Authentication system, control device, and computer program

Abstract

To increase the convenience of an authentication system shared by multiple mobile devices.SOLUTION: A first communication device 111 forms a first radio communication area A1 at least outside of a cabin 21. A second communication device 112 forms a second radio communication area A2 at least inside the cabin 21. A control unit 12 is configured to control the operation of a locking / unlocking device 23 based on first authentication processing to authenticate a first mobile device 41 positioned in the first radio communication area A1, and to control the operation of an ignition power 24 based on second authentication processing to authenticate the first mobile device 41 positioned in the second radio communication area A2. After the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 23, the control unit 12 uses the first communication device 111 to perform communication with a second mobile device 42.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 user, a control device that can form part of the authentication system, and a computer program that can be executed by a processing unit installed in the control 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 an authentication system that is shared by multiple 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 first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside the defined area; a second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the defined area; a control device that performs operational control of a first controlled device based on a first authentication process that authenticates a first mobile device located in the first wireless communication area, performs operational control of a second controlled device different from the first controlled device based on a second authentication process that authenticates the first mobile device located in the second wireless communication area, and uses the first communication device to communicate with the second mobile device different from the first mobile device after the operational control of the first controlled device; It is equipped with:

[0006] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a control device, a receiving unit that receives authentication information from a first mobile device located in a first wireless communication area through a first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside the defined area, and receives the authentication information from the first mobile device located in the second wireless communication area through a second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the defined area; The aforementioned Received through the first communication device performing operation control of a first controlled device based on a first authentication process that authenticates the first mobile device using authentication information; Accepted through the second communication device a processing unit that performs operation control of a second controlled device different from the first controlled device based on a second authentication process that authenticates the first mobile device using authentication information, and after the operation control of the first controlled device, performs operation control of the first communication device to communicate with a second mobile device different from the first mobile device; It is equipped with:

[0007] One aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object is a computer program executable by a processing unit installed in a control device, By being executed, the control device receiving authentication information from a first mobile device located in a first wireless communication area through a first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside the defined area; The aforementioned Received through the first communication device performing an operation control of a first controlled device based on a first authentication process that authenticates the first mobile device using authentication information; receiving the authentication information from the first mobile device located in a second wireless communication area through a second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the defined area; The aforementioned Accepted through the second communication device performing operation control of a second controlled device different from the first controlled device based on a second authentication process that authenticates the first mobile device using authentication information; After controlling the operation of the first controlled device, the operation of the first communication device is controlled to communicate with a second mobile device different from the first mobile device.

[0008] According to the configurations of the above aspects, even while the operation control of the second controlled device based on the authentication of the first mobile device is being performed after the operation control of the first controlled device based on the authentication of the first mobile device is being performed, the establishment of communication with the second mobile device is permitted, so that the use of the first controlled device by the second mobile device is not restricted, thereby improving the convenience of the authentication system shared by multiple mobile devices. [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. 1. [Figure 3] 2 illustrates a flow of a first authentication process executed by the control device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 illustrates a flow of a second authentication process executed by the control device of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 2 shows an example of a flow of processing executed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 6] 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

[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] 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an authentication system 10 according to a first embodiment. The authentication system 10 can be used to authenticate a mobile device that can be carried by a user, and thereby permit the user carrying the mobile device to use a vehicle 20. The shape of the vehicle 20 is merely an example. The vehicle 20 is an example of a moving object.

[0012] The authentication system 10 includes a first communication device 111. The first communication device 111 has an antenna capable of forming a first wireless communication area A1 at least outside a passenger compartment 21 of a vehicle 20. The first wireless communication area A1 is an area in which short-range wireless communication with a mobile device can be performed. The passenger compartment 21 is an example of a defined area.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The expression "transmitting a signal by radio waves" used in this specification means wirelessly transmitting a signal by radio waves at a frequency or frequency band defined by the above short-range wireless communication standard.

[0015] Specifically, the antenna characteristics and arrangement of the first communication device 111 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 compartment 21. In this example, the first communication device 111 is arranged on a door pillar of the vehicle 20. The first communication device 111 may also be arranged on a door 22, a door handle, a door mirror, or the like of the vehicle 20. The door 22 is an example of an opening / closing body.

[0016] The authentication system 10 includes a second communication device 112. The second communication device 112 is equipped with an antenna capable of forming a second wireless communication area A2 at least inside the vehicle interior 21. The second wireless communication area A2 is an area in which short-range wireless communication with a mobile device can be performed.

[0017] Specifically, the antenna characteristics and arrangement of the second communication device 112 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 21. In this example, the second communication device 112 is arranged at an appropriate location within the vehicle compartment 21.

[0018] The authentication system 10 includes a control device 12. In this example, the control device 12 is mounted on a vehicle 20.

[0019] The control device 12 is configured to control the operation of a locking / unlocking device 23 mounted on the vehicle 20 based on a first authentication process that authenticates a mobile device located in the first wireless communication area A1. The locking / unlocking device 23 is a device that locks and unlocks a door 22 that opens and closes the vehicle interior 21. The locking / unlocking device 23 is an example of a first controlled device.

[0020] The control device 12 is configured to control the operation of an ignition power supply 24 mounted on the vehicle 20 based on a second authentication process that authenticates a mobile device located in the second wireless communication area A2. The ignition power supply 24 is a device that supplies power to start the engine of the vehicle 20. The engine may include at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The ignition power supply 24 is an example of a second controlled device.

[0021] The authentication system 10 is configured to be shared by a first mobile device 41 carried by a first user 31 and a second mobile device 42 carried by a second user 32. That is, each of the first mobile device 41 and the second mobile device 42 is equipped with an antenna capable of short-range wireless communication.

[0022] 2, the first mobile device 41 is configured to transmit a first response signal RS1 by radio wave when the received radio wave intensity of the first trigger signal TR1 transmitted from the first communication device 111 exceeds a threshold. The first response signal RS1 may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0023] The control device 12 includes a reception unit 121. The reception unit 121 is configured as an interface capable of receiving the first response signal RS1 through the first communication device 111. When the first response signal RS1 is an analog signal, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0024] The control device 12 includes a processing unit 122 and an output unit 123. When the receiving unit 121 receives a first response signal RS1 in response to the first trigger signal TR1, the processing unit 122 determines that a communication link has been established between the first communication device 111 and the first mobile device 41, and outputs a first request signal RQ1 from the output unit 123. The first request signal RQ1 is a signal that requests authentication information to be used in the first authentication process from a mobile device located in the first wireless communication region A1. The first request signal RQ1 may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0025] Therefore, the output unit 123 is configured as an interface that outputs the first request signal RQ1 to the first communication device 111. When the first request signal RQ1 is an analog signal, the output unit 123 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0026] The first mobile device 41 is configured to transmit first authentication information AU1 by radio waves in response to the first request signal RQ1. The first authentication information AU1 is information that can identify at least one of the first user 31 and the first mobile device 41. The first authentication information AU1 may be in the form of analog data or digital data.

[0027] Therefore, the reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can also receive the first authentication information AU1 through the first communication device 111. When the first authentication information AU1 is in the form of analog data, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0028] The processing unit 122 is configured to compare the first authentication information AU1 received by the receiving unit 121 in response to the first request signal RQ1 with the authentication information of the first mobile device 41 stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown). If the degree of match between the two pieces of information exceeds a threshold, the processing unit 122 determines that the first authentication process has been established, and is configured to output a first notification signal NT1 from the output unit 123. The first notification signal NT1 is a signal that notifies a mobile device located in the first wireless communication region A1 that the first authentication process has been established. The first notification signal NT1 may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0029] Therefore, the output unit 123 is configured as an interface that outputs the first notification signal NT1 to the first communication device 111. When the first notification signal NT1 is an analog signal, the output unit 123 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0030] When the first mobile device 41 receives the first notification signal NT1, it is put into a state where it can transmit a locking / unlocking signal LK that instructs the locking / unlocking device 23 to perform a locking / unlocking operation. When the first user 31 performs a predetermined operation on the first mobile device 41, the locking / unlocking signal LK is transmitted by radio waves to the first communication device 111. The locking / unlocking signal LK may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0031] Therefore, the reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can also receive the locking / unlocking signal LK through the first communication device 111. When the locking / unlocking signal LK is an analog signal, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0032] The processing unit 122 is configured to output a first control signal CT1 from the output unit 123 when the locking / unlocking signal LK is received by the receiving unit 121. The first control signal CT1 is a signal that causes the locking / unlocking device 23 to perform a locking / unlocking operation. The first control signal CT1 may be an analog signal or a digital signal. When the first control signal CT1 is an analog signal, the output unit 123 is equipped with an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0033] The locking / unlocking device 23 is configured to lock or unlock the door 22 based on the first control signal CT1.

[0034] The first mobile device 41 is configured to transmit the first response signal RS1 by radio wave even when the received radio wave intensity of the second trigger signal TR2 transmitted from the second communication device 112 exceeds a threshold.

[0035] When the reception unit 121 receives the first response signal RS1 in response to the second trigger signal TR2, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines that a communication link has been established between the second communication device 112 and the first mobile device 41, and outputs a second request signal RQ2 from the output unit 123. The second request signal RQ2 is a signal that requests authentication information to be used in the second authentication process from a mobile device located in the second wireless communication region A2. The second request signal RQ2 may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0036] Therefore, the output unit 123 is configured as an interface that outputs the second request signal RQ2 to the second communication device 112. When the second request signal RQ2 is an analog signal, the output unit 123 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0037] The first mobile device 41 is configured to transmit the first authentication information AU1 by radio waves also in response to the second request signal RQ2.

[0038] The processing unit 122 is configured to compare the first authentication information AU1 received by the receiving unit 121 in response to the second request signal RQ2 with the authentication information of the first mobile device 41 stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown). If the degree of match between the two pieces of information exceeds a threshold, the processing unit 122 determines that the second authentication process has been established, and is configured to output a second notification signal NT2 from the output unit 123. The second notification signal NT2 is a signal that notifies a mobile device located in the second wireless communication region A2 that the second authentication process has been established. The second notification signal NT2 may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0039] Therefore, the output unit 123 is configured as an interface that outputs the second notification signal NT2 to the second communication device 112. When the second notification signal NT2 is an analog signal, the output unit 123 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0040] Upon receiving the second notification signal NT2, the first mobile device 41 is put into a state in which it can transmit a start signal AC that instructs the ignition power supply 24 to supply power to the engine. When the first user 31 performs a predetermined operation on the first mobile device 41, the start signal AC is transmitted by radio waves to the second communication device 112. The start signal AC may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0041] Therefore, the reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can also receive the start signal AC through the second communication device 112. When the start signal AC is an analog signal, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0042] The processing unit 122 is configured to output a second control signal CT2 from the output unit 123 when the start signal AC is received by the receiving unit 121. The second control signal CT2 is a signal that causes the ignition power supply 24 to supply power to the engine. The second control signal CT2 may be an analog signal or a digital signal. When the second control signal CT2 is an analog signal, the output unit 123 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including a D / A converter.

[0043] The ignition power supply 24 is configured to start supplying power to the engine based on the second control signal CT2.

[0044] The second mobile device 42 is configured to transmit a second response signal RS2 by radio wave when the received radio wave intensity of the first trigger signal TR1 transmitted from the first communication device 111 exceeds a threshold. The second response signal RS2 may be an analog signal or a digital signal.

[0045] Therefore, the reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can receive the second response signal RS2 through the first communication device 111. When the second response signal RS2 is an analog signal, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0046] When the receiving unit 121 receives a second response signal RS2 in response to the first trigger signal TR1, the processing unit 122 is configured to determine that a communication link has been established between the first communication device 111 and the second mobile device 42, and to output a first request signal RQ1 from the output unit 123 to the first communication device 111.

[0047] The second mobile device 42 is configured to transmit second authentication information AU2 by radio waves in response to the first request signal RQ1. The second authentication information AU2 is information that can identify at least one of the second user 32 and the second mobile device 42. The second authentication information AU2 may be in the form of analog data or digital data.

[0048] Therefore, the reception unit 121 of the control device 12 is configured as an interface that can also receive the second authentication information AU2 through the first communication device 111. When the second authentication information AU2 is in the form of analog data, the reception unit 121 includes an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0049] The processing unit 122 is configured to compare the second authentication information AU2 received by the receiving unit 121 in response to the first request signal RQ1 with authentication information of the second mobile device 42 stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown). If the degree of match between the two pieces of information exceeds a threshold, the processing unit 122 determines that the first authentication process is successful, and is configured to output a first notification signal NT1 from the output unit 123 to the first communication device 111.

[0050] When the second mobile device 42 receives the first notification signal NT1, it is put into a state where it can transmit a locking / unlocking signal LK that instructs the locking / unlocking device 23 to perform a locking / unlocking operation. When the second user 32 performs a predetermined operation on the second mobile device 42, the locking / unlocking signal LK is transmitted by radio waves to the first communication device 111. The operation of the control device 12 that has received the locking / unlocking signal LK is as described above, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0051] The operation of 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 the first authentication process executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12. Figure 4 illustrates an example of the flow of the second authentication process executed by the processing unit 122. Here, the description will be given taking as an example a case where a first user 31 carrying a first mobile device 41 first gets into a vehicle 20, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 causes the first communication device 111 to transmit a first trigger signal TR1 (STEP 11).

[0053] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether a response signal has been received from any mobile device in response to the first trigger signal TR1 (STEP 12). Specifically, the processing unit 122 determines whether the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 through the first communication device 111. This processing is repeated until it is determined that the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 (NO in STEP 12).

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 1, a first user 31 carrying a first mobile device 41 enters the first wireless communication area A1, and therefore the first mobile device 41 transmits a first response signal RS1.

[0055] When the reception unit 121 determines that the response signal has been received (YES in STEP 12 in FIG. 3), the processing unit 122 transmits a first request signal RQ1 by radio waves through the first communication device 111 (STEP 13). In this example, the first request signal RQ1 is transmitted to the first mobile device 41.

[0056] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether the first authentication process is successful based on the authentication information accepted by the accepting unit 121 in response to the first request signal RQ1 (STEP 14). In this example, since the first authentication information AU1 is received from the first mobile device 41 in response to the first request signal RQ1, it is determined whether authentication of the first mobile device 41 is successful based on the first authentication information AU1.

[0057] If the first authentication process is not successful (NO in STEP 14), the process returns to STEP 13, and the first request signal RQ1 is retransmitted. If the first authentication process is not successful even after being repeated a specified number of times, the processing unit 122 may transmit a notification signal indicating that the authentication has not been successful from the first communication device 111 to the first mobile device 41.

[0058] If the first authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 14), the processing unit 122 causes the first communication device 111 to transmit a first notification signal NT1 (STEP 15). In this example, the first notification signal NT1 is transmitted to the first mobile device 41.

[0059] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether the locking / unlocking signal LK has been received by the receiving unit 121 (STEP 16). This process is repeated until it is determined that the locking / unlocking signal LK has been received by the receiving unit 121 (NO in STEP 16). If the reception of the locking / unlocking signal LK cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first notification signal NT1 was transmitted, the processing unit 122 may return the process to STEP 15 and retransmit the first notification signal NT1.

[0060] When the reception unit 121 determines that the locking / unlocking signal LK has been received (YES in STEP 16), the processing unit 122 outputs a first control signal CT1 corresponding to the locking / unlocking signal LK from the output unit 123 and controls the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 (STEP 17).

[0061] 1, a first user 31 carrying a first mobile device 41 may enter the vehicle interior 21 through the unlocked door 22. In this case, the first mobile device 41 is located in the second wireless communication area A2.

[0062] 4, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 causes the second communication device 112 to transmit a second trigger signal TR2 (STEP 21). This process may be performed in parallel with the transmission of the first trigger signal TR1 from the first communication device 111, or may be started after the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 23 based on the first authentication process is completed.

[0063] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether a response signal has been received from any mobile device in response to the second trigger signal TR2 (STEP 22). Specifically, the processing unit 122 determines whether the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 through the second communication device 112. This processing is repeated until it is determined that the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 (NO in STEP 22).

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first mobile device 41 is located in the second wireless communication area A2, so the first mobile device 41 transmits a first response signal RS1.

[0065] When the reception unit 121 determines that the response signal has been received (YES in STEP 22 in FIG. 4), the processing unit 122 transmits a second request signal RQ2 by radio wave through the second communication device 112 (STEP 23). In this example, the second request signal RQ2 is transmitted to the first mobile device 41.

[0066] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether the second authentication process is successful based on the authentication information received by the receiving unit 121 in response to the second request signal RQ2 (STEP 24). First Mobile Device 41 Since the first authentication information AU1 has been received from the first mobile device 41, it is determined whether authentication of the first mobile device 41 has been established based on the first authentication information AU1.

[0067] If the second authentication process is not successful (NO in STEP 24), the process returns to STEP 23, and the second request signal RQ2 is retransmitted. If the second authentication process is not successful even after being repeated a specified number of times, the processing unit 122 may transmit a notification signal indicating that the authentication has not been successful from the second communication device 112 to the first mobile device 41.

[0068] If the second authentication process is successful (YES in STEP 24), the processing unit 122 causes the second communication device 112 to transmit a second notification signal NT2 (STEP 25). In this example, the second notification signal NT2 is transmitted to the first mobile device 41.

[0069] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether the start signal AC has been received by the receiving unit 121 (STEP 26). This process is repeated until it is determined that the start signal AC has been received by the receiving unit 121 (NO in STEP 26). If the reception of the start signal AC cannot be confirmed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second notification signal NT2 was transmitted, the processing unit 122 may return the process to STEP 25 and retransmit the second notification signal NT2.

[0070] When it is determined that the start signal AC has been received by the reception unit 121 (YES in STEP 26), the processing unit 122 outputs the second control signal CT2 from the output unit 123 and controls the operation of the ignition power supply 24 (STEP 27).

[0071] The control device 12 is configured to use the first communication device 111 to communicate with another mobile device after controlling the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 based on the authentication process of a certain mobile device.

[0072] 5, the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 determines whether the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 23 has been completed (STEP 31). The operation control may be determined to be completed based on the fact that a first control signal CT1 for controlling the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 has been output, or the receiving unit 121 may be configured to receive a completion signal indicating completion of the operation from the locking / unlocking device 23, and the operation control may be determined to be completed based on the fact that the completion signal has been received. This process is repeated until it is determined that the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 23 has been completed (NO in STEP 31).

[0073] When it is determined that the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 23 has been completed (YES in STEP 31), the processing unit 122 causes the first communication device 111 to transmit a first trigger signal TR1 (STEP 32).

[0074] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether a response signal has been received from any mobile device in response to the first trigger signal TR1 (STEP 33). Specifically, the processing unit 122 determines whether the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 through the first communication device 111. This processing is repeated until it is determined that the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 (NO in STEP 33).

[0075] When the receiving unit 121 determines that the response signal has been received (YES in STEP 33), the processing unit 122 determines whether the response signal has been sent from a mobile device other than the one used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 (STEP 34).

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 1, a first response signal RS1 from a first mobile device 41 located inside the vehicle cabin 21 and a second response signal RS2 from a second mobile device 42 located outside the vehicle cabin 21 may be received.

[0077] If the response signal received by the receiving unit 121 is transmitted from the same mobile device used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 (NO in STEP 34 in FIG. 5), the processing unit 122 returns the process to STEP 32 and continues transmitting the first trigger signal TR1. That is, the response from the mobile device used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 is ignored. In this example, the first response signal RS1 from the first mobile device 41 is ignored.

[0078] If the response signal received by the receiving unit 121 is transmitted from a mobile device other than the one used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 (YES in STEP 34), the processing unit 122 starts a process of authenticating the mobile device. Specifically, the processing unit 122 causes the first communication device 111 to transmit a first request signal RQ1 to the other mobile device (STEP 13 in FIG. 3).

[0079] 1 enters the first wireless communication area A1, the receiving unit 121 of the control device 12 receives a second response signal RS2 in response to the first trigger signal TR1. Therefore, the processing unit 122 starts a process of authenticating the second mobile device 42. If the first authentication process is successful for the second mobile device 42, the second user 32 performs a predetermined operation on the second mobile device 42, and operation control of the locking / unlocking device 23 is permitted.

[0080] According to the above configuration, even after the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 has been controlled based on the authentication of a certain mobile device, while the operation of the ignition power supply 24 is being controlled based on the authentication of the same mobile device, the establishment of communication with another mobile device is permitted, so there are no restrictions on the use of the locking / unlocking device 23 by the other mobile device. This improves the convenience of the authentication system 10, which is shared by multiple mobile devices.

[0081] Fig. 6 shows another example of the flow of processing executed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12. Processing elements that are substantially the same as those illustrated in Fig. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0082] When the processing unit 122 determines that the operation control of the locking / unlocking device 23 has been completed (YES in STEP 31), it causes the second communication device 112 to transmit a second trigger signal TR2 (STEP 42). At this time, the intensity of the transmitted radio wave may be increased so as to expand the second wireless communication area A2.

[0083] Next, the processing unit 122 determines whether a response signal has been received from any mobile device in response to the second trigger signal TR2 (STEP 43). Specifically, the processing unit 122 determines whether the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 through the second communication device 112. This processing is repeated until it is determined that the response signal has been received by the reception unit 121 (NO in STEP 43).

[0084] When the receiving unit 121 determines that the response signal has been received (YES in STEP 43), the processing unit 122 determines whether the response signal has been sent from a mobile device other than the one used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 (STEP 44).

[0085] In the example shown in Figure 1, a first response signal RS1 from a first mobile device 41 located inside the vehicle cabin 21 and a second response signal RS2 from a second mobile device 42 located outside the vehicle cabin 21 may be received.

[0086] If the response signal received by the receiving unit 121 is transmitted from the same mobile device used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 (NO in STEP 44 in FIG. 6), the processing unit 122 returns the process to STEP 42 and continues transmitting the second trigger signal TR2. That is, the response from the mobile device used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 is ignored. In this example, the first response signal RS1 from the first mobile device 41 is ignored.

[0087] If the response signal received by the receiving unit 121 is transmitted from a mobile device other than the one used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 (YES in STEP 44), the processing unit 122 causes the first communication device 111 to transmit a first trigger signal TR1 (STEP 45) and starts processing to authenticate the mobile device. Specifically, the processing unit 122 causes the first communication device 111 to transmit a first request signal RQ1 to the other mobile device (STEP 13 in FIG. 3).

[0088] 1 , when the second mobile device 42 carried by the second user 32 enters the second wireless communication area A2 located outside the vehicle interior 21, the receiving unit 121 of the control device 12 receives a second response signal RS2 in response to the second trigger signal TR2. Therefore, the processing unit 122 starts a process to authenticate the second mobile device 42. If the first authentication process is successful for the second mobile device 42, the second user 32 can perform a predetermined operation on the second mobile device 42 to allow operational control of the locking / unlocking device 23.

[0089] In other words, when the control device 12 in this example detects a mobile device other than the one used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 outside the vehicle compartment 21, it starts using the first communication device 111 to communicate with the other mobile device.

[0090] Even with this configuration, it is possible to establish communication with another mobile device while the mobile device used to control the operation of the locking / unlocking device 23 is controlling the operation of the ignition power supply 24. In addition, since the operation of the first communication device 111 can be stopped until the other mobile device is detected outside the vehicle interior 21, it is possible to improve the efficiency of radio wave utilization.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 1, the first communication device 111, the second communication device 112, and the control device 12 are illustrated as multiple devices independently mounted at different locations in the vehicle 20. However, at least one of the first communication device 111 and the second communication device 112 may be provided as part of the control device 12.

[0095] At least a part of the first authentication process and at least a part of the second authentication process performed by the processing unit 122 of the control device 12 can be performed in an external server device (not shown) that can communicate with the first mobile device 41 and the second mobile device 42 via a wireless communication network (not shown).

[0096] The controlled devices controlled by the control device 12 as a result of the authentication process are not limited to the locking / unlocking device 23 and the ignition power supply 24. Other examples of controlled devices include 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 20.

[0097] The authentication system 10 can also be applied to moving bodies other than the vehicle 20. Examples of other moving bodies include trains, airplanes, ships, etc. The moving bodies may not require a driver.

[0098] The opening / closing body that is locked and unlocked by the locking / unlocking device 23 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 first communication device 111, the second communication device 112, and the control device 12 do not need to be mounted on a mobile body. An appropriate area in a house or facility can be an example of a specified area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10: authentication system, 111: first communication device, 112: second communication device, 12: control device, 121: reception unit, 122: processing unit, 21: vehicle interior, 22: door, 23: locking / unlocking device, 24: ignition power supply, 41: first mobile device, 42: second mobile device, A1: first wireless communication area, A2: second wireless communication area, AU1: first authentication information, AU2: second authentication information

Claims

1. a first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside the defined area; a second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the defined area; a control device that performs operational control of a first controlled device based on a first signal that can be transmitted from a first mobile device in response to a predetermined operation when a first authentication process for authenticating a first mobile device located in the first wireless communication area is established, and performs operational control of a second controlled device different from the first controlled device based on a second signal that can be transmitted from the first mobile device in response to a predetermined operation when a second authentication process for authenticating the first mobile device located in the second wireless communication area is established, and uses the first communication device to communicate with a second mobile device different from the first mobile device after the operational control of the first controlled device; It is equipped with the control device suspends operation of the first communication device to communicate with the second mobile device until the second communication device detects that the second mobile device is located outside the defined area. Authentication system.

2. The first controlled device is a locking / unlocking device that locks and unlocks an opening / closing body that opens and closes the specified area. The authentication system of claim 1 .

3. the first communication device, the second communication device, and the control device are mounted on a moving body; 3. The authentication system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a receiving unit that receives authentication information from a first mobile device located in a first wireless communication area through a first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside the defined area, and receives the authentication information from the first mobile device located in the second wireless communication area through a second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the defined area; a processing unit that performs operational control of a first controlled device based on a first signal that can be transmitted from the first mobile device in response to a predetermined operation when a first authentication process for authenticating the first mobile device using authentication information received through the first communication device is established, performs operational control of a second controlled device different from the first controlled device based on a second signal that can be transmitted from the first mobile device in response to a predetermined operation when a second authentication process for authenticating the first mobile device using authentication information received through the second communication device is established, and after the operational control of the first controlled device, performs operational control of the first communication device to communicate with a second mobile device different from the first mobile device; It is equipped with the processing unit suspends operation of the first communication device to communicate with the second mobile device until the second communication device detects that the second mobile device is located outside the defined area. Control device.

5. A computer program executable by a processing unit mounted on a control device, By being executed, the control device receiving authentication information from a first mobile device located in a first wireless communication area through a first communication device that forms a first wireless communication area at least outside the defined area; When a first authentication process for authenticating the first mobile device using the authentication information received through the first communication device is successful, the first mobile device performs operation control of a first controlled device based on a first signal that can be transmitted in response to a predetermined operation; receiving the authentication information from the first mobile device located in a second wireless communication area through a second communication device that forms a second wireless communication area at least inside the defined area; When a second authentication process for authenticating the first mobile device using the authentication information received through the second communication device is established, an operation of a second controlled device different from the first controlled device is controlled based on a second signal that can be transmitted from the first mobile device in response to a predetermined operation; After the operation control of the first controlled device, the operation control of the first communication device is performed to communicate with a second mobile device different from the first mobile device; ceasing operation of the first communication device to communicate with the second mobile device until the second communication device detects that the second mobile device is located outside the defined area. Computer program.

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