JP2002163629A - Card and controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a large number of unspecified users from directly touching a fingerprint sensor. SOLUTION: A control panel 63 of a copy machine is composed of a fingerprint sensor 31 for reading the fingerprint of a user, sensor 71 for detecting setting of a card 21, display part 72 for displaying a message to the user, ten key 73 to be operated when instructing a number of paper sheets to be copied or the like and start/button 74 for instructing the start of copy operation. Since the card 21 is set to the fingerprint sensor 31 and the user performs authenticating processing by placing a finger on a transparent window 22 of the card 21, it is not necessary for a large number of unspecified users to directly touch the fingerprint sensor 41, the feeling of physiological disgust or incompatibility is prevented from being applied to the user and further, since a reading plane can be prevented from being damaged or made dirty, deterioration in authentication accuracy can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card and a control device, and more particularly, to a card and a control device, in which a collation process can be executed without directly touching a reading surface by using a card, thereby giving a user physiological disgust. The present invention relates to a card and a control device capable of obtaining a stable authentication result without giving a sense of incongruity and preventing deterioration of authentication accuracy due to scratches and dirt on a reading surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when managing entry and exit, and when managing users such as various information processing apparatuses such as personal computers and copiers or image forming apparatuses, a technique for specifying an individual is required. . Biometrics is attracting attention as a means for identifying individuals, and among them, a personal authentication system using a fingerprint or a palm print is being put to practical use. Fingerprints and palm prints are unique characteristics of individuals,
It is very effective as a means to identify individuals.

[0003]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a conventional fingerprint sensor 1. As shown in FIG. The fingerprint sensor 1 is, for example,
It is used to specify an individual in entry / exit management and user management of a copying machine, a personal computer, and the like.

A light source 11 irradiates a reading surface 13 with light having a predetermined intensity via a prism 12. The user's finger 14 is placed on the reading surface 13. Reading surface 13
The reflected light is reflected by the prism 12,
The light is incident on a CCD (Charge-Coupled Devices) 15.
The CCD 15 converts a light (image) signal into an electric signal by using a semiconductor element (photodiode) whose electric storage capacity changes according to light input.

[0005] The fingerprint sensor 1 can be used, for example, for entrance / exit management,
Since it is used for managing users such as copiers and personal computers, its reading surface 13 is contacted by an unspecified number of users. Therefore, some users may feel physiologically disgusted or uncomfortable with contacting the contact surface 13 on which the contact is unknown. Furthermore, when the reading surface 13 is scratched or stained, the authentication performance may be degraded.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and gives a user a feeling of physiological disgust or discomfort by enabling the collation processing to be performed without directly touching the reading surface. Further, it is possible to prevent the authentication accuracy from deteriorating due to scratches and dirt on the reading surface, and to obtain a stable authentication result.

[0007]

According to the present invention, at least a part of the card is made of a transparent member,
The transparent member is provided at a position where the electronic device can read an image of the authentication target placed on the transparent member when mounted on the electronic device. I do.

The electronic device is, for example, a copying machine 5 shown in FIG.
1, the copying machine 125 shown in FIG. 15, or the copying machine 175 shown in FIG. 20, for example, to execute an authentication process by receiving an input of a user's fingerprint feature amount or the like.

The electronic device may be, for example, a computer, a personal computer, a facsimile, a scanner, a printer, a CD machine, an ATM, a telephone, a portable telephone, or the like.

[0010] In order to manage users of such electronic devices, for example, when an authentication process is performed using a fingerprint or palm print, an unspecified number of users touch the fingerprint or palm print reading surface. Therefore, some users may feel physiologically disgusted or uncomfortable with touching a contact surface on which they do not know who has touched it. Furthermore, there is a case where authentication performance is deteriorated due to scratches, dirt, etc. occurring on the reading surface.

Therefore, by mounting the card provided with the transparent member on the reading surface, the user can place the finger or hand on the card to perform the authentication processing without directly touching the reading surface. .

The transparent member is made of, for example, plastic or glass, so that an image of the object to be authenticated placed on the upper surface can be picked up from the lower surface.

The card is, for example, a card 2 shown in FIG.
1, the card 101 shown in FIG. 13, or the card 141 shown in FIG. 17, which is provided with a transparent window 22 and, as shown in FIG. It has been made.

In the card of the present invention, at least a part of the card is formed of a transparent member, and the transparent member is placed on the electronic device when the electronic device is mounted on the electronic device. It is provided at a position where an image of the authentication target can be read.

[0015] Therefore, the collation processing can be executed without directly touching the reading surface, and the user does not feel physiological disgust or discomfort, and furthermore, the authentication accuracy is degraded due to scratches and dirt on the reading surface. Can be prevented.

[0016] Further, a storage means for storing personal information may be further provided.

The personal information is, for example, the user's name, personal identification number, ID, department name, and the like. This personal information may be one that can identify an individual or one that can identify a user to some extent.

In the storage means, personal information can be stored magnetically.

The storage means for storing personal information by magnetism can be constituted by, for example, a magnetic tape shown in FIG. 13, and stores, for example, a user's name, personal identification number, ID, department name, and the like.

The card may have the function of a contact type IC card, and the storage means may be a flash memory.

The storage means can be constituted by the memory 172 shown in FIG.

The card having the function of the contact type IC card is, for example, the card 141 shown in FIG. 17, and since the IC and the contact terminal are provided, it is possible to exchange information with the electronic device, In addition to storing the information in the storage unit, the information stored in the storage unit can be sent to the electronic device, and the information stored in the storage unit can be updated.

As described above, by storing information on a card by using magnetism or storing information by using an IC, for example, an electronic device can store a user's personal information other than information used for authentication processing. Information can be sent out, and the electronic device can perform the authentication process after narrowing down the registered information using the input personal information, so that the authentication process can be performed at high speed. Become.

Further, the storage means may further store the number of times the card has been used.

With the use of the card, there is a possibility that a transparent member (for example, the transparent window 22 in FIG. 2) provided on the card may be damaged or stained. The accuracy of the authentication processing may be degraded due to the scratches and dirt.

By storing the number of times of use of the card in the storage means, the number of times of use of the card can be managed by the electronic device.
When the card has been used more than a predetermined number of times, for example, it is possible to prompt the user to reissue the card.

The object to be authenticated placed on the card can be a user's finger, and the electronic device can execute an authentication process using the fingerprint feature of the user's finger. it can.

The fingerprint is a characteristic unique to an individual, and is very effective as information for identifying the individual.

Further, the authentication target placed on the card may be a user's hand, and the electronic device may be configured to execute the authentication process using the characteristic amount of the user's palm print.

[0030] The control device according to the present invention includes a mounting means for mounting a card having at least a partly transparent member, a storage means for storing a plurality of personal authentication data as registration data, and a card mounted by the mounting means. Acquiring means for acquiring image data of an authentication target placed on the storage device, and authenticating means for executing an authentication process using the image data acquired by the acquiring means based on the registration data stored by the storing means. And characterized in that:

For example, when performing authentication processing using a fingerprint or a palm print in order to manage users of the electronic device, the reading surface of the fingerprint or the palm print is contacted by an unspecified number of users. Therefore, some users may feel physiologically disgusted or uncomfortable with touching a contact surface on which they do not know who has touched it. Furthermore, there is a case where authentication performance is deteriorated due to scratches, dirt, etc. occurring on the reading surface.

Therefore, by mounting the card provided with the transparent member on the reading surface, the user can place the finger or hand on the card and perform the authentication processing without directly touching the reading surface. .

The transparent member is made of, for example, plastic or glass, so that an image of the authentication object placed on the upper surface can be picked up from the lower surface.

The card is, for example, the card 2 in FIG.
1, the card 101 shown in FIG. 13, or the card 141 shown in FIG. 17, which is provided with a transparent window 22 and, as shown in FIG. 3, is attached to an electronic device (for example, a copying machine or the like) which executes an authentication process. It has been made.

The mounting means is constituted by, for example, the positioning member 41 shown in FIG. 3, and the card is placed at a position where the image data of the authentication object placed on the card can be obtained by the obtaining means. Can be attached.

In order to execute the authentication process, it is necessary to register the user's personal authentication data in advance. The personal authentication data is, for example, a fingerprint feature amount of the user. As the personal authentication data, in addition to the fingerprint feature, a feature of the user's palm print may be used.

The storage means comprises, for example, the dictionary registration memory 91 shown in FIG. 6, and stores personal authentication data of a plurality of users. The storage unit may store, for example, an ID, a user's name, a personal identification number, a department name, and the like, together with the user's personal authentication data.

When registering personal authentication data and executing authentication processing, image data of an authentication target such as a user's fingerprint must be obtained.

The acquisition means is, for example, the CCD 1 shown in FIG.
5 and the like, and acquires image data of the authentication target placed on the card mounted by the mounting means.

When registering the personal authentication data, a characteristic amount is extracted from the acquired image data of the authentication target, and the characteristic amount is registered as personal authentication data. At the time of executing the authentication process, the authentication process is executed based on the acquired image data of the authentication target.

The authentication means is, for example, a fingerprint integrated ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) shown in FIG.
t) An authentication process is performed by using the image data acquired by the acquisition unit based on the registration data stored by the storage unit, such as 90).

In the control device of the present invention, a card having at least a partly transparent member is mounted thereon, a plurality of personal authentication data are stored as registration data, and an authentication object placed on the mounted card is provided. Is obtained, and an authentication process is executed using the obtained image data based on the registered data.

Accordingly, the collation processing can be executed without directly touching the reading surface, giving the user a feeling of physiological disgust or discomfort, or causing the reading surface to be scratched or stained, thereby deteriorating the authentication accuracy. Can be prevented.

The object to be authenticated can be a user's finger, and the authentication means can execute an authentication process using the fingerprint feature of the user's finger.

The fingerprint is a characteristic unique to an individual, and is very effective as information for identifying the individual.

Further, a detecting means for detecting that the card has been inserted can be further provided.

The detecting means is, for example, the sensor 7 shown in FIG.
1 or the like.

By providing a display means for displaying a message, when the detection means detects that the card has been mounted, the display means displays an authentication object on the card. A message instructing the user to put on the vehicle can be displayed.

The message to be displayed is, for example, "Please put your finger on the card" or "Please input your password and put your finger on the card". In addition, the display means, not only when the card has been detected to have been attached by the detection means, for example, if the authentication process is successful, or to display the message "××'s Hello", the authentication process If the authentication fails, a message "authentication processing failed" can be displayed, and if a card needs to be reissued, a message "Please reissue the card" can be displayed.

Further, first reading means for reading information different from the image data of the object to be authenticated from the card, and a plurality of personal authentication data stored by the storage means,
Selecting means for selecting personal authentication data corresponding to the information read by the first reading means, wherein the authentication means uses the personal authentication data selected by the selecting means. Authentication processing can be performed.

The information different from the image data of the object to be authenticated is, for example, personal information such as an ID, a user's name, a password, and a department name. These pieces of information are used in order to shorten the time required for the authentication process by performing the matching process after narrowing down the registration data when the authentication process is performed, and are stored in the card in advance.

The first reading means is, for example, as shown in FIG.
4 and a contact terminal 161 shown in FIG. 18. When the card has a magnetic tape and stores information by magnetism, the card can be used by using the magnetic head 122. In the case of having a function of a contact type IC card, it is possible to use the contact terminal 161 to read personal information such as an ID, a user's name, a personal identification number, and a department name stored in the card. it can.

The selection means can be constituted by, for example, the fingerprint collation ASIC 90 shown in FIG. 15, and corresponds to information read by the first reading means from a plurality of personal authentication data stored by the storage means. Select the personal authentication data to be used.

In the fingerprint matching process, the authentication unit performs the authentication process based on whether or not any of the registered data stored in the storage unit matches the input fingerprint feature amount of the user. When the number of registered data stored in the means is large, that is, when the number of registered users is large, if the authentication process is performed using all the registered data, the authentication process takes time. Therefore, by selecting the personal authentication data that matches the information read by the first reading unit and performing the authentication process using the selected personal authentication data, it is possible to reduce the time required for the authentication process. It becomes possible.

Further, input means for receiving input of predetermined information and selection means for selecting personal authentication data corresponding to the predetermined information input by the input means from a plurality of personal authentication data stored in the storage means. May be further provided, and the authentication unit may execute the authentication process using the personal authentication data selected by the selection unit.

The input means can be constituted by, for example, the numeric keypad 73 shown in FIG. 5, and is adapted to receive predetermined information such as a personal identification number which can identify the user to some extent.

The predetermined information may be information unique to the user or information common to some users as long as the user can be identified to some extent. Specifically, a password is assigned to each user.
It may be prepared one by one or may be prepared for each department.

The selection means can be constituted by, for example, the fingerprint collation ASIC 90 shown in FIG. 6, and corresponds to predetermined information input by the input means from a plurality of personal authentication data stored by the storage means. Select personal authentication data.

In the fingerprint matching process, the authentication unit performs the authentication process based on whether or not there is any registered data stored in the storage unit that matches the input fingerprint feature amount of the user. When the number of registered data stored in the means is large, that is, when the number of registered users is large, if the authentication process is performed using all the registered data, the authentication process takes time. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for the authentication process by selecting the personal authentication data that matches the predetermined information input by the input unit and executing the authentication process using the selected personal authentication data. Become.

[0060] The predetermined information may be a password.

Second reading means for reading the number of times the card has been used from the card, and output means for outputting a signal indicating that the card needs to be reissued if the number of times the card has been used is greater than the predetermined number. And can further be provided.

The second reading means is, for example, as shown in FIG.
8 contact terminals 161 and the like. When the card has the function of a contact type IC card,
Using the contact terminal 161, the number of times of use of the card stored in the card is read.

At the time of executing the authentication process, an authentication target such as a user's finger is placed on a transparent member of the card, and the image data is obtained. Therefore, since the transparent member is repeatedly put on the user's finger on the upper surface, the transparent member may be scratched or stained. Scratch or dirt on the transparent member may affect the acquired image data, thereby deteriorating the authentication accuracy.

When the number of times of use of the card read by the second reading means is larger than a predetermined number, it is considered that the transparent member of the card is scratched or stained.

The output means is, for example, a display unit 7 shown in FIG.
If the number of times the card has been used is greater than a predetermined number, for example, a message "Please reissue the card" is displayed, so that the user can reissue the card. Can be encouraged to do so.

In addition to displaying the message on its own, the output means outputs the card to another information processing device or a card issuing device owned by the administrator of the authentication system via a network, for example. A signal indicating that reissue is necessary may be output.

Therefore, when the card is used more than a predetermined number of times that the transparent member of the card is considered to be scratched or stained, the user replaces the card according to the message output by the output means, so that the authentication is performed. Accuracy can be prevented from deteriorating.

The electronic equipment includes a computer, a personal computer, a copying machine, a facsimile, a scanner,
It can be any of a printer, a CD machine, an ATM, a telephone, or a mobile phone.

Further, the control device for controlling the electronic device may be built in the electronic device.

[0070]

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

FIG. 2 shows a card 21 used for the authentication process.
It shows. The card 21 is provided with a transparent window 22 made of, for example, plastic or glass. Here, the shape of the transparent window 22 is an ellipse, but the shape of the transparent window 22 may be other than an ellipse, for example, a square or other shapes. Each user holds the card 21.

FIG. 3 shows a fingerprint sensor 31 to which the present invention is applied.
3A is a side sectional view of the fingerprint sensor 31, and FIG. 3B is a diagram of the fingerprint sensor 31 as viewed from above. Parts corresponding to those in the conventional case are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate (hereinafter the same).

As shown in FIG. 3, the transparent window 22 of the card 21 is positioned on the reading surface 13 of the fingerprint sensor 31 by the positioning member 41 as shown in FIG.
Is positioned and set so as to be at a position suitable for capturing a fingerprint image by the user. The positioning member 41 is provided so as to surround three sides of the reading surface 13, and the card 21 can be inserted from one side where the positioning member 41 is not provided.

By doing so, the user does not need to directly touch the reading surface 13, so that the user does not feel physiologically disgusting or uncomfortable, and furthermore, does not scratch or stain the reading surface 13. Since this can be prevented beforehand, it is possible to prevent deterioration of authentication accuracy.

FIG. 4 is an external structural view of a copying machine 51 which manages users by fingerprint authentication processing using the card 21 of FIG.

The copying machine 51 has a lid 62 which can be freely opened at the upper part thereof, and the original table 61 is exposed when the lid 62 is opened. The platen 61 is made of a transparent glass or the like, and a user places a document (not shown) on the platen 61 when making a copy.
An operation panel 63 is arranged in front of the document table 61. The user places a document to be copied on the document table 61, closes the cover 62, operates the operation panel 63, and instructs copying of the document. Is discharged.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the operation panel 63 of FIG. The operation panel 63 is used to read the fingerprint of the user.
1. A sensor 71 for detecting that the card 21 has been set on the fingerprint sensor 31, a display unit 72 for displaying a message to the user, a numeric keypad 73 operated to instruct the number of copies, and the like. It is composed of a start button 74 for instructing the start of operation.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the copying machine 51 of FIG.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81
Controls each unit of the copying machine 51. For example,
At the time of fingerprint registration, the fingerprint sensor 31 described with reference to FIG.
Of the user, and an analog image signal corresponding to the user's fingerprint is amplified by the amplifier 88.
The data is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 89, and the fingerprint matching ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is used.
At t) 90, the fingerprint feature value is extracted, the input of the extracted fingerprint feature value is received via the internal bus 82, and output to the dictionary registration memory 91 via the internal bus 82 for storage.

At the time of fingerprint collation, the CPU 81 detects that the card 21 has been inserted based on a signal input from the sensor 71 and displays a predetermined message on the display section 72 of the operation panel 63. The image data corresponding to the user's fingerprint input via the A / D conversion unit 89 is generated in advance based on the dictionary data recorded in the dictionary registration memory 91. A control signal for collating whether or not it is registered is generated and output to the fingerprint collation ASIC 90.

The CCD 83 is provided below the glass surface of the document table 61 in FIG. 4 and scans the document together with a light-emitting source (not shown), receives reflected light, and outputs it to the amplifier 84. The amplifier 84 amplifies the input analog image data corresponding to the document and outputs the amplified analog image data to the A / D converter 85. A / D
The conversion unit 85 converts the input analog image data into digital data at a predetermined resolution and supplies the digital data to the memory 92 via the internal bus 82.

The memory 92 is a memory for temporarily storing digital image data output from the A / D converter 85. When the user uses the operation panel 63 to select, for example, a copy mode such as multiple copy, double-sided copy, or sort mode, the CPU 81 stores
The digital image data output from the A / D converter 85 is temporarily stored, the data is read out in a predetermined order, and the data is output to the copy unit 86 to be copied, thereby quickly copying the copy original desired by the user. It has been made able to be created.

The copying section 86 has a laser diode and a polygon mirror inside, and turns on / off the laser emission of the laser diode based on input data.
F is controlled and reflected by a polygon mirror rotated at a predetermined speed, so that the light emitted from the laser diode is scanned on the surface of the photoconductor (not shown) to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is electrically attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor surface. Further, a sheet of a size desired by the user is conveyed to the vicinity of the photoconductor by a sheet conveying mechanism (not shown). The conveyed sheet is charged with electricity at a position in contact with the surface of the photoreceptor on which the toner image is formed, so that the toner is attached to the conveyed sheet and conveyed to the fixing roller. And
The toner is fixed on the sheet by the heat and pressure of the fixing roller, and the sheet on which the image is copied is discharged.

The fingerprint collation ASIC 90 includes an A / D converter 8
9 receives input of image data corresponding to the user's fingerprint data, performs predetermined image processing on the input image data, extracts fingerprint feature amounts, and controls the internal bus 82 according to the control of the CPU 81. Whether there is data having a corresponding fingerprint feature in the dictionary data output to the CPU 81 or stored in the dictionary registration memory 91, that is, this user is a previously registered user. It is determined whether or not.

When each user uses the copying machine 51,
You need to register your fingerprint in advance. First, the registration process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S1, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the currently set mode is the registration mode. If it is determined in step S1 that the mode is not the registration mode (if the mode is the normal authentication mode), the process ends.

In the registration mode, a serviceman or a predetermined manager of the copying machine 51 can use, for example, a ten key 73.
Is set by inputting a predetermined password. Alternatively, the registration mode may be set when a key or the like prepared in advance is attached to a predetermined position of the copying machine 51.

If it is determined in step S1 that the registration mode has been set, then in step S2,
The CPU 81 takes in a fingerprint image. At this time, CP
U81 controls the CCD 15 to photograph an image of the fingerprint of the user. The image data captured by the CCD 15 is amplified by an amplifier 88 and then amplified by an A / D converter 89.
Is input to The A / D converter 89 performs A / D conversion on the input image data and supplies the data to the fingerprint collation ASIC 90.

In step S3, the fingerprint collation ASIC
90 extracts a fingerprint feature quantity. That is, fingerprint collation A
The SIC 90 performs a predetermined process on the image data of the user's fingerprint input from the A / D converter 89 to extract a fingerprint feature amount necessary for identifying each user, and
Is output to the CPU 81 via the.

In step S4, the CPU 81 outputs the user's fingerprint feature extracted by the fingerprint collation ASIC 90 in step S3 to the dictionary registration memory 91 via the internal bus 82, and adds registration data.
Here, the CPU 81 operates the display unit 72 of the operation panel 63.
For example, a message “Please enter your name” may be displayed, and the name of the user may be registered together with the fingerprint feature amount based on a signal input from the operation panel 63. Here, the personal information registered together with the fingerprint feature amount may be, for example, a personal identification number, an ID, a department name, or the like, in addition to the user's name.

When the cancellation of the registration mode is instructed from the operation panel 31, the CPU 81 executes the registration mode cancellation processing in a step S5. Thus, the normal authentication mode is set, and the process ends.

As described above, the fingerprint feature amount of each user who uses the copying machine 51 is registered in the dictionary registration memory 91.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the database registered in the dictionary registration memory 91 in this way. In this example, the ID and name of each user are registered together with the fingerprint feature amount of each user.

As described above, the legitimate user registers the feature amount of his / her own fingerprint in the dictionary registration memory 91 in advance, and thereafter uses the copying machine 51 in the authentication mode to copy the original. Can be copied. The authentication process 1 in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S11, the CPU 81
It is determined whether or not the card 21 is set based on a signal input from the sensor 71 via the internal bus 82.
If it is determined in step S11 that the card 21 has not been set, the process of step S11 is repeated until it is determined that the card 21 has been set.

If it is determined in step S11 that the card 21 has been set, in step S12, the CPU 81 displays on the display section 72 of the operation panel 63.
A control signal for displaying the message “Place your finger on the card” is generated, and the internal bus 82
, The message is displayed on the operation panel 63, and as shown in FIG. 10, a message "Place your finger on the card" is displayed on the display unit 72.

The user confirms the message displayed on the display section 72 and checks the card 21 set on the fingerprint sensor 31.
Put the finger 14 on the. The CCD 15 captures a fingerprint image of the finger 14. The image data captured by the CCD 15 is amplified by an amplifier 88 and then amplified by an A / D converter 89.
Is input to The A / D converter 89 performs A / D conversion on the input image data and supplies the data to the fingerprint collation ASIC 90.

In step S13, the fingerprint collation ASI
The C90 determines whether or not a fingerprint feature has been input from the A / D converter 89. If it is determined in step S13 that the fingerprint feature has not been input, the process of step S13 is repeated until it is determined that the fingerprint feature has been input.

If it is determined in step S13 that the fingerprint feature has been input, then in step S14,
The fingerprint collation ASIC 90 performs an authentication process. That is, the fingerprint collation ASIC 90 performs a predetermined process on the image data of the fingerprint of the user input from the A / D conversion unit 89 to extract a fingerprint feature amount necessary for identifying each user, and stores it in the dictionary registration memory. The authentication process is performed by determining whether or not a corresponding fingerprint feature is registered in the CPU 91, and the result is transmitted to the CPU 81 via the internal bus 82.
Output to

In step S15, the CPU 81 determines
Based on a signal input from the fingerprint collation ASIC 90, it is determined whether or not the authentication processing has been successful.

If it is determined in step S15 that the authentication processing has succeeded, the
U81 reads the name of the authenticated user from the dictionary registration memory 91, generates a control signal for displaying the message “XX Sankon Hello” on the display unit 72, and outputs the control signal to the operation panel 63. The display section 72 displays “×
A message “X-Hello” is displayed, and the process ends.

For example, if the ID, name, and fingerprint feature amount are registered in the dictionary registration memory 91 as shown in FIG. 8 and the ID of the user who has been successfully authenticated in step S15 is “003”, as shown in FIG. 11, the display unit 72 of the operation panel 63, the message "Yamamoto Hello" is displayed.

If it is determined in step S15 that the authentication processing has failed, in step S17 the CP
U81 displays "Authentication failed" on the display section 72.
Is generated and output to the operation panel 63, a message "authentication processing failed" is displayed on the display unit 72, and the process is terminated.

According to the processing described with reference to FIG. 9, it is detected that the card 21 has been set, and a message for the user is output to the display section 72 of the operation panel 63. An interface can be provided.

As described above, when the number of registered users is large in the copier 51 in which the users are managed, the number of fingerprint features registered in the dictionary registration memory 91 also increases. The time required for the authentication process becomes longer. Therefore, information such as a password, for example, other than the fingerprint feature, is registered in the dictionary registration memory 91, and the password is input together with the fingerprint feature, thereby shortening the time required for the authentication process. You may do so.

The password may be given, for example, for each individual, or may be given, for example, for each department. When a password is assigned to each department, a plurality of fingerprint feature amounts are registered in the dictionary registration memory 91 with the same password.

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the authentication process 2 using a password will be described.

In step S31, the same processing as in step S11 in FIG. 9 is executed.

If it is determined in step S31 that the card 21 has been set, in step S32, the CPU 81 displays on the display section 72 of the operation panel 63
A control signal for displaying a message “Please enter your PIN and put your finger on the card” is generated, output to the operation panel 63 via the internal bus 82, and displayed on the display unit 72. Display the message "Please enter your PIN and place your finger on the card."

The user confirms the message displayed on the display unit 72, inputs a password using the ten keys 73 on the operation panel 63, and places the finger 14 on the card 21 set on the fingerprint sensor 31. The password input using the ten keys 73 is supplied to the CPU 81. CCD15
Captures a fingerprint image of the finger 14. Image data captured by the CCD 15 is amplified by an amplifier 88 and then input to an A / D converter 89. A / D converter 89
Performs A / D conversion of input image data and performs fingerprint matching A
Supply to SIC90.

In step S33, the fingerprint collation ASI
The C90 determines whether or not a fingerprint feature has been input from the A / D converter 89. If it is determined in step S33 that the fingerprint feature has not been input, the process of step S33 is repeated until it is determined that the fingerprint feature has been input.

If it is determined in step S33 that the fingerprint feature has been input, then in step S34,
The fingerprint collation ASIC 90 performs an authentication process. That is, the fingerprint collation ASIC 90 outputs a signal indicating that the fingerprint feature has been input to the CPU 81,
A predetermined process is performed on the image data of the user's fingerprint input from the D conversion unit 89 to extract a fingerprint feature amount necessary for identifying each user. The CPU 81 outputs the input personal identification number to the fingerprint matching ASIC 90. Fingerprint verification A
The SIC 90 selects a fingerprint feature corresponding to the input personal identification number from the dictionary registration memory 91, and determines whether or not the selected fingerprint feature includes a corresponding fingerprint feature, thereby performing authentication. The processing is performed, and the result is output to the CPU 81 via the internal bus 82.

In steps S35 to S37, the same processes as those in steps S15 to S17 in FIG. 9 are executed, and the process ends.

By executing the processing described with reference to FIG. 12, even when a large number of fingerprint features are registered in the dictionary registration memory 91, after the fingerprint features are narrowed down using the personal identification number, Since the authentication process is performed, the time required for the authentication process can be reduced.

Further, by using a card 101 provided with a magnetic tape 111 as shown in FIG. 13 for the authentication processing, the authentication processing can be performed without requiring the user to perform an operation of inputting a personal identification number or the like. Such time can be reduced.

On the magnetic tape 111 of the card 101, for example, information such as a personal identification number, the name of the user, the department to which the user belongs, and the like, which can identify the user to some extent, are recorded.

The card 101 is set so that the magnetic tape is in contact with the magnetic head 122, as shown in FIG. 14, the light source 11, the prism 12, and the CCD 15 described with reference to FIG. 3 are omitted. When the card 101 is not set, the magnetic head 122 is positioned above the reading surface 13.
The hood 121 is provided so as not to be exposed.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a copying machine 125 that can execute an authentication process using the card 101 described with reference to FIGS. The copying machine 125 shown in FIG.
2 and a magnetic data reading unit 131 that reads magnetic data from the magnetic head 122 is further provided, except that the magnetic data read by the magnetic data reading unit 131 is input to the fingerprint collation ASIC 90.
Since it has the same configuration as the copying machine 51 described with reference to FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The authentication process 3 executed by the fifth copier 125 will be described.

In step S51, the CPU 81 sets
It is determined whether or not the card 101 is set based on a signal input from the sensor 71 via the internal bus 81. If it is determined in step S51 that the card 101 has not been set, the process of step S51 is repeated until it is determined that the card 101 has been set.

If it is determined in step S51 that the card 101 has been set, in step S52, the magnetic data reading unit 131
To read the magnetic data of the magnetic tape 111 of the card 101 and output it to the fingerprint matching ASIC 90.

In steps S53 and S54, the same processing as in steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 9 is executed.

In step S55, the fingerprint collation ASI
The C90 selects only the corresponding fingerprint feature from the fingerprint features registered in the fingerprint registration memory 91 using the input magnetic data, and sets A / A in the fingerprint features.
The authentication processing is executed by determining whether or not there is a fingerprint feature quantity input from the D conversion unit 89.

For example, the magnetic tape 111 of the card 101
If the name data of the user holding the card 101 is stored in step S5 based on the fingerprint feature amount registered in the fingerprint registration memory 91 described with reference to FIG.
Only the fingerprint feature corresponding to the name read in step 2 is selected, and the authentication process is executed using the fingerprint feature. The personal data stored on the magnetic tape 111 is
For example, any information may be used as long as it can identify the individual to some extent, such as an ID and a department name. When registering the fingerprint feature amount, the information is stored in the fingerprint registration memory 91.
To be registered.

In steps S56 to S58, the same processes as those in steps S15 to S17 in FIG. 9 are executed, and the process ends.

By the processing described with reference to FIG. 16, the time required for the fingerprint authentication processing can be reduced without requiring the user to input a password or the like.

The magnetic tape 111 of the card 101 may store data other than the personal data used for the authentication processing. This allows Card 1
01 can be used for multiple applications.

The authentication processing may be executed using a card 141 having the function of a contact type IC card shown in FIG.

In the card 141, in addition to the transparent window 22,
A contact terminal 151 for transmitting and receiving information and an IC 152 for processing and storing information are provided therein.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the fingerprint sensor 31 has the magnetic head 122 described with reference to FIG.
Instead, a contact terminal 161 is provided so that the contact terminal 161 is brought into contact with the contact terminal 151 in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the card 141. As shown in FIG. The IC 152 includes a data processing unit 171 that processes data, and data that is recorded, for example,
A memory 172 such as a flash memory is provided. The data processing unit 171 reads out the data stored in the memory 172 according to the control signal input through the contact terminal 151, and outputs the data through the contact terminal 151 or outputs the data stored in the memory 172. Update.

The memory 172 stores, for example, name, ID,
Alternatively, a usage history indicating the number of times the card 141 has been used is recorded together with personal information such as a department name that can identify the user to some extent.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a copying machine 175 for executing an authentication process using card 141. The copier 175 reads the data of the card 141 or updates the data of the card 141 using the contact terminal 161 and the contact terminal 161 described with reference to FIG. 18 instead of the magnetic head 122 and the magnetic data reading unit 131. For generating and outputting control signals for
Except for the provision of the data processing unit 181, the copier 125 has the same configuration as the copier 125 described with reference to FIG. 15, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the authentication process 4 executed by the copying machine 175 of FIG. 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S71, the CPU 81 sets
It is determined whether or not the card 141 is set based on a signal input from the sensor 71 via the internal bus 81. If it is determined in step S71 that the card 141 has not been set, the process of step S71 is repeated until it is determined that the card 141 has been set.

When it is determined in step S71 that the card 141 has been set, in step S72, the CPU 81 sends a signal indicating that the card 141 has been set to the internal bus 82 and the fingerprint collation ASIC 90.
To the IC data processing unit 181 via the. The IC data processing unit 181 includes the contact terminal 161 and the card 14
A control signal for outputting the personal information recorded in the memory 172 is output to the data processing unit 171 of the IC 152 via the one contact terminal 151. Data processing unit 1
The 71 reads out personal information from the memory 172 and outputs the personal information to the IC data processing unit 181 via the contact terminal 151 and the contact terminal 161. IC data processing unit 1
Reference numeral 81 denotes a fingerprint collation ASIC 90
Output to

At step S73, the fingerprint collation ASI
The C90 determines whether the card 141 is a registered card 141 based on the input personal information and the information registered in the fingerprint registration memory. Step S
If it is determined in 73 that the card 141 is an unregistered card 141, the process proceeds to step S8.
Proceed to 3.

If it is determined in step S73 that the card 141 is a registered card 141, the same processing as in steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 9 is executed in steps S74 and S75.

If it is determined in step S75 that the fingerprint feature has been input, then in step S76,
The fingerprint collation ASIC 90 selects only the corresponding fingerprint feature from the fingerprint features registered in the fingerprint registration memory 91 by using the personal information input in step S72, and among the fingerprint features, The authentication process is executed by determining whether or not there is a fingerprint feature amount input from the A / D conversion unit 89.

In step S77, the same processing as in step S15 in FIG. 9 is performed.

If it is determined in step S77 that the authentication processing has succeeded, the process proceeds to step S78 in FIG.
The same processing as that of step S16 is executed, and step S16 is executed.
At 79, the IC data processing unit 181
61 and the contact terminal 151 of the card 141,
The data processing unit 171 of C152 updates the use history recorded in the memory 172, that is, outputs a control signal for adding 1 to the number of times of use, and the process ends. Data processing unit 1 of IC 152 of card 141
71 adds 1 to the number of times of use of the use history stored in the memory 172.

If it is determined in step S77 that the authentication processing has failed, in step S80, the IC
The data processing unit 181 includes the contact terminal 161 and the card 1
A control signal for outputting the use history recorded in the memory 172 is output to the data processing unit 171 of the IC 152 via the contact terminal 151 of the IC 41. The data processing unit 171 reads the usage history from the memory 172, and outputs the usage history to the IC data processing unit 181 via the contact terminals 151 and 161.

In step S81, the IC data processing section 181 uses the card 141 based on the read usage history.
It is determined whether or not the number of times of use is equal to or more than a predetermined number of times that the transparent window 22 of the card 141 is considered to be deteriorated due to scratches or dirt. If it is determined in step S81 that the number of times the card has been used is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the processing is:
Proceed to step S83.

If it is determined in step S81 that the number of times the card has been used is equal to or more than the predetermined number, in step S82, the IC data processing unit 181 determines that the number of times the card 141 has been used is equal to or more than the predetermined number. Is output to the CPU 81 via the fingerprint collation ASIC 90 and the internal bus 82. The CPU 81 controls the display unit 7
2 generates a control signal for displaying a message “Please reissue the card” and outputs it to the operation panel 63 via the internal bus 82 to display the display section 72.
Display the message "Please have your card reissued."

If it is determined in step S73 that the card 141 is not a registered card 141, or if it is determined in step S81 that the number of uses of the card 141 is equal to or less than the predetermined number, or if the processing in step S82 is terminated. Thereafter, in step S83, step S in FIG.
The same processing as in step 17 is executed, and the processing ends.

According to the processing described with reference to FIG. 21, not only the time required for the authentication processing can be shortened by using the personal information recorded on the card 141, but also the number of times the card 141 has been used can be used as the usage history. As card 141
, It is possible to prevent a decrease in authentication accuracy due to scratches or dirt on the transparent window 22 of the card 141.

[0147] Here, the explanation has been given assuming that the message "Please reissue the card" is displayed on the display section 72 when the number of times of use of the card is equal to or more than the predetermined number. The copying machine 175 is connected to another information processing apparatus via a network, and the corresponding user is assigned to the card 141 by the administrator of the copying machine 175.
Or that the copier 175 needs to be reissued.
A new card 141 may be automatically issued by connecting to a card issuing device that issues the card 141.

[0148] The memory 172 of the IC 152 of the card 141 may store data other than personal information used for authentication processing. Thus, the card 141 can be used for a plurality of purposes.

In the above description, a case has been described where a fingerprint feature is used as data used in the authentication processing.
The present invention can be applied to a case where, for example, a palm print or the like is used in the authentication processing.

In the above description, the case of managing the users of the copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus such as the copying machine, but may be, for example, an image processing apparatus such as a facsimile, a printer, or a CD. (Cash Dispenser)
The present invention can also be applied to the case of managing users of various information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer, an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), and a personal computer.

[0151]

According to the card of the present invention, at least a part of the card is made of a transparent member, and when the electronic device is mounted on the electronic device, the electronic device is placed on the transparent member. Since the transparent member is provided at a position where the image of the object can be read, the user can execute the collation processing without directly touching the reading surface by using this card. It is possible to prevent the authentication precision from deteriorating due to giving the user a physiological disgust or a sense of discomfort, or causing scratches or dirt on the reading surface.

According to the control device of the present invention, a card having at least a partly transparent member is mounted, and the image data of the authentication object placed on the mounted card is used.
Since the authentication process is executed, the user can execute the collation process without directly touching the reading surface, giving the user a physiological disgust, a sense of incongruity, and scratching or dirt on the reading surface. Thus, it is possible to prevent the authentication accuracy from deteriorating.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a conventional fingerprint sensor.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a card to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a fingerprint sensor configured to set the card of FIG. 2;

4 is an external configuration diagram of a copier equipped with the fingerprint sensor of FIG. 3;

5 is a detailed configuration diagram of an operation panel of the copying machine shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a registration process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing registered data.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process 1;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a message displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a message displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating authentication processing 2;

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a card provided with a magnetic tape.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a method of setting the card of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a copying machine that executes an authentication process using the card of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process 3;

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing a card provided with an IC.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting the card in FIG. 17;

19 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card shown in FIG.

20 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a copying machine that executes an authentication process using the card of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an authentication process 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 13 reading surface 15 CCD 21 card 22 transparent window 31 fingerprint sensor 51 copier 63 operation panel 71 sensor 72 display unit 73 numeric keypad 81 CPU 90 fingerprint collation ASIC 101 card 111 magnetic tape 122 magnetic head 125 copier 131 magnetic data reader 141 card 151 contact terminal 152 IC 161 contact terminal 171 data processing unit 172 memory 175 copier 181 IC data processing unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 17/00 G06K 19/00 S 19/00 Q 19/077 K H04L 9/32 H04L 9/00 673E 673D F-term (for reference) 2C005 MB05 SA02 SA12 SA15 TA21 TA22 TA27 5B035 AA13 BA01 BA03 BB02 BB03 BB09 BC01 5B058 CA13 CA31 KA06 KA12 KA33 KA37 KA38 YA18 5B072 AA02 BB08 CC02 DD01 DD21 GG07 LL19 LL04 LL04 LL04 LL04

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A card mounted on an electronic device that executes an authentication process, wherein at least a part of the card is formed of a transparent member, and the transparent member is mounted on the electronic device. 2. The card according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is provided at a position where the image of the authentication target placed on the transparent member can be read. 2. The card according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing personal information. 3. The card according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores the personal information by magnetism. 4. The card according to claim 2, wherein the card has a function of a contact type IC card, and the storage means is a flash memory. 5. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit further stores the number of times the card has been used.
Card described in. 6. The authentication object is a user's finger,
The card according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic device performs an authentication process using a fingerprint feature amount of the user's finger. 7. A control device for controlling an electronic device, comprising: mounting means for mounting a card having at least a partly transparent member; storage means for storing a plurality of personal authentication data as registration data; Acquisition means for acquiring image data of the authentication target placed on the card mounted by the mounting means, based on the registration data stored by the storage means,
A control device, comprising: an authentication unit that performs an authentication process using the image data acquired by the acquisition unit. 8. The control according to claim 7, wherein the authentication target is a user's finger, and the authentication unit executes an authentication process using a fingerprint feature amount of the user's finger. apparatus. 9. The control device according to claim 7, further comprising a detection unit that detects that the card is mounted. 10. A display unit for displaying a message, wherein when the detection unit detects that the card is mounted, the display unit is configured to place the object to be authenticated on the card. 10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein a message instructing the user is displayed. 11. A first reading unit that reads information different from image data of the authentication target from the card, and the first reading unit based on a plurality of personal authentication data stored by the storage unit. And a selection unit that selects the personal authentication data corresponding to the information read by the authentication unit, wherein the authentication unit performs an authentication process using the personal authentication data selected by the selection unit. The control device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein 12. An input means for receiving an input of predetermined information, and said personal authentication data corresponding to said predetermined information input by said input means from a plurality of said personal authentication data stored by said storage means. 11. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a selection unit configured to select the personal authentication data, wherein the authentication unit performs an authentication process using the personal authentication data selected by the selection unit. 12. Control device. 13. The control device according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined information is a personal identification number. 14. A second reading means for reading the number of times the card has been used from the card, and a signal indicating that the card needs to be reissued if the number of uses is greater than a predetermined number. And output means for outputting.
3. The control device according to any one of 3. 15. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is one of a computer, a personal computer, a copier, a facsimile, a scanner, a printer, a CD machine, an ATM, a telephone, and a mobile phone. The control device according to any one of the above. 16. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device for controlling the electronic device is built in the electronic device.