JP2002211358A - Authentication device and authentication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an authentication device for authenticating a just user maneuvering a vehicle allowing its miniaturization and reduction of cost and having high safety by an unprecedented authentication method. SOLUTION: A current position detection part 15 detects vehicle history information changing in accordance with the use of the vehicle, and a storage part 13 stores the vehicle history information. When authentication is performed, an output part 12 gives a question about the vehicle history information, and the user inputs an answer for the question through an input part 11. An information processing part 14 determines whether the question is right or not based on the vehicle history information stored in the storage part 13 and the user's answer to authenticate the just user of the vehicle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an authentication device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to an authentication device for authenticating a valid user of a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method of authenticating a valid user of a vehicle, there is a method of starting an engine using a mechanical cylinder key. This prevents the vehicle from being stolen by making it impossible to start the engine without a proper key. However, since mechanical keys can be copied relatively easily, a sufficient anti-theft effect has not always been obtained.

[0003] Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 4-15141, there is a method in which a key is made to contain specific electronic information, thereby making it difficult to duplicate the key and enhancing the effect of preventing the vehicle from being stolen. However, if the legitimate key is stolen, the vehicle cannot be prevented from being stolen, and in this case, the antitheft effect is not sufficient.

[0004] Therefore, a method of preventing the vehicle from being stolen by determining whether or not the user is a legitimate user by personal authentication is conceivable. As this method, for example, JP-A-7-168930, JP-A-2000-16850
No. 2, JP-A-2000-85536, a vehicle user recognition device that performs personal verification by detecting biological characteristics such as a fingerprint and an iris of an eye and authenticates an authorized user. Has been proposed. Further, as another method of authenticating an authorized user by personal authentication, an authentication device using a password as an authentication key has been conventionally known.

[0005]

The method of authenticating a user by detecting a biometric feature requires a unit for detecting the biometric feature.
The authentication device increases in size and cost. On the other hand, in the method using a password, if the same password is continuously used, the possibility of the password being stolen increases and the security of the authentication decreases. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically change the password, which increases the burden on the user.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the size and cost by an unprecedented authentication method.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an authentication device and an authentication method for authenticating a legitimate user who operates a vehicle with high security.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention The present invention has the following features in order to achieve the above object.

A first invention is an authentication device for authenticating a valid user of a vehicle, a vehicle history information detecting section detecting vehicle history information that changes with use of the vehicle, and a vehicle history information detection section. A vehicle history information storage unit that stores vehicle history information detected by the unit, an output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information, an answer input unit that inputs a user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information, and a vehicle. A user authentication unit that authenticates the user as a valid user based on the vehicle history information stored in the history information storage unit and the user's answer.

According to the first aspect, the vehicle history information can be used for user authentication. Vehicle history information is
Information that changes with the use of the vehicle due to the movement of the vehicle, the passage of time, and the like, and that can identify the vehicle. For example, a history of a passing point, information on a point such as a departure place or a destination, information on a route such as a history of a traveled route, information on a gas remaining amount, information on a speed of a vehicle, and VICS (Vehicle Information)
nation and Communication S
ystem) Information on the reception history is included in the vehicle history information. Such vehicle history information is information that is stored only by a legitimate user who has operated the vehicle, and is information that constantly changes each time the user gets on the vehicle. Therefore, by using the vehicle history information for authentication, the possibility of being stolen by another person is reduced as compared with the case where a fixed password is used as authentication information, and the security of authentication is increased. In addition, compared to an authentication device that performs authentication using biological characteristics, authentication can be performed without the need for a detection unit that detects biological characteristics, so that downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0010] The second invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the vehicle history information includes point history information representing history information about one or more predetermined points.

According to the second aspect, the point history information can be used for user authentication. Location history information
This is information indicating the history of the vehicle having passed or dropped in before at that point. Such point history information is information that can be stored relatively easily without the user being particularly conscious. Therefore, according to the second aspect, by using the point history information for authentication,
The burden on the user for storage can be reduced.

[0012] A third invention is an invention according to the second invention, wherein the point history information includes a date and time when the vehicle has previously passed one or more points registered in advance by the user, and a date and time when the vehicle has previously boarded the vehicle. And information about.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select a point that the user frequently passes or a facility that is frequently used, and use the history regarding the selected point for authentication. Therefore, the user can easily store the answer to the question at the time of performing the authentication, so that the burden on the user for storing is reduced. According to the third aspect,
A question is asked about information that can be easily stored by the user, such as the date and time of the last pass. This also reduces the burden on the user for storage.

[0014] A fourth invention is an invention according to the third invention, wherein the user authentication section selects an arbitrary point from the registered points, and the output section outputs, for the point selected by the user authentication section, If you asked if you passed when you last boarded the vehicle and if you passed when you last boarded the vehicle,
The question of the time when the vehicle passed the last time is output.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to ask a question about the history of the spot for the spot automatically selected by the user authentication unit. Therefore, since there is no need to perform an operation of selecting a point, the burden on the operation of the user is reduced.

A fifth invention is an invention according to the third invention, wherein the answer input unit inputs a point selected by the user among the registered points, and the output unit receives the point input by the answer input unit. The question about the time when the vehicle passed the previous time is output for the point.

According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to ask a question about the time when the user has passed the last time for the point selected by the user. Therefore, the user only has to answer the passing time for the point where the user has stored the history, so that the burden on the user for storing is further reduced.

A sixth invention is an invention according to the first invention, further comprising a personal information storage unit for storing personal information including user-specific information and / or a password preset by the user. The output unit outputs a question about vehicle history information when the elapsed time since the last ride on the vehicle is within a predetermined time, and outputs a question about personal information when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time. If the elapsed period is within a predetermined period, the answer input unit inputs the user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information, and if the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period, the user inputs the user's answer to the question about the personal information. Enter the answer
The user authentication unit determines whether the user is a valid user based on the vehicle history information and the answer of the user if the elapsed period is within the predetermined period, and if the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period, the personal authentication unit And authenticating that the user is valid based on the user's response.

According to the sixth aspect, when the user has not been in the vehicle for a predetermined period, authentication using personal information is performed. Generally, the user forgets the vehicle history information after a certain period has elapsed since the last ride.
In such a case, the use of personal information that can be reliably stored by the user for authentication reduces the burden on the user for storage. As described above, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an authentication device that reliably performs authentication while reducing the user's memory load even when the user has not been in a vehicle for a long time.

A seventh invention is an invention according to the first invention, further comprising a power control unit for supplying power to an engine of the vehicle, wherein the user authentication unit authenticates the user as a valid user. In this case, the power control unit is caused to start power supply.

According to the seventh aspect, the vehicle can be used only when the user is authenticated as a valid user. Therefore, the theft of the vehicle can be prevented by the authentication device using the vehicle history information.

An eighth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein a power control unit for supplying power to an engine of a vehicle, authentication using a key is performed, and authentication as a proper key is performed. In this case, the power control unit further includes a key authentication unit that starts power supply, and a restriction command input unit that inputs a vehicle use restriction command.The user authentication unit performs authentication according to the vehicle use restriction command. When the user is authenticated as a valid user, the key control unit prohibits the power control unit from starting power supply.

According to the eighth aspect, the authentication device can prohibit the use of the vehicle by the authentication using the key by the authentication using the vehicle history information. Therefore, even if the key is stolen, the user can prevent the vehicle from being stolen by performing authentication using the vehicle history information. Furthermore, during normal use of the vehicle, the user only needs to perform authentication using the key, so that the time and effort for authentication when using the vehicle is reduced.

A ninth invention is an invention according to the eighth invention, further comprising a use command input unit for inputting a use command of the vehicle, wherein the user authentication unit performs authentication in accordance with the use command of the vehicle. Then, when the user is authenticated as a valid user, the power control unit is started to supply power.

According to the ninth aspect, the authentication device can use the vehicle by performing authentication using the vehicle history information. Therefore, the user can use the vehicle even when the use of the vehicle by the authentication using the key is restricted.

A tenth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein a power control unit for supplying power to an engine of a vehicle, authentication using a key, and authentication as a proper key are performed. If the authentication unit does not authenticate the user as a valid user within a predetermined time after the power supply unit starts supplying power, the key authentication unit that starts power supply to the power control unit. And a reporting unit for reporting to the user that the is illegally used.

According to the tenth aspect, only the authentication using the key is performed when the vehicle gets on the vehicle, and the authentication using the vehicle history information is performed after the use of the vehicle is started. Therefore, when the user gets on the vehicle, only the authentication that can be performed easily and in a short time need be performed. If the authentication using the vehicle history information is not performed, a notification is sent to a valid user. Therefore, if a legitimate user uses the vehicle, there is no problem even if authentication using the vehicle history information is not performed. As described above, according to the tenth aspect, a legitimate user can use the vehicle by simple authentication using a key. Furthermore, according to the tenth aspect, highly secure authentication using vehicle history information can be performed for a user who uses the vehicle illegally.

An eleventh invention is an invention according to the first invention, characterized in that it is constituted as a part of a car navigation system.

According to the eleventh aspect, the authentication device comprises:
It is configured using a car navigation system. The car navigation system has a function of inputting information from a user, a function of outputting information to a user by images, sounds, and the like, a function of storing vehicle history information, and a function of detecting a current position of a vehicle. . Therefore, a car navigation system can be used to realize the authentication device of the present invention. From the above, the eleventh
According to the invention, the authentication device of the present invention can be realized without the necessity of installing a new device.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is an authentication device capable of communicating with an input terminal for outputting a question about vehicle history information that changes with use of a vehicle and inputting a user's answer to the question. A vehicle history information detection unit to detect, a vehicle history information storage unit to store the vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit, a question about the vehicle history information is transmitted to the input terminal, and the user's answer to the question is transmitted. A communication unit that receives from the input terminal; and a user authentication unit that authenticates the user as a valid user based on the vehicle history information stored in the vehicle history information storage unit and the user's response.

According to the twelfth aspect, the possibility of theft by another person is reduced as compared with the case where a fixed password is used as the authentication information, so that the security of the authentication is enhanced. In addition, compared to an authentication device that performs authentication using biological characteristics, authentication can be performed without the need for a detection unit that detects biological characteristics, so that downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, according to the twelfth aspect, the user can perform authentication from outside the vehicle using the input terminal. Therefore, the user can perform authentication using the vehicle history information before boarding the vehicle. This eliminates the need for troublesome authentication when the user gets on the vehicle, and saves the user the trouble of getting on the vehicle.

A thirteenth invention is an authentication system mounted on a vehicle and including an authentication device for authenticating a valid user of the vehicle, and an input terminal capable of communicating with the authentication device. A vehicle history information detection unit that detects vehicle history information that changes with use, a vehicle history information storage unit that stores vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit, and a question about the vehicle history information to the input terminal. A communication unit that transmits the information to the user and receives the user's answer to the question from the input terminal, and authenticates the user as a valid user based on the vehicle history information stored in the vehicle history information storage unit and the user's answer. A user authentication unit, and the input terminal comprises:
A terminal-side output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information transmitted from the authentication device, a terminal-side answer input unit that inputs a user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information, and sends the user's answer to the authentication device. And a terminal-side communication unit for transmitting.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the possibility of theft by another person is reduced as compared with the case where a fixed password is used as the authentication information, so that the security of the authentication is enhanced. In addition, compared to an authentication device that performs authentication using biological characteristics, authentication can be performed without the need for a detection unit that detects biological characteristics, so that downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, according to the thirteenth aspect, the user can perform authentication from outside the vehicle using the input terminal. Therefore, the user can perform authentication using the vehicle history information before boarding the vehicle. This eliminates the need for troublesome authentication when the user gets on the vehicle, and saves the user the trouble of getting on the vehicle.

A fourteenth invention is an invention according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the authentication device performs authentication using a power control unit for supplying power to an engine of the vehicle, using a key, and using a regular key. When authenticating that there is, further comprising a key authentication unit for starting power supply to the power control unit, the input terminal,
A terminal-side restriction command input unit for inputting a vehicle use restriction command is further provided, and the user authentication unit performs authentication according to the vehicle use restriction command, and when the user is authenticated as a valid user,
The key control unit prohibits the power control unit from starting power supply.

According to the fourteenth aspect, the authentication system can prohibit the use of the vehicle by the authentication using the key by the authentication using the vehicle history information. Therefore, even if the key is stolen, the user can prevent the vehicle from being stolen by performing authentication using the vehicle history information. In addition, during normal use of the vehicle, the user only needs to perform authentication using the key, so that the time and effort for authentication when using the vehicle is reduced.

Further, according to the fourteenth aspect, use of the vehicle can be prohibited by using the input terminal. That is, the user can prohibit the use of the vehicle from outside the vehicle without entering the vehicle.
Therefore, when the key is stolen, the user can be prohibited from using the vehicle even if the user cannot enter the vehicle because he does not have the spare key.

A fifteenth invention is according to the fourteenth invention, wherein the input terminal further includes a terminal-side use command input unit for inputting a use command of the vehicle, and the user authentication unit includes:
The authentication is performed in accordance with the use instruction of the vehicle, and when the user is authenticated as a valid user, the power control unit is started to supply power.

According to the fifteenth aspect, the authentication system can use the vehicle by performing authentication using the vehicle history information. Therefore, the user can use the vehicle even when the use of the vehicle by the authentication using the key is restricted.

A sixteenth invention is an authentication system including a vehicle-side device mounted on a vehicle and an authentication terminal capable of communicating with the vehicle-side device, wherein the vehicle-side device changes with the use of the vehicle. A vehicle history information detection unit that detects history information,
A communication unit that transmits the vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit to the authentication terminal, wherein the authentication terminal
A terminal-side vehicle history information storage unit that stores the vehicle history information transmitted from the communication unit, a terminal-side output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information, and inputs a user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information. A terminal-side answer input unit, and a terminal-side user authentication unit that authenticates the user as a valid user based on the vehicle history information stored in the terminal-side vehicle history information storage unit and the user's response.

According to the sixteenth aspect, vehicle history information that changes with use of the vehicle is used for authentication. Therefore, compared to the case where a fixed password is used as the authentication information, the possibility of being stolen by another person is reduced, and the security of authentication is increased. In addition, compared to an authentication device that performs authentication using biological characteristics, authentication can be performed without the need for a detection unit that detects biological characteristics, so that the device can be reduced in size and cost. is there.

Further, according to the sixteenth aspect, the user can perform authentication outside the vehicle using the authentication terminal. Therefore, the user can perform authentication using the vehicle history information before boarding the vehicle. This eliminates the need for troublesome authentication when the user gets on the vehicle, and saves the user the trouble of getting on the vehicle.

A seventeenth invention is according to the sixteenth invention, wherein the authentication terminal further includes a terminal-side communication unit for transmitting an authentication result by the terminal-side user authentication unit to the vehicle-side device. The vehicle-side device further includes an anti-theft processing unit that performs a process for preventing the vehicle from being stolen based on the authentication result received from the terminal-side communication unit.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the vehicle-side device can use the result of the authentication using the vehicle history information to prevent the vehicle from being stolen. Therefore, the vehicle-side device can enhance the vehicle anti-theft effect by using highly secure authentication.

An eighteenth invention is an invention according to the seventeenth invention, wherein the anti-theft processing unit includes a power control unit for supplying power to an engine of the vehicle, and the vehicle-side device uses a key. The authentication device further includes a key authentication unit for starting power supply to the power control unit when authenticating that the key is authentic, and the authentication terminal includes a terminal-side restriction command input unit for inputting a vehicle use restriction command. The terminal-side user authentication unit performs authentication in accordance with the vehicle use restriction command, and when the user is authenticated, causes the terminal-side communication unit to transmit a power supply prohibition signal to the power control unit. ,Thereby,
The key control unit prohibits the power control unit from starting power supply.

According to the eighteenth aspect, the authentication system can prohibit the use of the vehicle by the authentication using the key by the authentication using the vehicle history information. Therefore,
Even when the key is stolen, the user can prevent the vehicle from being stolen by performing authentication using the vehicle history information. In addition, during normal use of the vehicle, the user only needs to perform authentication using the key, so that the time and effort for authentication when using the vehicle is reduced.

Further, according to the eighteenth aspect, the use of the vehicle can be prohibited by using the input terminal. That is, the user can prohibit the use of the vehicle from outside the vehicle without entering the vehicle.
Therefore, when the key is stolen, the user can be prohibited from using the vehicle even if the user cannot enter the vehicle because he does not have the spare key.

A nineteenth invention is a invention according to the eighteenth invention, wherein the authentication terminal further comprises a terminal-side use command input unit for inputting a vehicle use command, and the terminal-side user authentication unit comprises: When the user is authenticated as a valid user, the terminal-side communication unit transmits a power supply signal to the power control unit, thereby causing the power control unit to start power supply.

According to the nineteenth aspect, the authentication system can use the vehicle by performing authentication using the vehicle history information. Therefore, the user can use the vehicle even when the use of the vehicle by the authentication using the key is restricted.

A twentieth invention is an invention according to the sixteenth invention, wherein the vehicle-side device further includes a vehicle history information storage unit for storing vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit, The communication unit transmits the vehicle history information stored in the vehicle history information storage unit to the authentication terminal when the use of the vehicle ends.

According to the twentieth aspect, the history information of the vehicle up to the previous time is stored in the authentication terminal. Therefore, since the latest vehicle history information is always stored in the authentication terminal, the authentication system can perform accurate authentication.

A twenty-first invention is an input terminal mounted on a vehicle and capable of communicating with an authentication device that authenticates a valid user of the vehicle, and changes with the use of the vehicle transmitted from the authentication device. A terminal-side output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information, a terminal-side answer input unit that inputs a user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information, and a terminal-side communication unit that transmits a user's answer to the authentication device. And

According to the twenty-first aspect, the input terminal comprises:
By using the authentication device, authentication can be performed based on the vehicle history information. That is, the user can perform authentication in advance even when the user is outside the vehicle. This eliminates the need for troublesome authentication when the user gets on the vehicle, and saves the user the trouble of getting on the vehicle.

A twenty-second invention is an authentication terminal capable of communicating with a vehicle-side device that detects vehicle history information that changes with use of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle-side device detects the vehicle history information detected by the vehicle-side device. A terminal-side communication unit that receives from the terminal, a terminal-side vehicle history information storage unit that stores the vehicle history information received by the communication unit, a terminal-side output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information, Terminal-side user authentication for authenticating a valid user based on the terminal-side answer input unit into which the user's answer to the question is input, and the vehicle history information stored in the vehicle history information storage unit and the user's answer Section.

According to the twenty-second aspect, the communication terminal includes:
Performs authentication using vehicle history information. Therefore, as compared with the case where a fixed password is used as authentication information, the possibility of being stolen by another person is reduced, and the security of authentication is increased. In addition, compared to an authentication device that performs authentication using biological characteristics, authentication can be performed without the need for a detection unit that detects biological characteristics, so that size and cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the twenty-second aspect, the user can perform authentication outside the vehicle using the authentication terminal. Therefore, the user can perform authentication using the vehicle history information before boarding the vehicle. This eliminates the need for troublesome authentication when the user gets on the vehicle, and saves the user the trouble of getting on the vehicle.

A twenty-third invention is an authentication method for authenticating a valid user of a vehicle, comprising the steps of detecting vehicle history information that changes with use of the vehicle, and storing the vehicle history information. Questioning the vehicle history information, inputting the user's answer to the question, and determining whether the user is a valid user based on the vehicle history information and the user's answer. .

According to the twenty-third aspect, vehicle history information that changes with use of the vehicle is used for authentication. Therefore, compared to the case where a fixed password is used as the authentication information, the possibility of being stolen by another person is reduced, and the security of authentication is increased. In addition, compared to an authentication device that performs authentication using biological characteristics, authentication can be performed without the need for a detection unit that detects biological characteristics, so that size and cost can be reduced.

[0060]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, an outline of an authentication device according to the present embodiment will be described. Vehicle history information used for authentication in the present invention changes with use of a vehicle. Therefore, if authentication is performed using the vehicle history information, the possibility of theft is small and there is no need to periodically change the authentication, so that highly secure authentication can be performed. Further, such vehicle history information is preferably information that can be stored without the user being particularly conscious. If such information is used, the user does not need to store the information forcibly, and the burden on the user for storing is reduced. Therefore, the authentication device according to the present embodiment performs authentication using history information about a predetermined point. Here, the predetermined point is an arbitrary point that the user can register in advance, and it is desirable that a plurality of points that the user regularly passes through be registered. Specifically, the authentication device according to the present embodiment determines whether the vehicle has passed a predetermined point when
When the user has passed, authentication is performed by causing the user to answer a question as to what day and at what time. In the description of the present embodiment, a predetermined point registered by the user is referred to as a registered point.

The authentication device according to the present embodiment performs authentication by using the history information and the personal information about a predetermined point. Here, the personal information refers to information unique to the user. Typically, personal information includes the date of birth of the user,
A family structure or a password set in advance by the user is used. The authentication device according to the present embodiment performs authentication by using history information about a predetermined point and a password set in advance by a user.

Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle equipped with the authentication device according to the first embodiment.
The authentication device uses a car navigation system generally used in a vehicle. In FIG. 1, a car navigation system 1 includes an input unit 11
, An output unit 12, a storage unit 13, an information processing unit 14,
And a current position detection unit 15. Further, the vehicle includes a key cylinder 211 and a cylinder key 212 and a power supply 22.
, An engine 23, and a power control unit 24.

The input unit 11 inputs a destination at the time of a route search and an answer to a question at the time of authentication. Output unit 12
Outputs map data for route guidance and a question at the time of authentication in an image and a sound. In particular,
The output unit 12 includes a display unit 121 that displays map data for route guidance and a question at the time of authentication by an image,
Voice output unit 1 that outputs a question when performing authentication by voice
22. The storage unit 13 stores vehicle history information and personal information required for authentication, in addition to map data necessary for route search and route guidance. For details of the storage unit 13,
This is shown in FIG.

The information processing unit 14 is typically constituted by a CPU, and has a navigation function of a conventional car navigation system, a function of authenticating that the user is a legitimate user, and a function of updating history information about a point. Having. Details of the information processing unit 14 are shown in FIG. The current position detector 15 detects data necessary for calculating the current position of the vehicle. The current position detector 15 includes a GPS receiver 151 and a speed sensor 15
2 and an orientation sensor 153. Key cylinder 21
1 and the cylinder key 212 are used as switches for supplying power from the power supply 22 to the car navigation system 1. The power supply 22 supplies power to the car navigation system 1 and the engine 23 of the vehicle. Power supply 2
The power supply from the power supply 2 to the engine 23 is controlled by the power control unit 24. That is, the power control unit 24 starts power supply from the power supply 22 to the engine 23 in response to the power supply permission signal from the car navigation system 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the storage section 13 shown in FIG. The storage unit 13 includes a map data storage unit 131, a vehicle history information storage unit 132, and a personal information storage unit 133. Map data storage 131
Stores the map data necessary for the location for specifying the current position. The vehicle history information storage unit 132
Stores vehicle history information required for authentication. In the present embodiment, the vehicle history information storage unit 132 includes a point information data table 1321 representing history information on a point and previous boarding date / time data 1322 representing the last boarding date and time.
Is stored. The point information data table 1321 is shown in detail in FIG. The personal information storage unit 133 stores password data 1331 representing a password set in advance by the user.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the point information data table 1321 shown in FIG. In general, a conventional car navigation system can register position information of an arbitrary point in order to facilitate setting of a destination. Such a conventional car navigation system holds a data table that stores data on the names and positions of registered points. Here, the point information data table 132 in the authentication device according to the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 1 is an extension of a data table held by a conventional car navigation system. That is, the point information data table 1321 includes, for each registered point, in addition to the point name data indicating the name of the registered point and the position data indicating the position of the registered point, the passing date indicating the date when the previous registered point was passed. Data and passing time data representing the time when the vehicle passed the previous registration point are stored. It is desirable that the location name data be registered so that the user can register a name that the user can easily remember when registering the location. The position data is referred to when updating the passage date data and passage time data of the registered point. The passing date data and the passing time data are used when performing authentication.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the information processing section 14. Generally, a conventional car navigation system calculates a current position of a vehicle based on information from a GPS receiver, a speed sensor, and a direction sensor, and performs route search and route guidance between the calculated current position and a destination. It is possible to do. Such a conventional car navigation system includes a location function for calculating the current position of the vehicle, a route search function for performing a route search, and a route guidance function for performing route guidance. Here, the information processing unit 14 in the authentication device according to the present embodiment is an extension of the function of the conventional car navigation system, and is provided in addition to the location unit 141, the route search unit 142, and the route guidance unit 143. And an authentication unit 144 and a vehicle history information updating unit 145. Location part 141
Calculates the current position of the vehicle based on the information detected by the current position detector 15. The route search unit 142 determines an arbitrary destination based on the data of the current position of the vehicle calculated by the location unit 141, the map data stored in the storage unit 13, and the data of the destination output from the input unit 11. To find the route. The route guidance unit 143 outputs the output unit 1 based on the information on the route searched by the route search unit 142 and the map data stored in the storage unit 13.
The route guidance is performed by displaying the route in 2. Note that the location unit 141, the route search unit 142, and the route guidance unit 143 are configured in a conventional car navigation system as described above.

The authentication section 144 performs an authentication process when the user gets on the vehicle. Specifically, when performing authentication, the authentication unit 144 selects a question, compares point information and personal information, and determines whether the user's answer to the question is correct. Details of the authentication process are shown in FIGS. When the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 144 transmits a power supply permission signal to the power control unit 24. The vehicle history information updating unit 145 performs a process of updating the vehicle history information. Specifically, vehicle history information updating section 145
Determines whether the point information data table 1321 should be updated and updates the point information data table 1321. Details of the update process are shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing required for authentication in the car navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment. First, the car navigation system 1 updates vehicle history information used for authentication (step S1). Specifically, the update process of the vehicle history information is performed by the vehicle history information update unit 145 during the previous vehicle riding. When another process is being performed in the information processing unit 14, the process of updating the vehicle history information is performed in the form of an interrupt process or a subroutine call each time the location unit 141 specifies the current position. Will be The details of the subroutine step S1 are shown in FIG.

Next, the car navigation system 1
An authentication process is performed (step S2). Specifically, the authentication process is performed by the authentication unit 144 when the user gets on the vehicle. That is, the authentication process is started when the user inserts the cylinder key 212 into the key cylinder 211 and power is supplied from the power supply 22 to the car navigation system 1. The subroutine step S
Details of 2 are shown in FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows a subroutine step S1 of FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of. Here, the vehicle history information updating unit 145 determines that the point information data table 1
The update processing is performed using the latitude and longitude coordinate data used in the car navigation system 1 as the position data 321. Hereinafter, the update process of the vehicle history information will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the vehicle history information updating unit 145 reads the position data representing the current position of the vehicle calculated by the location unit 141 (Step S11). The process of step S11 is performed when the location unit 141 specifies the current position. Next, the vehicle history information updating unit 14
5 determines for each registered point whether the current position of the vehicle and the position of each registered point match (step S12). The determination in step S12 is performed by comparing the position data representing the current position of the vehicle calculated by the location unit 141 with the position data for each registered point in the point information data table 1321.

The determination process in step S12 will be described in more detail. First, the vehicle history information updating unit 145
The distance between the current position of the vehicle and the position of the registered point is calculated from the coordinate data representing the current position of the vehicle and the coordinate data representing the position of the registered point. If the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the vehicle history information updating unit 145 determines that the current position of the vehicle matches the position of the registered point. On the other hand, when the calculated distance exceeds the predetermined value, the vehicle history information updating unit 145 determines that the current position of the vehicle does not match the position of the registered point. Here, the predetermined value is such a distance that the current position of the vehicle is determined to match the position of the registered point if the vehicle passes on a road in front of the registered point (for example,
20m).

In the determination processing in step S12, when the current position of the vehicle and the position of the registered point match, the vehicle history information updating section 145 sets the point information data table 132
1 is updated (step S13). Step S1
The update in No. 3 is performed by rewriting the passage date data and the passage time data in the point information data table 1321 of the registered point determined to be coincident with the data representing the current date and time, respectively. On the other hand, when the current position of the vehicle does not match the position of the registered point, the vehicle history information updating unit 145 sets the point information data table 13
The process of step S14 is performed without updating the content of 21.

Next, vehicle history information updating section 145 determines whether or not the vehicle is in use. When the vehicle is in use, the vehicle history information updating unit 145 repeats the processing of steps S11 to S13. On the other hand, when the vehicle is not in use, the vehicle history information update unit 145 ends the update processing.

FIG. 7 shows the subroutine step S2 of FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the embodiment. First, the authentication unit 144 determines whether or not the elapsed time since the last ride is within a predetermined time (Step S21). The elapsed time since the last ride is the vehicle history information storage unit 13
2 is calculated from the previous boarding date / time data 1322 stored in the second data and data representing the current date / time. If the elapsed period since the last ride is within a predetermined period, the authentication unit 14
4 authenticates by a question about the history information about the registered point (step S22). The details of the subroutine step S22 are shown in FIG. Here, the predetermined period is set to an appropriate period (for example, three days) in which the passage history when the user got on the vehicle last time can be remembered. It is desirable that the user can set the predetermined period in advance. On the other hand, if the elapsed time since the last ride exceeds the predetermined time, the authentication unit 144
Authentication is performed by asking a question about personal information (step S2
3). Details of this subroutine step S23 are shown in FIG.
Is shown in

FIG. 8 shows a subroutine step S2 of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of No. 2. Authentication unit 1
44 selects any one point from the plurality of registered points (step S2201). It is desirable that the selection in step S2201 be performed at random using a random number or the like. After the point is selected, the authentication unit 144 uses the output unit 12 to inquire about the selected registered point as to whether or not the vehicle has passed the registered point the last time the user boarded (step S2202). The input unit 11 inputs a user's answer to the question and outputs it to the authentication unit 144. The answer format here is an alternative format of Yes or No. Next, the authentication unit 144 determines whether the answer to the question is correct (step S220).
3). The determination in step S2203 is to compare the passage date data and passage time data for the selected registered point in the point information data table 1321, the previous boarding date and time data 1322, and the data output from the input unit 11. It is performed by

The determination processing in step S2203 will be described in more detail. If the passage date and time for the selected registered point is later than the previous boarding date and time, and the user's answer is Yes (that is, Authentication unit 144 determines that the answer to the question is correct. Similarly, if the passage date and time for the selected registration point is earlier than the previous boarding date and time,
When the user's answer is No (that is, when the user does not pass), the authentication unit 144 determines that the answer to the question is correct. On the other hand, if the passage date and time for the selected registration point is later than the previous boarding date and time, if the user's answer is No (that is, if the user has answered that he / she has not passed), or if the selected registration point If the passage date and time for the point is earlier than the previous boarding date and time, and the user's answer is Yes (ie,
If the response is passed, the authentication unit 144 determines that the answer to the question is incorrect.

If the answer to the question is correct, the authentication unit 144 determines whether or not the vehicle has passed the selected registration point the last time it got on (step S2204).
The determination in step S2204 is made by comparing the passing date data and passing time data for the selected registered point in the point information data table 1321 with the previous boarding date / time data 1322. If the passage date and time for the selected registered point is later than the previous boarding date and time, the authentication unit 144 uses the output unit 12 to ask a question about the previously passed time of the selected registered point (step S2205). On the other hand, if the passage date and time for the selected registration point is earlier than the previous boarding date and time,
The authentication unit 144 ends the question about the selected registration point. In response to the question about the time at which the selected registered point passed the last time, the user uses the input unit 11 to input the time at which the selected registered point passed the last time when he / she boarded. The authentication unit 144 determines whether the answer to the question is correct (step S2206). The determination in step S2206 is made by comparing the passing time data of the selected registered point in the point information data table 1321 with the data representing the time input by the user.

The determination in step S2206 will be described in more detail. First, the authentication unit 144 determines whether or not the passing time and the user input are based on the passing time data of the selected registration point and the data representing the time input by the user. The difference from the calculated time is calculated. Next, when the difference between the passing time and the time input by the user is within a predetermined time, the authentication unit 14
No. 4 determines that the answer to the question is correct. On the other hand, when the difference between the passing time and the time input by the user exceeds a predetermined time, the authentication unit 144 determines that the answer to the question is incorrect. Here, the predetermined time is set such that it is determined that the answer is correct if a rough time is input. This is because the user generally does not accurately remember the time of passing. For example, when the predetermined time is set to 30 minutes, and the time input by the user is within 30 minutes before and after the passing time,
The authentication unit 144 determines that the answer to the question is correct.

In the determination processing in step S2206,
If the answer to the question about the selected registration point is correct, the authentication unit 144 determines whether the question performed in the series of processes in steps S2201 to S2206 has been performed a predetermined number of times (step S2207). When the inquiry has been performed a predetermined number of times, the authentication unit 144 performs the process when the authentication is successful (step S2208), and ends the process.

Here, in the first embodiment, as a process when the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 144 transmits a power supply permission signal to the power control unit 24 and updates the previous boarding date / time data 1322. When the power supply permission signal is transmitted to the power control unit 24, the power of the power
And the engine 23 is started. The update of the last boarding date / time data 1322 is performed by the vehicle history information storage unit 13.
This is performed by rewriting the previous boarding date / time data 1322 stored in the second data to data representing the current date / time. As a result, when the user gets on the vehicle next time, the date and time of the previous ride is correctly stored.

On the other hand, if the question has not been asked a predetermined number of times in the determination processing of step S2207, the authentication unit 144
Repeats a series of processes in steps S2201 to S2206 until a predetermined number of questions are asked. Here, the predetermined number of times is set for inquiring about a plurality of points for the purpose of increasing the reliability of authentication, and it is desirable that the user can change the number of times.

Next, the processing when the answer to the question as to whether or not the user has passed the registration point is incorrect will be described. In this case, the authentication unit 144 determines whether or not the answer to the question as to whether or not the user has passed the registration point is Yes (Step S2209). If the answer to the question as to whether or not the user has passed the registration point is Yes, the authentication unit 144 uses the output unit 12 to ask a question about the time at which the registration point selected last time passed (step S22).
10). The question in step S2210 has no meaning as authentication. However, by asking the user the correct answer to the question of whether or not he / she has passed the registration point, the incorrect user who answered the question can determine which question was incorrect. Cannot be identified. Therefore, by providing step S2210, it is possible to make unauthorized use of an unauthorized user difficult.

On the other hand, in the determination processing of step S2209, if the answer to the question as to whether or not the user has passed the registration point is No, the authentication unit 144 does not ask about the time at which the selected registration point passed last time. next,
The authentication unit 144 causes the display unit 121 to display that the authentication has failed (step S2211). Further, the authentication unit 144 determines whether the authentication has failed a predetermined number of times (step S2212). If the authentication has failed the predetermined number of times, the authentication unit 144 performs a process when the authentication has failed (step S2213), and ends the process. The first
In the embodiment, the authentication unit 144 issues a warning as a process when the authentication fails. Specifically, the authentication unit 144 causes the output unit 12 to display a warning image and output a warning sound.

FIG. 9 shows a subroutine step S2 of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of Example No. 3; First, the authentication unit 144 requests a password using the output unit 12 (Step S2301). In response to the request, the input unit 11
Inputs the password from the user and outputs it to the authentication unit 144. The authentication unit 144 determines whether the input is correct (step S2302). Step S230
The determination in 2 is performed by comparing the password data 1331 stored in the personal information storage unit 133 with data representing the password input by the user. If the input is correct, the authentication unit 144 performs a process when the authentication is successful (step S2303), and ends the process. In the first embodiment, as a process when authentication is successful, the authentication unit 144 transmits a power supply permission signal to the power control unit 24, and the previous boarding date / time data 1
322 is updated.

On the other hand, in the determination processing of step S2302, if the input is incorrect, authentication section 144 causes display section 121 to display that authentication has failed (step S2304). Furthermore, the authentication unit 144 determines whether authentication has failed a predetermined number of times (step S230).
5). If the authentication has not failed the predetermined number of times, the authentication unit 14
No. 4 performs the process of the authentication process again from the process of step S2301. On the other hand, when the authentication has failed the predetermined number of times, the authentication unit 144 performs the process when the authentication has failed (step S2306), and ends the process. In the first embodiment, the authentication unit 144 issues a warning from the output unit 12 as a process when the authentication fails.

Note that the authentication device according to the present embodiment performs authentication using the passage history of a predetermined point as the vehicle history information, but the vehicle history information is not limited to this. For example, authentication may be performed using the history of a point or the history of a route to which the user traveled last time as the vehicle history information. In addition, authentication may be performed using the departure place and / or the destination at the time of the last boarding as vehicle history information. Further, the vehicle history information includes information on the gasoline remaining amount, the speed of the vehicle at the time of the last ride, or VICS.
It may be a reception history or the like.

Further, the authentication device according to the present embodiment determines whether the authentication unit 144 has randomly selected from the registered points, passed the selected point the last time the vehicle was boarded, or Authentication was performed in the form of a question as to when it passed. Alternatively, the authentication may be performed in a question format in which the user selects an arbitrary point from the registered points and inquires about the point selected by the user about the previous passing time. In this case, the user only has to answer the passing time for the point where the user has stored the history, so that the burden on the user for storing is further reduced.

Further, the authentication device according to the present embodiment uses the latitude and longitude coordinate data as the position data indicating the position of the predetermined point. Instead, the link used for the map data in the car navigation system is used. And / or nodes may be used as location data. For example, a link corresponding to a road that is the shortest distance from the registration point is stored as position data. According to this method, in determining whether or not the current position of the vehicle matches the position of the registered point, it is only necessary to compare whether or not the links match, so that the determination process is simplified and the processing speed is increased. There is an advantage.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The authentication system according to the second embodiment is a form in which when a key is stolen, authentication is performed to prohibit use of a vehicle. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the authentication system according to the second embodiment. Figure 1
0, the car navigation system 3 mounted on the vehicle, the key cylinder 211 and the cylinder key 212, the power supply 22, the engine 23,
A power control unit 24 and an input terminal 4 held by a user are provided. Note that the authentication system shown in FIG. 10 can be realized using the same components as those used in the first embodiment. Therefore, in FIG. 10, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] The car navigation system 3 includes an input unit 11, an output unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an information processing unit 14.
, A current position detection unit 15 and a communication unit 16. As described above, the car navigation system 3 can be realized by a configuration in which the communication unit 16 is added to each component of the car navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit 16 transmits information input from the information processing unit 14 to the input terminal 4.

The input terminal 4 is used to output a question when performing authentication and to input an answer by the user. The input terminal 4 includes an input unit 41, an output unit 42, and a communication unit 43. The input unit 41 outputs a use prohibition signal in response to a user input. The use prohibition signal is a signal transmitted to the car navigation system 3 to prohibit use of the vehicle. Upon receiving the use prohibition signal, the car navigation system 3 starts an authentication process for prohibiting use of the vehicle. The input unit 41 outputs to the communication unit 43 an answer to a question at the time of authentication, which is input by the user. The output unit 42 displays a question at the time of performing authentication by using an image and outputs the question using voice. The communication unit 43 wirelessly communicates with the communication unit 16 of the car navigation system 3.

Next, the operation of the authentication system according to the second embodiment when the use of the vehicle is prohibited will be described. First,
The input unit 41 outputs a use prohibition signal when a command to prohibit use of the vehicle is input by the user. The use prohibition signal is transmitted to the car navigation system 3 by the communication unit 43. Car navigation system 3
The communication unit 16 receives the use prohibition signal from the input terminal 4 and outputs it to the information processing unit 14. When the use prohibition signal is input from the communication unit 16, the authentication unit 144 of the information processing unit 14 starts the authentication process. That is, in the second embodiment, the authentication process is started when the authentication unit 144 receives the use prohibition signal from the communication unit 16.

The authentication processing performed by the authentication section 144 is the same as the authentication processing in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. However, the question about the authentication performed by the authentication unit 144 is transmitted to the input terminal 4 via the communication unit 16 and output by the output unit 42 of the input terminal 4. The user inputs an answer to the question output from the output unit 42 using the input unit 41 of the input terminal 4. Input unit 41
Is transmitted to the car navigation system 3 via the communication unit 43.

The authentication unit 144 executes the power control unit 2 in step S2208 shown in FIG. 8 and step S2303 shown in FIG.
4 is transmitted to the power supply prohibition signal. In response to the power supply prohibition signal, the power control unit 24 prohibits power supply due to the cylinder key 212 being inserted into the key cylinder 211.
That is, after the power supply prohibition signal is transmitted from the authentication unit 144, power is not supplied to the engine 23 even if the cylinder key 212 is inserted into the key cylinder 211.

The authentication unit 144 issues a warning as a process when the authentication has failed in step S2213 shown in FIG. 8 and step S2306 shown in FIG. Specifically, the authentication unit 144 uses the communication unit 16 to notify the input terminal 4 that the authentication has failed. Communication unit 43
The output unit 42, which has been notified via, displays a warning image and outputs a warning sound.

With the above operation, the authentication system according to the second embodiment prohibits the use of the vehicle by the cylinder key 212. In addition, when lifting the prohibition on the use of vehicles,
Authentication similar to the above is performed. First, the input unit 41 outputs a prohibition release signal when a command for releasing prohibition of use of the vehicle is input by the user. The prohibition release signal is transmitted to the car navigation system 3 and is input to the authentication unit 144. Thereby, the authentication unit 144 of the information processing unit 14 starts the authentication processing. When the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 144 transmits a cancellation signal to the power control unit 24. In response to the release signal, the power control unit 24 releases the prohibition of power supply due to the cylinder key 212 being inserted into the key cylinder 211. That is, the authentication unit 1
After the release signal has been transmitted from 44, the cylinder key 21
2 is inserted into the key cylinder 211, the engine 2
3 is supplied.

Further, the authentication system according to the second embodiment can use a vehicle by performing authentication using vehicle history information. First, the input unit 41 outputs a use start signal when a command to use the vehicle is input by the user. The use start signal is transmitted to the car navigation system 3 and input to the authentication unit 144.
Thereby, the authentication unit 144 of the information processing unit 14 starts the authentication processing. If the authentication is successful, the authentication unit 144
A power supply permission signal is transmitted to the power control unit 24. The power control unit 24 starts power supply from the power supply 22 to the engine 23 in response to the power supply permission signal. The power control unit 24
The authentication unit 1 responds to the power supply prohibition signal from the authentication unit 144.
The power supply permission signal from 44 is prioritized. Thus, even if the power supply is prohibited, the vehicle can be used by the authentication of the authentication system.

In the second embodiment, at the time of usual riding, authentication using a key is performed. That is, when the cylinder key 212 is inserted into the key cylinder 211, the power control unit 24 starts power supply from the power supply 22 to the engine 23. In this case, the authentication processing by the authentication unit 144 of the information processing unit 14 is not performed. In addition, the authentication using a key is, in addition to the authentication based on the shape of the key as described above, typically performed by including specific electronic information in the key, such as an immobilizer. There may be.

In the second embodiment, the input terminal 4 is used for asking and answering questions during the authentication process. This takes into account the case where the cylinder key 212 is required to open the vehicle door. In another embodiment, the input unit 11 and the output unit 12 of the car navigation system 3 may be used. In addition, car navigation system 3
The communication between the communication unit 16 and the communication unit 43 of the input terminal 4 can be realized by, for example, Bluetooth, but is not limited thereto.

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The authentication system according to the third embodiment is an embodiment in which authentication based on vehicle history information is used as one of a plurality of authentication methods used in the authentication system. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an authentication system according to the third embodiment. 11, the authentication system includes a car navigation system 5, a key cylinder 211 and a cylinder key 212, a power supply 22,
An engine 23, a power control unit 24, an authentication processing control device 25, and a notification device 26 are provided. The authentication processing control device 25 controls, for each authentication method, processing to be performed when the user is authenticated as a valid user. Details of the operation of the authentication processing control device 25 are shown in FIG. The notification device 26 notifies the user that the vehicle is being used. Note that the authentication system shown in FIG. 11 can be realized using the same components as those used in the first embodiment. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the authentication system according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an authentication method used in the authentication system illustrated in FIG. 11 and a process for an authentication result. In the authentication system according to the third embodiment, an authentication method using a cylinder key 212 and an authentication method using vehicle history information are used. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the authentication using the cylinder key 212 fails, the authentication processing control device 25 disables the vehicle. Further, in this case, the authentication processing control device 25
Performs notification processing. When the authentication using the cylinder key 212 succeeds and the authentication using the vehicle history information fails, the authentication processing control device 25 makes the vehicle usable,
Perform notification processing. For example, even when the cylinder key 212 is stolen and the vehicle is used improperly, the notification process is performed. When the authentication using the cylinder key 212 is successful and the authentication using the vehicle history information is successful, the authentication processing control device 25 enables the vehicle and does not perform the notification processing. Hereinafter, details of the processing of the authentication processing control device 25 will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the authentication processing control device 25 shown in FIG.
The process in the authentication process control device 25 is performed by the cylinder key 2
12 is started by being inserted into the key cylinder 211. First, the authentication processing control device 25 performs authentication using a key (step S31). Here, the authentication using the key is typically performed by including specific electronic information in the cylinder key 212 like an immobilizer. The method of authentication using a key is not limited to the above. For example, authentication may be performed based on whether or not the mechanical shape of the cylinder key 212 matches the key cylinder 211.

Next, the authentication processing control device 25 determines whether or not the authentication in step S31 is successful (step S32). If the authentication in step S31 fails, the authentication processing control device 25 prohibits the use of the vehicle (step S33). Specifically, the authentication processing control device 2
5 does not transmit a power supply permission signal to the power control unit 24. Therefore, the engine 23 does not start because power is not supplied from the power supply 22. Further, the authentication processing control device 2
5 performs a notification process (step S34), and ends the process. The notification process in step S34 is performed by the authentication processing control device 25 transmitting a notification signal to the notification device 26. By the notification signal, the notification device 26 notifies the user that the vehicle may be used improperly. Specifically, the notification device 26 notifies a communication terminal of a user (not shown) that the vehicle is being used. The method of reporting by the reporting device 26 is not limited to the above, and any configuration may be used as long as the method is to notify the user.

On the other hand, in the determination processing of step S32, if the authentication in step S31 is successful, the authentication processing control device 25 permits the use of the vehicle (step S35). The processing in step S35 is performed by the authentication processing control device 25 transmitting a power supply permission signal to the power control unit 24. In response to the power supply permission signal, the power control unit 24 starts power supply from the power supply 22 to the engine 23.

After permitting the use of the vehicle, the authentication processing control device 25 requests the car navigation system 5 to start the authentication processing using the vehicle history information (step S36). Specifically, the authentication processing control device 25 transmits an authentication start signal to the information processing unit 14 of the car navigation system 5. In response to the authentication start signal, the authentication unit 144 of the information processing unit 14 starts the authentication processing.
Here, the authentication processing by the authentication unit 144 is the same as the authentication processing shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. In addition, as a process when the authentication is successful in step S2208 shown in FIG. 8 and step S2303 shown in FIG.
The authentication processing control device 25 is notified that the authentication is successful. On the other hand, the authentication unit 144 notifies the authentication processing control device 25 that the authentication has failed, as a process when the authentication has failed in step S2213 shown in FIG. 8 and step S2306 shown in FIG.

After step S36, the authentication processing control device 2
5 determines whether or not the authentication based on the vehicle history information is successful (step S37). The determination process in step S37 is performed based on whether or not a notification that the authentication has been successful is received from the authentication unit 144. If it is determined in the determination processing in step S37 that the authentication based on the vehicle history information has failed, the authentication processing control device 25 proceeds to step S37
34, and the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the authentication based on the vehicle history information is successful, the authentication processing control device 25 ends the processing.

Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The authentication system according to the fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which authentication using vehicle history information is performed using a terminal possessed by a user. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an authentication system according to the fourth embodiment. 14, the authentication system includes a car navigation system 6 mounted on a vehicle, a key cylinder 211 and a cylinder key 212, a power supply 22, an engine 23, a power control unit 24, and an authentication terminal 7. . FIG.
The authentication system shown in (1) can be realized using the same components as those used in the first embodiment. Therefore, in FIG. 14, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The car navigation system 6 includes an input unit 11, an output unit 12, a storage unit 13, and an information processing unit 14.
, A current position detecting unit 15 and a communication unit 66. As described above, the car navigation system 6 has a configuration in which the communication unit 66 is added to each component of the car navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit 66 transmits and receives data to and from the communication unit 75 of the authentication terminal 7.

The authentication terminal 7 has an input unit 71 and an output unit 72
, A storage unit 73, an authentication processing unit 74, and a communication unit 75. The input unit 71 is used by a user to input an answer to a question at the time of authentication. The output unit 72
A question at the time of authentication is output by image and sound. The storage unit 73 stores vehicle history information and personal information required for authentication. The authentication processing unit 74 performs an authentication process using the vehicle history information. The communication unit 75 wirelessly communicates with the communication unit 66 of the car navigation system 6.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing required for authentication in authentication terminal 7 shown in FIG. First, the authentication terminal 7 acquires vehicle history information used for authentication from the car navigation system 6 (Step S4). The processing in step S4 is performed when the use of the vehicle is completed and the storage unit 13 of the car navigation system 6
This is performed by transmitting the vehicle history information stored in the authentication terminal 7 to the authentication terminal 7. More specifically, when the engine of the vehicle is turned off, the information processing unit 14 transmits the vehicle history information stored in the storage unit 13 to the authentication terminal 7 via the communication unit 66. As described above, the storage unit 73 of the authentication terminal 7 stores the vehicle history information. The timing at which the process of step S4 is performed is not limited to the above timing, and may be, for example, immediately before the authentication process is performed by the authentication terminal 7.

After obtaining the vehicle history information, the authentication terminal 7
Performs an authentication process (step S5). The authentication process in step S5 is started when an authentication start command is input by the user using the input unit 71 in the authentication processing unit 74. Here, the authentication processing in step S5 is performed in accordance with FIGS.
This is the same as the authentication process of the authentication unit 144 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In addition, the authentication processing unit 74 performs step S2208 shown in FIG. 8 and step S230 shown in FIG.
As a process when the authentication in 3 is successful, a notification to the effect that the authentication is successful is sent to the car navigation system 6. Note that, in the notification from the authentication terminal 7 to the navigation system 6 that the authentication has been successful, typically, authentication, an electronic signature, or encryption is performed. This prevents unauthorized operation from the outside.

The information processing unit 14 of the car navigation system 6 having received the notification that the authentication has been successful transmits a power supply prohibition signal to the power control unit 24. In response to the power supply prohibition signal, the power control unit 24 prohibits power supply due to the cylinder key 212 being inserted into the key cylinder 211. That is, after the power supply prohibition signal is transmitted from the authentication unit 144, power is not supplied to the engine 23 even if the cylinder key 212 is inserted into the key cylinder 211. In addition,
The power control unit 24 gives priority to the power supply permission signal from the authentication unit 144 over the power supply prohibition signal from the authentication unit 144.
Thus, even if the power supply is prohibited, the vehicle can be used by the authentication of the authentication system.

The authentication unit 144 issues a warning as a process when the authentication has failed in step S2213 shown in FIG. 8 and step S2306 shown in FIG. Specifically, the authentication unit 144 uses the communication unit 66 to notify the authentication terminal 7 that the authentication has failed. The authentication processing unit 74 that has received the notification via the communication unit 75 causes the output unit 42 to display a warning image and output a warning sound.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the authentication terminal 7 is used when the use of the vehicle is prohibited. Here, in another embodiment, the authentication terminal 7
A configuration used when a vehicle is used may be used.
Therefore, also in the first embodiment, the authentication terminal 7 used in the authentication system according to the fourth embodiment can be used. In this case, the user can perform authentication outside the vehicle using the authentication terminal 7 in advance, so that troublesome authentication is not performed when the user gets on the vehicle.

In the fourth embodiment, the authentication at the authentication terminal 7 is performed to use the vehicle or to prohibit the use of the vehicle. Here, in another embodiment, the use of the authentication terminal 7 is not limited to the use related to the use of the vehicle. For example, when the authentication terminal 7 has a charge settlement function, when the charge settlement is performed, the user is authenticated as a valid user. In this case, authentication using vehicle history information can be used to authenticate a valid user.

Further, the first embodiment, the second embodiment,
The power control unit 24 in each of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment does not necessarily need to be a device that limits power supply to the engine. The power control unit 24 may be any method or device that can control the use of the vehicle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle equipped with an authentication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a storage unit 3 shown in FIG.

3 is a diagram showing an example of a point information data table 1321 stored in a vehicle history information storage unit 132 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an information processing unit 4 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing required for authentication in the car navigation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of a subroutine step S1 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of a subroutine step S2 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of a subroutine step S22 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of a subroutine step S23 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an authentication system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an authentication system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an authentication method used in the authentication system illustrated in FIG. 11 and processing for each authentication result.

13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control process in the authentication processing control device 25 shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an authentication system according to a fourth embodiment.

15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing required for authentication in the authentication terminal 7 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 3, 5, 6 ... car navigation system 4 ... input terminal 7 ... authentication terminal 11, 41, 71 ... input unit 12, 42, 72 ... output unit 13, 73 ... storage unit 14 ... information processing unit 15 ... current position Detecting unit 16, 43, 66, 75 communication unit 22 power supply 23 engine 24 power control unit 25 authentication processing control unit 26 notification unit 74 authentication processing unit 121 display unit 122 voice output unit 131 map Data storage unit 132 Vehicle history information storage unit 133 Personal information storage unit 141 Location unit 142 Route search unit 143 Route guidance unit 144 Authentication unit 145 Vehicle history information update unit 151 GPS receiver 152 Speed sensor 153 azimuth sensor 211 key cylinder 212 cylinder key 1321 point information data table 1322 previous ride date / time data 1331 ... Password data

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) H04L 9/00 673A (72) Inventor Atsushi Yamashita 1006 Ojidoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Invention Person Hiroyuki Hamada 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture F-term in Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 2F029 AA02 AB07 AC02 AC08 AC14 AC16 5J104 AA07 KA01 KA07 KA09 NA05 PA16

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An authentication device for authenticating a valid user of a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle history information detection unit that detects vehicle history information that changes with use of the vehicle; and a vehicle history information detection unit. A vehicle history information storage unit that stores the detected vehicle history information, an output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information, an answer input unit that inputs a user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information, An authentication device comprising: a user authentication unit that authenticates a valid user based on vehicle history information stored in a vehicle history information storage unit and a response from the user. 2. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle history information includes point history information indicating a history of one or more predetermined points. 3. The point history information includes, for one or more registered points registered in advance by the user, information on the date and time when the vehicle passed the registered point last time and the date and time when the vehicle got on the vehicle last time. Item 3. The authentication device according to Item 2. 4. The user authentication section selects an arbitrary point from the registered points, and the output section determines whether or not the point selected by the user authentication section has passed when the vehicle last got on the vehicle. 4. The authentication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a question of the time when the vehicle was last boarded and the question of the time when the vehicle was last boarded are output. 5. The answer input unit inputs a point selected by the user among the registered points, and the output unit determines when a point of the vehicle that has been input in the answer input unit has previously boarded the vehicle. 4. The authentication device according to claim 3, wherein a question at a time when the information has passed is output. 6. Unique information about the user and / or
Or further comprising a personal information storage unit for storing personal information including a password set in advance by the user, wherein the output unit is configured to: A question about the vehicle history information is output.If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, a question about the personal information is output.If the elapsed time is within the predetermined time, Inputting the user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information, and inputting the user's answer to the question about the personal information when the elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period; If the period is within the predetermined period, based on the vehicle history information and the answer of the user, determine whether the user is a legitimate user, If serial elapsed period exceeds the predetermined period, based on the personal information and the answer of the user, characterized in that it authenticated as an authorized user, the authentication device according to claim 1. 7. A power control unit that supplies power to an engine of a vehicle, wherein the user authentication unit causes the power control unit to start supplying power when authenticating that the user is a valid user. The authentication device according to claim 1, which performs the authentication. 8. A power control unit for supplying power to an engine of a vehicle, and a key authentication unit for performing authentication using a key and, when authenticating that the key is authentic, causing the power control unit to start supplying power. And a restriction command input unit for inputting a use restriction command for the vehicle, wherein the user authentication unit performs authentication in accordance with the use restriction command for the vehicle, and when the user is authenticated as a valid user, The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication unit prohibits the power control unit from starting power supply. 9. The apparatus further comprising a use command input unit for inputting a use command of the vehicle, wherein the user authentication unit performs authentication in accordance with the use command of the vehicle, and when the user is authenticated as a valid user, The power control unit is configured to start power supply.
An authentication device according to claim 1. 10. A power control unit for supplying power to an engine of a vehicle, and a key authentication for performing authentication using a key and for starting power supply to the power control unit when the key is authenticated. If the user authentication unit does not authenticate that the user is a valid user within a predetermined time after the power supply by the power control unit is started, the user is notified that the vehicle is being used improperly. The authentication device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that performs the notification. 11. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication device is configured as a part of a car navigation system. 12. An authentication device capable of communicating with an input terminal for outputting a question regarding vehicle history information that changes with use of a vehicle and inputting a user's answer to the question, wherein the authentication device detects the vehicle history information. A vehicle history information detection unit, a vehicle history information storage unit that stores the vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit, and transmits a question about the vehicle history information to the input terminal. A communication unit that receives an answer from the input terminal; and a user authentication unit that authenticates the user as a valid user based on the vehicle history information stored in the vehicle history information storage unit and the answer from the user. , Authentication device. 13. An authentication system mounted on a vehicle and including an authentication device for authenticating a valid user of the vehicle, and an input terminal capable of communicating with the authentication device, wherein the authentication device includes: A vehicle history information detection unit that detects vehicle history information that changes with use, a vehicle history information storage unit that stores vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit, and a question about the vehicle history information. A communication unit that transmits to the input terminal and receives a user's answer to the question from the input terminal, based on the vehicle history information stored in the vehicle history information storage unit and the user's answer, A user authentication unit that authenticates that the user is a user, wherein the input terminal outputs a question about the vehicle history information transmitted from the authentication device. Comprising a part, the terminal-side answer input unit for inputting a user's answer to questions about the vehicle history information, and a terminal side communication section that transmits an answer of the user to the authentication device, the authentication system. 14. An authentication device, comprising: a power control unit for supplying power to an engine of a vehicle; and performing authentication using a key, and supplying power to the power control unit when the key is authenticated. The input terminal further includes a terminal-side restriction command input unit that inputs a use restriction command of the vehicle, and the user authentication unit responds to the use restriction command of the vehicle. 14. The authentication system according to claim 13, wherein authentication is performed, and when the user is authenticated as a valid user, the key control unit prohibits the power control unit from starting power supply. 15. The input terminal further includes a terminal-side use command input unit for inputting a use command of the vehicle, wherein the user authentication unit performs authentication in accordance with the use command of the vehicle, and performs authentication with a valid user. The power control unit is configured to start power supply when it is determined that there is a power supply.
4. The authentication system according to 4. 16. An authentication system including a vehicle-side device mounted on a vehicle and an authentication terminal communicable with the vehicle-side device, wherein the vehicle-side device changes a vehicle history that changes with use of the vehicle. A vehicle history information detection unit that detects information; and a communication unit that transmits the vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit to the authentication terminal. The authentication terminal is transmitted from the communication unit. Terminal-side vehicle history information storage unit that stores incoming vehicle history information; terminal-side output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information; An input unit, and a terminal-side user authentication unit that authenticates the user as a valid user based on the vehicle history information stored in the terminal-side vehicle history information storage unit and the response from the user. Provided with the authentication system. 17. The authentication terminal further includes a terminal-side communication unit that transmits an authentication result by the terminal-side user authentication unit to the vehicle-side device, wherein the vehicle-side device is configured to transmit the authentication result from the terminal-side communication unit. 17. The authentication system according to claim 16, further comprising an anti-theft processing unit that performs a process for preventing the vehicle from being stolen based on the received authentication result. 18. The case where the anti-theft processing unit includes a power control unit that supplies power to an engine of the vehicle, and the vehicle-side device performs authentication using a key and authenticates that the key is a legitimate key. A key authentication unit that starts power supply to the power control unit; the authentication terminal further includes a terminal-side restriction command input unit that inputs a use restriction command for the vehicle; Performing authentication in accordance with the use restriction command of the vehicle, and when authenticating that the user is a valid user, causes the terminal-side communication unit to transmit a power supply prohibition signal to the power control unit; 18. The authentication system according to claim 17, wherein the power control unit prohibits the power control unit from starting power supply. 19. The authentication terminal further includes a terminal-side use command input unit for inputting a use command of the vehicle, wherein the terminal-side user authentication unit performs authentication in accordance with the use command of the vehicle, and 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein when the user is authenticated as a user, the terminal-side communication unit transmits a power supply signal to the power control unit, thereby causing the power control unit to start power supply. Authentication system. 20. The vehicle-side device further includes a vehicle history information storage unit that stores vehicle history information detected by the vehicle history information detection unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to: 17. The authentication system according to claim 16, wherein vehicle history information stored in a vehicle history information storage is transmitted to the authentication terminal. 21. An input terminal mounted on a vehicle and capable of communicating with an authentication device for authenticating a valid user of the vehicle, the vehicle being transmitted from the authentication device and changing with use of the vehicle. A terminal-side output unit that outputs a question about history information, a terminal-side answer input unit that inputs a user's answer to the question about the vehicle history information, and a terminal side that transmits the user's answer to the authentication device. An input terminal comprising: a communication unit. 22. An authentication terminal capable of communicating with a vehicle-side device that detects vehicle history information that changes with use of a vehicle, wherein the authentication terminal receives the vehicle history information detected by the vehicle-side device from the vehicle-side device. A terminal-side communication unit, a terminal-side vehicle history information storage unit that stores vehicle history information received by the communication unit, a terminal-side output unit that outputs a question about the vehicle history information, and the vehicle history information. A terminal-side answer input unit into which a user's answer to the question is input, and a terminal that authenticates the user as a valid user based on the vehicle history information stored in the vehicle history information storage unit and the user's answer. An authentication terminal comprising: a side user authentication unit. 23. An authentication method for authenticating a valid user of a vehicle, comprising: detecting vehicle history information that changes with use of the vehicle; storing the vehicle history information; A step of asking a question about vehicle history information, a step of inputting a user's answer to the question, and a step of authenticating that the user is a valid user based on the vehicle history information and the answer of the user. An authentication method, characterized in that: