JP2005076307A - Electronic lock control system, electronic lock control device, portable information terminal, program for portable information terminal and electronic lock control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic lock control system suitable for reducing cost, by improving convenience and security. <P>SOLUTION: This portable information terminal 1 displays image information selected by a user. The electronic lock control device 2 stores the image information read by a reading part 51 as collating information by prescribed registering operation, and collates the image information read by the reading part 51 with the collating information by prescribed collating operation, and determines unlocking or locking of an electronic lock 56 on the basis of its collating result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a system, an apparatus, a terminal, a program, and a method for electronically managing keys, and in particular, an electronic lock management system and an electronic lock that are suitable for improving convenience and security for users and reducing costs. The present invention relates to a management device, a portable information terminal, a portable information terminal program, and an electronic lock management method.

  Locks are used for many purposes, such as room entry management, and digitization of locks and keys used for locking and unlocking them is progressing. Patent Document 1 discloses a simple electronic lock that does not require password storage and is complex and inexpensive, such as a fingerprint authentication method. The invention described in Patent Document 1 includes a lock device that is displayed on a portable terminal and reads a two-dimensional symbol composed of dots as key information. The lock device reads a symbol with an optical image sensor, extracts the key information by analyzing the read symbol, and compares and compares the extracted key information with predetermined verification information.

The setting, selection, and change of the two-dimensional symbol in which the above key information is embedded is performed by an external device such as a personal computer. Specifically, the symbol data is transmitted to the lock device connected to the personal computer for verification. Symbol data registered as information and transmitted to a mobile terminal connected to a personal computer is displayed as key information on a display unit of the mobile terminal.
JP 2002-147081 A (page 4)

  Thus, the invention described in Patent Document 1 uses a two-dimensional symbol composed of dots as key information. The two-dimensional symbol is originally intended for the electronic lock device to recognize, and is unsuitable for human visual recognition. Therefore, for example, when managing a plurality of key information such as a house key, a room key, and a car key with a mobile terminal, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize them, and the key management is complicated. Become. In addition, since the administrator of the personal computer, which is the host device, determines the two-dimensional symbol, the range that can be selected by the user is small. Therefore, there is a problem that it is inconvenient and inconvenient for the user.

In addition, since a two-dimensional symbol is used as key information, it is easy for a third party to guess that it is used as a key, and since it is a regularly created symbol, it is difficult to forge. Technically, it was never difficult. For example, it is possible to generate a brute force key by using an encoding rule.
Further, the invention described in Patent Document 1 requires a communication function for registration of collation information, and thus has a problem of increasing costs.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such an unsolved problem of the conventional technology, and is an electronic lock suitable for improving convenience and security for the user and reducing the cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a management system, an electronic lock management device, a portable information terminal, a portable information terminal program, and an electronic lock management method.

[Invention 1] In order to achieve the above object, an electronic lock management system of the invention 1 is an electronic lock management system including a portable information terminal and an electronic lock management device,
The portable information terminal includes image information selection means by which a user can select image information, and selected image display means for displaying image information selected by the image information selection means,
The electronic lock management device includes: a reading unit that optically reads the image information; a collation information registration unit that registers collation information; a lock management device-side storage unit that stores the image information; Collating means,
The collation information registration means stores the image information read by the reading means by the predetermined registration operation as the collation information in the lock management device side storage means, and the collation means performs the predetermined collation operation. The image information read by the reading unit is compared with the verification information stored in the lock management device-side storage unit, and based on the verification result, whether the electronic lock is unlocked or locked is determined. It is characterized by doing.

With such a configuration, when registering collation information in the electronic lock management device, the user first selects image information as key information from the image information by the image information selection means in the portable information terminal. In the portable information terminal, when image information is selected by the image information selection unit, the image information selected by the selected image display unit is displayed.
Next, the user holds the displayed image information close to the optical reading means of the electronic lock management apparatus, and performs a predetermined registration operation on the electronic lock management apparatus. In the electronic lock management apparatus, when a predetermined registration operation is performed, the read image information is stored as verification information in the lock management apparatus side storage unit by the verification information registration unit.

Next, when unlocking or locking the electronic lock, the user first selects image information as key information from the image information by the image information selection means in the portable information terminal. In the portable information terminal, when image information is selected by the image information selection unit, the image information selected by the selected image display unit is displayed.
Next, the user reads the displayed image information over the vicinity of the optical reading means of the electronic lock management device, and performs a predetermined collation operation on the electronic lock management device.

In the electronic lock management device, when a predetermined collation operation is performed, the collation unit collates the read image information with the collation information stored in the lock management device side storage unit, and based on the collation result A determination is made as to whether the electronic lock is unlocked or locked.
In this way, since arbitrary image information can be used as key information, it is possible to use widely general image information as key information. The general image information refers to image information such as a still life, a landscape, a pet, and a person captured by a camera, for example, and is collectively referred to as a natural image. These natural images have a characteristic that it is easy for humans to visually recognize and is difficult to predict with a code having no regularity when viewed as data.

Therefore, it is possible to manage visually easy-to-recognize images as key information, and in particular, it is possible to select a friendly image that suits one's preference, which is convenient for the user and has a large amount of key information. However, it can be managed relatively easily.
In addition, regarding the registration of the verification information to the electronic lock management apparatus, the user can select and register arbitrary image information from the portable information terminal, so that the selection range of the user is expanded.

Further, since the key information is difficult to predict the code using a natural image, it is difficult to forge as a key. When an image used as key information is seen by a third party, it is difficult to guess that the image is used as a key.
Moreover, since the electronic lock management apparatus optically reads the collation information from the portable information terminal and does not require a communication function, the cost related to the communication interface can be reduced.

Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience and security for the user and reduce the cost as compared with the conventional case.
Here, the electronic lock includes not only a physical lock that can be electronically locked or unlocked but also an access control function in a computer system. In the latter case, for example, the image information read by the image reading means is input to an electronic computer having an access control function through an electric communication line to operate the electronic computer, and the identification limited by the access control function Make it available for use. The same applies to any of Inventions 5 to 8.

  The determination of unlocking or locking the electronic lock means determining whether to unlock the electronic lock or determining whether to lock the electronic lock. In the case of the access control function in the above computer system, it means to determine whether or not to make a specific use possible state or to determine whether or not to restrict the specific use. The same applies to any of Inventions 5 to 8.

In addition, the image information to be selected by the portable information terminal includes image information that can be handled by the portable information terminal. Specifically, the image information is obtained by the portable information terminal from the outside through a communication means or a connection interface. The image may be captured by an imaging means (for example, a camera) of the portable information terminal itself. The same applies to any of Inventions 5 to 8.
Further, the portable information terminal may be realized as a dedicated terminal for the electronic lock management apparatus, or may use functions of other general-purpose information terminals such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) and a cellular phone. The same applies to any of Inventions 6 to 8.

[Invention 2] Further, the electronic lock management system of Invention 2 is the electronic lock management system of Invention 1, wherein the portable information terminal further includes image information storage means for storing the image information, and the image information storage. Key information management means for managing the image information of the means as key information,
The key information management means includes registration target selection means for selecting image information to be registered from the image information storage means, and identification information for identifying registration target image information selected by the registration target selection means. Identification information input means for inputting, identification information registration means for registering the identification information input by the identification information input means in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information, and the image information selection means The image information storage means is searched for the corresponding image information based on the identification information given by the user.

  With such a configuration, when registering image information serving as key information in the portable information terminal, the user selects image information to be registered by the registration target selecting unit in the portable information terminal, and uses the identification information input unit. Enter any identification information. As this identification information, not only characters and symbols but also graphic information such as icons may be used. In the portable information terminal, when the registration target selecting means sets the image information as the key information as the registration target and the identification information input means inputs the identification information, the identification information registration means inputs the identification information The key information is associated and registered in the image information storage means.

When searching for key information with a portable information terminal, the user provides identification information to the image information selection means. In the portable information terminal, when the identification information is given, the image information selection means searches the image information based on the given identification information, and the searched image information is displayed by the selection image display means.
Next, the user reads the displayed image information over the vicinity of the optical reading means of the electronic lock management device, and performs a predetermined collation operation on the electronic lock management device.

In the electronic lock management device, when a predetermined collation operation is performed, the collation unit collates the read image information with the collation information stored in the lock management device side storage unit, and based on the collation result A determination is made as to whether the electronic lock is unlocked or locked.
As a result, the electronic lock management system of the invention 2 allows the user to register the image information in association with the identification information that is easy for the user to remember. Further, it becomes easier, convenient for the user, and can be managed relatively easily even if there is a large amount of key information.

Therefore, it is possible to further improve the convenience for the user.
[Invention 3] Further, the electronic lock management system of Invention 3 is the electronic lock management system of Invention 2, wherein the key information management means further includes a password for erasure of registration object image information selected by the registration object selection means. An erasure code input means for inputting the erasure code, and an erasure code registration means for registering the erasure code entered by the erasure code input means in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information; Registered image information erasing means for erasing registration of the registration target image information,
The registered image information erasing means collates a password provided by a user with the erasure password registered in the erasure code registration means, and based on the collation result, stores the image information storage It is characterized in that the registration of the corresponding image information is deleted from the means.

  With this configuration, when registering image information serving as key information in the portable information terminal, the user can register the image information to be registered by the registration target selecting unit and the password by the erasing code input unit in the portable information terminal. Enter the code. In the portable information terminal, when the registration target selection means sets the image information as the key information as the registration target, and when the password code is input by the erasure password code input means, the input password code information and the key information are obtained. It is associated and registered in the image information storage means.

Next, when erasing the key information, the user gives a password to the registered image erasing means. In the portable information terminal, when the personal identification code is given, the given personal identification code and the personal identification code for erasure are collated by the registered image erasing means, and the registration of the image information is erased based on the collation result.
Thereby, the electronic lock management system of the invention 3 prevents the necessary image information already registered as the key information from being erased due to a user's operation mistake. In addition, the registration of the key information is prevented from being erased by an inappropriate operation of a third party other than the user.

Therefore, it is possible to further improve the convenience and security for the user.
Here, the deletion of registration of key information may be to delete the image information, or to delete the registration while leaving the image information.
[Invention 4] Further, the electronic lock management system according to the invention 4 according to any one of the inventions 1 to 3, wherein the electronic lock management device further includes an operation code input means for inputting an operation code. And an operation code registration means for registering the inputted operation code in the lock management device side storage means, and an operation permission means for permitting the operation,
The operation permission means collates a password provided by a user with an operation password registered in the operation password code registration means, and permits the predetermined registration operation based on the comparison result. Or an operation for deleting the collation information is permitted.

  With such a configuration, when registering or operating collation information in the electronic lock management apparatus, the user first gives a personal identification code by the operational personal identification code input means in the electronic lock management apparatus. When the personal identification code is given by the operation personal identification code input means, the electronic lock management device is collated with the personal identification code for operation by the operational authorization means, and based on the result of the identification, the registration or deletion operation of the verification information is permitted. Is done.

Thereby, when a user registers collation information for the first time or when collation information is changed, collation by the operation code of the electronic lock management device is required, and the security of the collation information is improved. Further, when the registered collation information is discarded, it is possible to quickly delete only the electronic lock management device without using a portable information terminal.
Therefore, the effect that security can be further improved is obtained.

[Invention 5] The electronic lock management device of Invention 5 is the electronic lock management device of the electronic lock management system of Invention 1, wherein the reading means for optically reading the image information and the verification information for registering the verification information A registration means, a lock management device side storage means for storing the image information, and a collation means for the image information,
The collation information registration means stores the image information read by the reading means by the predetermined registration operation as the collation information in the lock management device side storage means, and the collation means performs the predetermined collation operation. The image information read by the reading unit is compared with the verification information stored in the lock management device-side storage unit, and based on the verification result, whether the electronic lock is unlocked or locked is determined. It is characterized by doing.

Thereby, an effect | action and effect equivalent to the electronic lock management apparatus of the electronic lock management system of invention 1 are acquired.
[Invention 6] The portable information terminal of Invention 6 is the portable information terminal of the electronic lock management system of Invention 2, wherein image information selection means by which a user can select image information and the image information selection means A selection image display means for displaying the selected image information, an image information storage means for storing the image information, and a key information management means for managing the image information of the image information storage means as key information,
The key information management means includes registration target selection means for selecting image information to be registered from the image information storage means, and identification information for identifying registration target image information selected by the registration target selection means. Identification information input means for input, and identification information registration means for registering the identification information input by the identification information input means in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information,
The image information selection means searches for the corresponding image information from the image information storage means based on the identification information given by the user.

Thereby, an effect | action and effect equivalent to the portable information terminal of the electronic lock management system of the invention 2 are acquired.
[Invention 7] The portable information terminal program of the invention 7 is a program for controlling the portable information terminal of the electronic lock management system of the invention 2,
Image information selection means by which a user can select image information, selected image display means for displaying image information selected by the image information selection means, and key information management for managing image information in the image information storage means as key information A program for causing a computer to execute processing realized as a means,
The key information management means includes registration target selection means for selecting image information to be registered from the image information storage means, and identification information for identifying registration target image information selected by the registration target selection means. Identification information input means for input, and identification information registration means for registering the identification information input by the identification information input means in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information,
The image information selection means searches for the corresponding image information from the image information storage means based on the identification information given by the user.
Thereby, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as the portable information terminal of the electronic lock management system of the invention 2 can be obtained.

[Invention 8] The electronic lock management method of the invention 8 is a method of managing an electronic lock using a portable information terminal and an electronic lock management device,
A first image information display step of displaying, on the display means of the portable information terminal, image information selected by the user among the image information stored in the storage means of the portable information terminal;
A first image information reading step for optically reading the image information displayed in the first image information display step by an optical reading means of the electronic lock management device;
A collation information registration step of registering the image information read in the first image information reading step in the storage unit of the electronic lock management device as collation information by a predetermined registration operation;
A second image information display step of displaying, on the display means of the portable information terminal, image information selected by the user among the image information stored in the storage means of the portable information terminal;
A second image information reading step of reading the image information displayed in the second image information display step by an optical reading means of the electronic lock management device;
By a predetermined collation operation, the image information read in the second image information reading step is collated with the collation information stored in the storage means of the electronic lock management device, and the electronic lock is based on the collation result. And a collating step for determining whether to unlock or lock.

  Thereby, the effect equivalent to the electronic lock management system of the invention 1 is acquired.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 11 are diagrams showing an embodiment of an electronic lock management system, an electronic lock management device, a portable information terminal, a portable information terminal information terminal program, and an electronic lock management method according to the present invention.
First, the configuration of a portable information terminal of an electronic lock management system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable information terminal that displays image information.
In FIG. 1, the portable information terminal 1 includes a control unit 12 including an arithmetic element such as a CPU, a display unit 11 including an image display element such as a liquid crystal or an EL, a storage unit 13, and an input unit 14. . Furthermore, as a communication function, a wireless communication unit 15 that can be connected to a public telephone network such as a mobile phone or a PHS, or a network such as a wireless LAN is provided.

  The storage unit 13 includes a ROM that stores a control program for the portable information terminal 1 and a RAM that stores data read from the ROM and the like and a calculation result necessary for the calculation process of the control unit 12. Yes. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to a configuration including a ROM and a RAM, and may be an external configuration including an IC card slot and a memory card such as a PC card added.

  The input unit 14 includes a key input unit 16 for instructing character input and operation, an external interface 18, and an image sensor 17 for adding a camera function. As the external interface 18, for example, a standard cable connection such as USB, a wireless connection method using infrared rays, or a card slot to which a small memory card is connected can be selected.

  The portable information terminal 1 can capture not only direct external information through the interface 18 but also remote information through the wireless communication unit 15 or image information by the image sensor 17 itself. The image information is subjected to computation and processing such as data decompression and file transfer by the control unit 12, and the computation result is output to the display unit 11 and can be stored in the storage unit 13. Therefore, specific image information is selectively selected from the image information captured in the portable information terminal 1 and displayed on the display unit 11 or the image information is stored in the storage unit 13. It is very easy to read out the stored image information again and display it on the display unit 11. Then, if image information data of a natural image configured in an image format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) is given, it is processed by the control unit 12, and a display unit 11 having a predetermined resolution and gradation expression capability. A natural image is displayed on the screen.

The portable information terminal 1 uses image information that can be arbitrarily selected and displayed as key information for the electronic lock management system. Therefore, the user can easily select and register the image information as key information and can easily display the key information with the above-described configuration.
The control unit 12 activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 13, and in accordance with the program, the key information registration process, the key information selection process, and the key information deletion process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Are executed in a time-sharing manner.

First, the key information registration process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the key information registration process.
The key information registration process is a process for causing the user to select image information as key information from the displayed image information, and registering it as key information. Thus, first, the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S200, an image information selection screen is displayed on the display unit 11 and a list of image information in the storage unit 13 is displayed on the image information selection screen. The process proceeds to step S202, and the target image to be registered as key information is displayed as image information. The user selects from the list, and the process proceeds to step S204. Here, as a method of showing the image contents of the list of image information to the user, a method of displaying a plurality of images side by side or a method of sequentially switching and displaying the image information is performed.

In step S204, the user inputs arbitrary identification information related to the image information to be registered, and the process proceeds to step 206. The identification information is not limited to a name representing identification such as a character or a symbol, and graphic information such as an icon may be used.
In step S206, the user is requested to input a password for erasure for the image information to be registered, and the process proceeds to step 208. This password is composed of a combination of characters and symbols.

In step S208, the image information selected as the registration target of the key information is registered in association with the input identification information and the erasure code, and a series of processes is terminated and the process returns to the original process.
As described above, the portable information terminal 1 selects and registers the image information as key information, and further registers the identification information associated with the registered image information and the erasure code.

Next, the key information selection process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing key information selection processing.
The key information selection process is a process for causing the user to select desired key information from the displayed key information, and reading and displaying the image information as the key information. As shown in FIG. 3, first, the process proceeds to step S300.

In step S300, a key information selection screen is displayed on the display unit 11, and a list of key information in the storage unit 13 is displayed on the key information selection screen, and the process proceeds to step S302.
In step S302, the user is caused to input identification information related to the desired key information, and the process proceeds to step S304. This input may be a method of directly inputting identification information or a method of instructing selection from a list or icons of identification information.

In step S304, the corresponding key information is retrieved from the storage unit 13 based on the input identification information, the process proceeds to step S306, the retrieved key information is read from the storage unit 13, and the process proceeds to step S308. To do.
In step S308, the read key information is displayed on the display unit 11, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process.

As described above, the portable information terminal 1 selects the desired key information from the key information and displays it.
Next, the key information erasing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the key information erasing process.
The key information erasure process is a process for causing the user to select unnecessary key information from the registered key information and deleting it from the registration of the key information. When executed in the control unit 12, as shown in FIG. First, the process proceeds to step S400.

In step S400, a key information selection screen is displayed on the display unit 11, and a list of key information in the storage unit 13 is displayed on the key information selection screen, and the process proceeds to step S402.
In step S402, the user is made to select key information to be deleted from the list of key information, and the process proceeds to step S404. Here, the display method for showing the user a list of key information is performed using the identification information input when registering the key information.

In step S404, the user is allowed to input the personal identification code of the key information for which deletion has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S406.
In step S406, the erasure code registered in the key information for which erasure has been selected is read, and the process proceeds to step S407.
In step S407, the input personal identification code is compared with the read personal identification code, and the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, based on the collation result in step S407, it is determined whether or not the input password code matches the read password code, and it is determined that they match (YES). If so, the process proceeds to the next step S410. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S408 that the passwords do not match (NO), the process returns to step S404 to wait for re-input of the password.

In step S410, the registration information of the image information corresponding to the selected key information is deleted, a series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process.
Next, the configuration of the electronic lock management device will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic lock management apparatus that controls the electronic lock 56.
In FIG. 5, the electronic lock management apparatus 2 includes a control unit 52 that includes an arithmetic element such as a CPU and controls the electronic lock 56, a reading unit 51 that optically reads image information, a storage unit 53, and an LED lamp. The display part 54 which shows the operation state of the electronic lock management apparatus 2 by the above, and the input part 55 which has a ten key etc. are comprised.

The storage unit 53 includes a ROM that stores a control program of the electronic lock management device 2 and a RAM that stores data read from the ROM and the like and a calculation result necessary in the calculation process of the control unit 52. ing.
The reading unit 51 is composed of a two-dimensional sensor such as a CCD. The reading unit 51 reads lens information, a predetermined number of pixels, and the number of gradations so as to read image information displayed in the vicinity of the reading unit 51. The specification is set.

The input unit 55 inputs a personal identification code that permits an operation to the electronic lock management device 2 and operation instructions such as registration, verification, and deletion of verification information. The display unit 54 uses an LED lamp to check the verification information. Whether the registration result is acceptable, whether the collation result matches or does not match, and whether the collation result of the operation code for operating the electronic lock management device 2 matches or does not match are displayed.
The electronic lock management device 2 uses the image information read by the reading unit 51 as key information of the electronic lock management system. Therefore, the user can easily register the key information displayed on the portable information terminal 1 as collation information of the electronic lock management device 2 with the above configuration, and collate the key information to open the electronic lock. Can be locked and locked.

The control unit 52 activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 53, and in accordance with the program, verification information registration processing, key verification processing, and verification information erasure processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Are executed in a time-sharing manner.
First, the verification information registration process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the collation information registration process.

The verification information registration process is a process of displaying image information as key information on the portable information terminal 1 and registering it as verification information. When the control information is executed in the control unit 52, as shown in FIG. The process proceeds to step S600.
In step S600, first, the user is requested to input an operation code for operating the electronic lock management device 2, and the process proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, the operation code stored in the storage unit 53 is read, and the process proceeds to step S603.
In step S603, the input password code is compared with the read operation password code, and the process proceeds to step S604.
In step S604, based on the collation result in step S603, it is determined whether or not the input password code matches the read operation password code, and it is determined that they match (YES). If so, the process proceeds to the next Step S606. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that the passwords do not match (NO), the process returns to step S600 to wait for re-input of the password. At this time, the display unit 54 is used to display that the passwords do not match.

In step S606, it is determined whether the user has completed the preparation for displaying the key information and the registration button has been pressed. If it is determined that the registration button has been pressed (YES), the process proceeds to step S608. On the other hand, if it is determined that the registration button is not pressed (NO), input is waited in step S606.
In step S608, the reading unit 51 starts reading an image. When the reading is finished, the process proceeds to step S610.

  In step S610, verification is performed as to whether the image information read by the reading unit 51 satisfies the criterion of the verification information as the verification information. If it is determined (NO) that the image information does not satisfy predetermined collation information criteria such as the image screen size and information amount, the process returns to step S606 to read again. At this time, the display unit 54 is used to display that registration was not possible. If it is determined in step S610 that the collation information criterion is satisfied (YES), the display unit 54 displays that registration is possible, and the process proceeds to step S612.

In step S612, the image information read by the reading unit 51 is stored as collation information in the storage unit 53, and a series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.
Next, the key verification process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a key matching process.
The key verification process is a process for verifying the read key information with the registered verification information. When the key verification process is executed in the control unit 52, first, as shown in FIG. It is supposed to migrate.

In step S700, it is determined whether the user has completed the preparation for displaying the key information and the reading button has been pressed. If it is determined that the reading button has been pressed (YES), the process proceeds to step S702. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reading button is not pressed (NO), input is waited in step S700.
In step S702, the reading unit 51 starts reading an image. When the reading is finished, the process proceeds to step S704.

In step S704, the registered collation information is read from the storage unit 53, and the process proceeds to step S705.
In step S705, the read image information is compared with the read verification information, and the process proceeds to step S706. As an algorithm for performing the collation processing, it is only necessary to compare data as a pattern, not a bit unit comparison between the collation information and the read image information. As a pattern comparison technique, a recognition technique such as image recognition can be applied.

  In step S706, based on the collation result in step S705, it is determined whether or not the key information matches the collation information. If it is determined that they match (YES), the display unit 54 indicates a match. Display is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S708. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S706 that the key information does not match (NO), the process returns to step S700 to wait for the rereading of the key information. At this time, the display unit 54 is used to display that the verification result of the key information does not match.

  In steps S708 to S712, the unlocking or locking of the electronic lock 56 is controlled. First, in step S708, it is determined whether or not the electronic lock 56 is locked. When it is determined that the electronic lock 56 is locked (YES), the process proceeds to step S710 and the electronic lock 56 is unlocked. The electronic lock 56 is unlocked by outputting a signal. On the other hand, when it is determined that the electronic lock 56 is not locked (NO), the process proceeds to step S712, and the electronic lock 56 is locked by outputting a locking signal to the electronic lock 56.

When step S710 or step S712 has been executed, the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.
Next, the collation information erasing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the collation information erasing process.
The verification information erasure process is a process of erasing verification information registered in the electronic lock management device 2 as key information, and when executed in the control unit 52, first, as shown in FIG. It is supposed to migrate.

In step S800, first, the user is requested to input an operation code for operating the electronic lock management device 2, and the process proceeds to step S802.
In step S802, the operation code stored in the storage unit 53 is read, and the process proceeds to step S803.
In step S803, the input password code is compared with the read operation password code, and the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, based on the collation result in step S803, it is determined whether or not the input password code matches the read operation password code, and it is determined that they match (YES). If so, the process proceeds to the next Step S806. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that the passwords do not match (NO), the process returns to step S800 to wait for re-input of the password. At this time, the display unit 54 is used to display that the passwords do not match.

  In step S806, it is determined whether or not the delete button has been pressed. If it is determined that the delete button has been pressed (YES), the process proceeds to step S808. On the other hand, if it is determined that the delete button is not pressed (NO), input is waited in step S806. This input is determined to be pressed (YES) when the delete button is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or more in order to enhance safety.

In step S808, the registration of the collation information registered in the storage unit 53 is deleted, the series of processes is terminated, and the original process is restored.
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
First, a case where key information and verification information are registered will be described.
First, in the portable information terminal 1, the user selects image information as key information and registers the image information in the portable information terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the portable information terminal 1 can capture not only image information from the outside by the interface 18 but also remote image information by the wireless communication unit 15 or image information by the image sensor 17 itself. Such image information can be used.

When registering key information, the user requests registration of the key information in the portable information terminal 1.
In the portable information terminal 1, when registration of key information is requested, a list of image information in the storage unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 11 through step S200. Here, the user selects image information to be registered as key information, and inputs identification information and an erase code.
FIG. 9 is a display example in which a list of image information is displayed in order to register key information.

In the display screen of FIG. 9, four images, a dog image 91, a cat image 92, a mountain image 93, and a flower image 94, are displayed in parallel on the display unit 11.
If the user selects a mountain image 93 from these, this mountain image 93 is registered in the storage unit 13 as key information.
In the portable information terminal 1, when image information is selected, identification information and an erasure code are input through steps S202 to S206, the selected image information is used as key information through step S208. It is registered in association with the erasure code.

Next, when registering verification information in the electronic lock management device 2, the user requests display of key information in the portable information terminal 1.
In the portable information terminal 1, when display of key information is requested, a list of key information in the storage unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 11 through step S300. Here, the user inputs identification information corresponding to desired key information.

In the portable information terminal 1, when the identification information is input, the corresponding key information is searched based on the input identification information through steps S304 to S308, and the searched key information is read from the storage unit 13. Then, the read key information is displayed on the display unit 11.
FIG. 10 is a display example in which image information is displayed based on the selected key information.
In the display of FIG. 10, an image frame 100 is displayed, and a mountain image is displayed in the image frame 100. Thereby, the range of the display image can be clearly distinguished as the collation information, and it is possible to prevent the peripheral of the panel of the display unit 11 from being read together to make the image boundary unclear. Even if the physical size of the collation information and the read image information is different, it is possible to relatively compare the read image information with the collation information on the basis of the display frame 100.

Next, the user inputs the same code as the operation code into the electronic lock management device 2.
In the electronic lock management device 2, when the password is input, the operation password is read through steps S602 and S603, and the input password is compared with the read operation password. The As a result, since they match, the electronic lock management device 2 is in a state where collation information can be registered.

Next, the user holds the image information displayed on the portable information terminal 1 in the vicinity of the reading unit 51, presses the registration button of the electronic lock management device 2, and causes the reading unit 51 to read the image information.
In the electronic lock management device 2, when the registration button is pressed in a state where the collation information can be registered, the image information is read by the reading unit 51 through step S608. Here, if the captured image information satisfies a predetermined standard, the image information read by the reading unit 51 is stored in the storage unit 53 as collation information through step S612.

Next, a case where the electronic lock 56 is unlocked or locked will be described.
First, when unlocking or locking the electronic lock 56, the user requests the mobile information terminal 1 to display key information.
In the portable information terminal 1, when display of key information is requested, a list of key information in the storage unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 11 through step S300. Here, the user inputs identification information corresponding to desired key information.

FIG. 11 is a display example in which a list of key information is displayed based on the identification information.
In the display of FIG. 11, a list of identification information such as dogs, cats, mountains, and flowers, which is named as identification information by the user when registering the key information, is displayed in the list display area of the display unit 11, and is displayed for input at the bottom Display window 112 is displayed.
For example, if the user wants mountain identification information as key information, the user inputs the identification information. Here, the input of the identification information is not limited to an input for selecting a list of identification information, an icon, or the like, but the name of the identification information may be directly input. In that case, the direct input appears in the display window 112.

In the portable information terminal 1, when the identification information is input, the corresponding key information is searched based on the input identification information through steps S304 to S308, and the searched key information is read from the storage unit 13. Then, the read key information is displayed on the display unit 11.
Next, the user holds the image information displayed on the portable information terminal 1 in the vicinity of the reading unit 51 and presses the reading button of the electronic lock management device 2 to cause the reading unit 51 to read the image information.

  In the electronic lock management apparatus 2, when the reading button is pressed, the reading unit 51 reads image information through steps S702 and S704. Next, through step S705, the read image information is collated with the read collation information. As a result, when it is determined that they match, if the electronic lock 56 is in the locked state, an unlocking signal is output to the electronic lock 56 through step 710, whereby the electronic lock 56 is It is unlocked. If the electronic lock 56 is in the unlocked state, a locking signal is output to the electronic lock 56 through step 712, and the electronic lock 56 is thereby locked.

Next, a case where the registration of key information and verification information is deleted will be described.
First, when deleting registration of key information, the user requests the mobile information terminal 1 to delete key information.
In the portable information terminal 1, when deletion of key information is requested, a list of key information in the storage unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 11 through step S400. Here, the user selects key information for erasing registration, and inputs the same code as the erasure code.

In the portable information terminal 1, when a personal identification code is input, the erasure personal identification code is read through steps S406 and S407, and the input personal identification code is compared with the read personal identification code. . As a result, since they match, the registration of the key information is deleted.
Next, when deleting the registration of the verification information, the user inputs the same code as the operation code into the electronic lock management device 2.

  In the electronic lock management device 2, when the password is input, the operation password is read through steps S802 and S803, and the input password and the read operation password are collated. The As a result, since they match, the electronic lock management device 2 is in a state in which the verification information can be deleted. Here, the user presses the delete button of the electronic lock management device 2.

In the electronic lock management device 2, when the delete button is pressed, the registration of the collation information stored in the storage unit 63 is deleted through step S808.
Here, it supplements regarding the method of registration or the change of the operation code in the electronic lock management apparatus 2. FIG. At the time of purchasing the electronic lock management device 2, the user is informed of the operation code entered by the supplier at the time of shipment. The user can input the personal identification code to make the electronic lock management apparatus 2 operable, thereby changing the personal identification code.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, the portable information terminal 1 displays the image information selected by the user, and the electronic lock management device 2 reads by the reading unit 51 by a predetermined registration operation. Is stored as collation information, and the image information read by the reading unit 51 is collated with the collation information by a predetermined collation operation. Based on the collation result, the electronic lock 56 is unlocked or Judgment of locking is made.

  Thereby, since arbitrary image information can be used as key information, it becomes possible to use widely general image information as key information. Therefore, it is possible to manage visually easy-to-recognize images as key information, and in particular, it is possible to select a friendly image that suits one's preference, which is convenient for the user and has a large amount of key information. However, it can be managed relatively easily.

In addition, regarding the registration of verification information to the electronic lock management device 2, the user can select and register arbitrary image information from the portable information terminal 1, so that the user's selection range is expanded.
Further, since the key information is difficult to predict the code using a natural image, it is difficult to forge as a key. When an image used as key information is seen by a third party, it is difficult to guess that the image is used as a key.

Moreover, since the electronic lock management apparatus 2 optically reads the collation information from the portable information terminal 1 and does not require a communication function, the cost related to the communication interface can be reduced.
Further, in the present embodiment, when registering image information as key information in the portable information terminal 1, the portable information terminal 1 causes the user to input arbitrary identification information, and the input identification information and key information are input. When searching for key information by associating with the storage unit 13, the user is made to input identification information, and the corresponding image information is searched based on the input identification information, and the image information is displayed. Yes.

This makes it possible to register image information in association with identification information that is easy for the user to remember, so that the management of the image information is further facilitated, convenient for the user, and a large amount of key information. It becomes possible to manage relatively easily.
Further, in the present embodiment, when registering image information serving as key information in the portable information terminal 1, the portable information terminal 1 allows the user to input an erasure code and input the entered code and key information. When deleting the registration of the key information by associating with the storage unit 13, the user is required to input a personal identification code, collate the input personal identification code with the personal identification code for erasure, and based on the collation result The registration of image information is deleted.

This prevents registration of necessary key information from being erased due to a user operation error. In addition, the registration of the key information is prevented from being erased by an inappropriate operation of a third party other than the user.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when registering or deleting verification information, the electronic lock management device 2 allows the user to input an operation code, and compares the input code with the operation code. The operation of registering or deleting verification information is permitted.

Thereby, when the user registers the collation information for the first time or when the collation information is changed, collation by the operation code of the electronic lock management device 2 is required, and the security of the collation information is improved.
In the above embodiment, the storage unit 3 corresponds to the image information storage means of the invention 1, 6 or 7, or the storage means of the invention 8, and the steps S204, S302 and S402 are the identification information of the invention 2, 6 or 7. Corresponding to the input means, steps S206 and S404 correspond to the erasure code input means of the invention 3.

  In the above embodiment, steps S200, S300 to S306, S400, and S402 correspond to the image information selection unit of the invention 1, 6 or 7, and step S308 includes the selected image display unit of the invention 1, 6 or 7. Or steps S200 to S208 correspond to the first image information display step of the invention 8, and steps S300 to S308 correspond to the second image information display step of the invention 8.

Further, in the above embodiment, step S202 corresponds to the registration object selecting means of invention 1, 6 or 7, and step S208 is the identification information registering means of invention 2, 6 or 7, or the erasure password of invention 3. Corresponding to the code registration means, steps S406 to S410 correspond to the registered image information erasing means of the invention 3.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the memory | storage part 53 respond | corresponds to the lock | rock management apparatus side memory | storage means of invention 1, 5 or the memory | storage means of invention 8, and reading part 51 and step S606, S608, S700, and S702 are inventions. The reading unit 51 and steps S606 and S608 correspond to the first image information reading step of the invention 8, and the reading unit 51 and steps S700 and S702 correspond to the second image information of the invention 8. Corresponding to the reading step, the input unit 55 and steps S600 and S800 correspond to the operation code input means of the fourth aspect.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, step S610, S612, S806, and S808 respond | correspond to the collation information registration means of invention 1, 5 or the collation information registration step of invention 8, and step S704-S710 are invention 1,5. The steps S602 to S604 and S802 to S804 correspond to the operation permission unit of the fourth aspect.

  In the above embodiment, the portable information terminal 1 is configured to include the wireless communication unit 15 and the imaging sensor 17, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to include either the wireless communication unit 15 or the imaging sensor 17. It ’s fine. When only the wireless communication unit 15 is provided, image information acquired from the outside via the wireless communication unit 15 can be used as key information. When only the image sensor 17 is provided, highly original image information captured by the image sensor 17 can be used as key information.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although reading of the image information of the reading part 51 shown in FIG.6, FIG.7 was each started after pressing a registration button or a reading button, it is not restricted to this, The button may be operated after the image information is read, and thereby the read image information may be input to the control unit 52. In this case, for example, by providing a detection sensor that detects that the portable information terminal 1 is held near the electronic lock management device 2, the start of reading by the reading unit 51 can be controlled.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the collation information memorize | stored in the electronic lock management apparatus 2 was comprised by one, multiple collation information was memorize | stored in the electronic lock management apparatus 2, and separate collation information was made among several users. Can be used properly. In this case, it is only necessary to give a password to the verification information and store it in the electronic lock management device 2 so that the user can specify the password.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the display part 54 which shows the operation state of the electronic lock management apparatus 2 was made into the visual display by an LED lamp, it is good also as a display method by not only this but a sound and an audio | voice. Thereby, the user can further easily identify the state of the electronic lock management device 2.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the specific form of the portable information terminal 1 was not demonstrated in particular, a mobile telephone can be used as the portable information terminal 1. FIG. When a mobile phone is used, it is easy to transfer image information registered as a key to another mobile phone. Therefore, the user can temporarily share the key information by transferring the key information to the other person's mobile phone to the other person who needs the key information. When it becomes unnecessary to share the key information, the user only has to change the collation information of the electronic lock management device 2.

2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a portable information terminal 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows key information registration processing. It is a flowchart which shows key information selection processing. It is a flowchart which shows key information deletion processing. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic lock management device 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows collation information registration processing. It is a flowchart which shows the collation process of a key. It is a flowchart which shows a collation information deletion process. It is an example of a display of an image information list. It is a display example of the selected key information. It is a display example of a key information list.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable information terminal, 2 ... Electronic lock management apparatus, 11 ... Display part, 12 ... Control part, 13 ... Memory | storage part, 14 ... Input part, 15 ... Wireless communication part, 16 ... Key input part, 17 ... Imaging sensor, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Interface, 51 ... Reading part, 52 ... Control part, 53 ... Memory | storage part, 54 ... Display part, 55 ... Input part, 56 ... Electronic lock, 100 ... Image frame, 111 ... List display area, 112 ... Display for input window

Claims (8)

An electronic lock management system comprising a portable information terminal and an electronic lock management device,
The portable information terminal includes image information selection means by which a user can select image information, and selected image display means for displaying image information selected by the image information selection means,
The electronic lock management device includes: a reading unit that optically reads the image information; a collation information registration unit that registers collation information; a lock management device-side storage unit that stores the image information; Collating means,
The collation information registration unit stores the image information read by the reading unit by a predetermined registration operation as the collation information in the lock management device side storage unit,
The collation unit collates the image information read by the reading unit with a predetermined collation operation and the collation information stored in the lock management device side storage unit, and based on the collation result, An electronic lock management system for determining whether an electronic lock is unlocked or locked. The portable information terminal further includes image information storage means for storing the image information, and key information management means for managing the image information of the image information storage means as key information,
The key information management means includes registration target selection means for selecting image information to be registered from the image information storage means, and identification information for identifying registration target image information selected by the registration target selection means. Identification information input means for input, and identification information registration means for registering the identification information input by the identification information input means in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information,
2. The electronic lock management system according to claim 1, wherein the image information selection unit searches the image information storage unit for corresponding image information based on identification information given by a user. The key information management means further includes an erasure password input means for inputting an erasure password code of the registration target image information selected by the registration object selection means, and an erasure password entered by the erasure password code input means. An erase code registration means for registering a code in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information, and a registered image information erase means for erasing the registration of the registration target image information,
The registered image information erasing means collates a password provided by a user with the erasure password registered in the erasure code registration means, and based on the collation result, stores the image information storage 3. The electronic lock management system according to claim 2, wherein the registration of the corresponding image information is deleted from the means. The electronic lock management device further includes an operation code input means for inputting an operation code, an operation code registration means for registering the input operation code in the storage device side storage means, An operation permission means for permitting the operation,
The operation permission means collates a password provided by a user with an operation password registered in the operation password code registration means, and permits the predetermined registration operation based on the comparison result. The electronic lock management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an operation for deleting the verification information is permitted. A reading means for optically reading image information; a collation information registration means for registering collation information; a lock management device side storage means for storing the image information; and a collation means for the image information,
The collation information registration unit stores the image information read by the reading unit by a predetermined registration operation as the collation information in the lock management device side storage unit,
The collation unit collates the image information read by the reading unit with a predetermined collation operation and the collation information stored in the lock management device side storage unit, and based on the collation result, An electronic lock management apparatus characterized by determining whether an electronic lock is unlocked or locked. Image information selection means by which a user can select image information, selected image display means for displaying image information selected by the image information selection means, image information storage means for storing the image information, and the image Key information management means for managing the image information of the information storage means as key information,
The key information management means includes registration target selection means for selecting image information to be registered from the image information storage means, and identification information for identifying registration target image information selected by the registration target selection means. Identification information input means for input, and identification information registration means for registering the identification information input by the identification information input means in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information,
The portable information terminal characterized in that the image information selection means searches the image information storage means for relevant image information based on identification information given by a user. Image information selection means by which a user can select image information, selected image display means for displaying image information selected by the image information selection means, and key information management for managing image information in the image information storage means as key information A program for causing a computer to execute processing realized as a means,
The key information management means includes registration target selection means for selecting image information to be registered from the image information storage means, and identification information for identifying registration target image information selected by the registration target selection means. Identification information input means for input, and identification information registration means for registering the identification information input by the identification information input means in the image information storage means in association with the registration target image information,
The program for a portable information terminal, wherein the image information selection unit searches the image information storage unit for corresponding image information based on identification information given by a user. A method of managing an electronic lock using a portable information terminal and an electronic lock management device,
A first image information display step of displaying, on the display means of the portable information terminal, image information selected by the user among the image information stored in the storage means of the portable information terminal;
A first image information reading step for optically reading the image information displayed in the first image information display step by an optical reading means of the electronic lock management device;
A collation information registration step of registering the image information read in the first image information reading step in the storage unit of the electronic lock management device as collation information by a predetermined registration operation;
A second image information display step of displaying, on the display means of the portable information terminal, image information selected by the user among the image information stored in the storage means of the portable information terminal;
A second image information reading step of reading the image information displayed in the second image information display step by an optical reading means of the electronic lock management device;
By a predetermined collation operation, the image information read in the second image information reading step is collated with the collation information stored in the storage means of the electronic lock management device, and the electronic lock is based on the collation result. And a collating step for determining whether to unlock or lock the electronic lock.

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