BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION DEVICE

According to an embodiment, a biometric authentication device includes a biometric authentication sensor, a housing, a battery, and a power supply circuit. The biometric authentication sensor is configured to be brought into contact with any finger of fingers and acquire biometric authentication information from the finger. The housing disposes the biometric authentication sensor so as to be exposed to a part of an outer surface and can be held by the fingers. The battery is provided in the housing. The power supply circuit is configured to start supply of power from the battery by the biometric authentication sensor being pressed down in a state where the finger is in contact with the biometric authentication sensor.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a biometric authentication device.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, there has been known a technique in which a biometric authentication sensor is incorporated into hardware such as an automatic teller machine (ATM) of a bank, an entrance and exit management terminal, a personal computer, and a mobile phone terminal, and the biometric authentication sensor performs biometric authentication of a user.

In recent years, miniaturization of biometric authentication devices has progressed, and it is conceivable for a biometric authentication sensor to be mounted on a portable medium having a size such that it can be held by one hand. Further, such a biometric authentication device is equipped with a rechargeable battery. However, as the biometric authentication device becomes smaller, the battery that can be mounted becomes smaller. Therefore, the biometric authentication device has a problem with power saving.

For example, when a biometric authentication device is used, a user may manually operate a power switch to turn on the biometric authentication device and then operate the power switch to turn off the biometric authentication device after fingerprint authentication is completed. However, this forces the user to use the biometric authentication device in a complicated manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment, a biometric authentication device includes a biometric authentication sensor, a housing, a battery, and a power supply circuit. The biometric authentication sensor is configured to be brought into contact with any finger of fingers and acquire biometric authentication information from the finger. The housing disposes the biometric authentication sensor so as to be exposed to a part of an outer surface and can be held by the fingers. The battery is provided in the housing. The power supply circuit is configured to start supply of power from the battery by the biometric authentication sensor being pressed down in a state where the finger is in contact with the biometric authentication sensor.

EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a biometric authentication device1according to a first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 4.FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a configuration of the biometric authentication device1according to the first embodiment.FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a configuration of the biometric authentication device1.FIG. 3is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of the biometric authentication device1.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an operation mechanism17used in the biometric authentication device1.FIG. 5is an explanatory diagram showing an example of use of the biometric authentication device1. In each drawing, for convenience of description, the shape of each configuration is simplified or omitted, or the dimensions are enlarged or reduced.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the biometric authentication device1includes a processor11, a biometric authentication sensor12, a secure element (SE)13such as a central processing unit (CPU), a wireless communication interface (I/F)14, a battery15, a power supply circuit16, and an operation mechanism17. In addition, as shown inFIG. 1, the biometric authentication device1includes a housing19that houses the processor11, the SE13, the wireless communication I/F14, the battery15, the power supply circuit16, and the operation mechanism17and exposes the biometric authentication sensor12to an outer surface.

For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the processor11, the biometric authentication sensor12, the SE13, the wireless communication I/F14, the battery15, and the power supply circuit16used in the biometric authentication device1are mounted on a plurality of substrates10. The plurality of substrates10are housed in the housing19. The arrangement of the components shown inFIG. 1is an example, and can be set as appropriate.

The processor11performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the biometric authentication device1. The processor11, for example, controls the biometric authentication sensor12, the SE13, and the wireless communication I/F14in order to realize various functions of the biometric authentication device1based on a program stored in the SE13. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the processor11functions as, for example, an authentication processing part11a, an authentication data holding part11b, and an authentication data reporting part11cby executing a program stored in the SE13.

The authentication processing part11a, for example, encrypts, by the SE13, biometric authentication information acquired by the biometric authentication sensor12. The authentication data holding part11bstores in the SE13the biometric authentication information encrypted by the authentication processing part11a. The authentication data reporting part11creads out the encrypted biometric authentication information stored in the SE13, and transmits the encrypted biometric authentication information via the wireless communication I/F14to a terminal100provided outside that performs biometric authentication.

The processor11is formed by one or more processing circuits. The processor11is, for example, a micro processing unit (MPU). Note that the processor11may be a central processing unit (CPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a graphics processing unit (GPU). Alternatively, the processor11may be a combination thereof.

The biometric authentication sensor12is electrically connected to the processor11. The biometric authentication sensor12is powered by the processor11, for example. While power is supplied, the biometric authentication sensor12is controlled by, for example, the authentication processing part11aof the processor11, and acquires biometric authentication information of a finger211in contact with the biometric authentication sensor12as biometric authentication information of a living body. The biometric authentication sensor12transmits biometric authentication information acquired from the finger211to the authentication processing part11a. The biometric authentication sensor12is, for example, a fingerprint sensor that acquires image data of a fingerprint from a finger. The biometric authentication sensor12is, for example, formed in a rectangular shape. The biometric authentication sensor12may be other than a fingerprint sensor, and may be, for example, a vein sensor that acquires a vein pattern of a finger as image data.

The SE13is electrically connected to the processor11. The SE13is powered by the processor11, for example. The SE13includes a memory capable of storing data and a cryptographic logic circuit. The SE13encrypts and stores the biometric authentication information. The SE13stores various programs for exhibiting a biometric authentication function. While power is supplied, the SE13is controlled by, for example, the authentication processing part11aand the authentication data holding part11bof the processor11, and encrypts and stores the biometric authentication information. For example, the SE13holds stored information such as various programs even while power is not supplied.

The wireless communication I/F14is electrically connected to the processor11. The wireless communication I/F14is, for example, powered by the processor11. The wireless communication I/F14is an interface that transmits and receives information to and from the terminal100by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The battery15is, for example, a flat small battery. The battery15may be a primary battery or a secondary battery.

The power supply circuit16is a power source circuit. The power supply circuit16includes a circuit part16aand a switch16bprovided in the circuit part16a. In the power supply circuit16, the circuit part16ais normally open, and the circuit part16ais closed when the switch16bis operated. The circuit part16aconnects the processor11and the battery15. In addition to the processor11, the circuit part16amay connect the biometric authentication sensor12, the SE13, and the wireless communication I/F14to the battery15.

The circuit part16ain the open state stops supply of current from the battery15to the processor11. The circuit part16ain the closed state supplies current from the battery15to the processor11.

The switch16bis normally in an OFF state, and is operated to enter an ON state. For example, the switch16bcloses the circuit part16awhile the switch16bis operated and in the ON state. In other words, the switch16bis, for example, a switch of a momentary system. For example, the switch16bis mechanically or electrically operated by the operation mechanism17.

In such a power supply circuit16, the circuit part16ais closed only while the switch16bis operated, and power is supplied from the battery15to the processor11. In other words, while the switch16bis operated, the circuit part16ais closed and power is supplied from the battery15to the processor11, so that the authentication processing part11a, the authentication data holding part lib, and the authentication data reporting part11cfunction. When the circuit part16ais closed while the switch16bis operated, power is also supplied to the biometric authentication sensor12, the SE13, and the wireless communication I/F14via the processor11.

When biometric authentication is performed by the biometric authentication sensor12, the operation mechanism17operates the switch16bby bringing the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and moving the biometric authentication sensor12in one direction with the finger211.

The operation mechanism17, for example, holds the biometric authentication sensor12in a movable manner. For example, the operation mechanism17is provided between the biometric authentication sensor12and the substrate10on which the biometric authentication sensor12is mounted. The operation mechanism17, for example, holds the biometric authentication sensor12so as to be movable between an initial position of the biometric authentication sensor12and an operation position at which the biometric authentication sensor12moves to operate the switch16b. Further, the operation mechanism17biases the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position and positions the biometric authentication sensor12at the initial position when no external force is applied.

Here, the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12is, for example, an operation in which a finger is brought into close contact with the biometric authentication sensor12in order to acquire biometric authentication information in the biometric authentication sensor12, and then a user further intentionally moves the biometric authentication sensor12. Note that the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12may be an operation of the biometric authentication sensor12that is not intended by the user as long as the operation occurs in association with an action of acquiring biometric authentication information in the biometric authentication sensor12. A specific example of an operation of the biometric authentication sensor12that is not intended by the user is a movement of the biometric authentication sensor12that is additionally caused by an action of the user bringing a finger into close contact with the biometric authentication sensor12in order to acquire biometric authentication information in the biometric authentication sensor12without knowing that the biometric authentication sensor12will move.

The movement of the biometric authentication sensor12may be any movement as long as the switch16bcan be operated, and may be a movement of the biometric authentication sensor12that can be recognized by the user or a movement of the biometric authentication sensor12that is difficult for the user to recognize. That is, an amount of the movement of the biometric authentication sensor12associated with the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12can be set as appropriate.

As a specific example, when the user brings the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor and further performs an operation of pressing the biometric authentication sensor12down with the finger211from this contact state, the operation mechanism17operates the switch16b. That is, in the example of the present embodiment, a moving direction between the initial position and the operation position of the biometric authentication sensor12by the operation mechanism17is a direction along a pressing direction of the biometric authentication sensor12.

Further, for example, when the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12is released, the operation mechanism17moves the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position and releases the operation of the switch16b. That is, the operation mechanism17is a mechanism of a momentary system that closes the switch16bonly while the biometric authentication sensor12is being operated.

As a specific example, the operation mechanism17is a mechanism of a membrane system as shown inFIG. 4. For example, the operation mechanism17includes a guiding portion31provided in the housing19, a guided portion32that moves along the guiding portion31, and a rubber dome33that is operated by the guided portion32.

The guiding portion31is, for example, formed in a tubular shape. The guiding portion31is disposed around the switch16bof the power supply circuit16provided on the substrate10. For example, the biometric authentication sensor12is fixed to the guided portion32. The guided portion32moves in one direction along the guiding portion31.

The rubber dome33holds the biometric authentication sensor12fixed to the guided portion32at the initial position by biasing the guided portion32. When the biometric authentication sensor12is pressed down and the guided portion32moves toward the inside of the housing19along the guiding portion31, the rubber dome33is elastically deformed to operate the switch16b. The switch16bmay adopt a configuration that provides a click sensation such as a “click” when operated. When the biometric authentication sensor12is released from being pressed down, the rubber dome33biases the guided portion with a restoring force and moves the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position.

The force required to elastically deform the rubber dome33and operate the switch16bis set as appropriate. For example, the rubber dome33may be elastically deformed when the user further presses the biometric authentication sensor12down with the finger211after the finger211is brought into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12. Further, for example, the rubber dome33may be elastically deformed by bringing the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12to such an extent that biometric authentication information can be acquired by the biometric authentication sensor12. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the rubber dome33is elastically deformed when the user further presses the biometric authentication sensor12down by applying a predetermined force after bringing the finger into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12.

The housing19is, for example, formed in a size that fits in fingers of one hand. Here, a size that fits in the fingers of one hand is, for example, a size that can be held by the fingers of one hand. If the configuration shown inFIG. 2is adopted, the shape is irrelevant.

In the present embodiment, the housing19is formed into, for example, a cubic shape having a size that fits into a sphere having a diameter of 7 cm, specifically, a cubic shape having 4 cm sides or less. The housing19has, for example, a ridge portion and a corner portion formed in a curved surface shape.

As shown inFIG. 1, the housing19, for example, accommodates the processor11, the SE13, the wireless communication I/F14, and the battery15that are respectively mounted on the substrates10. In addition, for example, the housing19accommodates the substrates10on which the biometric authentication sensor12and the power supply circuit16are mounted and the operation mechanism17, and exposes the biometric authentication sensor12to a part of the outer surface. As a specific example, the housing19has, on one surface thereof, an opening21for exposing the biometric authentication sensor12.

In addition, the housing19has a groove22in a part of the outer surface, which is at least a part of positions at which the fingers come into contact with the housing19when the finger211is brought into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12. The groove22is, for example, provided at least at a position of the housing19that is touched by a finger among the fingers that is different from a finger that touches the biometric authentication sensor12.

The groove22is, for example, formed to a depth at which a finger can contact a bottom surface of the groove22. The bottom surface of the groove22is formed into a curved surface shape, for example. The shape of the groove22can be set as appropriate, and for example, the bottom surface may be formed into a planar shape. However, the groove22preferably has a depth and a shape such that when the housing19is held by the fingers, a pad of a finger comes into contact with the bottom surface of the groove22.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, for example, the groove22is provided on one surface19bof four surfaces adjacent to a surface19ahaving the opening21for exposing the biometric authentication sensor12of the housing19. The groove22is provided on the center side of one surface19badjacent to the surface19ahaving the opening21in a direction orthogonal to the surface19aon which the opening21is provided. The groove22extends along a direction parallel to the surface19aon which the opening21is provided. In addition, for example, the groove22is provided between two opposing surfaces19cadjacent to both the surface19bon which the groove22is provided and the surface19ahaving the opening21of the housing19.

Next, an example of biometric authentication using the biometric authentication device1with the above-described configuration will be described. In the present embodiment, the finger211that performs biometric authentication using the biometric authentication device1will be described below as a thumb211of a right hand200.

First, in the biometric authentication device1in which the finger211is not in contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and biometric authentication is not performed, the switch16bis in the OFF state and the power supply circuit16is open. Thus, in the biometric authentication device1, the supply of power from the battery15to the processor11is stopped. Therefore, the functions of the authentication processing part11a, the authentication data holding part lib, and the authentication data reporting part11cof the processor11, as well as the biometric authentication sensor12, the SE13, and the wireless communication I/F14are stopped.

When fingerprint authentication is performed, the user holds the housing19with either a left or right hand; in the present embodiment, the right hand200. Specifically, for example, as shown inFIG. 5, the user places an index finger212in the groove22and supports a surface of the housing19opposing the surface19awhere the opening21is provided with a middle finger213, a ring finger214, and a little finger215. Then, the user brings the thumb211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12.

When the user brings the thumb211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and presses the biometric authentication sensor12down with the thumb211so that the thumb211further closely contacts the biometric authentication sensor12, the biometric authentication sensor12is moved by the operation mechanism17. Then, the switch16bis operated by the operation mechanism17, and power is supplied from the battery15to the processor11by the power supply circuit16.

More specifically, for example, when the biometric authentication sensor12is pressed down by the thumb211of the user, the guided portion32moves along the guiding portion31and elastically deforms the rubber dome33. Then, the switch16bis operated by the elastically deformed rubber dome33. As a result, the switch16bis turned on and the circuit part16ais closed, so that supply of power from the battery15to the processor11is started.

When the supply of power from the battery15to the processor11is started, the processor11executes the biometric authentication function by the functions of the authentication processing part11a, the authentication data holding part lib, and the authentication data reporting part11c.

Specifically, the authentication processing part11aactivates the biometric authentication sensor12, and acquires biometric authentication information of a contact region of the thumb211. In the present embodiment, since the biometric authentication sensor12is a fingerprint sensor, the authentication processing part11aacquires fingerprint data of the thumb211in contact with the fingerprint sensor as biometric authentication information. Then, for example, the authentication processing part11aencrypts by the SE13the biometric authentication information acquired by the biometric authentication sensor12.

Next, the authentication data holding part11bstores in the SE13the biometric authentication information encrypted by the authentication processing part11a. Then, the authentication data reporting part11creads out the encrypted biometric authentication information stored in the SE13, and transmits the biometric authentication information to the terminal100that is provided outside and performs biometric authentication via the wireless communication I/F14.

As described above, while the biometric authentication sensor12is pressed down by the finger211, the processor11acquires biometric authentication information, encrypts the biometric authentication information, stores the encrypted biometric authentication information, and transmits the stored encrypted biometric authentication information to the external terminal100. Note that processes of encrypting, storing, and transmitting biometric authentication information are not limited to the above, and various changes can be made as necessary.

When the encrypted biometric authentication information is transmitted to the external terminal100, the user releases the thumb211away from the biometric authentication sensor12. When the thumb211separates from the biometric authentication sensor12, the guided portion32is biased by restoration of the rubber dome33, and the biometric authentication sensor12returns to the initial position. As a result, the operation of the switch16bis released, the switch16bis turned off, and the circuit part16ais opened. Thus, the supply of power from the battery15to the processor11is stopped.

As described above, while the user presses the biometric authentication sensor12down with a finger such as the thumb211, power is supplied from the battery15to the processor11by the power supply circuit16, and the biometric authentication function is executed by the processor11.

When the biometric authentication sensor12is operated in a state in which any finger is in contact with the biometric authentication sensor12on a next occasion, power is supplied to the processor11and the biometric authentication function is executed while the biometric authentication sensor12is operated (pressed down) in the same manner.

According to the biometric authentication device1with the above-described configuration, the power supply and the execution of the biometric authentication function can be continuously performed by bringing the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12or by bringing the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and then further operating the biometric authentication sensor12with the finger211in contact.

That is, the biometric authentication device1closes the power supply circuit16by bringing the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and operating the switch16bin order to acquire biometric authentication information. Then, in the biometric authentication device1, power is supplied to the processor11only when the power supply circuit16is closed, and a fingerprint authentication function of acquisition, encryption, storage, and communication of biometric authentication information is exhibited. Therefore, the biometric authentication device1can supply electric power from the battery15to the processor11only when a finger is in contact with the biometric authentication sensor12in order to exhibit the fingerprint authentication function. Since power is not supplied from the battery15to the processor11during standby, the biometric authentication device1can save power.

An instruction to supply power to the processor11may be an operation in which the user brings the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12in order to acquire biometric authentication information or an operation in which the user brings the finger211into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and moves the finger211in the contact state to operate the biometric authentication sensor12. Thus, the biometric authentication device1does not require the user to be aware of power supply, such as operating a power switch, and is user-friendly, and thus has high usability. In addition, the biometric authentication device1can cause the user to consciously perform the operation of pressing the biometric authentication sensor12down for power supply when acquiring biometric authentication information. That is, when the user recognizes the pressing down of the biometric authentication sensor12and presses the biometric authentication sensor12, the finger211comes into close contact with the biometric authentication sensor12. Therefore, an acquisition efficiency of the biometric authentication information can be improved.

Further, for example, the movement amount of the biometric authentication sensor12and a force required to move the biometric authentication sensor12can be adjusted as appropriate by the configuration of the operation mechanism17. Therefore, a response of the biometric authentication device1to an operation of the user can be appropriately set by the configuration of the operation mechanism17.

That is, in order to give the user a feeling of starting biometric authentication or a feeling of performing biometric authentication, the movement amount of the biometric authentication sensor12by the operation mechanism17and the force required for the movement may be set to be relatively large. In addition, if it is not desired to make the user aware of a feeling of starting biometric authentication, a feeling of performing biometric authentication, or an operation feeling of the biometric authentication sensor12, for example, the operation mechanism17may be set to have a small movement amount of the biometric authentication sensor12and a small force required for the movement.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the rubber dome33is elastically deformed when the user presses the biometric authentication sensor12down by further applying a predetermined force after bringing a finger into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12. Such an operation mechanism17brings the finger211into close contact with the biometric authentication sensor12, thereby improving the acquisition efficiency of biometric authentication information and allowing the user to realize that biometric authentication is being performed.

As described above, the biometric authentication device1according to the present embodiment is configured such that the power supply circuit16is closed when a finger is placed on the biometric authentication sensor12. As a result, the biometric authentication device1supplies power to the processor11only when the biometric authentication function is exhibited, and thus power can be saved.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a biometric authentication device1according to a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an operation mechanism17A used in the biometric authentication device1according to the second embodiment. In the biometric authentication device1according to the second embodiment, the configuration of the operation mechanism17A is different from the configuration of the biometric authentication device1according to the first embodiment described above, and other similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The operation mechanism17A used in the biometric authentication device1holds the biometric authentication sensor12in a movable manner. For example, the operation mechanism17A holds the biometric authentication sensor12so as to be movable between an initial position and an operation position where the switch16bis operated. Further, for example, the operation mechanism17A biases the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position, and positions the biometric authentication sensor12at the initial position when no external forces are applied. As a specific example, when the finger211comes into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and the biometric authentication sensor12is further operated by the finger211in one direction, the operation mechanism17A moves the biometric authentication sensor12from the initial position to the operation position and operates the switch16b.

A moving direction of the biometric authentication sensor12between the initial position and the operation position is the pressing direction thereof, and the operation mechanism17A moves the biometric authentication sensor12into the housing19when the biometric authentication sensor12is pressed down by the finger211from a state in which the finger211is in contact with the biometric authentication sensor12. Further, for example, when the operation of the biometric authentication sensor is released, the operation mechanism17A moves the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position. That is, the operation mechanism17A is a mechanism of a momentary system that closes the switch16bonly while the biometric authentication sensor12is being operated.

As a specific example, as shown inFIG. 6, the operation mechanism17A is a mechanism of a pantograph system. For example, the operation mechanism17A includes an arm41provided in the housing19, a biasing member42that biases the arm41toward the initial position, and a base43that fixes the arm41to the substrate10. The arm is disposed above the switch16bof the power supply circuit16provided on the substrate10. The arm41holds the biometric authentication sensor12at the initial position, for example. The arm41is operated by pressing the biometric authentication sensor12down. When the arm is operated, the height thereof is reduced and the switch16bis operated. When the pressing down of the biometric authentication sensor12is released, the height of the arm41returns due to the biasing by the biasing member42, and the arm41moves the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position.

The biasing member42is an elastic body such as a spring. The biasing member42biases the arm41so that the arm41has a predetermined height when the pressing down of the biometric authentication sensor12is released.

An amount of movement of the arm41and a force required to operate the arm41against the biasing of the biasing member42so as to operate the switch16bare appropriately set depending on the dimensions and shape of the arm41and the configuration of the biasing member42.

For example, such a switch16bor operation mechanism17A may have a configuration that provides a click sensation.

As described above, the biometric authentication device1using the operation mechanism17A according to the second embodiment is configured to close the power supply circuit16by bringing a finger into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12in the same manner as the biometric authentication device1according to the first embodiment described above. Thus, in the biometric authentication device1, power is supplied to the processor11only when the biometric authentication function is exhibited. Therefore, the biometric authentication device1can save power.

Third Embodiment

Hereinafter, a biometric authentication device1according to a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 7.FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of an operation mechanism17B used in the biometric authentication device1according to the third embodiment. InFIG. 7, a left diagram shows an (OFF state) before the switch16bis operated by the operation mechanism17B, and a right diagram shows an (ON state) after the switch16bis operated by the operation mechanism17B. In the biometric authentication device1according to the third embodiment, the configuration of the operation mechanism17B is different from the configuration of the biometric authentication device1according to the first embodiment described above, and other similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The operation mechanism17B used in the biometric authentication device1holds the biometric authentication sensor12in a movable manner. For example, the operation mechanism17B holds the biometric authentication sensor12so as to be movable between an initial position and an operation position where the switch16bis operated. Further, for example, the operation mechanism17B biases the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position, and positions the biometric authentication sensor at the initial position when no external forces are applied. As a specific example, when the finger211comes into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12and the biometric authentication sensor12is further operated by the finger211in one direction, the operation mechanism17B moves the biometric authentication sensor12from the initial position to the operation position and operates the switch16b.

A moving direction of the biometric authentication sensor12between the initial position and the operation position is the pressing direction thereof, and the operation mechanism17B moves the biometric authentication sensor12into the housing19when the biometric authentication sensor12is pressed down by the finger211from a state in which the finger211is in contact with the biometric authentication sensor12. Further, for example, when the operation of the biometric authentication sensor is released, the operation mechanism17B moves the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position. That is, the operation mechanism17B is a mechanism of a momentary system that closes the switch16bonly while the biometric authentication sensor12is being operated.

In addition, for example, when the biometric authentication sensor12is operated and the switch16bis switched from the OFF state to the ON state and from the ON state to the OFF state, the operation mechanism17B generates a click sensation and a typing sound.

As a specific example, the operation mechanism17B is a mechanism of a mechanical system as shown inFIG. 7. For example, the operation mechanism17B includes a guiding portion51provided in the housing19, a guided portion52that moves along the guiding portion51, an operation portion53that moves in a direction intersecting a moving direction of the guided portion52by being pressed by the guided portion52, and a coil spring54that biases the guided portion52.

The guiding portion51is formed in a tubular shape, and holds the guided portion52so as to be movable in one direction. For example, the biometric authentication sensor12is fixed to the guided portion52. The guided portion52moves along the guiding portion51.

The operation portion53is formed of, for example, a metallic material, and includes a pair of members53athat are moved by the guided portion52in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the guided portion52when the guided portion52moves along the guiding portion51.

One member53aof the operation portion53is disposed to face the switch16bof the power supply circuit16and has a contact point with the switch16b. When the guided portion52moves in one direction from the (OFF state) to the (ON state) inFIG. 7, the operation portion53moves in a direction in which the pair of members53aprovided with the switch16bare separated. Then, when one member53afacing the switch16bmoves toward the switch16band the one member53acomes into contact with the switch16b, the switch16bis turned on. As described above, when the switch16bis operated by the operation portion53, the power supply circuit16is closed.

In addition, the operation portion53is operated by the guided portion52, and generates a click sensation or a typing sound when one member53acomes into contact with the switch16band when the switch16bis separated from the contact state.

As described above, the biometric authentication device1using the operation mechanism17B according to the third embodiment is configured to close the power supply circuit16by bringing a finger into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12in the same manner as the biometric authentication device1according to the first embodiment described above. Thus, in the biometric authentication device1, power is supplied to the processor only when the biometric authentication function is exhibited. Therefore, the biometric authentication device1can save power. In addition, since the operation mechanism17B is of a mechanical system capable of generating a click sensation and a typing sound, it is possible to preferably transmit a feeling that biometric authentication has started and a feeling that biometric authentication has ended to a user.

The above-described embodiments are presented by way of example only, and the biometric authentication device is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described examples, examples having mechanisms of a membrane system, a pantograph system, and a mechanical system as the operation mechanisms17,17A, and17B, respectively, have been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, as shown in another embodiment ofFIG. 8, an operation mechanism17C may be a mechanism of a non-contact electrostatic capacity system. Such an operation mechanism17C includes, for example, the rubber dome33and a spring64such as a conical spring compressed by the rubber dome33below the guided portion32moving along the guiding portion31. Then, the operation mechanism17C detects an electrostatic capacity that changes due to deformation of the spring64, recognizes movement of the biometric authentication sensor12provided in the guided portion32, and turns on the switch16b.

Such an operation mechanism17C can obtain the same effects as those of the operation mechanisms17,17A, and17B described above. Further, by applying the mechanism of the non-contact electrostatic capacity system to the operation mechanism17C, a contact for turning on/off the switch16bis not required, so that the operation mechanism17C has a high durability. In addition, since generation of a click sensation or sound can be suppressed, the operation mechanism17C of the non-contact electrostatic capacity system is suitable for a case where generation of a click sensation or sound is desired to be suppressed during use of the biometric authentication device1. In a case where a click sensation is desired even when the operation mechanism17C of the non-contact electrostatic capacity system is used, for example, a configuration that provides a click sensation may be adopted for the switch16b.

Further, as shown in another embodiment ofFIG. 9, an operation mechanism17D may turn on the switch16bby slidably moving the biometric authentication sensor12in one direction of a main surface direction of the biometric authentication sensor12as an operation direction from a user. For example, such an operation mechanism17D includes an operation body71that is provided in the biometric authentication sensor12and operates the switch16b, a guiding portion72that guides the sliding movement of the operation body71along the main surface direction of the biometric authentication sensor12, and a biasing member73that biases the biometric authentication sensor12toward an initial position.

In such an operation mechanism17D, after a finger is brought into close contact with the biometric authentication sensor12, the finger211is moved along a surface direction of the biometric authentication sensor12, whereby the biometric authentication sensor12is slidably moved and the operation body71is moved. When the operation body71moves from a position indicated by a two-dot chain line to a position indicated by a solid line inFIG. 9, for example, a tip of the operation body71operates the switch16b. As a result, the operation mechanism17D can turn on the switch16band close the power supply circuit16. Thus, such an operation mechanism17D can obtain the same effects as those of the above-described operation mechanisms17,17A,17B, and17C.

In addition, since the operation mechanism17D presses the finger211against the biometric authentication sensor and moves the biometric authentication sensor12, a state in which the finger211is in close contact with the biometric authentication sensor12is maintained when moving the biometric authentication sensor12. Therefore, the biometric authentication device1including the operation mechanism17D can improve an acquisition efficiency of biometric authentication information.

Further, as is clear from the operation mechanism17D, the moving direction of the biometric authentication sensor for the operation of the switch16bby the operation mechanism in the present embodiment is not limited to the pressing direction. That is, as long as the biometric authentication sensor12can be moved in a state in which the finger211is in contact with the biometric authentication sensor12, a direction other than that of the above-described operation mechanisms can be appropriately set.

Further, for example, in each of the operation mechanisms17described above, an example of a momentary system that closes the switch16bonly while the biometric authentication sensor12is being operated has been described as an operation system, but the operation system is not limited thereto. For example, the operation mechanism17may have a configuration of an alternate system in which once the biometric authentication sensor12is operated, the switch16bis turned on, the on state of the switch16bis maintained even if the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12is released, and the switch16bis turned off by operating the biometric authentication sensor12again.

Further, for example, the operation mechanism17may not be of an alternate system, and the switch16bmay be of an alternate type. That is, the switch16bmay be turned on when operated once, and may be turned off when operated next.

An example of the switch16band operation mechanism of an alternate system is a toggle switch, but other configurations may be employed. For example, the operation mechanism17may be a combination of a mechanism of a membrane, pantograph, or mechanical system and a mechanism of an alternate system in which a movement in a returning direction is restricted when pressed down and the restriction on the movement in the returning direction is released when pressed down next to move the biometric authentication sensor12to the initial position.

When the switch16bor the operation mechanism17of the alternate system is used, the biometric authentication device1may include a switching portion that forcibly switches the switch16bfrom the ON state to the OFF state after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, since the switching portion can prevent power from being continuously supplied to the processor11due to forgetting to switch the switch16bto the OFF state after switching the switch16bto the ON state, it is effective for power saving. The switching portion may have a configuration in which the switch16bis electrically switched or mechanically switched as long as the switch16bcan be switched to the OFF state after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Further, the biometric authentication device1described above has a configuration in which the biometric authentication sensor12is operated by bringing a finger into contact with the sensor. Therefore, in order to prevent an erroneous operation in which the switch16bis operated by an object, etc. other than the finger211coming into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12, the biometric authentication device1may further include a lock mechanism that locks the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12or a cover that covers the biometric authentication sensor12. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the power supply circuit16from being closed and power from being supplied from the battery15to the processor11when dirt adhering to the biometric authentication sensor12is cleaned off or due to an erroneous operation, etc.

In addition, in the above-described examples, the configuration of the housing19in which the groove22is provided on one outer surface has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which grooves are provided on a pair of outer surfaces facing each other may be employed, or a configuration in which grooves are provided on three surfaces may be employed. Further, the shape of the groove is not limited to a shape extending in one direction, and may be, for example, a shape following the shape of a finger supporting the housing19. Furthermore, the housing19may be formed without a groove. However, in a case where the same user performs biometric authentication, in order to bring the same finger into contact with the biometric authentication sensor12in the same posture, a configuration in which a groove, etc. is provided as a guiding portion that guides the position of the fingers in any part of the housing19is preferable. In addition, the housing19is not limited to a cubic shape as long as it has a size that fits in the fingers of one hand, and may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a spherical shape.

In the above-described examples, the biometric authentication device1has the configuration in which power is supplied to the processor11to exhibit the biometric authentication function by touching the biometric authentication sensor12with a finger or further operating the biometric authentication sensor12after the touch. However, the biometric authentication device1may include a notification device that notifies the outside of execution of a predetermined process such as power supply to the processor11or exhibition of a biometric authentication function. Such a biometric authentication device1includes, for example, a light source such as an LED that emits light and/or a sound source such as a speaker that emits sound as the notification device. Then, in the biometric authentication device1, the processor11controls the notification device to notify the outside of execution of each process by light or sound. The biometric authentication device1may have a configuration such that it can be determined which process is being executed by changing a pattern of light or sound.

In the above-described examples, the biometric authentication device1has the configuration in which power is supplied to the processor11to exhibit a biometric authentication function by touching the biometric authentication sensor12with a finger or further operating the biometric authentication sensor12after the touch. However, the biometric authentication device1may have a configuration in which a biometric authentication function is exhibited by operating the biometric authentication sensor12twice.

Specifically, for example, when a finger is pressed against the biometric authentication sensor12to perform the first operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, the switch16bis operated by the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, the circuit part16aof the power supply circuit16, which is a power source circuit, is closed, and the processor11and the battery15are connected in the biometric authentication device1. As a result, power is supplied to the processor11.

Then, once the finger is released from the biometric authentication sensor12, the finger is pressed against the biometric authentication sensor12again to perform the second operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, and the switch16bis operated by the movement of the biometric authentication sensor12. When the processor11to which power is supplied detects this operation of the switch16b, the processor11executes a program stored in the SE13and executes functions as the authentication processing part11a, the authentication data holding part11b, and the authentication data reporting part11c. Then, the processor11performs biometric authentication processing such as fingerprint authentication of the finger pressed against the biometric authentication sensor12, and transmits biometric authentication information to the terminal100. As described above, the biometric authentication device1may have a configuration in which power is supplied to the processor11by the first operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, and the processor11performs biometric authentication processing by the second operation of the biometric authentication sensor12.

When power is supplied to the processor11by the first operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, the biometric authentication device1may notify the outside of information indicating that power has been supplied to the processor11by sound or light using the notification device. Similarly, when the biometric authentication function is being executed by the processor11by the second operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, information on the execution of the biometric authentication function may be notified to the outside by sound or light using the notification device.

Although the biometric authentication device1of the above-described examples has a configuration in which power is supplied to the processor11by the first operation of the biometric authentication sensor12and the processor11executes a program by the second operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, by the first operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, a part of the circuit part16aof the power supply circuit16, which is a power source circuit, may be closed, the processor11and the battery15may be connected, and power may be supplied to the processor11. Then, by the second operation of the biometric authentication sensor12, a part of the circuit part16aof the power supply circuit16, which is a power source circuit, may be closed, and the biometric authentication sensor12, the SE13, and the wireless communication I/F14may be connected to the battery15, for example, so as to shift to a state where biometric authentication can be performed.

In these examples, the biometric authentication device1has a configuration in which power is supplied to the processor11and a biometric authentication function is executed when the biometric authentication sensor12is operated twice, but the configuration is not limited thereto.

For example, a configuration in which when the biometric authentication sensor12is pressed with a finger, the movement of the biometric authentication sensor12is detectable by the switch16b, a sensor, etc. at two portions in the moving direction of the biometric authentication sensor12may be employed. That is, the biometric authentication device1may sequentially perform the power supply to the processor11and the execution of the biometric authentication function with different pressing amounts of the biometric authentication sensor12in one operation of the biometric authentication sensor12.

As a specific example, in the biometric authentication device1, after the biometric authentication sensor12is touched with a finger, the biometric authentication sensor is operated by an operation of the biometric authentication sensor12such as pressing down, whereby the movement amount of the biometric authentication sensor12increases. When the movement amount reaches a predetermined movement amount, first, the circuit part16aof the power supply circuit16, which is a power source circuit, is closed, and the processor11and the battery15are connected. As a result, power is supplied to the processor11.

When the operation of the biometric authentication sensor12is further continued, the movement amount of the biometric authentication sensor12further increases, and when the predetermined movement amount is reached, the switch16bis operated by the moved biometric authentication sensor12. Then, when the processor11detects the operation of the switch16b, the processor11executes program stored in the SE13and executes functions as the authentication processing part11a, the authentication data holding part lib, and the authentication data reporting part11c.

As described above, the biometric authentication device1may have a configuration in which the power supply to the processor11and the execution of the biometric authentication function are sequentially performed according to the movement amount of the biometric authentication sensor12. In the case of such a biometric authentication device1, a configuration in which the operation mechanism17generates a click sensation in a finger pressing the biometric authentication sensor12each time the movement amount of the biometric authentication sensor12reaches a predetermined movement amount may be employed.

The above-described biometric authentication device1supplies power to the processor11and exhibits a fingerprint authentication function by the biometric authentication sensor12being touched with a finger or the biometric authentication sensor12being further operated after the touch. Thus, for example, the biometric authentication device1may include a notification means that notifies the start and end of the biometric authentication function by light, sound, etc. However, from the viewpoint of power saving, it is preferable to use a configuration with low power consumption for the notification means.

According to the biometric authentication device of at least one embodiment described above, power saving can be achieved by supplying power to the processor only when the biometric authentication function is exhibited.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.