Patent Document

CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. §119 from an application for METHOD AND SYSTEM USING HUMAN BODY MOTION earlier filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jul. 27, 2005 and there duly assigned Serial No. 10-2005-0068604. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to a system and method using movement of a human body to control a function of a terminal. 
     2. Related Art 
     Today, with the development of technology, high-tech terminals such as mobile terminals, game console terminals, etc. take a firm position as the necessities of life. 
     It is common to these high-tech terminals that a user must directly input a control signal through an external input means (e.g., a remote controller) or a keypad. 
     For example, when the user intends to perform voice communication with another party through the mobile terminal, the user cannot perform the voice communication until the user selects a phone number or short dialing key button of the other party to then manipulate a communication request button with his/her hand. 
     However, when simple hand operation is inconvenient, for example, when the user is driving an automobile, has a disabled hand, or is a patient restricted in his/her movements, he/she cannot easily use the high-tech terminal, such as a mobile terminal. Accordingly, the user must receive help from any nearby person in order to use the high-tech terminal. 
     Thus, a technique designed to allow for use of the high-tech terminal using simple movement of the user&#39;s body must be found. 
     Furthermore, a use authentication procedure for the high-tech terminal has been performed through a simple button combination. However, when simple hand operation is difficult for the user, no technique capable of performing the use authentication procedure has been disclosed. Therefore, the user must be allowed to perform the use authentication procedure of the high-tech terminal through simple movement of his/her body for greater convenience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, therefore, is devised to solve the aforementioned problem. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and method which enable movement of a human body of a user to be used in performing use authentication procedure of a terminal, wherein simple movement of the user&#39;s body controls a function of the terminal. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving this objective, a system for controlling a terminal using movement of a human body comprises: a detecting device for detecting variation in the movement of the human body depending on an intention of a user to transmit a detection signal; and a terminal for storing a reference signal according to at least one class and a control signal corresponding to the reference signal, for searching for a reference signal corresponding to the detection signal detected by the detecting device, and for processing a function based on the control signal corresponding to the reference signal identified in the search. 
     In the first aspect of the present invention, the detecting device preferably comprises: a detector for generating the detection signal based on variation of internal pressure of a middle ear, which varies depending on movement of a tongue in an oral cavity of the human body; and a signal transmitter for transmitting the detection signal generated by the detector to the terminal through a network. 
     In the first aspect of the present invention, the system may further comprise a driving means which is driven by the control signal outputted by the terminal. 
     In the first aspect of the present invention, the terminal preferably includes: a storage unit for storing the reference signal and the control signal; a controller for extracting the detection signal from signals received from the detecting device based on a preset threshold value, for searching to determine whether or not a reference signal corresponding to the detection signal exists, and for transmitting the control signal corresponding to the reference signal to the driving means when the reference signal corresponding to the detection signal is identified; and at least one interface for receiving the detection signal from the detecting device through a wired or wireless network, and for transmitting the control signal to the driving means. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for authenticating a terminal using movement of a human body comprises: a detecting device for detecting variation in the movement of the human body depending on an intention of a user to transmit a detection signal; and a terminal for storing a first detection signal received according to selection of a user as an authentication signal, for comparing a received second detection signal with the authentication signal to determine whether or not they are identical to each other, and for performing authentication processing. 
     In the second aspect of the present invention, the terminal may include: a memory for storing the authentication signal; a central processor for storing a first detection signal received according to the selection of the user in the memory as an authentication signal, and for performing the authentication processing according to a result of comparing a received second detection signal with the authentication signal; and a function processor for processing a function according to the selection of the user based on a result of the authentication processing of the central processor. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a system for controlling a terminal, wherein the system has a detecting device, comprises the steps of: setting at least one reference signal and a control signal depending on movement of a human body; checking a detection signal received from the detecting device depending on movement of the human body; searching for a reference signal which is the same as the detection signal; and transmitting the control signal to the terminal when the reference signal is the same as the detection signal. 
     In the third aspect of the present invention, the step of searching for a reference signal which is the same as the detection signal may include the sub-steps of: setting a signal received from the detecting device for a predetermined time as a noise signal; and searching for a reference signal which is the same as the detection signal and removing a value of the noise signal from a value of the detection signal. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for processing authentication of a system having a detection device and a terminal using movement of a human body comprises the steps of: setting a first detection signal received from the detecting device according to selection of a user as an authentication signal; comparing a second detection signal received from the detecting device with the authentication signal; outputting an authentication failure warning signal when the second detection signal is not identical to the authentication signal; and performing authentication completion processing when the second detection signal is identical to the authentication signal. 
     In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the method may further comprise the steps of: setting a signal received from the detecting device for a predetermined time as a noise signal; setting a signal, removing a value of the noise signal from a value of the first detection signal, as the authentication signal; and comparing a signal, removing the value of the noise signal from a value of the second detection signal, with the authentication signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar components, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram for explaining a control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a detecting means according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a view for explaining a wearing state of a detecting means according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram for explaining a controlling means according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A to 5D  are time-to-frequency graphs for explaining results of measuring variation of an internal pressure of a middle ear as applied to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a view for explaining a threshold value according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A to 7D  are graphs for explaining a characteristic detection signal of each class applied to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows a function of yielding a reference signal according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart for explaining a method of performing control using movement of a human body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram for explaining an authentication system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart for explaining a method of performing authentication processing using movement of a human body in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, a system and method of using a human body motion according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram for explaining a control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a control system according to the present invention includes a detecting means  100 , a controlling means  200  and a driving means  300 . 
     The detecting means  100  comprises a human body response sensor, and transmits a detection signal depending on movement of the human body. 
     The controlling means  200  generates a control signal based on the detection signal provided by the detecting means  100 , and transmits it to the driving means  300 . 
     More specifically, the controlling means  200  extracts at least one detection signal and a control signal, corresponding to a detection signal received after setting a control signal corresponding to each detection signal, and provides the control signal to the driving means  300 . 
     The driving means  300  is driven by the control signal received from the controlling means  200 . 
     The controlling means  200  may be integral with or separate from the driving means  300 . 
     For example, the driving means  300  may include all means that are driven by input of the user, including of a mobile terminal, an electronic wheel chair, a game console and so forth. The following description will be presented using the mobile terminal as an example. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a detecting means according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , detecting means  100  according to the present invention includes a detector  110  and a signal provider  120 . 
     The detector  110  may be composed of a pressure sensitive sensor or the like, and detects pressure in a middle ear which varies with movement of a user&#39;s body, for example movement in an oral cavity. The detector  110  generates an electrical signal, namely a detection signal, corresponding to the detected pressure. 
     Furthermore, the signal provider  120  transmits the detection signal, which has been generated by the detector  110  on the basis of the movement of the human body, to the controlling means  200 . 
     The signal provider  120  may be connected with the controlling means  200  through a wired network, such as a cable or a wireless network based on Bluetooth. 
       FIG. 3  is a view for explaining a wearing state of a detecting means according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , according to the present invention, detecting means  100  is brought into close contact with an external ear of the human body, thereby being capable of minimizing a signal received from the exterior of the human body and detecting pressure in the middle ear with precision. 
     To be specific, the detecting means  100  includes a signal breaker  130  having an internal shape similar to an external shape of the external ear, thereby preventing an external signal from being inputted into the middle ear, as well as preventing an internal pressure of the middle ear from being varied by an external pressure. 
     Furthermore, the pressure sensitive sensor used for the detector  110  is mounted on an inner surface of the signal breaker  130 , thereby detecting variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear with precision. 
     Specifically, when any person talks or moves his/her tongue, namely when a tongue moves in the oral cavity, an air flow in the middle ear communicating with the oral cavity is varied, and thus the internal pressure of the middle ear varies. A detection signal, dependent on the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear, is transmitted to the controlling means  200  by the detecting means  100 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram for explaining a controlling means  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , controlling means  200  includes a plurality of interfaces  210 - 1  and  210 - 2 , a display  220 , an input  230 , a storage  240  and a controller  250 , wherein the controller  250  includes a signal processor  260 . 
     The first interface  210 - 1  receives a detection signal from detecting means  100 , and transmits it to the controller  250 . 
     At this point, the first interface  210 - 1  receives the detection signal from the detecting means  100  through a wired or wireless network. 
     The second interface  210 - 2  transmits a control signal corresponding to the detection signal to driving means  300  through the wired or wireless network. 
     In order to prevent signals exchanged by each interface from overlapping with the other, when the first interface  210 - 1  is connected to the detecting means  100  over a wired network, the second interface  210 - 2  is preferably connected to the driving means  300  over a wireless network. 
     The input  230  provides the controller  250  with an input signal inputted by the user. In other words, the input  230  sets a control signal corresponding to the detection signal received from the detecting means according to the input of the user. 
     The display  220  outputs display and voice information which are set by a display signal received from the controller  250 . The display and voice information outputted by the display  220  may include information which displays the detection signal received from the detecting means  100  or the control signal transmitted by the controlling means  200 . 
     The storage  240  stores at least one detection signal received from the detecting means  100  and the control signal corresponding to each detection signal. 
     When the controlling means  200  is connected to a mobile terminal, the control signal stored in the storage  240  may correspond to a short dialing button signal or a specified key button signal. Furthermore, when the controlling means  200  is connected to an electronic wheel chair, the control signal stored in the storage  240  may correspond to a speed button signal or a direction button signal. 
     The controller  250  stores the control signal, which corresponds to each detection signal inputted through the input  230 , in the storage  240 . Furthermore, the controller  250  extracts the control signal corresponding to the detection signal received from the detecting means  100 , and transmits it to the driving means  300 . 
     The signal processor  260  of the controller  250  monitors variation of the signal received from the detecting means  100  to determine start and end points of the detection signal received from the detecting means  100 . 
       FIGS. 5A to 5D  are time-to-frequency graphs for explaining results of measuring variation of an internal pressure of a middle ear as applied to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A to 5D , when a tongue in an oral cavity moves upward, values measuring variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear are as shown in  FIG. 5A . Furthermore, when the tongue in the oral cavity moves downward, values measuring variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear are as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
     When the tongue in the oral cavity moves leftward, values measuring variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear are as shown in  FIG. 5C , and when the tongue in the oral cavity moves rightward, values measuring variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear are as shown in  FIG. 5D . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A to 5D , the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear varies depending on the movement of tongue in the oral cavity, and has a characteristic result value. 
     In order to use, as a reference signal, the values measuring the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear having the characteristic result value, appropriate threshold processing is required. 
     In other words, the detecting means  100  differentiates among a value measuring pressure detected when the tongue does not move, a value measuring pressure detected when the tongue begins to move, and a value measuring pressure detected when the tongue stops moving. For the purpose of the differentiation, threshold processing is required. 
     A threshold value required for this threshold processing is found as follows. 
     Variations of the internal pressure of the middle ear in connection with the upward movement (first class), downward movement (second class), leftward movement (third class) and rightward movement (fourth class) of the tongue are measured at least once so as to determine the measured values. 
     An average value of the values (energy values) squaring signal values (amplitudes) of the measured values of the respective classes is yielded. 
     A maximum measured signal value of the class having the minimum average value of the average values of the respective classes is multiplied by any one of the values from 0.6 to 0.9, and the resultant value is selected as the threshold value. 
       FIG. 6  is a graph for explaining a threshold value according to the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , when the maximum measured signal value of the class having the minimum average value of the average values of the respective classes is multiplied by any one of the values from 0.6 to 0.9, the resultant product is selected as the threshold value, and it is possible to determine start and end points of the value measuring the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear according to each class, namely start and end points of the detection signal. 
     Meanwhile, in order to determine the detection signals received from the detecting means on the basis of each class, the value resulting from measuring the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear according to each class is repeatedly collected from an individual user, and then an average value of the collected values is computed. 
     Furthermore, in order to differentiate the detection signals received from the detecting means  100  on the basis of each class, the detection signal is extracted from signals received from the detecting means  100  using the threshold value and a predetermined size of window (e.g.,  400 ). At this point, the window size of “ 400 ” is a size selected as a test result for differentiating the detection signals according to movements of class-specific users. 
     An energy value (a square value of 400 signals) of a signal corresponding to a signal of the window size, which is selected from the signals received from the detecting means  100 , is obtained. If the energy value is greater than the threshold value and has a predetermined duration, it is determined as the start point of the detection signal. In contrast, if the energy value is less than the threshold value, it is determined to be the end point of the detection signal. 
     When a “center of mass” theory is applied to the detection signal received from the detecting means  100 , the characteristic detection signal of each class depending on the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear, caused by minute movement of the tongue, is obtained. 
       FIGS. 7A to 7D  are graphs for explaining a characteristic detection signal of each class applied to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A to 7D , it can be found that an average value of the values resulting from measuring the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear for a large number of persons has a characteristic signal value according to each class. 
     Thus, while monitoring signals received from the detecting means  100 , the controlling means  200  selects a time point of receiving a detection signal greater than a threshold value as a start point, and a time point of receiving a detection signal less than a threshold value as an end point. Thereby, the controlling means  200  extracts a control signal corresponding to the detection signal received from the start point to the end point. 
     Furthermore, in order to yield a reference signal used to differentiate the detection signals received from the detecting means according to each class, a pairwise cross correlation average method can be used. Because each person has his/her own force, speed, etc. of moving his/her own tongue, it is difficult to yield the exact reference signal capable of determining each class using a typical method of obtaining the average value. 
     Accordingly, in order to obtain the reference signal, the detection signals collected previously according to each class are formed in pairs, and are then aligned through cross correlation to the utmost extent. An average signal of each corresponding pair of detection signals is calculated using the pairwise cross correlation average method, and an average signal of each calculated pair of average signals is calculated again. These processes are repeatedly performed. As a result, the finally calculated average signal is selected as the reference signal of each class. 
       FIG. 8  shows a function of yielding a reference signal according to the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the process of obtaining an average value after pairing detection signal values of each class and aligning the paired values through cross correlation is repeated, and thereby a reference signal can be yielded. 
     The reference signal according to each class and a control signal corresponding to each reference signal inputted from the input  230  are stored in the storage  240 . 
     The signal processor  260  of the controller  250  determines start and end points of the detection signal based on a threshold value while monitoring signals received from the detecting means  100 . 
     Furthermore, the signal processor  260  searches for a reference signal the same as the detection signal among the reference signals stored in the storage  240 . 
     At this point, the signal processor  260  can search for the reference signal by applying a predetermined tolerance  500  to a value of the detection signal. In other words, because the force or speed of moving the tongue is not constant, the signal processor  260  preferably applies the predetermined tolerance  500  to the value of the received detection signal to search for a similar reference signal, even when the reference signal has the predetermined tolerance  500  with respect to the value of the detection signal. 
     Furthermore, the signal processor  260  sets a signal, which is received from the detecting means  100  for a predetermined time in a state where there is no movement of the tongue in the oral cavity, as a noise signal. Then, the signal processor  260  removes the noise signal from the detection signal received from the detecting means  100 , and then searches for a reference signal the same as the detection signal. 
     The following Tables 1 and 2 show test result values which the controlling means of the present invention uses to search for a reference signal according to a detection signal received from the detecting means  100  in a percentage (%) unit. 
     Table 1 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 First 
                 Second 
                 Third 
                 Fourth 
               
               
                   
                   
                 control 
                 control 
                 control 
                 control 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signal 
                 signal 
                 signal 
                 signal 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 First 
                 100 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Second 
                 0.14 
                 98.94 
                 0.17 
                 0.74 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Third 
                 0 
                 0 
                 100 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Fourth 
                 1.89 
                 0.09 
                 1.11 
                 96.91 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Table 2 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 First 
                 Second  
                 Third 
                 Fourth 
               
               
                   
                   
                 control 
                 control 
                 control 
                 control 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signal 
                 signal 
                 signal 
                 signal 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 First 
                 100 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Second 
                 0 
                 99.09 
                 0.91 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Third 
                 0 
                 0 
                 100 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Fourth 
                 0.74 
                 0.29 
                 1.29 
                 97.96 
               
               
                   
                 reference signal 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As seen from Tables 1 and 2, the controlling means  200  searches for a reference signal the same as the detection signal received from the detecting means  100  according to each class, and then each of the control signals which the controlling means  200  transmits to the driving means  300  is an independent result value. Therefore, the user can select the control signal transmitted to the driving means  300  by movement of the tongue in the oral cavity according to each class. 
     The signal processor  260  transmits the control signal corresponding to the searched reference signal to the driving means  300 . Thereby, operation of the driving means  300  is adapted to be controlled according to the movement of the human body. 
     Meanwhile, when a control signal corresponding to the received reference signal is not identified, the signal processor  260  outputs a warning signal through the display  220  after a predetermined time has elapsed so as to cause the user to move his/her body again. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart for explaining a method of performing control using movement of a human body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a user sets a reference signal according to each class and a control signal corresponding to each reference signal for the controlling means  200  (S 10 ). 
     Then, the detecting means  100  transmits a detection signal according to movement of a human body, to the controlling means  200  (S 20 ). 
     In one example, the detecting means  100  detects variation of internal pressure of the middle ear according to movement of a tongue in an oral cavity of the human body, and transmits it to the controlling means  200 . 
     The controlling means  200  determines start and end points of the detection signal depending on a threshold value while monitoring signals received from the detecting means  100  (S 30 ). 
     Subsequently, the controlling means  200  searches for a reference signal the same as the detection signal (S 40 ). 
     At this point, the controlling means  200  searches the reference signal by applying a predetermined tolerance  500  to a value of the detection signal. 
     If a reference signal the same as the detection signal is not identified for a predetermined time, the controlling means  200  outputs a warning signal reporting that the movement of the human body is not properly recognized so as to cause the user to move his/her body again (S 50 ). Then, the controlling means  200  determines the start and end points of the detection signal received from the detecting means  100  according to movement of the tongue (S 30 ). 
     Meanwhile, if a reference signal the same as the detection signal is identified, the controlling means  200  transmits the control signal corresponding to the reference signal to the driving means  300  (S 60 ). 
     In one example, when the driving means  300  is a mobile terminal and the controlling means  200  is included in the mobile terminal, the controlling means  200  generates a hot key control signal corresponding to the detection signal so as to cause the mobile terminal to process a function related to the hot key control signal. 
     At this point, the hot key control signal may include a short dialing control signal, short dialing button control signal, or a specified (e.g., conversation or end) button control signal. 
     The driving means  300  (mobile terminal) may generate a call request message according to the received hot key control signal, it may set a conversation mode, or it may terminate a conversation call. 
     Meanwhile, if the driving means  300  is a means for operating an electronic wheel chair of the like, the controlling means  200  transmits a direction or speed control signal corresponding to the detection signal to the driving means  300 , and then the driving means  300  accelerates/decelerates a speed or changes a direction of the electronic wheel chairs on the basis of the received control signal (S 70 ). 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram for explaining an authentication system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a control system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a detecting means  100  and a terminal  400 . 
     The detecting means  100  provides a detection signal according to movement of a human body, and is connected with the terminal  400  through a wired or wireless network. 
     The terminal  400  includes a central processor  440 , a function processor  420 , a memory  410  and a user interface  430 , wherein the central processor  440  has an authentication processor  450 . 
     The user interface  430  may have a plurality of selection fields (not shown) and display means (not shown). The user interface  430  provides a selection signal according to the selection of a user, or displays a detection signal received from the detecting means  100  according to a display signal received from the central processor  440 , information on a state of the terminal  400 , and so forth. 
     The function processor  420  provides functions inherent in the terminal  400 . For example, when the terminal  400  is a mobile terminal, the function processor  420  provides a voice communication service according to a phone number which the user inputs, or an Internet service over a communication network. When the terminal  400  is an electronic wheel chair, the function processor  420  provides a driving function of the chair. 
     The selection provided by the user interface  430  includes an authentication setup signal for setting an initial authentication signal, an authentication request signal for requesting an authentication procedure, a completion processing signal for requesting function processing according to completion of the authentication procedure, and a function request signal for requesting a function of the terminal  400 . 
     When the authentication setup signal is received from the user interface  430 , the central processor  440  stores a detection signal received from the detecting means  100  for a predetermined time in the memory  410  as an authentication signal. 
     Because of differences in the oral cavities of various users, and in the force or speed of each user moving his/her tongue, when the internal pressure of the middle ear which varies with the movement of the tongue of each user and is measured, each user has a characteristic result value. Therefore, the result value measuring variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear depending on the movement of the tongue in the oral cavity can be used as characteristic authentication information. 
     When the authentication request signal is received, the central processor  440  determines whether or not the detection signal received from the detecting means  100  is identical to the authentication signal stored in the memory  410 . If so, the central processor  440  allows the user to control the function processor  420  through the user interface  430 . 
     Specifically, the authentication processor  450  of the central processor  440  determines start and end points of the detection signal according to a threshold value while monitoring detection signals received from the detecting means  100  in a state where the authentication setup signal is received, and stores the detection signal in the memory  410  as the authentication signal. 
     When the authentication request signal is received, the authentication processor  450  determines whether or not the detection signal received from the detecting means  100  is identical to the authentication signal stored in the memory  410 . 
     If the detection signal is not identical to the authentication signal, the authentication processor  450  outputs a warning signal to inform the user that the authentication procedure is not completed. Thus, when the warning signal is outputted by the terminal  400 , the authentication procedure based on the movement of the user body is performed again. 
     If the detection signal is identical to the authentication signal and when the authentication completion signal is received, the authentication processor  450  transmits an authentication acknowledgment signal to the function processor  420  so as to cause the function processor  420  to process the function according to the function request signal received from the user interface  430 . 
     At this point, the authentication processor  450  applies a predetermined tolerance  500  to a value of the detection signal to determine whether or not the detection signal is identical to the authentication signal. 
     Furthermore, the authentication processor  450  sets the signal received from the detecting means  100  for a predetermined time as a noise signal, and then removes the noise signal from the signal received from the detecting means. Preferably, the authentication processor  450  then stores the authentication signal in the memory  410 , and compares the signal after removal with the authentication signal. 
     Therefore, the user can use the terminal  400  to perform the authentication procedure using the movement of his/her body after setting the movement of his/her body as authentication information. 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart for explaining a method of performing authentication processing using movement of a human body in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11 , a user sets up authentication information for the terminal  400  according to movement of his/her body (S 100 ). 
     At this point, the user can set up/change the authentication information in initially or subsequently using the terminal  400  at his/her option. 
     In one example, the user can set a detection signal of at least one class as authentication information in the terminal  400  according to movement of the tongue in his/her oral cavity. 
     The user makes an authentication request through the user interface  430  when intending to use a function of the terminal  400 , and moves the tongue in his/her oral cavity according to the class set as the authentication information (S 100 ). 
     The detecting means  100  detects variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear depending on the movement of the tongue in his/her oral cavity, and transmits the detection signal to the terminal  400 . The terminal  400  determines start and end points of the detection signal according to a threshold value while monitoring signals received from the detecting means  100 . 
     The terminal  400  determines whether the received detection signal is identical to the authentication signal (S 120 ). 
     When the detection signal of at least one class is set for the terminal  400  as the authentication signal, the user sequentially moves his/her body corresponding to the class, and the terminal  400  determines whether or not the detection signals received sequentially are identical to the respective authentication signals. 
     At this point, the terminal  400  applies a predetermined tolerance  500  to a value of the detection signal, and determines whether or not the received detection signal is identical to the authentication signal. 
     If the received detection signal is not identical to the authentication signal, the terminal  400  outputs a warning signal reporting that the authentication procedure is not completed so as to cause the user to repeat the authentication procedure (S 130 ). 
     Conversely, if the received detection signal is identical to the authentication signal, the terminal  400  completes the authentication procedure so as to cause the user to control the function of the terminal  400  through the user interface  430  (S 140 ). 
     In one example, the authentication processor  450  of the terminal  400  transmits an authentication acknowledgment signal to the function processor  420  when the detection signal received from the detection means  100  is identical to the set authentication signal so as to cause the function processor  420  to be driven according to a function request signal which the user inputs through the user interface  430 . 
     While the above-mentioned description of the present invention has been made regarding the case of performing the authentication procedure or providing a corresponding control signal based on the variation of the internal pressure of the middle ear in dependence upon the movement of the tongue of the oral cavity of the human body, it can be equally applied to the case where a characteristic detection signal dependent upon another movement of the human body is generated. 
     Furthermore, while the above-mentioned description of the present invention has been made with reference to terminal  400  performing the authentication procedure based on the movement of the human body as one example, the invention can be applied to all apparatuses for performing an authentication procedure, such as another locking safety apparatus. 
     As can be seen from the foregoing, any user can control the terminal  400  or driving means  300  intended for use using minute movement of his/her body. 
     Furthermore, the user can perform the authentication procedure for use based on the movement of his/her body. 
     Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention should not be limited to the described exemplary embodiments. Rather, various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

Technology Category: 1