Mobile device, computer program, and authentication system

Abstract

To increase the convenience of an authentication system using a mobile device.SOLUTION: A control unit 12 controls the operation of a locking / unlocking device 31 based on a series of authentication processing to authenticate a mobile device 11 that can be carried by a use. A short-range radio communication unit 13 is capable of performing short-range radio communication with the mobile device 11. A proximity radio communication unit 14 is capable of performing proximity radio communication with the mobile device 11. The mobile device 11 acquires confirmation information CF via the proximity radio communication from the proximity radio communication unit 14. The mobile device 11 automatically starts an application for executing a series of processing to cause the control unit 12 to authenticate the mobile device 11. The mobile device 11 is configured so as to, when both the acquisition of the confirmation information CF and the authentication of the mobile device 11 are done, transmit an instruction signal IS to instruct the control unit 12 to control the operation of the locking / unlocking unit 31 depending on the state via the short-range radio communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication system using a mobile device that can be carried by a user, and also to a mobile device that can form part of the authentication system, and a computer program that can be executed by a processing unit installed in the mobile device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an authentication system mounted on a vehicle, which is an example of a mobile object. In this system, authentication is performed through radio wave communication between a control device that controls the operation of a locking / unlocking device for 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] 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 a mobile device that can be carried by a user, comprising: a communication unit capable of performing short-range wireless communication and close-proximity wireless communication; a processing unit that acquires information from a close-proximity wireless communication device through the close-proximity wireless communication, automatically starts an application that executes a process of having a control device that controls the operation of a controlled device authenticate the mobile device, and when both the acquisition of the information and the authentication of the mobile device are completed, transmits an instruction signal through the short-range wireless communication to the control device to instruct the control device to perform operation control according to the state of the controlled device; It is equipped with:

[0006] One aspect for achieving the above object is a computer program executable by a processing unit installed in a mobile device that can be carried by a user, the computer program comprising: When executed, the mobile device: Acquire information from the close proximity wireless communication device through close proximity wireless communication; automatically launching an application that executes a process of authenticating the mobile device to a control device that controls the operation of the controlled device; When both the information acquisition and the authentication of the mobile device are successful, an instruction signal is transmitted to the control device via short-range wireless communication to instruct the control device to perform operational control in accordance with the state of the controlled device.

[0007] 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 control device that controls the operation of a controlled device based on an authentication process that authenticates the mobile device; a short-range wireless communication device capable of short-range wireless communication with the mobile device; a close proximity wireless communication device capable of close proximity wireless communication with the mobile device; It is equipped with The mobile device acquiring information from the close proximity wireless communication device through the close proximity wireless communication; automatically launching an application that executes a process for authenticating the mobile device to the control device; When both the information is acquired and the mobile device is authenticated, an instruction signal is transmitted to the short-range wireless communication device to instruct the control device to perform operational control according to the state of the controlled device.

[0008] According to the configurations of the above aspects, it is possible to automate the operation of launching an application that executes a process for authenticating a mobile device to a control device and the operation of instructing the control device to control the operation of a controlled device. A user can perform operational control of a controlled device with a minimal operation of bringing the mobile device they are carrying close to a close-proximity wireless communication device, thereby reducing the inconvenience that may be caused to the user. On the other hand, since output of an instruction signal requires that close-proximity wireless communication be established between the mobile device and the close-proximity wireless communication device, it is possible to suppress a decrease in security that accompanies the automation of such operations. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of an authentication system that uses a mobile device. [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] 3 illustrates an example of a process performed by a processing unit of the mobile device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows an example of processing executed by a processing unit of the control device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process executed by an authentication system according to another example. [Figure 6] 3 illustrates another example of processing performed by the processing unit of the mobile device of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the scale of each illustrated element is appropriately changed so that it can be recognized.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of an authentication system 10 according to one embodiment. 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 authenticate the mobile device 11 and thereby permit the user 20 carrying the mobile device 11 to use a vehicle 30. The shape of the vehicle 30 is merely an example. 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 a door 32 of the vehicle 30. The locking / unlocking device 31 is an example of a controlled device. The door 32 is an example of an opening / closing body.

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

[0014] The term "short-range wireless communication" used in this specification refers to contactless communication using radio waves in accordance with the IEEE802.15 or IEEE802.11 standard. 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).

[0015] The authentication system 10 includes a close proximity wireless communication device 14. In this example, the close proximity wireless communication device 14 is mounted in a vehicle 30 at an appropriate position.

[0016] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the close proximity wireless communication device 14 includes an antenna 141 capable of performing close proximity wireless communication with the mobile device 11.

[0017] The term "near field wireless communication" used in this specification means contactless communication that transmits information through electromagnetic induction. Technologies that can implement near field wireless communication include NFC (Near Field Communication) and RF-ID.

[0018] On the other hand, the mobile device 11 includes a communication unit 111 and a processing unit 112. The communication unit 111 includes an antenna capable of performing close proximity wireless communication. The processing unit 112 is configured to supply power to the antenna, thereby causing the antenna to emit a magnetic field of a frequency used in close proximity wireless communication as a carrier wave.

[0019] The close proximity wireless communication device 14 includes a processing unit 142. When the user 20 brings the mobile device 11 close to the close proximity wireless communication device 14 (see FIG. 1), a magnetic field emitted from the communication unit 111 causes a current to flow through the antenna 141 of the close proximity wireless communication device 14, and power is supplied to the processing unit 142. The processing unit 142 is configured to read out confirmation information CF from a storage unit (not shown) and transmit it from the antenna 141. The confirmation information CF is received by the communication unit 111 of the mobile device 11.

[0020] The confirmation information CF may be any information as long as it can confirm that close proximity wireless communication has been established between the mobile device 11 and the close proximity wireless communication device 14. The confirmation information CF may specify either the vehicle 30 or the close proximity wireless communication device 14.

[0021] The processing unit 142 having such functions may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit. A computer program for executing the processing related to the functions may be pre-installed in a storage element included in the integrated circuit. The confirmation information CF may be stored in the storage element.

[0022] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to automatically launch an application that allows the control device 12 to authenticate the mobile device 11 when it has confirmed that the appropriate confirmation information CF has been received by the communication unit 111 .

[0023] Specifically, when the application is launched, a communication link is established between the mobile device 11 and the short-range wireless communication device 13. That is, the communication unit 111 also includes an antenna capable of performing short-range wireless communication. The method of establishing the communication link itself is well known and depends on the standard of the short-range wireless communication used, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] When the communication link is established, the processing unit 112 transmits authentication information AU stored in a storage unit (not shown) from the communication unit 111. The authentication information AU includes information for authenticating at least one of the mobile device 11 and the user 20. The authentication information AU may be in the form of analog data or digital data. The authentication information AU is received by the short-range wireless communication device 13.

[0025] The control device 12 includes a reception unit 121. The reception unit 121 is configured as an interface capable of receiving the authentication information AU through the short-range wireless communication device 13. When the authentication information AU is in the form of analog data, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0026] The control device 12 includes a processing unit 122. The processing unit 122 is configured to be able to execute a process of reading or referencing authentication information AU stored in a storage unit (not shown). The processing unit 122 compares the authentication information AU accepted by the accepting unit 121 with the authentication information AU stored in the storage unit, and establishes authentication when the degree of match between the two exceeds a threshold.

[0027] The control device 12 includes an output unit 123. The output unit 123 is configured as an interface capable of outputting status information ST. The status information ST is information indicating whether the locking / unlocking device 31 is currently locking or unlocking the door 32. The status information ST may be in the form of analog data or digital data. When the status information ST is in the form of analog data, the output unit 123 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0028] When the authentication process is successful, the processing unit 122 is configured to output the status information ST from the output unit 123. The status information ST is transmitted to the mobile device 11 via the short-range wireless communication device 13.

[0029] The processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 is configured to generate an instruction signal IS according to the state of the locking / unlocking device 31 indicated by the state information ST when the communication unit 111 receives the state information ST. Specifically, when the state information ST indicates that the locking / unlocking device 31 has locked the door 32, the processing unit 112 generates an instruction signal IS to cause the locking / unlocking device 31 to unlock the door 32. When the state information ST indicates that the locking / unlocking device 31 has unlocked the door 32, the processing unit 112 generates an instruction signal IS to cause the locking / unlocking device 31 to lock the door 32.

[0030] The processing unit 112 is configured to transmit the generated instruction signal IS to the short-range wireless communication device 13 through the communication unit 111. The instruction signal IS may be an analog signal or a digital signal. That is, when both the confirmation information CF is acquired and the mobile device 11 is authenticated, the processing unit 112 is configured to transmit, through short-range wireless communication, an instruction signal IS that instructs the control device 12 to perform operation control according to the state of the locking / unlocking device 31.

[0031] The reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can also receive the instruction signal IS through the short-range wireless communication device 13. When the instruction signal IS is an analog signal, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0032] The processing unit 122 of the control device 12 is configured to output, from the output unit 123, a control signal CT that causes the locking / unlocking device 31 to perform an operation corresponding to the instruction signal IS. In other words, the output unit 123 is configured as an interface that can also output the control signal CT. The control signal CT may be an analog signal or a digital signal. When the control signal CT is an analog signal, the output unit 123 is equipped with an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0033] An example of the flow of processing executed in the authentication system 10 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 112 of the mobile device 11. Figure 4 illustrates an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12.

[0034] 3, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 determines whether close proximity wireless communication has been established with the close proximity wireless communication device 14 (STEP 11). Specifically, the processing unit 112 determines whether appropriate confirmation information CF has been received by the communication unit 111. This process is repeated until it is determined that close proximity wireless communication has been established (NO in STEP 11).

[0035] If it is determined that close proximity wireless communication has been established (YES in STEP 11), the processing unit 112 automatically starts an application that causes the control device 12 to authenticate the mobile device 11 (STEP 12).

[0036] Next, the processing unit 112 determines whether a communication link has been established with the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 13). This process is repeated until it is determined that the communication link has been established (NO in STEP 13). If the establishment of the communication link cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing unit 112 may cause the mobile device 11 to issue a notification indicating an error and return the process to STEP 11.

[0037] When it is determined that a communication link has been established with short-range wireless communication device 13 (YES in STEP 13), processing unit 112 transmits authentication information AU from communication unit 111 to short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 14).

[0038] 4, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether the authentication information AU has been accepted by the acceptance unit 121 through the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 21). This process is repeated until it is determined that the authentication information AU has been accepted by the acceptance unit 121 (NO in STEP 21).

[0039] When the reception unit 121 determines that the authentication information AU has been received (YES in STEP 21), the processing unit 122 determines whether the authentication process of the mobile device 11 based on the authentication information AU has been successful (STEP 22).

[0040] If the authentication process is not successful (NO in STEP 22), the processing unit 122 transmits a notification signal indicating that the authentication has not been successful from the short-range wireless communication device 13 to the mobile device 11. The processing unit 122 returns the process to STEP 21 and waits again to receive the authentication information AU.

[0041] If the authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 22), the processing unit 122 transmits status information ST indicating the current status of the locking / unlocking device 31 from the short-range wireless communication device 13 to the mobile device 11 (STEP 23).

[0042] 3, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 determines whether the state information ST has been received by the communication unit 111 (STEP 15). This process is repeated until it is determined that the state information ST has been received by the communication unit 111 (NO in STEP 15). If the reception of the state information ST cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the authentication information AU was transmitted, the processing unit 112 may return the process to STEP 14 and retransmit the authentication information AU.

[0043] If it is determined that the state information ST has been received by the communication unit 111 (YES in STEP 15), the processing unit 112 transmits an instruction signal IS according to the state information ST from the communication unit 111 to the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 16).

[0044] 4, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether the instruction signal IS has been received by the reception unit 121 through the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 24). This process is repeated until it is determined that the instruction signal IS has been received by the reception unit 121 (NO in STEP 24). If the reception of the instruction signal IS cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the status information ST was transmitted, the processing unit 122 may return the process to STEP 23 and retransmit the status information ST.

[0045] When it is determined that the instruction signal IS is received by the reception unit 121 (YES in STEP 24), the processing unit 122 outputs a control signal CT corresponding to the instruction signal IS from the output unit 123, and controls the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 (STEP 25).

[0046] According to the above-described configuration, it is possible to automate the operation of starting an application that executes a process for causing the control device 12 to authenticate the mobile device 11 and the operation of instructing the control device 12 to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31. The user 20 can control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 with a minimal operation of bringing the mobile device 11 they are carrying close to the close proximity wireless communication device 14, thereby reducing the inconvenience that may be caused to the user 20. On the other hand, since the output of the instruction signal IS is conditional on the establishment of close proximity wireless communication between the mobile device 11 and the close proximity wireless communication device 14, it is possible to suppress a decrease in security that accompanies the automation of the above-described operations. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the authentication system 10 that uses the mobile device 50.

[0047] The mobile device 11 may be a general-purpose mobile information terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the general-purpose mobile information terminal can also be used as a key for the vehicle 30, eliminating the need to prepare a dedicated mobile device separately, further enhancing the convenience described above.

[0048] The close proximity wireless communication device 14 may be a wirelessly powered tag device. In this case, restrictions on the location where the close proximity wireless communication device 14 is mounted in the vehicle 30 are alleviated, and the degree of freedom in designing the authentication system 10 can be increased.

[0049] 2, the mobile device 11 may include an acceleration sensor 113. The acceleration sensor 113 is configured to detect acceleration applied to the mobile device 11 and output a signal corresponding to the detected acceleration.

[0050] In this case, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 can be configured to automatically launch an application that causes the control device 12 to authenticate the mobile device 11 when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 113 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0051] The predetermined condition may be that the detected acceleration exceeds a threshold, that the degree of coincidence between the change in the detected acceleration over time and a predetermined change pattern over time exceeds a threshold, etc. An example of the predetermined change pattern over time may be a pattern corresponding to the change in acceleration over time obtained when user 20 is walking.

[0052] In addition, the processing unit 112 can be configured to transmit an instruction signal IS corresponding to the state of the locking / unlocking device 31 from the communication unit 111 when the authentication process of the mobile device 11 is successful and appropriate confirmation information CF is received from the close proximity wireless communication device 14.

[0053] 4 to 6, another example of the flow of processing that can be executed in the authentication system 10 configured as above will be described. Fig. 6 illustrates an example of the flow of processing that is executed by the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 equipped with the acceleration sensor 113.

[0054] Processing unit 112 determines whether the acceleration detected by acceleration sensor 113 satisfies a predetermined condition (STEP 31). This processing is repeated until the acceleration satisfies the predetermined condition (NO in STEP 31).

[0055] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, when user 20 carrying mobile device 11 walks toward vehicle 30, the acceleration detected by acceleration sensor 113 may satisfy a predetermined condition (YES in STEP 31 in Fig. 6). In this case, processing unit 112 automatically starts an application that causes control device 12 to authenticate mobile device 11 (STEP 32).

[0056] Next, the processing unit 112 determines whether a communication link has been established with the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 33). This process is repeated until it is determined that the communication link has been established (NO in STEP 33). If the establishment of the communication link cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing unit 112 may cause the mobile device 11 to issue a notification indicating an error and return the process to STEP 31.

[0057] If it is determined that a communication link has been established with short-range wireless communication device 13 (YES in STEP 33), processing unit 112 transmits authentication information AU from communication unit 111 to short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 34).

[0058] 4, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether the authentication information AU has been accepted by the acceptance unit 121 through the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 21). This process is repeated until it is determined that the authentication information AU has been accepted by the acceptance unit 121 (NO in STEP 21).

[0059] When the reception unit 121 determines that the authentication information AU has been received (YES in STEP 21), the processing unit 122 determines whether the authentication process of the mobile device 11 based on the authentication information AU has been successful (STEP 22).

[0060] If the authentication process is not successful (NO in STEP 22), the processing unit 122 transmits a notification signal indicating that the authentication has not been successful from the short-range wireless communication device 13 to the mobile device 11. The processing unit 122 returns the process to STEP 21 and waits again to receive the authentication information AU.

[0061] If the authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 22), the processing unit 122 transmits status information ST indicating the current status of the locking / unlocking device 31 from the short-range wireless communication device 13 to the mobile device 11 (STEP 23).

[0062] 6, the processing unit 112 of the mobile device 11 determines whether the state information ST has been received by the communication unit 111 (STEP 35). This process is repeated until it is determined that the state information ST has been received by the communication unit 111 (NO in STEP 35). If the reception of the state information ST cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the authentication information AU was transmitted, the processing unit 112 may return the process to STEP 34 and retransmit the authentication information AU.

[0063] When it is determined that the status information ST has been received by the communication unit 111 (YES in STEP 35), the processing unit 112 determines whether close proximity wireless communication has been established with the close proximity wireless communication device 14 (STEP 36). Specifically, the processing unit 112 determines whether appropriate confirmation information CF has been received by the communication unit 111. This process is repeated until it is determined that close proximity wireless communication has been established (NO in STEP 36). Note that the order in which the determinations in STEP 35 and STEP 36 are made may be reversed.

[0064] As illustrated in Fig. 5, when the user 20 brings the mobile device 11 close to the short-range wireless communication device 14, it is determined that short-range wireless communication has been established (YES in STEP 36 in Fig. 6). In this case, the processing unit 112 transmits an instruction signal IS corresponding to the status information ST from the communication unit 111 to the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 37). In this example, too, the processing unit 112 is configured to transmit, via short-range wireless communication, an instruction signal IS that instructs the control device 12 to perform operation control corresponding to the status of the locking / unlocking device 31 when both the confirmation information CF has been acquired and the mobile device 11 has been authenticated.

[0065] 4, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether the instruction signal IS has been received by the reception unit 121 through the short-range wireless communication device 13 (STEP 24). This process is repeated until it is determined that the instruction signal IS has been received by the reception unit 121 (NO in STEP 24). If the reception of the instruction signal IS cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the status information ST was transmitted, the processing unit 122 may return the process to STEP 23 and retransmit the status information ST.

[0066] When it is determined that the instruction signal IS is received by the reception unit 121 (YES in STEP 24), the processing unit 122 outputs a control signal CT corresponding to the instruction signal IS from the output unit 123, and controls the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 (STEP 25).

[0067] With the above-described configuration, the user 20 can control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 with a minimum operation of bringing the mobile device 11 he or she carries close to the close proximity wireless communication device 14, and can also suppress a decrease in security that accompanies automation of the operation. In addition, since the process of having the control device 12 authenticate the mobile device 11 can be started before close proximity wireless communication is executed, the waiting time from the execution of close proximity wireless communication until the operation of the locking / unlocking device 31 can be shortened.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 6, when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 113 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control device 12 automatically executes a process of authenticating the mobile device 11. However, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which only the short-range wireless communication application is started when the acceleration satisfies a predetermined condition, and the execution of the authentication process is triggered when appropriate confirmation information CF is acquired from the close proximity wireless communication device 14.

[0074] 1, the control device 12, the short-range wireless communication device 13, and the close-proximity wireless communication device 14 are illustrated as multiple devices independently mounted at different positions in the vehicle 30. However, at least one of the short-range wireless communication device 13 and the close-proximity wireless communication device 14 may be provided as a part of the control device 12.

[0075] At least a part of the authentication process performed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 can be performed by an external server device (not shown) that can communicate with the mobile device 11 via a wireless communication network (not shown).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 opening / closing bodies. Various pieces of equipment in a house or facility can also be examples of controlled devices. In other words, the control device 12, the short-range wireless communication device 13, and the close-proximity wireless communication device 14 do not need to be mounted on a mobile body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10: authentication system, 11: mobile device, 111: communication unit, 112: processing unit, 113: acceleration sensor, 12: control device, 13: short-range wireless communication device, 14: close-proximity wireless communication device, 20: user, 30: vehicle, 31: locking / unlocking device, 32: door, CF: confirmation information, IS: instruction signal

Claims

1. A mobile device that can be carried by a user, comprising: a communication unit capable of performing short-range wireless communication and close-proximity wireless communication; a processing unit that automatically starts an application that executes a process of having a control device that controls the operation of a controlled device authenticate the mobile device through the short-range wireless communication when information is acquired from the close-range wireless communication device through the short-range wireless communication, and when the mobile device is authenticated, transmits an instruction signal through the short-range wireless communication to the control device to instruct the control device to control the operation according to the state of the controlled device; Equipped with Mobile devices.

2. the processing unit launches the application in response to the acquisition of the information. The mobile device of claim 1 .

3. a sensor for detecting acceleration applied to the mobile device; the processing unit launches the application when the detected acceleration satisfies a predetermined condition. The mobile device of claim 1 .

4. It is a general-purpose mobile information terminal. A mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A computer program executable by a processing unit installed in a mobile device that can be carried by a user, When executed, the mobile device: When information is acquired from the close proximity wireless communication device through close proximity wireless communication, an application is automatically started that executes a process of causing a control device that controls the operation of the controlled device to authenticate the mobile device through short-range wireless communication; When the mobile device is authenticated, an instruction signal is transmitted to the control device via short-range wireless communication to instruct the control device to perform operation control according to the state of the controlled device. Computer program.

6. a mobile device that can be carried by a user; a control device that controls the operation of a controlled device based on an authentication process that authenticates the mobile device; a short-range wireless communication device capable of short-range wireless communication with the mobile device; a close proximity wireless communication device capable of close proximity wireless communication with the mobile device; It is equipped with The mobile device When information is acquired from the close proximity wireless communication device through the close proximity wireless communication, an application that executes a process of causing the control device to authenticate the mobile device through the short-range wireless communication is automatically started; When the mobile device is authenticated, an instruction signal instructing the control device to perform operation control according to the state of the controlled device is transmitted through the short-range wireless communication device. Authentication system.

7. the near field communication device is a wirelessly powered tag device, The authentication system of claim 6.

8. The controlled device is a locking / unlocking device that locks and unlocks the opening / closing body.

8. The authentication system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the controlled device, the control device, the short-range wireless communication device, and the close-proximity wireless communication device are mounted on a moving body; An authentication system according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

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