JPH10214342A - Personal authentication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a personal authentication device which facilitates replacement of a linear electrode array whose replacement work is difficult and to make the replacement period longer to improve the convenience. SOLUTION: This device uses a linear electrode array 11 where plural linear electrodes 13 long in the direction orthogonal to the lengthwise direction of a finger 12 to be collated of a person to be authenticated are arranged at intervals of a prescribed length in the lengthwise direction of the finger 12, and resistance values between adjacent linear electrodes 13 which are obtained at the time of pressing the finger 12 onto the linear electrode array 11 are read successively in the lengthwise direction of the finger 12 and are synthesized, and this synthesized signal is used as feature information of the finger 12, thus performing personal authentication. In this case, each linear electrode 13 of the linear electrode array 11 is formed like a long band, and a preliminarily determined certain width from its one end part is used to extract features, and its unnecessary part is successively separated at each time when this used part is made unavailable, thus extracting the features.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, an entry / exit management system for entry / exit control to an important facility, which uses personal characteristic information of an individual's finger to identify an individual or an individual. The present invention relates to a personal authentication device for performing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in a personal authentication apparatus for identifying and authenticating a person to be authenticated as an individual registered in advance for the purpose of entry / exit control of important facilities.

[0003] There are various methods for personal authentication. As a method of performing personal authentication using a pattern of the entire finger, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-178777, an optical system of the entire finger is used. There is a method in which an image is fetched and collation is performed by using an addition signal obtained by adding pixel values of the image in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the finger as characteristic information of the finger. However, in this method, since an optical system is required, there is a limit in downsizing the device.

In order to solve such a problem, instead of using an optical system, a plurality of linear electrodes long in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the finger are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger. Using a linear electrode array consisting of the following, the resistance value R (x) between adjacent linear electrodes when a finger is pressed on the linear electrode array is sequentially read in the longitudinal direction of the finger, and the synthesized signal is used as a characteristic of the finger. A method using the information has been proposed (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-168930).

At this time, the resistance value R (x) is determined by connecting a reference resistance (resistance value Rr) in series to the linear electrode array,
Potential difference V between both ends of the reference resistance when voltage V (o) is applied
Obtained by measuring (x). The potential difference V (x) at this time is given by the following equation (1).

[0006]

(Equation 1) According to this method, no optical system is required, and the device can be reduced in size and cost.

[0007]

However, in the method using the linear electrode array, since the finger is used in contact with the linear electrode, sweat containing salt adheres to the linear electrode, and furthermore, the linear electrode is used. Since the electrodes are exposed to the air, they are susceptible to chemical corrosion. In addition, the linear electrodes may be physically damaged due to friction caused by contact with the finger or to accidentally scratch the linear electrodes. For this reason, the electrode portion in contact with the finger is a consumable part and needs to be replaced, but there is a problem that the electrode replacement operation is difficult.

Further, if the linear electrode array used for feature extraction becomes dirty and the feature extraction becomes impossible, it cannot be recovered without cleaning the linear electrodes, so that it can be used for a long time until the work is completed. Did not. Further, when the linear electrode is broken, it cannot be used for a long time until the repair is completed, which is extremely inconvenient.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a personal identification device which facilitates replacement of a linear electrode array, which is a difficult task for a user, and can increase the replacement cycle to improve convenience. With the goal.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a personal identification device comprising a plurality of linear electrodes long in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a finger, the linear electrodes being arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger. An array, and in a predetermined measuring section of the linear electrode array, an electric current between the adjacent linear electrodes due to contact of a finger to be verified of a person to be verified along the arrangement direction of the linear electrodes. By extracting the characteristic information of the finger to be collated from the resistance value distribution from the resistance value distribution and collating it with the characteristic information for collation stored in advance, it is determined whether the person to be authenticated is the principal or another person. And a measuring section updating means for sequentially updating the measuring section of the linear electrode array.

Further, the personal authentication apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of strip-shaped linear electrodes which are long in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the finger and are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger. In a measuring unit having a predetermined width fixed from each end of the linear electrode, a linear electrode array is provided in which a finger to be verified of a person to be authenticated is contacted along the arrangement direction of each linear electrode. The distribution state of the electric resistance value between each adjacent linear electrode of the linear electrode array is set as characteristic information for the finger, and the authenticated person is identified by comparing the characteristic information with characteristic information for verification to be stored in advance. And a determination unit for determining whether or not another person, and the measurement unit of the linear electrode array as an unused portion, and a portion of a predetermined width predetermined from the measurement unit and the unused portion. Be a new measuring unit It is provided with a measuring unit updating means for updating the more the measuring unit.

In the personal identification device of the present invention, a plurality of linear electrodes which are long in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the finger are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger. It has a linear electrode array in which a finger to be verified is contacted along the direction, and the distribution state of the electric resistance value between each adjacent linear electrode of the linear electrode array is defined as characteristic information for the finger. A determination unit that determines whether the person to be authenticated is an individual or another person by comparing the characteristic information with the characteristic information for collation stored in advance, and the linear electrode array has a sheet shape. The electrode sheets are laminated in a plurality of stages, the plurality of electrode sheets are sequentially peeled from the uppermost layer and can be separated, and the finger is contacted on the uppermost electrode sheet. Features.

Further, in the personal authentication device of the present invention, a plurality of annular linear electrodes are arranged concentrically on a rotatable electrode surface, and a part of the plurality of linear electrodes on this electrode surface is: A linear electrode array in which a finger to be verified is contacted along the arrangement direction of each linear electrode, and switching means for sequentially switching a plurality of linear electrodes of the linear electrode array;
A resistance distribution extracting means for extracting a distribution state of an electric resistance value between adjacent linear electrodes of the linear electrode array based on a switching operation of each linear electrode of the linear electrode array by the switching means; Storage means for storing characteristic information for use in the electronic device, and the distribution state of the resistance value extracted by the resistance distribution extracting means as characteristic information for the finger, and the characteristic information and characteristic information for comparison in the storage means. And a determination unit for determining whether the person to be authenticated is a person or another person by comparing

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of a personal authentication device according to the present embodiment. The present apparatus checks the matching between feature information obtained from the finger of the person to be authenticated and feature information for verification previously stored in the IC card held by the person to be authenticated. This is to determine whether or not the authenticator is a valid holder of the IC card. The determination result is used in a host machine combined with the present apparatus, and for example, controls the use / non-use of various services depending on whether or not the user is a valid holder of the IC card. Various services are possible, for example, entry and exit to important areas, access to computers, credit card services, and the like.

In FIG. 1, a feature extracting unit 1 as a feature extracting unit extracts a feature waveform (feature information) due to finger wrinkling as feature information different for each individual. Although various configurations are possible for the configuration of the feature extraction unit 1, the method described here employs three or more three-dimensionally arranged one-dimensionally in the longitudinal direction of the finger, as described in detail later. The characteristic waveform (feature information) of the finger is obtained from the distribution state of the resistance value between each adjacent linear electrode due to the contact of the finger of the person to be authenticated along the electrode arrangement direction of the linear electrode array including the linear electrodes. It is a method to extract. As will be described in detail later, the linear electrode array has a configuration that can be easily replaced (the measurement unit can be updated).

The control unit 2 registers the characteristic waveform of the finger of the person to be authenticated extracted by the characteristic extracting unit 1 in an IC card 4 described later in advance, and registers the characteristic waveform extracted by the characteristic extracting unit 1 with the IC. A collation / determination process for collating with a characteristic waveform (characteristic information for collation) of a person to be authenticated registered in the card 4 and a control of each unit constituting the present apparatus are performed. The control unit 2 can be realized using, for example, a general-purpose computer.

The read / write unit 3 has a function of writing various information including characteristic information to the IC card 4 or reading various information including the characteristic information from the IC card 4. .

The IC card 4 stores (registers) the characteristic information of the finger of the person to be authenticated in advance in a registration process described later.
It has a function as storage means for performing As the storage means, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a magnetic card, or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where the IC card 4 is used as a storage unit will be described.

The host machine 5 provides various services according to the result of the identification of the person / person sent from the control unit 2. As the service, for example, various services such as entry / exit to an important area, access to a computer, and a credit card service are possible.

The feature extracting unit 1 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, reference numeral 11 denotes a linear electrode array, which is formed of n (plural) linear electrodes 13 long in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the finger 12 to be verified along the longitudinal direction of the finger 12. And are arranged at predetermined intervals. The interval between the linear electrodes 13 is, for example, 1/10 mm
Degree. The number of the linear electrodes 13, that is, the length in the longitudinal direction of the finger 12 of the linear electrode array 11 is usually a length that completely includes the second joint from the tip of the finger 12.

The finger 12 to be collated on the linear electrode array 11
Is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the electrode arrangement direction, so that the projections forming the fingerprint contact the linear electrodes 13. As a result, the resistance value R (x) between the adjacent linear electrodes 13
Will change according to the amount of the convex portion of the finger 12 that contacts. In other words, the larger the amount of contacting protrusions, the lower the resistance value.

An analog switch group 14a is connected to one end of each of the odd-numbered linear electrodes 13 of the linear electrode array 11.
And one end of an analog switch group 14b is connected to each other end of the even-numbered linear electrodes 13 (FIG. 2 shows a case where n is an odd number). The analog switch groups 14a and 14b receive the timing control signal St output from the timing control circuit 15 to change the combinations of the two linear electrodes 13 to the first, second, second and third combinations. .., And so on.

The other ends of the analog switch group 14a are commonly connected, and a constant voltage power supply 16 (voltage Vo) is connected between the common connection point and a ground point. The other ends of the analog switch group 14b are commonly connected, and a reference resistor 17 (resistance value Rr) is connected between the common connection point and a ground point. Here, the potential difference V between both ends of the reference resistor 17 is
(x) is given by the above equation (1).

Further, a common connection point at each other end of the analog switch group 14b is further provided with a sample / hold circuit (S /
H) 18 is connected. Sample hold circuit 18
Operates in synchronism with the analog switch groups 14a and 14b when the timing control signal St output from the timing control circuit 15 is applied.

That is, the analog switch group 14a, 1
4b, a sample-and-hold is performed by sequentially switching the combination of adjacent linear electrodes 13 whose resistance value is to be detected and applying a voltage to a series circuit of the resistance between the adjacent linear electrodes 13 and the reference resistor 17. The circuit 18 sequentially reads the potential difference V (x) between both ends of the reference resistor 17 in the length direction of the finger 12 to obtain a voltage distribution based on the resistance value. The value of the reference resistor 17 is
The configuration may be such that the optimum value can be selected according to the magnitude of the obtained characteristic pattern signal. The A / D converter 19 converts this voltage V (x) into a digital signal.

Thus, the actually obtained potential difference V
FIG. 3 shows an example in which (x) is plotted in time series. Finger 12
Has a pattern equivalent to a multi-level projection signal in the longitudinal direction, the horizontal axis shows the position of the linear electrode 13, and the vertical axis shows the potential difference V (x). As is clear from FIG.
V (x) has a large value in a portion where the contact area between the finger 12 and the linear electrode 13 is large, and the contact area is small in the side wrinkles in the first joint portion and the second joint portion of the finger 12, so that V (x) is small. (x) has a small value. Therefore, V (x) has a steep dip in that portion.

Personal authentication is performed by examining the similarity of the signal V (x). Hereinafter, the signal V (x) is referred to as a projection signal (feature information) of the finger 12. FIG. 4 shows a linear electrode array 1 formed on an electrode substrate 20 as an electrode surface.
1 shows a state in which the finger 12 is placed on the display 1. The material of the linear electrode 13 is preferably Au or Pt which is hardly corroded since the finger 12 is placed on the surface. In order to prevent the eutectic from being generated on the base in a thermal process at the time of forming the linear electrode. An example is a three-layer structure of Cu / Ni / Au in which a Ni layer is inserted. In particular, if no thermal process is required, Ti
/ Au or Cr / Au.

The IC card 4 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, a control element (for example, CPU) 21 as a control unit, a non-volatile data memory 22 whose storage content is erasable, a working memory 23, a program memory 24, and electrical contact with the read / write unit 3 are obtained. And a contact portion 25. Among these, the portion within the broken line (control element 21, data memory 22, working memory 23, program memory 24) is formed of one (or a plurality) of IC chips and is embedded in the IC card body.

The data memory 22 is used for storing various data, and is composed of, for example, an EEPROM. The working memory 23 is a memory for temporarily storing processing data when the control element 21 performs processing, and is configured by, for example, a RAM. The program memory 24 is configured by, for example, a mask ROM, and stores a program of the control element 21 and the like.

The data memory 22 is divided into, for example, a control area 220, a directory 221, a free area 222, and an area group 223, as shown in FIG. Each area has a directory 221.
It is managed by.

The directory 221 is formed as a set of area definition information including, for example, an area number 31 of each area, a head address 32 of the area, a size 33, and a check code 34, as shown in FIG. For example, the head address 32 of the area [01] is aaa,
The size of the area corresponds to Sa byte.

There are the following two types of access commands for these areas. One is a command for reading data in an area, and is composed of, for example, a function code indicating a read command and a number of an area to be accessed, as shown in FIG.

The other is a command for writing data in the area. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the command includes a function code indicating a write command, an area number to be accessed, and write data. Is done.

Here, the operation concept of the IC card 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown, after the IC card 4 is electrically activated, the IC card 4 shifts to a command waiting state. At this point, the command is kept waiting, and when it is input, the area number in the command is extracted, and it is checked whether the corresponding area number exists in the directory 221 or not. If not, an abnormal code indicating that there is no corresponding area is output, and the process returns to the command waiting state. If there is, after that, processing is performed in each command routine corresponding to the function code in the input command,
After outputting this processing result, the process returns to the instruction data waiting state.

Next, the flow of processing in the above configuration will be described. The processing is roughly classified into two types, “registration” and “collation”. First, the registration process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step S1, a characteristic waveform (characteristic information) caused by wrinkles of the finger 12 of the person to be authenticated is extracted by using the characteristic extracting unit 1. Specifically, as described above, the voltage V (x) generated at both ends of the reference resistor 17 due to the wrinkles of the finger 12 at each position of the linear electrode 13 is read, and this is read as the characteristic waveform A (x). I do. In this case, signal processing such as filtering processing for noise removal or the like may be performed.

Next, in step S2, the characteristic waveform A (x) obtained in step S1 is stored (registered) in the data memory 22 of the IC card 4 as a dictionary waveform. This completes the registration process.

Next, the matching process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, step S
At 3, the characteristic waveform A (x) resulting from the wrinkles of the finger 12 of the person to be authenticated is extracted using the characteristic extracting unit 1. The process of extracting the characteristic waveform A (x) is the same as the process at the time of registration.

Next, a collation / determination process is performed in step S4. The collation / determination process is performed by comparing the collation waveform, which is the characteristic waveform A (x) of the person to be authenticated obtained in step S3, with the IC card
Is compared with the dictionary waveform stored in the storage device, and it is determined whether or not they are the same person. This ends the matching process.

The details of the collation / judgment process in step S4 will be described below. The collation / judgment process is alignment,
It consists of evaluation value calculation and determination processing. The flow of these processes is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S11, the characteristic waveforms are aligned using the following equation (2). That is, the characteristic waveform read from the IC card 4 is defined as the dictionary waveform Ad (i), and the characteristic waveform obtained from the input finger image is defined as the waveform A (i) to be verified. The reference waveform A (i-i) shifted from the dictionary waveform Ad (i) by m
The sum of the square error with m) over a certain range is defined as S (m).

[0042]

(Equation 2)

S (m) thus obtained is A (im) and Ad (
This is a parameter indicating the degree of coincidence with (i), and the smaller the value of S (m), the higher the coincidence. The alignment is
When m is changed within a certain range, M when the value of S (m) becomes the smallest is referred to as a positional deviation amount, and it is assumed that the position is adjusted at this M. Next, in step S12, the evaluation value E1 is calculated using the following equation (3).

[0044]

(Equation 3)

The evaluation value E1 of the equation (3) is obtained by adding a square error between the aligned waveform A (iM) and the dictionary waveform Ad (i) over a certain range to the dictionary waveform Ad in the same range.
This is normalized by the sum of squares of (i). The evaluation value E1 is
The aligned waveform A (iM) and the dictionary waveform Ad (i)
The larger the value of the evaluation value E1, the greater the difference between the two waveforms, and the smaller the value, the more similar the two waveforms.

Next, at step S13, the evaluation value E
1 is compared with a predetermined threshold TH1, and [E
If 1 ≦ TH1], the process proceeds to step S14, where the two waveforms are considered to be the same, the person to be authenticated is determined to be the person, and the collation processing ends. If [E1> TH1], the process proceeds to step S15, where it is determined that the two waveforms do not match, the authenticated person is determined to be another person, and the collation processing ends.

Note that the threshold value TH1 may be an algorithm that can be changed according to a person to be authenticated or an application scene, that is, a place where high security is required or not so much.

After the above collation processing is completed, the control unit 2
Sends the determination result of the person / other to the host machine 5. The host machine 5 performs processing according to the determination result,
For example, when it is determined that the person is the person, the door is opened, and when it is determined that the person is another person, a process such as sounding an alarm buzzer is performed. These processes differ depending on the host machine combined with the present apparatus.

Next, a replaceable linear electrode array 1 of the feature extraction unit 1 (a measurement unit can be updated), which is a feature of the present invention.
1 will be described in detail. First, a first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of a method of forming the linear electrode array 11 in a strip shape so that a plurality of portions can be used sequentially. The linear electrode array 11 is formed in a long strip shape along the length direction of each linear electrode 13.
In use, only a part of the linear electrode array 11 is exposed to the finger rest 41. In other words, a portion having a predetermined fixed width from each end (the right end in the drawing) of the plurality of linear electrodes 13 constituting the linear electrode array 11 is a measuring portion (used portion) 42. The measurement unit 42 is exposed to the finger placement unit 41.

When the performance of the linear electrode 13 of the measuring section 42 that has been exposed and used is deteriorated and needs to be replaced, the part 42 that has been used so far is physically separated and then the wire 42 is removed. In the unused portion 43 of the linear electrode 13, a portion having a predetermined fixed width from each end of the linear electrode 13 is set as a new measuring portion 42, and the new measuring portion 42 is set on the finger rest portion 41 again. .

Since the consumed portion is electrically separated by physically separating it, the finger rest 41 is newly added.
By using the part (measurement unit 42) set to, the feature extraction can be performed again in a good state. A portion where the linear electrode 13 is cut off may be cut in advance to make it easy to be folded by hand. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a cutter 44 for cutting, as in this example, and use a method of cutting with the cutter 44. Alternatively, a method is also possible in which the electrode portions are joined diagonally or in an L-shape to facilitate separation. Also,
The separated portion may be stored.

The connection between the linear electrode 13 and the electric circuit of the feature extracting unit 1 is performed by connecting to the connection electrode 47 formed on the connection board 46 via the anisotropic conductive rubber 45, for example. The anisotropic conductive rubber 45 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the conductive silicon rubber 51 and the insulating silicon rubber 52 are alternately laminated.

As shown in FIG. 16, an anisotropic conductive rubber 45 having a finer pitch than the arrangement pitch of the linear electrodes 13 on the electrode substrate 20 to be connected is provided between the electrode substrate 20 and the connection substrate 46. By sandwiching and applying an appropriate pressure, the corresponding electrodes 13 and 47 of the two substrates 20 and 46 are electrically connected.

When the unused portion 43 of the linear electrode array 11 has run out, the linear electrode array 11 is replaced with a new one. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 48 denotes a cover that covers the linear electrode array 11.

Unused portion 4 of strip-shaped linear electrode array 11
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, 3 may be wound and stored in a roll shape. In this case, 35mm for photo
The unused portion 43 is stored in the cartridge 49 of a film cartridge. By doing so, there is an advantage that the user can easily exchange.

Further, for example, when the present personal authentication apparatus is applied to user confirmation in a notebook personal computer, as shown in FIG. The electrode array 11 can be stored as it is.
When the linear electrode 13 of the used part (measurement part) 42 is consumed,
Unused part 43 stored in unused electrode storage part 57
Is shifted to the used portion 42 and the used portion is cut by the cutter 44. The cut used part is stored in the used electrode storage part 58.

In this embodiment, since the storage space (unused electrode storage portion) 57 of the unused portion 43 can be made thin, it is suitable for a case where high-density mounting is required other than the notebook personal computer. ing.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 shows the configuration of the linear electrode array 11 according to the second embodiment. The linear electrode array 11 is formed by laminating a plurality of (three in this example) electrode sheets 62 in which a plurality of long sheet-like linear electrodes 61 (corresponding to the linear electrodes 13) are arranged at predetermined intervals. It is configured. The plurality of stacked electrode sheets 62 are sequentially peeled from the uppermost layer and are separable. On the uppermost electrode sheet 62, the verification of the person to be authenticated is performed along the arrangement direction of each linear electrode 61. The finger should be touched.

In this case, the connection between the linear electrode 61 on the laminated electrode sheet 62 and the electric circuit of the feature extracting section 1 is made, for example, by an anisotropic conductive rubber 45 having the same configuration as the anisotropic conductive rubber 45 described above. The connection is performed using a conductive conductive rubber 63 via a connection board 64 having the same configuration as the connection board 46 described above.

When the linear electrode 61 of the uppermost electrode sheet 62 is damaged or worn out, the electrode sheet 6
2 and the linear electrode 61 thereon are peeled off and also electrically separated to form a newly exposed electrode sheet 62.
Use Thus, the newly exposed electrode sheet 6
The feature extraction can be performed again in a good condition using the upper linear electrode 61.

As shown in FIG. 20, the connecting portions of the plurality of stacked electrode sheets 62 with the connection substrate 64 are formed in a step-like manner, so that the connecting portions of the electrode sheets 62 are connected via the anisotropic conductive rubber 63. Since it is easy to apply pressure by all the connection substrates 64, connection with an electric circuit can be reliably and easily made.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 show the configuration of the linear electrode array 11 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 to FIG.
In FIG. 23, a cover 71 is provided with a measurement window 72, and a finger of a person to be authenticated is placed in the measurement window 72 to perform feature extraction. Disk-shaped electrode substrate 7 as electrode surface
Reference numeral 3 is fixed on a plurality of conductive members 75 which are also set on a disk-shaped substrate 74.

A plurality of annular electrodes 77 are formed on the peripheral surface of the drum 76, and a plurality of brushes 78 are in contact with the plurality of electrodes 77, respectively. On the rotating shaft 79,
The electrode substrate 73, the substrate 74, and the drum 76 are respectively fixed, and the rotational motion is transmitted by a motor 80 as a driving unit.

The cleaning device 81 as a cleaning means is in contact with the electrode substrate 73, and is rotated by the rotation of the electrode substrate 73.
A plurality of linear electrodes 82 (not shown, described later) formed on the electrode substrate 73 are cleaned.

FIG. 24 shows the structure of the electrode substrate 73. A plurality of annular linear electrodes 8 are provided on the surface of the electrode substrate 73.
2 (corresponding to the linear electrodes 13) are formed concentrically. The plurality of linear electrodes 82 formed on the front surface are electrically connected to the plurality of circular terminal electrodes 83 formed on the back surface of the electrode substrate 73. Plural terminal electrodes 83
Are electrically connected to the respective electrodes 77 of the drum 76 via a plurality of conductive members 75 provided on the substrate 74, and further, the brushes 78 that are in contact with the respective electrodes 77
Is connected to the electric circuit of the feature extraction unit 1 via the.

If conductive rubber is used for the conductive member 75, good contact can be maintained for a long period of time.
Here, when the feature extraction is not performed, the motor 80
Very slow speed (for example, 1 revolution / 1 minute to 1
0 minutes), the rotation shaft 79 is driven to rotate.
The electrode substrate 73 rotates at a slow speed and is always cleaned by the cleaning device 81. When the feature extraction is performed, the motor 80 stops rotating, a part of the linear electrode 82 on the electrode substrate 73 is located in the measurement window 72, and the finger of the person to be authenticated is placed here. .

In order to determine whether or not to perform feature extraction, for example, a person standing in front may be detected by an infrared sensor, or a finger may be detected near the measurement window 72 of the cover 71. It may detect that it is placed. Further, it is also possible to detect the contact of the finger on the electrode substrate 73 from the characteristic information extracted at that time and stop the rotation of the rotating shaft 79. In this case, the feature information for authentication may be taken in after the rotation stops.

By cleaning the electrode substrate 73 as described above, the state of the linear electrodes 82 formed on the electrode substrate 73 can be maintained in a good and sanitary state.

Further, for example, the electrode substrate 73 is damaged,
If the feature extraction becomes impossible, it is only necessary to replace the electrode substrate 73, which is simple and can reduce the replacement cost.

A signal conversion circuit is provided in the drum 76 as a part of the function of the feature extracting unit 1 so that a signal can be transmitted with a small number of wires. A form for transmitting a signal to the outside is also possible. In this case, the number of annular electrodes 77 and brushes 78 can be significantly reduced.

In the above-described signal conversion circuit, if a method is used in which the signal is converted to a signal that can be transmitted without passing through a contact and the signal is sent to the outside, the brush 78 can be used as a minimum for supplying power to the signal conversion circuit. Just a number. As a method of exchanging signals without passing through a contact, there is a method using a radio wave, and a method using a rotary transformer using electromagnetic induction.

With these, it is possible to send power for circuit operation, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which no brush is used. Which method should be selected may be selected in consideration of the manufacturing cost and the like.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is an application of the third embodiment described above. For example, when the electrode substrate 73 is damaged, it is possible to prevent the system from stopping until repair. .

That is, in the fourth embodiment, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the plurality of annular linear electrodes 82 formed on the electrode substrate 73 are replaced with at least two or more blocks, in this example, four linear electrodes 82 of blocks A to D.
a, 82b, 82c, and 82d. Then, feature extraction is performed using only the linear electrodes of the block in use.

Now, in FIG. 25, it is assumed that the linear electrodes 82a of the block A have been used for feature extraction. if,
For example, when an abnormality occurs in the electric resistance value between the respective linear electrodes due to short-circuiting or disconnection between the linear electrodes, the motor 80 is controlled to use the linear electrode 82b of another block B as a measuring unit. Rotate to use.

At the same time, the feature extracting unit 1 switches its electrode connection from the linear electrode 82a of the block A to the linear electrode 82b of the block B by a switch or the like. Thus, feature extraction can be performed again using the linear electrode 82b of the block B.

In the example of FIG. 25, the linear electrode 82 is formed of four blocks A to D for simplicity of description, but may be formed of any number of blocks. Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

The fifth embodiment is different from the third and fourth embodiments described above.
The disk-shaped electrode substrate 73 as the electrode surface in the embodiment is a cylindrical electrode substrate 93 as shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28. Basically, only the configuration of the electrode substrate changes and the direction of the rotation axis changes, and the functions of the components are exactly the same.

That is, the cover 91, the measuring window 92, the electrode substrate 93, the substrate 94, the conductive member 95, the drum 96, the annular electrode 97, the brush 98, the rotating shaft 99, the motor 100, the cleaning device 101, and the linear electrode 102 21 to 23 respectively. Measurement window 72, electrode substrate 73, substrate 7
4, the conductive member 75, the drum 76, the annular electrode 77, the brush 78, the rotating shaft 79, the motor 80, the cleaning device 81, and the linear electrode 82.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, by making the linear electrode array easily replaceable, the time required for replacing the linear electrode array can be shortened, and the linear electrode array can be shortened. Array replacement can be performed by people without special skills. When a linear electrode array is installed in personal information equipment such as a notebook personal computer, it becomes very difficult to spread it if a specialized technician is required, but it can be easily replaced by the user. And the chances of implementation are increased.

In the case where the apparatus is used by being installed at a specific place, the maintenance cycle can be made longer than when the apparatus is not used. Further, according to the method using the strip-shaped linear electrode array, the consumable portion is sequentially cut off, and the unused portion is used. For this reason, the linear electrode array can be exchanged by a simple operation and quickly until the unused portion is eliminated. In addition, since the strip-shaped linear electrode array can be placed in a cartridge-like easily replaceable storage container, it can be easily replaced with a new linear electrode array.

According to the method of laminating the electrode sheets on which the sheet-like linear electrodes are formed, the consumable parts are sequentially peeled off and the newly exposed electrode sheets are used. For this reason, until the unused electrode sheet is exhausted, the electrode sheet can be replaced quickly with a simple operation of peeling the electrode sheet.

Further, since the linear electrode array formed by laminating the electrode sheets in this manner is easy to replace, it is easy to replace it with a new linear electrode array. In addition, according to the method using a disk-shaped or cylindrical linear electrode array, the state of the linear electrode array can always be kept good and clean by automatically cleaning the linear electrode array. it can.

Further, according to the method in which the linear electrode array is divided into a plurality of blocks, it is possible to easily start from a consumed block.
Moreover, it is possible to quickly change to using another block.

Also, when replacing the disk-shaped or cylindrical linear electrode array with a new one, it can be easily replaced. Further, the method of transmitting a signal without passing through a contact is very useful for facilitating replacement of a disk-shaped or cylindrical linear electrode array.

Further, the connection between the linear electrode array and the electric circuit of the feature extraction section is made possible by using a resilient connection medium, for example, anisotropic conductive rubber.
In addition, a good connection can be made, which is useful for realizing a replaceable structure. As described above, the improvement in convenience according to the present invention is immense.

[0088]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily replace the linear electrode array, which is a difficult task for the user, and to improve the convenience by extending the replacement cycle. A personal authentication device that can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a personal authentication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a feature extraction unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between an obtained characteristic waveform and a finger.

4A and 4B show a state in which a finger is placed on a linear electrode array. FIG. 4A is a side view, and FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an IC card.

FIG. 6 is a memory map diagram showing a configuration example of a data memory.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a directory set in a data memory.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a format example of a data read command.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format example of a data write command.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an initial operation of the IC card.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a registration process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a matching process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a collation / determination process.

FIGS. 14A and 14B schematically show the configuration of a linear electrode array according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 14A is a plan view and FIG. 14B is a side view.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an anisotropic conductive rubber.

FIG. 16 is a side view schematically showing an example of using an anisotropic conductive rubber.

FIG. 17 is a side view schematically showing a modified example of the linear electrode array according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing another usage of the linear electrode array according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view schematically showing a configuration of a linear electrode array according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a side view schematically showing a modified example of the linear electrode array according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a linear electrode array according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrows aa in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrows bb in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 schematically shows a configuration of an electrode substrate.
(A) is a front view, and (b) is a back view.

FIG. 25 schematically shows the configuration of an electrode substrate in a linear electrode array according to a fourth embodiment, wherein FIG. 25 (a) is a front view and FIG. 25 (b) is a rear view.

FIG. 26 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a linear electrode array according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrows aa in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrows bb in FIG. 26;

[Explanation of symbols]

1... Feature extraction unit (feature extraction means) 2... Control unit 3
... Read / write unit, 4 ... IC card (storage means), 5 ...
... host machine, 11 ... linear electrode array, 12 ...
Fingers, 13: Linear electrodes, 14a, 14b: Analog switch group (switching means), 15: Timing control circuit,
16 voltage power supply, 17 reference resistance, 18 sample hold circuit, 19 A / D converter, 20 electrode substrate, 21 control element, 22 data memory, 23
…… Working memory, 24 …… Program memory, 4
1 ... finger rest part, 42 ... measuring part (used part), 43 ...
... Unused portion, 44, cutter, 45, anisotropic conductive rubber, 46, connection board, 49, storage cartridge, 6
1 ... linear electrode, 62 ... electrode sheet, 63 ... anisotropic conductive rubber, 64 ... connection board, 72 ... measurement window, 73 ...
... Electrode substrate, 79 ... Rotary axis, 80 ... Motor, 81 ...
... Cleaning device (cleaning means) 82 Linear electrode 82a
... Linear electrode of block A, 82b ... Linear electrode of block B, 82c ... Linear electrode of block C, 82d ... Linear electrode of block D, 92 ... Measurement window, 93 ... Electrode substrate 99 ... rotating shaft, 100 ... motor, 101 ... cleaning device (cleaning means), 102 ... linear electrode.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A linear electrode array in which a plurality of linear electrodes long in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a finger are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger. In the measurement unit, the collation of the person to be authenticated should be performed based on the distribution of the electric resistance value between the adjacent linear electrodes due to the contact of the finger to be collated of the person to be collated along the arrangement direction of the linear electrodes. Extracting means for extracting the characteristic information of the finger and determining whether the person to be authenticated is a person or another person by collating with the characteristic information for collation stored in advance, and the linear electrode array A personal identification device, comprising: a measuring unit updating unit that sequentially updates a measuring unit. 2. A plurality of strip-shaped linear electrodes which are long in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the finger are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger. In a measurement unit having a predetermined fixed width, a linear electrode array is provided in which a finger to be verified of a person to be authenticated is contacted along the arrangement direction of each linear electrode, and each linear electrode array of the linear electrode array The distribution state of the electric resistance value between the electrodes is used as the characteristic information for the finger, and the characteristic information is compared with the characteristic information for collation stored in advance to determine whether the person to be authenticated is the principal or another person. By determining the determination unit and the measurement unit of the linear electrode array as an unused portion, and setting a portion having a predetermined width predetermined from the measurement unit as the unused portion as a new measurement unit. Measurement to update the measurement unit Personal identification device comprising a part updating means, by comprising a. 3. The personal authentication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the measuring unit updating unit cuts off the measuring unit that is not used and separates the measuring unit from the linear electrode array. 4. A plurality of linear electrodes long in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the finger are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the finger, and a plurality of linear electrodes are arranged along the direction of arrangement of the linear electrodes. It has a linear electrode array with which a finger to be collated is contacted, and the distribution state of the electric resistance value between each adjacent linear electrode of the linear electrode array is set as characteristic information for the finger, and the characteristic information and the characteristic information are stored in advance. The linear electrode array is formed by stacking a plurality of sheet-like electrode sheets in a plurality of steps by determining whether the person to be authenticated is a person or another person by comparing the authenticated person with the characteristic information for comparison. The personal authentication apparatus, wherein the plurality of electrode sheets are sequentially peeled from the uppermost row and are separable, and a finger is brought into contact with the uppermost electrode sheet. 5. A plurality of annular linear electrodes are concentrically arranged on a rotatable electrode surface, and a part of the plurality of linear electrodes on the electrode surface is arranged in a direction in which the respective linear electrodes are arranged. A linear electrode array along which a finger to be collated by a person to be authenticated is contacted, switching means for sequentially switching a plurality of linear electrodes of the linear electrode array, and each linear electrode of the linear electrode array by the switching means. Resistance distribution extracting means for extracting a distribution state of electric resistance values between adjacent linear electrodes of the linear electrode array based on an electrode switching operation; and storage means for preliminarily storing characteristic information for comparison. The distribution state of the resistance value extracted by the resistance distribution extracting means is set as characteristic information for the finger, and the authenticated person is identified by comparing the characteristic information with the characteristic information for verification in the storage means. Or others Personal authentication apparatus characterized by comprising a determination means for determining. 6. The personal authentication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said rotatable electrode surface has a disk shape. 7. The personal authentication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said rotatable electrode surface is cylindrical. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the rotatable electrode surface is rotated at a predetermined speed when the feature extraction is not performed, and the rotation is stopped when the feature extraction is performed.
6. The personal authentication device according to 6 or 7. 9. A cleaning device for cleaning a plurality of linear electrodes on the rotatable electrode surface at a portion other than a portion where a finger to be verified of the subject is contacted. The personal authentication device according to claim 5. 10. The plurality of linear electrodes on the rotatable electrode surface are divided into at least two or more blocks along the direction of rotation of the electrode surface. Personal authentication device as described. 11. A plurality of linear electrodes on the rotatable electrode surface are used by rotating the electrode surface so that a block to be used is located at a predetermined measurement position, and the block at the measurement position is used. 11. The personal authentication apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each time the electrode becomes unusable, the electrode surface is rotated to sequentially switch blocks to be used.