Authentication device and gaming machine equipped with the same

Abstract

An authentication device according to the present invention is preferably installed in a gaming machine. In this authentication device, in particular, an authentication data input unit is located on the rear side of a display unit. Furthermore, the screen of the display unit includes an authentication position where an authentication object (for example, a player's finger) is to approach or touch the screen. The authentication data input unit reads the authentication data (for example, fingerprint pattern data) through the screen from the authentication object approaching or touching the screen of the display unit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to authentication devices, and more particularly to authentication devices provided in gaming machines. [0003] 2. Background Information [0004] An authentication device reads authentication data from an authentication object which approaches or touches a predetermined authentication position, and then performs an authentication process based on the authentication data. A biometric authentication device is one such authentication device. See, for example, Japan Published Patent Application 2002-318648. A biometric authentication device uses biometric characteristics (a fingerprint pattern, a retina pattern, a vein pattern, etc.) as authentication data which can identify individuals. More specifically, when a body part (authentication object) that includes biometric characteristics approaches or touches a sensor (predetermined authentication position) of the biometric authentication devic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The above-described authentication device according to the present invention preferably comprises a detection unit which detects the authentication object when it approaches or touches the screen of the display unit. In that case, the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit further preferably irradiates electromagnetic waves in response to the output of the detection unit. Alternatively, the magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field in response to the output of the detection unit. Thus, the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit and the magnetic field generating unit operate when the authentication object approaches or touches the screen of the display unit. In other words, the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit and the magnetic field generating unit activate and generate the electromagnetic wave and the magnetic field, respectively, only when necessary. Accordingly, the device can easily save more energy. Further preferably, the detection unit is a transparent touch sensor which is provided on the screen of the display unit. Here, the touch sensor can detect contact of the authentication object with the screen of the display unit. Specific examples of such touch sensors are analog capacitive coupling touch sensors, and touch sensors which use ultrasonic waves (surface acoustic waves).

[0012] The display unit preferably displays a guidance image which shows the position (hereinafter referred to as the authentication position) on the screen of the display unit at which the authentication object is to approach or touch the screen, in the above-described authentication device according to the present invention. Thus, a user can easily locate the authentication position on the screen. Further preferably, the display unit displays the plurality of the guidance images that show different authentication positions on the screen, and the authentication data input unit reads authentication data from the authentication object which approaches or touches one of the plurality of the authentication positions. Here, the authentication data input unit may be designed such that the authentication data of the authentication object that approaches or touches other authentication positions will not be read. The display of more than one such guidance image can provide an unprecedented new authentication process. For example, the device can pose a question to the user and display several possible answers thereto at more than one authentication position on the screen. In this case, a more accurate authentication is possible by having previously registered a correct answer, which only the user know, in the authentication device. Alternatively, when the authentication device is installed in a gaming machine, the gaming machine may provide a bonus to a player who succeeds in authentication by selecting the correct authentication position.

[0013] The above-described authentication device according to the present invention preferably further comprises a data communications unit which performs wireless data communications with the authentication object after the authentication unit completes the authentication process. In that case, the data communication is performed after the authentication process, and accordingly, this prevents any illegal data communications from being performed with the authentication objects before the authentication process is completed.

Problems solved by technology

However, the screen size of the display must be limited in order to provide an authentication space on the front surface, because the display screen is usually located on the front surface.

As a result, further increasing the screen size of the display is difficult.

Compatibility between the allocation of authentication space and an increase in screen size is difficult, particularly when a product whose miniaturization is strongly desired, such as a portable electronic appliance, is equipped with an authentication device.

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