JP2008184751A - Unlocking system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an unlocking system and a method for allowing miscellaneous objects around a user to be used as keys and preventing effectively a third party from unlocking even when an image for authentication or an object to be imaged being the origin of the image for authentication functioning as the key is stolen. <P>SOLUTION: A key object that the user desires to let it function as the key is selected among the images obtained by imaging operation by use of a digital camera 12 of a cellular phone 2 to generate a secret code. Since the keys to be selected, namely, the key objects exist endlessly, it is difficult for the third party to unlock by utilizing the same key as that of the legitimate user, namely, the key object or the code being equivalent to it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement of an unlocking device and an unlocking method in which a mobile communication terminal operates a lock / unlock mechanism of an unlocking device installed on an object to be locked via a communication network.

As a technique for performing an unlocking operation using a photographed image, a keyless entry device disclosed in Patent Document 1, an electronic key management method disclosed in Patent Document 2, a television doorphone disclosed in Patent Document 3, and the like are already known.
However, in each of Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3, the user approaches the vicinity of the door of the vehicle or the building and uses an input device or a television monitor installed in the vicinity of the door or the like. The unlocking operation is performed, and the unlocking operation is not performed from a remote location.

  Among these, the keyless entry device of Patent Document 1 is configured to unlock the door of the car by copying an image for authentication functioning as a key on a back view monitor mounted on the car. If the authentication image is stolen, there is a problem that unlocking is easily performed by a third party while the car is stopped.

  In the electronic key management method of Patent Document 2, a unique ID (watermark) is embedded in an image that functions as a key in advance, and the ID is read from the image and unlocked by photographing the image. However, it is necessary to embed an ID in an image and print and paste it. That is, since only printed matter on paper can be used, it is not suitable for use outdoors such as exposed to rainwater.

  The TV doorphone of Patent Document 3 allows unlocking by holding a specific image that functions as a key over a camera interphone, but only an object that can be projected on the camera in front of the door can be used as a key. . Furthermore, when a third party obtains the same image as an unlocking key and holds it over the intercom with camera, there is a problem that the third party can easily enter the house.

JP 2004-270347 A JP 2003-008873 A JP 2002-364224 A

  An object of the present invention is to improve the disadvantages of the above-described prior art, use various objects around you as a key, and steal an image for authentication functioning as a key or an object to be imaged that is the source of an image for authentication. It is an object of the present invention to provide an unlocking system and an unlocking method capable of effectively preventing an unlocking operation by a third party even when rare.

The unlocking system of the present invention includes a mobile communication terminal provided with a digital camera, an unlocking device provided with a lock / unlock mechanism that locks and unlocks the lock, the mobile communication terminal, An unlocking system comprising a communication network for realizing communication with the unlocking device, in order to achieve the above-mentioned problem,
The portable communication terminal includes mode switching means for selectively switching the mode of the portable communication terminal between a normal mode, an unlocking code registration mode, and an unlocking code transmission mode according to a user's selection operation; Key object extraction that extracts a part of an image photographed by the digital camera as a key object according to a user's selection operation only when the terminal mode is the unlock code registration mode or unlock code transmission mode Means, object storage means for storing the key object only when the mode of the mobile communication terminal is in the unlocking code registration mode, and when the mode of the mobile communication terminal is in the unlocking code registration mode Includes a unique code corresponding to the key object extracted by the key object extracting means. On the other hand, when the mode of the mobile communication terminal is the unlocking code transmission mode, the key object extracted by the key object extracting unit is only stored in the object storage unit in advance. Code generating means for generating a unique code corresponding to the key object; secret code generating means for generating a secret code based on the code generated by the code generating means and the terminal-specific information of the mobile communication terminal; When the mode of the portable communication terminal is the unlocking code registration mode, the secret code generated by the secret code generating means is transmitted to the unlocking device via the communication network together with the registration request, Communication terminal mode is unlock code transmission mode While the case of providing the secret code transmitting means for transmitting to said unlocking device via the communications network with unlocking request a secret code generated by the secret code generating means,
The unlocking device includes a secret code storage means for storing a secret code, a receiving means for receiving transmission from the portable communication terminal via the communication network, and a secret received together with a registration request from the portable communication terminal. A secret code registration means for storing a code in the secret code storage means, and whether or not the secret code received together with the unlocking request from the mobile communication terminal matches the secret code stored in the secret code storage means. A secret code determining means for determining, and an unlocking command means for operating the lock / unlock mechanism and unlocking the lock only when the determination result by the secret code determining means coincides. It has a characteristic configuration.

With the above configuration, the user first operates the mode switching unit of the mobile communication terminal to switch the mode of the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking code registration mode.
Although it is necessary to generate in advance an image including a personal object that functions as a key, the photographing operation using the digital camera of the mobile communication terminal may be performed at any point in time, or the mobile communication terminal Images taken by this digital camera may be stored in advance in the image storage means of the portable communication terminal.
Next, when the user performs an operation of selecting an object that functions as a key on the mobile communication terminal, the key object extraction unit of the mobile communication terminal detects the operation, and a part of the image captured by the digital camera is keyed. The key object is extracted as an object and stored in the object storage means of the mobile communication terminal.
The code generation unit of the mobile communication terminal generates a unique code corresponding to the key object extracted by the key object extraction unit, and the secret code generation unit of the mobile communication terminal includes the code and the terminal of the mobile communication terminal Based on the unique information, a secret code including a combination of the terminal unique information and the code is generated.
The generated secret code is transmitted to the unlocking device via the communication network together with the registration request by the secret code transmitting means of the portable communication terminal.
The registration request and secret code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal are received by the receiving means of the unlocking device, and the secret code registering means of the unlocking device stores the secret code in the secret code storage means of the unlocking device.
Thereafter, the mode switching means of the mobile communication terminal is operated to switch the mode of the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking code transmission mode, and the user or another person takes a picture with the digital camera of the mobile communication terminal in the same manner as described above. When an object selection operation is performed on a captured image or an image previously stored in the image storage unit of the mobile communication terminal, the key object extraction unit of the mobile communication terminal detects the operation and takes a picture with a digital camera. A part of the processed image is extracted as a key object.
The code generation means of the mobile communication terminal determines whether or not the key object extracted in this way is already stored in the object storage means described above, and corresponds to the key object only when stored. Generate unique code anew. If the extracted key object is not stored in the object storage means, no code is generated.
When the code is generated by the code generation means, the secret code generation means of the mobile communication terminal is composed of a combination of the terminal specific information and the code based on the code and the terminal specific information of the mobile communication terminal. Generate secret code.
The generated secret code is transmitted to the unlocking device via the communication network together with the unlocking request by the secret code transmitting means of the portable communication terminal. As described above, when the extracted key object is not stored in the object storage means, the code and the secret code are not generated, and therefore the secret code is not transmitted.
The unlocking request and secret code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal are accepted by the receiving means of the unlocking device, and the secret code is stored in the secret code storage means of the unlocking device by the secret code determining means of the unlocking device. A determination is made as to whether or not the secret code matches.
Only when the result of the determination by the secret code determination means agrees, the unlocking command means of the unlocking device operates the lock / unlock mechanism of the unlocking device and unlocks the unlocking device. .
As described above, an object that a user wants to function as a key is selected from an image obtained by a shooting operation using a digital camera of a mobile communication terminal, and this object is used as a key object that functions as a key. Therefore, in addition to things that can be projected on the camera in front of the door, various things around you, such as things fixed in a remote fixed position or things that are not fixed and cannot be carried, For example, a part of a building or scenery can be used as a key. Therefore, since there are an unlimited number of keys or objects that can be selected, a third party simply performs the unlocking operation using the same key or object as that of the legitimate user or a code corresponding thereto. Security is improved when trying to correct.
In addition, whether or not to finally perform the unlocking operation is determined based on the coincidence / mismatch between the secret code stored in the secret code storage unit of the unlocking device and the secret code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal. The secret code is generated based on the code generated corresponding to the key object and the terminal specific information of the mobile communication terminal, that is, the secret code composed of a combination of the terminal specific information and the code. Therefore, it is assumed that either the key object that functions as a key, that is, the code portion, or the mobile communication terminal that is owned by a specific user, that is, the mobile communication terminal itself that includes terminal-specific information, is a third party's hand. Even if it goes to, the unlocking operation by a third party is not easily performed. In other words, even if the key object that functions as a key or the original subject to be photographed is grasped by a third party, the secret code cannot be generated unless the terminal-specific information of the mobile communication terminal is grasped by the third party. The unlocking operation by the three parties is difficult, and even if the mobile communication terminal provided with the terminal-specific information itself is in the hands of a third party, the key object that is used by the legitimate user as the key is the third. Since the person cannot specify, the unlocking operation by a third party becomes difficult.
In this way, there are endlessly available keys, that is, objects, and the unlocking operation cannot be performed only by a third party grasping the key object that functions as the key and the original photographing object, Furthermore, due to the synergistic effect that the unlocking operation cannot be performed only when the mobile communication terminal itself is in the hands of a third party, a security system that simply uses an image or an object as an authentication means and a simple ID (watermark) ) Can be more effectively prevented from being unlocked by a third party as compared to a security system using authentication means.

  In the above configuration, it is not always necessary to take an image for extracting a key object each time. For example, an image taken with a digital camera is stored in the image storage unit of the mobile communication terminal as a key object extraction target. It is also possible to keep it.

  If a plurality of images are stored in the image storage means of the mobile communication terminal, it becomes difficult for a third party to specify from which image the key object has been extracted. This further improves the unlocking operation by a third party more effectively.

In addition, when the mode of the mobile communication terminal is the unlocking code registration mode, the code generation number counting means for counting the number of operations of the secret code generation means, and the current count value in the code generation number counting means are modified The mobile communication terminal is provided with a modification data addition means that is added to the secret code as information and then delivered to the secret code transmission means,
The reception number counting means for counting the number of times the unlocking request is received in the reception means, and the secret code to which the modification information corresponding to the current value of the count in the reception number counting means is added is read from the secret code storage means, and Only when the secret code reading means delivered as a determination target to the secret code determination means and the determination result of the secret code determination means coincide with the number of secret codes stored in the secret code storage means. The unlocking device may be provided with a multiplexing check means that allows the unlock command means to operate.

When such a configuration is applied, the current value of the code generation number counting unit of the mobile communication terminal is incremented each time the secret code is generated as described above by the secret code generation unit placed in the unlocking code registration mode. Is done.
The modification data adding means of the mobile communication terminal adds this current value to the secret code as modification information and then delivers it to the secret code transmission means of the mobile communication terminal. Therefore, the secret code storage means of the unlocking device includes a plurality of secrets. The code and the generation history of each secret code, that is, the modification information indicating the order of generation of the secret code, are stored correspondingly.
The reception number counting means of the unlocking device counts the number of receptions every time the unlocking request and the secret code are received by the receiving means of the unlocking device, and the secret code reading means of the unlocking device is the reception number counting means. The secret code to which the modification information corresponding to the current count value is added is read from the secret code storage means of the unlocking device, and this secret code is delivered to the secret code determination means of the unlocking device as a determination target.
Accordingly, the secret code determination means of the unlocking device transmits the secret code stored in the i-th secret code storage means when registering the unlock code and the i-th transmission from the portable communication terminal when receiving the unlock request. The secret code is compared to determine whether or not it matches.
The multiplexing check means of the unlocking device is provided with the unlock command means only when the determination result in the secret code determination means coincides with the number n of the number of secret codes stored in the secret code storage means. Operation is allowed.
In other words, the final unlocking is performed only when all of the plurality of secret codes stored in the secret code storage means at the time of registration of the unlocking code are transmitted from the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking device in exactly the same order as at the time of registration. Since a lock operation is performed, it is possible to prevent the unlocking operation by a third party with a far higher probability than when trying to prevent the unlocking operation by a third party with only one secret code. .

  In addition, the allowable reception time measuring means for measuring the reception time interval of the unlocking request in the receiving means, and the unlocking command means is deactivated when the measurement time in the allowable reception time measuring means exceeds a predetermined allowable time. The unlocking device may be provided with resetting means for prohibiting the conditions and resetting the current value of the counting in the reception number counting means.

When such a configuration is applied, all of the plurality of secret codes stored in the secret code storage unit at the time of registration of the unlocking code are transmitted from the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking device in exactly the same order as at the time of registration. In addition, it is an indispensable requirement for the unlocking operation that a plurality of secret codes are continuously transmitted from the portable communication terminal to the unlocking device within a certain allowable time range.
Since the registration order and the number of registration of secret codes are not known unless it is a legitimate user, it is difficult for a third party to perform the same operation as a legitimate user within a certain time by trial and error. The unlocking operation by a third party can be prevented with high probability.

  Also, device-specific information for each unlocking device is set in the unlocking device, and the registration request, unlocking request, and secret code are specified from the mobile communication terminal by specifying the device-specific information and transmitted. You may do it.

  By applying such a configuration, it is possible to independently operate a plurality of unlocking devices with one mobile communication terminal. Of course, there may be a case where a plurality of lock / unlock mechanisms are arranged in a single unlocking device and each lock / unlock mechanism is operated individually. The device-specific information may be set for each lock / unlock mechanism.

  A communication network for realizing communication between a mobile communication terminal and an unlocking device performs communication between a base station that performs wireless communication with the mobile communication terminal and between the base station and the unlocking device. It can be configured with an internet network.

  By using existing infrastructure, it is possible to reduce the cost required for system construction.

  In addition, a communication center that connects to the Internet network and manages communication of the base station is provided, and the communication center allows a registration request, an unlocking request, from a portable communication terminal having terminal-specific information set in advance, It is also possible to configure to block transmission of the secret code.

  Since the functions of a specific mobile communication terminal or a specific unlocking device can be substantially stopped by blocking the registration request, unlock request, and secret code transmission, the worst situation where the security by the secret code broke down Even under, the unlocking operation by a third party can be prevented.

The unlocking method of the present invention is an unlocking method in which a lock / unlock mechanism of an unlocking device installed on an object to be locked is operated via a communication network by a mobile communication terminal equipped with a digital camera. In order to achieve the same problem as above,
A key object extracting and storing step of extracting a part of an image photographed by the digital camera of the mobile communication terminal as a key object and storing it in a storage unit of the mobile communication terminal, and a unique code corresponding to the key object A code generation step for generating, a secret code generation step for generating a secret code based on the code and terminal-specific information of the portable communication terminal, and a secret code for storing the secret code in a storage unit of the unlocking device An initial setting process comprising a setting process;
A key object extracting step of extracting a part of an image photographed by the digital camera of the mobile communication terminal as a key object, and determining whether or not the extracted key object is stored in the storage unit of the mobile communication terminal And a secret code for generating a secret code based on the code and the terminal-specific information of the portable communication terminal that generates a unique code corresponding to the key object only when stored. An unlocking operation requesting step comprising a generating step and a secret code transmitting step for transmitting the secret code together with the unlocking request from the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking device via the communication network;
In response to the unlock request from the mobile communication terminal, whether or not the secret code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal together with the unlock request matches the secret code stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device. A secret code determining step for determining whether or not, and an unlocking operation step consisting of an unlocking step of unlocking the lock by operating the lock / unlock mechanism only when the determination result is coincident It has the structure characterized by these.

As described above, the user selects an object that the user wants to function as a key from an image obtained by a photographing operation using the digital camera of the mobile communication terminal, and this object is used as a key object that functions as a key. In addition to things that can be projected on the camera in front of the door, various things around us, such as things fixed in a remote fixed position and things that are not fixed but cannot be carried, for example, Part of the building or scenery can be used as a key. Therefore, since there are an unlimited number of keys or objects that can be selected, a third party simply performs the unlocking operation using the same key or object as that of the legitimate user or a code corresponding thereto. Security is improved when trying to correct.
Further, the determination of whether or not to finally perform the unlocking operation is performed based on the coincidence mismatch between the secret code stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device and the secret code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal, This secret code is generated based on the code generated corresponding to the key object and the terminal specific information of the mobile communication terminal, that is, the secret code composed of a combination of the terminal specific information and the code. Temporarily, either a key object that functions as a key, that is, a code portion, or a mobile communication terminal that is owned by a specific user, that is, a mobile communication terminal that has terminal-specific information, is passed to a third party. Even then, the unlocking operation by a third party is not easily performed. In other words, even if the key object that functions as a key or the original subject to be photographed is grasped by a third party, the secret code cannot be generated unless the terminal-specific information of the mobile communication terminal is grasped by the third party. The unlocking operation by the three parties is difficult, and even if the mobile communication terminal provided with the terminal-specific information itself is in the hands of a third party, the key object that is used by the legitimate user as the key is the third. Since the person cannot specify, the unlocking operation by a third party becomes difficult.
In this way, there are endlessly available keys, that is, objects, and the unlocking operation cannot be performed only by a third party grasping the key object that functions as the key and the original photographing object, Furthermore, due to the synergistic effect that the unlocking operation cannot be performed only when the mobile communication terminal itself is in the hands of a third party, a security system that simply uses an image or an object as an authentication means and a simple ID (watermark) ) Can be more effectively prevented from being unlocked by a third party as compared to a security system using authentication means.

  It is not always necessary to take an image for extracting a key object each time in an initial setting step or an unlocking operation request step. For example, an image taken by a digital camera is used as a key object extraction target of the mobile communication terminal. It is also possible to save it in the storage unit.

  In particular, if a plurality of images are stored in the storage unit of the mobile communication terminal, a third party specifies which of those images was used for the key object extraction and storage step in the initial setting step. Therefore, security is further improved, and unlocking operation by a third party can be more effectively prevented.

  Further, in the initial setting step, a plurality of secret codes are generated and stored in order in the storage unit of the unlocking device, and the unlocking operation requesting step is repeatedly executed a plurality of times. In the unlocking operation step, Each time an unlocking request is received from the mobile communication terminal, the secret code stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device is sequentially read out to determine whether the secret code received together with the unlocking request matches or not, and stored in the unlocking device. The operation of the lock / unlock mechanism may be permitted only when the determination result matches the number of times that matches the number of secret codes stored in the section.

When such a configuration is applied, a plurality of secret codes generated in the initial setting step are sequentially stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device according to the generation order, and the unlocking operation requesting step is performed from the portable communication terminal to the unlocking device. Each time an unlocking request and a secret code are transmitted, the secret codes stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device are sequentially read out, and a coincidence / mismatch with the secret code received together with the unlocking request is determined. That is, the secret code stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device i-th in the initial setting step and the secret code transmitted i-th from the mobile communication terminal in the unlocking operation request step are paired in the unlocking operation step. The lock / unlock mechanism is activated only when a match / no-match is determined based on a single relationship and the determination results match the number n of times that matches the number n of secret codes stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device. Will be allowed.
All of the plurality of secret codes stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device in the initial setting process are transmitted from the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking device in the same order as in the initial setting process in the unlocking operation request process. Since the final unlocking operation is performed only in some cases, the unlocking by a third party is much higher than when trying to prevent the unlocking operation by a third party using only one secret code. Operation can be prevented.

  Further, the unlocking request reception time interval may be measured in the unlocking operation step, and the operation of the lock / unlock mechanism may be unconditionally prohibited when the measurement time exceeds a predetermined allowable time. .

  In the unlocking operation request process, all of the secret codes are transmitted from the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking device in exactly the same order as in the initial setting process, and a plurality of secret codes are continuously performed within a certain allowable time range. Since it is an indispensable requirement for the unlocking operation to be transmitted from the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking device, a third party who does not know the order and number of registration of secret codes must clear this condition It is difficult to prevent the unlocking operation by a third party with a higher probability.

  Also, device-specific information for each unlocking device is set in the unlocking device, and the unlocking request and secret code are specified and transmitted from the portable communication terminal by specifying the device-specific information. Also good.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to operate a plurality of unlocking devices with one mobile communication terminal. In the case of an unlocking device provided with a plurality of lock / unlock mechanisms, it is also possible to individually operate each lock / unlock mechanism by setting device-specific information for each lock / unlock mechanism. .

  Furthermore, a communication center is arranged on the communication network, and the communication center is configured to block the unlocking request and the transmission of the secret code from the mobile communication terminal having the preset terminal specific information to the unlocking device. May be.

  Since the functions of a specific mobile communication terminal or a specific unlocking device can be substantially stopped by blocking the registration request, unlock request, and secret code transmission, the worst situation where the security by the secret code broke down Even under, it is possible to prevent the unlocking operation by a third party.

  According to the unlocking system and the unlocking method of the present invention, in addition to an object that can be projected on the camera in front of the door, an object that is fixed at a remote fixed position or an object that cannot be carried even if it is not fixed. A variety of personal objects such as a building, scenery, etc. can be used as a key, that is, a key object. In other words, there are virtually unlimited keys or key objects to choose from, so a third party can simply use the same key or key object as the legitimate user or code equivalent to it. Security when trying to perform the lock operation is improved.

  Whether or not to finally perform the unlocking operation is determined based on the coincidence / mismatch between the secret code stored in the unlocking device and the secret code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal. Is a secret code that is generated based on the code generated corresponding to the key object and the terminal-specific information of the mobile communication terminal, that is, a secret code composed of a combination of the terminal-specific information and the code. Even if one of the key object that functions as a part of the code, that is, the mobile communication terminal owned by a specific user, that is, the mobile communication terminal itself provided with terminal-specific information, is in the hands of a third party The unlocking operation by a third party is not easily performed. In other words, even if the key object that functions as a key or the original subject to be photographed is grasped by a third party, the secret code cannot be generated unless the terminal-specific information of the mobile communication terminal is grasped by the third party. The unlocking operation by the three parties is difficult, and even if the mobile communication terminal provided with the terminal-specific information itself is in the hands of a third party, the key object that is used by the legitimate user as the key is the third. Since the person cannot specify, the unlocking operation by a third party becomes difficult.

  In this way, unlocking operations cannot be performed simply by the fact that there are virtually unlimited keys or objects that can be selected, and the key object that functions as the key or the original subject to be photographed is understood by a third party. Furthermore, a security system or simple ID that simply uses an image or object as an authentication means due to a synergistic effect that the unlocking operation cannot be performed only by the mobile communication terminal itself being in the hands of a third party. Compared with a security system that uses (watermark) as an authentication means, an unlocking operation by a third party can be more effectively prevented.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with some examples.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an unlocking system 1 according to an embodiment to which the unlocking method of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the unlocking system 1 is installed on a locked object with a mobile phone 2 that is a mobile communication terminal equipped with a digital camera, and a lock / unlock mechanism that locks and unlocks the lock. And the communication network 4 for realizing communication between the mobile phone 2 and the unlocking device 3. Various objects such as house doors, garage shutters, and the like are assumed as locking objects, but the illustration is omitted because there are no special features regarding the structure and the like. Specifically, the communication network 4 includes a mobile phone base station 5 for performing wireless communication with the mobile phone 2 and an Internet network for performing communication between the base station 5 and the unlocking device 3. The computer 36 of the communication center 7 that manages the communication of each base station 5 is connected to the Internet network 6. The computer 36 ascertains the positional correspondence between each base station 5 and the mobile phone 2 located in the vicinity of the base station 5 and terminal-specific information composed of individual numbers unique to each mobile phone 2. 5 for realizing communication between the respective mobile phones 2, and the configuration and functions thereof are publicly known. There are no quantitative restrictions on the mobile phone 2, the unlocking device 3, and the base station 5.

  A specific configuration example of the mobile phone 2 provided with a digital camera is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 2 includes a microphone 8 and a speaker 9 for communication, a transmission / reception unit 10, and a display 11, and includes a digital camera 12 for photographing an object.

  The display 11 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor or the like, and is used for display of selection of telephone numbers, display of incoming call history, etc., display of mail in the process of creation and received mail, and the like, and a shooting mode using the digital camera 12 Then, it is used for confirming an image captured by the digital camera 12.

  The camera control unit 13 receives a command from the CPU 14 to drive the digital camera 12, and an image captured by the digital camera 12 is subjected to processing such as color correction by the image processing unit 15 and then read into the CPU 14 to obtain data. It is stored in the memory unit 16. In addition to the image data, the data memory unit 16 stores mail text data, a registered telephone number, an e-mail address, and the like.

  As in the prior art, when the mobile phone 2 is used for a call, the voice input from the microphone 8 is A / D converted by the voice processing unit 17 and transferred to the CPU 14, and further converted into communication format data by the CPU 14. After that, the signal is modulated by the transmission / reception unit 10 and transmitted to the nearest base station 5 via the built-in or telescopic antenna 18.

  The communication radio wave received from the base station 5 received by the antenna 18 is demodulated by the transmission / reception unit 10 and transferred to the CPU 14 and converted into voice data. Then, the voice processing unit 17 performs processing operations such as D / A conversion. In response, the sound is output from the speaker 9.

  The key operation unit 19 is used as a numeric keypad for a telephone number input operation or the like, and is used as a kana key or the like for text data input when creating an e-mail or the like.

  The ROM 20 stores a control program for executing processing required for transmission / reception of calls, e-mails, image capturing and image reproduction, terminal-specific information unique to the mobile phone 2, and the like. .

  The clock unit 21 includes a clock circuit that divides the clock signal of the CPU 14, a crystal oscillator, and the like, and operates in conjunction with the current time.

  As described above, the hardware configuration of the mobile phone 1 is the same as the conventional one.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the mode of the mobile phone 2 is selectively selected from the normal mode, the unlocking code registration mode, and the unlocking code transmission mode according to the user's selection operation performed using the key operation unit 19. A mode switching means for switching to a part of the image captured by the digital camera 12 or a part of an image stored in the data memory section 16 functioning as an image storage means for a user's selection operation performed on the key operation section 19 Correspondingly, a key object extracting means for extracting as a key object, a code generating means for generating a unique code corresponding to the extracted key object, and a secret code based on the generated code and terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 Secret code generation means to be generated and the generated secret code together with registration request and unlock request Secret code transmitting means for transmitting to the unlocking device 3 via the station 5 and the Internet network 6, code generation number counting means for counting the number of continuous operations of the secret code generating means, and the current value of the count in the code generation number counting means The ROM 20 stores a control program for causing the CPU 14 to function as a modification data addition unit that is added to the secret code as modification information and then delivered to the secret code transmission unit.

  In addition, the data memory unit 16 of this embodiment stores an image storage unit for storing an image captured by the digital camera 12 as a key object extraction target, and a key object extracted by the key object extraction unit. It also functions as an object storage means.

  An outline of the structure of the unlocking device 3 is shown in FIG. The control unit of the unlocking device 3 includes a CPU 22, a ROM 23 storing a control program of the CPU 22, a RAM 24 for temporarily storing data in the process of arithmetic processing, and a nonvolatile memory 25. The lock / unlock mechanism 28 composed of a solenoid or the like is driven and controlled via the input / output circuit 27 in accordance with a command from the input / output circuit 27 so that the lock 29 is unlocked / unlocked. The interface 26 is a communication interface for communicably connecting to the Internet network 6, and the CPU 22 of the control unit can perform data communication with the mobile phone 2 via the interface 26, the Internet network 6 and the base station 5. It is like that.

  The nonvolatile memory 25 functions as a secret code storage means for storing a secret code, and the ROM 23 receives a transmission means from the mobile phone 2 via the base station 5 and the Internet network 6 through the interface 26, a mobile phone. Secret code registration means for storing the secret code received from the mobile phone 2 together with its modification information in the nonvolatile memory 25, and whether the secret code received from the mobile phone 2 matches the secret code stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 Secret code determination means for determining whether or not the determination result by the secret code determination means is coincident, unlocking command means for operating the lock / unlock mechanism 28 to unlock the lock 29, and unlocking in the receiving means Count the number of consecutive requests received The reception code counting means, the secret code reading means for reading the secret code to which the modification information corresponding to the current value of the count in the reception frequency counting means is added from the nonvolatile memory 25 and delivering it as a determination target to the secret code determination means, the secret code Multiplex check means permitting the operation of the unlock command means only when the judgment result of the judgment means matches the number of times corresponding to the number of secret codes stored in the nonvolatile memory 25, unlocking in the receiving means Acceptable acceptance time measuring means for measuring the acceptance time interval of the request, and when the measurement time in the acceptable acceptance time measuring means exceeds a predetermined acceptable time, the operation of the unlocking command means is unconditionally prohibited and the acceptance count counting means The CPU 22 functions as a reset means for initializing the current count value. The control program is stored for.

  The ROM 23 stores device-specific information unique to the unlocking device 3 in a non-rewritable manner.

  A schematic configuration of the base station 5 is shown in FIG. The control unit of the base station 5 includes a CPU 30, a ROM 31 that stores a control program for the CPU 30, and a RAM 32 that is used for temporary storage of data. The interface 33 is a communication interface for communicatively connecting to the Internet network 6, and the CPU 30 of the control unit can perform data communication with the computer 36 of the communication center 7 via the interface 33 and the Internet network 6. Therefore, communication between the base station 5 and the mobile phone 2 is performed via the transmission / reception unit 34 and the antenna 35. The ROM 31 stores base station information specific to the base station 5.

  An outline of the configuration of the computer 36 installed in the communication center 7 is shown in FIG. The computer 36 is a normal computer composed of a general-purpose computer or a workstation. The control unit of the computer 36 includes a CPU 37, a ROM 38 storing a control program of the CPU 37, a RAM 39 for temporarily storing data in the process of arithmetic processing, and base station information of each base station 5 and each mobile station. It is composed of a hard disk drive 40 storing a communication management file in which terminal-specific information of the telephone 2 is registered. A monitor 41, a keyboard 42, a printer 43, and the like that function as a man-machine interface are connected to the CPU 37 via an input / output circuit 44. The interface 45 is a communication interface for communicably connecting to the Internet network 6.

  The computer 36 installed in the communication center 7 stores the relationship between the terminal-specific information transmitted from the mobile phone 2 and the base station information transmitted from the base station 5 receiving the information, the information of the communication management file described above, and the like. With reference to each other, communication between the mobile phones 2 is realized through the base stations 5 closest to the mobile phones 2 that are the communication targets, as in the conventional case. Since the communication of the mobile phone 2 is performed based on the terminal-specific information unique to each mobile phone 2, the flag is set by specifying the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 that is to be prohibited by operation from the keyboard 42. By such measures as described above, it is possible to block transmission of registration requests, unlock requests, secret codes, etc. from a specific mobile phone 2.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the initial setting process executed by the CPU 14 in a state in which the mode of the mobile phone 2 is switched to the unlocking code registration mode. FIG. 7 shows the mode of the mobile phone 2 in the unlocking code transmission mode. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process executed by the CPU 22 of the unlocking device 3. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the unlocking operation request process executed by the CPU 14 in the switched state.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, a cellular phone that functions as mode switching means, key object extraction means, code generation means, secret code generation means, secret code transmission means, code generation frequency counting means, and modification data addition means The processing operation of the CPU 14 of 2 and as receiving means, secret code registration means, secret code determination means, unlock command means, acceptance count counting means, secret code reading means, multiplexing check means, acceptance allowable time measuring means, reset means The processing operation of the functioning CPU 22 will be specifically described.

  The initial setting process shown in FIG. 6 is started when the user inputs a function switching command from the normal mode to the unlocking code registration mode to the CPU 14 as the mode switching means using the key operation unit 19 of the mobile phone 2. Process. Here, the normal mode indicates a state in which the mobile phone 2 is used for calling or sending / receiving mails. However, since various functions related to sending / receiving of calls and mails are well known, they are described here. Omitted.

  The CPU 14 that has started the initial setting process first displays a guidance message indicating an outline of key operations in the initial setting process on the display 11 of the mobile phone 2 (step a1), and the unlocking device 3 to be set with the secret code is displayed. A standby state is entered in which the user specifies device-specific information (step a2). Here, as an example, it is assumed that the device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 for which the secret code is set is B1.

  When the user operates the key operation unit 19 with reference to the guidance message and designates the device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 to be set with the secret code, this operation is detected by the CPU 14 in the determination process of step a2, and the CPU 14 Enters a standby state in which the user operates the digital camera 12 to wait for taking an image including a personal object that functions as a key (step a3).

  When the user performs shooting, the captured image is subjected to processing such as color correction by the image processing unit 15, and the corrected image is stored in the data memory unit 16, and this image is stored in the key object. Is extracted on the display 11 of the mobile phone 2 (step a4).

  Next, the CPU 14 functioning as the code generation number counting means initializes the value of the counter i to 0 (step a5), and the CPU 14 allows the user to operate the personal operation functioning as a key from the image on the display 11 by operating the key operation unit 19. A wait state is entered to wait for selection of an object, that is, a key object (step a6).

  When the user operates the key operation unit 19 to select an object from the image on the display 11, the CPU 14 functioning as a key object extraction unit executes internal processing related to image extraction, and uses the object selected by the user as a key object. Extracted and temporarily stored (step a7). Techniques related to image extraction are known. Here, as an example, the content of the extracted key object is represented by C1.

  However, instead of taking an image with the digital camera 12, an image stored in advance in the data memory unit 16 as an image storage means may be read out and used as a key object extraction target.

  Next, the CPU 14 functioning as the code generation number counting means for counting the number of operations of the secret code generation means increments the value of the counter i by 1 in advance (step a8), and the CPU 14 functioning as the code generation means corresponds to this key object. Thus, a unique code is generated and temporarily stored (step a9). Then, the CPU 14 stores the correspondence relationship between the device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 to be set with the secret code and the key object in the data memory unit 16 functioning as an object storage unit (step a10). Here, as an example, the content of the code is represented by D1.

  Next, the CPU 14 functioning as the secret code generation means, based on the code temporarily stored in the process of step a9 and the terminal specific information of the mobile phone 2 stored in the ROM 20, A secret code consisting of a combination of the above is generated (step a11). Therefore, at this time, the value of the counter i incremented in advance coincides with the actual number of times of secret code generation, that is, the number of times of operation of the secret code generation means. Here, as an example, the content of the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 is represented by A1, and the secret code is represented by f (A1, D1).

  Next, the CPU 14 functioning as the modification data adding unit adds the current value of the code generation number counting unit, that is, the current value of the counter i to the secret code as the modification information, and the CPU 14 functioning as the secret code transmission unit includes the modification information. The secret code value is transmitted together with the registration request to the unlocking device 3 having the device-specific information selected as the secret code setting target via the base station 5 and the Internet network 6 (step a12).

  Next, the CPU 14 temporarily stores the current value of the counter i, that is, the total number of secret codes generated for the unlocking device 3 selected as the secret code setting target in the process of step a2 in the secret code number storage register n. After storing (step a13), a guidance message asking whether or not to generate a secret code for this unlocking device 3 is displayed on the display 11, and a user's response operation is waited (step a14).

  Here, if the user operates the key operation unit 19 to perform a selection operation for continuing the generation of the secret code, that is, if the determination result in step a14 is false, the CPU 14 again performs the step. The process proceeds to a6 and the same process as described above is repeatedly executed.

  When the user operates the key operation unit 19 to perform a selection operation for ending generation of the secret code, that is, when the determination result in step a14 becomes true, the CPU 14 2 and the value of the secret code number storage register n are transmitted to the unlocking device 3 having the device specific information selected as the secret code setting target via the base station 5 and the Internet network 6. (Step a15), the initial setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the relationship among the terminal unique information, the device unique information, the key object, the code, the secret code, and the modification information obtained by repeating the loop processing from Step a6 to Step a14 described above.

  In this example, the secret code f (A1, D1) and the secret code f (A1, D2) are obtained by sequentially selecting the key object C1 and the key object C2 for the unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B1. It shows the case of setting. Therefore, the value of the modification information corresponding to the secret code f (A1, D1) is 1, the value of the modification information corresponding to the secret code f (A1, D2) is 2, and the value of the secret code number storage register n Becomes 2. That is, a total of n = 2, that is, two secret codes for the unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B1, first, the secret code f (A1, D1), and then the secret code f (A1, D2). This indicates that it was set in. The secret code f (A1, D3) is a secret code set for another unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B2, and the key object C3 is selected at that time. That is, only one secret code f (A1, D3) is set for the unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B2, and the value of the secret code number storage register n is 1. Similarly, the secret code f (A1, D4) is a secret code set for still another unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B3, and the key object C4 is selected at that time. That is, only one secret code f (A1, D4) is set for the unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B3, and the value of the secret code number storage register n is 1. Since the secret code is generated using the same mobile phone 2, the values of the terminal specific information are all A1.

  Of these, as shown in FIG. 10, what is actually stored in the data memory unit 16 functioning as the object storage means is the device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 to be set with the secret code and the key object. Only correspondence. The device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 selected as the secret code setting target is stored when the single mobile phone 2 operates a plurality of unlocking devices 3 on the Internet network 6. Since it is necessary to perform the unlocking operation by specifying the device unique information 3, the device unique information does not necessarily need to be stored if there is only one unlocking device 3 to be operated. That is, only the key object needs to be stored in the data memory unit 16 functioning as the object storage means in the minimum configuration with only one unlocking device 3.

  On the other hand, the CPU 22 of the unlocking device 3 having the device-specific information B1 resets the values of the unlock request confirmation flag F and the pointer j in the initialization process at power-on (step c1 in FIG. 8), and then either It is in a standby state waiting for an input of a registration request or unlock request from the mobile phone 2 (step c3, step c4).

  The secret code including the registration request and the modification information transmitted from the mobile phone 2 having the terminal specific information A1 in the process of step a12 described above is received in the process of step c3 by the CPU 22 functioning as a receiving unit, and is registered as a secret code. Whenever the secret code including the registration request and the modification information is received, the CPU 22 functioning as the means sequentially registers the secret code and the modification information in the nonvolatile memory 25 functioning as the secret code storage means ( Step c5).

  Further, the terminal specific information transmitted from the mobile phone 2 in the process of step a15 and the value of the secret code number storage register n are also received in the process of step c3 by the CPU 22 functioning as a receiving means in the same manner as described above. Is registered in the nonvolatile memory 25 by the processing of the CPU 22 (step c5).

  An example of information registered in the nonvolatile memory 25 functioning as a secret code storage unit is shown in FIG. 11 in association with the case of FIG. Among these, the secret code f (A1, D1) on the first line in FIG. 11 is the secret code generated at the first time in the loop processing from step a6 to step a14 described above, and is apparent from the above description. The value of the modification information is 1. Further, the secret code f (A1, D2) on the second line in FIG. 11 is the secret code generated at the second time in the loop processing from step a6 to step a14 described above, and as is apparent from the above description. The value of the modification information is 2. In the example of FIG. 9, the loop processing from step a6 to step a14 is performed only twice for the unlocking device 3 having the device-specific information B1, so in the loop processing from step a6 to step a14 described above. The final value of the counter i, that is, the value of the secret code number storage register n is 2, and the mobile phone 2 that has transmitted these two secret codes is the mobile phone 2 having the terminal specific information A1, so that FIG. Corresponding to the data in the first and second rows, the value 2 of the secret code number storage register n and the value of the terminal specific information A1 are stored. Note that the secret code f (A2, D5) in the third line in FIG. 11 is a secret code transmitted from another mobile phone 2 having terminal-specific information A2, and the secret code f in the fourth line in FIG. (A3, D6) is a secret code transmitted from still another mobile phone 2 having terminal specific information A3.

  The above is the process corresponding to the initial setting process.

  When performing unlocking operation on the lock 29 of the unlocking device 3 using the mobile phone 2, the user first uses the key operation unit 19 of the mobile phone 2 to switch from the normal mode to the unlock code transmission mode. A switching command is input to the CPU 14 as mode switching means, and unlocking operation request processing as shown in FIG. 7 is started.

  The CPU 14 that has started the unlocking operation request process first displays a guidance message indicating an outline of the key operation in the unlocking operation request process on the display 11 of the mobile phone 2 (step b1), and opens the target for the unlocking operation. A standby state is waited for until the user designates device-specific information of the lock device 3 (step b2). Here, as an example, it is assumed that the device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 that is the target of the unlocking operation is B1.

  When the user operates the key operation unit 19 with reference to the guidance message and designates device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 to be unlocked, this operation is detected by the CPU 14 in the determination process of step b2, and the CPU 14 The user operates the digital camera 12 to shoot an image including a personal object that functions as a key, or extracts an image stored in advance in the data memory unit 16 as an image storage means to extract a key object A standby state for waiting for selection as an object is entered (step b3, step b4).

  When the user executes photographing or selects an image stored in advance in the data memory unit 16, this image is displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 2 as a key object extraction target (step b5). ).

  Next, the CPU 14 enters a standby state in which the user waits for the user to select a personal object that functions as a key from the image on the display 11, that is, a key object, by operating the key operation unit 19 (step b6).

  Here, when the user operates the key operation unit 19 to select an object from the image on the display 11, the CPU 14 functioning as a key object extracting unit executes internal processing related to image extraction, and selects the object selected by the user. Extracted as a key object and temporarily stored (step b7).

  Next, the CPU 14 functioning as code generation means determines whether or not a key object that matches this object is already stored in the data memory unit 16 as object storage means (step b8), and the matching key object is stored. Only when it is, the CPU 14 functioning as the code generation means generates a unique code corresponding to the key object and temporarily stores it (step b9). Further, the CPU 14 functioning as the secret code generation means, based on the code temporarily stored in the process of step b9 and the terminal specific information of the mobile phone 2 stored in the ROM 20, (Step b10), and the CPU 14 functioning as the secret code transmission means sends the secret code value and the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 via the base station 5 and the Internet network 6. It is transmitted together with the unlocking request to the unlocking device 3 having the device-specific information selected as the target of the unlocking operation (step b11).

  If the key object that matches the object extracted in the process of step b7 is not stored in the data memory unit 16 as the object storage means, the process from step b9 to step 11 is not executed. Processing related to generation and transmission of codes and secret codes is not performed.

  Next, the CPU 14 displays a guidance message asking whether or not to generate a secret code for unlocking the unlocking device 3 on the display 11, and waits for a user's response operation (step b12).

  Here, if the user operates the key operation unit 19 to perform a selection operation for continuing the generation of the secret code, that is, if the determination result in step b12 is false, the CPU 14 performs the step again. The process proceeds to b6 and the same process as described above is repeatedly executed.

  Therefore, the user generates an arbitrary number of secret codes for one unlocking device 3 to be unlocked, and all of these secret codes are selected as targets for the unlocking operation. It is possible to transmit to in order.

  Further, when the user operates the key operation unit 19 to perform a selection operation for ending generation of the secret code, that is, when the determination result in step b12 becomes true, the CPU 14 performs the unlocking operation. Request processing ends at this point.

  The above is the process corresponding to the unlocking operation request process.

  On the other hand, as described above, the CPU 22 of the unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B1 waits for an input of a registration request or unlocking request from any of the mobile phones 2 (step c3 in FIG. 8). In step c4), the unlock request, secret code and terminal specific information transmitted from the mobile phone 2 having the terminal specific information A1 in the process of step b11 described above are processed in step c4 by the CPU 22 functioning as a receiving means each time. Received at.

  The CPU 22 that has detected reception temporarily stores the received secret code and terminal-specific information (step c6), and then whether or not the unlock request confirmation flag F is currently set, that is, received in the current process. It is determined whether or not the secret code is the first one of secret codes continuously sent from any of the mobile phones 2 (step c7).

  If the unlock request confirmation flag F is not set at this time, the secret code received in this process is the first of the secret codes sent continuously from any of the mobile phones 2. Therefore, the CPU 22 first stores the fact that the unlocking request and secret code input from any of the mobile phones 2 has been started by setting the unlocking request confirmation flag F (step S1). c8) The CPU 22 functioning as a reception number counting means for counting the number of receptions of the unlocking request increments the value of the pointer j by 1 (step c9).

  Next, the CPU 22 functioning as the secret code reading means determines the terminal based on the terminal unique information temporarily stored in the process of step c6 and the current value of the pointer j, that is, the current value j of the count in the reception number counting means. Of the secret code stored in the secret code storage means corresponding to the unique information, the secret code to which the modification information corresponding to the current value of the pointer j is added is read from the nonvolatile memory 25 as the secret code storage means (step c10). ), The CPU 22 functioning as the secret code determination means, the secret code temporarily stored in the process of step c6, that is, the secret code currently transmitted from the mobile phone 2, and the secret code read from the secret code storage means Mismatch Judges 致 (step c11).

  In this example, since the secret code is transmitted from the mobile phone 2 having the terminal specific information A1, the CPU 22 functioning as the secret code reading means, based on the terminal specific information A1 and the current value 1 of the pointer j, FIG. The secret code f (A1, D1) corresponding to the terminal specific information A1 and the value of the modification information is 1 is read from the nonvolatile memory 25 storing such information. As already described, the secret code f (A1, D1) is a secret code initially set for the unlocking device 3 having the device specific information B1 using the mobile phone 2 having the terminal specific information A1. That is, the determination result of step c11 that is executed first after the unlock request confirmation flag F is set coincides with the above-described unlocking operation request process performed by the mobile phone 2 having the terminal specific information A1. In addition, this is limited to the case where the user selects the key object C1 as the first key object in the unlocking operation request process.

  If the determination result in step c11 is inconsistent, is the unlocking operation request process being performed in another mobile phone 2 having terminal-specific information different from the mobile phone 2 used in the initial setting process described above? Or, even if the mobile phone 2 itself is the same, the key object selected at the i-th time in the above-described initial setting process and the j-th (where j = i) -th time was selected in the unlocking operation request process Means that the key object does not match. In this case, the CPU 22 functioning as the multiplexing check means corresponds to the number n of secret codes set in the unlocking device 3 corresponding to the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 that is currently accepting input of the secret code. Without waiting for the number of secret codes to be transmitted from the mobile phone 2, it is determined that the transmission of the secret code from the mobile phone 2 is inappropriate, and the unlock request confirmation flag F is reset. At the same time (step c1), the value of the pointer j is also reset (step c2), and the initial standby state is restored. Therefore, the unlocking operation is unconditionally prohibited.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step c11 is coincident, it means that at least the transmission of the secret code from the mobile phone 2 is appropriate at the present time, so that the CPU 22 functions as a multiplexing check means. Reads the value of the number n of secret codes stored in the non-volatile memory 25, which is a secret code storage means, corresponding to the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 that currently accepts the input of the secret code (step c12) Whether or not the current value of the pointer j has reached the value of n, that is, the same number of secret codes as the number generated in the initial setting process is received from the mobile phone 2 that is accepting the input of the secret code at the present time. It is determined whether or not it has already been transmitted (step c13).

  If the determination result in step c13 is true, other secret codes to be transmitted from the mobile phone 2 remain, and the appropriate secret codes stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 are also stored for these secret codes. This means that it is necessary to perform a comparison process with the secret code.

  Therefore, when the determination result in step c13 is true, the CPU 22 functioning as an allowable reception time measuring unit that measures the reception time interval of the unlocking request restarts the timer T and inputs the unlocking request and the secret code. Measurement of the elapsed time from the detected processing cycle is started (step c14), the process proceeds to the process of step c3 again, and the processes of step c3 and step c4 are repeatedly executed in the same manner as described above. The mobile phone 2 waits for the next unlocking request and the input of the secret code and terminal specific information.

  When the unlock request from the mobile phone 2 and the input of the secret code and the terminal specific information are confirmed again in the process of step c4, the CPU 22 temporarily stores the secret code and the terminal specific information (step c6). ), It is determined whether or not the unlock request confirmation flag F is set (step c7).

  In this case, the unlock request confirmation flag F has already been set (see step c8 described above), and the secret code received in this process is the secret code sent continuously from any of the mobile phones 2. Since it means the second and subsequent ones, the CPU 22 functioning as a permissible reception time measuring means determines whether or not the measurement time by the timer T exceeds a predetermined permissible time (step) c15). If it does not exceed, the secret code received in this process is used as a comparison reference, and sent from the mobile phone 2 by the process after step c9, that is, the unlocking operation request process as described above. A process of determining the coincidence / mismatch of the secret code and the secret code stored in the non-volatile memory 25, which is the secret code storage means by the above-described initial setting process, in order according to the registration order in the initial setting process is performed.

  If the determination result in step c15 is true and it is clear that the measurement time by the timer T exceeds a predetermined allowable time, the secret code to be transmitted from the mobile phone 2 is other than This means that the secret code is not sent even though it remains, that is, it is highly likely that this unlocking request has not been sent from a legitimate mobile phone 2 or a legitimate user. Therefore, the CPU 22 functioning as reset means resets the unlock request confirmation flag F (step c1), and further resets the value of the current value j of the reception number counting means, that is, the value of the pointer j (step step 1). c2) Return to the initial standby state. Therefore, the unlocking operation is unconditionally prohibited.

  The final unlocking operation is permitted after the input of the first unlocking request from the mobile phone 2 is detected and the processing of step c4, step c6 to step c14 is executed (at this time j = 1) Step c4, Step c6, Step c7, Step c15, Step c9 to Step c14 are executed n-2 times (at this time j = n-1). Further, Step c4, Step c6, Step c7 , Step c15, Step c9 to Step c13 are executed once (j = n at this time), that is, n stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 as the secret code storage means by the above-described initial setting processing. All of the secret codes are sent from the mobile phone 2 to the unlocking device 3 by the above-described unlocking operation request processing in the same order as at the time of registration. The result of the determination in step c11 by chromatography De determining means is limited to the case where a continuously match over n times. The CPU 22 functioning as the multiplexing check means permits the operation of the unlock command means only when such a condition is satisfied, and the CPU 22 functioning as the unlock command means operates the lock / unlock mechanism 28. The lock 29 is unlocked (step c16).

  The above is the process corresponding to the unlocking process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the user selects the key object that the user wants to function as a key from the image obtained by the photographing operation using the digital camera 12 of the mobile phone 2, the front of the door is selected. In addition to objects that can be displayed on the camera, various objects around you, such as objects that are fixed at a remote location or objects that are not fixed and cannot be carried, such as buildings and scenery A part of can be used as a key. Therefore, since there are endlessly available keys, ie key objects, a third party simply uses the same key, ie key object, or a code equivalent to that of the legitimate user. Security when trying to do is improved. In particular, since the digital camera 12 of the portable mobile phone 2 is used to take an image, for example, it is possible to take an image at an unpopular place. It is possible to make it difficult for a subject to touch the subject itself.

  Further, whether or not to finally perform the unlocking operation is determined by the secret code stored in the nonvolatile memory 25 which is the secret code storage means of the unlocking device 3 and the secret code transmitted from the mobile phone 2. The secret code is generated based on the code generated corresponding to the key object and the terminal specific information of the mobile phone 2, that is, the terminal specific information and the code. Since it is a secret code composed of a combination, it is assumed that either a key object that functions as a key, that is, a portion of a code, or a mobile phone 2 that is owned by a specific user, that is, a mobile phone 2 that has terminal-specific information itself Even if one of them is in the hands of a third party, the unlocking operation by the third party is not easily performed. That is, even if a key object that functions as a key or an original subject to be photographed is grasped by a third party, an appropriate secret code cannot be generated unless the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 is grasped by the third party. Therefore, the unlocking operation by a third party is difficult, and even if the mobile phone 2 provided with terminal-specific information itself is in the hands of a third party, a key object used by a legitimate user as a key is used. Since the third party cannot specify, the unlocking operation by the third party becomes difficult.

  In this way, there are endlessly available keys, that is, key objects, and the unlocking operation cannot be performed only by a third party grasping the key object functioning as a key and the original photographing object. Furthermore, due to the synergistic effect that the unlocking operation cannot be performed only by the mobile phone 2 itself being in the hands of a third party, a security system that simply uses an image or object as an authentication means or a simple ID ( Compared with a security system that uses (watermark) as an authentication means, an unlocking operation by a third party can be more effectively prevented.

  Here, if a plurality of images are stored in the data memory unit 16 functioning as the image storage means of the mobile phone 2, a third party specifies from which image the key object has been extracted. Therefore, security is further improved, and unlocking operations by a third party can be more effectively prevented.

  In addition, when registering the unlocking code, all of the plurality of secret codes stored in the non-volatile memory 25 as the secret code storage means are transmitted from the mobile phone 2 to the unlocking device 3 in exactly the same order as when registering. Since the final unlocking operation is performed only for a limited number of times, the unlocking operation by a third party is prevented with a much higher probability than when attempting to prevent the unlocking operation by a third party using only one secret code. can do. Of course, when only one secret code is generated and registered in the initial setting process of FIG. 6, the value of n is 1, so that an unlocking operation using only one secret code is also possible.

  Further, the unlocking request reception time interval is measured on the side of the unlocking device 3, and when this time exceeds a predetermined allowable time, the continuous unlocking request reception is limited and the unlocking operation is performed. Since the prohibition is unconditionally prohibited, it is possible to effectively prevent an unlocking operation by a trial and error operation performed by a third party who is difficult to perform the same operation as a legitimate user within a certain period of time. it can.

  Also, device-specific information for each unlocking device 3 is set in the unlocking device 3, and a registration request, an unlocking request, a secret code, etc. are specified from the mobile phone 2 by specifying the device-specific information and transmitted. As a result, a plurality of unlocking devices 3 can be independently operated by one mobile phone 2. When a plurality of lock / unlock mechanisms 28 and locks 29 are provided in a single unlocking device 3, one unlocking device 3 is set by setting device-specific information for each lock / unlock mechanism 28. A plurality of locks 29 provided on the mobile phone 2 can be independently operated by one mobile phone 2.

  As described above, since the computer 36 of the communication center 7 manages the communication of the mobile phone 2 based on the terminal-specific information transmitted from the mobile phone 2, the mobile phone whose use is prohibited by the operation from the keyboard 42. It is possible to block transmission of a registration request, an unlocking request, a secret code, etc. from a specific mobile phone 2 by measures such as setting terminal specific information of the phone 2 and setting a flag. Therefore, even in the worst situation where the security measure by the secret code itself fails, the unlocking operation by a third party can be prevented in advance by cooperation with the communication center 7.

  Here, an example in which all the processes related to key object extraction and the like are executed by the CPU 14 of the mobile phone 2 has been described. However, a high-speed server for executing an image processing program or the like is installed on the Internet network 6 to It is also possible to process an image captured by the second digital camera 12 on the server.

According to the above configuration, for example, when the required time from the station to the house is 10 minutes on foot, the allowable time in the reception allowable time measuring means (determination criterion in step c15) is set to 10 minutes, In the middle of returning home, first, an image is taken by the digital camera 12 of the mobile phone 2, or an image is selected from the images stored in the data memory unit 16 which is the image storage means of the mobile phone 2 and a key is selected. An object (for example, a key object C1 made up of a part of the landscape) is extracted to release the first secret code (for example, f (A1, D1)), and 5 minutes after the release of the first secret code, When you arrive at the entrance, select the second key object (for example, key object C2 consisting of a nameplate) and select the second secret code (for example, Releases the f (A1, D2)), it can be such to unlock the front door key 29.
Since the permissible time is set to 10 minutes, even if a detour is made with the first secret code released, if the first secret code is released, if 10 minutes have elapsed, the unlocking device The internal processing 3 is automatically initialized, and it becomes necessary to input the secret code again in order from the beginning. That is, since the secret code that was released first is set again, the initial security is guaranteed.
If the secret code is set to one level and the door key 29 is unlocked with only the key object of the nameplate, even if someone captures the nameplate, the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone 2 is not known. In addition, since it is not known which unlocking device 3 on the communication network 4 is the unlocking device 3 to be operated (the device-specific information of the unlocking device 3 is unknown), a third party However, it is almost impossible to unlock the key 29.

Further, as another example of use, the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be diverted to the lock device of the mobile phone 2.
In this case, when the mobile phone 2 itself is locked, a message indicating that the mobile phone 2 is locked is displayed and a guidance message asking whether to release the mobile phone 2 is displayed. When the user requests unlocking, the digital camera 12 is activated and shifts to the photographing mode. Here, the cellular phone 2 is unlocked by photographing and selecting a key object registered in advance. Furthermore, when the password can be used together, the lock can be released even without the key object.

Furthermore, the locker can be used for unlocking. In the station locker, we will introduce an application example using the case where you put your luggage and give it to other people for reasons such as the meeting time is not right.
The handing over puts luggage in the locker. Next, the key object is registered from the mobile phone 2 to the unlocking device 3 installed in the locker. The key object to be used at that time may be photographed around the locker, or selected from the images previously photographed by the digital camera 12 of the mobile phone 2 and stored in the data memory unit 16 as the image storage means of the mobile phone 2. May be.
When the association between the key object and the unlocking device 3 is completed, the unlocking device 3 installed in the locker is urged to send an image including the key object to the person who is the delivery destination. By performing this operation, the terminal-specific information of the cellular phone 2 of the person who is the delivery destination is also registered.
Separately, if the recipient person is notified of what is the key object in the sent image, the recipient person performs the processing operation of FIG. It can be carried out.

It is the block diagram which showed the outline of the structure of the unlocking system of one Embodiment to which the unlocking method of this invention was applied. It is the block diagram which showed the specific structural example of the mobile telephone provided with the digital camera. It is the block diagram which showed the outline of the structure of the unlocking apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the outline of the structure of the base station. It is the block diagram which showed the outline of the structure of the computer installed in the communication center. It is the flowchart which showed the outline of the initial setting process which CPU of a mobile telephone performs in the state which switched the mode of the mobile telephone to the unlocking code registration mode. It is the flowchart which showed the outline of the unlocking operation request process which CPU of a mobile telephone performs in the state which switched the mode of the mobile telephone to the unlocking code transmission mode. It is the flowchart which showed the outline of the process which CPU of an unlocking apparatus performs. The device-specific information of the unlocking device selected as the secret code setting target, the object extracted as the key object, the unique code generated corresponding to the key object, the terminal-specific information of the mobile phone, and the terminal It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the relationship between the secret code produced | generated based on the specific information and the code, and the modification information added to the secret code. It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the correspondence of the apparatus specific information of the unlocking apparatus memorize | stored in an object memory | storage means, and a key object. It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the information registered into a secret code memory | storage means corresponding to the example of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Unlocking system 2 Mobile phone (mobile communication terminal)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Unlocking device 4 Communication network 5 Base station 6 Internet network 7 Communication center 8 Microphone 9 Speaker 10 Transmitter / receiver 11 Display 12 Digital camera 13 Camera control unit 14 Cellular phone CPU (mode switching means, key object extracting means, code generating means , Secret code generation means, secret code transmission means, code generation frequency counting means, modification data addition means)
15 Image processing unit 16 Data memory unit (image storage means, object storage means)
17 Voice processing unit 18 Antenna 19 Key operation unit 20 ROM
21 Clock unit 22 CPU of unlocking device (reception means, secret code registration means, secret code determination means, unlock command means, acceptance number counting means, secret code reading means, multiplexing check means, acceptance allowable time measurement means, reset means)
23 ROM
24 RAM
25 Nonvolatile memory (secret code storage means)
26 Interface 27 Input / Output Circuit 28 Lock / Unlock Mechanism 29 Lock 30 Base Station CPU
31 ROM
32 RAM
33 Interface 34 Transceiver 35 Antenna 36 Communication Center Computer 37 CPU
38 ROM
39 RAM
40 hard disk drive 41 monitor 42 keyboard 43 printer 44 input / output circuit 45 interface

Claims (13)

Communication between a mobile communication terminal provided with a digital camera, an unlocking device provided with a lock / unlock mechanism for locking and unlocking a lock, and an object to be locked, and communication between the mobile communication terminal and the unlocking device An unlocking system comprising a communication network for realizing
The mobile communication terminal includes
Mode switching means for selectively switching the mode of the mobile communication terminal between the normal mode, the unlocking code registration mode, and the unlocking code transmission mode according to the user's selection operation;
Only when the mode of the mobile communication terminal is the unlocking code registration mode or the unlocking code transmission mode, a part of the image photographed by the digital camera is extracted as a key object according to the user's selection operation. Key object extraction means;
Object storage means for storing the key object only when the mode of the mobile communication terminal is the unlocking code registration mode;
If the mode of the mobile communication terminal is the unlocking code registration mode, a unique code is generated corresponding to the key object extracted by the key object extracting means, while the mode of the mobile communication terminal is opened. A code for generating a unique code corresponding to the key object only when the key object extracted by the key object extracting means is stored in the object storage means in advance when the lock code transmission mode is set Generating means;
Secret code generating means for generating a secret code based on the code generated by the code generating means and the terminal-specific information of the mobile communication terminal;
When the mode of the portable communication terminal is the unlocking code registration mode, the secret code generated by the secret code generating means is transmitted to the unlocking device via the communication network together with the registration request, Secret code transmission means for transmitting the secret code generated by the secret code generation means to the unlocking device via the communication network together with the unlock request when the mode of the communication terminal is the unlock code transmission mode. While providing
In the unlocking device,
Secret code storage means for storing the secret code;
Receiving means for receiving transmission from the mobile communication terminal via the communication network;
A secret code registration means for storing the secret code received together with the registration request from the portable communication terminal in the secret code storage means;
Secret code determination means for determining whether or not the secret code received together with the unlocking request from the mobile communication terminal matches the secret code stored in the secret code storage means;
An unlocking system comprising: an unlock command means for operating the lock / unlock mechanism and unlocking the lock only when the determination result by the secret code determination means coincides.   2. The unlocking system according to claim 1, wherein the portable communication terminal includes image storage means for storing an image photographed by the digital camera as a key object extraction target. Code generation number counting means for counting the number of operations of the secret code generation means when the mode of the mobile communication terminal is an unlocking code registration mode, and modification information indicating the current value of the count in the code generation number counting means The mobile communication terminal is provided with a modification data adding means that is added to the secret code and then delivered to the secret code transmitting means,
The reception number counting means for counting the number of times the unlocking request is received in the reception means, and the secret code to which the modification information corresponding to the current value of the count in the reception number counting means is added is read from the secret code storage means, and Only when the secret code reading means delivered as a determination target to the secret code determination means and the determination result of the secret code determination means coincide with the number of secret codes stored in the secret code storage means. 3. The unlocking system according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking device includes a multiplexing check unit that allows operation of the unlocking command unit.   Acceptable time measuring means for measuring an acceptance time interval of the unlocking request in the receiving means, and operation of the unlocking command means unconditionally when the measurement time in the acceptable acceptance time measuring means exceeds a predetermined allowable time 4. The unlocking system according to claim 3, wherein the unlocking device further comprises a resetting means for prohibiting the resetting and initializing a current value of the counting in the acceptance number counting means.   Device-specific information for each unlocking device is set in the unlocking device, and the registration request, unlock request, and secret code are specified from the mobile communication terminal by specifying the device-specific information and transmitted. The unlocking system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4.   The communication network includes a base station that performs wireless communication with the mobile communication terminal, and an Internet network that performs communication between the base station and the unlocking device. The unlocking system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4 or claim 5.   The communication network further comprises a communication center for connecting to the Internet network and managing communication of the base station, and registration from the portable communication terminal having terminal-specific information set in advance to the unlocking device by the communication center 7. The unlocking system according to claim 6, wherein a request, an unlock request, and transmission of a secret code are blocked. An unlocking method for operating a lock / unlock mechanism of an unlocking device installed on an object to be locked via a communication network by a mobile communication terminal equipped with a digital camera,
A key object extracting and storing step of extracting a part of an image photographed by the digital camera of the mobile communication terminal as a key object and storing it in a storage unit of the mobile communication terminal, and a unique code corresponding to the key object A code generation step for generating, a secret code generation step for generating a secret code based on the code and terminal-specific information of the portable communication terminal, and a secret code for storing the secret code in a storage unit of the unlocking device An initial setting process comprising a setting process;
A key object extracting step of extracting a part of an image photographed by the digital camera of the mobile communication terminal as a key object, and determining whether or not the extracted key object is stored in the storage unit of the mobile communication terminal And a secret code for generating a secret code based on the code and the terminal-specific information of the portable communication terminal that generates a unique code corresponding to the key object only when stored. An unlocking operation requesting step comprising a generating step and a secret code transmitting step for transmitting the secret code together with the unlocking request from the mobile communication terminal to the unlocking device via the communication network;
In response to the unlock request from the mobile communication terminal, whether or not the secret code transmitted from the mobile communication terminal together with the unlock request matches the secret code stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device. A secret code determining step for determining whether or not, and an unlocking operation step consisting of an unlocking step of unlocking the lock by operating the lock / unlock mechanism only when the determination result is coincident Unlocking method characterized by.   9. The unlocking method according to claim 8, wherein an image photographed by a digital camera of the portable communication terminal is stored as a key object extraction target in a storage unit of the portable communication terminal.   In the initial setting step, a plurality of secret codes are generated and sequentially stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device, and the unlocking operation requesting step is repeatedly executed a plurality of times. In the unlocking operation step, the mobile communication Each time the unlocking request is received from the terminal, the secret code stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device is sequentially read to determine whether the secret code received together with the unlocking request is coincident or not, and stored in the storage unit of the unlocking device. 10. The operation of the lock / unlock mechanism is allowed only when the determination result matches the number of times that matches the number of stored secret codes. Unlocking method.   In the unlocking operation step, an unlocking request reception time interval is measured, and when the measurement time exceeds a predetermined allowable time, the operation of the lock / unlock mechanism is unconditionally prohibited. The unlocking method according to claim 10.   Device-specific information for each unlocking device is set in the unlocking device, and the unlocking request and secret code are specified and transmitted from the mobile communication terminal by specifying the device-specific information. The unlocking method according to claim 8, claim 9, claim 10 or claim 11.   A communication center is arranged on the communication network, and the communication center blocks transmission of an unlock request and a secret code from a mobile communication terminal having preset terminal-specific information to an unlocking device. The unlocking method according to claim 12, wherein:

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