.

[0103]

According to the present invention, a single information processing device is shared by a plurality of users by storing authentication information of the user and providing an auxiliary device that can communicate wirelessly or by wire. Then, without inputting the user's authentication information, the protection of the application can be released by the authentication obtained from the auxiliary device, and the application requiring authentication can be processed. In addition, since the user does not need to remember applications requiring authentication, the burden on the user is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mail information communication system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an auxiliary device according to the present invention in two embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a transmission / reception circuit of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a correspondence between an auxiliary device number stored in a correspondence table of the information processing apparatus of the present invention and personal information data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing correspondence between functions stored in a function setting table of the information processing apparatus of the present invention and personal information data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing personal information data stored in a personal information table of the information processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission / reception circuit using a communication method of the information processing device and the auxiliary device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing auxiliary device identification numbers assigned to the auxiliary device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting information stored in a setting information storage unit of the auxiliary device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing automatic function setting by an auxiliary device displayed on a display device for mail information processing according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between an information processing apparatus and an auxiliary device according to a communication method according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the auxiliary device responding to the calling signal transmitted from the information processing device in the processing steps of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the auxiliary device responding to the call signal transmitted from the information processing device in the processing steps of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of the information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the auxiliary device responding to the call signal transmitted from the information processing device in the processing steps of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Computer network 2 Provider 3 Line 4-6 Information processing device 7-8 Auxiliary device

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An auxiliary device having an authentication information storage unit in which authentication information of a user is stored in advance and a connection unit connecting to an external device by wire or wirelessly, a selection unit for selecting an application, and processing the selected application. An application processing unit, an acquisition unit that connects to a connection unit of the auxiliary device by wire or wirelessly to acquire authentication information when an application protected by personal information is selected by the selection unit, and stores personal information corresponding to the authentication information in advance. An information processing apparatus having a search unit for searching the stored correspondence table and personal information corresponding to the acquired authentication information from the correspondence table, wherein the application processing unit releases protection based on the searched personal information and Information processing system for processing a selected application . 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary device is installed at a predetermined external position, is connected to the information processing device within a predetermined range from the position by wire or wirelessly, and transmits a request for transmitting authentication information by an acquisition unit of the information processing device. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit is transmitted to the information processing apparatus in response to the request. 3. The auxiliary device is installed at a plurality of external predetermined positions, and the authentication information storage unit stores authentication information including an identification number of the installed auxiliary device in advance, and 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the table sets and stores in advance personal information to be authenticated corresponding to the identification number of the auxiliary device. 4. The information processing apparatus further comprises: a setting table for setting and storing application use restrictions in advance in correspondence with user authentication information; and a display unit for displaying various information. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the use of the application is restricted by the authentication information of the user with reference to the setting table, and the use restriction status of the application is displayed on the display unit. 5. The information processing apparatus further includes a detection unit that detects power-on, and when the power-on is detected by the detection unit, the acquisition unit automatically connects to the auxiliary device. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the application processing unit displays the authentication information on the display unit based on the obtained authentication information. 6. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit can be changed by a preset procedure. 7. The information processing apparatus further includes an input unit for inputting personal information, and the application processing unit cancels protection of an application requiring authentication based on the input personal information and processes the application. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: 8. An information processing method for an information processing system including an information processing device and an auxiliary device, wherein the auxiliary device stores user authentication information in advance using an authentication information storage unit, and uses a connection unit. Connected to an external device by wire or wireless, and in the information processing device,
Select an application, process the selected application using the application processing unit, and when the application protected by personal information is selected by the selection unit, use the acquisition unit to connect the auxiliary device by wire or wirelessly Unit and obtains the authentication information, stores the personal information corresponding to the authentication information in advance using the correspondence table, and searches the correspondence table for the personal information corresponding to the obtained authentication information using the search unit. An information processing method, wherein the application processing unit releases protection based on the retrieved personal information and processes the protected application. 9. A storage medium used in an information processing system including an information processing device and an auxiliary device, wherein the auxiliary device uses an authentication information storage unit to store user authentication information in advance, A function of connecting to an external device by wire or wireless using a connection unit; and a function of selecting an application using a selection unit and processing the selected application using an application processing unit in the information processing device. When an application protected by personal information is selected by the selection unit, using an acquisition unit, a function of connecting to a connection unit of the auxiliary device by wire or wireless to obtain authentication information, and using a correspondence table, Using the function of storing personal information corresponding to the authentication information in advance and the search unit, the personal information corresponding to the acquired authentication information is stored in the corresponding table. A storage medium storing an information processing program for causing a computer to execute a function of searching from a file and a function of processing the protected application by releasing the protection based on the searched personal information.