JPH11143831A - Device for authenticating individual - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the secrecy of a password while suppressing the increase of a cost. SOLUTION: The time series pattern of plural on-operation of the input operation keys 1L and 1R of a mouse 2 is stored in a correct answer password memory 4 in a form for knowing the length of each on-operating time and the length of each on-operating time of an inputted password for judging and the length of the on-operating time corresponding to the correct answer password are compared by CPU 5 to judge individual authentication. As the on- operating time of the keys 1L and 1R, which is not easily caught by a person, is incorporated in the password as a judging element, the secrecy of the password is sufficient and as a parameter being the on-operating time of keys to be indispensable is easily data-operated in addition to being easy to be detected, the increase of the cost is also suppressed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a personal authentication apparatus for determining personal authentication based on a password, and more particularly to a technique for improving the confidentiality of a password.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, for example, when accessing (logging in) personal information in a personal information management system using a personal computer, or when a depositor uses a cash dispenser of an ATM system installed in a bank or a post office. In addition, when a resident unlocks in the key lock system of the entrance door of a condominium or the like, personal authentication based on a password (reciter code) is performed each time by a personal authentication device, and Only
The configuration is such that access to personal information, payment of cash or unlocking of the entrance is permitted. As a result, convenient and safe living is assured, because there is no chance that others will peep into your personal information without permission, secretly withdrawal of savings by non-depositors, and easy intrusion by thieves. That is.

[0003]

However, in the case of the conventional personal authentication device, there is a problem that the security is not yet sufficient. The password used in conventional personal authentication devices is a simple combination of numbers and letters, so there is no danger that the password will be cracked by analogy or repeated trials, and often others who have solved the password will become the identity. In some cases, they may commit fraud.

[0004] Of course, a complex unique pattern of an individual such as a fingerprint or pupil wrinkle is used as a password, and a fingerprint or pupil wrinkle is photographed by a video device each time using a TV camera or the like, and a fingerprint or pupil wrinkle that has been registered in advance is registered. If an advanced personal authentication device that determines personal recognition by comparing the image with the image is installed, the confidentiality of the password is remarkably improved and the security is increased, but the personal authentication device becomes extremely expensive.
Also, the use of unique patterns such as registration of fingerprints and pupil wrinkles
Special limited applications tend to be avoided and generally avoided, and it is often impossible to apply them in practice.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a personal authentication device that has sufficient password confidentiality and can suppress an increase in cost.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a personal authentication apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a password input means provided with an input operation key for inputting a password for determination for determining personal authentication. And a correct password storage means for pre-registering a time series pattern of a plurality of ON operations of the input operation key as a correct password for personal authentication determination in such a manner that the length of each ON operation time is known, and an input operation key. Password comparison means for comparing the length of each ON operation time in the input determination password with the length of the corresponding ON operation time in the correct password, and a determination to output a personal authentication determination result according to comparison data obtained by the password comparison means Result output means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the personal authentication apparatus of the first aspect, the password input means has a plurality of input operation keys, and the correct answer password storage means has a function for storing each input in the time series pattern. The operation order of the operation keys is configured to be registered, and the password comparison unit is configured to register the operation order of the input operation keys in the determination password input from the input operation key and the input order of each input operation key in the correct password. The operation order is also configured to be compared.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the personal authentication device of the second aspect, the password input means is constituted by a mouse provided with two push-type input operation keys.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the password input means is constituted by a numeric keypad provided with ten numeric input operation keys for inputting different numerical values of 0-9.

[Operation] Next, the determination operation when personal authentication is performed by the personal authentication apparatus of the present invention will be described. In the personal authentication device of the present invention, the correct password storage means pre-stores the time series pattern of the multiple ON operations of the input operation key as the correct password for personal authentication determination in such a manner that the length of each ON operation time is known. Register.
On the other hand, a person who is going to be authenticated inputs a determination password using an input operation key. When the judgment password is input, the length of each ON operation time in the judgment password is compared with the length of the corresponding ON operation time in the correct password by the password comparison means, and comparison data reaching a predetermined matching level is obtained. If so, the authentication result that the user is an individual is output from the determination result output means. If comparison data that reaches a predetermined matching level is not obtained, the authentication result that the user is another person is output from the determination result output means.

In other words, in the personal authentication device of the present invention, a parameter that cannot be easily grasped by a person, that is, the on-operation time of the input operation key for inputting the password, is incorporated as a determination factor in the password. This makes it difficult for others to crack the password. In addition, in the present invention,
The essential parameter of the on-operation time of the input operation key is easy to detect and data processing is easy, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in cost when the parameter is applied.

Further, in the personal authentication device of the second aspect, since there are a plurality of input operation keys and a parameter of the operation order of the input operation keys is added as a determination factor in the password, the authentication result that the user is the identity is obtained. To get
Both the ON operation time of the input operation key and the operation sequence of the input operation key need to match each correct password. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the invention, it is more difficult for another person to solve the password.

Further, in the personal authentication apparatus according to the third aspect, the password input means is constituted by a mouse provided with two push-type input operation keys. Can be easily installed. Many recent computer systems have a mouse, and the range in which the invention device can be applied is widened.

Further, in the personal authentication apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the password input means is constituted by ten keypads provided with ten numeric input operation keys for inputting different numerical values of 0-9. Can be easily installed in various systems using the as an input operation device. Many recent general-purpose system devices have a numeric keypad, and the range to which the invention device can be applied is widened.

[0015]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a personal information management system using a personal computer to which the personal authentication device according to the first embodiment is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the personal information management system according to the first embodiment has a mouse 2 (password input means) provided with two push-type input operation keys 1R and 1L for inputting a password for determination. And the judgment password memory 3 which holds the inputted judgment password only for a necessary period.
And a correct password memory 4 in which a correct password for personal authentication determination is stored and registered in advance, and a CPU 5 that compares the determination password with the correct password and outputs a final determination result according to the comparison data. A ROM 6 for storing a control program necessary for operating the system, a monitor 7 for displaying a judgment result on personal authentication, a keyboard 8 for inputting personal information to be managed, etc., And a clock 9a for time measurement. Hereinafter, the configuration of the main components will be described more specifically.

As shown in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner, the mouse 2
It has two push-type input operation keys 1R and 1L that are turned on when pressed by the fingertip of a person (loginer) who wants to access personal information stored in the disk memory 9 and turned off when the finger is released. ing. These two push-type input operation keys 1R and 1L are configured to be turned on independently, and
By turning on R and 1L in an arbitrary order, the password for determination is automatically inputted and held in the password memory for determination 3. Of course, the mouse 2 is used for other than the input operation of the determination password.

The correct password memory 4 stores a time-series pattern of a plurality of ON operations of the input operation keys 1R and 1L.
The length of each ON operation time and OFF operation time and the operation order are registered in advance as correct passwords for personal authentication determination. Correct password memory 4
The registration of the correct password is also performed by using the input operation keys 1R and 1L and the keyboard 8 while watching the correct password input screen displayed on the screen of the monitor 7. Specific registration methods and registration contents will be described later.

The CPU 5 first compares the operation order of the input operation keys 1R and 1L in the judgment password and the correct answer password. If the two operation orders do not match, the CPU 5 immediately gives a judgment result that the user is another person. If the operation order is the same, then the on-operation time and the off-operation time of the judgment password and the correct password are compared, and if the comparison data of the time length has reached the predetermined matching level. For example, if the comparison result of the length of time does not reach the predetermined coincidence level, a determination result indicating that the user is the other person is output. The determination result is sent from the CPU 5 to the monitor 7 and displayed. Specific comparison methods and determination methods will be described later. Therefore, in the case of the personal authentication device of the first embodiment, the password comparison means for comparing the password for determination and the correct password, and the determination result output means for outputting the determination result according to the comparison data obtained by the password comparison means, It is mainly configured by a control program stored in the CPU 5 and the ROM 6.

FIG. 4 shows a specific registration method (configuration required for registration) of the correct password in the correct password memory 4 and the registered contents in the personal authentication device of the first embodiment having the above configuration. This will be described according to the flowchart.

[Step S1] As shown in FIG. 2, by operating the mouse 2 or the keyboard 8, a screen 7a for inputting the correct password is displayed on a part of the screen of the monitor 7.

[Step S2] The keyboard 8 is operated to input a user name (operator's name) into the user name area UA.

[Step S3] The cursor CS is moved to the correct password input screen 7a on the monitor 7 by operating the mouse 2.
Is moved to the tapping area PA set as the ON operable area.

[Step S4] The input operation keys 1R and 1L are turned on (tapping operation) so that the order and the on / off operation time correspond to the correct password to be set. Now, as shown in FIG.
A time-dependent pattern of the ON operation of R and 1L was obtained. Correct password memory 4 contains the following data contents (1) to (10)
As shown in (1), the start and end times of each ON operation are stored in the form of the elapsed time from the start of the first ON operation, in association with the types of the input operation keys 1R and 1L.

Data content (1) Input operation key 1L on 0.0 seconds Data content (2) Input operation key 1L off 0.5 seconds Data content (3) Input operation key 1R on 1.0 seconds Data content (4) Input operation key 1R off 1.5 seconds Data content (5) Input operation key 1L on 2.0 seconds Data content (6) Input operation key 1L off 2.6 seconds Data content (7) Input operation Key 1R on 3.2 seconds Data content (8) Input operation key 1R off 3.5 seconds Data content (9) Input operation key 1R on 3.7 seconds Data content (10) Input operation key 1R off 4 .0 seconds

[Step S5] The input operation of the correct answer password is similarly executed twice later. That is, the input operation is performed three times for registering one correct password, and three data contents (1) to (10) are stored. Count display area W
A indicates the number of times the correct password has been stored.

[Step S6] When the display count of the count display area WA becomes “3”, the OK area MB is moved to the mouse 2
Click by.

[Step S7] The CPU 5 calculates an average value for each of the data contents (1) to (10), and determines and registers the average value as the final correct password. Here, the above data contents (1) to (10) become an average value, which is stored as a final correct password in association with the user name, and the registration of the correct password is completed.

Next, an authentication operation performed by the personal authentication apparatus of the first embodiment in which the registration of the correct password has been completed as described above when the personal information management system is accessed will be described. Hereinafter, reference will be made to the flowchart of FIG.

[Step F1] As shown in FIG. 5, the log-in user operates the mouse 2 or the keyboard 8 to display a determination password input screen 7 on a part of the screen of the monitor 7.
Project b.

[Step F2] The user operates the keyboard 8 to enter a user name in the user name area UA.

[Step F3] By operating the mouse 2, the cursor CS is moved to the tapping area PA for inputting the determination password on the monitor 7.

[Step F4] The input operation keys 1R and 1L are turned on (tapping operation) so that the order and the on / off operation time correspond to the correct password, and then the OK area of the determination password input screen 7b is set. Click Ma. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that a temporal pattern of the ON operation of the input operation keys 1R and 1L is obtained. Then, the input operation key 1 is stored in the determination password memory 4 as shown in the following data contents a to j.
The start and end times of each ON operation are stored in the form of elapsed time from the start of the first ON operation while being associated with the types of R and 1L.

Data content a Input operation key 1L on 0.0 seconds Data content b Input operation key 1L Off 0.55 seconds Data content c Input operation key 1R on 1.0 seconds Data content d Input operation key 1R Off 1.6 seconds Data content e Input operation key 1L On 2.1 seconds Data content f Input operation key 1L Off 2.7 seconds Data content g Input operation key 1R On 3.3 seconds Data content h Input operation Key 1R off 3.5 seconds Data content i Input operation key 1R on 3.75 seconds Data content j Input operation key 1R off 4.0 seconds

[Step F5] The CPU 5 reads the correct password corresponding to the input user name from the correct password memory, and compares the operation order of the input operation keys 1R and 1L in the correct password with the determination password. Each data content a corresponding to each data content (1) to (10)
To j are the types of input operation keys (1L, 1R)
Are exactly the same, so the order of operation is exactly the same. Note that if the operation order is not correct,
Immediately, a determination result of another person is issued, and the process jumps to step F10.

[Step F6] Input operation keys 1R, 1
If the operation order of L is correct, the CPU 5 proceeds to the input operation key 1 in the determination password and the correct password.
The lengths of the ON operation time and the OFF operation time of R and 1L are compared. First, FIG. 3 and FIG.
, The on-operation times TA, Ta and the off-operation times TB,
Tb is calculated, and each time difference is calculated. The calculation results are as follows.

TA1 = 0.5 seconds Ta1 = 0.55 seconds Difference + 0.05 seconds Weight coefficient 1 TB1 = 0.5 seconds Tb1 = 0.45 seconds Difference−0.05 seconds Weight coefficient 1 TA2 = 0.5 seconds Ta2 = 0.60 seconds Difference + 0.10 seconds Weight coefficient 0.9 TB2 = 0.5 seconds Tb2 = 0.4 seconds Difference−0.10 seconds Weight coefficient 0.9 TA3 = 0.6 seconds Ta3 = 0.6 Second difference ± 0.00 seconds Weight coefficient 1 TB3 = 0.6 seconds Tb3 = 0.6 seconds Difference ± 0.00 seconds Weight coefficient 1 TA4 = 0.3 seconds Ta4 = 0.2 seconds Difference−0.10 seconds Weight Coefficient 0.9 TB4 = 0.2 sec Tb4 = 0.25 sec Difference + 0.05 sec Weight coefficient 1 TA5 = 0.3 sec Ta5 = 0.25 sec Difference−0.05 sec Weight coefficient 1

[Step F7] The CPU 5 obtains preset weighting factors in accordance with the differences between the respective times. The obtained weight coefficients are as described above. The setting of the weight coefficient is, for example, as follows. Difference within ± 0.05 seconds (assumed to be a perfect match): set with weight count 1 Difference within ± 0.1 seconds: set with weight count 0.9 Difference within ± 0.15 seconds: weight count 0. 7 is set and the difference is more than ± 0.15 seconds: the weight count is set to 0.5. Then, the obtained weighting coefficients are all multiplied as follows to obtain comparison data of the ON operation time and the OFF operation time. Since the weighting factor increases as the time difference decreases, the probability that the user is the principal increases as the comparison data obtained by multiplying the weighting factor increases (when the comparison data is 1, it is regarded as a perfect match). Here, the obtained comparison data = 0.729 as follows. 1 × 1 × 0.9 × 0.9 × 1 × 1 × 0.9 × 1 × 1 =
0.729

[Step F8] Subsequently, the CPU 5 checks whether or not the obtained comparison data has reached a certain coincidence level. For example, when the comparison data ≧ 0.6, it is determined that the personal authentication level has been reached, and the process proceeds to step F9. If the comparison data is smaller than 0.6, it is determined that the personal authentication level has not been reached, and the process proceeds to step F10. Since the comparison data is now 0.729 ≧ 0.6, it is determined that the personal authentication level has been reached.

[Step F9] In the confirmation area Mb, as shown in FIG. 5, "Person" is displayed, and the authentication operation is completed. Of course, the login user is permitted to access the personal information of the disk device 9.

[Step F10] In the confirmation area Mb, "other person" is displayed, and the authentication operation is completed. Of course, the log-in user cannot access the personal information of the disk device 9.

Next, a key lock system to which a personal authentication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a key lock system according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment except that a numeric keypad 10 is provided in place of the mouse 2 and a key structure 11 is provided in place of the disk memory 9. In order to avoid duplication, only different portions will be described, and description of the same portions will be omitted.

The numeric keypad 10 of the system according to the second embodiment is provided with ten numeric input operation keys 10a for inputting different numerical values of 0 to 9 as input operation keys for inputting a password for determination. I have. On the other hand, the correct password is stored and registered in the correct password memory 4 in advance by a trader or the like when the system is installed. Of course,
As in the case of the first embodiment, the configuration may be such that the resident himself can store and register the correct password.

The password of the second embodiment is a four-digit numerical value,
Select from three types of ON time of the numeric input operation key 10a corresponding to each numerical value [ie, long time (0.7 seconds), intermediate time (0.5 seconds), short time (0.3 seconds)]. Is combined with the other one. As shown in FIG. 9A, a specific temporal pattern of the correct password is as follows.
3 (long time), 9 (short time), 2 (short time), 8 (intermediate time). Therefore, in the case of inputting the password for determination, the four numeric input operation keys 10a of the numeric keypad 10 are sequentially turned on so as to match the four-digit number of the correct password and the on-operation time. The password for judgment is entered.

First, the CPU 5 compares the four-digit numerical value of the correct password with the four-digit numerical value of the determination password. If they do not match, it determines that it is another person, and sends a signal to a buzzer (not shown) to notify an input error of the determination password. Generate. Conversely, if the four-digit number of the correct password and the password for determination match, then the on-operation time associated with each numerical value in the correct password and the password for determination is compared, and a certain level of matching is reached. And the CPU 5 sends an unlocking signal to the key actuator 12 of the key structure 11 from the CPU 5 and receives the unlocking signal.
Moves the key 13 to the left so that the key 1
3, the door (not shown) can be opened. Of course, if the result of the comparison of the on-operation times does not reach the certain coincidence level, it is determined that the other person is present, and a signal is sent to a buzzer (not shown) to generate a sound signal indicating the input error of the determination password. .

Next, the personal authentication operation of the personal authentication device of the second embodiment in the unlocking operation in the key lock system having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. [Step J1] The resident who wants to open the door turns on the four numeric input operation keys 10a of the numeric keypad 10 so that the order and the ON operation time correspond to the correct password to be recite. As shown in FIG. 9B, a temporal pattern of the ON operation of the numeric input operation key 10a is obtained, and the determination password is held in the determination password memory 3. The contents stored in the judgment password memory 3 are 3 (ON operation time: 0.6 seconds), 9 (ON operation time: 0.3 seconds),
2 (ON operation time 0.2 seconds) 8 (ON operation time 0.4
5 seconds).

[Step J2] The CPU 5 immediately compares the four-digit numerical value (ie, the operation sequence of the numeric input operation keys 10a) in the judgment password and the correct password.
Since both values are the same as “3928”, the comparison results match. Here, if the four-digit numerical values do not match, it is immediately determined that the person is another person, and the process jumps to step J7.

[Step J3] If the four-digit numerical values match, the length of the on-operation time of each numeric input operation key 10a in the judgment password and the correct password is compared, and the time shift amount is calculated. A corresponding weight coefficient is obtained. The setting of the weight coefficient is the same as that of the first embodiment, and is, for example, as follows. Type of number input operation key 10a "3" Difference -0.10 seconds Weight coefficient 0.9 Type of number input operation key 10a "9" Difference ± 0.00 seconds Weight coefficient 1 Type of number input operation key 10a "2" Difference -0.10 sec. Weight coefficient 0.9 Type of numeric input operation key 10a "8" Difference -0.05 sec. Weight coefficient 1

[Step J4] Subsequently, by multiplying all the obtained weighting coefficients, comparison data indicating the overall time lag between the two passwords is calculated. In this case, the obtained comparison data is 0.81 as follows. 0.9 × 1 × 0.9 × 1 = 0.81

[Step J5] For example, comparison data ≧
In the case of 0.6, it is determined that the personal authentication level has been reached, and the process proceeds to step J6. If the comparison data is smaller than 0.6, it is determined that the personal authentication level has not been reached, and the routine jumps to step J7. In this case, the comparison data = 0.81 ≧ 0.6
Therefore, it is determined that the personal authentication level has been reached.

[Step J6] An unlock signal is sent from the CPU 5 to the key actuator 12, the key 13 is pulled out from the keyhole 14, and the key structure 11 is unlocked. Of course, the personal authentication operation is completed, and the resident opens the door and enters the room.

[Step J7] A signal is sent from the CPU 5 to the buzzer, and a sound signal is output to notify a password input error. The personal authentication operation is completed, but no unlock signal is issued and the resident cannot open the door.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be modified as follows. (1) In the first embodiment, the off-operation time in addition to the on-operation time is also a comparison target. However, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that only the on-operation time is a comparison target. , As a modification.

(2) In the first embodiment, the password is input using both the push-type input operation keys 1R and 1L provided on the mouse 2, but the two push-type inputs are used. A configuration in which a password is input using only one of the input operation keys 1R and 1L is a modified example.

(3) In the case of the first embodiment, the personal authentication according to the present invention is applied to the determination of permission / non-permission of access to the personal information system. , Permission or disapproval of the use of the personal computer itself, permission to access the Internet homepage,
It goes without saying that it is widely applicable, such as non-permission.

(4) Although the personal authentication device of the second embodiment is a key lock system, the personal authentication device of the second embodiment can be widely used in other systems such as a cash payment system. In the case of a personal authentication device used in a cash payment system, as shown in FIG. 11, the numeric keypad is a touch-type numeric input operation key 15 input from a monitor screen.
It is often a numeric keypad 15 provided with a.

(5) In the personal authentication device according to the second embodiment, there are three types of on-operation time associated with each key of the correct password. Are two modifications.

(6) In the personal authentication apparatus of the second embodiment, the password input key is a numeric key, but an alphabet key may be used for inputting a password.

[0059]

According to the personal authentication device of the first aspect of the present invention, a parameter that cannot be easily grasped by a person, that is, the on-operation time of the input operation key for inputting the password, is incorporated as a judgment factor in the password. It is difficult for others to solve the password by repeated analogy and trials, so the password is not only confidential, but also the time required to turn on the input keys required Is easy to detect and data processing is easy, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in cost when applying the parameter.

According to the personal authentication apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, there are a plurality of input operation keys, and the parameter of the operation sequence of the input operation keys is changed together with the parameter of the ON operation time of the input operation keys. Since it is added to the password as a determination factor, it becomes more difficult for another person to solve the password, and the confidentiality of the password becomes more satisfactory.

According to the personal authentication apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the password input means is constituted by a versatile mouse provided with two push-type input operation keys. Computer system.

In the personal authentication device according to the fourth aspect, the password input means is constituted by a versatile numeric keypad provided with ten numeric input operation keys for inputting different numerical values of 0 to 9. , Can be applied to numerous different systems.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a personal information management system to which a first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a correct password input screen of the device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a temporal pattern of a correct password in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of operations for registering a correct password in the apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a determination password input screen of the apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a temporal pattern of a password for determination in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a series of flows of an authentication operation by the device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a key lock system to which the second embodiment is applied.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing temporal patterns of a correct password and a determination password in the device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a series of flows of an authentication operation by the device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a numeric keypad used in a modification of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1R, 1L ... push-type input operation keys 2 ... mouse 3 ... determination password memory 4 ... correct password memory 5 ... CPU 8 ... keyboard 10, 15 ... numeric keypad 10a ... numeric input operation keys TA1 to TA5 ... ON operation time Ta1 ~ Ta5 ... ON operation time

Claims (4)

[Detailed Description of the Invention] 1. A password input means provided with an input operation key for inputting a password for determination for determining personal authentication, and a time series pattern of a plurality of on-operations of the input operation key are turned on. Correct password storage means that is registered in advance as a correct password for personal authentication in the form of knowing the length of operation time, and each ON operation time and corresponding ON in correct password in the judgment password input from the input operation key A personal authentication device, comprising: a password comparison unit that compares each operation time length; and a determination result output unit that outputs a personal authentication determination result according to comparison data obtained by the password comparison unit. 2. The personal authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the password input means has a plurality of input operation keys, and the correct answer password storage means operates each of the input operation keys in a time-series pattern. The order is also registered, and the password comparing means also compares the operation order of the input operation keys in the determination password input from the input operation keys with the operation order of each input operation key in the correct answer password. Personal authentication device configured as follows. 3. The personal authentication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the password input means is constituted by a mouse provided with two push-type input operation keys. 4. The personal authentication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the password input means is constituted by a numeric keypad provided with ten numeric input operation keys for inputting different numeric values from 0 to 9. Authentication device.