JP2002216118A - Fingerprint switching device and licensing method by fingerprint - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fingerprint switching device and a licensing method by fingerprints by which on or off of a switch is economically and promptly performed without requiring collation of fingerprints and simply by having characteristics of the fingerprints. SOLUTION: The fingerprints of a finger touching a button 3 is detected by a fingerprint sensor 5, image data of the fingerprints is analyzed by an MPU 7, when the characteristics of the fingerprints are judged to exist, a relay 9 is controlled to turn the switch on or off and the image data detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 is stored in a memory 27 by control by the MPU 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention analyzes input image data from a fingerprint switch device that detects a fingerprint of a finger touching a button and turns the fingerprint on or off and a fingerprint sensor that detects a fingerprint. The present invention relates to a method of licensing by using a fingerprint for licensing the use of an object to be used when it is determined that the fingerprint has characteristics of a fingerprint.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional device for detecting a fingerprint using a fingerprint sensor is provided, for example, at an entrance of a computer room.
It is used to control access to computer rooms, or to provide access to laptops, keyboards, mice, etc. to control access to them.

In such a conventional apparatus, fingerprint data of a person who is permitted to enter and leave a computer room and a person who is permitted to access a notebook computer or the like is registered in a memory in advance, and the fingerprint data is registered in a computer room. The fingerprint sensor detects the fingerprints of the person entering or leaving the room or accessing the notebook computer, compares the image data of the detected fingerprint with the fingerprint data registered in the memory, and turns on the switch or It turns off and the entrance and exit and access are enabled by the ON or OFF signal of this switch, and if they do not match,
Entry and exit and access are prohibited. In addition, such a fingerprint detecting device is used not only for controlling access to a computer room, access to a notebook computer, OA equipment, and a mobile terminal, but also for opening and closing a door of a safe or an archive, and various other devices. It is also used to access application software installed in devices.

[0004]

As described above, the conventional fingerprint detection device needs to register the fingerprint data of the user, such as a person entering or leaving the room or an accessor, in a memory in advance. There is a problem that the method cannot be applied to an unspecified number of unregistered persons.

[0005] Further, even if the data is not intended for an unspecified large number of people, if the data is intended for a large number of people, the fingerprint data of the large number of users is registered and collated. There is a problem that it takes an enormous amount of time for verification.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above,
The objective is to provide a fingerprint switch device and an input image from a fingerprint sensor that can be turned on or off economically and quickly simply by having the characteristics of a fingerprint without requiring fingerprint collation. An object of the present invention is to provide a fingerprint licensing method for licensing the use of an object to be used only when the data has the characteristic of a fingerprint.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 is a switch which is turned on or off by touching a button with a finger. A surface state detecting means for detecting the surface state of the touching object, and image data obtained from the surface state of the contacting object detected by the surface state detecting means, and analyzing the image data to determine whether a fingerprint feature exists. The gist of the present invention is to include a fingerprint determination unit for determining whether or not a fingerprint is present, and a switch control unit for controlling a switch to be turned on or off when it is determined that a fingerprint feature exists as a result of the determination by the fingerprint determination unit.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a surface condition of a contact object touching a button is detected, and image data of the surface condition of the contact object is analyzed to determine that a fingerprint feature exists. Since the switch is controlled so as to be turned on or off, the processing can be promptly performed without requiring an enormous amount of time as in the related art even when the majority is targeted. Further, when the fingerprint switch device of the present invention is used, for example, by presenting a memo stating, for example, "It will not operate unless it is a finger" or the like, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts and annoying acts. Even when there is no memory for storing fingerprint image data as in the present invention, for example, by presenting a memo “a fingerprint image is recorded”, the same effect as the crime suppression effect of the dummy camera can be obtained. It can also be obtained economically.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch which is turned on or off by touching a button with a finger, the surface state being provided on the button and detecting a surface state of a contact object touching the button. Detecting means for acquiring image data from the surface state of the contact object detected by the surface state detecting means, analyzing the image data, and determining whether or not a fingerprint characteristic exists; The gist of the invention is that the fingerprint determining means includes a switch control means for controlling a switch to be turned on or off when it is determined that a fingerprint characteristic exists, and a memory means for storing the image data.

[0010] According to the present invention, when the surface state of the contact object touching the button is detected and the image data of the surface state of the contact object is analyzed, it is determined that the characteristic of the fingerprint exists. In addition to controlling the switch to be turned on or off and storing the image data of the fingerprint, even when targeting the majority, processing can be performed quickly without requiring an enormous amount of time as in the past. In addition, when unauthorized intrusion, opening / closing, use, and the like are detected, for example, the fingerprint image data stored in the memory means can be used as an extremely effective clue of the criminal.
In addition, when using the fingerprint switch device of the present invention, a memo stating, for example, "It will not operate unless it is a finger" or "A fingerprint image is recorded" is displayed near the fingerprint switch device, thereby making it illegal. And annoying acts can be suppressed.

Further, the present invention according to claim 3 provides the invention according to claim 1.
In the invention according to the second aspect, when the fingerprint determination unit analyzes the image data and finds that the image includes a striped pattern having an interval peculiar to a human fingerprint, the image data has a fingerprint characteristic. And a means for determining that there is.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, as a result of analyzing the image data, if the image contains a stripe pattern having a space peculiar to a human fingerprint, it has a stripe pattern peculiar to the fingerprint. Then, it can be determined, and the fingerprint can be accurately detected.

The present invention described in claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In the invention according to any one of the above, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the button, and whether or not a contact object to the button is a part of a human body based on the temperature of the button detected by the temperature detecting means Further comprising a temperature-type human body determining means for determining whether the contact object to the button is a part of the human body based on the determination result of the temperature-type human body determining means. The gist of the present invention is to further include means for controlling a switch to be turned on or off when it is determined based on the determination result of the fingerprint determination means that a fingerprint characteristic exists.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the button is detected, and based on the temperature of the button, it is determined that the object touching the button is a part of the human body and the fingerprint determination result is obtained. Since the switch is turned on or off when it is determined based on the fingerprint that there is a feature of the fingerprint, only the fingerprint of the finger that is a part of the human body can be accurately detected and the switch can be turned on or off.

The present invention according to claim 5 provides the present invention according to claim 1.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a capacitance detecting means for detecting a capacitance of a contact object with the button, and a button based on a capacitance value detected by the capacitance detecting means. Further comprising: a capacitance-type human body determination unit that determines whether the contact object is a part of a human body, wherein the switch control unit is based on a determination result of the capacitance-type human body determination unit. The switch is turned on or off when it is determined that the contact object to the button is a part of the human body, and when it is determined that the fingerprint characteristic exists based on the determination result of the fingerprint determination unit. It is a gist of the present invention to have means for controlling

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the capacitance of the object contacting the button is detected, and based on the capacitance, the object contacting the button is determined to be a part of the human body. In order to switch on or off when it is determined that the feature of the fingerprint exists based on the fingerprint determination result, only the fingerprint of the finger which is a part of the human body is accurately detected,
Can be turned on or off.

Further, the present invention described in claim 6 provides the present invention according to claim 1.
In the invention described in any one of the first to third aspects, an electric resistance detecting means for detecting electric resistance of a contact object to the button, and a contact object to the button based on a value of electric resistance detected by the electric resistance detecting means. Further includes an electric resistance type human body determination unit that determines whether or not the button is a part of the human body, wherein the switch control unit determines whether a contact object to the button is based on a determination result of the electric resistance type human body determination unit. When it is determined that the fingerprint is a part of the human body, and based on the determination result of the fingerprint determination unit, when it is determined that the characteristic of the fingerprint is present, a unit that controls to switch on or off is provided. That is the gist.

According to the present invention, the electric resistance of the object touching the button is detected, and based on the electric resistance, it is determined that the object touching the button is a part of the human body and the fingerprint is detected. In order to switch on or off when it is determined that the feature of the fingerprint exists based on the determination result, only the fingerprint of the finger which is a part of the human body is accurately detected,
Can be turned on or off.

The present invention according to claim 7 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 3
In the invention according to any one of the above, a sound detecting means for detecting a sound generated from a touching object on the button, and a touching object on the button may be a part of a human body based on the sound detected by the sound detecting means. Sound type human body determination means for determining whether or not there is, wherein the switch control means determines that the contact object to the button is a part of the human body based on the determination result of the sound type human body determination means In this case, the gist of the present invention is to have a means for controlling the switch to be turned on or off when it is determined based on the determination result of the fingerprint determination means that the characteristic of the fingerprint exists.

According to the present invention, a sound generated from a contact object on the button is detected, and based on the detected sound, the contact object on the button is determined to be a part of a human body. Since the switch is turned on or off when it is determined based on the fingerprint determination result that the characteristic of the fingerprint exists, only the fingerprint of the finger which is a part of the human body can be accurately detected and the switch can be turned on or off.

The present invention according to claim 8 provides the present invention according to claim 7.
In the invention described in the above, the sound-type human body determination means determines whether or not the sound is a pulse based on the periodicity of the sound detected by the sound detection means. The gist of the present invention is to have means for determining that a contact object to the button is a part of a human body when the pulse is determined.

According to the present invention, when it is determined that the sound is a pulse based on the periodicity of the detected sound, it is determined that the object touching the button is a part of the human body. Only the pulse can be accurately detected from the sound.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the input image data from the fingerprint sensor is analyzed and it is determined that the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint, the fingerprint for which use of the object to be used is permitted is determined. The gist is that the input image data in the case of the permission is stored in a data storage device.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the use of the object to be used is permitted as a result of analyzing the input image data from the fingerprint sensor and determining that the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint. In this case, since the input image data is stored in the data storage device, even if a large number of users are used, processing can be quickly performed without requiring an enormous amount of time unlike the related art. In the event that intrusion, opening / closing, use, or the like is detected, fingerprint image data stored in the data storage device can be used as an extremely effective clue of the criminal.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the input image data from the fingerprint sensor is analyzed and it is determined that the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint, the use by the fingerprint which permits the use of the object to be used is determined. In the permission method, when it is determined that the input image data has fingerprint characteristics, the input image data or the fingerprint characteristic data extracted from the input image data is stored in a data storage device in advance. Is compared with the image data or the feature data of the data to determine whether or not it has been registered. If the result of this determination is that the data has been registered, the use of the object to be used is permitted and the use record is stored in the data storage device. However, if the result of the determination is that the input image data has not been registered, use of the use object is permitted and the input image data is stored in a data storage device.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, as a result of analyzing the input image data from the fingerprint sensor, if it is determined that the input image data has a fingerprint characteristic, the input image data or the data The feature data of the fingerprint extracted from is compared with the registration data to determine whether or not the registration has been completed. If the registration has been completed, the use of the object to be used is permitted, the usage record is stored in the data storage device, and the If not, since the use of the object is licensed and the input image data is stored in the data storage device, the use of the object can be quickly licensed to an unspecified number of people. In the event that use is discovered, fingerprint image data stored in the data storage device can be used as an extremely effective clue of the criminal.

[0027] According to the present invention as set forth in claim 11, in the invention as set forth in claim 10, the use object permitted when the result of the judgment is that the user is registered is the case where the object is not registered as a result of the judgment. The gist of the invention is that the use object itself or the use range of the use object is set differently from the use object permitted in the above.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, as a result of checking the input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the data with the registered data, the use object permitted if the registered data is registered is Since the use object itself or the use range of the use object is different from the use object permitted if not already used, for example, access to a highly confidential object such as a vault for registered persons Has already been registered, such that unregistered persons are prohibited from accessing objects such as highly confidential vaults, and are only allowed to access less confidential objects. By changing the use target and its range between those who are not registered and those who are not registered, for example, security against unauthorized intrusion can be improved.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the input image data from the fingerprint sensor is analyzed, and if the input image data is determined to have the characteristic of a fingerprint, the fingerprint for which use of the object is permitted is determined. The method of licensing, when it is determined that the input image data has the characteristic of a fingerprint, the input image data is temporarily stored in a data storage device, At any time after the use of the object has been permitted, the input image data temporarily stored in the data storage device is read, and the read input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the input image data is stored. It is compared with fingerprint image data or feature data registered in advance in the device to determine whether or not the device has been registered. If, accumulating said use recorded in the data storage device, a result of the determination, if it is not registered, is summarized in that for storing the input image data to the data storage device.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the input image data from the fingerprint sensor has the characteristic of the fingerprint, the input image data is temporarily stored in the data storage device. , The use of the object to be used is permitted, and at any time after the use is permitted, the input image data temporarily stored in the data storage device is read out, and the input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the data is read in advance. It is compared with the registered fingerprint data to determine whether or not it has been registered. If it has been registered, the usage record is stored in the data storage device. If not, the input image data is stored in the data storage device. First, the license is determined only by determining whether or not the input data has the characteristic of the fingerprint. Ukoto can, and it is possible to reduce the load of the apparatus by collectively be carried out, for example, as a batch process at any time after license verification of such fingerprint data in the time.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the input image data stored in the data storage device is encrypted and stored in the data storage device. The point is to be accumulated.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the input image data is encrypted and stored in the data storage device, the privacy of the user can be protected.

[0033]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fingerprint switch device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fingerprint switch device shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated in a button 3 provided on a substrate 1 and detects a fingerprint of a finger touching the surface of the button 3 when the button 3 is pressed with a finger. And an MPU (microprocessor unit) 7 for analyzing image data of the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 and determining whether or not a feature of the fingerprint exists. Note that the MPU 7 is also mounted on the substrate 1.

A relay 9 is provided on the substrate 1,
The relay 9 is driven and controlled by the MPU 7 to be turned on or off when the MPU 7 analyzes and determines the image data of the fingerprint and determines that the fingerprint characteristic exists. The ON or OFF contact output of the relay 9 can be taken out from a relay contact output terminal 21 provided at the tip of the lead via a lead 17 extending from the substrate 1. Therefore, by connecting the relay contact output terminal 21 to another control device or the like, an on or off signal of the relay 9 is transmitted to the control device, and the control device can control, for example, opening and closing of some door. You can do it. A contact input terminal 23 for resetting the relay is further connected to the relay 9 via a lead wire 15 extending from the board 1.
, The relay 9 can be reset by inputting a relay reset signal.

Further, a memory device connector terminal 25 is connected to the MPU 7 via a lead wire 19 extending from the substrate 1, and a memory 27 is detachably connected to the memory device connector terminal 25. The image data of the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 can be stored in the memory 27 under the control of the MPU 7.

The substrate 1 is connected to the D
The DC power supply 11 is connected to the fingerprint sensor 5, the MPU 7, the relay 9, and the memory 27.
And the like to supply operating power.

It should be noted that the fingerprint sensor 5 also constitutes a surface state detecting means, for example, an optical type, a capacitance type,
It can be configured by various methods such as a temperature method. M
The PU 7 constitutes a fingerprint determination unit and a switch control unit. However, the PU 7 may be configured as a device integrated with the fingerprint sensor 5 into a single chip, for example.

The memory 27 constitutes a memory means, and is preferably a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, but may be any storage medium. In the present embodiment, for example, a memory device that is a small storage medium such as a commercially available memory stick, SD memory card, smart media, multimedia card, or compact flash (registered trademark) is used. 25, and by storing the images in a predetermined format, the contents of the memory 27 can be read out and displayed easily with, for example, a commercially available tool. Note that the memory 27 is not limited to a memory device as described above. For example, when large-capacity storage is required, a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk, an MO disk, or a DVD may be used. Good thing. The memory 27 does not need to be detachable using the memory device connector terminal 25 as in the present embodiment. The memory 27 may be directly connected to the MPU 7 or the like. 1 may be directly mounted.

The relay 9 is used for turning on or off the switch. However, the relay 9 is not necessarily a mechanical relay, but may be a switch that is electrically operated. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a case is described in which the fingerprint sensor 5, the MPU 7, the relay 9, and the like are mounted on the same substrate 1, but these may be mounted on a plurality of substrates. Alternatively, it may be configured by connecting a cable midway.

Next, the operation of the fingerprint switch device configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the fingerprint switch device of the present embodiment
The fingerprint sensor 5 detects whether or not a finger or the like touches the button 3 (step S11). The contact detection of the button 3 is performed by the fingerprint sensor 5,
A sensor provided near the button 3 may be used, or a button incorporating the sensor may be detected as a push button or the like, but the sensor image needs to be captured in the next step. Here, the touch is detected by the fingerprint sensor 5.

Next, the image data of the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor 5, ie, the image data of the contact object such as a finger on the button detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 is taken into the MPU 7 (step S13), and the taken image data is taken. The image is analyzed by the MPU 7 (step S15). Since the fingerprint stripe pattern has a period peculiar to a human, the image data detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 is subjected to image analysis to determine whether or not this image includes a stripe pattern having a characteristic distance to a human fingerprint. Is determined, it is possible to determine whether or not a fingerprint exists, that is, whether or not a feature of the fingerprint exists (step S1).
7).

As one means of this image analysis, for example, a frequency spectrum analysis using Fourier analysis can be considered. Since the period of the stripes of the image corresponds to the frequency, it is sufficient to determine whether or not the period component peculiar to a human, that is, the frequency component is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Of course, without using such numerical analysis means, it may be directly read from the image that the black and white of the image is repeated at a period peculiar to the human fingerprint.

Since the stripe pattern appears in various directions depending on the location, a plurality of inspection lines are defined on the screen, and whether or not a stripe having a period peculiar to a human fingerprint is formed on each inspection line. It is possible to determine whether the image is a fingerprint image when a stripe pattern peculiar to the fingerprint is detected in a predetermined number or more of the inspection line segments. In this case, since the image is composed of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional plane,
The inspection line segment is a one-dimensional array of pixels at a designated appropriate location. The line segment may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and the determination is usually performed using a plurality of inspection line segments that combine these. If a large number of inspection line segments are defined on the screen, a plurality of line segments that intersect approximately perpendicularly with the fingerprint stripe pattern appear, and these are considered to be one-dimensional image data having a period peculiar to the fingerprint. If the stripe pattern of the fingerprint and the inspection line segment obliquely intersect, the cycle looks a little longer, but these data may be made valid by slightly relaxing the tolerance. In this manner, the number of inspection lines having a stripe pattern peculiar to the fingerprint may be checked to determine whether or not the number exceeds a predetermined number. In the case of only a striped pattern, for example, simulation can be performed using a photograph or a picture. However, even if pseudo data based on such a picture or a picture is used and this is detected by the fingerprint sensor 5, The image output by the fingerprint sensor does not usually have a stripe pattern. The reason is that the fingerprint sensor uses the fact that the refractive index of light on the sensor surface changes due to the unevenness of the fingerprint, the capacitance of each detection terminal on the surface changes, and the temperature distribution on the surface changes. It is. Here, the method of the one-dimensional Fourier analysis has been described, but a method of performing a two-dimensional Fourier analysis and confirming that a peak comes at a periodic position peculiar to a human being may be considered.

In the above description, the method using the stripe pattern of the fingerprint has been described. However, if a feature point (branch point or end point) called a minutia exists as a feature of the fingerprint, a fingerprint image is obtained. Can be determined more accurately. To extract the minutiae, a method generally used in fingerprint matching processing can be used.

As a result of the determination in step S17,
If it is determined that the fingerprint characteristic exists, the MPU 7 controls the relay 9 to be turned on or off, and outputs an on or off signal of the relay 9 from the relay contact output terminal 21 via the lead wire 17. Controls the opening and closing of the door, for example (step S19).

Then, the image data of the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 is stored in the memory 27 under the control of the MPU 7 (step S21). Note that this image data accumulation processing is performed before the control of the relay 9 in step S15.
This may be performed immediately after it is determined in step S17 that the feature of the fingerprint exists. Further, the storage date and time may be stored simultaneously with the storage of the image data in the memory 27. By storing the date and time information in this way, for example, when a criminal or the like is specified using the stored fingerprint image data. It is effective for Further, when the fingerprint switch of the present invention is used in combination with a card reader or the like, if the information read from the card reader is stored at the same time, it is more effective to identify the criminal. As an example, it is conceivable to incorporate it into a gate using a magnetic card or IC card. The format of the image data stored in the memory 27 may be any format. For example, a format such as JPEG or GIF that can be compressed and facilitates image reproduction is preferable.

The relay 9 controlled to be turned on or off by the MPU 7 is supplied with a reset signal from the outside via the relay reset contact input terminal 23, and is reset to its original state or the timer from the MPU 7 Reset by a signal or the like. When the button 3 incorporating the fingerprint sensor 5 is configured by a push button, the relay 9 may be reset using a signal when the push button is turned off.

Next, the operation of the fingerprint switch device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the temperature, capacitance, electric resistance, pulse, and other sounds of the button 3 that change when the user touches the embodiment shown in FIG. This detection result is also different in that it is added as a requirement for determining the presence of a fingerprint feature, and the other configurations and operations are the same. In addition, in order to detect such temperature, capacitance, electric resistance, sound, and the like, the present embodiment includes a temperature detecting unit, a capacitance detecting unit, an electric resistance detecting unit, a sound detecting unit, and the like. However, since the signal detected by such means is converted into digital data by an A / D converter and input to the MPU 7, each detecting means has an A / D conversion function. However, instead of this, an A / D converter may be connected to the output of each detecting means.

In FIG. 3, first, it is detected whether or not a contact object such as a finger touches the button 3 (step S3).
1). The detection of contact with the button 3 can be performed by the fingerprint sensor 5, or, as described above, a sensor provided in the vicinity of the button 3 can be used. The detection may be performed as follows.

When it is detected that the button 3 has been touched, the temperature of the button 3, preferably, the temperature of the surface of the button 3 is detected by the temperature detecting means, and based on the detected temperature, the button 3 is contacted. It is determined whether the object is a part of the human body (step S33). For example, if the detected surface temperature of the button 3 is within a predetermined range, for example, a predetermined range around 36 ° C., it can be determined that a finger or the like which is a part of the human body has touched.

As a result of the determination based on the temperature, when it is determined that the button 3 is a part of the human body, the capacitance of the contact object with the button 3 is detected by the capacitance detecting means. It is determined whether or not the object touching the button is a part of the human body based on the value of the capacity (step S35). That is, if a part of a human body such as a finger touches the button 3, the capacitance changes. If the change in the capacitance is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the contact is a part of the human body. can do.

As a result of the determination based on the capacitance, when it is determined that the button 3 is a part of the human body, the electrical resistance of the contact object to the button 3 is detected by the electrical resistance detecting means. It is determined whether or not the object touching the button is a part of the human body based on the value of (Step S37). That is, when a part of the human body such as a finger touches the button 3,
Since the electric resistance of the button 3 changes, if the change in the electric resistance is within a predetermined range, it can be determined that the touch is a partial contact of the human body.

As a result of the determination based on the electric resistance, when it is determined that the button 3 is a part of the human body, a sound generated from an object touching the button 3 is detected by the sound detecting means, and based on the detected sound. Then, it is determined whether or not the object touching the button is a part of the human body (step S39). Specifically, the detected sound has a periodicity, and it is determined whether or not the pulse is a pulse based on whether or not the periodicity is within a predetermined range. , It is determined that the object touching the button is a part of the human body.

As described above, when it is determined that a part of the human body has touched the button 3 by detecting the temperature, the capacitance, the electrical resistance, and the pulse, the touched object detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 is next detected. Image data is fetched (step S41). In the case where a part of the human body comes into contact with something like the button 3, if the button 3 is provided as a doorbell at the entrance or gate, for example, depending on the position where the button 3 is arranged and the shape of the button 3 itself, Such a button 3 is normally pressed with a finger because the button 3 is arranged at a position of a line of sight that is easy for a human to operate with a finger. Therefore, the part of the human body detected as described above can be determined to be a normal finger from the arrangement position of the button 3 and the shape of the button 3 itself, so that the image data detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 is image data,
Further, it can be determined that the image data is fingerprint image data.

Next, the image data of the captured contact object, that is, the image data of the fingerprint, is subjected to image analysis by the MPU 7 as described above (step S43), and this image includes a stripe pattern having an interval peculiar to a human fingerprint. Then, it is determined whether or not a fingerprint exists, that is, whether or not the feature of the fingerprint exists (step S45).

As a result of the determination in step S45,
If it is determined that the fingerprint characteristic exists, the MPU 7 controls the relay 9 to be turned on or off, and outputs an on or off signal of the relay 9 from the relay contact output terminal 21 via the lead wire 17. Controls the opening and closing of the door, for example (step S47). Then, the image data of the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 is stored in the memory 27 under the control of the MPU 7 (step S49). By accumulating the fingerprint image data detected by the fingerprint sensor 5 in the memory 27 in this manner, it is effective when specifying the criminal or the like using the accumulated fingerprint image data.

In the above-described embodiment, the judgment on the temperature, the capacitance, the electric resistance, and the pulse is all performed. However, it is not necessary to perform the judgment on all, and only one or a combination of two or more is performed. Alternatively, the order of this determination need not be the order described above, and can be made in any order.

By incorporating the fingerprint switch device constructed and functioning as described in each of the above-described embodiments into, for example, a door phone or a doorbell at the entrance, it is desired to leave evidence such as a stoker, a push sale, and a solicitation of a vicious religion. It is expected that few people will have little touch on button 3. In addition, the act of confirming that there is no occupant in the empty nest becomes impossible, and the safety of the house can be improved.

Further, if this fingerprint switch device is attached to the gate at the entrance of the general meeting place for shareholders, the effect can be expected to suppress the general assembly hall, and if it is used at the VIP lecture hall or embassy, the effect of suppressing the terrorists can be expected. If attached to the gates at airports and ports, it can be expected to have the effect of deterring wanted criminals from jumping or hijacking / seajacking. If it is attached to the gate of a monthly parking lot or a company-specific parking lot, it can be expected to prevent unwanted parking, and if it is used at the gate of a waste storage area, it can be expected to prevent illegal dumping. If it is installed at the entrance of a public place such as the roof of an apartment building but is not desired to be used for impure purposes, the use of bad boys can be suppressed. Video / CD at library gate
・ Effective in deterring theft of collections.

If it is attached to a library, it can be expected to prevent leakage of confidential documents, and if it is attached to the door of a poisonous / dangerous / dangerous goods storage, it can be expected to be effective in preventing unauthorized use. If used in conjunction with a card-type electronic lock at a hotel, it can be expected to have the effect of preventing impersonation.

If used at offices where a driver's license or the like needs to be presented for identity verification, at consumer financing, at a rental store, or at a mobile phone store, fraudulent acts can be further suppressed. If you use it at cash counters, antique stores, art dealers, pawn shops, etc., you can bring in stolen goods and counterfeit goods,
If it is used at a payment window using a credit card, a debit card, or the like, the effect of suppressing crime by a stolen card or a counterfeit card can be expected.

Attaching to currency exchange machines, ticket vending machines, vending machines, game machines, etc. prevents the use of counterfeit banknotes and fake coins, and attaching to card-compatible ticket vending machines, vending machines, telephones, etc. prevents the use of falsified cards. The effect can be expected.

The memory is removed from the structure of the present invention so that the crime prevention effect of the surveillance camera is supported and the dummy camera having no camera function or recording function also has the crime prevention effect. However, a deterrent effect can be expected.

The original usage is to determine that the image data has the characteristic of a fingerprint and to turn on or off the switch. However, in order to configure the apparatus at low cost, this determination portion is used. Even if it is omitted and the button is pressed with a finger or the finger is touched, the ON / OFF operation is performed and the image data is stored in the memory, but the suppression effect can be expected.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent drawings, a method for licensing the use of a fingerprint according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fingerprint licensing apparatus for performing the fingerprint licensing method of the present embodiment. The fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 uses a fingerprint image of the user by various methods such as an optical method, a capacitance method, and a temperature method, similarly to the fingerprint sensor used in the embodiment of FIG. A fingerprint sensor 41 for detecting and outputting the detected image data;
When the input image data from 1 is analyzed by the computer 43 and it is determined that the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint,
The user is permitted to use the object to be used, for example, a device or equipment such as a computer, which the user wants to use, and the input image data in the case of this permission is stored in the data storage device 45. The object of use is not only devices and equipment such as OA equipment such as computers, mobile terminals, and mobile terminals, but also rooms or places such as safes, archives, storages, computer rooms, and application applications. Software such as is included.

The computer 43 analyzes the input image data from the fingerprint sensor 41, determines whether or not the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint, and determines that the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint. In this case, the input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the input image data is collated with the image data or characteristic data of the fingerprint registered in advance in the data storage device 45 to determine whether or not the data has been registered. If it has been registered, it is controlled to permit the use of the use object, and the use record is stored in the data storage device 45. If the result of the determination is that it has not been registered, the use of the use object is permitted. The control is performed in such a manner that the input image data from the fingerprint sensor 41 is stored in the data storage device 45. The computer 43 may be a personal computer, a workstation, or a built-in CPU,
An FPGA or ASIC chip may be used.

The data storage device 45 stores input image data determined to have a fingerprint characteristic from the fingerprint sensor 41, fingerprint characteristic data extracted from the input image data by the computer 43, and licenses the user to use. In this case, the usage record data and the like are stored under the control of the computer 43. The data storage device 45 can use various storage means such as a hard disk, various removable disks, and LSI chips.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the license-using apparatus constructed as described above will be described.

First, the input image data 47 from the fingerprint sensor 41 is analyzed by the computer 43 (step S51), and it is determined whether or not the input image data has a characteristic of a fingerprint (step S53). If it is determined that the input image data does not have a fingerprint feature, the process ends. If it is determined that the input image data has a fingerprint feature, the input image data 47, ie, the user The input fingerprint image data 47 is stored in the data storage device 45 (step S55), and the user is permitted to use the device or equipment (step S57). The order of the accumulation processing in step S55 and the use permission processing in step S57 may be reversed. Further, the format of the input image data 47 may be any format such as BMP or JPEG.

The above-described analysis method for determining whether the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint by the computer 43 uses the above-described method in which the image includes a stripe pattern having an interval peculiar to a human fingerprint. There is a method of judging that there is, and specifically, frequency analysis using Fourier transform is effective. In the frequency analysis using this Fourier analysis, a method of performing one-dimensional Fourier transform on an inspection line segment as described above, a method of performing two-dimensional Fourier transform, and confirming that a peak comes at a periodic position peculiar to humans and so on.

In the above embodiment, when the license is granted as a result of determining that the input image data from the fingerprint sensor 41 has the characteristic of the fingerprint, the input image data is stored in the data storage device. Even if there is a number of people, it can be processed quickly, and in the event that unauthorized intrusion, opening / closing, use, etc. are found, fingerprint image data stored in the data storage device is an extremely effective clue Can be used as

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, another operation of the license approving apparatus shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

First, the input image data 47 from the fingerprint sensor 41 is analyzed by the computer 43 (step S61), and it is determined whether or not the input image data has a characteristic of a fingerprint (step S63). If it is determined that the input image data has no fingerprint feature, the process ends. If it is determined that the input image data has the fingerprint feature, the input image data 47 from the fingerprint sensor 41 is output. Alternatively, the fingerprint characteristic data extracted by the computer 43 from the input image data is compared with the fingerprint image data or fingerprint characteristic data 49 registered in the data storage device 45 by the computer 43 (step S65), and the user is registered. Is determined (step S67).

If the user is a registered user, the user's use record 51, that is, the use record 51 indicating that the user uses an object to be used such as a device or equipment, is stored in the data storage device 45 (FIG. In step S69, the user is permitted to use the device or the equipment to be used (step S73).

On the other hand, if the user is not a registered person,
The input image data 47 of the user is stored in the data storage device 45 (step S71), and the user is permitted to use the device or equipment (step S7).
3). It should be noted that the order of the process of recording usage or storing image data in the data storage device 45 and the process of licensing may be reversed.

In the above embodiment, the input image data from the fingerprint sensor 41 has the characteristic of a fingerprint, and the data is compared with the registered data to determine whether or not the image is registered.
If it has been registered, the usage record is stored in the data storage device 45 for licensing. If not registered, the input image data is stored in the data storage device 45 for licensing. In the case where unauthorized access, opening / closing, use, etc. are discovered, for example, the fingerprint image data stored in the data storage device is used as an extremely effective clue of the culprit. be able to.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 7, still another operation of the use licensing apparatus using a fingerprint shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In the processing shown in FIG. 7, the processing up to step S71 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 6, and the same steps are denoted by the same step numbers and description thereof will be omitted.

That is, as a result of identifying whether or not the user is a registered user in step S67 of FIG. 7, if the user is a registered user, the usage record 51 is stored in the data storage device 45 (step S67). S69) If the user is not a registered person, the processing up to the storage of the input image data 47 in the data storage device 45 (step S71) is the same as in FIG. 6, but in this processing, after this storage processing, In the case of a registered person, a first license is given as a license for a device or equipment to be used (step S75), and in the case of not a registered person, a first license given to a registered person A second license that is different from the above is given (step S7).
7). Note that the license includes not only the usage target of the device or the equipment but also the usage range of the usage target.

In the above embodiment, since the use object permitted to a registered person differs from the use object permitted to a person who is not a registered person, the use object itself or the use range of the use object is different. For, also grant access to highly sensitive objects such as vaults,
Registering with non-registered persons who are already registered, such as prohibiting access to objects such as highly confidential storage and permitting access only to objects with low confidentiality By changing the use object and the range thereof with a person who has not been used, it is possible to enhance security against, for example, unauthorized intrusion.

More specifically, for example, when entering a certain office, if the employee is registered as a fingerprint, the door is unlocked, and if it is another person, a calling chime is sounded. Can be divided. Also,
By changing the lock level to be unlocked between registered users and others, more secure locks such as vaults and archives are only released by registered users, but vaults with less confidentiality levels Locks such as archives and archives can be unlocked by anyone who does not refuse to collect fingerprints. That is, it is possible to register only fingerprints of a limited number of persons, and to lower the level of licensing for persons other than the registrant to use the apparatus.

Next, another operation of the license using device shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the operation shown in FIG. 8, for example, in the operation shown in FIG. 6, only the analysis (step S61) for determining whether or not the input image data from the fingerprint sensor 41 has the characteristic of the fingerprint is performed quickly in real time. Since the fingerprint matching process with the registered data (step S65) takes a long time, batch processing is performed later in a vacant time or the like to thereby reduce the load on the computer 43.

That is, although omitted in FIG. 8,
The input image data from the fingerprint sensor 41 is analyzed by the computer 43, and it is determined whether or not the input image data has the characteristic of a fingerprint. The data is temporarily stored in the data storage device 45, and a user who has been determined to have a fingerprint characteristic is licensed to use the data. In the above processing, the input image data from the fingerprint sensor 41 is
The input image data 53 temporarily stored in the data storage device 45 as described above is read by the computer 43 at an arbitrary time after the real-time processing is completed. Computer 43
Reads fingerprint image data or fingerprint characteristic data 55 for batch processing registered in the data storage device 45 in advance, and compares the two image data to perform fingerprint collation (step S81). Note that this fingerprint collation is performed at any time when the computer 43 has an idle time for all the input image data 53 temporarily stored in the data storage device 45 in the above-described real-time analysis processing of whether or not the fingerprint has the characteristic. The batch processing is performed in the background irrespective of the operation, but as long as the computer 43 has a free time, every time the real-time analysis processing of one input image data with the characteristic of the fingerprint is completed. That is, the determination may be made one by one immediately after the determination of the characteristic of the fingerprint is made and the license is given to the user.

As described above, when fingerprint collation is performed,
It is determined whether or not the user is a registered person based on the fingerprint collation result (step S83). If the user is a registered person, the use record 51 of the registered person is updated (step S85). The above processing is repeatedly performed on all the input image data temporarily stored in the data storage device 45 in the real-time analysis processing. Further, in the batch processing including the fingerprint collation, a computer different from the computer 43 that performs the real-time analysis processing on whether or not the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint may be used.

As described above, it is determined whether or not there is a characteristic of the fingerprint. If the characteristic of the fingerprint is present, the input image data is temporarily stored in the data storage device to permit the use of the object to be used. Performs the processing quickly in real time, reads out the input image data temporarily stored in the data storage device at any time after this license is granted, and performs fingerprint matching with the image data of the fingerprint registered in advance to register By performing the process of determining whether or not there is a batch in the idle time of the computer 43 and the like, batch-licensing for an unspecified number of people can be performed quickly and the load on the computer 43 is reduced. be able to.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, still another operation of the license approving apparatus shown in FIG. 4 will be described. This operation is to encrypt and store the image data to be stored in the data storage device 45, thereby protecting the privacy of the user.

That is, as described above, the fingerprint sensor 4
When the computer 43 analyzes the input image data from No. 1 and determines that the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint, the input image data is stored in the data storage device 45. If the user is identified as a non-registered user by comparing it with fingerprint image data registered in advance, the input image data is stored in the data storage device 45. Thus, the computer 43 encrypts the data (step S91), and stores the encrypted input image data 57 in the data storage device 45 (step S93). Then, for example, only when unauthorized use is discovered, the encrypted image data is decrypted as described above to reproduce the original image, thereby providing a powerful clue to the culprit of the unauthorized use. Note that the encryption method may be any method such as FEEL and DES.

Next, still another operation of the fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is to read out the image data stored in the data storage device 45 and display it on a display such as a CRT.

That is, in FIG. 10, the computer 43 reads out the image data 53 having the characteristic of the user's fingerprint stored in the data storage device 45 (step S101), and displays the image data on a display such as a CRT (step S101). Step S103). The computer that performs the display processing may be a computer different from the computer 43 that performs the analysis and collation of the fingerprint.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, still another operation of the license approving apparatus shown in FIG. 4 will be described. This operation is to decrypt the image data that has been encrypted and stored in the data storage device 45 described with reference to FIG. 9 and display it on a display such as a CRT.

That is, in FIG. 11, when the computer 43 reads the image data encrypted and stored in the data storage device 45, that is, the encrypted stored image data 59 (step S111), the computer 43 decrypts the read encrypted image data. (Step S113), and display on a display such as a CRT (Step S115).

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The surface condition of the contact object that touches the button is detected, and the image data of the surface condition of the contact object is analyzed. If it is determined that the characteristic of the fingerprint exists, the switch is turned on or off. Can be processed quickly without requiring an enormous amount of time unlike the related art. Also, when using the fingerprint switch device of the present invention, by presenting a memo stating, for example, "It will not operate unless it is a finger" in the vicinity,
It is possible to suppress fraudulent acts and annoying acts. Further, even when there is no memory for storing the fingerprint image data as in the present invention, for example, by presenting a memo “a fingerprint image is recorded”, the same effect as the crime suppression effect by the dummy camera can be obtained. It can also be obtained economically.

Further, according to the present invention, the surface condition of the contact object touching the button is detected, and the image data of the surface condition of the contact object is analyzed, and when it is determined that the characteristic of the fingerprint exists, the switch is turned on. Or control to turn off and accumulate fingerprint image data, so even when targeting the majority, it can be processed quickly without requiring an enormous amount of time as in the past, For example, when unauthorized intrusion, opening / closing, use, and the like are detected, the fingerprint image data stored in the memory means can be used as an extremely effective clue of the criminal. In addition, when using the fingerprint switch device of the present invention, a memo stating, for example, "It will not operate unless it is a finger" or "A fingerprint image is recorded" is displayed near the fingerprint switch device, thereby making it illegal. And annoying acts can be effectively suppressed.

Further, according to the present invention, as a result of image analysis of image data, if this image contains a stripe pattern having an interval unique to a human fingerprint, it can be determined that the image has a stripe pattern unique to a fingerprint. , Fingerprints can be accurately detected.

According to the present invention, the temperature of the button is detected,
Based on the temperature of this button, it is determined that the object touching the button is a part of the human body, and the switch is turned on or off when it is determined based on the fingerprint determination result that the characteristic of the fingerprint is present. The switch can be turned on or off by properly detecting only the fingerprint of a part of the finger.

Further, according to the present invention, the capacitance of the object touching the button is detected, and based on this capacitance, it is determined that the object touching the button is a part of the human body.
The switch is turned on or off when it is determined based on the fingerprint determination result that the feature of the fingerprint is present, so that only the fingerprint of the finger that is a part of the human body can be accurately detected and the switch can be turned on or off.

Further, according to the present invention, the electric resistance of a contact object with the button is detected, and based on the electric resistance, it is determined that the contact object with the button is a part of the human body.
The switch is turned on or off when it is determined based on the fingerprint determination result that the feature of the fingerprint is present, so that only the fingerprint of the finger that is a part of the human body can be accurately detected and the switch can be turned on or off.

According to the present invention, a sound generated from an object touching the button is detected, and based on the detected sound, the object touching the button is determined to be a part of the human body.
The switch is turned on or off when it is determined based on the fingerprint determination result that the feature of the fingerprint is present, so that only the fingerprint of the finger that is a part of the human body can be accurately detected and the switch can be turned on or off.

According to the present invention, when it is determined that the sound is a pulse based on the periodicity of the detected sound, it is determined that the object touching the button is a part of the human body. Only can be accurately detected.

Further, according to the present invention, when the input image data from the fingerprint sensor is analyzed and it is determined that the input image data has the characteristics of a fingerprint, the use of the object to be used is permitted. Since the input image data is stored in the data storage device, even if there is a large number of users, it can be processed quickly without the need for enormous time as in the past, and for example, unauthorized intrusion, opening and closing In the event that use is discovered, fingerprint image data stored in the data storage device can be used as an extremely effective clue of the criminal. In addition, the present invention has a great deterrent effect particularly against fraudulent acts, and is suitable for application in a case where it is difficult to register in advance all fingerprints for which a license for a use target is given.

According to the present invention, as a result of analyzing the input image data from the fingerprint sensor, if it is determined that the input image data has the characteristics of the fingerprint, the characteristics of the input image data or the fingerprint extracted from the data are determined. The data is compared with the registered data to determine whether or not the data has been registered. If the data has been registered, the usage object is licensed and the usage record is stored in the data storage device. And the input image data is stored in the data storage device, so that an unspecified number of people can be quickly licensed to use the object, and for example, unauthorized intrusion, opening / closing, use, etc. are discovered. In this case, the fingerprint image data stored in the data storage device can be used as an extremely effective clue of the criminal. In addition, the present invention has a great deterrent effect particularly against fraudulent acts, and is suitable for application in a case where it is difficult to register in advance all fingerprints for which a license for a use target is given.

Further, according to the present invention, as a result of checking the input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the data with the registered data, the use object permitted when the registered image is registered is determined when the registered image is not registered. Since the use object itself or the use range of the use object differs from the permitted use object, for example, access to highly confidential objects such as vaults is also permitted for registered persons. , And those who are already registered, such as prohibiting unregistered persons from accessing objects such as highly confidential vaults and permitting access only to less confidential objects. By changing the use target and its range with a person who is not registered, for example, security against unauthorized intrusion can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that the input image data from the fingerprint sensor has the characteristic of the fingerprint, the input image data is temporarily stored in the data storage device and The use is permitted, the input image data temporarily stored in the data storage device is read out at any time after the use is permitted, and the input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the data is registered in advance. It is determined whether or not the data has been registered by comparing it with the fingerprint data. If the data has been registered, the license is stored in the data storage device. Otherwise, the input image data is stored in the data storage device. First, by deciding the license only by determining whether or not the input data has the characteristic of the fingerprint, it is possible to quickly license the unspecified number of people. And it is possible to reduce the load on the computer by performing collectively, for example, as a batch process at any time collating after license of such fingerprint data time.

According to the present invention, since the input image data or the fingerprint feature data is encrypted and stored in the data storage device, the privacy of the user can be protected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fingerprint switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fingerprint switch device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a fingerprint switch device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a fingerprint licensing apparatus that performs a fingerprint licensing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another operation of the fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing still another operation of the fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another operation of the use license device using the fingerprint shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing yet another operation of the fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing yet another operation of the fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another operation of the fingerprint licensing apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 button 5 fingerprint sensor 7 MPU 9 relay 21 relay contact output terminal 27 memory 41 fingerprint sensor 43 calculator 45 data storage device

Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Kazumi Oshima 8-14-24 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo NTT FANNET SYSTEMS CORPORATION (72) Inventor Hiromitsu Watanabe West of Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 8-14-24 Shinjuku NTT FANNET SYSTEMS CORPORATION F-term (reference) 4C038 FF01 FF05 FG00 FG01 5B047 AA25 AB02 BA02 BC14 BC23 CA23 CB18 CB22 DC06 5B085 AA08 AE26 5J050 AA49 BB22 CC00 EE31 EE

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A switch which is turned on or off by touching a button with a finger, provided on the button, and detecting a surface state of a contact object touching the button, and a surface state detecting means. Image data is obtained from the surface state of the contact object detected in the above, and the image data is analyzed to determine whether or not a feature of the fingerprint exists. A switch control means for controlling to turn on or off the switch when it is determined that the feature exists. 2. A switch which is turned on or off by touching a button with a finger, provided on the button, and detecting a surface state of a contact object touching the button, and a surface state detecting means. Image data is obtained from the surface state of the contact object detected in the above, and the image data is analyzed to determine whether or not a feature of the fingerprint exists. A fingerprint switch device comprising: switch control means for controlling a switch to be turned on or off when it is determined that a feature exists; and memory means for storing the image data. 3. The fingerprint determining means, as a result of analyzing the image data, when the image includes a striped pattern having an interval specific to a human fingerprint, determines that the image data has a fingerprint characteristic. 3. The fingerprint switch device according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit. 4. A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the button, and a temperature type for judging whether or not an object touching the button is a part of a human body based on the temperature of the button detected by the temperature detecting means. Further comprising a human body determination unit, wherein the switch control unit is based on the determination result of the temperature-type human body determination unit, when it is determined that the contact object to the button is a part of the human body,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for controlling a switch to be turned on or off when it is determined that a fingerprint characteristic exists based on a result of the determination by the fingerprint determination means. 5. The fingerprint switch device according to any one of the above. 5. A capacitance detecting means for detecting a capacitance of a contact object to the button, and a contact object to the button is detected based on a value of the capacitance detected by the capacitance detecting means. And a capacitance-type human body determination unit that determines whether or not the button is a unit.The switch control unit is configured to determine that the contact object to the button is a human body based on the determination result of the capacitance-type human body determination unit. In the case where it is determined that the fingerprint is a part, and when it is determined based on the determination result of the fingerprint determination unit that the characteristic of the fingerprint is present, a unit that controls to switch on or off is provided. The fingerprint switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: 6. An electric resistance detecting means for detecting electric resistance of a contact object to the button, and whether the contact object to the button is a part of a human body based on a value of electric resistance detected by the electric resistance detecting means. An electrical resistance type human body determination unit for determining whether or not the contact object to the button is a part of the human body based on a determination result of the electrical resistance type human body determination unit. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for controlling a switch to be turned on or off when it is determined based on the determination result of the fingerprint determining means that a fingerprint characteristic exists. 4. The fingerprint switch device according to any one of items 1 to 3. 7. A sound detecting means for detecting a sound generated from an object touching the button, and determining whether or not the object touching the button is a part of a human body based on the sound detected by the sound detecting means. Further comprising a sound-type human body determination means, wherein the switch control means determines, based on the determination result of the sound-type human body determination means, that a contact object to a button is a part of a human body, 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for controlling a switch to be turned on or off when it is determined that a fingerprint characteristic exists based on a result of the determination by the fingerprint determination means. 5. The fingerprint switch device according to any one of the above. 8. The sound type human body determining means, comprising: a pulse determining means for determining whether or not the sound is a pulse based on the periodicity of the sound detected by the sound detecting means; 8. The fingerprint switch device according to claim 7, further comprising: means for judging that the object touching the button is a part of the human body when the pulse is judged to be a pulse. 9. A use licensing method using a fingerprint for permitting use of an object of use when analyzing input image data from a fingerprint sensor and determining that the input image data has fingerprint characteristics. A use licensing method using a fingerprint, wherein the input image data in the case of permission is stored in a data storage device. 10. A use licensing method using a fingerprint that permits use of an object to be used when analyzing input image data from a fingerprint sensor and determining that the input image data has characteristics of a fingerprint. If it is determined that the input image data has the characteristics of a fingerprint, the input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the input image data is compared with the fingerprint image data or characteristic data registered in advance in the data storage device. It is determined whether or not it has been registered by collation, and if the result of this determination is that it has been registered, the use of the object to be used is permitted, and the use record is stored in the data storage device. A method of licensing using fingerprints, wherein if not registered, use of the object to be used is permitted and the input image data is stored in a data storage device. 11. The use object permitted when the result of the judgment is that the user is registered, the use object permitted when the result of the judgment is not registered is the use object itself or the use of the use object. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the ranges are set differently. 12. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: analyzing input image data from a fingerprint sensor; and determining that the input image data has characteristics of a fingerprint. When it is determined that the input image data has the characteristic of the fingerprint, the input image data is temporarily stored in the data storage device, and the use of the use object is permitted. At any time, the input image data temporarily stored in the data storage device is read, and the read input image data or the characteristic data of the fingerprint extracted from the input image data is stored in the data storage device. It is determined whether or not it has been registered by comparing it with the image data or the feature data. Accumulating a product device, the result of the determination, if it is not registered, licensed usage fingerprint, characterized by storing the input image data to the data storage device. 13. The data storage device according to claim 9, wherein the input image data stored in the data storage device is encrypted and stored in the data storage device.
The license method using the fingerprint described in the above.