JP2001231765A - Writing discrimination system, writing tool and method for discriminating writing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a reliable authentication system by simple constitution. SOLUTION: A processing terminal 10 is provided with a writing tool (ball point pen) 30. This tool 30 can be constituted similarly to generally circulated ones except for being provided with a vibrating part and a detecting element at its core. The terminal 10 generates writing vibration information based on the variation of the vibration of the core in writing and a writing discriminating station 20 compares this writing vibration information with characteristic information based on the variation of the vibration registered in advance and performs writing discrimination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for discriminating handwriting such as a signature, and more particularly to a technique for performing authentication by discriminating handwriting.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is an increasing demand for improving the reliability of security systems. As a system for ensuring security, there is a handwriting authentication system using uniqueness of handwriting. This system captures the entire image of the signature that has been made and compares it with the entire image of the signature that has been registered in advance by image processing. Has already been put into practical use as a system for

[0003]

However, the conventional handwriting authentication system based on image processing has a problem that the device configuration is complicated, such as having an image processing system, and the shape is very similar due to imitation of others. There is a problem that it is difficult to discriminate the handwriting that has been performed, and the authentication reliability is reduced. On the other hand, in the pressure-sensitive tablet type device, the place where the writing is detected is limited on the pressure-sensitive tablet, so that the size is increased to correspond to various types of paper or writing positions, For this reason, there is a problem related to an installation space in which installation is difficult in a narrow place.

[0004]

In view of the above problems, the inventor has invented a completely new writing discrimination method. According to the present invention, by vibrating the writing lead of the writing implement, detecting a change in the writing lead vibration generated at the time of writing, and performing writing determination based on this, the apparatus configuration can be simplified, Since the size can be further reduced and the handwriting determination is performed based on the characteristic of a change in the vibration of the brush core, which is difficult for others to imitate, the reliability of the authentication system can be improved.

[0005]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention in which a writing discrimination system according to the present invention is applied to a credit card transaction system will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the principle of handwriting determination will be described.
The writing implement has a brush core vibrated by the vibrating unit. The inventor's research has revealed that the change in the pen tip vibration during writing is unique to the writer. FIG. 10 shows how the vibration frequency of the brush core changes when a plurality of writers write the word “ei” using the system of the present embodiment. Note that the writing start time for each image is different depending on the writer, but for the sake of explanation, FIG. In this figure, the horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is the difference between the vibration frequency (= natural frequency) in the non-contact state and the vibration frequency. From this figure, it can be seen that the change in the vibration of the brush lead has characteristics unique to the writer.
By utilizing such properties, in the present embodiment, a change in vibration, for example, a change in vibration frequency is registered in advance for each writer as unique information, and writing information based on the change in vibration at the time of writing is written in advance. The writing is determined by comparing the registered unique information.

Next, a schematic configuration of the transaction system of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of this system. This system 1 has a processing terminal 10, a handwriting determination station 20, and a processing authentication station 40,
Connected by 0. Transaction processing (for example, sales processing using a credit card) is performed in the processing terminal 10 (for example, an electronic cash register). A writing implement 30 (for example, a pen) is connected to each processing terminal 10. The change in the vibration of the writing lead of the writing implement 30 during writing is determined by the processing terminal 10.
Is detected. The authentication of the processing act is performed by the processing certificate authority 4
0 (for example, a card company). This authentication is performed with reference to personal information recorded in advance. In the writing discrimination station 20 that performs the writing discrimination, writing unique information is registered in advance for each individual or each writing, and the writing discrimination compares the writing information based on the detected change in vibration with this unique information. This is done by: In this embodiment, the writing is performed in a state where the writing medium 60 is placed on the underlay 70, and the writing medium 60 is configured as a credit card slip provided with a transfer type paper and stacked. .

Next, each component of the system will be described. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the processing terminal 10, FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the writing implement 30, and FIG.

First, the processing terminal 10 will be described. The processing terminal 10 includes a control mechanism 11 (for example, a CPU), a storage mechanism 12 (for example, a memory), an input mechanism 15 (for example, a keyboard 15a, a card reader 15b, and a code reader 15).
c), an output mechanism 16 (for example, a display 16a, a printer 16b), a communication mechanism 17, a vibrating section drive mechanism 13, and a vibration detection mechanism 14, which are connected, for example, via a bus.

[0010] The control mechanism 11 controls the various parts of the terminal, performs calculations based on the vibration information generated in the vibration detection mechanism 14, and generates writing information corresponding to the writing.

The storage mechanism 12 stores parameters related to control or processing of the terminal (for example, attribute information of a writing instrument or a writing medium), and also stores detected vibration information. In the present embodiment, as the attribute information of the writing implement 30 or the writing medium 60, information that can identify the vibration characteristics of the writing lead 33 or information that can identify the characteristics that affect the writing lead vibration is stored. Here, each attribute information is, for example, information indicating a type, a model, and the like. In addition, brush lead 33
Are the natural frequencies of the brush core, for example, and the characteristics that affect the brush core vibration of the writing medium 60 or the underlay 70 thereof are, for example, their material, elasticity, and hardness.

The input mechanism 15 inputs information necessary for processing, such as processing content information (eg, purchased product type, product name, price, etc.), and attribute information of a processing applicant. In this embodiment,
The input mechanism 15 includes a keyboard 15a, a card reader 15b, and a code reader 10c. The card reader 15b reads the attribute information of the card owner (for example, the applicant for processing) recorded on the card. Further, the code reader 15c reads the coded processing content information (for example, a barcode indicating the attribute of the purchased product).

The output mechanism 16 outputs input information and information indicating a processed result. In this embodiment,
The output mechanism 16 includes a display 16a and a printer 16b. The communication mechanism 17 includes a communication line 50.
, And exchanges information between the processing terminal 10 and the outside.

Next, the mechanism of vibration of the writing lead 33 in the writing implement 30, for example, a ballpoint pen, will be described. The vibration mechanism of the brush lead 30c is the same as that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-145691. That is, the vibrating section driving mechanism 13 has a filter circuit (or a gain change correction circuit) and an amplifier circuit (not shown), and further connects the vibrating section 31 (for example, a vibrator) and the detecting element 32 to self-excit. An oscillation circuit is configured. The vibration detection mechanism 14
For example, the vibration unit driving mechanism 13 detects a change in vibration of the brush lead 33 and generates vibration information.

The writing implement 30 includes a vibrating part 31
Except for having the detection element 32 and the detection element 32, the configuration may be the same as that of a commonly distributed one. In the present embodiment, the writing implement 30 is configured as a ballpoint pen. The cylindrical intermediate member 34 includes a front end member 35 and a rear end member 36 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Brush lead 33
Is fixedly supported by a support portion 37a of the tip member 35 and a support portion 37b of the rear end member 36, penetrates the hollow portion of the intermediate member 34, and protrudes from the opening 38 of the tip member 35 to the outside. The brush lead 33 vibrates in contact with the writing medium at the tip protruding outside.

Next, the schematic configuration of the writing discrimination station 20 will be described. The writing discrimination station 20 includes a control mechanism 21 (for example, C
PU), storage mechanism 22 (eg, database 22a, memory 22b), input mechanism 24 (eg, keyboard), output mechanism 25 (eg, display), and communication mechanism 2
3 is provided. The control mechanism 21 controls the entire writing discrimination station 20 and performs all calculations related to writing discrimination including comparison discrimination. The database 22a of the storage mechanism 22
, Unique information based on a change in vibration of the writing lead 33 at the time of writing is registered in advance for each writer, and information related to calculation of writing determination is stored in the memory 22b. The input mechanism 24 and the output mechanism 25 respectively input and output information used for calculation of writing determination. The communication mechanism 23 is connected to the communication line 50 and exchanges information between the writing discrimination station 20 and the outside.

Next, a credit card transaction in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the transaction. The credit card transaction in the present embodiment includes a process authentication preparation S10 in the processing terminal 10, a process authentication S20 in the process authentication station 40, a writing S30 in the processing terminal 10, a writing determination S40 by the writing determination station 20,
Then, the process proceeds to the process execution S50 in the processing terminal 10.

First, preparations are made for processing authentication (for example, authentication of a credit card transaction) (processing authentication preparation step S10). In this step, information necessary for processing authentication is input from the input mechanism 15 of the processing terminal 10, for example. More specifically, attribute information of a processing applicant (for example, a credit card number possessed by a purchase applicant) and processing content information (for example, attribute information of a purchased product, a transaction amount, and a payment method) are input.
These pieces of information are transmitted to the processing authentication station 40 as processing authentication request information together with, for example, the current time and the processing terminal identification information (processing terminal ID). This step S
At 10, a process ID for identifying the transaction process is generated.
Thereafter, information is transmitted and received based on the processing ID, and is used for identification of work in each part of the system.

Next, the processing authentication step S20 will be described. The processing certificate authority 40 refers to information (for example, processing results such as past payment results, processing limits such as transaction limits) based on the processing applicant's processing based on the attribute information and processing content information of the processing applicant. Then, it is determined whether or not the processing can be performed. Then, the result is returned to the processing terminal 10 as processing authentication information.

Next, the writing step S30 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the step S30 in detail. Prior to writing, the output mechanism 16 of the processing terminal 10
Outputs the processing content information (processing content information output step S301). More specifically, the printer 16b prints out the name, quantity, and transaction amount of the purchased item on a credit card slip having a signature field. Thus, the processing applicant can perform the writing after confirming the processing content.

In parallel with the step S301, the vibrating section driving mechanism 13 is activated, the pen lead 33 starts to vibrate (pencil lead vibration start step S302), and the vibration detecting mechanism 14 detects a change in vibration. Is started (vibration detection start step S30)
3). Here, the control mechanism 11 confirms whether or not the vibration state of the brush lead 33 is normal (the vibration state confirmation step S
304). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the brush lead 33 vibrates in a predetermined state (for example, the frequency is a natural frequency ± 10%) for a predetermined time within a predetermined period from the start of the vibration. When it is determined that the vibration state is normal (step S304) and the output of the processing content information (step S301) ends, an output indicating that writing can be started is output from the output mechanism 16 (writing standby). Notification step S305). More specifically, for example, on the display 16a, a message "Please sign in the signature column." Is displayed.
Based on this output result, the processing applicant starts writing at a predetermined position on the writing medium (for example, a signature column of a credit card slip) (writing start step S306). If it is not determined in step S304 that the vibration state is normal, an output indicating that the vibration is abnormal, for example, is displayed on the output mechanism 16 such as the display 16a (vibration abnormality output step S311). The processing by the writing implement 30 or the processing terminal 10 ends. By determining the vibration state of the brush lead in this way, more accurate writing determination can be performed. Further, as described above, the output step (S304) of the processing content is replaced with the other steps (S302 to S30).
By performing in parallel with 4), writing information can be generated more quickly.

Next, the start of writing is recognized (writing start recognition step S307). In the present embodiment, the start of writing is recognized based on a change in vibration. FIG. 7 shows an example of this. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the difference in vibration frequency from the natural frequency. After the start of the vibration, the control mechanism 11 recognizes that writing has started when the change in the vibration frequency reaches the predetermined value ft for the first time. Next, the control mechanism 11 refers to the vibration information sequentially stored in the storage mechanism 12 from the time t1 when the predetermined value ft is reached, and detects the start time ts of the fluctuation of the vibration frequency from the natural frequency. This time point ts is recognized as the writing start time point.

When the writing is completed (writing end step S30)
8) The end of writing is recognized (writing end recognition step S)
309). The end of this writing is also recognized based on the change in vibration. This example will be described with reference to FIG. After the authorization of the start of the writing, the control mechanism 11 recognizes that the writing has ended at the time t2 when the vibration at the natural frequency has continued for a predetermined time (Tc). Next, the control mechanism 11 refers to the vibration information stored in the storage mechanism 12 from this time t2, detects the start time te of the continuation of the vibration, and recognizes this time te as the writing end time.

Then, the control mechanism 11 generates the writing information used as the basis of the writing determination (writing information generation step S310).
In the present embodiment, the writing information includes vibration information of a section from the writing start time to the writing end time (hereinafter, this information is referred to as writing vibration information), information capable of identifying the vibration characteristics of the writing lead 33, and a writing medium. The attribute information includes the attribute information of the underlay 60 or the underlayment 70 and the attribute information of the processing applicant. These pieces of information are used in the handwriting determination station 20 in handwriting determination. The generated writing information is transmitted by the communication mechanism 17 to the writing determination station 20 via the communication line 50. At the time of writing in the writing step S30 described here, the writing medium 60 is placed on an underlay 70 (not shown). By providing the underlay 70 in this way, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of vibration variation depending on the place where the writing medium 60 is placed.

Next, the handwriting determination step S40 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing this process in detail.
It is. The control mechanism 21 of the writing discriminating station 20 determines whether or not the writing can be determined (step S40 for determining whether the writing can be determined).
1). More specifically, the control mechanism 21 confirms whether or not the writing information is in a normal state, and confirms the operation status of each part of the control mechanism 21 and the writing determination station (normal / abnormal of each part, degree of operation busyness, etc.). Do. Here, the control mechanism 21 determines whether it is possible to wait for the writing determination (writing standby availability determination step S4).
05), when the operation status is normal, but the writing determination cannot be performed immediately due to busyness, the determination process is made to wait in the storage mechanism 22 (for example, the memory 22b), and information indicating that is generated, and the processing terminal is processed. 10 (step S407 for waiting for writing). In addition, for example, when the handwriting determination is impossible due to an abnormality in the operation of each unit, the control mechanism 21 generates information indicating that the handwriting determination is not possible (writing handwriting inability information generation step S407). This information is transmitted to the processing terminal 10. As described above, by performing the determination as to whether or not the handwriting can be determined (step S401), the handwriting can be more accurately determined.

If it is determined in step S401 that the handwriting can be distinguished, the information can be identified in accordance with the attribute information, that is, information that can identify the vibration characteristics of the brush lead 33 or the writing medium 6
Correction of the written vibration information is performed in accordance with 0 or information that affects the writing lead vibration of the underlay 70 (writing vibration information correction step S402). Since the vibration of the brush lead 33 varies depending on its own vibration characteristics or the characteristics of the writing medium 60 or the underlay 70 thereof, the accuracy of the writing determination can be further improved by this step S402. The storage mechanism 22 of the writing discrimination station 20, for example, the database 22a, previously stores a vibration information correction function corresponding to the vibration characteristics of the writing implement and the characteristics that affect the writing medium or the underlay of the writing medium. This correction function offsets the writing vibration information by a predetermined amount, for example. And control mechanism 2
1 is the vibration characteristic of the writing implement in the received attribute information,
The correction function is called based on the characteristics that affect the vibration of the writing medium or the underlay of the writing medium, and the writing vibration information is corrected using the correction function. Here, the correction by the plurality of correction functions is performed, for example, by multiplying these correction functions.

The control mechanism 21 compares the corrected handwritten vibration information with the pre-registered unique information based on the change in vibration to perform handwritten discrimination (a handwritten comparison discriminating step S40).
3). This unique information is, for example, writing vibration information acquired in advance for each writer and registered in the storage mechanism 22, for example, the database 22a. In this step S403, the control mechanism 21 calls the registered unique information based on the attribute information of the processing applicant, compares the corrected handwritten vibration information with the unique information, and performs handwriting determination.

Next, based on the result of the comparison determination in step S403, writing determination information is generated (generation of writing determination information S404). The writing discrimination information includes, for example, a matching rate between the writing vibration information and the unique information. The generated writing determination information is transmitted to the processing terminal 10 via the communication line 50 by the communication mechanism 23.

Next, the processing execution step S50 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing this process in detail.
It is. Upon receiving the handwriting determination information, the processing terminal 10 outputs the handwriting determination result (outputting process of handwriting determination result S501). More specifically, the matching ratio between the written vibration information and the unique information is displayed on the output mechanism 16, for example, the display 16a. Then, based on this result,
For example, it is determined by the operator whether or not to perform the processing (processing execution determination step S502). Here, when it is determined that the processing cannot be performed, it is further determined whether or not to be authenticated by re-writing (re-writing execution determining step S505).
In this step S505, when the writer applies for writing again, the writing can be performed again, and the writing can be discriminated again. In this case, the input mechanism 15 such as the keyboard 1
5a, a command signal for performing rewriting is input, and the control mechanism 11 causes the processing terminal 10 to perform the writing process S30.
Control each part of On the other hand, when it is determined that the discrimination by the execution of the process and the rewriting is impossible, the writing discrimination by the present system is stopped. In this case, a signal for instructing termination of the process is input from the input mechanism 15, for example, the keyboard 15a.

If it is determined that the processing can be performed, the processing is performed (processing execution step S503). That is, in the present embodiment, the delivery of the product is performed. Further, in the present embodiment, the writing medium 60 is configured as a credit card voucher that is laminated with transfer paper, so that the first sheet on which the writing or signature is performed is used as a copy of the seller, and the writing or signature is performed. Can be handed over as a copy of the purchaser. Then, information indicating that the processing has been performed is generated based on, for example, an input from the input mechanism 15 (for example, the keyboard 15a), and transmitted to the processing authentication station 40 or the writing determination station 20 (generation of processing execution information). Step S5
04).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the processing terminal 1
0, the handwriting determination station 20 and the processing authentication station 40 are separately provided, but they may be all integrated, or each element may be configured by another framework. For example, the writing instrument may have a configuration in which the vibrating section drive mechanism is integrated, or the transducer and the detection element may be detachable units, and may be configured to be used by attaching to a general writing instrument. May be. As an example of the latter, the unit can be configured as a detachable unit with respect to a pressing operation unit of a mechanical pencil or a ballpoint pen, for example, a brush lead protruding from a rear end.

The processing authentication in the above-described embodiment is as follows.
Although the processing is performed based on the information read from the credit card, the processing itself may be performed by handwriting determination. The determination of the process authentication in this case may be made based on, for example, a handwritten identification number. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the determination of writing is performed by correcting the writing vibration information according to the attribute information, but this is registered in advance in the storage mechanism with the unique information corresponding to the attribute information, and It may be performed by comparing with the unique information. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the operator determines whether or not to perform the process based on the output handwriting determination result. However, the control mechanism may automatically perform the determination based on the handwriting determination result. You may comprise. At this time, the control mechanism can make a determination as to whether or not it is possible according to, for example, the matching rate. The object to be determined is not limited to a signature, but may be a figure, a symbol, or the like. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to any system for performing authentication by writing.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By vibrating the writing lead of the writing implement, detecting a change in vibration of the writing lead occurring during writing, and performing writing determination based on this, the device configuration can be simplified and the size can be reduced. In addition, an excellent effect that the reliability of authentication can be improved can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a handwriting determination system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a processing terminal of the handwriting determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a writing instrument of the writing discrimination system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a writing discrimination station of the writing discrimination system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a handwriting determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a writing step of the writing determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing detection of start and end of writing in the writing determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a handwriting determination step of the handwriting determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a handwriting determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a difference in vibration change for each writer detected by the handwriting determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Writing discrimination system, 11 control mechanism (writing information generation mechanism), 12 storage mechanism, 14 vibration detection mechanism, 21
Control mechanism (comparison mechanism), 22a database (registration mechanism), 30 writing implements, 31 vibration unit, 60 writing media, 70 underlay.

Claims (6)

[Claims] A vibrating unit for vibrating a writing lead coming into contact with a writing medium of a writing implement; a vibration detecting mechanism for detecting a change in vibration of the writing lead occurring during writing; and writing information based on the change in the vibration. A writing information generating mechanism for generating, a registration mechanism for pre-registering unique information based on a change in vibration of a writing lead at the time of writing for each writer, and a comparing and discriminating mechanism for determining writing by comparing the written information with the unique information. A writing discrimination system equipped with,. 2. The writing discrimination system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage mechanism for storing attribute information of a writing instrument or a writing medium, wherein the comparison discriminating mechanism discriminates writing based on the attribute information. . 3. The writing discrimination system according to claim 2, wherein the attribute information is information capable of identifying a vibration characteristic of a brush lead. 4. The writing discrimination system according to claim 2, wherein the attribute information is information capable of identifying a characteristic that affects a writing medium and / or an underlay of the writing medium and a brush core vibration. 5. A writing implement used for writing determination, comprising: a writing lead that comes into contact with a writing medium; and a vibrating unit that vibrates the writing lead, and writes the writing based on a change in vibration of the writing lead during writing. Writing instrument for writing discrimination for discrimination. 6. A writing discrimination method for discriminating writing, comprising: a step of vibrating a writing lead of a writing implement; a step of detecting a change in vibration of the writing lead during writing; and a change in vibration of the writing lead during writing. Discriminating the handwriting based on the unique information registered in advance based on and the detected change in vibration.