Authentication system, control device, and computer program

Abstract

To increase the convenience of an authentication system using a mobile device.SOLUTION: A mobile device 11 can be carried by a person 20. A communication unit 13 transmits a first radio wave and receives a second radio wave transmitted from the mobile device 11 in response to the first radio wave. A control unit 12 is configured to perform a series of authentication processing to authenticate the mobile device 11 based on a piece of information included in the second radio wave, and when the authentication processing is established, to control the operation of a locking / unlocking device 31. When the predetermined time passes without any change in the wireless communication connection status between the mobile device 11 and the communication unit 13, the control unit 12 restricts the radio communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication system using a mobile device that can be carried by a person, a control device that can be included in the authentication system, and a computer program that can be executed by a processing unit of the control device. [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 as an example of a controlled device and a mobile device carried by a person. When authentication is successful, the locking / unlocking device is controlled to unlock the vehicle doors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-211334 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of authentication systems that use mobile devices. [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 capable of being carried by a person; a communication device that transmits a first radio wave and receives a second radio wave transmitted from the mobile device in response to the first radio wave; a control device that performs an authentication process to authenticate the mobile device based on information included in the second radio wave, and controls an operation of a controlled device when the authentication process is successful; It is equipped with If a predetermined time has elapsed without any change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device and the communication device, the control device restricts the wireless communication.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a control device, a receiving unit that receives information relating to a second radio wave transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a person in response to the first radio wave transmitted from the communication device; a processing unit that performs an authentication process for authenticating the mobile device based on the information, and controls an operation of the controlled device when the authentication process is successful; It is equipped with When a predetermined time has elapsed without any change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device and the communication device, the processing unit restricts the wireless communication.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a computer program executable by a processing unit of a control device, By being executed, the control device acquiring information relating to a second radio wave transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a person in response to the first radio wave transmitted from the communication device; performing an authentication process to authenticate the mobile device based on the information; If the authentication process is successful, the operation of the controlled device is controlled; If a predetermined time has elapsed without any change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device and the communication device, the wireless communication is restricted.

[0008] Since wireless communication can be established if the mobile device is in a position where it can receive the first radio wave transmitted from the communication device, if a predetermined time has passed without any change in the connection status of the established wireless communication, there is a possibility that the wireless communication is continuing without the person intending to operate the controlled device. According to the above configuration, wireless communication is restricted in such a situation, so that unnecessary power consumption in the mobile device and the communication device due to the unexpected continuation of wireless communication can be suppressed. Therefore, the convenience of the authentication system using the mobile device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an authentication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the authentication system of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 illustrates an example of a process flow performed by the mobile device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 shows an example of the flow of communication restriction processing executed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 6] 10 shows another example of the flow of communication restriction processing executed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 7] 10 shows another example of the flow of communication restriction processing executed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 8] 10 shows another example of the flow of processing executed by the control device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example of an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of an authentication system 10 according to an embodiment.

[0011] The authentication system 10 includes a mobile device 11. The mobile device 11 is a device that can be carried by a person 20. The authentication system 10 can be used, for example, to authenticate the mobile device 11 and thereby allow the person 20 carrying the mobile device 11 to use a vehicle 30. The shape of the vehicle 30 is merely exemplary. The vehicle 30 is an example of a moving object.

[0012] The authentication system 10 includes a control device 12. In this example, the control device 12 is mounted on a vehicle 30. The control device 12 is configured to control the operation of a locking / unlocking device 31 mounted on the vehicle 30 based on an authentication process that authenticates the mobile device 11. The locking / unlocking device 31 is a device that locks and unlocks the doors of the vehicle 30. The locking / unlocking device 31 is an example of a controlled device.

[0013] The authentication system 10 includes a communication device 13. In this example, the communication device 13 is mounted on a vehicle 30. The communication device 13 has an antenna capable of short-range wireless communication with the mobile device 11 for performing the authentication process.

[0014] The term "short-range wireless communication" used in this specification refers to contactless communication using radio waves while complying with the IEEE802.15 or IEEE802.11 standard. Technologies capable of 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 contactless communication that transmits information through electromagnetic induction coupling. Technologies capable of short-range wireless communication include NFC (Near Field Communication), RF-ID, and the like.

[0015] The expression "transmitting a signal by first / second radio waves" used in this specification means wirelessly transmitting a signal by radio waves at a frequency or frequency band defined in the above-mentioned short-range wireless communication standard. The frequency or frequency band of the first radio waves and the frequency or frequency band of the second radio waves may be the same or different.

[0016] 2, the communication device 13 includes a transmitter 131. The transmitter 131 is configured to transmit a trigger signal TR using a first radio wave. The trigger signal TR may be transmitted intermittently at predetermined time intervals or continuously.

[0017] The mobile device 11 includes a receiving unit 111. The receiving unit 111 includes an antenna capable of receiving the trigger signal TR transmitted from the transmitting unit 131 by the first radio wave.

[0018] The mobile device 11 includes a processing unit 112 and a transmitting unit 113. The processing unit 112 is configured to transmit an acknowledgment signal AK from the transmitting unit 113 using a second radio wave when the strength of the trigger signal TR received by the receiving unit 111 exceeds a threshold. That is, the transmitting unit 113 includes an antenna capable of transmitting the acknowledgment signal AK.

[0019] On the other hand, the communication device 13 includes a receiving unit 132. The receiving unit 132 includes an antenna capable of receiving the confirmation signal AK transmitted by the second radio wave.

[0020] The control device 12 includes a reception unit 121. The reception unit 121 is configured as an interface for acquiring reception strength information RI indicating the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK in the reception unit 132. When the reception strength information RI is provided in the form of analog data, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter. The reception strength information RI is an example of information related to the second radio wave.

[0021] The control device 12 includes a processing unit 122. The processing unit 122 is configured to estimate the position of the mobile device 11 relative to the communication device 13 based on the reception strength information RI. The stronger the reception strength, the closer the mobile device 11 is estimated to be to the communication device 13.

[0022] The control device 12 includes a storage unit 123. The processing unit 122 is configured to store the reception intensity information RI acquired through the reception unit 121 in the storage unit 123.

[0023] The processing unit 122 is configured to start the authentication process when the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the receiving unit 132 indicated by the reception strength information RI exceeds a threshold value.

[0024] The control device 12 includes an output unit 124. The output unit 124 is configured as an interface that can output a transmission control signal TC under the control of the processing unit 122. The transmission control signal TC is a signal for controlling the operation of the transmitting unit 131 of the communication device 13. The transmission control signal TC may be a digital signal or an analog signal. When the transmission control signal TC is an analog signal, the output unit 124 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0025] When the authentication process is started, the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC, which causes the transmitting unit 131 to transmit a request signal RQ via the first radio wave, from the output unit 124. The request signal RQ is a signal that requests the mobile device 11 to wirelessly transmit authentication information AI.

[0026] That is, the antenna of the transmitter 131 is configured to be able to transmit the request signal RQ as well. On the other hand, the antenna of the receiver 111 of the mobile device 11 is configured to be able to receive the request signal RQ as well.

[0027] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to transmit authentication information AI from the transmitting unit 113 via a second radio wave in response to the request signal RQ. The authentication information AI is information that can identify at least one of the mobile device 11 and the person 20. The authentication information AI may be in the form of analog data or digital data.

[0028] That is, the antenna of the transmitter 113 is configured to be able to transmit the authentication information AI as well. On the other hand, the antenna of the receiver 132 of the communication device 13 is configured to be able to receive the authentication information AI as well.

[0029] The reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can also receive the authentication information AI through the receiving unit 132. When the authentication information AI is in the form of analog data, the reception unit 121 is provided with an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter. The authentication information AI is an example of information related to the second radio wave.

[0030] The processing unit 122 of the control device 12 is configured to be able to execute a process of reading or referencing authentication information AI stored in a storage device (not shown). The processing unit 122 compares the authentication information AI accepted by the accepting unit 121 with the authentication information AI stored in the storage device, and establishes authentication when the degree of match between the two exceeds a threshold.

[0031] The output unit 124 is configured as an interface that can also output a device control signal DC. The device control signal DC is a signal that controls the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31. When authentication of the mobile device 11 is successful, the processing unit 122 outputs the device control signal DC from the output unit 124. The device control signal DC may be a digital signal or an analog signal. When the device control signal DC is an analog signal, the output unit 124 is equipped with an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0032] For example, the device control signal DC may be a signal that causes the locking / unlocking device 31 to unlock the doors of the vehicle 30. In other words, once authentication of the mobile device 11 is successful, the person 20 carrying the mobile device 11 is considered to be the user of the vehicle 30, and is permitted to unlock the doors.

[0033] The flow of authentication processing performed between the mobile device 11 and the control device 12 configured as described above will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 illustrates an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12. Figure 4 illustrates an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124, causing the transmitting unit 131 of the communication device 13 to transmit a trigger signal TR by the first radio wave (STEP 10).

[0035] 4, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 checks whether the trigger signal TR has been received by the receiving unit 111 at a predetermined period (time interval) (STEP 21). This determination is repeated until it is determined that the trigger signal TR has been received (NO in STEP 21).

[0036] When it is determined that the trigger signal TR has been received by the receiving unit 111 (YES in STEP 21), the processing unit 112 transmits an acknowledgment signal AK from the transmitting unit 113 using the second radio wave (STEP 22).

[0037] 3, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether the confirmation signal AK has been received by the receiving unit 132 of the communication device 13 (STEP 11). This determination is repeated until it is determined that the confirmation signal AK has been received (NO in STEP 11).

[0038] When it is determined that the confirmation signal AK has been received by the receiving unit 132 (YES in STEP 11), the processing unit 122 stores the reception strength information RI acquired by the accepting unit 121 in the storage unit 123 (STEP 12). That is, the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the receiving unit 132 indicated by the reception strength information RI is stored in the storage unit 123.

[0039] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether the request signal RQ has been transmitted by the transmitting unit 131 of the communication device 13 using the first radio wave (STEP 13).

[0040] 4, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 determines whether the request signal RQ has been received by the receiving unit 111 (STEP 23). This process is repeated until it is determined that the request signal RQ has been received (NO in STEP 23).

[0041] If it is determined that the request signal RQ has been received by the receiving unit 111 (YES in STEP 23), the processing unit 112 transmits the authentication information AI from the transmitting unit 113 using the second radio wave (STEP 24). After that, the processing returns to STEP 21.

[0042] 3, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether authentication of the mobile device 11 has been established based on the authentication information AI received through the receiving unit 132 of the communication device 13 (STEP 14). If it is determined that authentication has not been established (NO in STEP 14), the process returns to STEP 10, and the trigger signal TR is transmitted again.

[0043] If it is determined that the authentication of the mobile device 11 is successful (YES in STEP 14), the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124, and causes the locking / unlocking device 31 to perform a predetermined operation (STEP 15).

[0044] Furthermore, the processing unit 122 stores the authentication information AI that has established the authentication of the mobile device 11 in the storage unit 123 (STEP 16). After that, the process returns to STEP 10, and the trigger signal TR is transmitted again.

[0045] If it is determined that the request signal RQ has not been transmitted after the confirmation signal AK has been received (NO in STEP 13), the processing unit 122 determines whether there has been a change in the wireless communication connection status between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13 (STEP 17).

[0046] Specifically, the processing unit 122 refers to the reception strength information RI stored in the memory unit 123, and determines whether the difference between the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK corresponding to the reception strength information RI at the time of the previous determination and the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK corresponding to the latest reception strength information RI exceeds a threshold. The processing unit 122 also refers to the authentication information AI stored in the memory unit 123, and determines whether it matches the authentication information AI at the time of the previous determination. If this is the first determination, it is determined that there has been a change in the connection state (YES in STEP 17), and the processing returns to STEP 10.

[0047] If it is determined that the difference between the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK corresponding to the reception strength information RI at the time of the previous determination and the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK corresponding to the latest reception strength information RI exceeds the threshold value, or if it is determined that the referenced authentication information AI is different from the authentication information at the time of the previous determination, it is determined that there has been a change in the connection status (YES in STEP 17), and the processing returns to STEP 10.

[0048] If it is determined that the difference between the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK corresponding to the reception strength information RI at the time of the previous determination and the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK corresponding to the latest reception strength information RI does not exceed the threshold, and it is determined that the referenced authentication information AI matches the authentication information at the time of the previous determination, it is determined that there has been no change in the connection status (NO in STEP 17). In other words, if the reception strength at the communication device 13 of the confirmation signal AK transmitted from the same mobile device 11 does not substantially change, it is determined that there has been no change in the connection status of the wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13.

[0049] In this case, the processing unit 122 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the confirmation signal AK was first received (STEP 18). In other words, it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since wireless communication was established between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in STEP 18), the processing returns to STEP 10, and the trigger signal TR is transmitted again.

[0050] If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the first reception of the confirmation signal AK (YES in STEP 18), the processing unit 122 executes communication restriction processing (STEP 19). The communication restriction processing is processing for setting an environment that acts to reduce signal traffic between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13.

[0051] That is, if a predetermined time has passed without any change in the connection status of wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13, the wireless communication is restricted. Since wireless communication can be established if the mobile device 11 is in a position where it can receive the trigger signal TR transmitted from the communication device 13, if a predetermined time has passed without any change in the connection status of the established wireless communication, there is a possibility that the wireless communication is continuing without the person 20 intending to operate the locking / unlocking device 31. With the above configuration, wireless communication is restricted in such a situation, which reduces unnecessary power consumption in the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13 due to unexpectedly continuing wireless communication. Therefore, the convenience of the authentication system 10 using the mobile device 11 can be improved.

[0052] 5 shows an example of communication restriction processing executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12. Specifically, the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124 to stop the transmission of the trigger signal TR to the communication device 13 (STEP 31). As a result, the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR from the transmission unit 131 becomes zero, and the transmission of the trigger signal TR is stopped. Stop is an example of a decrease in the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR.

[0053] As a result, the mobile device 11 is unable to receive the trigger signal TR and therefore stops transmitting the confirmation signal AK, thus terminating wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13 without the person 20's intention, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption in the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13.

[0054] After causing the communication device 13 to stop transmitting the trigger signal TR, the processing unit 122 may be configured to determine whether a predetermined condition associated with the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 is satisfied (STEP 32). Examples of the predetermined condition include detection of the opening or closing of a door of the vehicle 30, input of a specific operation related to the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 into the mobile device 11 by the person 20, etc.

[0055] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (NO in STEP 32), the processing unit 122 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the trigger signal TR was stopped (STEP 33). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in STEP 33), the processing returns to STEP 32.

[0056] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the trigger signal TR was stopped without the predetermined time being satisfied (YES in STEP 33), the process ends.

[0057] When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in STEP 32), the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124 to cause the communication device 13 to resume transmission of the trigger signal TR (STEP 34). As a result, the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR from the transmitting unit 131 returns to the original level, and therefore the resumption of transmission of the trigger signal TR is an example of restoring the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR.

[0058] With this configuration, it is possible to smoothly recover from a situation in which wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13 is interrupted for a temporary reason, even though there is an intention to use the locking / unlocking device 31.

[0059] 6 shows another example of the communication restriction process executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12. Specifically, the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC, which reduces the transmission intensity of the trigger signal TR, from the output unit 124 to the communication device 13 (STEP 41).

[0060] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether the confirmation signal AK is still being received from the mobile device 11 (STEP 42). If it is determined that the confirmation signal AK is still being received (YES in STEP 42), the processing unit 122 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR was reduced (STEP 43).

[0061] If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR was reduced (NO in STEP 43), the process returns to STEP 42. Alternatively, as indicated by the dashed line, the process may return to STEP 41, where the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR may be further reduced.

[0062] When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR was reduced while the confirmation signal AK is still being received (YES in STEP 43), the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124 to cause the communication device 13 to stop transmitting the trigger signal TR (STEP 44).

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception of the confirmation signal AK has ceased due to a reduction in the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR (NO in STEP 42), the processing unit 122 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR was reduced (STEP 45).

[0064] If it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR was reduced (NO in STEP 45), the processing unit 122 determines whether reception of the confirmation signal AK has resumed by the receiving unit 132 of the communication device 13 (STEP 46). If it is determined that reception has not resumed, the process returns to STEP 45.

[0065] If it is determined that reception of the confirmation signal AK has resumed (YES in STEP 46), the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124 to the communication device 13 to restore the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR (STEP 47).

[0066] If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission strength of the trigger signal TR was reduced while reception of the confirmation signal AK was interrupted (YES in STEP 45), the process ends.

[0067] With this configuration, an opportunity to restore the connection state can be provided before wireless communication with the communication device 13 is completely stopped in order to reduce unnecessary power consumption. For example, if the person 20 carrying the mobile device 11 intends to use the locking / unlocking device 31, the person 20 can be encouraged to take an action such as moving closer to the communication device 13 to resolve the temporary wireless communication disablement state. If the mobile device 11 moves to a position where it can again receive the trigger signal TR as a result of this action, the communication device 13 will resume receiving the confirmation signal AK. In other words, if the person 20 carrying the mobile device 11 does not want to terminate the connection state with the communication device 13, the person 20 is provided with an opportunity to restore the connection, and if the person 20 does not want to continue the connection state, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

[0068] Alternatively, reception of the confirmation signal AK can be resumed when a mobile device carried by another person approaches to a position where it can receive the trigger signal TR. In this case, the mobile device carried by the other person can be used for authentication processing. In other words, even if person 20 does not intend to use the locking / unlocking device 31, another person who wishes to use vehicle 30 can be given an opportunity for authentication until wireless communication between mobile device 11 and communication device 13 is completely stopped.

[0069] After the transmission of the trigger signal TR is stopped in STEP 44, the process for resuming the transmission of the trigger signal TR (STEPs 22 to 24) described with reference to FIG. 5 may be performed.

[0070] 7 shows another example of communication restriction processing executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12. Specifically, the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124 to cause the communication device 13 to transmit a restriction signal RS (STEP 51; also see FIG. 2). The restriction signal RS is configured to include an instruction to lengthen the period during which the mobile device 11 confirms receipt of the trigger signal TR.

[0071] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to, when it is determined that the receiving unit 111 has received the limiting signal RS, lengthen the period for confirming the reception of the trigger signal TR based on the limiting signal RS.

[0072] According to this configuration, the frequency with which the mobile device 11 confirms receipt of the trigger signal TR decreases, which results in a reduction in signal traffic between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13, thereby suppressing unnecessary power consumption.

[0073] 7, the processing unit 122 may be configured to determine whether a predetermined condition associated with the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 is satisfied after causing the communication device 13 to transmit the restriction signal RS (STEP 52). Examples of the predetermined condition include detection of the opening or closing of a door of the vehicle 30, input of a specific operation related to the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 into the mobile device 11 by the person 20, etc.

[0074] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the processing unit 122 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the trigger signal TR was stopped (STEP 53). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in STEP 53), the processing returns to STEP 52.

[0075] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the trigger signal TR was stopped without the predetermined time being satisfied (YES in STEP 53), the process ends.

[0076] If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in STEP 52), the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124 to cause the communication device 13 to transmit a recovery signal RC (STEP 54). The recovery signal RC is configured to include an instruction to restore the cycle at which the mobile device 11 confirms receipt of the trigger signal TR.

[0077] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to, when it is determined that the receiving unit 111 has received the recovery signal RC, restore the cycle for checking the reception of the trigger signal TR to the original cycle based on the recovery signal RC.

[0078] With this configuration, it is possible to smoothly recover from a situation in which wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13 is restricted for a temporary reason, even though there is an intention to use the locking / unlocking device 31.

[0079] The communication restriction process described above with reference to FIG. 7 may be performed in combination with the communication control process described with reference to FIG. 5 or FIG.

[0080] Fig. 8 shows another example of communication restriction processing executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12. Elements that are the same as those in the processing illustrated in Fig. 3 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0081] In this example, if a predetermined time has passed without any change in the wireless communication connection status between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13, the processing unit 122 outputs a transmission control signal TC from the output unit 124 to cause the communication device 13 to transmit an alarm signal NT before performing communication restriction processing (STEP 61; see also Figure 2).

[0082] 2, the mobile device 11 may include a notification unit 114. The notification signal NT is configured to include an instruction to cause the notification unit 114 to notify that communication restriction processing will be performed. When the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 determines that the notification signal NT has been received by the receiving unit 111, the processing unit 112 causes the notification unit 114 to notify that communication restriction processing will be performed based on the notification signal NT. The notification may be performed through at least one of a visual notification, an auditory notification, and a tactile notification.

[0083] 8, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether there has been a change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13 after the transmission of the notification signal NT (STEP 62). If it is determined that there has been a change in the connection state, such as a change in the reception strength of the confirmation signal AK at the communication device 13 (YES in STEP 62), the process returns to STEP 10. If it is determined that there has been no change (NO in STEP 62), the communication restriction process is executed (STEP 19).

[0084] With this configuration, the person 20 can be prompted to take appropriate action by being notified prior to the execution of the communication restriction process, thereby preventing the occurrence of a situation in which wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13 is disabled against the will of the person 20.

[0085] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11, which has the various functions described above, may be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with 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, a computer program for executing the above-described processing may be stored in the ROM. The ROM is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a portion of the computer program stored in the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server device (not shown) via a wireless communication network (not shown) and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program.

[0086] The processing unit 112 may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the computer program, such as a microcontroller, an ASIC, or an FPGA. In this case, the computer program is pre-installed in a memory element included in the dedicated integrated circuit. The memory element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a computer program. Each processor may also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0087] The processing unit 122 of the control device 12, which has the various functions described above, may be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with 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, a computer program for executing the above-described processing may be stored in the ROM. The ROM is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program. The general-purpose microprocessor specifies at least a portion of the computer program stored in the ROM, expands it in the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or may be downloaded from an external server device (not shown) via a wireless communication network (not shown) and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing a computer program.

[0088] The processing unit 122 may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the computer program, such as a microcontroller, an ASIC, or an FPGA. In this case, the computer program is pre-installed in a memory element included in the dedicated integrated circuit. The memory element is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores a computer program. Each processor may also be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0089] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and the configurations according to the above-described embodiments may be appropriately modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0090] When the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether there has been a change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the communication device 13, reference to the authentication information AI can be omitted.

[0091] In each of the above-described embodiments, the control device 12 is mounted on the vehicle 30. With such a configuration, communication delays that may occur in short-distance wireless communication with the mobile device 11 can be easily suppressed.

[0092] 1, the control device 12 and the communication device 13 are illustrated as separate devices mounted at different locations on the vehicle 30. However, the communication device 13 may be provided as part of the control device 12.

[0093] However, at least a part of the authentication process performed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 may be performed in an external server device (not shown) that can communicate with the mobile device 11 via a wireless communication network (not shown).

[0094] The controlled device controlled by the control device 12 as a result of the authentication process is not limited to the locking / unlocking device 31. Examples of other controlled devices include an ignition power supply, an engine, an air conditioning device, audiovisual equipment, lighting equipment, and a position adjustment mechanism for a seat or a steering wheel mounted on the vehicle 30.

[0095] The authentication system 10 can also be applied to moving bodies other than the vehicle 30. Examples of other moving bodies include trains, airplanes, ships, etc. The moving bodies may not require a driver.

[0096] The opening / closing body that is locked and unlocked by the locking / unlocking device 31 is not limited to the door of a mobile body. Doors and windows in a house or facility can also be examples of the opening / closing body. In other words, the communication device 13 does not need to be mounted on a mobile body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10: Authentication system, 11: Mobile device, 112: Processing unit, 113: Transmission unit, 12: Control device, 121: Reception unit, 122: Processing unit, 13: Communication device, 20: Person, 30: Vehicle, 31: Locking / unlocking device, AI: Authentication information, RI: Reception strength information

Claims

1. a mobile device capable of being carried by a person; a communication device that transmits a first radio wave and receives a second radio wave transmitted from the mobile device in response to the first radio wave; a control device that performs an authentication process to authenticate the mobile device based on information included in the second radio wave, and controls an operation of a controlled device when the authentication process is successful; It is equipped with when a predetermined time has elapsed without any change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device and the communication device, the control device extends a cycle at which the mobile device confirms reception of the first radio wave. Authentication system.

2. the control device causes the mobile device to notify the user that the restriction on wireless communication will be initiated before the restriction on wireless communication is initiated; The authentication system of claim 1 .

3. The communication device is mounted on a mobile object.

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

4. The control device is mounted on the moving body. The authentication system according to claim 3 .

5. a receiving unit that receives information relating to a second radio wave transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a person in response to the first radio wave transmitted from the communication device; a processing unit that performs an authentication process for authenticating the mobile device based on the information, and controls an operation of the controlled device when the authentication process is successful; It is equipped with When a predetermined time has elapsed without any change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device and the communication device, the processing unit lengthens the cycle at which the mobile device confirms reception of the first radio wave. Control device.

6. A computer program executable by a processing unit of a control device, By being executed, the control device acquiring information relating to a second radio wave transmitted from a mobile device that can be carried by a person in response to the first radio wave transmitted from the communication device; performing an authentication process to authenticate the mobile device based on the information; If the authentication process is successful, the operation of the controlled device is controlled; If a predetermined time has elapsed without any change in the connection state of the wireless communication between the mobile device and the communication device, the cycle at which the mobile device confirms reception of the first radio wave is lengthened. Computer program.

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