Information processing apparatus and automatic calling system

Abstract

To reduce the hassle of making phone calls and also achieve high information security.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus of an embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates with an IC device which stores authentication information related to a user's predetermined biometric information, and one calling destination telephone number and which enables biometric authentication using the authentication information, an input unit that inputs the user's voice, an output unit that outputs the voice, an acquisition unit that acquires the calling destination telephone number received by the communication unit from the IC device for which a result of the biometric authentication was successful, a calling unit that makes a call to the calling destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit, and a call processing unit that controls the input unit and the output unit to process a call with a call device corresponding to the calling destination telephone number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and an automatic calling system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when making a call to a specific person using, for example, a smartphone (an example of an information processing device), the user typically performs an operation on the smartphone to input the phone number of the person or to select the phone number from among multiple registered phone numbers and then make the call. However, when inputting a phone number, it is necessary to input approximately 11 digits, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, when selecting the phone number of the person from among multiple registered phone numbers, it is often time-consuming, depending on the number of registered phone numbers. Therefore, it would be desirable to be able to make a call with less time and effort.

[0003] In this regard, there is a conventional technology that, when making a call using a smartphone, for example, reads destination data from a business card with a contactless IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, and after checking the displayed content, can automatically make a call by pressing the start key. This reduces the effort required when making a call. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-183693 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has an information security problem in that if a business card with a contactless IC tag is stolen or lost, it may lead to the leakage or misuse of personal information.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an automatic calling system that can reduce the effort required to make a call and achieve high information security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device of the embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates with an IC device that stores authentication information related to a user's specified biometric information and one destination telephone number and is capable of biometric authentication using the authentication information, an input unit that inputs the user's voice, an output unit that outputs the voice, an acquisition unit that acquires the destination telephone number received by the communication unit from the IC device where the biometric authentication result was successful, a calling unit that makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit, and a call processing unit that controls the input unit and the output unit to process a call between the IC device and a call device corresponding to the destination telephone number. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic calling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing by the automatic calling system of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing by the automatic calling system of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an information processing device and an automatic calling system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, fingerprint authentication using fingerprint information from a finger will be taken as an example of biometric authentication using biometric information.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic calling system S according to an embodiment. The automatic calling system S includes a mobile phone 1 and an IC card 2. The mobile phone 1 is, for example, a smartphone, and includes a storage unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a processing unit 15.

[0011] The storage unit 11 is configured by, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc., and stores various programs, various setting data, various calculation result data, etc.

[0012] The input unit 12 is an information input means, and is configured by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a voice input device (an input unit for inputting the user's voice), and the like.

[0013] The output unit 13 is an information output means, and is configured by, for example, a display device, an audio output device (an output unit that outputs audio), and the like.

[0014] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface that communicates with the IC card 2.

[0015] The processing unit 15 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit 15 includes an acquisition unit 151, a transmission unit 152, and a call processing unit 153 as functional components realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the storage unit 11.

[0016] The acquisition unit 151 acquires various pieces of information from the storage unit 11, the input unit 12, and the communication unit 14. For example, the acquisition unit 151 acquires various pieces of information such as the destination telephone number from the IC card 2 for which the fingerprint authentication result was successful, via the communication unit 14.

[0017] When there is information about the destination telephone number, the transmitting unit 152 makes a call to the destination telephone number. The transmitting unit 152 makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquiring unit 151, for example.

[0018] The call processing unit 153 controls the input unit 12 (audio input device) and the output unit 13 (audio output device) to process a call with a call device (not shown) corresponding to the destination telephone number.

[0019] Details of the acquisition unit 151, the transmission unit 152, and the call processing unit 153 will be described later. In addition, in the case where the operating subject in the mobile phone 1 is other than the acquisition unit 151, the transmission unit 152, or the call processing unit 153, the operating subject will be described as the mobile phone 1 or the processing unit 15.

[0020] The IC card 2 is an example of an IC device that stores authentication information related to a user's fingerprint (hereinafter also referred to as "fingerprint authentication information") and one destination telephone number, and is capable of fingerprint authentication using the authentication information. The IC card 2 is, for example, a credit card with an IC, an IC card for train travel, or a dedicated IC card for this embodiment. The IC card 2 may be either a contactless type or a contact type. For simplicity of explanation, the IC card 2 will be assumed to be a contactless type below. The IC card 2 includes a memory unit 21, an imaging unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a processing unit 24.

[0021] The storage unit 21 is configured with RAM, ROM, NVM (Non-Volatile Memory), etc., and stores various types of information. The storage unit 21 stores, for example, the following information as destination information (for one item): "Whether pre-authentication information for 'XXX' can be acquired" is setting information indicating whether the mobile phone 1 can acquire data stored in the storage unit 21 of the IC card 2 when authentication is not successful. Here, "when authentication is not successful" refers to an "unauthenticated" situation in which the mobile phone 1 detects the IC card 2 without touching a finger to the fingerprint authentication unit (photographing unit 22) of the IC card 2, or an "authentication failure" situation in which the mobile phone 1 detects the IC card 2 when a finger is touched to the fingerprint authentication unit (photographing unit 22) of the IC card 2 and the fingerprint authentication result is unsuccessful.

[0022] Moreover, "whether or not information can be acquired after authentication of 'XXX'" is setting information indicating whether or not the mobile phone 1 can acquire data stored in the storage unit 21 of the IC card 2 when authentication is successful.

[0023] In the following, we will mainly explain the case where ``Whether pre-authentication information for ``XXX'' can be obtained'' is set to ``No'' and ``Whether post-authentication information for ``XXX'' can be obtained'' is set to ``Yes.''

[0024] "IC card unique number" "Fingerprint authentication information" "Number of consecutive authentication failures"

[0025] "Destination name", "Whether pre-authentication information for 'Destination name' can be obtained", "Whether post-authentication information for 'Destination name' can be obtained" "Destination phone number", "Whether pre-authentication information for 'Destination phone number' can be obtained", "Whether post-authentication information for 'Destination phone number' can be obtained"

[0026] "Start date when calls can be made", "Whether pre-authentication information on 'Start date when calls can be made' can be obtained", "Whether post-authentication information on 'Start date when calls can be made' can be obtained" "End date of possible outgoing calls", "Whether pre-authentication information on 'End date of possible outgoing calls' can be obtained", "Whether post-authentication information on 'End date of possible outgoing calls' can be obtained"

[0027] "Available days of the week and time slots for outgoing calls," "Whether pre-authentication information for 'available days of the week and time slots' can be obtained," and "Whether post-authentication information for 'available days of the week and time slots' can be obtained" "Available days and times of calling", "Availability of obtaining pre-authentication information for 'available days and times of calling'", "Availability of obtaining post-authentication information for 'available days and times of calling'"

[0028] "(Remaining) number of outgoing calls", "Whether pre-authentication information on 'number of outgoing calls' can be obtained", "Whether post-authentication information on 'number of outgoing calls' can be obtained" "Call date and time" "Conversational audio during a call"

[0029] Of these pieces of information, the only required information are the "IC card unique number," "fingerprint authentication information," and "destination telephone number," and the other information is not required.

[0030] The storage unit 21 stores a set of authentication information and one destination telephone number for one user.

[0031] The photographing unit 22 is a device that photographs the finger of the user for fingerprint authentication. The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device such as the mobile phone 1.

[0032] The processing unit 24 is configured by a processor and performs various processes based on programs and data stored in the ROM and NVM that are the storage unit 21. Note that some or all of the various functions realized by the processor executing the programs may be realized by hardware circuits.

[0033] The processing unit 24 performs fingerprint authentication based on, for example, a photographed image of a finger captured by the photographing unit 22 and fingerprint authentication information stored in the storage unit 21. The processing unit 24 also communicates with the mobile phone 1 via the communication unit 23 to send and receive various information. The processing unit 24 also stores the date and time of a call and the conversation voice during the call in the storage unit 21 based on instructions from the mobile phone 1.

[0034] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 151 of the mobile phone 1 acquires, for example, the outgoing call enable start date received by the communication unit 14 from the IC card 2 for which the fingerprint authentication result was successful. Then, the sending unit 152 determines whether or not the outgoing call is enable based on the outgoing call enable start date acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the current date and time. If it is determined that the outgoing call is enable, the sending unit 152 makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit 151.

[0035] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 151 acquires, for example, the end date of possible outgoing calls received by the communication unit 14 from the IC card 2 for which the fingerprint authentication result was successful. Then, the sending unit 152 determines whether or not it is possible to send a call based on the end date of possible outgoing calls acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the current date and time. If it is determined that it is possible to send a call, the sending unit 152 makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit 151.

[0036] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 151 acquires, for example, the available days of the week and time periods for calling received by the communication unit 14 from an IC card 2 for which the fingerprint authentication result was successful. Then, the sending unit 152 determines whether or not calling is possible based on the available days of the week and time periods for calling acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the current date and time. If it is determined that calling is possible, the sending unit 152 makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit 151.

[0037] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 151 acquires, for example, the available call date and time period received by the communication unit 14 from the IC card 2 for which the fingerprint authentication result was successful. Then, the sending unit 152 determines whether or not a call is available based on the available call date and time period acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the current date and time. If it is determined that a call is available, the sending unit 152 makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit 151.

[0038] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 151 acquires, for example, the number of possible outgoing calls received by the communication unit 14 from an IC card 2 for which the result of fingerprint authentication was successful. Then, the sending unit 152 determines whether or not it is possible to make an outgoing call based on the number of possible outgoing calls acquired by the acquisition unit 151, and if it is determined that it is possible to make an outgoing call, it makes an outgoing call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit 151.

[0039] Furthermore, when processing a call, the call processor 153 executes control to store the call date and time and the conversation voice during the call in the IC card 2.

[0040] Next, the flow of processing by the automatic calling system S will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are sequence diagrams showing the flow of processing by the automatic calling system S of the embodiment. The user brings the IC card 2 close to the mobile phone 1 while touching the finger for fingerprint authentication to the photographing section 22 (fingerprint authentication section) of the IC card 2. In addition, the mobile phone 1 periodically (for example, every second) checks whether the IC card 2 is present.

[0041] In step S1, the mobile phone 1 detects the IC card 2.

[0042] Next, in step S2, the mobile phone 1 applies power, that is, generates an alternating current to change the magnetic field in the nearby space so that a current is generated in the IC card 2 by electromagnetic induction.

[0043] In response to this, in step S3, the IC card 2 is activated, that is, it operates by generating a current through electromagnetic induction.

[0044] Next, in step S4, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 performs fingerprint authentication based on the image of the finger captured by the photographing unit 22 and the fingerprint authentication information stored in the storage unit 21, and stores the authentication result in the storage unit 21. If the authentication result is unsuccessful and the IC card 2 has a function to invalidate the IC card when authentication fails consecutively, the IC card 2 operates, for example, as follows.

[0045] The processing unit 24 updates the "number of consecutive authentication failures" in the storage unit 21. When the "number of consecutive authentication failures" reaches a specified number of times for invalidating the IC card 2, the processing unit 24 invalidates the IC card 2 and thereafter always treats it as an "authentication failure." Furthermore, when authentication is successful before the "number of consecutive authentication failures" reaches the specified number of times, the processing unit 24 clears (sets to 0) the "number of consecutive authentication failures" in the storage unit 21. The following description will be mainly based on the assumption that the authentication result was successful.

[0046] After step S2, in step S5, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 obtains the current date and time from the internal clock of the mobile phone 1 and stores it.

[0047] Next, in step S6, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 for the authentication result.

[0048] In response to this, in step S7, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the authentication result (success) stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1.

[0049] Next, in step S8, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the authentication result (success) by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, "Authentication was successful" is output as voice or displayed. If the authentication fails, for example, "Authentication failed" is output as voice or displayed.

[0050] Next, in step S9, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 to send the name of the destination.

[0051] In response to this, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the name of the destination stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1 in step S10.

[0052] Next, in step S11, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 uses the output unit 13 to notify the name of the destination by voice or display.

[0053] Next, in step S12, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 for the destination telephone number.

[0054] In response to this, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the destination telephone number stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1 in step S13.

[0055] Next, in step S14, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the callee telephone number by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "The callee telephone number is XXX."

[0056] Next, in step S15, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 for the date on which calls can be made.

[0057] In response to this, in step S16, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the outgoing call enable start date stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1.

[0058] Next, in step S17, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the call enable start date by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "Automatic calls will be possible from XX / XX / XX."

[0059] Next, in step S18, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 for the end date on which calls can be made.

[0060] In response to this, in step S19, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the outgoing call enable end date stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1.

[0061] Next, in step S20, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the end date of possible outgoing calls by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "Automatic outgoing calls can be made until XX / XX / XX."

[0062] Next, in step S21, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 for the days of the week and time periods when calls can be made.

[0063] In response to this, in step S22, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the outgoing call permitted days and time periods stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1.

[0064] Next, in step S23, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the user of the days and times when calls can be made by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "Automatic calls can be made from XX to XX on XX day of the week" is output.

[0065] Next, in step S24, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 for the dates and time periods when calls can be made.

[0066] In response to this, in step S25, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the outgoing call permitted dates and time periods stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1.

[0067] Next, in step S26, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the call-enabled date and time period by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "Automatic calls can be made from XX to XX on XX day."

[0068] Next, in step S27, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 requests the IC card 2 for the number of calls that can be made.

[0069] In response to this, in step S , the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the allowable number of outgoing calls stored in the storage unit 21 to the mobile phone 1.

[0070] Next, in step S29, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the user of the remaining number of outgoing calls by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "You can make automatic outgoing calls X more times."

[0071] Next, in step S30, the calling unit 152 of the mobile phone 1 determines whether automatic calling is possible based on the various information that has been obtained from the IC card 2 so far, and if Yes, proceeds to step S31, and if No, proceeds to step S32.

[0072] In step S31, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the user that a call can be made by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "Automatic call will start" is output. Then, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0073] In step S32, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 notifies the user that the call cannot be made by voice or display using the output unit 13. Specifically, for example, a voice output or display such as "Automatic call cannot be made" is output. Then, the process ends.

[0074] In step S33, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 instructs the IC card 2 to update the number of possible outgoing calls.

[0075] In response to this, in step S34, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 updates the number of possible outgoing calls stored in the storage unit 21 (decreases by 1).

[0076] Next, in step S35, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the update result (success / failure) to the mobile phone 1.

[0077] Next, in step S36, the calling unit 152 of the mobile phone 1 makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired from the IC card 2.

[0078] Next, in step S37, the call processing unit 153 of the mobile phone 1 controls the input unit 12 (audio input device) and the output unit 13 (audio output device) to perform call processing with the call device corresponding to the destination telephone number.

[0079] Next, in step S38, the call processing unit 153 of the mobile phone 1 instructs the IC card 2 to save the date and time of the call and the conversation audio during the call, and at that time, in step S37, the date and time of the call to be processed and the conversation audio during the call are transmitted to the communication unit 23 of the IC card 2.

[0080] Next, in step S39, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 stores the call date and time received from the mobile phone 1 and the conversation voice during the call in the storage unit 21.

[0081] Next, in step S40, the processing unit 24 of the IC card 2 transmits the result (success / failure) of saving the conversation voice during the call to the mobile phone 1. Note that a case where saving the conversation voice during the call fails is, for example, when the storage capacity of the storage unit 21 is insufficient.

[0082] Next, in step S41, in the mobile phone 1, the communication unit 14 receives the storage result (success / failure) of the conversation voice during the call from the IC card 2, and the processing unit 15 stores the received data in the storage unit 11.

[0083] During the call, the processes of steps S37 to S41 are repeated.

[0084] Next, in step S42, the calling unit 152 of the mobile phone 1 ends the call processing in response to a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger is, for example, a call end operation by the user using the input unit 12. Furthermore, the processing unit 15 of the mobile phone 1 may notify the IC card 2 that the call has ended.

[0085] If finger authentication is not performed or if the result of finger authentication is unsuccessful, the information indicating "Yes" in "Whether pre-authentication information for 'XXX' can be obtained" is sent from the IC card 2 to the mobile phone 1 in steps S10, S13, S16, S19, S22, S25, and S28.

[0086] In this way, according to the automatic calling system S of this embodiment, the mobile phone 1 automatically calls the destination telephone number obtained from the IC card 2 where the fingerprint authentication result was successful, thereby reducing the effort required to make a call and achieving high information security.

[0087] For example, by registering one destination phone number on one IC card 2, the user does not need to enter the phone number on the mobile phone 1 or select the recipient's phone number from multiple registered phone numbers before making a call. Also, even if the IC card 2 is stolen or lost, the data inside cannot be used unless fingerprint authentication is successful, preventing misuse, prank calls, and leaks of personal information of recipients. On the other hand, with conventional technology, for example, in the case of a smartphone or the like that is protected by authentication at the start of operation, if security is breached by malicious intent, all registered destination information will be leaked.

[0088] In addition, by setting the "start date for outgoing calls," "end date for outgoing calls," "days and time periods for outgoing calls," "days and time periods for outgoing calls," "(remaining) number of outgoing calls," etc., it is possible to restrict the use of the IC card 2. If the IC card 2 is a business card type, for example, the "days and time periods for outgoing calls" can be set to 8:00 to 17:00 on weekdays.

[0089] If the IC card 2 is to be loaned to a customer by a travel service company, the "call start date" can be set to the travel contract date, and the "call end date" can be set to the travel end date. If the IC card 2 is to be used for communication between relatives, no time restrictions need to be set.

[0090] Furthermore, the above-mentioned time restriction applies to automatic calling after fingerprint authentication; for example, if a telephone number is written on the surface of the IC card 2, the user can make a call by entering the telephone number into the mobile phone 1.

[0091] Furthermore, it is not necessary to write or print personal information on the surface of the IC card 2, as the information to be written or printed on the surface of the IC card 2 should be the minimum necessary for the user to understand what information is stored in the IC card 2. By not writing or printing the personal information of the recipient on the IC card 2, it is possible to prevent the recipient's personal information from being leaked.

[0092] Furthermore, if fingerprint authentication fails a specified number of times, the information stored inside the IC card 2 is invalidated, thereby further improving information security.

[0093] Furthermore, by enabling re-registration of fingerprints to be registered on IC card 2, IC card 2 can be transferred or handed over to another person.

[0094] Furthermore, by limiting the IC cards 2 carried when going out to only those IC cards 2 that may be used to make calls while out, the risk of information leakage due to theft or loss can be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, if the IC card 2 is removed from the mobile phone 1 during a call after automatic dialing and the mobile phone 1 can no longer detect the IC card 2, the call will be terminated, eliminating the need for an operation to terminate the call, further increasing convenience.

[0096] Furthermore, the conversation voice during a call can be stored in the IC card 2. Then, fingerprint authentication is required to listen to the conversation voice, thereby ensuring the confidentiality of the conversation voice.

[0097] Furthermore, by providing various notifications, the user can use the information to decide whether or not to make a call.

[0098] The following describes modified examples.

[0099] (Variation 1) The IC card 2 stores a set of authentication information and one destination phone number for each of multiple users, and when fingerprint authentication is successful for any of the users, the destination phone number paired with the authentication information used for fingerprint authentication is sent to the mobile phone 1. This allows the IC card 2 to be shared by multiple users.

[0100] (Variation 2) The IC card 2 stores a set of authentication information and one destination telephone number for each of a user's multiple fingers, and if fingerprint authentication is successful for any of the fingers, the destination telephone number paired with the authentication information used for fingerprint authentication is sent to the mobile phone 1. This allows the user to automatically call multiple destinations without having to select the destination by using different fingers for fingerprint authentication.

[0101] (Variation 3) The reader for the IC card 2 is installed in a location where the fingerprint will come into contact when the mobile phone 1 is held in the hand, and fingerprint authentication and automatic calling are performed by holding the mobile phone 1 and the IC card 2 at the same time while the fingerprint authentication unit (photographing unit 22) of the miniaturized IC card 2 is in contact with the reader, which further improves convenience.

[0102] (Variation 4) A finger-cot-shaped IC card 2 is used, which has a fingerprint authentication unit (photographing unit 22) in the place where the fingerprint comes into contact.The user then places the finger-cot-shaped IC card 2 on the finger and holds the mobile phone 1, which performs fingerprint authentication and automatically makes a call.This further improves convenience.

[0103] (Variation 5) The surface of the mobile phone 1 is provided with a recess or holder, and one or more miniaturized IC cards 2 are inserted into the recess or holder. When the user wants to make a call, they simply touch their fingerprint to the fingerprint authentication section (photographing section 22) of the inserted IC card 2, which authenticates the fingerprint and automatically sends the call. This further improves convenience.

[0104] The program executed by the mobile phone 1 of this embodiment can be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).The program may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0105] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0106] For example, in the above embodiment, the mobile phone 1 is taken as an example of the information processing device, but the information processing device is not limited to this, and may also be a stationary information terminal or the like.

[0107] 2 and 3, various notifications are made on the mobile phone 1, but some or all of the notifications may be eliminated. Also, each time a notification is made, the user may proceed to the next process by performing a predetermined operation on the mobile phone 1.

[0108] Furthermore, part of the processing of the mobile phone 1 may be performed on a cloud server.

[0109] Furthermore, the biometric authentication is not limited to fingerprint authentication, but may be other authentication such as hand vein authentication or iris authentication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...mobile phone, 2...IC card, 11...storage unit, 12...input unit, 13...output unit, 14...communication unit, 15...processing unit, 21...storage unit, 22...photographing unit, 23...communication unit, 24...processing unit, 151...acquisition unit, 152...transmission unit, 153...call processing unit, S...automatic transmission system

Claims

1. a communication unit that communicates with an IC (Integrated Circuit) device that stores authentication information related to predetermined biometric information of a user and one destination telephone number, the IC device being capable of biometric authentication using the authentication information; an input unit for inputting a user's voice; an output unit that outputs audio; an acquisition unit that acquires the destination telephone number received by the communication unit from the IC device for which the biometric authentication has been successful; a calling unit that makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit; a call processing unit that controls the input unit and the output unit to process a call with a call device corresponding to the destination telephone number.

2. the IC device stores a date on which transmission is possible; the acquisition unit acquires the outgoing call enable start date received by the communication unit from the IC device for which the biometric authentication result is successful, 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the calling unit determines whether or not a call can be made based on the start date of call availability and the current date and time acquired by the acquisition unit, and if it determines that a call can be made, makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit.

3. the IC device stores a call enable end date; the acquisition unit acquires the outgoing call enable end date received by the communication unit from the IC device for which the biometric authentication result is successful, 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the calling unit determines whether or not a call can be made based on the end date of call availability and the current date and time acquired by the acquisition unit, and if it determines that a call can be made, makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit.

4. The IC device stores the days of the week and time periods when calls can be made, the acquisition unit acquires the outgoing call permitted days of the week and the time periods received by the communication unit from the IC device for which the biometric authentication has been successful; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the calling unit determines whether or not a call is possible based on the day of the week and the time period during which a call can be made, and the current date and time, acquired by the acquisition unit, and if it determines that a call is possible, makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit.

5. The IC device stores the dates and times when calls can be made, the acquisition unit acquires the outgoing call permitted date and the time period received by the communication unit from the IC device for which the biometric authentication result has been successful; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the calling unit determines whether or not a call is possible based on the possible call date and time period acquired by the acquisition unit, and the current date and time, and if it determines that a call is possible, calls the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit.

6. the IC device stores the remaining number of calls that can be made; the acquisition unit acquires the permitted number of calls received by the communication unit from the IC device for which the biometric authentication result has been successful, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the calling unit determines whether or not a call can be made based on the number of possible calls acquired by the acquisition unit, and if it determines that a call can be made, makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the call processing unit executes control to store a date and time of the call and a conversation voice during the call in the IC device when performing the call processing.

8. the biometric information is fingerprint information of a human finger, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the biometric authentication is fingerprint authentication.

9. The IC device is storing a set of one piece of authentication information and one piece of destination telephone number for each of a plurality of users; 9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein, if the fingerprint authentication result for any of the users is successful, the destination telephone number that is paired with the authentication information used for the fingerprint authentication is transmitted to the information processing device.

10. The IC device is storing a set of the authentication information and a set of a destination telephone number for each of a plurality of fingers of one user; 9. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein, if the fingerprint authentication result for any of the fingers is successful, the destination telephone number set with the authentication information used for the fingerprint authentication is transmitted to the information processing device.

11. An automatic calling system including an IC device that stores authentication information related to predetermined biometric information of a user and one destination telephone number, the IC device being capable of biometric authentication using the authentication information, and an information processing device, The information processing device includes: a communication unit that communicates with the IC device; an input unit for inputting a user's voice; an output unit that outputs audio; an acquisition unit that acquires the destination telephone number received by the communication unit from the IC device for which the biometric authentication has been successful; a calling unit that makes a call to the destination telephone number acquired by the acquisition unit; a call processing unit that controls the input unit and the output unit to process a call with a call device corresponding to the destination telephone number.

Images