Patent Publication Number: US-9904907-B2

Title: Authentication apparatus with changing interval between adjacent working time periods of transceiver

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a technology for authentication to verify a user of an object. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     Conventionally, an apparatus has been known that performs authentication to verify whether or not a user is an authorized user for a vehicle or the like that is shared for use. Such an authentication apparatus separately includes a communication apparatus and establishes near field communication with a mobile device owned by the user. Then, the communication apparatus performs authentication to verify the user based on an ID number received by the communication apparatus from the mobile device. Therefore, the authentication apparatus has been continuously working until the user comes close to the vehicle and the like. 
     However, if the communication apparatus is continuously working, the communication apparatus keeps consuming power even while no communication is established with the user. Therefore, a large amount of power may be consumed. Moreover, it is not necessarily clear when the user comes close to the vehicle and the like to establish communication with a communication apparatus. Therefore, if the communication device stops working, when the user tries to establish communication, authentication is delayed and convenience is decreased. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, an authentication apparatus includes a transceiver that performs wireless communications via an antenna and a controller configured to: cause the transceiver to operate intermittently by setting a working time period of the transceiver, the transceiver seeking to obtain verification data of a user during the working time period; and acquire a scheduled use start time of an object associated with the authentication apparatus, the user seeking to use the object. The controller changes an interval between adjacent working time periods of the transceiver depending on whether or not the scheduled use start time has been acquired by the controller. 
     Thus, since the controller changes the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the transceiver depending on whether or not the scheduled use start time has been acquired, the transceiver can be caused to operate using an appropriate interval. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, in a case where the scheduled use start time has been acquired by the controller, the controller shortens the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the transceiver as the scheduled use start time approaches. 
     Thus, in the case where the scheduled use start time has been acquired, the controller shortens the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the transceiver as the scheduled use start time approaches. Thus, in a case where there is a long time before the scheduled use start time, the power consumption is decreased. As the scheduled use start time approaches, the transceiver verifies the user immediately. 
     Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a technology for verifying a user of an object immediately while decreasing power consumption. 
     These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an outline of an authentication system; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a configuration of an authentication apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is an example of an interval table; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a configuration of a server; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a reservation management database; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates steps of a process performed by the authentication apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates steps of a process performed by the authentication apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates steps of a process performed by the server; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates steps of a process performed by the authentication apparatus in a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a configuration of an authentication apparatus in a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates steps of a process performed by the authentication apparatus in the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a modified interval table; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an example of a modified interval table; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an example of a modified interval table; and 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an example of a modified interval table. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     1. First Embodiment 
     &lt;1-1. Outline&gt; 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an outline of an authentication system  1 . The authentication system  1  is a system that verifies whether or not a user  21  is an authorized user of an object to be shared to use, for example, a vehicle  2  such as a car. 
     First, the user  21  who desires to use the vehicle  2  makes a reservation to use the vehicle  2  at an office  5  that manages the vehicle  2 . The user  21  may access to a reservation system via a mobile device  7  or may visit the office  5  in person, to make a reservation to use the vehicle  2 . 
     Once receiving the reservation of the vehicle  2 , the reservation system in the office  5  sends contents of the reservation to a server  6 . The contents of the reservation includes a user ID number of the user  21 , a vehicle number for identifying the vehicle  2  and a use time period. 
     The server  6  includes a database including a plurality of the contents of the reservation. Once determining that the user  21  can use the vehicle  2 , the server  6  inputs the contents of the reservation into the database. The server  6  sends the user ID number of the user  21  and the use time period to an authentication apparatus  3  included in the vehicle  2 . 
     Once acquiring the user ID number of the user  21  and the use time period, the authentication apparatus  3  causes an authentication communication apparatus  4  to work (operate). The authentication communication apparatus  4  receives the user ID number of the user  21  sent from the mobile device  7  of the user  21 . 
     Once beginning working after receiving power supplied from the authentication apparatus  3 , the authentication communication apparatus  4  emits radio waves to a vicinity of the vehicle  2  in a predetermined time cycle. When the user  21  having the mobile device  7  comes closer to the vicinity of the vehicle  2  and when the mobile device  7  receives the radio wave emitted from the authentication communication apparatus  4 , the mobile device  7  sends the user ID number of the user  21  included in the mobile device  7  to the authentication communication apparatus  4 . 
     The authentication apparatus  3  receives the user ID number of the mobile device  7  from the authentication communication apparatus  4 . The authentication apparatus  3  performs authentication to verify whether or not the user  21  coming closer to the vicinity of the vehicle  2  is an authorized user who made the reservation to use the vehicle  2 , by checking the user ID number from the mobile device  7  against the user ID number acquired from the server  6  beforehand. In a case where the authentication apparatus  3  determines that the user  21  is the authorized user, the authentication apparatus  3  allows the user  21  to use the vehicle  2 . In other words, the authentication apparatus  3  unlocks a door of the vehicle  2 . Thus, the user  21  can enter the vehicle  2  and can start an engine of the vehicle  2 , using a key provided in a cabin of the vehicle  2 . 
     As described above, the authentication system  1  performs authentication to verify whether or not the user  21  is the authorized user of the vehicle  2  that is a shared-use vehicle. In a case where the user  21  is the authorized user, the authentication system  1  allows the user  21  to use the vehicle  2 . The authentication system  1  eliminates a physical procedure, such as receiving the key of the vehicle  2  between a user and a managing person of the vehicle  2 , and enhances convenience of the share-use of the vehicle  2 . 
     &lt;1-2. Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a configuration of the authentication system  1 . More specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates configurations of the authentication apparatus  3  and the authentication communication apparatus  4  of the authentication system  1 . The authentication system  1  includes the authentication apparatus  3  and the authentication communication apparatus  4  installed in the vehicle  2 , the office  5 , the server  6  and the mobile device  7 . 
     The vehicle  2  is an object to be shared to use by a plurality of users. Since only the authorized user is allowed to use the vehicle  2 , authentication of a user is performed before use. The object may be a building, such as a house, and an electronic device, such as a personal computer, in addition to a transportation, such as the vehicle  2 . The object may be anything that can be shared to use. 
     The authentication apparatus  3  is installed in the vehicle  2  and is an electronic control apparatus including an antenna for wireless communication to an outside device. The authentication apparatus  3  includes a controller  31 , an information communication part  32  and a memory  33 . 
     The controller  31  is a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM and a ROM, not illustrated. The controller  31  is connected to other elements included in the authentication apparatus  3  and controls the entire authentication apparatus  3 . Functions of the controller  31  will be described later. 
     The information communication part  32  is a wireless communication device including an antenna and a wireless communication function to perform information communications with the server  6  over a network. The information communication part  32  performs the wireless communications over, for example, WiMAX, LTE, etc. 
     The memory  33  is a memory for storing data. For example, the memory  33  is a non-volatile memory, such as an electrical erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory and a hard disk drive including a magnetic disk. The memory  33  stores a user ID number  33   a , reservation time data  33   b , an interval table  33   c  and a program  33   d.    
     The user ID number  33   a  is an identification number for identifying the user of the vehicle  2 . For example, the user ID number  33   a  is a 12-digit figure. 
     The reservation time data  33   b  is time data showing use start time and use end time of the vehicle  2  by the user  21 . The user ID number  33   a  and the reservation time data  33   b  are stored in the memory  33  by an acquisition part  31   b . Therefore, if the acquisition part  31   b  does not acquire the user ID number  33   a  and the reservation time data  33   b , both of the data are not stored in the memory  33 . The reservation time data  33   b  functions as a scheduled use start time of the object. 
     The interval table  33   c  is a data table including data of remaining time period until reserved use start time, a working time period and a stopped time period of the authentication communication apparatus  4 . A concrete example of the interval table  33   c  will be described later. 
     The program  33   d  is a firmware that is read out by the controller  31 , and the program  33   d  is executed by the controller  31  to control the authentication apparatus  3 . The program  33   d  is input and output to/from the authentication apparatus  3  via a memory, such as a memory card. However, the program  33   d  may be input and output by connection to an outside device with a communication wire. 
     Next, functions included in the controller  31  will be described. The controller  31  includes an operation part  31   a , the acquisition part  31   b , a timer  31   c , an authentication part  31   d  and an unlocking part  31   e , as the functions that are implemented according to a program. 
     The operation part  31   a  is a controller that causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work and to stop. The operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work by supplying power to the authentication communication apparatus  4  and stops the authentication communication apparatus  4  by stopping supplying power to the authentication communication apparatus  4 . Since the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work and to stop, the authentication communication apparatus  4  works at a predetermined interval, i.e., intermittently. While the operation part  31   a  stops supplying power to the authentication communication apparatus  4 , power is not consumed so that power can be saved. 
     Moreover, the operation part  31   a  shortens or lengthens the interval between adjacent work time periods (work period interval) of the authentication communication apparatus  4 , by controlling power supply to the authentication communication apparatus  4 . In a case where the work period interval is shortened, the operation part  31   a  shortens a time period (stopped time period) in which the authentication communication apparatus  4  is stopped. Moreover, a time period (working time period) in which the authentication communication apparatus  4  works may be lengthened. In a case where the work period interval is lengthened, the operation part  31   a  lengthens the stopped time period or shortens the working time period. The operation part  31   a  functions as an actuator. 
     The acquisition part  31   b  receives a various types of data from the server  6  located outside the vehicle  2 , via the information communication part  32 . The data received by the acquisition part  31   b  from the server  6  is data relating to the reservation of the vehicle  2 . The data relating to the reservation is the user ID number and the reservation time data that is the use start time and the use end time. Once acquiring the data relating to the reservation, the acquisition part  31   b  stores the user ID number and the reservation time data into the memory  33 . 
     The timer  31   c  is measuring equipment that measures time. The timer  31   c  receives signals sent from a positioning system satellite (e.g., GPS satellite) and derives current time from time data included in the received signal. Therefore, the timer  31   c  derives a time period from the current time to a predetermined time point. 
     The authentication part  31   d  performs authentication to verify whether or not the user  21  coming close to the vehicle  2  is a user registered to the authentication apparatus  3  beforehand. In other words, the authentication part  31   d  determines whether or not the user ID number  33   a  stored in the memory  33  matches the user ID number of the user  21  sent to the authentication part  31   d  from the authentication communication apparatus  4 , described later, after the authentication communication apparatus  4  acquired the user ID number from the mobile device  7  of the user  21 . In a case where those user ID numbers are matched to each other, it can be determined that the user  21  coming closer to the vehicle  2  is the authorized user of the vehicle  2 . In this case, the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication succeeded, and turns on an authentication flag of a flag register, not illustrated. On the other hand, in a case where the authentication part  31   d  determines that those user ID numbers are not matched to each other, the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication failed and turns off the authentication flag. Further, in a case where the user  21  ends the use of the vehicle  2 , the authentication part  31   d  turns off the authentication flag. 
     The unlocking part  31   e  is a controller that controls unlocking and locking of the door of the vehicle  2 . In a case where the unlocking part  31   e  determines that the authentication flag is turned on while looking up the authentication flag, the unlocking part  31   e  unlocks the door of the vehicle  2 . In this embodiment, the key to start the vehicle  2  is installed in the vehicle  2  beforehand. Therefore, when the user  21  is verified as the authorized user by the authentication part  31   d  and when the door of the vehicle  2  is unlocked by the unlocking part  31   e , the user  21  can enter the vehicle  2  and can start the vehicle  2  with the key in the vehicle  2 . 
     The authentication communication apparatus  4  is a wireless communication device that receives the user ID number sent from a mobile device located in the vicinity of the vehicle  2 . The authentication communication apparatus  4  is connected to the authentication apparatus  3  by the communication wire, and sends the received user ID number to the authentication apparatus  3 . The authentication communication apparatus  4  functions as a communication device. 
     The authentication communication apparatus  4  works by power supplied from the authentication apparatus  3 . Once starting working, the authentication communication apparatus  4  transmits radio waves to a transmission range of approx. 70 cm or 100 cm, i.e., the vicinity of the vehicle  2 , at a predetermined time cycle. A frequency of the radio waves is, for example, 300 MHz. When the mobile device  7  is located within the transmission range of the authentication communication apparatus  4  and receives the radio waves transmitted by the authentication communication apparatus  4 , the mobile device  7  sends the user ID number included in the mobile device  7  to the authentication communication apparatus  4 . Once receiving the user ID number from the mobile device  7 , the authentication communication apparatus  4  sends the user ID number received from the mobile device  7  to the authentication apparatus  3  connected by the communication wire. In other words, the authentication communication apparatus  4  seeks to obtain verification data of a user during the working time period. 
     Since the authentication communication apparatus  4  works by the power supplied by the authentication apparatus  3 , the power is not consumed while the power is not supplied. Therefore, in a case where the mobile device  7  is not within the transmission range of the authentication communication apparatus  4 , i.e., in a case where there are still many hours until the scheduled time for the user  21  to use the vehicle  2 , it is recommenced that power should not be supplied to reduce the power consumption. 
     The office  5  is an organization that manages the vehicle  2 . Some among examples of the office  5  are a taxi company, a trucking company that owns trucks and a construction company that owns construction machinery. In this case, the vehicle  2  is a tax, a truck and construction machinery. The office  5  includes a reservation system  51  for reservation to use the vehicle  2 . 
     The reservation system  51  receives a request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  from the user  21 , and sends, to the server  6 , data relating to the reservation to use the vehicle  2 . The user  21  inputs to the reservation system  51 , the user ID number, the vehicle number and reservation time that is the use start time and the use end time when making the request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2 . 
     The server  6  is a large-sized computer that communicates data and the like with another computer over an information network. A configuration of the server  6  will be described later. 
     The mobile device  7  is carried by the user  21  and is a portable electronic device for wireless communications. For example, the mobile device  7  is a cell phone and a smartphone. Moreover, the mobile device  7  may be a card shaped device. The mobile device  7  includes an IC chip  71 . 
     The IC chip  71  stores the user ID number that is an ID number specific to the user  21  who is an owner of the mobile device  7 . Once receiving radio waves for authentication from the authentication communication apparatus  4 , the mobile device  7  reads out the user ID number from the IC chip  71  and sends the read-out user ID number to the authentication communication apparatus  4 . 
       FIG. 3  is an example of the interval table  33   c . The interval table  33   c  is a data table including a plurality of interval pattern data sets P that are interval pattern data sets P 1  to P 7 . Each of the plurality of interval pattern data sets P includes data of the remaining time period until the reserved use start time, and the working time period and the stopped time period of the authentication communication apparatus  4 . The plurality of interval pattern data sets P are data showing that as the remaining time period until the reserved use start time becomes shorter, the working time period and the stopped time period of the authentication communication apparatus  4  become shorter. 
     For example, the interval pattern data set P 1  shows the working time period (ten minutes) and the stopped time period (ten minutes) of the authentication communication apparatus  4  in a case where the remaining time period until the reserved use start time is twelve hours or less and exceeds six hours. Moreover, the interval pattern data set P 4  shows the working time period (five minutes) and the stopped time period (five minutes) of the authentication communication apparatus  4  in a case where the remaining time period until the reserved use start time is one hour or less and exceeds thirty minutes. Moreover, the interval pattern data set P 6  shows the working time period (thirty seconds) and the stopped time period (thirty seconds) of the authentication communication apparatus  4  in a case where the remaining time period until the reserved use start time is ten minutes or less and exceeds five minutes. Based on the plurality of interval pattern data sets P, an interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  is shortened as the scheduled use start time of using the vehicle  2  approaches. 
     The authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work several hours before the reserved use start time partly to confirm whether or not the authentication communication apparatus  4  works properly, and also to prepare a case where a need of using the vehicle  2  suddenly arises due to change in schedule of a user. In other words, the authentication communication apparatus  4  receives the user ID number of the user who suddenly desires to use the vehicle  2  and sends the user ID number to the server  6  so that the server  6  can determine whether or not the vehicle  2  can be used. If there is no schedule conflicting with schedule of another user who will use the vehicle  2  and also if the user ID number is effective, a request to use the vehicle  2  can be accepted without the reservation to use the vehicle  2 . Therefore, even if there are still some hours before the reserved use start time, it is useful to cause the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work. 
     If the remaining time period until the reserved use start time is determined to correspond to the interval pattern data set P 1 , the operation part  31   a  of the authentication apparatus  3  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work for thirty minutes and then to stop for thirty minutes. In this case, as compared to a case where the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work continuously, the power consumption can be halved. 
     Since the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work based on the interval table  33   c , the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work intermittently. Moreover, as a predetermined time (time point) approaches, the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  can be shorter. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram showing the configuration of the server  6 . The server  6  includes a controller  61 , a communication part  62  and a reservation management database  63 . 
     The controller  61  is a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM and a ROM, not illustrated. The controller  61  is connected to other elements included in the server  6 , and controls the entire server  6 . Functions included in the controller  61  will be described later. 
     The communication part  62  is a wireless communication device including an antenna and a wireless communication function to perform information communications to the authentication apparatus  3  and the office  5  over the network. The communication function is executed using, for example, WiMAX, LTE, etc. A service that sends and receives a text message may be used. 
     The reservation management database  63  is a database including data of a user ID number  63   a , a vehicle number  63   b  and reservation time data  63   c . In addition to the data of the user ID number  63   a  and others, the reservation management database  63  includes various types of data, not illustrated, that is used for reservation management. A detailed example of the reservation management database  63  will be described later. 
     The user ID number  63   a  is an identification number for identifying the user of the vehicle  2 . For example, the user ID number  63   a  is a 12-digit figure. 
     The vehicle number  63   b  is data that consists of codes and figures for identifying one vehicle from a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle number  63   b  is, for example, “B10.” 
     The reservation time data  63   c  shows time for which the vehicle  2  is reserved. The reservation time data  63   c  includes the use start time and the use end time. The use start time is, for example, “9:00,” and the use end time is, for example, “9:30.” 
     Next, the functions of the controller  61  will be described. The controller  61  includes a reception part  61   a , a sender  61   b  and a managing part  61   c , as functions that are implemented according to a program. 
     The reception part  61   a  receives the reservation to use the vehicle  2  that is sent from the office  5 . The reservation to use the vehicle  2  is data including the user ID number  63   a , the vehicle number  63   b  and the reservation time data  63   c.    
     The sender  61   b  sends the reservation to use the vehicle  2  received by the reception part  61   a , to the authentication apparatus  3  of the vehicle  2  via the communication part  62 . 
     The managing part  61   c  manages the reservation to use the vehicle  2  received by the reception part  61   a  based on the reservation management database  63 . In other words, once the reception part  61   a  receives the reservation to use the vehicle  2 , the managing part  61   c  stores data of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  into the reservation management database  63 , and when use of the vehicle  2  ends, the managing part  61   c  erases the data of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  from the reservation management database  63 . The managing part  61   c  manages to keep reservations in the reservation management database  63  updated. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the reservation management database  63 . The reservation management database  63  is a data table including a plurality of data records L that are data records L 1  to Ln. Each of the plurality of data records L includes the user ID number  63   a , the vehicle number  63   b  and the reservation time data  63   c . The reservation time data  63   c  includes start time  631   c  and end time  632   c.    
     For example, the data record L 1  includes “141255800942” as the user ID number  63   a , “B10” as the vehicle number  63   b, “ 9:00” as the start time  631   c  and “9:30” as the end time  632   c.    
     The plurality of data records L of the reservation management database  63  are stored, updated and erased by the managing part  61   c . Latest reservations can be understood by looking up the reservation management database  63 . 
     &lt;1-3. Steps&gt; 
     Next, steps of a process performed by the authentication apparatus  3  will be described.  FIG. 6  illustrates a flowchart showing the steps of the process performed by the authentication apparatus  3 . The process is repeatedly performed in a predetermined time cycle. 
     When the process starts, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work (a step S 101 ). As described above, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work by supplying power to the authentication communication apparatus  4 . 
     Once the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work, the acquisition part  31   b  determines whether or not reservation data has been acquired (a step S 102 ). The acquisition part  31   b  looks up the memory  33 . In a case where the user ID number  33   a  and the reservation time data  33   b  are stored in the memory  33 , the acquisition part  31   b  determines that the reservation data has been acquired. On the other hand, in a case where the user ID number  33   a  and the reservation time data  33   b  are not stored in the memory  33 , the acquisition part  31   b  determines that the reservation data has not been acquired. 
     In a case where the acquisition part  31   b  determines that the reservation data has not been acquired (No in the step S 102 ), the authentication part  31   d  performs authentication to verify a user of the vehicle  2  (a step S 103 ). The authentication part  31   d  checks the user ID number  33   a  stored in the memory  33  against the user ID number sent by the authentication communication apparatus  4  to the authentication apparatus  3  to perform authentication to verify the user of the vehicle  2 . In other words, in a case where the user ID number  33   a  stored in the memory  33  is the same as the user ID number sent by the authentication communication apparatus  4  to the authentication apparatus  3 , the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication succeeded. In a case where the user ID number  33   a  stored in the memory  33  is not the same as the user ID number sent by the authentication communication apparatus  4  to the authentication apparatus  3 , the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has failed. 
     In a case where the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has succeeded (Yes in the step S 103 ), the unlocking part  31   e  unlocks the door of the vehicle  2  (a step S 104 ). Thus, the user  21  who made the reservation to use the vehicle  2  beforehand can enter the vehicle  2  and can use the vehicle  2 . 
     On the other hand, in a case where the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has failed (No in the step S 103 ), the timer  31   c  determines whether or not the working time period has passed since the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work (a step S 105 ). The timer  31   c  looks up the interval table  33   c  in the memory  33  and sets a working time period corresponding to a remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time, as a working time period  332   c.    
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the working time period has not passed (No in the step S 105 ), the process returns to the step S 101 . In other words, the operation part  31   a  keeps the authentication communication apparatus  4  working, and the steps  102  and after are performed again. 
     On the other hand, in a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the working time period has passed (Yes in the step S 105 ), the operation part  31   a  stops supplying power to the authentication communication apparatus  4  to stop the authentication communication apparatus  4  (a step S 106 ). 
     Once the operation part  31   a  stops the authentication communication apparatus  4 , the acquisition part  31   b  determines whether or not the reservation data has been acquired (a step S 107 ). The acquisition part  31   b  determines in the step S 102  whether or not the reservation data has been acquired while the authentication communication apparatus  4  is working. In addition, the acquisition part  31   b  also determines whether or not the reservation data has been acquired in the step S 107  while the authentication communication apparatus  4  is stopped. Thus, it is possible to speedily move to a step of shortening the working time period and the stopped time period, described later. 
     In a case where the acquisition part  31   b  determines that the reservation data has not been acquired (No in the step S 107 ), the timer  31   c  determines whether or not the stopped time period has passed (a step S 108 ). The timer  31   c  looks up the interval table  33   c  in the memory  33  and sets a stopped time period corresponding to the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time, as a stopped time period  333   c . Supplying power to the authentication communication apparatus  4  is stopped until the stopped time period passes. 
     Thus, power consumption can be reduced for a time period from time at which the reservation to use the vehicle  2  has been made to the use start time of the vehicle  2 . When there is enough time until the use start time, even if power supply to the authentication communication apparatus  4  is stopped, i.e., even if there is a time period in which authentication to verify a user is not performed, convenience of using vehicle is not reduced because there is a low possibility that the user immediately uses the vehicle in such a period. 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the stopped time period has passed (Yes in the step S 108 ), the process returns to the step S 101 . In other words, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work, and then the step S 102  and after are performed again. As described above, since the operation part  31   a  repeatedly causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work and to stop, the operation part  31   a  intermittently and regularly causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work. Since the operation part  31   a  intermittently and regularly causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work, the power consumption can be stably reduced in a planned manner. Moreover, since the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work for the predetermined time periods, even in a case where a user originally had no schedule to use the vehicle  2  but suddenly desires to use the vehicle  2  due to change of the schedule, it is possible to use the vehicle  2 . 
     On the other hand, in a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the stopped time period has not passed (No in the step S 108 ), the process returns to the step S 106  and the operation part  31   a  keeps stopping the authentication communication apparatus  4 . While the timer  31   c  determines that the stopped time period has not passed, the steps S 106 , S 107  and S 108  are repeatedly performed. 
     Next described is a process in which the acquisition part  31   b  acquires the reservation data and shortens the working time period and the stopped time period of the authentication communication apparatus  4 . In the foregoing process, in the case where the acquisition part  31   b  determines that the reservation data has been acquired (Yes in the steps S 102  and S 107 ), the timer  31   c  looks up the interval table  33   c  in the memory  33  (a step S 109 ). 
     Once looking up the interval table  33   c , the timer  31   c  determines whether to shorten the working time period and the stopped time period of the authentication communication apparatus  4 , i.e., whether to shorten an interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  (a step S 110 ). The timer  31   c  determines whether to shorten those time periods based on the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time and on the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  in the interval table  33   c.    
     For example, in the interval table  33   c  in  FIG. 3 , in a case where an appropriate interval pattern data set has been changed from the interval pattern data set P 2  to the interval pattern data set P 3  as a result of decrease in the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time from six hours to three hours, the timer  31   c  determines to shorten the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  from ten minutes shown in the interval pattern data set P 2  to five minutes shown in the interval pattern data set P 3 . 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines to shorten the working time period and the stopped time period (Yes in the step S 110 ), the timer  31   c  shortens the working time period and the stopped time period based on the interval table  33   c  (steps S 111  and S 112 ). 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines not to shorten the working time period and the stopped time period (No in the step S 110 ) or where the timer  31   c  shortens the working time period and the stopped time period, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work (a step S 113 ). 
     Once the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work, the authentication part  31   d  performs authentication to verify the user of the vehicle  2  in the foregoing method (a step S 114 ). 
     In a case where the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has succeeded (Yes in the step S 114 ), the unlocking part  31   e  unlocks the door of the vehicle  2  (the step S 104 ). 
     On the other hand, in a case where the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has failed (No in the step S 114 ), the timer  31   c  determines whether or not the working time period has passed since the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work (a step S 115 ). In a case where the working time period has been shortened because the step S 111  has been executed, the operation part  31   a  determines whether or not the shortened working time period has passed. 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the working time period has not passed (No in the step S 115 ), the process returns to the step S 113 , and the operation part  31   a  keeps the authentication communication apparatus  4  working. Until the timer  31   c  determines that the stopped time period has passed, the steps S 113 , S 114  and S 115  are repeatedly performed. 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the working time period has passed (Yes in the step S 115 ), the operation part  31   a  stops the authentication communication apparatus  4  (a step S 116 ). 
     Once the operation part  31   a  stops the authentication communication apparatus  4 , the timer  31   c  determines whether or not the stopped time period has passed since the operation part  31   a  stopped the authentication communication apparatus  4  (a step S 117 ). In a case where the step S 112  has been performed and thus the stopped time period has been shortened, the operation part  31   a  determines whether or not the shortened stopped time period has passed. 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the stopped time period has not passed (No in the step S 117 ), the process returns to the step S 116  and the operation part  31   a  keeps stopping the authentication communication apparatus  4 . Until the timer  31   c  determines that the stopped time period has passed, the steps S 116  and S 117  are repeatedly performed. 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the stopped time period has passed (Yes in the step S 117 ), the process returns to the step S 109  and then the step S 109  and after are performed again. 
     As described above, based on whether or not the reservation data has been acquired by the authentication apparatus  3  from the server  6 , the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  can be changed. Especially, in a case where the reservation data has been acquired, as the scheduled use start time of the vehicle  2  approaches, the authentication apparatus  3  shortens the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  based on the interval table  33   c . On the other hand, in a case where the reservation data has not been acquired, the authentication apparatus  3  is configured to cause the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work at a constant interval, i.e. intermittently. 
     Next described are steps of a process that is performed after the door of the vehicle  2  is unlocked by the unlocking part  31   e  in the step S 104 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart showing the steps of the process after the door of the vehicle  2  is unlocked by the unlocking part  31   e.    
     Once the unlocking part  31   e  unlocks the door of the vehicle  2 , the acquisition part  31   b  sends, to the server  6 , time at which the door has been unlocked, i.e., time at which the user started using the vehicle  2  (use start time) (a step S 118 ). Once receiving the time, the server  6  updates the reservation management database  63 . It is possible to understand the time at which use of the vehicle  2  has been started, by looking up the updated reservation management database  63 . 
     Once the acquisition part  31   b  sends the use start time, the operation part  31   a  determines whether or not the vehicle  2  is travelling (a step S 119 ). 
     In a case where the operation part  31   a  determines that the vehicle  2  is travelling (Yes in the step S 119 ), the operation part  31   a  stops the authentication communication apparatus  4  (a step S 120 ) to decrease the power consumption during travelling because there is no need of the authentication process during travelling. Once the operation part  31   a  stops the authentication communication apparatus  4 , the steps are performed again from S 119 . 
     In a case where the operation part  31   a  determines that the vehicle  2  is not travelling, i.e., that the vehicle  2  is stopped (No in the step S 119 ), the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work (a step S 121 ). In the case where the vehicle  2  is stopped, the user may be temporarily outside the vehicle  2  for shopping, sightseeing, etc. In this case, the operation part  31   a  stands by, keeping the authentication communication apparatus  4  working until the user returns to the vehicle  2  and performs authentication. 
     Once the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work, the timer  31   c  looks up the reservation time data  33   b  in the memory  33  to determine whether or not a scheduled use end time has arrived (a step S 122 ). 
     In a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the scheduled use end time has not arrived (No in the step S 122 ), the step S 119  and after are performed again. The steps S 119  to S 122  are repeatedly performed until the vehicle  2  is stopped and the scheduled use end time arrives. 
     On the other hand, in a case where the timer  31   c  determines that the scheduled use end time has arrived (Yes in the step S 122 ), the unlocking part  31   e  locks the door of the vehicle  2  (a step S 123 ). In a case where the vehicle  2  is stopped and also where the scheduled use end time has arrived, it can be determined that the user returns the vehicle  2  to a predetermined return place. 
     Once the unlocking part  31   e  locks the door of the vehicle  2 , the acquisition part  31   b  sends to the server  6  time at which the door has been locked, i.e., time at which the user ended to use the vehicle  2  (use end time) (a step S 124 ). Once receiving the time, the server  6  updates the reservation management database  63 . It is possible to understand the time at which use of the vehicle  2  has been ended, by looking up the updated reservation management database  63 . Once the acquisition part  31   b  sends the use end time to the server  6 , the process ends. 
     Next, a process performed by the server  6  will be described.  FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart showing steps of the process performed by the server  6 . The process are repeated at a predetermine time cycle. 
     Once the process starts, the reception part  61   a  determines whether or not a request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  is present, based on the reservation system  51  in the office  5  (a step S 201 ). 
     In a case where the reception part  61   a  determines that the request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  is present (Yes in the step S 201 ), the reception part  61   a  receives the user ID number, the vehicle number and the reservation time that is the use start time and the use end time included in the request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  (steps S 202 , S 203  and S 204 ). 
     Once the reception part  61   a  receives the user ID number, etc., the managing part  61   c  stores the user ID number, the vehicle number and the reservation time received by the reception part  61   a  into the reservation management database  63  (a step S 205 ). 
     Once the managing part  61   c  stores the user ID number, etc. into the reservation management database  63 , the sender  61   b  identifies the authentication apparatus  3  installed in a vehicle corresponding to the vehicle number. The sender  61   b  sends, to the identified authentication apparatus  3 , the reservation data including received data (a step S 206 ). 
     In a case where the reception part  61   a  determines that the request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  is not present in the step S 201  based on the reservation system  51  in the office  5  (No in the step S 201 ), or in a case where the sender  61   b  sends the reservation data to the authentication apparatus  3  in the step S 206 , the reception part  61   a  receives the use start time of the vehicle  2  sent from the authentication apparatus  3  (a step S 207 ). 
     Once the reception part  61   a  receives the use start time and the use end time, the managing part  61   c  stores the two received time and updates the reservation management database  63  (a step S 208 ). 
     Once the managing part  61   c  updates the reservation management database  63 , the reception part  61   a  receives the use end time of the vehicle  2  sent from the authentication apparatus  3  (a step S 209 ). 
     Once the reception part  61   a  receives the use end time, the managing part  61   c  erases the data record L corresponding to the received use end time from the reservation management database  63  (a step S 210 ) to keep the reservations in the reservation management database  63  updated. 
     As described above, the server  6  receives the data relating to the reservation from the reservation system  51  in the office  5  and also receives the use start time and the use end time from the authentication apparatus  3 . Since the server  6  stores, updates and erases the data in/from the reservation management database  63 , the latest reservations can be always understood by looking up the reservation management database  63 . 
     As described above, the authentication apparatus  3  in the first embodiment changes the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4 , depending on whether or not the reservation time data  33   b  to use the vehicle  2  has been acquired. Thus, the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work at an appropriate interval. In other words, power can be supplied to the authentication communication apparatus  4  at the appropriate interval. 
     Moreover, in the case where the reservation time data  33   b  has been acquired, the operation part  31   a  shortens the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  as the start time  631   c  of scheduled use of the vehicle  2  approaches. Thus, in a case where there is a long time before the start time  631   c  of the scheduled use of the vehicle  2 , the power consumption is decreased. On the other hand, as the start time  631   c  of the scheduled use of the vehicle  2  approaches, the authentication apparatus  3  is configured to verify the user  21  more immediately. 
     Moreover, in the case where the reservation time data  33   b  has not been acquired, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work intermittently. Thus, in a case where the vehicle  2  is surely used, while the power consumption is decreased, as the start time  631   c  of the scheduled use of the vehicle  2  approaches, the authentication apparatus  3  is configured to verify the user  21  immediately. Further, in a case where there is no schedule to use the vehicle  2 , the power consumption is decreased. However, if the schedule is changed, the authentication can be performed. 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     &lt;2-1. Outline&gt; 
     In the foregoing first embodiment, in the case where the reservation time data  33   b  has been acquired, as the start time  631   c  of the scheduled use of the vehicle  2  approaches, the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  is shortened. Moreover, in the case where the reservation time data  33   b  has not been acquired, the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work intermittently. 
     On the other hand, in a second embodiment, in a case where reservation time data  33   b  has been acquired, an authentication communication apparatus  4  is kept working continuously. Moreover, in a case where the reservation time data  33   b  has not been acquired, the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work intermittently. 
     Thus, in a case where the reservation time data  33   b  has been acquired and where a vehicle  2  is surely used, an authentication apparatus  3  is configured to verify a user  21  immediately. In a case where there is no schedule to use the vehicle  2 , the power consumption is decreased. However, the authentication can be performed if the schedule is changed. A configuration and a process of the second embodiment partially include the configuration and the process of the first embodiment. Therefore, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below. 
     &lt;2-2. Configuration&gt; 
     A configuration of the authentication apparatus  3  in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the authentication apparatus  3  in the second embodiment will not be described or illustrated. 
     &lt;2-3. Process&gt; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a flowchart showing steps of the process performed by the authentication apparatus  3  in the second embodiment. The steps of the process in the second embodiment include steps S 301  and S 302 , instead of the steps S 109  to S 117  in the steps of the process in the first embodiment. Therefore, the steps S 301  and S 302  will be mainly described below. 
     In the step S 102  or the step S 107 , in a case where an acquisition part  31   b  determines that the reservation data has been acquired, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work. 
     Once the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work, an authentication part  31   d  performs authentication to verify a user of the vehicle  2  in the same method used in the first embodiment (the step S 302 ). 
     In a case where the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has succeeded (Yes in the step S 302 ), an unlocking part  31   e  unlocks a door of the vehicle  2  (the step S 104 ). 
     On the other hand, in a case where the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has failed (No in the step S 302 ), the step S 301  is performed again, and the operation part  31   a  keeps the authentication communication apparatus  4  working. The operation part  31   a  keep the authentication communication apparatus  4  working until the authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication succeeded. In other words, the operation part  31   a  keeps the authentication communication apparatus  4  working continuously. In a case where the acquisition part  31   b  determines that the reservation data has not been acquired, the operation part  31   a  alternately causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work and stop. In other words, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work intermittently. 
     As described above, the authentication apparatus  3  in the second embodiment switches between a constant operation and an intermittent operation of the authentication communication apparatus  4 , depending on whether presence and absence of the reservation time data  33   b . Thus, in a case where the reservation time data  33   b  has been acquired and where the vehicle  2  is surely used, the authentication apparatus  3  is configured to verify the user  21  immediately. Moreover, in a case where there is no schedule to use the vehicle  2 , the power consumption is decreased by the intermittent operation. However, if the schedule is changed, the authentication can be performed. 
     3. Third Embodiment 
     &lt;3-1. Outline&gt; 
     In a third embodiment, in a case where schedule data has been acquired, an operation part  31   a  causes an authentication communication apparatus  4  to work using a first interval. Moreover, in a case where the schedule data has not been acquired, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work using a second interval longer than the first interval. 
     Thus, in a case where the vehicle  2  is surely used, while the power consumption is decreased, an authentication apparatus  3  is configured to verify the user  21  immediately. Further, in a case where there is no schedule to use the vehicle  2 , the power consumption is decreased. However, if the schedule is changed, the authentication can be performed. A configuration and a process of the third embodiment partially include the configuration and the process of the first embodiment. Therefore, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below. 
     &lt;3-2. Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a block diagram of the authentication apparatus  3  in the third embodiment. In addition to the configuration in the first embodiment, a memory  33  of the authentication apparatus  3  in the third embodiment further stores addition time data  33   e.    
     The addition time data  33   e  is a plurality of time data, for example, five minutes and three minutes, to extend the working time period and the stopped time period of the authentication communication apparatus  4 . 
     &lt;3-3. Process&gt; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart showing steps of a process performed by the authentication apparatus  3  in the third embodiment. The steps of the process in the third embodiment further include steps S 401  to S 404  as compared to the steps of the process in the first embodiment. Therefore, the steps S 401  to S 404  will be mainly described blew. 
     In the case where an authentication part  31   d  determines that the authentication has failed in the step S 103  (No in the step S 103 ), a timer  31   c  determines whether or not additional time periods have been added to the working time period and the stopped time period (the step S 401 ). 
     The timer  31   c  determines that the additional time periods have not been added to the working time period and the stopped time period (No in the step S 401 ), the timer  31   c  reads out the addition time data  33   e  from the memory  33  (the step S 402 ). 
     Once reading out the addition time data  33   e  from the memory  33 , the timer  31   c  adds an α time period, as the additional time period, to the working time period (the step S 403 ), and a β time period, the additional time period, to the stopped time period (the step S 404 ). The α time period and the β time period to be added as the additional time periods are, for example, five minutes and ten minutes. 
     Once the timer  31   c  adds the β time period, as the additional time period, to the stopped time period or once the timer  31   c  determines that the additional time periods have been added to the working time period and the stopped time period in the step S 401  (Yes in the step S 401 ), the step  105  and after are performed. After that, the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work and to stop in a time cycle added with the additional time periods. In other words, the authentication communication apparatus  4  is caused to work at an interval longer by the additional time period, as compared to the interval between the adjacent working time periods in the case where the reservation data has not been acquired. 
     As described above, in the case where the reservation data has not acquired, the authentication apparatus  3  in the third embodiment adds the additional time periods to the working time period and the stopped time period. Therefore, in a case where there is no schedule of using the vehicle  2 , more consumed power can be reduced. Even if the schedule is changed and the vehicle  2  is used, since the authentication communication apparatus  4  is not completely stopped, authentication can be performed. 
     4. Modifications 
     The invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but various modifications are possible. Examples of other modifications will be described below. Any form of the embodiments described above and the modifications described below may be arbitrarily combined with one another. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  is shortened as the scheduled time approaches by changing the interval pattern data set P according to the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time. When the interval is shortened, the working time period and the stopped time period are the same in each of the plurality of interval pattern data sets P. However, the working time period and the stopped time period may not be the same. 
     Each of  FIG. 12  to  FIG. 14  illustrates an example of the modified interval table  33   c . As shown in  FIG. 12 , a working time period  332   c  may be constant, for example, three minutes, for all of the interval pattern data sets P, and only the stopped time period  333   c  may be shortened according to a remaining time period  331   c . In a case where the working time period  332   c  is constant, stable authentication can be performed. 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the stopped time period  333   c  may be constant, for example, three minutes, for all of the interval pattern data sets P, and only the working time period  332   c  may be shortened according to the remaining time period  331   c . In a case where the stopped time period  333   c  is constant, a stable amount of power is consumed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , time periods for the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  may be different. For example, as shown in the interval pattern data set P 1  in  FIG. 14 , in a case where the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time is 12 hours or less, the working time period may be 45 minutes and the stopped time period may be thirty minutes. The working time period and the stopped time period are flexibly set according to use frequency based on a parking region of the vehicle  2  and the season so that power consumption is effectively reduced. 
     The working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  may be shortened in proportion to the remaining time period  331   c . In other words, shortening rate may be changed. 
     As the reserved use start time approaches, an interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus  4  can be shortened by a method using the examples of the modified interval tables  33   c  shown in  FIG. 12  to  FIG. 14 . Moreover, as a user comes closer to the vehicle  2 , the authentication can be surely performed. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, as the scheduled time approaches, the interval between the adjacent working time periods of the authentication communication apparatus is shortened by changing the interval pattern data set P according to the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time. However, in a case where authentication is not performed even when the reserved use start time has arrived, the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  may be gradually lengthened according to elapsed time from the reserved use start time. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example of a modified interval table  33   c  for lengthening the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  according to an elapsed time period  334   c  from the reserved use start time. The interval table  33   c  in  FIG. 15  includes interval pattern data sets P 8  to P 14 . For example, in a case where the elapsed time period  334   c  from the reserved use start time is five minutes or more, the working time period  332   c  of ten seconds and the stopped time period  333   c  of five seconds are stored as the interval pattern data set P 8 . Moreover, in a case where the elapsed time period  334   c  from the reserved use start time is ten minutes or more, the working time period  332   c  of thirty seconds and the stopped time period  333   c  of thirty seconds are stored as the interval pattern data set P 9 . As described above, since the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  are lengthened according to the elapsed time period  334   c , in the case where authentication is not performed even when the reserved use start time has arrived, as longer time has passed from the reserved use start time, i.e., as a possibility of no use of the vehicle  2  becomes higher, the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  are lengthened. Therefore, the convenience of the authentication apparatus  3  is enhanced while the consumed power is reduced. 
     The authentication communication apparatus  4  may be caused to work continuously in a predetermined time period from the reserved use start time because there is a high possibility that the user uses the vehicle  2  immediately in the predetermined time period from the reserved use start time. The predetermined time period is, for example, ten minutes. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, in the case where the reservation time data is stored, authentication is performed. However, even if reservation time data to use the vehicle  2  is not stored but in a case where the user ID number is stored, authentication may be performed. In this case, a user having a stored user ID number, i.e., an authorized user, may use a vehicle anytime even without reservation so that convenience is enhanced. 
     The “reserved use start time” in the foregoing embodiments may be time or may be a remaining time period until use start time. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, the authentication apparatus  3  includes the interval table  33   c . However, a server  6  may include the interval table  33   c . The server  6  may give an instruction of the working time period  332   c  and the stopped time period  333   c  to the authentication apparatus  3 . In this case, a capacity of the memory  33  included in the authentication apparatus  3  may be saved. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, the vehicle  2  is a taxi, a truck, or construction machinery. However, the vehicle  2  may be a vehicle that travels in a short distance for shopping, commuting or sightseeing. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, the reservation system  51  receives the request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  from the user. The user may visit the office  5  to make the request of the reservation to use the vehicle  2  with the reservation system  51 . Moreover, the user may communicate contents of the reservation to staff of the office  5  over phone or via an email, using the mobile device  7 , and then the staff of the office  5  may input the reservation with the reservation system  51 . Further, the user may use the mobile device  7  to operate the reservation system  51  via wireless communications. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, in the case where the unlocking part  31   e  looks up the authentication flag and determines that the authentication flag is on, the unlocking part  31   e  unlocks the door of the vehicle  2 . Once the unlocking part  31   e  determines that the authentication flag is on, the unlocking part  31   e  may unlock a lock of a steering wheel, unlock the luggage door and/or start of an engine of the vehicle  2 , in addition to unlocking the door of the vehicle  2 . 
     In the third embodiment, in the case where the reservation data has been acquired, the additional time period is added to the working time period and the stopped time period. However, the additional time period may not be added to the working time period and the stopped time period. In the case where the reservation data has not to acquired, the additional time period may be subtracted from the working time period and the stopped time period. In this case, too, in a case where the scheduled time has been acquired, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work using the first interval and in a case where the scheduled time has not been acquired, the operation part  31   a  causes the authentication communication apparatus  4  to work using the second interval that is longer than the first interval. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, the object to be reserved to use is a vehicle, such as a car. However, the vehicle may be a motorcycle, a train, an airplane, a ship, a boat or other transport machinery besides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle for civilian use and for military use, and a vehicle for private use and for business use. Moreover, the object is installed not only on the vehicle but also on an elevator or an escalator and another lift. In short, the object may be anything for which a reservation can be made to use and that requires authentication of a user. 
     In the third embodiment, the addition time data  33   e  is time data for lengthening the working time period and the stopped time period of the authentication communication apparatus  4 , and the addition time data  33   e  may be five minutes, for example. However, the addition time data  33   e  may not be five minutes. The addition time data  33   e  may be changed depending on the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time. For example, the addition time data  33   e  may be ten minutes in a case where the remaining time period  331   c  until the reserved use start time is twelve hours or less and six hours or less. Similarly, in a case where the remaining time period  331   c  is three hours or less and one hour or less, the addition time data  33   e  may be five minutes. Similarly, in a case where the remaining time period  331   c  is thirty minutes or less and ten minutes or less, the addition time data  33   e  may be one minute. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, the function described as one block is not necessarily implemented by a single physical element, but may be implemented by separate physical elements. In the foregoing embodiments, the function described as a plurality of blocks may be implemented by a single physical element. Further, a process relating to one arbitrary function may be shared and implemented by apparatuses inside and outside the vehicle, and the function may be implemented as a whole by exchanging information via communications between those apparatuses. For example, the authentication apparatus  3  and the authentication communication apparatus  4  may be realized by one constituent element. Further, the office  5  and the server  6  may be realized by one constituent element. 
     Moreover, in the foregoing embodiments, the configuration described as hardware may be implemented by software, and a function described as software may be implemented by hardware. Also, a function of hardware or software may be implemented by the cooperation of software and hardware. 
     While the invention has been shown and described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.