JP2009036016A - Authentication key - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an authentication key preventing misinsertion of the authentication key and compacting an authentication unit. <P>SOLUTION: The authentication key comprises a memory unit in which a nonvolatile storage medium storing specific information on a user is covered by a metal conductor to have a shape of a button battery having a pair of electrodes on upper and lower faces, and a main body provided with the memory unit in a state that the upper and lower faces are exposed. According to the authentication key, the memory unit having the shape of the button battery can prevent misinsertion into the authentication unit and can materialize compactization. Further, the authentication key can be used in a manner similar to a key chain. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a security device and an authentication key, and more particularly, to an authentication key that can prevent erroneous insertion of an authentication key and can reduce the size of an authentication unit.

  It is effective in terms of home maintenance and crime prevention to quickly detect and take appropriate measures to monitor gas leaks, fires, illegal intrusions, pet abnormalities, etc. that occur in the residence while you are away. Therefore, home security systems and the like have been developed conventionally. For example, a system that detects an abnormal unlocking of a door key and generates an intrusion alarm (see, for example, Patent Document 1), uses a mobile phone to turn on / off residential equipment from the outside, A control system that locks or unlocks a key by remote control has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3).

  In addition, a system has been proposed in which a warning is issued by calling a mobile phone possessed by a resident instead of notifying a security company or the like of an abnormality occurring in the residence while the user is away (see, for example, Patent Document 4). ).

  In addition, a CCD image sensor, CPU, input / output unit, speaker, etc. are mounted on the IC card, and this IC card is inserted into the slit groove of the card reader while the user presses the thumb surface against the reading surface of the CCD image sensor. There is also known an IC card authentication system in which a collation unit collates with fingerprint information registered in advance on the card reader side (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a conventional security system. This security system 100 is disclosed in FIG.

  Fire detection sensors that detect abnormal rises in room temperature and smoke due to the occurrence of flames due to fire, etc., gas leak detection sensors that detect increases in gas concentration due to city gas and propane gas leaks, and robbery Anomaly detection sensors 101, 102, and 103 such as an infrared sensor that detects intrusion are installed at appropriate places in the house.

  Each of the abnormality detection sensors 101, 102, and 103 is connected to a terminal device 104 such as a personal computer. The terminal device 104 is configured to measure actual temperatures, actual gas concentrations, and the like measured by the abnormality detection sensors 101 to 103. A comparison calculation process is performed between the actually measured value and a set value such as a normal temperature range and a gas concentration range. The terminal device 104 is connected to a line network 105 such as a telephone company through an interface such as RS232C.

  A central monitoring system 106 of a security company to which a user has a security contract is connected to the network 105, and the normality / abnormality of the abnormality detection sensors 101 to 103 installed in each home of the contract contract partner is detected. It is constantly monitored.

  A notification destination 107 such as a police station or a fire station is connected to the central monitoring system 106 via a network 105. For this reason, when a notification is issued from the abnormality detection sensors 101 to 103 installed in the consignment contractor's home to the central monitoring system 106 of the security company, the central monitoring system 106 notifies the police or fire department. Dispatched from the jurisdiction station to the consignee's home. This can prevent accidents in advance or minimize damage.

Note that the security system 100 in FIG. 9 is configured to perform monitoring by using an abnormality detection sensor installed at a key location in the home. If an IC card is combined with the security system 100, the IC card can be locked / unlocked. Can be done.
JP 2002-190070 ([0018] to [0021], FIG. 1) JP 2001-309067 A ([0012] to [0022], FIGS. 1 to 3) JP 2000-303729 ([0005] to [0010], FIGS. 1 to 3) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-245069 ([0018] to [0024], FIG. 1) JP 2003-162705 A ([0009] to [0012], FIGS. 1 and 5)

  However, according to the conventional security system, when an attempt is made to use the IC card of Patent Document 5 as an authentication key in the security system 100 of FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. Since it is plate-shaped, it can be inserted even if it is inserted upside down in the slit groove of the card reader, so authentication may be impossible or the IC card may be damaged.

  In general, the card reader is easily increased in size because a detection circuit and a recognition circuit are incorporated in addition to the insertion portion, and the installation location is restricted for home use.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an authentication key that can prevent erroneous insertion of the authentication key and that can reduce the size of the authentication unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a memory in which a non-volatile storage medium storing specific information about a user is packaged in a button battery type with a metal conductor so that a pair of electrodes are formed on the upper and lower surfaces. An authentication key is provided, comprising: a main unit on which the upper and lower surfaces of the memory unit are mounted.

  The main body may be mounted with the memory unit such that an exposed surface of the memory unit protrudes from the main body surface by a predetermined height. Thereby, it is possible to prevent erroneous insertion of the authentication key.

  The main body may be configured to communicate with the back surface of the memory unit and to have an opening with a rounded opening at the periphery of the entrance. Thereby, when the authentication key is inserted into the authentication unit, the insertion / removal of the terminal on the authentication unit side into the opening can be facilitated.

  The main body may have a substantially rectangular plate shape, the memory unit mounted on one end thereof, and an opening on the other end. Thereby, a key, a strap, etc. can be attached to the opening provided in the other end.

  The main body may have a configuration in which a plurality of grooves are formed in an intermediate portion so as to be orthogonal to the insertion direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the finger from slipping during insertion / removal to the authentication unit.

  According to the authentication key of the present invention, the button battery type memory unit can prevent erroneous insertion into the authentication unit and can be downsized. Moreover, the same usage as a key holder is attained.

(First embodiment)
(Overall configuration of security device)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a security system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The security system 1 includes a house-side facility 10, the Internet 20, a reception-side facility 30, and an authentication key 40.

The house-side equipment 10 includes a sensor server 11 that performs communication with the receiving-side equipment 30 in addition to management of various sensors installed in the house (house), various processes, and control,
A Web (World Wide Web) camera 12 for imaging indoor conditions, an alarm device 13 such as a buzzer that issues an alarm when an abnormality occurs, an open / close sensor 14 for detecting the opening / closing of the entrance door 15, and a lock device for the entrance door 15 An electronic lock 16 that is attached to 15A (15B is a knob), controls the sensor server 11 as a server, or locks / unlocks the lock device 15A by an electronic key (not shown), a wall surface near the entrance door 15, and the like The authentication unit 17 that acquires data from the nonvolatile storage medium of the authentication key 40 when the authentication key 40 is inserted, the temperature / humidity sensor 18 that detects indoor temperature and humidity, and indoor gas leakage And a gas detector / alarm 19 for detecting the above.

  In FIG. 1, only one Web camera 12, open / close sensor 14, and temperature / humidity sensor 18 are shown, but any number can be used.

  The Internet 20 is connected to a provider via a telephone line, broadband, or the like, and the house side equipment 10 and the reception side equipment 30 are connected to the Internet 20 via a predetermined interface.

The receiving side equipment 30 includes a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) device 31 or (and) a mobile phone 32 possessed by a resident, an acquaintance, or the like who lives in the house where the home side equipment 10 is installed, and a monitoring center of a security company. 33 and a notebook personal computer (notebook personal computer) 34 owned by a resident. A device in the reception side facility 30 is connected to the Internet 20 via a wired or wireless connection.
(Configuration of sensor server)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the sensor server 11. The sensor server 11 includes a CPU 11a for controlling the whole, an address bus 11b connected to the CPU 11a, a data bus 11c connected to the CPU 11a, a control bus 11d connected to the CPU 11a, and a JAVA (registered trademark) specification program. ROM 11e in which image data is stored, RAM 11f in which processing results and the like are temporarily stored, an interface unit 11g for connecting to the various sensors, an image memory 11h for storing image signals from the Web camera 12, and an image memory 11 h is configured to include an encoding unit 11 i that performs an encoding process on image data stored in 11 h and a line control unit 11 j that performs communication control with the Internet 20 according to a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP. ing.

Here, a communication means is formed by a combination of the interface unit 11g, the encoding unit 11i, and the line control unit 11j.
(Configuration of authentication unit)
FIG. 3 is a front view of the authentication unit 17. The authentication unit 17 is made by molding with ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene) resin or the like, and includes a housing 17a having a convex insertion port 17b into which the authentication key 40 is inserted, and an authentication key 40. LED (light emitting diode) 17c as a light emitting element for displaying the state of insertion and authentication, and a cover plate 17d attached to the surface of the housing 17a.

  The authentication unit 17 is a wall-embedded box (not shown) that has the same shape and size as a switch box or the like used in an AC 100 V commercial power supply system and is embedded in the wall of the house. Stored.

  The housing 17a has a pair of left and right fixing portions 17e on the front surface, and the fixing portions 17e are fixed to the box with screws.

  As the LED 17c, a general-purpose product that generates an emission color such as green or red can be used. The LED 17c can be replaced with a small light bulb, EL (electroluminescence), liquid crystal display, or the like. In particular, when a liquid crystal display is used, characters can be displayed.

  4 and 5 are a plan view and a side view showing a detailed configuration of the authentication unit 17. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4 when the authentication key 40 is inserted into the insertion slot 17b.

  The authentication unit 17 includes a resistor 171 connected to one lead 172A of the LED 17c, a terminal 173A connected to one end of the resistor 171; a terminal 173B connected to the other lead 172B of the LED 17c; A pair of memory terminals 174A and 174B used for supplying and extracting data, screws 175A and 175B for fixing the terminals 173A and 173B, screws 176A and 176B for fixing the memory terminals 174A and 174B, and an insertion port An open / close cover 177 with a reverse J-shaped cross-section that closes the insertion port 17b when the authentication key 40 is not inserted into 17b, a spring 178 made of SUS or the like engaged with the open / close cover 177, and screws 176A and 176B are screwed. Nuts 179A and 179B to be attached, opening / closing cover 177 and spring And a shaft 180 by SUS or the like for supporting the grayed 178.

  The resistor 171 is for limiting the current with respect to the LED 11c, and for example, a solid resistor of 470Ω is used. The leads 172A and 172B are attached to the LED 17c from the beginning.

  The terminals 173A and 173B are band-shaped conductors, the other end of the resistor 171 is solder-connected to the terminal 173A, and the lead 172B is solder-connected to the terminal 173B.

  Each of the memory terminals 174A and 174B has a tip end bent into a V shape and has a size that makes line contact with a pair of electrodes of the authentication key 40 into which each vertex is inserted. Four wiring cables from the sensor server 11 are connected to the memory terminals 174A and 174B and the terminals 173A and 173B.

The opening / closing cover 177 is for allowing dust or the like to enter the housing 17a from the insertion port 17b, and is made of a resin material such as ABS. The spring 178 is a coil spring, one end of which is in contact with the inner wall of the housing 17 a and the other end is in contact with the locking portion 177 a of the opening / closing cover 177, and is a direction in which the insertion port 17 b is blocked while being pivotally supported by the shaft 180. Is applied to the opening / closing cover 177.
(Configuration of authentication key)
FIG. 7 shows a detailed configuration of the authentication key 40, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a sectional view taken along line BB of (a).

  The authentication key 40 has a first shape portion 40A having an elliptical outer shape formed of a resin material such as ABS, and a second shape portion 40B formed of a similar material and having a circular outer shape. The first shape portion 40A has a memory portion 41 as a non-volatile storage medium mounted on the tip portion on the step portion 40e and has an opening so as to be electrically connected to the lower surface electrode of the memory portion 41. 40d is provided. The opening 40d is formed with a radius 40g so that the above-described memory terminal 174B can smoothly come in contact with the lower surface electrode of the memory portion 41. In addition, the second shape portion 40B forms a grip portion having a circular opening 40b and a rectangular shallow recess 40c formed on the surface, and is integrated with an inclination with respect to the first shape portion 40A. Is formed.

  In addition, the main body 40a is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 7, The shape which has a semicircle only at one side, or a rectangle, a square, etc. may be sufficient.

  The opening 40b can be used for attaching a key or a strap, and the recess 40c can be used as a space for filling in the name of the user of the authentication key 40, a management number, or attaching a seal.

The memory unit 41 has an external shape similar to that of a button battery, and is covered with a metal conductor so that an upper surface and other surfaces (side surface and lower surface) become a pair of electrodes. Inside, a semiconductor memory, an interface circuit, A power supply / signal separation circuit and the like are mounted. The semiconductor memory has specific information such as data relating to the holder of the authentication key 40, specifically personal information (for example, name, ID, multi-digit number or symbol) indicating that it is one of a family (resident). As stored.
(Operation of the first embodiment)
Next, the operation of the security system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. All the residents of one residence have the authentication key 40. First, for each authentication key 40, personal information is registered in advance in the ROM 11e of the sensor server 11. Corresponding personal information is also registered in the memory unit 41 in the authentication key 40 possessed by each resident.

  When leaving the house, the person who finally leaves the house inserts the authentication key 40 into the authentication unit 17 according to the shape of the insertion slot 17b (or inserts the electronic key together with the authentication key 40 into the electronic lock 16). .

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the user inserts the authentication key 40 into the insertion port 17 b of the authentication unit 17 with the memory unit 41 as the insertion side, the opening / closing cover 177 is pushed and the authentication key 40 is further inserted. Thus, the V-shaped portion of the memory terminal 174B is inserted into the opening 40d shown in FIG. 7C, and then contacts the lower surface electrode of the memory portion 41. At the same time, the memory terminal 174 </ b> A contacts the upper surface of the memory unit 41. When the memory terminal 174B is inserted into the opening 40d, the user feels a click and can recognize that the authentication key 40 has been inserted to a predetermined position.

  When the authentication key 40 is set at a predetermined position, power is supplied from the sensor server 11 side to the memory unit 41, data is read from the memory unit 41 to the sensor server 11, and the LED 11 c is connected to the sensor server 11. Lights by control.

  The sensor server 11 confirms the coincidence of the data registered in the ROM 11e and the data read from the memory unit 41, operates the electronic lock 16, and locks the entrance door 15. During authentication by the sensor server 11, the LED 11c blinks and turns off when the recognition is completed successfully. After confirming this, the operator pulls out the authentication key 40. In addition, the CPU 11a of the sensor server 11 determines that the house has become unattended based on a signal from the authentication unit 17, and starts monitoring indoors and outdoors. If the data does not match, the LED 11c is lit at a different blinking period to make the user recognize that the data could not be recognized.

  On the other hand, when one of the residents comes home, the person inserts the possessed authentication key 40 into the authentication unit 17 (or may be used in combination with the electronic key), so that the electronic lock 16 is moved. Unlock. As described above, when the authentication key 40 is inserted into the insertion slot 17b of the recognition unit 17, the sensor server 11 collates the data registered in the ROM 11e with the data read from the memory unit 41, and if they match, It is determined that the person is a genuine resident, and the lock device 15A is unlocked. At this time, the LED 11c is turned on when the authentication key 40 is inserted, blinks during authentication, and turns off after the authentication ends. From this series of light emitting states of the LEDs 11c, the operator can grasp the state of the recognition process. If the sensor server 11 fails to recognize, the sensor server 11 turns on the LED 17c at a blinking period different from that when the recognition is successful, and allows the user to recognize that the LED 17c has not been recognized.

  If, for example, the open / close sensor 14 operates during monitoring by the sensor server 11, a person other than the resident may have opened the entrance door 15 from the outside. The detection signal of the open / close sensor 14 is taken into the sensor server 11 via the interface unit 11g. The CPU 11a of the sensor server 11 determines the occurrence of an abnormality, sounds the alarm device 13 until the set time or is reset, and starts to capture an image of the inside of the door using the Web camera 12. The captured image is taken into the image memory 11h and encoded by the encoding unit 11i. This image data and a mail of a message notifying the situation are created as transmission data, and are sent to the Internet 20 via the line control unit 11g by designating the receiving destination.

  The transmission data sent to the Internet 20 is sent to a designated receiver, for example, a monitoring center 33 of a security company. In response to the notification from the sensor server 11, the security company takes measures such as dispatching a guard or contacting the police. This makes it possible to minimize damage and respond quickly to accidents and incidents.

  Once the sensor server 11 determines that an abnormality has occurred, if the operating time of the alarm device 13 is not set, an alarm sound continues to sound. In order to stop this, a resident, a guard, a police officer or the like presses a reset button (not shown) of the sensor server 11 or turns off the power of the sensor server 11 once.

The notification to the monitoring center 33 of the security company is a case where a contract is made between the security company and the resident. If there is no contract, the PDA device 31 and the mobile phone possessed by the resident. 32 and the notebook personal computer 34 etc. possessed by the resident, the report to the police is made by the person who obtained the report from the sensor server 11.
(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(A) Since the shapes of the insertion part of the authentication key 40 and the insertion port 17b of the authentication part 17 are both asymmetric in the vertical direction, the erroneous insertion of the authentication key 40 can be prevented.
(B) Since the authentication unit 17 can be configured mainly with terminals and can be connected to the sensor server 11 with four connection cables, it can be reduced in size and simplified.
(C) The authentication key 40 has a memory unit 41 having a button battery type electrode structure, and an opening 40d is provided on the bottom surface, and the tip of the memory terminal 174B moves up and down through the opening 40d. It is possible to recognize the electrical connection to the unit 41 and the completion of insertion of the authentication key 40 with a click feeling.
(D) Since the memory unit 41 is not a configuration in which a plurality of terminals are connected in parallel as in an IC card, but has a button battery type electrode structure, contact failure due to clogging of dust or the like can be prevented.
(E) The authentication key 40 is not plate-like like a conventional IC card, but can have a compact shape similar to a conventional mechanical lock key, so it can be carried in a bundled state with these keys, And can be stored. It can also be used as a key holder.
(F) Since the authentication unit 17 can be formed in a known switch box size in indoor electrical wiring work, restrictions on the installation location can be reduced.

  Note that the type of sensor shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the type of sensor can be arbitrarily selected according to the structure of the building, the desire of the resident, and the like. For example, a current sensor that detects whether a large current is flowing through the wiring in the house, a leakage sensor that detects leakage, an oxygen concentration sensor, a harmful gas sensor that detects harmful gases from wallpaper, etc. There are pH sensors to detect.

  Furthermore, the captured image by the Web camera 12 is preferably a moving image for grasping the actual situation, but the receiving side may not be able to display the moving image on the PDA device 31 or the mobile phone 32. In order to cope with such a case, a still image may be selected according to the specification of the receiving device.

  In the configuration of FIG. 1, the sensor server 11 and the Internet 20 are connected to the mobile phone 32, but the mobile phone 32 can be communicated without passing through the Internet 20. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a telephone is connected to the sensor server 11 and the telephone number of the mobile phone 32 is called. That is, a communication mode for connecting the wired telephone line network and the mobile telephone line network may be adopted.

  Moreover, although the mobile phone and the PDA device are illustrated as the portable terminals possessed by the resident, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as it can be connected through the Internet, a wired telephone line network, or a mobile telephone line network. For example, it may be a PHS phone or a car phone.

  Further, the target of locking / unlocking is not limited to the entrance door 15, but may be another door, a common gate, or the like.

  Alternatively, the LED 17c can be blinked, the color can be changed, or a warning or notification can be made by sound or message using a buzzer or speaker.

Moreover, although the first embodiment is intended for home security, it may be a store, a small-scale office, or the like.
(Second Embodiment)
8A and 8B are plan views of an authentication key according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a plan view and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view at the center of FIG. The authentication key 40 has a configuration in which both the first shape portion 40A and the second shape portion 40B formed of a resin material such as ABS have an elliptical outer shape and are formed flat. The second shape portion 40B has a width larger than that of the first shape portion 40A, and is formed with a non-slip vertical groove 40f formed on the surface at a predetermined pitch, thereby enhancing the holding performance.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the second embodiment, since the first shape portion 40A and the second shape portion 40B are formed in a flat shape in addition to the preferable effects of the first embodiment, the conventional mechanical lock Even if you carry it with the key, it will not be bulky and will have excellent portability. Further, since the first shape portion 40A and the second shape portion 40B are formed in different sizes, erroneous insertion can be prevented in advance, and the operability is excellent.
(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the combination of the components between the embodiments can be arbitrarily performed.

1 is an overall view showing a security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of a sensor server. It is a front view of the authentication part of FIG. It is a top view of the authentication part of FIG. It is a side view of the authentication part of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the AA line of FIG. 4 when the authentication key is inserted. The detailed structure of the authentication key concerning this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, (c) is sectional drawing of the BB line of (a). It is a top view of the authentication key which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view, (b) is sectional drawing in the center part of (a). It is a block diagram which shows the conventional security system.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Security system, 10 ... House side equipment, 11 ... Sensor server, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... Address bus, 11c ... Data bus, 11d ... Control bus, 11e ... ROM, 11f ... RAM, 11g ... Interface part, 11h ... Image memory, 11i ... Coding unit, 11j ... Line control unit, 12 ... Web camera, 13 ... Alarm, 14 ... Open / close sensor, 15 ... Entrance door, 15A ... Lock device, 15B ... Knob, 16 ... Electronic lock, 17 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Authentication part, 17a ... Housing, 17b ... Insertion port, 17c ... LED (light emitting diode), 17d ... Cover plate, 17e ... Fixing part, 18 ... Temperature / humidity sensor, 19 ... Gas detection / alarm device, 20 ... Internet, 30 ... Reception side equipment, 31 ... PDA device, 32 ... Mobile phone, 33 ... Monitoring center, 34 ... Notebook PC, 4 ... authentication key, 40A ... 1st shape part, 40B ... 2nd shape part, 40b ... opening, 40c ... recessed part, 40d ... opening, 40e ... step part, 40f ... vertical groove, 40g ... Earl, 100 ... security system, 101 , 102, 103 ... anomaly detection sensor, 104 ... terminal device, 105 ... network, 106 ... central monitoring system, 107 ... notification destination, 171 ... resistance, 172A, 172B ... lead, 173A, 173B ... terminal, 174A, 174B ... Memory terminals, 175A, 175B, 176A, 176B ... screws, 177 ... open / close cover, 177a ... locking pieces, 178 ... springs, 179A, 179B ... nuts

Claims (5)

A memory unit in which a non-volatile storage medium storing specific information about a user is packaged in a button battery type with a metal conductor so that a pair of electrodes are formed on the upper and lower surfaces;
An authentication key comprising: a main body on which the memory unit is mounted with its upper and lower surfaces exposed.   The authentication key according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit is mounted on the main body such that an exposed surface of the memory unit protrudes from the main body surface by a predetermined height.   2. The authentication key according to claim 1, wherein the main body communicates with the back surface of the memory unit and has an opening with a rounded edge at the entrance.   The authentication key according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a substantially rectangular plate shape, the memory unit is mounted on one end thereof, and an opening is formed on the other end.   The authentication key according to claim 4, wherein the main body has a plurality of grooves formed in an intermediate portion so as to be orthogonal to the insertion direction.