JP2002041169A - Method for selecting program or data using fingerprint authentication and its device and recording medium for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely authenticate a user himself or herself by using a fingerprint authentication technique, and to allow a user to automatically select any necessary program or data. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a fingerprint sensor 1 for identifying fingerprints, a storage part (data base 4) for preliminarily recording corresponding relations between fingerprints identified by the fingerprint sensor 1 and plural programs or plural data, and a selecting and starting part 5 for selecting the programs different for each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor 1, or for selecting the data different for each fingerprint by referring to the storage part, and for starting the program. Moreover, it is desired that this device is provided with a registering part 3 for preliminarily registering which program or data is selected for each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selecting a program or data using fingerprint authentication and a recording medium therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a system for unlocking an electric lock by fingerprint authentication. In this system, a plurality of fingerprints can be registered in advance, and the electric lock is opened when the fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor matches any of the pre-registered fingerprints.

On the other hand, in the field of personal computers, there is a program launcher that realizes user-friendly usability by pressing a program start icon on a screen with a finger using a touch panel sensor to start the program. I do.

[0004]

With the spread of electronic commerce using information and communication technology in recent years, it is necessary to securely authenticate the user of the terminal and improve the usability of the person using the terminal. Have been.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is possible to reliably authenticate a user himself using fingerprint authentication technology and automatically select a program or data required by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for selecting a program or data using fingerprint authentication and a recording medium therefor.

[0006]

According to the program or data selection device using fingerprint authentication of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, as shown in FIG. A storage unit (database 4) in which the correspondence between a fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor 1 and a plurality of programs or a plurality of data is registered in advance, and for each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor 1 with reference to the storage unit And a selection activating unit 5 for activating a program by selecting a different program or selecting different data for each fingerprint. Also,
It is preferable to include a registration unit 3 for previously registering which program or data is selected for each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor 1 in the storage unit (database 4).

Here, if the program or data to be selected is different for each finger whose fingerprint is identified by the fingerprint sensor 1 or for each person whose fingerprint is identified by the fingerprint sensor 1, who can determine which finger A different program or data is selected depending on the operation performed with. Further, a different program or different data may be selected for each combination of a plurality of fingerprints identified by the fingerprint sensor 1. In that case, one fingerprint sensor may be used to input a combination of fingerprints in multiple times,
A plurality of fingerprints may be input simultaneously using a plurality of fingerprint sensors.

In FIG. 1, the registration unit 3 includes a program for assigning different data or different data to each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor 1. A different program or data to which different data is assigned is included for each fingerprint to be identified, and the selection activating unit 5 selects a program or data assigned in advance for each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor 1. These programs or data may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and distributed, or may be downloadable via a communication line.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration when the present invention is implemented as a program launcher of a personal computer. The fingerprint sensor 1 is attached to a personal computer via an interface unit 2 such as USB or RS232C as an external device of the personal computer. 5 around the fingerprint sensor 1 correspond to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger as display portions.
Two LEDs are arranged. Each LED is composed of a combination of a green LED and a red LED, and is turned on / off / blinking by a control signal sent from a personal computer via the interface unit 2.

The fingerprint sensor 1 is a two-dimensional image sensor. When a finger is placed at a fingerprint detection position, the image data is read and read by a personal computer via the interface unit 2. By reading the fingerprint of the user in advance, the fingerprint data is registered in the database 4 via the registration unit 3. The fingerprint data is not the image data itself, but is biometrics data obtained by extracting a characteristic part necessary for personal authentication from the image data. By operating the keyboard and mouse while viewing the screen of the personal computer, the location of the program to be activated, the activation parameters, and the like are stored in the database 4 via the registration unit 3 for each "finger" (or a combination thereof). A sound (or voice) at the time of activation, a light action, a treatment at the time of an activation error, a termination method, and the like are registered in advance. The database 4 is composed of a hard disk of a personal computer, and data can be written to an external memory card or the like as needed.

Next, the selection starting unit 5 refers to the database 4 based on the fingerprint data read from the fingerprint sensor 1 via the interface unit 2 and selects and starts a corresponding program. In the illustrated example, in response to detection of the fingerprint of the right index finger by the fingerprint sensor 1, the LED of the index finger is turned on, and the program 6 corresponding to the right index finger is conceptually shown. I have. If the recognition is successful, the LED of the corresponding finger lights green and a chime sounds. All L when recognition error or not registered
The ED flashes red and a buzzer sounds. (Or green when the right finger is recognized, red when the left finger is recognized, all LEDs when recognition error or unregistered)
May blink in orange. As described above, by notifying the operation by the sound and the light, the operation can be performed while confirming whether or not the recognition is normal. In addition,
The chime sound and the buzzer sound may be registered in a database as a sound file of the personal computer, and may be reproduced at a necessary timing by using a sound reproducing function of the personal computer.

In selecting a program or data using fingerprint authentication according to the present invention, as shown in the following embodiments,
Various methods such as a simple single type, a double compound type and a single compound type are conceivable. In this application, a single type means one sensor, and a double type means a plurality of sensors. In addition, the single type means that one program or data corresponds to one fingerprint, and the composite type means that one program or data corresponds to a combination of a plurality of fingerprints. Shall be.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a single type and single type authentication system. In this embodiment, there is only one fingerprint sensor, and a program corresponding to recognized fingerprint data on a one-to-one basis is started. When a fingerprint is read by the fingerprint sensor, it is checked whether a program corresponding to the fingerprint data is registered in the database. If registered, the program corresponding to the fingerprint data is started,
If not registered, error processing such as a sound or light alarm is performed.

For example, in the example of FIG. 1, as a relationship between fingerprint data and a program to be started in the database 1, in the case of Mr. A, when the right thumb is detected, the program 1 is started, and at the same time, the sound 1 and the light 2 are activated. When the right middle finger is detected, the program 2 is started, and at the same time, the light 3 is notified.
When the left little finger is detected, it is registered that the program 4 is started and the sound is notified at the same time. Therefore, when any of Mr. A's right thumb, right middle finger, and left little finger is detected,
Programs 1, 2, and 4 are activated, respectively. Also, B
In the case of Mr., when the right little finger is detected, the program 5 is started and the sound 2 and the light 2 are simultaneously notified. When the left little finger is detected, the program 7 is started and the sound 6 and the light 3 are simultaneously notified. When the right little finger or the left little finger of Mr. B is detected, the programs 5 and 7 are activated, respectively. If any other fingerprint data is detected, it means a recognition error or unregistered, so that error processing such as a sound or light alarm is performed to notify the user.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a compound authentication system. In this embodiment, two fingerprint sensors are provided, and a program corresponding to a combination of the recognized first fingerprint data and second fingerprint data is started. When the first fingerprint data and the second fingerprint data are read by the first and second fingerprint sensors, it is checked whether a program corresponding to the combination is registered in the database. If registered, a program corresponding to the combination of the fingerprint data is started, and if not registered, error processing such as sound or light alarm is performed.

For example, in the example of FIG. 1, as a relationship between fingerprint data and a program to be started in the database 1, in the case of Mr. C, when a combination of the right little finger and the left thumb is detected, the program 2 is started and at the same time, When the combination of the right little finger and the left middle finger is detected by the sound 2 and the light 8 and the combination of the right little finger and the left middle finger is detected, there is a registration that the program 5 is started and the sound is notified by the sound 7 and the light 3 at the same time. , Or when the combination of the right little finger and the left middle finger is detected, the programs 2 and 5 are activated, respectively. If any other combination of fingerprint information is detected, it means a recognition error or unregistered.
It performs error processing such as a sound or light alarm to notify the user.

As described above, by using multiple sensors, more complex (diverse) operations can be defined by combining two or more fingerprints. That is, in the first embodiment, ten programs can be selected corresponding to the ten fingers of the right hand and the left hand.
9 = 90 different programs can be selected. Further, an application is also possible in which the first fingerprint information is used for selecting a program and the second fingerprint data is used for selecting a startup parameter. Furthermore, the first fingerprint data and the second fingerprint data do not necessarily have to be fingerprint data of the same person. For example, high security such that two users, Mr. D and Mr. E, cannot operate unless they operate simultaneously. Application is also possible.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a simple combined authentication system. In this embodiment, only one fingerprint sensor is used. However, by providing a function for recognizing the order of operation, complicated (diverse) operations similar to the above-described multiple cases can be defined. For example, when the operation is performed in the order of the starting finger (or the start key) → the right thumb → the left little finger →... → the end finger (or the end key), the program corresponding to the order is started. Here, the “activation finger” is a finger that has been registered in advance as a compound authentication start finger, and the “end finger” is a finger that has been registered in advance as a compound authentication end finger. It is. Whether to perform compound authentication at all times or usually to perform single authentication, and to start compound authentication after recognizing the “starting finger” can be set by a program.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which application encryption and fingerprint authentication are used together. According to the above-described first to third embodiments, it is determined whether or not the application can be started by fingerprint authentication. Therefore, a certain level of security can be ensured even in an application that requires high security, but without using a program launcher, Since there is still a method of manually starting the program launcher, it does not necessarily mean that a third party cannot use the application of the program launcher.
Therefore, in order to further increase security and prevent the use of a program other than the authorized person, the application program body (or a part of a module required for the execution) is jammed by encryption. Then, if the corresponding program is to be activated as a result of the fingerprint authentication, a program for decrypting the encrypted execution module is activated, and the program is automatically activated for the decrypted execution module. To be operated. In this way, security can be enhanced without impairing the simplicity of operation.

In the above description, the case where the present apparatus is used for a program launcher for a personal computer has been described as the simplest application example. For example, as a program launcher that can be freely and easily used by the whole family at home, a fingerprint sensor is connected to a personal computer via an interface such as a USB, and the start and end of the application are realized by resident monitoring. Further, as a more advanced usage, an original usage of using a fingerprint authentication device as a security key, such as limited use of an application program in an office or the like, can be realized.

As another application example, it may be incorporated into a nursing care device and used as an instruction device for various operations, or may be incorporated into an operation instruction device involving handling of dangerous materials or dangerous operations so that only the person in charge of the operation can operate. Use is also conceivable. Further, it is also conceivable to use the device in such a manner that it can be incorporated into a device requiring high security such as a financial decision or a search for confidential information and operated only by the person himself. In that case,
The function of this device is converted into a microcomputer and incorporated into a specific device or a small device. The fingerprint database is stored in a small memory medium such as a smart card or a memory card, and data registration is performed by a personal computer or the like.

Further, as a large-scale operation example in a building system or the like, it is conceivable to make a fingerprint authentication database online, refer to the network, search for a corresponding operation, and execute it. For example, a fingerprint sensor is attached to a wall switch on each floor, and information on who operated which finger is used.
An application is conceivable in which the information is transmitted to a central monitoring and control room via information wiring such as an AN, and air conditioning and lighting are controlled according to personal preference.

Further, as an application example to a home appliance, for example, a massage program which is incorporated in an operation device of a massage chair to suit a user's preference can be started.
Use the hot water supply switch on the hot water heater to set the degree of hot water in the bath to your personal preference, incorporate this device into the remote control of the air conditioner to set the air conditioning temperature to your personal preference, An application is considered in which the present device is incorporated in a "button" to set, for example, the degree of warming of milk according to personal preference.

As described above, the apparatus of the present invention can be applied not only to the application start (program launcher) of a personal computer but also to the start commander of various operation programs in a product with a built-in microcomputer.

According to the present invention, as described above, a "fingerprint" of each finger, which is a physical characteristic (biometrics) unique to each person, and a computer program (or data thereof) started correspondingly Is registered in the database, the database is referred to from the fingerprint information obtained from the fingerprint sensor, and the corresponding computer program is started, so that a simple operation of touching a single operating device (fingerprint sensor) with a finger is performed. Various operations and machine operations can be performed individually for each operation.

In the present invention, the fingerprint is not necessarily limited to the fingerprint of the finger of the hand, but may be the fingerprint of the toe.

[0027]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a fingerprint sensor for identifying a fingerprint, a storage unit in which the correspondence between the fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor and a plurality of programs or a plurality of data are registered in advance, Select a different program for each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor with reference to the storage unit, or select a different data for each fingerprint and select and start the program, so that it is not a specific person Since the program cannot be started, it is possible to prevent others from operating accidentally or maliciously.In addition, a specific person can start the program just by touching the fingerprint sensor, and a different program for each finger Or, since the data can be selected, the operation is very simple.

As described above, since various operations can be performed only by touching with a finger, there is an effect that various operations can be performed even by a person with a disability. Moreover, since the operation can be performed in association with the finger, the operation can be easily learned even by the elderly or children. further,
Since the operation instruction can be performed only by the fingerprint sensor, there is an advantage that an area and a place for installation and installation are not required so much.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the program or data to be selected is different for each finger whose fingerprint is identified by the fingerprint sensor. Therefore, even if the same person operates, a different program is obtained by changing the operated finger. Or you can select the data. According to the invention of claim 3, the program or data to be selected is different for each person whose fingerprint is identified by the fingerprint sensor.
Different programs or data can be selected by different operators.

According to the present invention, different programs or different data are selected for each combination of a plurality of fingerprints identified by the fingerprint sensor.
More programs or data can be selected than the number of fingers. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of fingerprint sensors are provided, a combination of fingerprints of a plurality of fingers can be input by one operation.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the registration unit for registering the program or data to be selected in advance is provided, it is possible to determine which operation is to be assigned to which finger according to personal preference. There is an advantage that the operation is easy to remember or easy to adapt to the operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration when the apparatus of the present invention is used as a program launcher of a personal computer.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fingerprint sensor 2 Interface part 3 Registration part 4 Database 5 Selection start part 6 Correspondence program

Claims (8)

[Claims] A fingerprint sensor for identifying a fingerprint; a storage unit in which a correspondence between a fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor and a plurality of programs or a plurality of data is registered in advance;
A selection start unit that selects a different program for each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor with reference to the storage unit, or selects different data for each fingerprint and starts the program. A program or data selection device using authentication. 2. The program or data selection device using fingerprint authentication according to claim 1, wherein a program or data to be selected is different for each finger whose fingerprint is identified by the fingerprint sensor. 3. The program or data selection device using fingerprint authentication according to claim 1, wherein a program or data to be selected differs for each person whose fingerprint is identified by the fingerprint sensor. 4. The program or data selection device using fingerprint authentication according to claim 1, wherein a different program or different data is selected for each combination of a plurality of fingerprints identified by the fingerprint sensor. 5. The program or data selection device using fingerprint authentication according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of fingerprint sensors. 6. The program or data selection device using fingerprint authentication according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit for registering a program or data to be selected in advance. 7. Assigning a different program or different data to each fingerprint in advance, identifying a fingerprint by a fingerprint sensor, selecting a program or data assigned in advance to each identified fingerprint, and starting the program. And a method for selecting a program or data using fingerprint authentication. 8. A program for assigning a different program or different data to each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor, or a program assigning different programs or different data to each fingerprint identified by the fingerprint sensor, or a fingerprint sensor And a computer-readable recording medium for recording any of a program or a program for selecting data assigned in advance for each fingerprint identified by the computer.