JP4859427B2 - Authentication system and wireless tag device for authentication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an authentication system and a wireless tag device for an authentication system, and can be applied to, for example, an authentication system using an RFID tag.

  In cases where only certain persons are permitted to enter or leave a place where confidentiality is required, or only certain persons are permitted to operate equipment that is highly protected against information leakage, the authentication system may Used.

  For example, the configuration of a general authentication system for entrance / exit management is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, an authentication number (for example, a combination of an employee number and a personal identification number) given to the authentication input key unit 1 such as a numeric keypad is registered in the authentication number storage unit 4 in the authentication control unit 2 in advance. When the numbers match each other, the authentication control unit 2 gives a permission signal to the door opening / closing drive unit 3 to open / close a door (not shown).

Various proposals have been made that use input from a contact-type or non-contact-type IC card in place of the input to the authentication input key unit 1 or in addition to the input to the authentication input key unit 1 (an example) Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-323695 A

  However, in the authentication system shown in FIG. 2, it is impossible to know who operated the authentication input key unit 1, and if the authentication number leaks, anyone can open and close the door.

  In this respect, the use of a contact-type or non-contact-type IC card provides higher security, but the same inconvenience occurs when the IC card is stolen or a copy is made. There is also an entrance / exit management system that uses both the input to the authentication input key unit 1 and a mechanical key. In this case, too, when the mechanical key is stolen or a copy is made. Will cause the same inconvenience.

  By the way, there may be a large number of places and devices where one person performs authentication. For example, an operator who collects money from a vending machine authenticates himself / herself for each vending machine. In such a case, it is preferable to prepare an IC card or a mechanical key for each vending machine because damage caused by theft or the like can be suppressed by one vending machine.

  However, many IC cards and mechanical keys must be prepared, and the problem of being inconvenient to carry and the search for IC cards and mechanical keys that match the vending machine. The problem of operability arises.

  Furthermore, in the case of a mechanical key, if it is stolen, the configuration on the device side that accepts the key must also be exchanged, and it is generally difficult to immediately implement the exchange.

  Therefore, there is a need for an authentication system that can increase security even when an authentication component is stolen, and that can easily cope with authentication using the same authentication component in many places. There is also a need for authentication components that are optimal for the system.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an RFID tag device for an authentication system that provides information necessary for authentication in a non-contact manner to an authentication device main body, a sensor-compatible RFID tag having an analog signal sensing function, and the sensor-compatible RFID tag. On the other hand, the sensor-adaptive RFID tag is provided with an electric characteristic variable device for inputting a predetermined type of electric quantity that can be continuously changed within a predetermined range. And comparing the threshold value given to the comparator in a plurality of comparisons, it is possible to detect a boundary threshold value with a different output from the comparator, and the electric quantity of the electrical characteristic variable device It is used for input.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an authentication system including an authentication information input device that inputs authentication information and an authentication device body that performs authentication based on the input authentication information. The wireless tag device for an authentication system of the invention is applied, and the authentication device body includes an RFID antenna and an RFID reader / writer.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even when the RFID tag apparatus for authentication systems is stolen, security can be heightened, and also it can respond easily to the authentication which applied the RFID tag apparatus for the same authentication system in many places etc. It becomes like this.

(A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an authentication system and a wireless tag device for an authentication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment An authentication system according to the first embodiment includes an authentication system wireless tag device (hereinafter referred to as a wireless key) 10 and an authentication device main body 30.

  1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the external configuration of the wireless key 10 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a state where the antenna portion is most opened from the wireless key body. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a state where the antenna unit is closed to the wireless key body, and FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a state where the antenna unit is closed to the wireless key body (the same state as FIG. 3).

  The wireless key 10 of the first embodiment is roughly composed of a wireless key body 11 and an antenna unit 12 that can be opened and closed with respect to each other. In a state where the wireless key body 11 and the antenna unit 12 are closed, the wireless key 10 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length and width of about 1.5 cm × 4.5 cm and a thickness of about 0.5 cm.

  The antenna unit 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and a loop antenna 14 that functions as an antenna of the RFID tag is incorporated on one surface (or inside the flat plate portion). The antenna unit 12 can be in either the most open state (the state shown in FIG. 1) or the closed state (the state shown in FIG. 3) with respect to the wireless key body 11 by the hinge part 13.

  For example, the hinge part 13 has a maximum opening of about 180 degrees, and the antenna part 12 is connected to the antenna 14 of the antenna part 12 by a built-in rotary sliding connector or the like with the antenna part 12 being most open from the wireless key body 11. The sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided in the wireless key body 11 is configured to constitute an electrical connection path.

  The wireless key main body 11 includes a rectangular main body substrate 15. The surface of the main body substrate 15 that is in contact with the antenna portion 12 being closed is a metal surface 16 for electromagnetic shielding on which a metal (for example, copper) film is formed. When the antenna unit 12 is closed due to the presence of the electromagnetic shielding metal surface 16, the antenna 14 of the antenna unit 12 transmits radio waves even if the RFID reader / writer 32 (see FIG. 7 described later) transmits interrogation radio waves. It cannot be captured.

  A sensor-compatible RFID chip 17, a push button switch 18, and a variable resistor 19 are mounted on the other surface of the main body substrate 15. The sensor-compatible RFID chip 17, the push button switch 18, and the variable resistor 19 are connected to a wireless key. Covered by a cover 20.

  The sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 is an LSI chip for an RFID tag and can be connected to an external sensor or the like, and can transfer information from the sensor or the like to an RFID reader / writer 32 (see FIG. 7 described later). is there. For example, a sensor-compatible RFID LSI (product name “ML7216”) sold by both applicants can be applied.

  In the case of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 described later, a push button switch 18 and a variable resistor 19 are connected to the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the operation part of the push button switch 18 is exposed to the outside from the space formed by the main body substrate 15 and the wireless key cover 20 so that a human can press it. ing. An operation signal of the push button switch 18 is input to the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17. In the case of the first embodiment, the operation signal of the push button switch 18 means determination of the resistance value of the variable resistor 19.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the variable resistor 19 includes a rotation knob that partially protrudes from the space formed by the main body substrate 15 and the wireless key cover 20. The resistance value according to the knob position is taken. The variable resistor 19 is connected to the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17, and resistance value information is taken into the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 and a connection relationship with peripheral elements. The same parts as those in the above-described drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 5, the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 includes an RFID transceiver unit 21, an analog interface unit 22, a digital input / output unit 23, and a nonvolatile memory 24. The wireless key 10 is not equipped with a battery, and the energy for operation of each part is obtained from the radiated radio wave of the RFID reader / writer 32 described later.

  The RFID transceiver unit 21 is connected to the RFID antenna 14, and the RFID transceiver unit 21 communicates with the RFID reader / writer 32 side.

  The analog interface unit 22 is connected to the variable resistor 19 and takes in the resistance value of the variable resistor 19. The analog interface unit 22 outputs a portion that converts the resistance value of the variable resistor 19 into a voltage, a comparator portion that compares the voltage with a threshold voltage, and threshold data that is the source of the threshold voltage. The threshold value data generating section for sequentially changing the threshold value data, and the intermediate value of the threshold data before and after the change in the logic of the comparator portion is used as the resistance value information. For example, by transmitting to the RFID reader / writer 32 a set of threshold data and an output from the comparator part, or a time series of output results from the comparator part (the order of each bit corresponds to the threshold data). The RFID reader / writer 32 or the recognition control unit 33 can recognize the resistance value of the variable resistor 19.

  Note that the analog interface unit 22 or the RFID transceiver unit 21 may execute the process of recognizing the resistance value of the variable resistor 19.

  6 is an explanatory diagram of a connection method between the variable resistor 19 and the analog interface unit 22 of the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17. FIG. 6A shows a first connection example, and FIG. A second connection example is shown.

  In these connection examples, based on an instruction from the RFID transceiver unit 21, a comparison is made with the input voltage Vin while sequentially changing the value of the threshold voltage Vref to the comparator. If the comparator outputs the logic level “1” when the voltage Vin is larger than the threshold voltage Vref, the logic level “1” → “if the value of the threshold voltage Vref is increased. When the switching of “0” is changed in the direction of decreasing the value of the threshold voltage Vref, the switching of the logic level “0” → “1” is detected by the RFID reader / writer 32 or the RFID transceiver unit 21. Based on the value of the threshold voltage Vref before and after the change, the value of the input voltage Vin can be determined.

  In the first connection example, a current is passed through the variable resistor 19 from the analog interface unit 22 via the resistor r1, and a voltage generated at both ends of the variable resistor 19 is measured. The value R is obtained and information such as the input number is obtained. When the first connection example is expressed by an equation, it can be seen that the equation (1) and the equation (2) are obtained, and the resistance value R is obtained.

Vin = (Vdd / (r1 + R)) xR (1)
R = (r1 × Vin) / (Vdd−Vin) (2)
As a result, information such as the input number is obtained from the value converted in advance within the range of the resistance value R.

  In the second connection example, both ends of the variable resistor 19 are connected between the power source and the ground, and the movable terminal of the variable resistor 19 is connected to the analog interface unit 22. In this case, the resistance value R is obtained from the voltage Vin divided by the variable resistor 19, and information such as the input number is obtained. When the second connection example is expressed by an equation, it can be seen that the equation (3) and the equation (4) are obtained, and the resistance value R (or the voltage dividing resistance rv) is obtained.

  The second connection example is expressed as follows.

Vin = (Vdd / R) xrv (3)
R = rv / (Vin / Vdd) (4)
As a result, information such as the input number is obtained from the value converted in advance within the range of the resistance value R.

  In both the first and second connection examples, the resistance value R is read as the voltage Vin and converted to obtain the value R.

  Note that the recognition of the resistance value R itself is performed on the recognition device main body 30 side (the RFID reader / writer 32 or the recognition control unit 33) as described above.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the position of the knob 19A of the variable resistor 19 (therefore, the resistance value R) and the allocation information. The rotation angle of the variable resistor 19 is 300 degrees. In the example of FIG. 6, this is divided into 12 parts, and “cancellation”, “0” to “9”, “setting” are divided into each division unit angle (25 degrees). 12 types of information are assigned. Since the variable resistor 19 has a resistance value that continuously changes, information can be easily assigned according to the resistance value range. Note that, for example, the mechanical resistance to rotation when the center of the division unit angle is located at the mark MK provided on the main body substrate 15 is larger than the resistance at other positions, and the center of the division unit angle is the mark MK. A structure that is easy to stop at the position may be applied.

  The variable resistor 19 is not limited to a circular variable resistor, and may be a linear resistor or may operate in a stepwise manner like a rotary switch in advance, and the resistance value changes. If it does, the outer shape etc. will not be asked.

  The digital input / output unit 23 is connected to the push button switch 18 and sets a logical level (for example, “1”) when the push button switch 18 is pressed or a logical level (for example, “0”) when the push button switch 18 is not pressed. It is something to capture. The depression of the push button switch 18 is a command for taking in the resistance value of the variable resistor 19 by the analog interface unit 22 once.

  The nonvolatile memory 24 stores an individual identification number (ID) unique to the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17. The chip identification number is used to determine whether the signal from the RFID reader / writer 32 is destined for the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 or is included in the transmission signal from the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 to be transmitted from Used to clarify. In the case of the first embodiment, the authentication number is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 24.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the authentication apparatus main body 30 according to the first embodiment. The authentication device main body 30 of the first embodiment performs authentication when opening and closing a door of a room or a vending machine.

  The authentication device main body 30 includes a reader / writer antenna (R / W antenna) 31, an RFID reader / writer 32, an authentication control unit 33, an authentication number storage unit 34, an individual identification number storage unit 35, and a door opening / closing drive unit 36.

  The reader / writer antenna 31 radiates an interrogation radio wave under the control of the RFID reader / writer 32, for example, and captures a response radio wave from the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 (accordingly, the wireless key 10).

  The RFID reader / writer 32 transmits / receives data to / from the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 to confirm that the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 is in the vicinity, and acquires the individual identification number and the authentication number from the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17. Is.

  The authentication number storage unit 34 stores an authentication number (not limited to one) that can permit opening and closing of the door. The individual identification number storage unit 35 stores an individual identification number (not limited to one) of the wireless key 10 that can permit opening and closing of the door. The registration in the storage units 34 and 35 may be performed by connecting an input device for registration (not shown) to the authentication control unit 33, or by an information input method according to a predetermined procedure for the wireless key 10. good.

  Instead of storing the authentication number and the individual identification number independently in the authentication number storage unit 34 and the individual identification number storage unit 35, information is stored as a set of the authentication number and the individual identification number, and collation is performed as a set. You may do it.

  The authentication control unit 33 divides the individual identification number and authentication number of the wireless key 10 in the vicinity, and the authentication number stored in the authentication number storage unit 34 and the individual identification number stored in the individual identification number storage unit 35. Based on this, the wireless key 10 in the vicinity position is authenticated.

The door opening / closing drive unit 36 opens and closes a door of a room or a vending machine (not shown) when a permission signal is given from the authentication control unit 33 .

(A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment Next, the operation of the authentication system of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart showing the wireless key authentication routine of FIG. FIG. 9 shows a wireless key authentication routine in which the authentication number is two digits “59”, but the lower digit is entered incorrectly and corrected for authentication.

  When carrying the wireless key 10, the antenna unit 12 is closed as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this closed state, the antenna 14 of the antenna unit 12 has a structure that is in close contact with (or very close to) the electromagnetic shielding metal surface 16, and the wireless key 10 is within the communication range of the RFID reader / writer 32. Even if it is located inside, the radio wave from the RFID reader / writer 32 cannot be captured by the electronic shielding function of the metal surface 16 for electromagnetic shielding.

  When the operator uses the wireless key 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the operator opens the antenna unit 12, approaches the reader / writer antenna 31, and causes the RFID reader / writer 32 to recognize that the wireless key 10 has entered the area. . If the wireless key 10 is located within the communication range (area) of the RFID reader / writer 32, it is not necessary to intentionally approach the reader / writer antenna 31. The RFID reader / writer 32 determines that the wireless key 10 has entered the area by reading the individual identification number normally.

  Thereafter, an authentication routine as shown in step S3 and subsequent steps in FIG. 9 is executed. That is, when the authentication control unit 33 detects the wireless key (RFID) 10 via the RFID reader / writer 32 (step S1), the individual identification number is stored in the individual identification number storage unit 35. Whether or not they match is confirmed (step S2). If they do not match, the process returns to the standby state. If they match, the process proceeds to an authentication routine as shown in step S3 and thereafter.

  As described above, information on each digit of the authentication number and information (command) such as cancellation and setting from the RFID chip 17 are specified by the resistance value of the variable resistor 19.

  Since the authentication number is “59”, the operator first positions the knob 19A of the variable resistor 19 at a position corresponding to the upper digit “5”, and then operates the push button switch 18 (step S3). ). Thereby, “5” is input to the authentication control unit 33, and the authentication control unit 33 sets and stores “5” as the upper digit (step S4).

  Next, the operator makes an error in inputting the lower digit “9” of the authentication number “59”, and after positioning the knob 19A of the variable resistor 19 at a position corresponding to “7” instead of “9”. Assume that the push button switch 18 is operated (step S5). Thereby, “7” is input to the authentication control unit 33, and the authentication control unit 33 sets and stores “7” as the lower digit (step S6).

  In such a case, the operator who has noticed the input mistake places the knob 19A of the variable resistor 19 at a position corresponding to “cancel”, and then operates the push button switch 18 (step S7). As a result, “cancel” is input to the authentication control unit 33, and the authentication control unit 33 cancels the lower digit “7” input immediately before the cancel command (step S8).

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the operator operates the push button switch 18 after positioning the knob 19A of the variable resistor 19 at the position corresponding to the correct lower digit “9” (step S9). Accordingly, “9” is input to the authentication control unit 33, and the authentication control unit 33 sets and stores “9” as the lower digit (step S10).

  Since the input of the authentication number itself has ended, the operator operates the push button switch 18 after positioning the knob 19A of the variable resistor 19 at a position corresponding to “setting” (step S11). Thereby, “setting” is input to the authentication control unit 33, and the authentication control unit 33 detects the two-digit “59” input so far as the input authentication number (step S12). And the authentication control part 33 collates with the authentication number memorize | stored in the authentication number memory | storage part 34 (step S13). If they do not match, the process returns to the standby state. If they match, the authentication control unit 33 gives an “opening operation” permission signal (drive signal) to the door opening / closing drive unit 36, and then performs a process at the time of completion of the authentication process (for example, the received authentication number). The storage area is cleared, etc.) to return to the standby state (steps S14 and S15).

(A-3) Effect of the First Embodiment According to the authentication system of the first embodiment, the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 (and thus the wireless key 10) in which the variable resistance value 19 and the push button switch 18 are connected is used. Thus, the following effects (a1) to (a19) can be achieved.

  (A1) The sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 utilizes the electromagnetic wave energy from the RFID reader / writer 32, and the variable resistor 19 and the push button switch 18 can be connected without a battery, so that there is an effect that battery replacement is unnecessary. Since no battery replacement is required, the wireless key body 11 can be used even in a completely sealed state.

  (A2) For this reason, there is an effect that running costs such as battery costs are unnecessary.

  (A3) Security is significantly improved compared to conventional mechanical keys. The security is high because both the individual identification number and the verification of the authentication number are matched.

  (A4) The individual identification number is an identification number (ID) given to the RFID chip 17 and is the only number in the world.

  (A5) Since the authentication number (password) must match even if the wireless key 10 is stolen, a system with higher security can be provided.

  (A6) When the wireless key 10 is stolen, it is not necessary to change hardware, and the authentication number stored in the authentication number storage unit 34 may be changed immediately, and crime prevention can be improved.

  (A7) Since the variable resistor 19 is used, information such as numbers can be assigned by software alone, and can be easily set and changed. For example, it is possible to provide a switch for each number (information) and notify the number to the RFID reader / writer 32 side. Also, a plurality of switches are provided and a combination of pressed switches is provided on the RFID reader / writer 32 side. Although it is possible to notify the number, in the case of a switch, the number of assignments is determined in advance, and the number of items cannot be increased later. However, when the variable resistor 19 is used, the number of items is changed. It is easily accommodated to increase.

  In addition to the number, the command can be sent from the RFID chip 17 to the RFID reader / writer 32 by setting and assigning various commands.

  (A8) Since “cancel” and “setting” can be performed at a specific position in the number assignment of the variable resistors 19, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent carrying the authentication number setting value. For example, it is not carried with setting the lower digit “5” of the authentication number, but is always carried with the position of the variable resistor 19 set to the “set” position, so even the lower digit “5” of the authentication number is known. There is nothing. In addition, since the commands “cancel” and “setting” are assigned to the maximum or minimum specific position, the possibility of erroneous cancellation or setting operation can be reduced.

  Since the authentication number is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 24, the security in this aspect is high.

  (A9) The variable resistor 19 is generally a very inexpensive part and can reduce the cost.

  (A11) With the variable resistor 19 and the push button switch 18, the number of digits of the authentication number can be set dynamically and easily, and there is an effect that it is possible to flexibly cope with various security importance levels.

  (A12) Since it is wireless, it is not necessary to look for a small key hole like a hard key, and it is sufficient to enter the communication area of the RFID reader / writer 32. Since it suffices to enter the communication area, there is an effect that it is not necessary to set a strict operation position.

  (A13) The communication area can be limited by adjusting the transmission power of the RFID reader / writer 32, and the communication area can be limited according to the application to further enhance the security.

  (A14) Since it is wireless, there is no need for a keyhole on the device side. Thereby, crime prevention property improves drastically. It is most suitable for money handling equipment such as ATM equipment in financial institutions. Moreover, since there is no key hole, it is advantageous for outdoor installation equipment.

  (A15) It is possible to integrate keys such as guards, maintenance service personnel such as vending machines, etc., and to reduce the man-hours for searching for the corresponding keys and the key management man-hours.

  (A16) When carrying the antenna unit 12 and the wireless key body 11, the antenna unit 12 and the wireless key body 11 can be folded and integrated, so that the miniaturization can be achieved.

(A17) By closing the antenna unit 12, the electromagnetic shielding function is exerted in close contact with the electromagnetic shielding metal surface 16, so that it is possible to prevent a third party from intercepting the ID during carrying.

  (A18) By folding the antenna unit 12, the user can visually recognize that the user is in an ID non-intercepting state.

  (A19) As will be described later as a modified example, the variable resistor 19 can be any of a rotary type, a type that changes in a straight line, and a type that changes in a stepwise manner.

  (A20) The use of a variable resistor with a push button has an effect that the operability and size can be further reduced.

(A-4) Modified Examples of First Embodiment In the above description, various modified embodiments have been mentioned, and further modified embodiments exemplified below can be given.

  The number of digits of the authentication number is not limited to two digits as described above. The number of digits of the authentication number can be arbitrarily set according to the importance of security or the management method of the managed device. In addition, the number of digits of the authentication number can be easily increased or decreased without changing the hardware.

  That is, when the number is set by the variable resistor 19 and the push button switch 18 is pressed, it is recognized as one digit. By repeating this, the wireless key 10 can correspond to an arbitrary number of digits. At the end of the authentication number, the variable resistor 19 is set to the “setting” position, and the pushbutton switch 18 is pressed, so that the input authentication number of an arbitrary number of digits becomes valid.

  In FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, etc., the variable resistor 19 and the “push button switch 18” are shown separately. However, a “variable resistor with a push button” may be applied. This is advantageous for downsizing.

  The “device management method” means that, for example, when it is desired to manage the vending machine in an easy-to-understand manner for each district where the vending machine is installed, an authentication number may be assigned as follows.

Area A: Certification numbers 01001 to 01999
B area: Certification number 02001-02999
The number of allocation of the variable resistor 19 is not limited to 12 described above. The set allocation number of the variable resistor 19 can be determined by the voltage reading accuracy when the variable resistor 19 is changed.

  For example, assuming that the voltage reading accuracy corresponding to 8 bits is 256 resolution, there is no problem if the number of divisions is about 10, 12, 16, 20, 32.

  Increasing the number of assignments assigns numbers, letters, symbols, etc. (for example, “0” to “9”, “A” to “F”, “#”, “$”, “%”, “&” , “+”, “−”,...), Various information and commands can be transmitted from the RFID chip 17, and the application range of authentication items and authentication target devices can be expanded.

  Of course, the authentication method of the first embodiment may be used in combination with another authentication method (for example, an individual authentication method using a fingerprint or the like).

  The relative movable structure of the antenna unit 12 and the wireless key body 11 is not limited to the folding type by the hinge unit 13 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, and the antenna unit 12 is in an invalid position. As long as it can take an effective position, other structures may be used.

  FIG. 10 shows a first modification of the relative movable structure of the antenna unit 12 and the wireless key body 11. In this modification, the antenna unit 12 can rotate about the rotation axis 12A along the normal direction of the one surface about the center 12A. By this rotation, the state (position) accommodated in the wireless key body 11 and the wireless The state can be changed between the states (positions) drawn to the outside of the key body 11.

  FIG. 11 shows a second modification of the relative movable structure between the antenna unit 12 and the wireless key body 11. In this modified example, the antenna unit 12 can slide with respect to the wireless key main body 11, and by this sliding, the state (position) accommodated in the wireless key main body 11 and the outside of the wireless key main body 11 are detected. The state can be changed between the drawn states (positions).

  In both the first and second modified examples, the state in which the antenna unit 12 is housed in the wireless key body 11 is a state of carrying (not in use), and the antenna unit 12 is pulled out of the wireless key body 11. The state is the state at the time of authentication (during use). In the state where the antenna unit 12 is accommodated in the wireless key body 11, the antenna 14 of the antenna unit 12 is placed on an unillustrated metal surface for electromagnetic shielding (see reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1) provided on the wireless key body 11. It is made to come into contact.

  The authentication operation in the wireless key 10 adopting the first and second modifications of the relative movable structure is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  Since the antenna structure of the first embodiment and the antenna structures of these modifications can be selected without degrading the performance of the wireless key 10, the degree of freedom of the appearance structure including operability can be increased. In the case of the slide method, a structure for turning off the loop of the antenna itself can be easily realized (for example, the connection with the RFID chip 17 is disconnected when the slide is extended), and the security can be further improved.

(B) Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the authentication system and the wireless tag device for the authentication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the wireless key 10A according to the second embodiment in a state where the antenna unit 12 is most opened from the wireless key body 11, and corresponds to FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. The same and corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same and corresponding reference numerals.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 according to the second embodiment and a connection relationship with peripheral elements, and corresponds to FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. The same and corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same and corresponding reference numerals.

  The wireless key 10A of the second embodiment includes a plurality (two in the drawing) of variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2, and these variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2 are analog. The sensor 25 is connected to the analog interface unit 22 of the RFID chip 17 via the switch 25.

  A selection signal is given to the analog switch 25 from the digital input / output unit 23 of the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17, and the analog switch 25 connects the variable resistor 19-1 or 19-2 indicated by the selection signal. The analog interface unit 22 is connected.

  When the push button switch 18 is pressed, the RFID transceiver unit 21 controls the selection signal from the digital input / output unit 23 and sequentially takes in the resistance values of the variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2. Two resistance values are transmitted to the authentication apparatus main body 30 by one transmission operation or sequential transmission operation. The selection signal may be controlled by the authentication device main body 30 taking the initiative.

  The internal configuration of the authentication apparatus main body 30 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the case of the second embodiment, information such as two numbers is given to the authentication control unit 33 of the authentication apparatus main body 30 simultaneously or continuously in a short period, and the authentication control unit 33 gives the given 2 Individual numbers and the like are processed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  A command such as “set” or “cancel” may be assigned only to one of the variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2, or may be assigned to both. In the latter case, The condition may be that both the variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2 have the same command.

  For example, if the authentication number is two digits, the numbers of the respective digits are set in the variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2, then the push button switch 18 is pressed, and then the variable resistor 19- After setting the “setting” command to 1 and / or 19-2, the user can be authenticated by pressing the push button switch 18.

  According to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, since the plurality of variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2 are provided, it is possible to reduce the trouble of inputting the authentication number. The number of variable resistors may be the same as the number of digits of the authentication number or may be small. Even in the latter case, it is possible to reduce the trouble of inputting the authentication number compared to the case of having one variable resistor.

  In FIG. 13, one analog interface unit 22 is commonly used for the plurality of variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2, but the plurality of variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2 are used. A plurality of analog interface units 22 may be provided so as to correspond to each of the above.

  Further, a plurality of sensor-compatible RFID chips (17) may be provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of variable resistors 19-1 and 19-2. Even in this case, the push button switch 18 is shared.

(C) Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the authentication system and the wireless tag device for the authentication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic rear view of the wireless key 10B of the third embodiment in a state where the antenna unit 12 is most opened from the wireless key main body 11 (a rear view when the drawing like FIG. 1 is a front view). Yes, the same and corresponding parts as in the first embodiment are indicated by the same and corresponding reference numerals.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 according to the third embodiment and the connection relationship with peripheral elements, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. The same and corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same and corresponding reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the wireless key 10 </ b> B of the third embodiment includes an LCD (liquid crystal) display 26 provided on the wireless key cover 20. The LCD display 26 is driven by an LCD driver 27 connected to the digital input / output unit 23 of the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 as shown in FIG.

  The internal configuration of the authentication apparatus main body 30 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the case of the third embodiment, when the authentication control unit 33 of the authentication device main body 30 sets and stores an incoming number, a wireless key for displaying the number on the LCD display 26 of the wireless key 10B. The transmission operation to 10B is performed.

  Thus, the authentication number input using the variable resistor 19 is displayed on the LCD display 26. Note that the authentication control unit 33 may perform control such that a message such as “authentication OK” is displayed on the LCD display 26 of the wireless key 10B.

  According to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, there is an effect that the operator can confirm the input authentication number, the apparatus state, and the like. That is, the operator can recognize the authentication number and display a response message to various commands in addition to this, so that the operability is greatly improved. Such authentication numbers and various messages can be displayed without a battery.

(D) Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the authentication system and the wireless tag device for the authentication system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of the wireless key 10C according to the fourth embodiment in a state where the antenna unit 12 is most opened from the wireless key body 11, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. The same and corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same and corresponding reference numerals.

  17 and 18 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an image in which the wireless key 10C of the fourth embodiment in the state shown in FIG. 16 is inserted into the antenna portion insertion cavity 37 provided in the authentication device main body 30. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the insertion direction of the antenna part insertion cavity 37, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane orthogonal to the insertion direction of the antenna part insertion cavity 37.

  The wireless key 10C according to the fourth embodiment is obtained by applying two types of hardware key configurations in addition to an authentication configuration using the variable resistor 19 or the like (in other words, a software key configuration).

  The first hardware key configuration in the wireless key 10 </ b> C of the fourth embodiment is one or a plurality of cut portions 28 provided in the antenna unit 12. When the wireless key 10C of the fourth embodiment corresponds to the authentication device main body 30, the cut portion 28 is appropriately provided in the antenna portion insertion cavity 37 of the authentication device main body 30 as shown in FIG. The front end portion is engaged with a key groove detection switch 38 having a conical shape that moves back and forth, and a block key 39 that is entirely cylindrical and moves back and forth.

  The second hardware key configuration in the wireless key 10 </ b> C of the fourth embodiment is one or a plurality of through holes 29 formed in the antenna unit 12. When the wireless key 10C of the fourth embodiment corresponds to the authentication device main body 30, the through hole 29 is appropriately provided in the antenna portion insertion cavity 37 of the authentication device main body 30 as shown in FIG. The photoelectric sensor composed of the light emitter 40 and the light receiver 41 is allowed to exchange light.

  The antenna portion 12 is formed of a material other than metal in order to allow signal capture of the antenna 14, and it is easy to form the cut portion 28 and the through hole 29.

The authentication device main body 30 of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. The authentication control unit 33 of the authentication device main body 30 is also provided with an engagement signal from the keyway detection switch 38 and the block key 39 and a light reception signal from the light receiver 41, and is used for authentication determination. In the case where any one of the keyway detection switch 38 and the block key 39 does not output an engagement signal to the authentication control unit 33 or when a light reception signal from any one light receiver 41 cannot be obtained. Authentication NG.

  Note that the authentication with the hardware key configuration OK may be a condition for the RFID reader / writer 32 to perform a communication operation.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, since the hardware key configuration is also used for authentication, security can be further improved.

(E) Other Embodiments In the description of each of the above embodiments, various modified embodiments have been referred to, but further modified embodiments as exemplified below can be given.

  Needless to say, the technical ideas of the above-described embodiments may be combined with the technical ideas of the other embodiments as long as no contradiction arises.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the variable resistor 19 is shown as the component that inputs the amount of electricity corresponding to the information to the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17, but a sensor other than the variable resistor 19 is used. The amount of electricity corresponding to the information may be input. For example, a temperature sensor whose resistance value changes with temperature may be used, and information may be input by changing the temperature using a writer or the like.

  In each of the above embodiments, the push button switch 18 indicates that the resistance value of the variable resistor 19 is taken in, but other configurations may be used. For example, a light receiving element may be provided, and light reception of a predetermined light amount or more of the light receiving element may be used as an instruction for taking in the resistance value of the variable resistor 19.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the non-volatile memory 24 of the sensor-compatible RFID chip 17 stores only the individual identification number. However, other information is also stored, and the authentication device can be appropriately selected. You may make it transmit to the main body 30. FIG.

For example, an encrypted authentication number may be stored, transmitted to the authentication apparatus main body 30, and the decrypted authentication number may be verified. Further, the name information of the operator may be stored and transmitted to the authentication apparatus main body 30. As a modification of the third embodiment, the authentication device main body 30 that has received the name information of the operator displays a message “Please enter your date of birth” on the LCD display 26, and the variable resistor 19 is displayed. It may be used for authentication by taking in the date of birth. Furthermore, input information at the time of authentication failure and authentication management information (log information) may be stored.

  Furthermore, the portion expressed as a sensor-compatible RFID chip in each of the above embodiments is not limited to a single chip, and may be composed of a plurality of chips.

  Further, the functional division between the wireless key and the authentication apparatus main body is not limited to that in the above embodiments. For example, threshold data necessary for measuring the resistance value may also be given from the authentication apparatus main body to the wireless key side.

  Furthermore, a locking mechanism that prevents the position of the antenna unit 12 from changing freely when the antenna unit 12 is open may be provided in the wireless key of each embodiment.

Furthermore, the transmission from the RFID reader / writer side may be started only when a specific condition is established by a combination of a human sensor or the like, and a series of communication times with one wireless key is increased. The RFID reader / writer may be limited by a timer or the like. Further, the RFID reader / writer may manage the time using a timer and limit the time period for performing the authentication process. That is, communication with the wireless key may be performed during this time period, and communication with the wireless key may not be performed outside the time period.

  The use of the authentication system of the present invention is not limited, and the present invention can be applied to any system or device that requires authentication. For example, it can be applied not only to entry / exit management in places where confidentiality is required, management of socially-influenced equipment, and maintenance of many devices by a single service person such as a vending machine, but also ATM maintenance. It can also be applied to authentication of a person and the like, authentication of a building guard, and the target device may be a cash card, a safe, a condominium, a security device, a mobile phone key, a coin locker, a CPU server, or the like.

It is a schematic front view of the state where the antenna part of the wireless key of the first embodiment is most opened from the wireless key body. It is a block diagram which shows the general structure of the authentication system for the conventional entrance / exit management. It is a schematic front view of the state where the antenna part of the wireless key of the first embodiment is closed to the wireless key body. It is a schematic plan view of the state where the antenna part of the wireless key of the first embodiment is closed to the wireless key body. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the RFID chip | tip corresponding to a sensor of 1st Embodiment, and the connection relationship with a peripheral element. It is explanatory drawing of the connection method of the variable resistor of 1st Embodiment, and the analog interface part of the RFID chip | tip corresponding to a sensor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a relationship between the knob position of the variable resistor of 1st Embodiment, and allocation information. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the authentication apparatus main body of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the authentication routine of the wireless key of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic front view which shows the modification (1) with respect to 1st Embodiment of the relative movable structure of an antenna part and a wireless key main body. It is a schematic front view which shows the modification (2) with respect to 1st Embodiment of the relative movable structure of an antenna part and a wireless key main body. It is a schematic front view of the state which the antenna part of the wireless key of 2nd Embodiment opened most from the wireless key main body. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the RFID chip | tip corresponding to a sensor of 2nd Embodiment, and the connection relationship with a peripheral element. It is a schematic back view of the state where the antenna part of the wireless key of the third embodiment is most opened from the wireless key body. It is a block diagram which shows the internal relationship of the RFID chip | tip corresponding to a sensor of 3rd Embodiment, and the connection relationship with a peripheral element. It is a schematic front view of the state which the antenna part of the wireless key of 4th Embodiment opened most from the wireless key main body. It is a schematic sectional drawing (1) which shows the image which inserted the wireless key of 4th Embodiment in the antenna part insertion cavity of the authentication apparatus main body. It is a schematic sectional drawing (2) which shows the image which inserted the wireless key of 4th Embodiment in the antenna part insertion cavity of the authentication apparatus main body.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A, 10B, 10C ... RFID tag device (wireless key) for authentication system, 11 ... Wireless key body, 12 ... Antenna part, 13 ... Hinge part, 14 ... Antenna, 15 ... Main board, 16 ... Metal for electromagnetic shield Surface: 17 ... RFID chip for sensor, 18 ... Push button switch, 19, 19-1, 19-2 ... Variable resistor, 20 ... Wireless key cover, 21 ... RFID transceiver unit, 22 ... Analog interface unit, 23 ... Digital Input / output unit, 24 ... non-volatile memory, 25 ... analog switch, 26 ... LCD display, 27 ... LCD driver, 28 ... notch, 29 ... through hole, 30 ... authentication device body, 31 ... reader / writer antenna (R / W antenna), 32 ... RFID reader / writer, 33 ... authentication control unit, 34 ... authentication number storage unit, 35 ... individual identification No. storage unit, 36 ... door opening and closing drive unit, 37 ... antenna unit insertion cavity 38 ... key groove detection switch, 39 ... block key, 40 ... light emitter 41 ... receiver.

Claims (13)

In the RFID tag device for an authentication system that gives information necessary for authentication to the authentication device body in a non-contact manner,
RFID tag for sensor with analog signal sensing function;
The sensor-compatible RFID tag includes an electrical property variable device that inputs a predetermined amount of electricity that can be continuously changed within a predetermined range .
The sensor-adaptive RFID tag has a comparator that compares the amount of electricity, which is an analog signal from the electrical property variable device, with a threshold value. A wireless tag device for an authentication system, wherein boundary values with different outputs can be detected, and the amount of electricity of the electric characteristic variable device is used for inputting authentication information.   2. The wireless tag device for an authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the RFID tag device operates with only electromagnetic wave energy from the RFID reader / writer side and is battery-less.   3. The authentication system according to claim 1, further comprising a take-in timing operation unit that inputs a take-in timing signal of an electric quantity of the electrical characteristic variable device to a sensor-compatible RFID tag according to an operation by an operator. Wireless tag device.   The antenna unit provided with the antenna of the sensor-compatible RFID tag is movable between the first position and the second position with respect to the RFID tag main body. 4. The wireless tag device for an authentication system according to any one of 3 above.   5. The electromagnetic shield means for enabling the antenna unit to communicate with the RFID reader / writer side at the first position and disabling communication with the RFID reader / writer side at the second position. The RFID tag device for authentication systems described in 1.   The antenna part provided with the antenna of the RFID tag corresponding to the sensor has a hard key part as a structural element of a mechanical key, and the hard key part can communicate with the RFID reader / writer side. 6. The wireless tag device for an authentication system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless tag device can function at a first position, and the antenna unit cannot function at a second position where communication with the RFID reader / writer is impossible. .   The wireless tag device for an authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of the electric characteristic variable devices are provided.   The wireless tag device for an authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a display that performs a display operation according to a signal from the sensor-compatible RFID tag. In an authentication system having an authentication information input device that inputs authentication information and an authentication device body that performs authentication based on the input authentication information,
While applying the RFID tag device for authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 as the authentication information input device,
An authentication system, wherein the authentication device main body includes an RFID antenna and an RFID reader / writer.   The authentication device body performs authentication based on the authentication information input to the authentication system wireless tag device and the individual identification number assigned to the sensor-compatible RFID tag of the authentication system wireless tag device. The authentication system according to claim 9.   Dividing the range of electric quantity of the electrical property variable device into a plurality of parts, and assigning information and / or commands to each divided range, and the authentication device body is given from the RFID tag device for authentication system The authentication system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the input information or the input command is recognized based on an electric quantity of the electric characteristic variable device.   12. The authentication system according to claim 11, wherein the information and / or command allocation method with respect to a possible range of the electric quantity of the electrical characteristic variable device can be changed.   The authentication system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the content and the number of digits of reference authentication information managed by the authentication device main body can be changed.

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