Authentication System

Abstract

To increase the convenience of an authentication system using a mobile device.SOLUTION: A first communication unit 121 forms a first radio communication area A1 at least outside a cabin 31 that is opened / closed by a door 32. A second communication unit 122 forms a second radio communication area A2 at least inside the cabin 31. A control unit 13 is configured so as to perform first authentication processing to authenticate a mobile device 11 positioned in the first radio communication area A1, and when the first authentication processing is established, to control the operation of a locking / unlocking device 41 for locking / unlocking the door 32 based on a locking / unlocking signal transmitted from the mobile device 11. The control unit 13 is configured so as to perform second authentication processing to authenticate the mobile device 11 positioned in the second radio communication area A2, and when the second authentication processing is established, to control the operation of a starting device 42. In the first radio communication area A1, an allowable range A1' for the transmission of the lock / unlock signal is narrower than a range A2' of the second radio communication area A2 formed outside the cabin 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication system that uses a mobile device that can be carried by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an authentication system mounted on a vehicle as an example of a moving body. In this system, authentication is performed through radio wave communication between a control device that controls the operation of a locking / unlocking device of the vehicle's doors and a mobile device carried by the user. When authentication is established with the user touching a touch sensor provided on the door handle, the control device is permitted to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-211334 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of an authentication system using a mobile device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is an authentication system, comprising: A mobile device that can be carried by a user; a first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside a living room that is opened and closed by an opening and closing body; A second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the living room; a control device that performs a first authentication process to authenticate the mobile device located in the first wireless communication area, and when the first authentication process is established, controls an operation of a locking / unlocking device that locks / unlocks the opening / closing body based on a locking / unlocking signal transmitted from the mobile device, and performs a second authentication process to authenticate the mobile device located in the second wireless communication area, and when the second authentication process is established, controls an operation of a controlled device different from the locking / unlocking device; It is equipped with The range in which the transmission of the lock / unlock signal is permitted in the first wireless communication area is narrower than the range of the second wireless communication area formed outside the living room.

[0006] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to increase the reliability that the process for enabling the operation control of the locking / unlocking device is performed outside the living room, regardless of the state of the second wireless communication area formed on the assumption that the authentication process of the mobile device is performed inside the living room. In other words, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in terms of the performance and arrangement of the second communication device, while increasing the security. Therefore, it is possible to increase the convenience of the authentication system using the mobile device that can be carried by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an authentication system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of an authentication system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the mobile device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 illustrates another example of the flow of processing executed by the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 11 illustrates another example of the flow of processing executed by the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]1 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of an authentication system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 shows an example of a flow of a process executed by a mobile device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by a control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 illustrates another example of the flow of processing executed by the control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 illustrates another example of the flow of processing executed by the control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of an authentication system 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0009] The authentication system 10 includes a mobile device 11. The mobile device 11 is a device that can be carried by a user 20. The authentication system 10 can be used, for example, to authorize the user 20 carrying the mobile device 11 to use a vehicle 30 by authenticating the mobile device 11. The vehicle 30 is an example of a moving object.

[0010] The authentication system 10 includes a first communication device 121. The first communication device 121 includes an antenna capable of forming a first wireless communication area A1 at least outside the vehicle interior 31. The first wireless communication area A1 is an area in which short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11 can be performed.

[0011] The term "short-range wireless communication" used in this specification means non-contact communication using radio waves while conforming to the standard IEEE802.15 or IEEE802.11. Examples of technologies that can implement short-range wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In this specification, "short-range wireless communication" is distinguished from "near-field wireless communication," which is non-contact communication that transmits information through coupling by electromagnetic induction. Examples of technologies that can implement near-field wireless communication include NFC (Near Field Communication), RF-ID, and the like.

[0012] The expression "transmitting a signal by radio waves" as used in this specification means wirelessly transmitting a signal by radio waves at a frequency or in a frequency band defined by the above-mentioned short-range wireless communication standard.

[0013] Specifically, the antenna characteristics and arrangement of the first communication device 121 are determined so as to transmit a first trigger signal TR1 (described later with reference to FIG. 2) by radio wave at least to the outside of the vehicle interior 31. In this example, the first communication device 121 is arranged in the door 32. The first communication device 121 may also be arranged in a door handle, a pillar, a door mirror, etc.

[0014] The authentication system 10 includes a second communication device 122. The second communication device 122 includes an antenna capable of forming a second wireless communication area A2 at least inside the vehicle interior 31 of the vehicle 30. The second wireless communication area A2 is an area capable of performing short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11. In this example, the second wireless communication area A2 also extends to the outside of the vehicle interior 31.

[0015] Specifically, the antenna characteristics and arrangement of the second communication device 122 are determined so as to transmit a second trigger signal TR2 (described later with reference to FIG. 2) by radio wave at least to the inside of the vehicle compartment 31. In this example, the second communication device 122 is arranged at an appropriate location in the vehicle compartment 31.

[0016] The authentication system 10 includes a control device 13. In this example, the control device 13 is mounted on a vehicle 30. The control device 13 is configured to control the operation of a locking / unlocking device 41 mounted on the vehicle 30 based on a first authentication process for authenticating the mobile device 11 that has received a first trigger signal TR1. The locking / unlocking device 41 is a device that locks and unlocks a door 32 that opens and closes a passenger compartment 31 of the vehicle 30. The passenger compartment 31 is an example of a room. The door 32 is an example of an opening / closing body.

[0017] The control device 13 is configured to control the operation of a starting device 42 mounted on the vehicle 30 based on a second authentication process for authenticating the mobile device 11 that has received the second trigger signal TR2. The starting device 42 is a device that starts the drive source of the vehicle 30. The drive source may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The starting device 42 may be configured to stop until the start of the drive source is permitted. In this case, when the user 20 touches an ignition switch, for example, in a state in which the start is permitted, the drive source is started. The starting device 42 is an example of a controlled device different from the locking / unlocking device.

[0018] 2, the control device 13 includes an output unit 131. The output unit 131 is configured as an interface capable of outputting various signals. The various signals may be analog signals or digital signals. When an analog signal is output, the output unit 131 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0019] The control device 13 includes a processing unit 132. The processing unit 132 is configured to output a first transmission control signal TC1 from an output unit 131. The first communication device 121 is configured to transmit a first trigger signal TR1 by radio wave based on the first transmission control signal TC1. The first trigger signal TR1 may be transmitted continuously or may be transmitted intermittently at a predetermined time interval.

[0020] On the other hand, the mobile device 11 includes a receiving unit 111. The receiving unit 111 includes an antenna capable of receiving various signals transmitted from the first communication device 121 through the above-mentioned short-range wireless communication.

[0021] The mobile device 11 includes a transmitting unit 112. The transmitting unit 112 includes an antenna capable of transmitting various signals to the first communication device 121 through the above-mentioned short-range wireless communication.

[0022] The mobile device 11 includes a processing unit 113. The processing unit 113 is configured to acquire the radio wave intensity of the first trigger signal TR1 received by the receiving unit 111. The processing unit 113 is configured to transmit a response signal RS from the transmitting unit 112 by radio wave when the receiving unit 111 receives the first trigger signal TR1 having a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0023] The response signal RS is configured to include authentication information required for authenticating the mobile device 11. The authentication information is information that is stored in a storage unit (not shown) and that can identify at least one of the mobile device 11 and the user 20. The response signal RS is an example of an authentication signal.

[0024] The control device 13 includes a reception unit 133. The reception unit 133 is configured as an interface that receives various signals received by the first communication device 121 through short-range wireless communication.

[0025] The processing unit 132 of the control device 13 is configured to compare the authentication information included in the response signal RS received by the receiving unit 133 with the authentication information of the mobile device 11 pre-stored in a storage unit (not shown). When the degree of match between the two pieces of information exceeds a threshold, the processing unit 132 determines that the first authentication process is successful.

[0026] When it is determined that the first authentication process is successful, the processing unit 132 is configured to output a second transmission control signal TC2, which causes the first communication device 121 to transmit a request signal RQ by radio wave, from the output unit 131. The request signal RQ is configured to include information requesting the mobile device 11 to transmit a locking / unlocking signal LK. The locking / unlocking signal LK is configured to include information permitting the control device 12 to control the locking / unlocking operation of the locking / unlocking device 41.

[0027] The processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 is configured so that, when the receiving unit 111 receives the request signal RQ through short-distance wireless communication, the transmitting unit 112 automatically transmits the locking / unlocking signal LK by radio wave. The expression "automatically" used here means that the locking / unlocking signal LK is transmitted without the need for an operational input by the user 20 to the mobile device 11.

[0028] The processing unit 132 of the control device 13 is configured to output a first operation control signal OC1 for causing the locking / unlocking device 41 to perform a locking / unlocking operation from the output unit 131 when the first communication device 121 receives the locking / unlocking signal LK through short-range wireless communication. The locking / unlocking device 41 is configured to lock or unlock the door 32 based on the first operation control signal OC1.

[0029] The processing unit 132 of the control device 13 is configured to output a third transmission control signal TC3 from the output unit 131. The second communication device 122 is configured to transmit a second trigger signal TR2 by radio wave based on the third transmission control signal TC3. The second trigger signal TR2 may be transmitted continuously or intermittently at a predetermined time interval.

[0030] On the other hand, the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 is configured to transmit a response signal RS by radio waves from the transmitting unit 112 when the receiving unit 111 receives the second trigger signal TR2. The processing unit 113 may be configured to transmit the response signal RS by radio waves from the transmitting unit 112 when the receiving unit 111 receives the second trigger signal TR2 having a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0031] The receiving unit 133 of the control device 13 is configured to receive the response signal RS received by the second communication device 122 through short-range wireless communication.

[0032] The processing unit 132 of the control device 13 is configured to compare the authentication information included in the response signal RS accepted by the accepting unit 133 through the second communication device 122 with the authentication information of the mobile device 11 pre-stored in a storage unit (not shown). When the degree of match between the two pieces of information exceeds a threshold, the processing unit 132 determines that the second authentication process is successful.

[0033] When it is determined that the second authentication process is successful, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 is configured to output a second operation control signal OC2 for causing the starting device 42 to start the driving source from the output unit 131. The starting device 42 is configured to start the driving source based on the second operation control signal OC2.

[0034] The flow of processing performed in the authentication system 10 configured as above will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 132 of the control device 13. Figure 4 shows an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11.

[0035] First, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs the first transmission control signal TC1 from the output unit 131, and starts transmitting the first trigger signal TR1 by radio wave from the first communication device 121 (STEP 11 in FIG. 3).

[0036] Next, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 judges whether the response signal RS has been received from the mobile device 11 by the first communication device 121 (STEP 12 in FIG. 3). The processing continues until it is judged that the response signal RS has been received (NO in STEP 12).

[0037] On the other hand, the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 judges whether the first trigger signal TR1 has been received by the receiving unit 111 with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (STEP 21 in FIG. 4). The processing is continued until it is judged that the first trigger signal TR1 has been received with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (NO in STEP 21).

[0038] When the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 determines that the first trigger signal TR1 has been received with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in STEP 21), it transmits a response signal RS by radio wave from the transmitting unit 112 (STEP 22).

[0039] When the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 determines that the response signal RS has been received by the first communication device 121 (YES in STEP 12 in FIG. 3), it compares the authentication information included in the response signal RS with authentication information previously stored in a storage unit (not shown) and determines whether the first authentication process has been established (STEP 13). If it is determined that the first authentication process has not been established due to a mismatch in the authentication information or other reasons (NO in STEP 13), the process returns to STEP 12 and waits for reception of the response signal RS again.

[0040] If it is determined that the first authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 13), the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs a second transmission control signal TC2 from the output unit 131, and transmits a request signal RQ by radio wave from the first communication device 121 (STEP 14).

[0041] Next, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 judges whether the lock / unlock signal LK has been received from the mobile device 11 by the first communication device 121 (STEP 15). If it is judged that the lock / unlock signal LK has not been received (NO in STEP 15), the process returns to STEP 14, and the transmission of the request signal RQ is repeated.

[0042] The processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 judges whether the request signal RQ has been received by the receiving unit 111 from the first communication device 121 (STEP 23 in FIG. 4). If it is judged that the request signal RQ has not been received (NO in STEP 23), the processing unit 113 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the response signal RS was transmitted (STEP 24). If it is judged that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in STEP 24), the processing returns to STEP 23. If it is judged that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in STEP 24), the first authentication processing is considered to have not been established, and the processing is terminated. Alternatively, the processing may return to STEP 21 to retry the first authentication processing.

[0043] When the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 determines that the request signal RQ has been received by the receiving unit 111 (YES in STEP 23), the processing unit 113 automatically transmits the lock / unlock signal LK by radio wave from the transmitting unit 112 (STEP 25). After that, the processing may be ended, or the processing may be returned to STEP 23 and enter a standby state for the request signal RQ.

[0044] When the first communication device 121 determines that the locking / unlocking signal LK has been received from the mobile device 11 (YES in STEP 15 of Figure 3), the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs a first operation control signal OC1 from the output unit 131 to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 41 (STEP 16).

[0045] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs the third transmission control signal TC3 from the output unit 131, and starts transmitting the second trigger signal TR2 by radio wave from the second communication device 122 (STEP 31).

[0046] Next, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 determines whether the response signal RS has been received from the mobile device 11 by the second communication device 122 (STEP 32). The process continues until it is determined that the response signal RS has been received (NO in STEP 32).

[0047] The mobile device 11 undergoes the process exemplified in STEP 21 of FIG. 4 and transmits a response signal RS by radio waves (STEP 22).

[0048] When the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 determines that the response signal RS has been received by the second communication device 122 (YES in STEP 32 in FIG. 6), it compares the authentication information included in the response signal RS with authentication information previously stored in a storage unit (not shown) and determines whether the second authentication process has been established (STEP 33). If it is determined that the second authentication process has not been established due to a mismatch in the authentication information or other reasons (NO in STEP 33), the process returns to STEP 32 and waits for reception of the response signal RS again.

[0049] If it is determined that the second authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 33), the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs a second operation control signal OC2 from the output unit 131 to control the operation of the starting device 42 (STEP 34).

[0050] 4, the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 is configured to transmit a response signal RS when the received radio wave intensity of the first trigger signal TR1 transmitted from the first communication device 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the response signal RS is not transmitted, the first authentication process is not established, and therefore the locking / unlocking signal LK is not transmitted from the mobile device 11. In other words, one condition for permitting transmission of the locking / unlocking signal LK is that the radio wave intensity of the first trigger signal TR1 transmitted from the first communication device 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0051] 1, a range A1' in which the transmission of the lock / unlock signal LK is permitted within the first wireless communication area A1 can be determined by appropriately setting the transmission characteristics of the antenna included in the first communication device 121. Specifically, the range A1' is set to be narrower than the range A2' of the second wireless communication area A2 formed outside the vehicle interior 31.

[0052] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to increase the reliability that the process for enabling the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 41 is performed outside the vehicle interior 31, regardless of the state of the second wireless communication area A2 formed on the assumption that the authentication process of the mobile device 11 is performed inside the vehicle interior 31. In other words, it is possible to increase the security while increasing the degree of freedom in terms of the performance and arrangement of the second communication device 122. Therefore, it is possible to increase the convenience of the authentication system 10 that uses the mobile device 11 that can be carried by the user 20.

[0053] Particularly, in this embodiment, when the mobile device 11 carried by the user 20 enters the first wireless communication area A1 formed at least outside the vehicle interior 31, the first authentication process is started, and when the first authentication process is established, the mobile device 11 transmits the locking / unlocking signal LK. That is, the user 20 does not need to perform an operation input to the mobile device 11 to cause the control device 13 to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 41, and does not need to perform a touch operation on the door handle or the like. The user 20 can operate the locking / unlocking device 41 with the minimum necessary operations outside the vehicle interior 31. In addition, there is no need to provide equipment such as a touch sensor on the door 32 of the vehicle 30.

[0054] Furthermore, by setting the range A1' to within several tens of centimeters from the first communication device 121 (a communication distance assumed for close proximity wireless communication), the locking / unlocking device 41 can be operated by holding the mobile device 11 over the location where the first communication device 121 is located. In other words, it is possible to provide the user 20 with an operational feel similar to that of close proximity wireless communication without providing additional equipment for achieving close proximity wireless communication.

[0055] Fig. 6 shows another example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11. Processing elements that are substantially the same as those illustrated in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0056] In this example, the processing unit 113 determines whether the first trigger signal TR1 has been received by the receiving unit 111 from the first communication device 121 (STEP 41). The processing continues until it is determined that the first trigger signal TR1 has been received (NO in STEP 41).

[0057] The processing unit 113 , No. When it is determined that the first trigger signal TR1 has been received (YES in STEP 41), the transmitter 112 transmits a response signal RS by radio wave (STEP 22). That is, regardless of the received radio wave intensity of the first trigger signal TR1 at the receiver 111, the first authentication process is started.

[0058] In this example, when it is determined that the receiving unit 111 has received the request signal RQ from the first communication device 121 (YES in STEP 23), the processing unit 113 determines whether the receiving unit 111 has received the first trigger signal TR1 with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (STEP 42). When it is determined that the first trigger signal TR1 has not been received with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined value (NO in STEP 42), the processing proceeds to STEP 24.

[0059] When it is determined that the first trigger signal TR1 is received with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in STEP 42), the processing unit 113 automatically transmits the lock / unlock signal LK by radio wave from the transmission unit 112 (STEP 25).

[0060] In STEP 42, it may be determined whether the request signal RQ is received by the receiver 111 with radio wave strength equal to or greater than a predetermined value. That is, in this example, one condition for allowing transmission of the lock / unlock signal LK is that the radio wave strength of the signal related to the first authentication process transmitted from the first communication device 121 at the receiver 111 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained in the same manner.

[0061] 7 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of an authentication system 10 according to the second embodiment. Elements that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0062] In this embodiment, a trigger signal TR0 for starting authentication processing is transmitted by radio waves from the mobile device 11. The trigger signal may include authentication information required for authenticating the mobile device 11. In other words, the trigger signal TR0 is also an example of an authentication signal.

[0063] Fig. 8 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 according to this embodiment.

[0064] First, the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 starts transmitting the trigger signal TR0 by radio waves from the transmission unit 112 (STEP 51 in FIG. 8).

[0065] On the other hand, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 judges whether the trigger signal TR0 has been received by the first communication device 121 with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined value (STEP 61 in FIG. 9). The processing is continued until it is judged that the trigger signal TR0 has been received with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined value (NO in STEP 61).

[0066] When the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 determines that the first communication device 121 has received the trigger signal TR0 with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in STEP 61), it compares the authentication information included in the trigger signal TR0 with authentication information previously stored in a storage unit (not shown) and determines whether the first authentication process has been established (STEP 62). If it is determined that the first authentication process has not been established due to a mismatch in the authentication information or other reasons (NO in STEP 62), the process returns to STEP 61 and waits for reception of the trigger signal TR0 again.

[0067] If it is determined that the first authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 62), the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs a second transmission control signal TC2 from the output unit 131, and transmits a request signal RQ by radio wave from the first communication device 121 (STEP 63).

[0068] Next, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 judges whether the lock / unlock signal LK has been received from the mobile device 11 by the first communication device 121 (STEP 64). If it is judged that the lock / unlock signal LK has not been received (NO in STEP 64), the process returns to STEP 63, and the transmission of the request signal RQ is repeated.

[0069] The processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 judges whether the request signal RQ has been received by the receiving unit 111 from the first communication device 121 (STEP 52 in FIG. 8). If it is judged that the request signal RQ has not been received (NO in STEP 52), the processing unit 113 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the trigger signal TR0 was transmitted (STEP 53). If it is judged that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in STEP 53), the processing returns to STEP 52. If it is judged that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in STEP 53), the first authentication processing is considered to have not been established, and the processing is terminated. Alternatively, the processing may return to STEP 51 to retry the first authentication processing.

[0070] When the processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 determines that the request signal RQ has been received by the receiving unit 111 (YES in STEP 52), the processing unit 113 automatically transmits the lock / unlock signal LK by radio wave from the transmitting unit 112 (STEP 54). After that, the processing may be ended, or the processing may be returned to STEP 52 and enter a standby state for the request signal RQ.

[0071] When the first communication device 121 determines that the locking / unlocking signal LK has been received from the mobile device 11 (YES in STEP 64 in Figure 9), the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs a first operation control signal OC1 from the output unit 131 to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 41 (STEP 65).

[0072] 10, the processing unit 132 determines whether the trigger signal TR0 is received by the second communication device 122 with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (STEP 71). The processing continues until it is determined that the trigger signal TR0 is received with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined value (NO in STEP 71).

[0073] When the processing unit 132 determines that the second communication device 122 has received the trigger signal TR0 with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in STEP 71), it compares the authentication information included in the trigger signal TR0 with authentication information previously stored in a storage unit (not shown) and determines whether the second authentication process has been established (STEP 72). When it determines that the first authentication process has not been established due to a mismatch in the authentication information or other reasons (NO in STEP 72), the processing returns to STEP 71 and waits for reception of the trigger signal TR0 again.

[0074] If it is determined that the second authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 72), the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 outputs a second operation control signal OC2 from the output unit 131 to control the operation of the starting device 42 (STEP 73).

[0075] In the configuration according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the reliability that the process for enabling the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 41 is performed outside the vehicle interior 31, regardless of the state of the second wireless communication area A2 formed on the assumption that the authentication process of the mobile device 11 is performed inside the vehicle interior 31. In other words, it is possible to increase the security while increasing the degree of freedom in terms of the performance and arrangement of the second communication device 122. Therefore, it is possible to increase the convenience of the authentication system 10 that uses the mobile device 11 that can be carried by the user 20.

[0076] 9, the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 is configured to start the first authentication process when the received radio wave intensity of the trigger signal TR0 received by the first communication device 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the first authentication process is not started, the request signal RQ is not transmitted, and therefore the locking / unlocking signal LK is not transmitted from the mobile device 11. In other words, the radio wave intensity of the trigger signal TR0 received by the first communication device 121 being equal to or greater than a predetermined value is one condition for allowing transmission of the locking / unlocking signal LK.

[0077] 1, by appropriately setting the reception characteristics of the antenna included in the first communication device 121, a range A1' in which transmission of the locking / unlocking signal LK is permitted within the first wireless communication area A1 can be determined. For example, by setting the range A1' to within several tens of centimeters from the first communication device 121 (a communication distance assumed for close proximity wireless communication), the locking / unlocking device 41 can be operated by holding the mobile device 11 over the location where the first communication device 121 is located. In other words, it is possible to provide the user 20 with an operational feel similar to that of close proximity wireless communication without providing additional equipment for realizing close proximity wireless communication.

[0078] Fig. 11 shows another example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 132 of the control device 13. Processing elements that are substantially the same as those in the processing shown in Fig. 9 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0079] In this example, the processing unit 132 determines whether the trigger signal TR0 has been received by the first communication device 121 (STEP 81). The processing continues until it is determined that the trigger signal TR0 has been received (NO in STEP 81).

[0080] When the processing unit 132 determines that the trigger signal TR0 has been received with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in STEP 81), it compares the authentication information included in the trigger signal TR0 with authentication information previously stored in a storage unit (not shown) and determines whether the first authentication process has been established (STEP 62). When it determines that the first authentication process has not been established due to a mismatch in the authentication information or other reasons (NO in STEP 62), the processing returns to STEP 81 and waits for reception of the trigger signal TR0 again. That is, the first authentication process is started regardless of the received radio wave intensity of the first trigger signal TR1 in the first communication device 121.

[0081] In this example, when it is determined that the first authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 62), the processing unit 132 determines whether the trigger signal TR0 is received by the first communication device 121 with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (STEP 82). This process is repeated until it is determined that the trigger signal TR0 is received with radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined value (NO in STEP 82).

[0082] If it is determined that the trigger signal TR0 is received with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in STEP 82), the processing unit 132 outputs a second transmission control signal TC2 from the output unit 131 and transmits a request signal RQ from the first communication device 121 by radio wave (STEP 63).

[0083] That is, in this example, the radio wave intensity of the trigger signal TR0 received by the first communication device 121 must be equal to or greater than a predetermined value as a condition for allowing the transmission of the lock / unlock signal LK from the mobile device 11. Therefore, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained in the same manner.

[0084] The processing unit 132 of the control device 13 having each function described above can be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. In this case, the ROM can store a computer program that executes the above-mentioned processing. The ROM is an example of a non-transient computer-readable medium that stores a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a part of the computer program stored on the ROM, deploys it on the RAM, and executes the above-mentioned processing in cooperation with the RAM. The above-mentioned computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server device 60 via the wireless communication network 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device 60 is an example of a non-transient computer-readable medium that stores a computer program.

[0085] The processing unit 132 may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the above computer program, such as a microcontroller, ACIC, or FPGA. In this case, the above computer program is pre-installed in a storage element included in the dedicated integrated circuit. The storage element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program. Each processor may also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0086] The processing unit 113 of the mobile device 11 having each of the functions described above may be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of the general-purpose microprocessor include a CPU, an MPU, and a GPU. Examples of the general-purpose memory include a ROM and a RAM. In this case, the ROM may store a computer program that executes the above-mentioned processing. The ROM is an example of a non-transient computer-readable medium that stores a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a part of the computer program stored on the ROM, deploys it on the RAM, and executes the above-mentioned processing in cooperation with the RAM. The above-mentioned computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server device 60 via the wireless communication network 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device 60 is an example of a non-transient computer-readable medium that stores a computer program.

[0087] The processing unit 113 may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the above computer program, such as a microcontroller, ACIC, or FPGA. In this case, the above computer program is pre-installed in a storage element included in the dedicated integrated circuit. The storage element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a computer program. Each processor may also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0088] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention. The configurations according to the above-described embodiments may be modified or improved as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0089] In each of the above-described embodiments, when the request signal RQ transmitted from the first communication device 121 is received by the mobile device 11, the lock / unlock signal LK is automatically transmitted to the first communication device 121. However, if the condition related to the range A1' in which the transmission of the lock / unlock signal LK is permitted is satisfied, the mobile device 11 may be configured to request the user 20 to perform an operation to transmit the lock / unlock signal LK in response to receiving the request signal RQ.

[0090] In each of the above-described embodiments, the control device 13 is mounted on the vehicle 30. With such a configuration, communication delays that may occur in short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11 can be easily suppressed.

[0091] However, at least a part of the authentication process performed by the processing unit 132 of the control device 13 may be performed in the external server device 60 .

[0092] The controlled device controlled by the control device 13 as a result of the second authentication process of the mobile device 11 performed through the second communication device 122 forming the second wireless communication area A2 in the vehicle interior 31 is not limited to the starting device 42. Examples of controlled devices other than the locking / unlocking device 41 include an air conditioner, audiovisual equipment, lighting equipment, and position adjustment mechanisms for the seat and steering wheel mounted on the vehicle 30.

[0093] The authentication system 10 may be applied to a moving body other than the vehicle 30. Examples of other moving bodies include trains, airplanes, ships, etc. The moving body may not require a driver.

[0094] The opening / closing body that is locked and unlocked by the locking / unlocking device is not limited to the door of the vehicle 30. Doors and windows in a house or facility can also be examples of the opening / closing body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10: authentication system, 11: mobile device, 121: first communication device, 122: second communication device, 13: control device, 20: user, 30: vehicle, 31: vehicle compartment, 32: door, 41: locking / unlocking device, 42: starting device, A1: first wireless communication area, A1': range in which transmission of locking / unlocking signal is permitted, A2: second wireless communication area, A2': range of second wireless communication area formed outside the vehicle compartment, LK: locking / unlocking signal, TR0: trigger signal, TR1: first trigger signal

Claims

1. A mobile device that can be carried by a user; a first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside a living room that is opened and closed by an opening and closing body; A second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the living room; a control device that performs a first authentication process to authenticate the mobile device located in the first wireless communication area, and when the first authentication process is established, controls an operation of a locking / unlocking device that locks / unlocks the opening / closing body based on a locking / unlocking signal transmitted from the mobile device, and performs a second authentication process to authenticate the mobile device located in the second wireless communication area, and when the second authentication process is established, controls an operation of a controlled device different from the locking / unlocking device; It is equipped with A range in which the transmission of the lock / unlock signal is permitted in the first wireless communication area is narrower than a range of the second wireless communication area formed outside the living room. Authentication system.

2. The control device includes: If the first authentication process is successful, the mobile device transmits the lock / unlock signal; Controlling the operation of the locking / unlocking device based on the locking / unlocking signal. It is configured as follows: The authentication system according to claim 1 .

3. a signal related to the first authentication process is transmitted from the first communication device by radio wave; When the received radio wave strength of the signal at the mobile device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the transmission of the lock / unlock signal is permitted.

3. An authentication system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A trigger signal for starting the first authentication process is transmitted by radio from the mobile device; When the received radio wave intensity of the trigger signal in the first communication device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the transmission of the lock / unlock signal is permitted.

3. An authentication system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The locking / unlocking device is mounted on a moving body. An authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control device is mounted on the moving body. The authentication system according to claim 5.

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