JP2013012057A - Authentication key and authentication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an authentication key and an authentication device allowing a user to desirably change the key with a simple structure.SOLUTION: An authentication key 20 includes a key body 21 with the front face formed with a key pattern and a stylus part 23 held by a user. The key body 21 has 16 (4×4) holes 21b formed in the front face. Each hole 21a removably receives a key element 25 made of a conductive material. A user is allowed to form a desired key pattern 22 by inserting plural key elements 25 into desired holes 21a. The key pattern 22 can be changed by inserting and/or removing the key elements 25 to change the positions thereof. When the key body 21 is brought into contact with a touch panel of an authentication device, coordination information of the contact position of the plural key elements is obtained by the authentication device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an authentication key for authenticating an electronic device and an authentication device in the electronic device corresponding to the authentication key.

  Electronic devices such as terminal devices equipped with touch panels are widely used. Such an electronic device has a touch panel lock function to prevent malfunction. Furthermore, an authentication function is provided to protect confidential information. In order to unlock the touch panel, a hard key is pressed or a gesture is input. Further, passcode input, fingerprint authentication, and the like are performed for authentication.

  Therefore, before the electronic device can be used, the user has to perform a two-stage operation including a lock release operation and an authentication operation. Further, when a dedicated device for authentication is provided as in fingerprint authentication, the cost increases.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an authentication device that performs authentication by collating a coordinate pattern input on a touch panel with a registered coordinate pattern is known (see Patent Document 1). In this authentication apparatus, a plurality of holes unique to the owner are formed in the card, and this card is used as a key. That is, authentication is performed by sequentially touching the positions of the card holes. Further, in the resistive touch panel, a protrusion is provided instead of the hole, and authentication is performed at the contact position of the protrusion.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-149454

  However, the conventional authentication device has the following problems. That is, the key is set on the authentication device side, and the user cannot set and use the key. For this reason, the user cannot change the key as necessary, and it may be difficult to enhance security. Further, it has been impossible to change settings corresponding to a plurality of operation modes using a key.

  In addition, in the case of a key corresponding to a resistive film type touch panel, the shape of the key becomes complicated and the usability is not good. For this reason, there are problems such as poor reliability, poor reading accuracy, and time-consuming operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an authentication key and an authentication apparatus that allow a user to arbitrarily change a key with a simple configuration.

  An authentication key according to the present invention includes a key member having a contact surface capable of contacting a detection surface of an authentication device, and a plurality of members disposed on the contact surface, at least one of which can change a position on the contact surface. Coordinate information of contact positions of the plurality of key elements is acquired by the authentication device when the contact surface comes into contact with the detection surface of the authentication device. The key pattern formed by the plurality of key elements can be changed by changing the position.

  The authentication device according to the present invention includes a detection surface in contact with a contact surface of an authentication key on which a plurality of key elements including a conductive material are disposed, and a contact surface of the authentication key in contact with the detection surface In addition, a coordinate detection unit that detects coordinate information of the contact positions of the plurality of key elements, an acquired coordinate pattern based on the coordinate information of the detected plurality of contact positions, and a registered coordinate pattern held in advance are collated. And an authentication processing unit that executes an operation when authentication is successful when the coordinates of the two coincide.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an authentication key and an authentication device that allow a user to arbitrarily change a key with a simple configuration.

The figure which shows the structure of the information processing terminal to which the authentication key and authentication device in 1st Embodiment were applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance and a structure of a stylus type authentication key according to the first embodiment. The figure explaining the authentication operation in this embodiment The figure which shows an example of the table containing the identification information and coordinate pattern which were stored in the database part A flowchart showing a key registration procedure in the present embodiment A flowchart showing an authentication operation procedure in the present embodiment. The figure which shows the card-type authentication key and authentication operation in 2nd Embodiment The figure which shows the stylus type authentication key and authentication operation in 3rd Embodiment The figure which shows the stylus type | mold authentication key in the modification of 3rd Embodiment.

  An authentication key and an authentication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the authentication device is mounted on an information processing terminal which is an example of an electronic device, and the authentication key is used for the authentication device mounted on the information processing terminal.

(First embodiment)
The authentication device of the present embodiment has a touch panel used as a detection surface, and detects the position of a plurality of key elements forming a key pattern in the authentication key by bringing the authentication key into contact with the touch panel, and detects the detected coordinate pattern The authentication operation is possible based on the above.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing terminal 1 to which an authentication key and an authentication device according to the first embodiment are applied. The information processing terminal 1 includes a control unit 10, a display unit 11, a touch panel 13, a database (DB) unit 15, an operation unit 16, a communication unit 17, a camera unit 18, and an audio processing unit 19. The touch panel 13 has a detection surface that detects contact of a human finger or the like, and has a coordinate detection unit 13a that detects a contact position when a contact operation is performed. The authentication device 5 mounted on the information processing terminal 1 includes a control unit 10, a display unit 11, a touch panel 13, a database unit 15, and an operation unit 16.

  Further, the information processing terminal 1 has a stylus type authentication key 20 separately from the terminal main body 1a (see FIG. 3) on which the above-described units are mounted. That is, the authentication key 20 for performing authentication is used for the authentication device 5 of the information processing terminal 1. As will be described later, the authentication key 20 is pressed against the touch panel 13 and used for an authentication operation. Note that the authentication key 20 may be provided independently of the information processing terminal 1 as long as it can support the information processing terminal 1.

  The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the information processing terminal 1. As will be described later, the control unit 10 has a function of associating the key pattern of the authentication key 20 with identification information (for example, the user ID of the user), a function of calculating a coordinate pattern from the key pattern, and coordinates corresponding to the identification information. It has a function of registering a pattern in the database unit 15. Here, the control unit 10 functions as an example of a registration unit.

  The control unit 10 also has a function of collating a coordinate pattern (registered coordinate pattern) registered in the database unit 15 with a coordinate pattern (acquired coordinate pattern) calculated from the key pattern of the authentication key 20, and a coordinate pattern If the coordinates match as a result of the collation, it has a function of executing the operation when the authentication is successful, assuming that the authentication is successful. Examples of operations performed when the control unit 10 succeeds in authentication include unlocking the touch panel 13, determining an operation mode set for the corresponding user ID, and executing a corresponding predetermined operation mode or function. Here, the control unit 10 functions as an example of an authentication processing unit.

  The display unit 11 includes a liquid crystal display and the like, and displays various types of information. A touch panel 13 is provided on the screen of the display unit 11. The touch panel 13 is composed of, for example, an electrostatic capacitance type, and when the user's finger or the like is touched, the electric field is disturbed and the electrostatic capacitance at the contact position changes. Based on the change in capacitance, the coordinate detection unit 13a detects the coordinates of the contact position. The touch panel 13 has a multi-touch function that can detect the coordinates of a plurality of contact positions simultaneously. In the capacitive touch panel, the coordinates of a plurality of contact positions can be detected with high accuracy by the multi-touch function.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the coordinate detection unit 13a of the touch panel 13 causes each key that forms a key pattern arranged in the key body 21 when the key body 21 of the stylus type authentication key 20 comes into contact. The coordinates of the contact position of the element 25 are detected.

  The database unit 15 includes a storage device such as a memory, and stores and registers a coordinate pattern corresponding to identification information (such as a user ID).

  The operation unit 16 includes various keys for inputting user operation instructions such as a key registration key 16a and an authentication key 16b.

  The communication unit 17 is connected to a wireless base station (not shown) and performs data communication by wireless communication. The camera unit 18 acquires captured image data. The voice processing unit 19 includes a speaker 19 a and a microphone 19 b and is connected to an information processing terminal, a mobile phone, or the like as a communication partner via the communication unit 17 to realize a call function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance and structure of the stylus type authentication key 20 in the first embodiment. FIG. 2A shows the structure of the authentication key 20. The authentication key 20 has a key body 21 corresponding to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped key member in which a key pattern is formed on the front surface corresponding to a contact surface that can come into contact with the detection surface of the authentication device 5. The authentication key 20 is formed of a conductive material and connected to a key body 21 and has a rod-like stylus portion 23 that can be gripped by a user's hand or finger. As the conductive material, various materials such as metal, carbon graphite, and conductive rubber can be used. In particular, those having conductive characteristics close to those of human fingers are preferable. The same applies to members formed of other conductive materials.

  FIG. 2B shows the appearance of the key body 21. A plurality of holes 21 a formed in a cylindrical shape are arranged on the front surface (contact surface) of the key body 21 that can come into contact with the touch panel 13. These holes 21a correspond to an example of a storage portion. In the present embodiment, a total of 16 holes 21a made up of 4 × 4 are two-dimensionally arranged. The hole 21a forming the storage portion may have another shape such as a rectangular tube shape.

  A cylindrical key element 25 made of a conductive material that matches the shape of the hole is detachably accommodated in the hole 21a. When the user houses (inserts) the key element 25 in the hole 21a at an arbitrary position on the contact surface, a desired key pattern 22 is formed. At this time, by storing the key element 25 in the hole 21a, the key element 25 does not protrude from the key body 21, and the contact surface of the key body 21 can be made flat. Thereby, a key can be made into a simple shape and usability improves.

  In addition, a conductive member 21 b that is electrically connected to the stylus portion 23 is provided at the bottom of each hole 21 a in the key body 21. When the key element 25 is inserted into the hole 21a, one end of the key element 25 comes into contact with the conductive member 21b and is electrically connected to the stylus part 23. That is, the stylus portion 23 is a contact portion that conducts with the key element 25.

  When the user grips the stylus part 23 with his / her hand, the potential of the key element 25 becomes almost the same as that of the user's hand, and the touch of the key element 25 is the same as when the touch panel 13 is touched with the tip of the stylus part 23. The position can be detected. Therefore, in a state where the front surface of the key body 21 is in contact with the touch panel 13, the touch panel 13 can detect the coordinates of the contact position of each key element 25 forming the key pattern 22, and a coordinate pattern based on these coordinates is acquired. Note that the key element 25 and the stylus part 23 do not necessarily need to be electrically connected if the coordinate detection of the contact position on the touch panel 13 is sufficiently possible.

  In addition, after the key element 25 is inserted into the hole 21a and the key pattern 22 is formed, the key pattern 22 is formed on the front surface of the key body 21 so as to cover the front surface of the key body 21 so that the key pattern 22 cannot be seen from the outside. The cover 27 can be attached. The cover 27 protects the key pattern from being visually recognized and covers the key element 25 and the hole 21a, and is formed of a thin cover member having a removable single color or an appropriate design.

  An authentication operation of the information processing terminal 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the authentication operation in the present embodiment. FIG. 3A shows an authentication operation in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, the user holds the stylus type authentication key 20 with his / her hand and brings the front surface of the key body 21 into contact with the touch panel 13.

  FIG. 3B shows the correspondence between the coordinates of the key element 25 detected on the touch panel 13 and the coordinate pattern 15 a registered in the database unit 15. The key pattern formed by the combination of the key elements 25 on the front surface of the key body 21 is detected as the coordinates of the contact position of the key elements 25 on the touch panel 13, as shown in FIG.

  Here, the contact position representing the key pattern is represented by seven XY coordinates of coordinates 1 to 7. Coordinate information (acquired coordinate pattern) 32 including coordinates 1 (X1, Y1) to coordinates 7 (X7, Y7) detected by the touch panel 13, and a coordinate pattern (registered coordinate pattern) 15a registered in the database unit 15 in advance. Is verified. If these coordinates match as a result of the coordinate pattern matching, the authentication is successful, and as an operation at the time of successful authentication, for example, the touch panel 13 is unlocked, and the user can perform an input operation. On the other hand, if they do not match, the operation upon successful authentication is not executed and the lock is not released.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table including identification information and coordinate patterns stored in the database unit 15. In this table 15D, a user ID, an operation mode, and a function corresponding to the coordinate pattern 15a are registered. For example, when the coordinate pattern 15a is “A”, the user ID corresponds to “aabb”. With this user ID, a business mode is set as the operation mode, and usable functions 1 and 2 (for example, an in-house mail function, a business card management function, etc.) can be executed. The same applies to other coordinate patterns such as “B” and “C”.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a key registration procedure in the present embodiment. The key registration function is realized by the control unit 10. The operation program for executing the key registration procedure is stored in the memory in the control unit 10 and is executed by the processor in the control unit 10.

  First, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to set the key registration mode (step S1). The key registration mode is set, for example, when the user presses the key registration key 16a or inputs a predetermined gesture to the touch panel 13. When the key registration mode is not set, the control unit 10 ends this operation as it is.

  When the key registration mode is set in step S1, the control unit 10 creates personal identification information (user ID) (step S2). A plurality of user IDs such as business use, private use, and family use can be created for the same user. The identification information may be input from the outside by communication or the like, or may be input by the user using the operation unit 16.

  The control unit 10 starts registration of the coordinate pattern corresponding to the created user ID, and detects the coordinates of the contact position by the coordinate detection unit 13a (step S3). When registering the coordinate pattern, the user performs an operation of holding the authentication key 20 and bringing the front surface of the key body 21 into contact with the touch panel 13. The control unit 10 waits until the contact operation of the authentication key 20 is performed and the coordinates of the contact position are detected by the coordinate detection unit 13a (step S4).

  When the coordinates of the contact position by the authentication key 20 are detected, the control unit 10 acquires the coordinates of the contact position by the coordinate detection unit 13a (step S5), and is normalized regardless of the contact location of the touch panel 13. The coordinate pattern obtained is calculated (step S6).

  Then, the control unit 10 associates the normalized coordinate pattern with the user ID created in step S2 and registers it in the database unit 15 (step S7). At this time, as shown in the table 15D, it is also possible to set an operation mode and a function corresponding to the user ID. Thereafter, the control unit 10 ends this operation.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an authentication operation procedure in the present embodiment. The function of the authentication operation is realized by the control unit 10. An operation program for executing the authentication operation procedure is stored in a memory in the control unit 10 and is executed by a processor in the control unit 10.

  First, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to set the authentication mode (step S11). The authentication mode is set, for example, when the user presses the authentication key 16b or inputs a predetermined gesture to the touch panel 13. When the authentication mode is not set, the control unit 10 ends this operation as it is.

  When the authentication mode is set in step S11, the control unit 10 starts detecting the coordinates of the contact position in the coordinate detection unit 13a (step S12). At this time, as in the key registration, the user performs an operation of holding the authentication key 20 and bringing the front surface of the key body 21 into contact with the touch panel 13. The control unit 10 waits until the contact operation of the authentication key 20 is performed and the coordinates of the contact position are detected by the coordinate detection unit 13a (step S13).

  When the coordinates of the contact position by the authentication key 20 are detected, the control unit 10 acquires the coordinates of the contact position by the coordinate detection unit 13a (step S14), and calculates a normalized coordinate pattern (step S15). ).

  And the control part 10 collates the normalized coordinate pattern and the coordinate pattern 15a registered into the database part 15, and determines whether it corresponds (step S16). As a result of the collation of the coordinate patterns, the control unit 10 returns to the process of step S12 when these coordinate patterns do not match and authentication fails.

  On the other hand, as a result of the collation of the coordinate patterns, when these coordinate patterns match and the authentication is successful, the control unit 10 executes an operation when the authentication is successful (step S18). Here, as an operation when authentication is successful, the lock of the touch panel 13 is released. Further, an operation mode corresponding to the user ID may be set, and this operation mode may be executed or a predetermined function may be executed. Thereafter, the control unit 10 ends this operation.

  Thus, according to the first embodiment, user authentication and unlocking of the touch panel can be performed by a one-action operation. Further, since user authentication cannot be performed unless a physical key is used, such as the stylus-type authentication key 20, unlocking due to password snooping can be prevented.

  Furthermore, the user can change the key pattern to an arbitrary pattern and register it in the information processing terminal. As a result, a flexible system can be operated, such as a user registering a desired pattern. In addition, a plurality of operation modes can be set and switched for one authentication key. Alternatively, the operation mode can be switched by exchanging keys by preparing a plurality of authentication keys, setting the operation mode for each, and selectively using the authentication key. Also, by preparing an authentication key for each user, each user can switch the user using his / her own key, and the setting of the operation mode, function, etc. can be switched for each user. Moreover, security can be improved by changing a key pattern at any time similarly to the password change for every predetermined period.

  Further, the key shape is simple, and it is excellent in usability and operability. Moreover, since only the coordinate detection function of the touch panel is used and there is no need to provide a dedicated device, the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, reading accuracy can be increased by using the multi-touch function of the capacitive touch panel.

  On the authentication device side, authentication with high security can be performed simply by registering coordinate patterns in the database unit. In addition, a user ID corresponding to the coordinate pattern is registered, and an operation mode corresponding to the user ID can be determined and functions can be easily executed. Also, when registering coordinate patterns, the same key body can be used, and registration work is simple.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, an example in which a card type authentication key is used instead of the stylus type authentication key of the first embodiment will be described. An information processing terminal to which the authentication key and the authentication device of the second embodiment are applied has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a card-type authentication key 40 and an authentication operation in the second embodiment. FIG. 7A shows the appearance of the authentication key 40. The authentication key 40 has a card-like key body 41. A plurality of circular holes 41 a are arranged on the front surface of the key body 41. In the present embodiment, a total of 16 4 × 4 holes 41a are two-dimensionally arranged. The hole 41a forming the storage portion may have another shape such as a square shape.

  FIG. 7B shows a cross section of the key body 41. A disc-shaped key element 45 made of a conductive material matching the shape of the hole is detachably mounted (stored) in the hole 41a. When the user houses the key element 45 in the hole 41a at an arbitrary position, a desired key pattern is formed. A conductive member 41 b is provided at the bottom of each hole 41 a in the key body 41. One of the conductive members 41 b slightly protrudes from the bottom of each hole 41 a, the other is connected to each other and is conductive, and is conductive to a conductive contact 43 provided on the back surface of the key body 41.

  Further, a cover 47 is attached to the front surface of the key body 41 as in the first embodiment. The cover 47 protects the key pattern from being visually recognized and covers the key element 45 and the hole 41a, and is formed of a thin cover member having a removable single color or an appropriate design.

  FIG. 7C illustrates an authentication operation using the card-type authentication key 40. The user holds the key body 41 with a finger so as to touch the contact portion 43, and makes the front surface of the key body 41 contact the touch panel 13. The key pattern formed by the combination of the key elements 45 is detected as coordinates of the contact position of the key element 45 on the touch panel 13. By providing the contact portion 43, the potential of the key element 45 becomes substantially the same as that of the user's finger or hand, and the detection of the contact position by the touch operation is surely performed.

  In the authentication apparatus, as in the first embodiment, coordinates corresponding to a key pattern formed by a combination of a plurality of key elements 45 are detected by detecting the coordinates of the contact position of each key element 45 on the touch panel 13 by the coordinate detection unit 13a. The pattern can be acquired.

  According to the second embodiment, usability is improved by using a card-type authentication key with excellent portability.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, instead of the authentication key in which the key pattern is formed on the front surface of the key body provided at the end as in the first embodiment, the key pattern is one-dimensionally formed on the side surface of the stylus part. An example using the formed authentication key is shown. The information processing terminal to which the authentication key and the authentication device of the third embodiment are applied has almost the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a stylus type authentication key 60 and an authentication operation in the third embodiment. FIG. 8A shows the appearance of the authentication key 60. In the authentication key 60, a plurality of key elements 65 formed in a ring shape are fitted and fixed to the side surface of the rod-like stylus portion 60a so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. The key element 65 is made of a conductive material. Further, a conductive member 63 made of a conductive material is provided on the side surface of the stylus portion 60a in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) (see FIG. 8B). Each key element 65 is arranged one-dimensionally at a predetermined position in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) in a state of being in contact with the conductive member 63.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining an authentication operation using a one-dimensional stylus type authentication key 60. The user holds the stylus part 60 a with the conductive member 63 facing upward so that the finger touches the conductive member 63, and brings the side surface of the stylus part 60 a into contact with the touch panel 13. The key pattern formed by the combination of the key elements 65 is detected as the coordinates of the contact position of the key element 65 on the touch panel 13.

  In the authentication apparatus, as in the first embodiment, coordinates corresponding to a key pattern formed by a combination of a plurality of key elements 65 are detected by detecting the coordinates of the contact position of each key element 65 on the touch panel 13 by the coordinate detection unit 13a. The pattern can be acquired. In this case, a one-dimensional coordinate pattern 66 is obtained.

  FIG. 8C shows the authentication key 60 in which the key pattern is changed by changing the longitudinal position of the key element 65. When the user moves the key element 65 while shifting the key element 65 along the longitudinal direction of the stylus portion 60a, a desired key pattern is obtained.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the key element is provided in a one-dimensional manner on the side surface of the stylus part, so that the stylus type authentication key can be formed into a shape with excellent design. The conductive member 63 is provided to make the finger of the user who makes contact and the key element 65 have substantially the same potential, but the touch panel 13 can effectively detect the coordinates of the contact position of the key element 65 even without the conductive member 63. If possible, it may be omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a stylus type authentication key 70 according to a modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 9A shows the appearance of the authentication key 70. In the authentication key 70 according to the modified example, a plurality of individually rotatable key elements 75 are arranged one-dimensionally in the longitudinal direction of the stylus portion 70a. A block-shaped key element 75 made of a conductive material is embedded in the side surface of the stylus portion 70a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, a cylindrical block 70b in which each key element 75 is embedded so that the combination of the one-dimensional key elements 75 can be changed along the longitudinal direction of the stylus portion 70a. Are individually rotatable in a circular manner. By changing the rotational position of the cylindrical block 70b, the key pattern can be changed to a plurality of patterns composed of various combinations as shown in FIG. 9D.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, an elongated conductive member 73a is provided to extend on the central axis of the stylus portion 70a, and the shaft diameter when the block-shaped key element 75 is embedded. Each key element 75 is electrically connected to the conductive member 73a through the conductive member 73b provided in the direction. Furthermore, the end portion of the conductive member 73a is electrically connected to the contact portion 71 made of a conductive material, which is located at the tip of the stylus portion 70a that is easy to touch when gripped by the user.

  The user holds the authentication key 70 so as to touch the contact part 71 of the stylus part 70a, and makes the part of the key element 75 on the side surface of the stylus part 70a contact the touch panel 13. The key pattern formed by the combination of the key elements 75 is detected as coordinates of the contact position of the key element 75 on the touch panel 13.

  In the authentication apparatus, as in the first embodiment, coordinates corresponding to a key pattern formed by a combination of a plurality of key elements 75 are detected by detecting the coordinates of the contact position of each key element 75 on the touch panel 13 by the coordinate detection unit 13a. The pattern can be acquired.

  As in this modification, the cylindrical block 70b in which the block-shaped key element 75 is embedded has a rotatable structure, so that the user can easily change the key pattern without impairing the design. It is.

  As in FIG. 8, the conductive members 73a and 73b may be omitted if the touch panel 13 can effectively detect the coordinates of the contact position of the key element 75 without the conductive members 73a and 73b.

  In addition, when the key element is provided on the side surface of the stylus portion, a one-dimensional key pattern is formed. However, a two-dimensional key pattern can be formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9D, a plurality of key element groups are arranged so that a plurality of key patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction, and the user rolls the stylus type authentication key on the touch panel. Do the touching operation. As a result, the coordinates of the one-dimensional key pattern formed on the side surface of the stylus part are sequentially detected by the touch panel so that the two-dimensional key pattern can be read from, for example, an array of three sets of one-dimensional key patterns. Good. As a result, many key patterns can be formed.

  Similarly, in the authentication key of FIG. 8, the ring-shaped key element is different in the circumferential direction by forming a part of the ring-shaped key element in the circumferential direction with a conductive material and forming the other part with an insulating material. Multiple rows of one-dimensional key patterns are obtained. A two-dimensional key pattern can be obtained by bringing such an authentication key into contact with the touch panel while being similarly rolled.

  In the authentication keys shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a cylindrical cover may be detachably provided on the stylus part in order to prevent the key pattern from being visually recognized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where all the key elements are electrically connected to the portion where the user's hand or finger abuts through the conductive member has been described. However, as described above, the conductive member is provided. However, the portion where the hand, the finger or the like abuts and the key element do not necessarily have to be electrically connected. That is, in the case of a capacitive touch panel, the key element only needs to cause disturbance of the electric field. Even if it does not come into contact with the user's hand or finger, only the key element made of a conductive material can be used. It is possible to detect the coordinates of the contact position.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the positions of all the key elements can be changed, but the key pattern is recognized by at least the fixed key element by dividing it into a fixed key element and a changeable key element. Thereafter, authentication may be performed using a key pattern formed by all key elements. Thereby, unnecessary authentication processing can be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the authentication key and the authentication device are applied to an information processing terminal such as a portable terminal or a PC has been described. However, the authentication key and the authentication device of the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can change the key at any time, and security can be improved. Further, by changing the key pattern, it is possible to easily change the setting corresponding to a plurality of operation modes and functions. In addition, a key that can be changed by the user can be realized in a simple shape. Further, the operability at the time of authentication can be improved, and an authentication key that can be easily operated by the user can be realized.

  Various aspects of the embodiment according to the present invention include the following.

A key member having a contact surface that can contact a detection surface of the authentication device; and a plurality of key elements that are disposed on the contact surface and at least one of which can change a position on the contact surface. When the contact surface comes into contact with the detection surface of the authentication device, the coordinate information of the contact positions of the plurality of key elements is acquired by the authentication device, and the plurality of key elements are obtained by changing the position of the key element. An authentication key whose key pattern formed by can be changed.
With the above configuration, the user can arbitrarily change the key with a simple configuration.

The authentication key, wherein the key member includes a plurality of storage portions that can store the key elements, and at least a part of the key elements is detachably attached to the storage portion.
With the above configuration, a desired key pattern is formed by storing the key element in the storage unit at an arbitrary position.

The authentication key, wherein the key element includes a conductive material, and the coordinate information of the contact positions of the plurality of key elements is detected by a capacitive coordinate detection unit in the authentication device. .
With the configuration described above, it is possible to realize an authentication key having a predetermined key pattern by arbitrarily arranging the positions of the conductive key elements in correspondence with an authentication apparatus having a capacitive touch panel. On the authentication device side, coordinate information of contact positions of a plurality of key elements can be accurately detected, and a coordinate pattern corresponding to the key pattern of the authentication key can be acquired.

The authentication key according to the above-described authentication key, wherein a contact portion that is electrically connected to the key element is provided at a portion of the key member that can be contacted by a user.
With the above configuration, when the user grips the authentication key, the user's hand or finger and the key element have substantially the same potential, and the key element contact position with high accuracy in the authentication device having the capacitive touch panel It is possible to detect the coordinates.

The authentication key, wherein the key member is formed in a rod shape, and at least a part of the plurality of key elements arranged in the longitudinal direction of the key member is configured to be individually rotatable or movable. .
With the above configuration, a desired key pattern is formed by rotating the key elements arranged in the longitudinal direction or moving the key elements in the longitudinal direction.

The authentication key, wherein the key pattern by the plurality of key elements is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern.
With the above configuration, a predetermined number of combinations of key patterns can be realized by one-dimensional or two-dimensional key patterns.

When a contact surface of the authentication key on which a plurality of key elements including a conductive material are disposed contacts and a contact surface of the authentication key contacts the detection surface, the plurality of key elements When the coordinate detection unit for detecting the coordinate information of the contact position, the acquired coordinate pattern based on the detected coordinate information of the plurality of contact positions, and the registered coordinate pattern held in advance are matched, and the coordinates of the two match An authentication processing unit that executes an operation upon successful authentication.
With the configuration described above, the coordinates of the contact positions of the plurality of key elements by the conductive material can be detected, and authentication can be performed using the coordinate pattern of these coordinates, and an authentication operation corresponding to an authentication key with a simple configuration can be realized. Moreover, the operation at the time of a successful authentication can be executed together with the authentication by a simple operation by simply contacting the authentication key.

It is said authentication apparatus, Comprising: Identification apparatus which has a registration part which registers the coordinate pattern corresponding to this identification information as said registration coordinate pattern with identification information.
With the configuration described above, an arbitrary coordinate pattern can be registered together with identification information in accordance with a situation during use such as for each user.

The authentication apparatus, wherein the authentication processing unit executes at least one of unlocking, determination of an operation mode, execution of a predetermined operation mode or function as an operation when the authentication is successful. apparatus.
With the above-described configuration, corresponding processing such as unlocking, determination of an operation mode, execution of a predetermined operation mode or function can be performed together with authentication.

It is said authentication apparatus, Comprising: The said authentication process part performs the operation mode or function according to the said collated coordinate pattern as operation | movement at the time of the said authentication success.
With the above configuration, the corresponding operation mode or function can be executed according to the collated coordinate pattern, that is, according to the identification information such as the user ID. For example, different operation modes and functions can be executed for each user, and the operation mode and functions to be executed can be changed by changing the key.

  The present invention is intended to be variously modified and applied by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known techniques without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Included in the scope for protection. In addition, the constituent elements in the above embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention has an effect that a user can arbitrarily change a key with a simple configuration, an authentication key for authenticating an electronic device having a touch panel, and an electronic device corresponding to the authentication key. It is useful as an authentication device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing terminal 1a Terminal main body 5 Authentication apparatus 10 Control part 11 Display part 13 Touch panel 13a Coordinate detection part 15 Database (DB) part 15a, 66 Coordinate pattern 16 Operation part 16a Key registration key 16b Authentication key 17 Communication part 18 Camera part 19 Audio processing unit 19a Speaker 19b Microphone 20, 40, 60 Authentication key 21, 41 Key body 21a, 41a Hole 21b, 41b, 63, 73a, 73b Conductive member 22 Key pattern 23, 60a, 70a Stylus unit 25, 45, 65 75 Key element 27, 47 Cover 32 Coordinate information (coordinate pattern)
43, 71 Contact part 70b Cylindrical block

Claims (10)

A key member having a contact surface capable of contacting the detection surface of the authentication device;
A plurality of key elements disposed on the contact surface, at least one of which can change a position on the contact surface;
When the contact surface comes into contact with the detection surface of the authentication device, coordinate information of contact positions of the plurality of key elements is acquired by the authentication device, and the plurality of the plurality of key elements are changed by changing the position of the key element. An authentication key in which the key pattern formed by the key elements can be changed. The authentication key according to claim 1,
The key member is an authentication key in which a plurality of storage portions capable of storing the key elements are arranged, and at least a part of the key elements is detachably attached to the storage portion. The authentication key according to claim 1 or 2,
The key element includes a conductive material;
An authentication key in which coordinate information of contact positions of the plurality of key elements is detected in a capacitive coordinate detection unit in the authentication device. The authentication key according to claim 3,
An authentication key, wherein a contact portion that is electrically connected to the key element is provided at a portion of the key member that can be contacted by a user. The authentication key according to claim 1,
The key member is formed in a rod shape, and at least a part of the plurality of key elements arranged in the longitudinal direction of the key member is configured to be individually rotatable or movable. The authentication key according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The key pattern formed by the plurality of key elements is an authentication key that is a one-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern. A detection surface in contact with the contact surface of the authentication key on which a plurality of key elements including a conductive material are arranged; and
A coordinate detection unit that detects coordinate information of contact positions of the plurality of key elements when the contact surface of the authentication key comes into contact with the detection surface;
An authentication processing unit that performs an operation when authentication is successful when the acquired coordinate pattern based on the detected coordinate information of the plurality of contact positions is collated with a registered coordinate pattern held in advance and the coordinates of the two match. ,
An authentication device comprising: The authentication device according to claim 7,
The authentication apparatus which has a registration part which registers the coordinate pattern corresponding to this identification information as said registration coordinate pattern with identification information. The authentication device according to claim 8,
The authentication processing unit executes at least one of unlocking, determination of an operation mode, execution of a predetermined operation mode or function as an operation when the authentication is successful. The authentication device according to claim 9,
The authentication processing unit executes an operation mode or a function according to the collated coordinate pattern as an operation when the authentication is successful.

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