JP4874761B2 - Portable electronic device and unlocking method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a portable electronic device such as a portable terminal device and an unlocking method .

Conventionally, a portable terminal device on which an RFID chip is mounted is known. This portable terminal device is used as a wallet, a member's card, or a ticket. An RFID chip is a small wireless IC chip that identifies people and things. For example, an RFID chip can be supplied with power simply by holding the RFID chip mounted on a reader / writer installed in a convenience store or the like. It is possible to exchange information with a reader / writer.
The above-mentioned mobile terminal device has a rich security function, such as lock setting that restricts use by non-authorized users based on personal identification information, and a lock quick release that can be used for a certain period of time and then automatically locked. It has a function.

When inputting the above-described password information, there is a technique in which the password information is authenticated by pressing the enter key after inputting the password information of a predetermined number of digits.
In addition, in the case of a device that can arbitrarily change the number of digits of the password information (for example, 4 digits or more and less than 6 digits, etc.), after entering the number of digits of the password information, pressing the enter key, Authentication is performed. In this case, the confidentiality of the personal identification information is enhanced by concealing the number of digits of the personal identification information from a third party (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, in a device that can arbitrarily change the number of digits in the password information, if there are few keys and there is no key to be assigned to the decision key, or there is no key that can be recognized as the decision key, a fixed time elapses from the start of input due to the timer setting There is known a technique for authenticating the secret information input later (after detecting the timeout), concealing the number of digits of the secret information from a third party, and improving the confidentiality of the secret information.
JP 2003-132025 A

  However, in the conventional device that can arbitrarily change the number of digits of the password information, if there are few keys and there is no key to be assigned to the decision key, or there is no key that can be recognized as the decision key, it is possible to start from the input by setting the timer. Although the technology that authenticates the security information entered after a certain period of time (after timeout detection) can conceal the number of digits of the security information, if a security information input error occurs, The user cannot confirm whether an incorrect one has been entered or whether the input time of the user's password information has exceeded the set password information input time. When entering the password information, enter the correct password information different from the previously entered password information, or enter the same password information as the previously entered password information. However, there is a problem that it takes a long time to authenticate the password information by the user, because it is not known whether the input speed of the password information should be increased so that the input is performed within the input time of the password information. ing.

  As described above, according to the related art, in a device capable of arbitrarily changing the number of digits of the personal identification information, when there are few keys and there is no key to be assigned to the determination key or there is no key that can be recognized as the determination key, There is a problem that it is difficult to shorten the time for authentication while maintaining secrecy.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a portable electronic device and an unlocking method capable of shortening the time for authentication while maintaining the confidentiality of the password information. With the goal.

A portable electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an input unit for inputting password information one digit at a time , a storage unit configured to store predetermined password information including a first number of digits, and the first A controller that compares the password information input by the input unit and the predetermined password information in an authentication mode in which the password information can be input up to a second number of digits greater than or equal to the number of digits, and the control unit When the number of digits of the input password information matches the first number of digits , the input password information is compared with the predetermined password information, and if the comparison result matches, the lock state is set. automatically while releasing, the comparison result maintains the locked state if a mismatch, the number of digits of the inputted password information to continue the authentication mode to reach the second digits.
In the unlocking method of the present invention, the first step of storing predetermined password information consisting of the first number of digits and the input of password information up to a second number of digits greater than the first number of digits are possible. In the second authentication mode, the second step of comparing the input password information with the predetermined password information, and when the number of digits of the input password information matches the first number of digits , the input The personal identification information is compared with the predetermined personal identification information, and if the comparison result is coincident, the locked state is automatically released, while if the comparison result is inconsistent, the locked state is maintained, and the inputted personal identification information is obtained. And a third step of continuing the authentication mode until the number of digits of information reaches the second number of digits.

A portable electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an input unit for inputting password information one digit at a time , a storage unit configured to store predetermined password information including a first number of digits, and the first A controller that compares the password information input by the input unit and the predetermined password information in an authentication mode in which the password information can be input up to a second number of digits greater than or equal to the number of digits, and the control unit When the number of digits of the input password information matches the first number of digits , the input password information is compared with the predetermined password information, and if the comparison result matches, the lock state is set. while automatically released, the comparison result starts clocking by the timer while maintaining the locked state if a mismatch, an error output when the timer reaches a predetermined time.

Preferably, the control unit outputs information prompting further input of personal identification information when the comparison result does not match.
Preferably, the control unit performs error notification when the number of digits of the input password information reaches the second number of digits when the comparison result does not match.
In addition, when the comparison result does not match, the control unit starts counting by a timer after the number of digits of the input password information reaches the first number of digits, and the timer reaches a predetermined time. Then, error notification is executed.
Preferably, a communication unit that performs short-range communication with an external device is further provided, and the control unit permits execution of short-range communication by the communication unit in response to release of the locked state.

  Preferably, the input unit is mounted on a first casing or a second casing that are connected in an openable / closable manner, and is externally connected in a state where the first casing and the second casing are closed. Exposed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time for authentication while maintaining the confidentiality of the password information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external structure of a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a mobile phone is illustrated as the mobile terminal device of the present invention, and a key housing 1 (first housing) on which a key is mounted, and a main LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device) on the front and back surfaces, respectively. A foldable housing is shown in which an LCD housing 2 (second housing) on which a sub organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display) is mounted is coupled via an unshown hinge mechanism. . FIG. 1 shows a state in which the key casing 1 and the LCD casing 2 are closed in the foldable casing.
Here, an organic ELD 20a as a circular display unit 20 is mounted on the back surface of the LCD housing 2, and a touch sensor as an operation input unit 13 is disposed around the organic ELD 20a. Details of the touch sensor will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the mobile terminal device shown in FIG. 1. As in FIG. 1, a mobile phone is exemplified as the mobile terminal device, and only the blocks related to the invention are extracted and shown.
In FIG. 2, the mobile phone uses the control unit 11 as a control center, and the storage unit 12, the operation input unit 13, the wireless communication unit 14, and the display unit 20 include a plurality of lines for address, data, and control. Commonly connected to an internal bus 15 composed of books. In addition to the organic ELD 20a shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 20 includes a main LCD that can be seen by the user when the key housing 1 and the LCD housing 2 are set in a double-open state (open state).

The control unit 11 acquires the password information input within the range of the maximum number of input digits that can be input from the operation input unit 13, compares the password information with the password information stored in the storage unit 12, and performs various authentication operations. Do. As an example of the result of this authentication, for example, there is an operation of permitting communication with an external device (reader / writer) by the wireless communication unit 14 and outputting an error when there is a mismatch.
FIG. 3 shows functions of the control unit 11. As shown in FIG. 3, the functions of the control unit 11 include a main control unit 111, a password information input acquisition unit 112, a password information authentication unit 113, a lock release execution unit 114, and an error information output unit 115. The operation input digit number management unit 116 and the timer monitoring unit 117 are included.

The password information input acquisition unit 112 recognizes the password information of a predetermined number of digits input via the operation input unit 13 and outputs it to the password information authentication unit 113. The personal identification information authentication unit 113 compares the personal identification information output by the personal identification information input acquisition unit 112 with the personal identification information stored in the storage unit 12 under the control of the main control unit 111, and compares the comparison information. The result is output to the main control unit 111.
The operation input digit number management unit 116 manages the maximum number of digits of the password information. Then, the operation input digit number management unit 116 monitors the input of password information by the operation input unit 13. Then, the operation input digit number management unit 116 counts the number of digits already entered for the password, and outputs the counted number to the main control unit 111. In addition, the timer monitoring unit 117 measures a predetermined time based on the input of the password information by the operation input unit 13, and outputs the fact to the main control unit 111 when a predetermined time has elapsed and a timeout is detected.

The lock release execution unit 114 is activated when authentication is established (matched) as a result of authentication by the personal identification information authentication unit 113, and allows the wireless communication unit 14 to communicate with an external device (reader / writer). In addition, the error information output unit 115 generates error information when the authentication by the personal identification information authentication unit 113 is not established (mismatch), and displays an error message on the display unit 20.
The main control unit 111 acquires the input password information, compares it with the password information stored in the storage unit 12, and if the two match, an external device (reader / writer) by the wireless communication unit 14 The above blocks 112 to 116 are controlled in order to permit communication with and output an error in the case of mismatch.

Returning to FIG. The operation input unit 13 includes a touch sensor exposed to the outside when the key housing 1 and the LCD housing 2 are closed, and the internal configuration thereof is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the touch sensor includes sensors S <b> 1 to S <b> 8 that detect a capacitance that is changed by a user's pressing operation and output a signal. Further, near the touch sensor, switches KEY1 to KEY4 that are input by being pressed are arranged. These touch sensors and switches are used for inputting password information for unlocking. The input of password information by these touch sensors and switches is made by a combination of pressing of KEY1 to KEY4 and presence / absence of contact with the sensors of S1 to S8.

  In this touch sensor, as shown in FIG. 4B, switches KEY1 to KEY4 and sensors S1 to S8 are mounted as a touch panel (hatched portion) around the organic ELD (display unit 20). . Here, only the touch sensor is shown as the operation input unit 13, but in addition, a key switch mounted on the key housing 1 or a side key mounted on the side surface of the mobile phone is also included.

Returning to FIG. The wireless communication unit 14 includes an RFID chip 140 and a bus connection interface unit (SCU) 160. Here, FIG. 5 shows an internal configuration of the RFID chip 140.
As shown in FIG. 5, the RFID chip 140 is a semiconductor element in which an LC circuit including a loop antenna 141 and a capacitor 142 and other components are integrated on one chip. The wireless communication unit 14 performs half-duplex communication of data with an external device (not shown) installed in a convenience store or ticket gate connected by electromagnetic induction. The SCU 160 serves as an interface between the internal bus 15 and the RFID chip 140, relays a command generated by the control unit 11 (main control unit 111), or authenticates the response data.

  The CPU 143 built in the RFID chip 140 develops a control program recorded in the ROM 144 on the RAM 145 and controls the operation of the entire RFID chip 140. For example, when the electromagnetic wave radiated from the external device is received by the antenna 141, the CPU 143 notifies the reader device of information including a unique identification number set in the wireless communication unit 14 according to the received electromagnetic wave, or the external device The history of commerce is output in response to the request. The information notified to the external device is taken into the control unit 11 via the internal bus 15.

  The LC circuit including the antenna 141 and the capacitor 142 resonates with an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency radiated from an external device. In the ASK demodulator 154, the interface unit 147 envelope-detects and demodulates the modulated wave (ASK; Amplitude Shift Keying modulated wave) received via the antenna 141, and demodulates the demodulated data using BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying). Output to demodulator. Further, the interface unit 147 rectifies the AC magnetic field excited in the antenna 141 by the ASK demodulator 154, stabilizes it by the voltage regulator 152, and supplies it to each block as a DC power source. The power of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the external device is adjusted so as to generate a magnetic field that covers the power necessary for the RFID chip.

In addition, the oscillation unit 155 includes a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit, and generates a clock signal having the same clock frequency as the reception signal. Furthermore, when the interface unit 147 transmits a request for balance information or the like to the reader device, for example, in response to data supplied from the BPSK modulation unit 148, for example, a predetermined switching element (not shown) is turned on / off. The load of the antenna 141 is changed by turning it off and connecting a predetermined load in parallel to the antenna 141 only when it is in the ON state.
The ASK modulation unit 153 performs ASK modulation on the BPSK modulated wave supplied from the BPSK modulation unit 148 according to the load variation of the antenna 141, and transmits the modulation component to the reader device via the antenna 141. That is, the terminal voltage of the antenna of the reader device is changed.

When the data demodulated by the ASK demodulator 154 is BPSK-modulated, the BPSK demodulator 149 demodulates the data based on a clock signal supplied from a PLL circuit (not shown) and outputs the demodulated data. The data is output to the data receiving unit 151. The data receiving unit 151 appropriately outputs the supplied data to the CPU 143 via the bus 156. The CPU 143 stores this data in the RAM 145 or EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Read Only Memory) 146.
The data stored in the EEPROM 146 is read by the CPU 143 and supplied to the data transmission unit 150. The BPSK modulation unit 148 performs BPSK modulation on the data supplied from the data transmission unit 150, and outputs the BPSK modulated data to the ASK modulation unit 153 of the interface unit 147. The EEPROM 146 stores electronic money information and the like. The user can make a payment for goods or services purchased using the electronic money. This history is also stored in the EEPROM 146.

  The operation of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

(Embodiment 1)
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation of the mobile terminal device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  6 and 7, it is assumed that a menu screen for unlocking is displayed on the display unit 20 under the control of the control unit 11 (S601 in FIG. 6).

  An example of the unlocking menu screen is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8A, when “security lock” is selected from the function setting menu, a menu screen including “lock setting” and “change unlock code” including “unlock” as a selection item. Is displayed.

  Here, when the user presses a personal identification information input start key (soft key) assigned to the operation input unit 13, the control unit 11 detects this (S602 “Yes”) and controls the display unit 20. A screen (cancellation code input screen) for prompting input of personal identification information (cancellation code) is displayed (S603).

  An example of the release code input screen is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8B, the inside of the dotted line frame is a release code input area as password information.

  Next, the user who sees the release code input screen operates the operation input unit 13 and inputs the password information within the range of the maximum number of digits allowed. Here, the permitted maximum number of digits is the maximum number of digits of input of the password information set for the mobile phone. The user can set the password information with the number of digits less than or equal to the maximum number of digits.

  The maximum number of digits is managed by the operation input digit number management unit 116 under the control of the main control unit 111. At this time, every time one digit of the password information is input, the display unit 20 displays a screen prompting input of the password information related to the next digit, and sequentially notifies the input of the password information of the corresponding digit (S604 to S607). .

  For example, the same number of * as the number of digits of the input personal identification information is displayed on the screen of the mobile phone. Here, the case where the password information is two digits is illustrated, and for this reason, the authentication operation by the password information authenticating unit 113 is started when the second digit password information is input (S608).

  Here, the personal identification information authentication unit 113 compares the personal identification information input by the operation input unit 13 with the personal identification information stored in the storage unit 12 (registered at the time of lock setting), and the result is the main control unit. To 111.

The password information is changed to the release code input screen shown in FIG. 8B by selecting “change release code” which is a selection item of the security lock screen shown in FIG. By inputting a user-desired release code having a maximum number of allowed digits on the release code input screen, the release code is registered in the storage unit 12.
A default value (for example, 1234) is usually set as a release code before using an application that uses an RFID for enjoying a service as a wallet, a member's card, or a ticket. Therefore, at the time of use, the password information is registered through the above-described operation for changing the release code, and the above-described lock setting or unlocking becomes possible. By registering the password information, the number of digits of the password information input by the user is also determined.

  When the main control unit 111 acquires information indicating that the password information input from the password information authentication unit 113 matches the stored password information (S608 “authentication established”), the lock release execution unit 114 Start up. The lock release execution unit 114 permits the wireless communication unit 14 to communicate with an external device. Then, the main control unit 111 displays a message “released” indicating that the lock has been released on the display unit 20 (S609). Then, the main control unit 111 displays a screen indicating that the lock is being released on the display unit 20 based on the timer monitoring unit 117 detecting a timeout or waiting for an arbitrary key to be pressed (S610 “Yes”). (S611).

  The mobile phone of the first embodiment performs authentication upon completion of input of the maximum number of digits of password information. Hereinafter, the operation of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment will be further described with the input password information being 2 digits and the maximum number of allowed digits being 4 digits.

In the first embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, the password information is authenticated using the input password information (here, two digits) (S608), and if the authentication is established (S608 “authentication is established). ") Releases the lock immediately after the password information is input (S609 to S611).
On the other hand, if the authentication is performed with the set number of PIN information and the authentication is not established (S608 “authentication is not established”), the user is prompted to input the remaining two digits of the PIN information below the maximum number of digits (S614 and S615 in FIG. 7). ) When the input of the maximum number of digits of the password information is completed (S615 “Yes”), an error display, a warning sound, etc. are performed (S616). Then, when the timer monitoring unit 117 detects a timeout or waits for an arbitrary key to be pressed, the process returns to S601 (S617 “Yes”).

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the control unit 11 obtains the input password information and compares it with the stored password information. When communication with an external device is permitted and there is a mismatch, the input of password information that satisfies the maximum number of digits is prompted, and an error is output after waiting for the input of password information that satisfies the maximum number of digits. Accordingly, since the first embodiment notifies the error message when the maximum number of input digits of password information is input, the user can recognize that the input password information is incorrect, The authentication process can be performed using the password information, and the authentication process time can be shortened. Further, in the first embodiment, it becomes difficult for a third party to know the set digit number of the password information, and the confidentiality of the password information is increased. In the first embodiment, if the authentication is correct, the authentication is immediately permitted, so that the authentication process does not take much time. Further, if the password information of the maximum number of digits is quickly input by the user, the authentication process does not take much time.

(Embodiment 2)
6 and 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the mobile terminal apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

In the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is that, when authentication is not established, authentication is performed by measuring the elapsed time after acquiring the password information of the set number of digits. In the point. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, authentication starts with the unlock screen display and authentication is performed with the number of digits of the entered password information (here, 2 digits). ˜S611), the operation of the second embodiment is the same as the operation of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted to avoid duplication.
On the other hand, in the second embodiment, authentication is performed using the set number of password information (S608). If authentication is not established (S608 “authentication not established”), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. A time-out of, for example, 2 seconds after the completion of the input is detected, an error display, a warning sound, etc. are performed (S620 “YES”, S623). Then, when the timer monitoring unit 117 detects a time-out or waits for an arbitrary key to be pressed, the process returns to S601 (S624 “Yes”). If it is within the predetermined time (S620 “No”), the control unit 11 causes the display unit 20 to display information for prompting the input of the personal identification information (for example, “Please enter the release code”). (S621, S622).

According to the second embodiment described above, the control unit 11 obtains the input password information and compares it with the stored password information, and if both match, the communication by the wireless communication unit 14 is permitted. If they do not match, the elapsed time since the password information of the set password information is input is monitored, and an error is output when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time.
For this reason, in the second embodiment, when the input information is incorrect, an error message is displayed and no timeout is performed. Therefore, in the second embodiment,
The user can recognize that an error has occurred in the input of the password information, not the timeout, can perform the authentication process with the new password information, and can shorten the time for the authentication process. Also, in the second embodiment, when there is an error in the operation such as input of the password information and an error is notified, the elapsed time after the password information having the same number of digits as the password information is input is measured. Since the measured time is based on the result of monitoring whether or not the predetermined time has passed, an error notification is made when a predetermined time elapses after information of the number of digits necessary for authentication of the password information is input. And time required for authentication can be reduced. Further, in the second embodiment, if the authentication is correct, the authentication is permitted immediately, so that the authentication operation does not take much time. In the second embodiment, the input password information is set. If the password information does not match the password information, the user is prompted to input the password information. Therefore, it is difficult for a third party to determine the number of digits of the set password information, and the confidentiality of the password information is increased.

In the first and second embodiments, the touch sensor is used as the operation input unit 13 in order to realize the input of the password information with the casings 1 and 2 closed. A side switch that can be turned ON / OFF may be assigned.
As described above, in the first and second embodiments, the operation input unit 13 that is exposed to the outside in the closed state is provided in order to realize the input of the password information with the casings 1 and 2 closed. Even when the cellular phone is closed, the wireless communication unit can be unlocked, and convenience can be improved.
Further, in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, only the foldable mobile phone is illustrated as the mobile terminal device of the present invention. However, the same effect can be obtained with a straight-type mobile phone. It may be a portable information device such as (Personal Digital Assistants).

The control unit 11 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is specifically configured by a microcomputer, and the control unit 11 is configured by the microcomputer reading and sequentially executing a program recorded in a built-in ROM. The main control unit 111, the personal identification information input acquisition unit 112, the personal identification information authentication unit 113, the lock release execution unit 114, the error information output unit 115, the operation input digit number management unit 116, and the timer monitoring unit 117. It shall be realized.
At this time, the control unit 11 (microcomputer) is assumed to connect the operation input unit 13, the display unit 20, and the wireless communication unit 14 via a built-in input / output port. At this time, the password information is allocated and stored in the storage unit 12 constituted by an external flash memory or the like.

It is a figure which describes the external appearance structure of the portable terminal device concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the portable terminal device shown by FIG. It is the block diagram which expanded and showed the function of the internal structure of the control part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal structure of the operation input part (touch sensor) shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of the radio | wireless communication part shown in FIG. 5 is a flowchart cited for explaining the operation of the mobile terminal device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. It is the flowchart quoted in order to demonstrate operation | movement of the portable terminal device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen structure of the portable terminal device concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the flowchart quoted in order to demonstrate operation | movement of the portable terminal device concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Key housing | casing, 2 ... LCD housing | casing, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Memory | storage part, 13 Operation input part (input part), 14 ... Wireless communication part, 15 ... Internal bus, 20 ... Display part (sub LCD) , 111... Main control unit, 112... PIN information input acquisition unit, 113... PIN information authentication unit, 114... Unlocking execution unit, 115 ... Error information output unit, 116.

Claims (8)

An input unit for entering the password information one by one ;
A storage unit configured to store predetermined password information including the first number of digits;
A control unit that compares the password information input by the input unit with the predetermined password information in an authentication mode in which the password information can be input up to a second number of digits greater than or equal to the first number of digits. ,
The controller is
When the number of digits of the input password information matches the first number of digits , the input password information is compared with the predetermined password information. If the comparison result matches, the lock state is automatically set. while released, the comparison result maintains the locked state if a mismatch, the number of digits of the input password information is characterized by continuing the authentication mode to reach the second number of digits Portable electronic device. The controller is
2. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein when the comparison result does not match, an error notification is executed when the number of digits of the input password information reaches the second number of digits. The controller is
When the comparison result does not match, the timer starts counting after the number of digits of the input password information reaches the first number of digits, and an error notification is executed when the timer reaches a predetermined time. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2. The controller is
The portable electronic device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the comparison result does not match, information prompting further input of the personal identification information is output. The input unit is mounted on a first casing or a second casing that is connected to be freely opened and closed, and is exposed to the outside in a state where the first casing and the second casing are closed. The portable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the portable electronic device is any one of the above. A communication unit that performs near field communication with an external device;
The portable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit permits execution of short-range communication by the communication unit according to the release of the locked state. A first step of storing predetermined password information comprising a first number of digits;
A second step of comparing the input password information with the predetermined password information in an authentication mode in which the password information can be input up to a second number of digits greater than or equal to the first number of digits;
When the number of digits of the input password information matches the first number of digits , the input password information is compared with the predetermined password information. If the comparison result matches, the lock state is automatically set. A third step of maintaining the lock state if the comparison result does not match, and continuing the authentication mode until the number of digits of the input password information reaches the second number of digits,
An unlocking method comprising: An input unit for entering the password information one by one ;
A storage unit configured to store predetermined password information including the first number of digits;
A control unit that compares the password information input by the input unit with the predetermined password information in an authentication mode in which the password information can be input up to a second number of digits greater than or equal to the first number of digits. ,
The controller is
When the number of digits of the input password information matches the first number of digits , the input password information is compared with the predetermined password information. If the comparison result matches, the lock state is automatically set. portable electronic device while releasing, the comparison result of the time measurement by the timer starts while maintaining the locked state if a mismatch, the timer and performing an error output reaches a predetermined time.

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