Input device
The input device uses a flexible printed circuit board with tamper detection patterns and a removal detection mechanism to secure sensitive data areas, addressing unauthorized access and ensuring immediate error processing, thereby enhancing security against data theft.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NIDEC INSTR CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
Smart Images
Figure 0007886164000001 
Figure 0007886164000002 
Figure 0007886164000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for inputting information using a user's fingertip.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, an input device for inputting information using a user's fingertip has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The input device described in Patent Document 1 is used, for example, as an authentication device at the time of settlement such as a credit card. This input device includes an aerial image display device that displays an aerial image in a three-dimensional space, and an optical detection mechanism for detecting the position of the user's fingertip in an aerial image display area that is an area where the aerial image is displayed. The detection mechanism is mounted on a circuit board. The aerial image display area serves as an input unit for inputting information.
[0003] In the input device described in Patent Document 1, a PIN is input in the input unit. At this time, the user inputs the PIN using a keypad displayed as an aerial image in the aerial image display area. Specifically, the user inputs the PIN by sequentially moving the fingertip to the position of a predetermined key (number) in the keypad displayed in the aerial image display area. In the input device, the PIN input in the input unit is specified based on the detection result of the detection mechanism.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] In the input device described in Patent Document 1, the PIN is identified based on the detection result of the detection mechanism, and on the circuit board on which the detection mechanism is implemented, data for identifying the PIN, which is data requiring security assurance, is transmitted or processed. Therefore, it is preferable that the input device described in Patent Document 1 is capable of effectively preventing unauthorized acquisition of data from the circuit board on which the detection mechanism is implemented.
[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an input device for inputting information such as a PIN using the user's fingertip, which can effectively prevent the unauthorized acquisition of data from a circuit board on which a fingertip detection mechanism for detecting the position of the user's fingertip is implemented. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an input device for inputting information using a user's fingertip, comprising: a fingertip detection mechanism for detecting the position of the user's fingertip in an input section where information is input; a circuit board on which the fingertip detection mechanism is mounted; a flexible printed circuit board covering at least a part of the circuit board; a main body to which the circuit board is attached; and a removal detection mechanism for detecting when the circuit board has been removed from the main body, wherein the flexible printed circuit board has a tamper detection pattern formed on it for detecting when it is disconnected, and the removal detection mechanism includes a contact-type detection switch. The main unit comprises a control module having a control board to which a circuit board is electrically connected, encrypted data is transmitted from the circuit board to the control board, and the control module comprises a housing that houses the control board. The detection switch is located on the part of the circuit board that is covered by the flexible printed circuit board. cabinet It is characterized by being positioned between the two.
[0008] The input device of the present invention includes a flexible printed circuit board that covers at least a portion of a circuit board and has a tamper detection pattern formed on it. Therefore, in the present invention, by covering the part of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured (i.e., the part of the circuit board where data requiring security assurance is transmitted or the part of the circuit board where data requiring security assurance is processed) with the flexible printed circuit board, it becomes possible to disconnect the tamper detection pattern when a criminal attempts to illegally obtain data from the circuit board and illegally accesses the part of the circuit board where security assurance is necessary, and it becomes possible to execute a predetermined abnormality processing when a disconnection of the tamper detection pattern is detected.
[0009] Furthermore, the input device of the present invention is equipped with a removal detection mechanism for detecting when a circuit board has been removed from the main unit. Therefore, when a criminal removes the circuit board from the main unit in an attempt to illegally obtain data from the circuit board, it becomes possible to execute a predetermined abnormal processing based on the detection result of the removal detection mechanism. Moreover, in the input device of the present invention, the contact-type detection switch of the removal detection mechanism is positioned between the portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board and the main unit. Therefore, by covering the portion of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured with the flexible printed circuit board, it becomes possible to position the main unit near the portion of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured. Consequently, in the present invention, it becomes more difficult for criminals to access the portion of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured.
[0010] Thus, the present invention makes it possible to perform predetermined abnormal processing when a break in the tamper detection pattern is detected, and to perform predetermined abnormal processing based on the detection result of the removal detection mechanism, while also making it difficult for criminals to access parts of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to effectively prevent the unauthorized acquisition of data from the circuit board.
[0011] Also, This invention SoThe main unit comprises a control module having a control board to which the circuit board is electrically connected, encrypted data is transmitted from the circuit board to the control board, the control module comprises a housing that houses the control board, and the detection switch is positioned between the portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board and the housing. ru.
[0012] Therefore By covering the parts of the circuit board that require security with a flexible printed circuit board, it becomes possible to position the control module housing near those parts of the circuit board that require security. Therefore, if a criminal gains unauthorized access to the parts of the circuit board that require security, the control module becomes more susceptible to destruction. Consequently, by executing a predetermined error handling process when destruction of the control module is detected, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent the unauthorized acquisition of data from the circuit board.
[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the flexible printed circuit board covers a portion of the circuit board from both sides in the thickness direction of the circuit board, the main body is positioned on one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction of the circuit board, and the entire portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board overlaps with the housing in the thickness direction of the circuit board.
[0014] With this configuration, the entire portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board overlaps with the enclosure in the thickness direction of the circuit board. By covering the parts of the circuit board that require security with the flexible printed circuit board, it becomes more difficult for criminals to access those parts of the circuit board. Furthermore, if a criminal does gain unauthorized access to the parts of the circuit board that require security, the control module becomes more susceptible to damage. Therefore, by executing a predetermined error processing when damage to the control module is detected, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent the unauthorized acquisition of data from the circuit board.
[0015] In this invention, it is preferable that the detection switch is mounted on a flexible printed circuit board. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a separate board for mounting the detection switch. Therefore, the configuration of the input device can be simplified.
[0016] In the present invention, the input device includes, for example, a flat plate member positioned between the circuit board and the main body in the thickness direction of the circuit board, and a portion of the flexible printed circuit board is attached to the flat plate member. In this case, because the flat plate member is positioned between the circuit board and the main body, it becomes more difficult for criminals to access the parts of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured.
[0017] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an input device for inputting information using a user's fingertip, comprising: a fingertip detection mechanism for detecting the position of the user's fingertip in an input section where information is input; a circuit board on which the fingertip detection mechanism is mounted; a flexible printed circuit board covering at least a part of the circuit board; a main body to which the circuit board is attached; and a removal detection mechanism for detecting when the circuit board has been removed from the main body, wherein the flexible printed circuit board has a tamper detection pattern formed on it for detecting when it has been disconnected, and the removal detection mechanism includes a contact-type detection switch, the detection switch is positioned between the part of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board and the main body. If one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction is designated as the first direction, and the opposite side as the second direction, the flexible printed circuit board comprises a first board portion that covers a part of the circuit board from the first direction, a second board portion that covers a part of the circuit board from the second direction, and a connecting board portion that connects the first board portion and the second board portion, with the main body portion being located on the first direction side of the flexible printed circuit board. It is characterized by the following: The input device of the present invention includes a flexible printed circuit board that covers at least a portion of a circuit board and has a tamper detection pattern formed on it. Therefore, in the present invention, by covering the part of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured (i.e., the part of the circuit board where data requiring security assurance is transmitted or the part of the circuit board where data requiring security assurance is processed) with the flexible printed circuit board, it becomes possible to disconnect the tamper detection pattern when a criminal attempts to illegally obtain data from the circuit board and illegally accesses the part of the circuit board where security assurance is necessary, and it becomes possible to execute a predetermined abnormality processing when a disconnection of the tamper detection pattern is detected. Furthermore, the input device of the present invention is equipped with a removal detection mechanism for detecting when a circuit board has been removed from the main unit. Therefore, when a criminal removes the circuit board from the main unit in an attempt to illegally obtain data from the circuit board, it becomes possible to execute a predetermined abnormal processing based on the detection result of the removal detection mechanism. Moreover, in the input device of the present invention, the contact-type detection switch of the removal detection mechanism is positioned between the portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board and the main unit. Therefore, by covering the portion of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured with the flexible printed circuit board, it becomes possible to position the main unit near the portion of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured. Consequently, in the present invention, it becomes more difficult for criminals to access the portion of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to perform predetermined abnormal processing when a break in the tamper detection pattern is detected, and to perform predetermined abnormal processing based on the detection result of the removal detection mechanism, while also making it difficult for criminals to access parts of the circuit board where security needs to be ensured. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to effectively prevent the unauthorized acquisition of data from the circuit board.
[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the input device includes a contact-type second detection switch for detecting when the first board portion and the second board portion are separated. With this configuration, when a criminal performs some operation to illegally obtain data from the circuit board and the first board portion and the second board portion are separated, it becomes possible to execute a predetermined abnormal processing based on the detection result of the second detection switch. Therefore, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent the illegal acquisition of data from the circuit board.
[0019] In the present invention, for example, the flexible printed circuit board includes a third substrate portion connected to the first substrate portion, and the surface on the first direction side of the first substrate portion faces the surface on the second direction side of the third substrate portion. The second detection switch is mounted on the surface on the first direction side of the second substrate portion, and the detection switch is mounted on the surface on the first direction side of the third substrate portion. In this case, in the flexible printed circuit board in the unfolded state, the detection switch and the second detection switch are mounted on the same surface of the flexible printed circuit board. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily perform the mounting work of the detection switch and the second detection switch on the flexible printed circuit board.
[0020] In the present invention, for example, the main body portion includes a display mechanism having a display surface for displaying an image, and an aerial imaging mechanism for forming an aerial image by projecting the image displayed on the display surface into space. The aerial image display region, which is the region where the aerial image is displayed, serves as the input portion.
Advantages of the Invention
[0021] As described above, in the present invention, in an input device for inputting information such as a password using a user's fingertip, it is possible to effectively prevent unauthorized acquisition of data from a circuit board on which a fingertip detection mechanism for detecting the position of the user's fingertip is mounted.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the state where the housing cover is removed from the input device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the state where the main body portion and the input module shown in FIG. 2 are separated. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the input module shown in FIG. 3 shown from different directions. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the input module shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the input device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the aerial image display mechanism used in the input device shown. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an aerial image displayed in the aerial image display area shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing extracted circuit boards and flexible printed circuit boards, etc. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view illustrating the configuration of the removal detection mechanism shown in Figure 4. [Figure 11] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control board shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0024] (Overall configuration of the input device) Figure 1 is a perspective view of an input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the input device 1 shown in Figure 1 with the housing cover 6 removed. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main body 5 and input module 4 shown in Figure 2 separated. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the input module 4 shown in Figure 3 from a different direction. Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the input module 4 shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the input device 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the aerial image display mechanism 18 used in the input device 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an aerial image displayed in the aerial image display area R shown in Figure 1.
[0025] The input device 1 in this embodiment is a device for inputting information using the user's fingertips. The input device 1 is used, for example, as an authentication device when making a payment using a credit card. In the input device 1 in this embodiment, a PIN is entered. The input device 1 is used, for example, when the Z direction in Figure 1 coincides with the up-down direction (vertical direction). In the following description, the Z direction in Figure 1 is referred to as the up-down direction, the Y direction in Figure 1 which is perpendicular to the up-down direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the X direction in Figure 1 which is perpendicular to both the up-down and left-right directions is referred to as the front-back direction. Furthermore, the side in the front-back direction, the X1 direction side in Figure 1, is referred to as the "front" side, and the opposite side, the X2 direction side in Figure 1, is referred to as the "back" side.
[0026] In this configuration, a user standing in front of the input device 1 performs a predetermined operation on the input device 1 from above. The input device 1 comprises an input module 4 having a fingertip detection mechanism 3 (see Figure 6) for detecting the position of the user's fingertips in the input section 2 where information is input, a main body 5 to which the input module 4 is attached, and a housing cover 6 that covers part of the input module 4 and the main body 5. As shown in Figure 1, the housing cover 6 is composed of an upper housing cover 7 that constitutes the upper part of the housing cover 6 and a lower housing cover 8 that constitutes the lower part of the housing cover 6.
[0027] The input module 4 is fixed to the upper end of the main body 5. In addition to the fingertip detection mechanism 3, the input module 4 includes a circuit board 11 (see Figure 5) on which the fingertip detection mechanism 3 is mounted, a flexible printed circuit board 12 (hereinafter referred to as "FPC12") that covers at least a part of the circuit board 11, a cover member 13 to which the circuit board 11 is fixed, and a flat plate member 14 that is fixed to the cover member 13 so as to cover the circuit board 11 from below.
[0028] The cover member 13 is composed of a rectangular frame-shaped base portion 13a, a rectangular cylindrical inner portion 13b projecting downward from the inner circumferential end of the base portion 13a, and a rectangular cylindrical outer portion 13c projecting downward from the outer circumferential end of the base portion 13a. The cover member 13 has a rectangular through-hole that penetrates in the vertical direction. The cover member 13 is arranged such that the direction of the long side of the rectangular frame-shaped base portion 13a coincides with the front-to-back direction. The circuit board 11 is a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate. The flat plate member 14 is a metal plate. The circuit board 11 and the flat plate member 14 are formed in a flat plate shape. The circuit board 11 and the flat plate member 14 are also formed in a rectangular frame shape. The circuit board 11 and the flat plate member 14 are arranged between the inner cylindrical portion 13b and the outer cylindrical portion 13c.
[0029] The cover member 13 is fixed to the upper end of the main body 5. That is, the circuit board 11 and the flat plate member 14, which are fixed to the cover member 13, are attached to the main body 5 via the cover member 13. The input module 4 is also equipped with a removal detection mechanism 15 for detecting when the input module 4 has been removed from the main body 5. That is, the input module 4 is equipped with a removal detection mechanism 15 for detecting when the circuit board 11 has been removed from the main body 5. A more specific configuration of the input module 4 will be described later.
[0030] The main body 5 comprises an aerial image display mechanism 18 (see Figure 7) that displays an aerial image in three-dimensional space, and a housing 19 that houses the aerial image display mechanism 18. The main body 5 also includes a control module 21 having a control board 20 (see Figure 3) to which the circuit board 11 is electrically connected. The housing 19 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box with openings on the top and front sides. The control board 20 is a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate, and is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The control module 21 comprises a housing 22 that houses the control board 20. The control module 21 is fixed to the front end of the housing 19 so as to close the opening on the front side of the housing 19.
[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the aerial image display mechanism 18 comprises a display mechanism 25 having a display surface 25a for displaying an image, and an aerial imaging mechanism 26 that projects the image displayed on the display surface 25a into space to form an aerial image. The aerial imaging mechanism 26 comprises a beam splitter 27 and a retroreflective material 28. The display mechanism 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and the display surface 25a is the screen of the display. The display mechanism 25 is fixed to the rear surface of the housing 22 of the control module 21. The display surface 25a faces backward. The display mechanism 25 is electrically connected to the control board 20.
[0032] The beam splitter 27 is located behind the display mechanism 25. The beam splitter 27 reflects a portion of the light emitted from the display surface 25a. The retroreflective material 28 is located below the beam splitter 27. Light reflected by the beam splitter 27 is incident on the retroreflective material 28. The retroreflective material 28 reflects the incident light back towards the beam splitter 27 in the same direction as the incident light. The light reflected by the retroreflective material 28 passes through the beam splitter 27. An aerial image is formed by the light that has passed through the beam splitter 27.
[0033] In this embodiment, the inner circumference of the inner cylindrical portion 13b of the cover member 13 forms an aerial image display area R, which is the area where an aerial image is displayed, and the aerial image display area R is surrounded by the inner cylindrical portion 13b (see Figure 6). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerial image display area R also serves as an input area 2 for the user to enter a PIN using their fingertip. In other words, the inner circumference of the inner cylindrical portion 13b of the cover member 13 is the input area 2.
[0034] When a PIN is entered in the input unit 2, the display mechanism 25 displays an image of the keypad for entering the PIN on the display surface 25a, and the aerial image formation mechanism 26 displays the image of the keypad displayed on the display surface 25a as an aerial image in the aerial image display area R (see Figure 8). The user enters the PIN using the keypad displayed in the aerial image display area R. Specifically, the user enters the PIN by sequentially moving their fingertips to the positions of predetermined keys (numbers) on the keypad displayed in the aerial image display area R. In other words, the user enters the PIN by sequentially moving their fingertips in the input unit 2.
[0035] (Input module configuration) Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the circuit board 11 and FPC 12, etc., as shown in Figure 5. Figure 10 is an enlarged view illustrating the configuration of the removal detection mechanism 15 shown in Figure 4.
[0036] As described above, the input module 4 comprises a fingertip detection mechanism 3, a circuit board 11, an FPC 12, a cover member 13, a flat plate member 14, and a removal detection mechanism 15. The circuit board 11 is formed in a flat plate shape as described above. The circuit board 11 is positioned so as to be slightly inclined downwards towards the front, and the thickness direction of the circuit board 11 generally coincides with the vertical direction.
[0037] In the following description, one side of the circuit board 11 in the thickness direction will be referred to as the first direction, and the side opposite the first direction will be referred to as the second direction. In this embodiment, the first direction generally coincides with the bottom side, and the second direction generally coincides with the top side. As described above, the input module 4 is fixed to the upper end of the main body 5, and the main body 5 is located below the input module 4. That is, the main body 5 is located on one side of the circuit board 11 in the thickness direction (specifically, the first direction side).
[0038] The fingertip detection mechanism 3 detects the position of the user's fingertip at the input unit 2. The fingertip detection mechanism 3 is composed of a first detection mechanism 31 and a second detection mechanism 32. The first detection mechanism 31 is a transmissive optical sensor having a light-emitting unit 33 and a light-receiving unit 34 that are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction, sandwiching the aerial image display area R. The second detection mechanism 32 is a transmissive optical sensor having a light-emitting unit 35 and a light-receiving unit 36 that are arranged opposite each other in the front-back direction, sandwiching the aerial image display area R. The first detection mechanism 31 and the second detection mechanism 32 are infrared sensors. Furthermore, the first detection mechanism 31 and the second detection mechanism 32 are line sensors. In the light-emitting units 33 and 35, multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in a linear fashion, and in the light-receiving units 34 and 36, multiple light-receiving elements are arranged in a linear fashion.
[0039] The fingertip detection mechanism 3 is mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 11. That is, the fingertip detection mechanism 3 is mounted on the second-direction side surface of the circuit board 11. The fingertip detection mechanism 3 and the circuit board 11 are located below the base 13a of the cover member 13. Furthermore, the fingertip detection mechanism 3 is located on the outer circumference of the inner cylindrical portion 13b of the cover member 13. That is, the light-emitting parts 33, 35 and the light-receiving parts 34, 36 are located on the outer circumference of the inner cylindrical portion 13b. The cover member 13 is made of a resin material that transmits infrared rays, and the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting parts 33, 35 passes through the inner cylindrical portion 13b.
[0040] When the user's fingertip is placed in a predetermined area including the aerial image display area R (i.e., a predetermined area including the input unit 2), infrared light stops entering a specific light-receiving element among the multiple light-receiving elements of the light-receiving units 34 and 36. Therefore, the fingertip detection mechanism 3 detects the position of the user's fingertip in the predetermined area including the aerial image display area R. In this embodiment, the fingertip detection mechanism 3 detects the position of the user's fingertip throughout the entire aerial image display area R (i.e., throughout the entire area of the input unit 2). The PIN entered in the input unit 2 is determined based on the detection result of the fingertip detection mechanism 3.
[0041] As described above, the circuit board 11 and the flat plate member 14 are formed in the shape of a rectangular frame. The circuit board 11 is positioned so that the direction of the longer side of the rectangular frame-shaped circuit board 11 substantially coincides with the front-to-back direction, and the flat plate member 14 is positioned so that the direction of the longer side of the rectangular frame-shaped flat plate member 14 substantially coincides with the front-to-back direction. The flat plate member 14 is formed in the shape of a frame that is substantially the same as that of the circuit board 11.
[0042] The flat plate member 14 is positioned such that its thickness direction coincides with the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. Furthermore, the flat plate member 14 is positioned below the circuit board 11, between the circuit board 11 and the main body 5 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. The flat plate member 14 covers the circuit board 11 from below. The flat plate member 14 is fixed to the base 13a of the cover member 13. In this embodiment, the circuit board 11 is fixed to the cover member 13 by the flat plate member 14 being fixed to the base 13a.
[0043] The front edge portion 11a of the circuit board 11 has an encryption circuit mounted on it for processing and encrypting the fingertip position data (specifically, the output signals from the light receiving units 34 and 36) detected by the fingertip detection mechanism 3. The front edge portion 11a is the part of the circuit board 11 where data requiring security is processed. One end of a flexible printed circuit board 39 (hereinafter referred to as "FPC39") is connected to the front edge portion 11a. The other end of the FPC39 is connected to the control board 20. The encrypted data is transmitted to the control board 20 from the circuit board 11 via the FPC39.
[0044] The FPC12 is formed by bending a flexible, flat, film-like flexible printed circuit board into a predetermined shape. The FPC12 is electrically connected to the circuit board 11. The FPC12 is also electrically connected to the control board 20 via the circuit board 11 and the FPC39. The FPC12 covers the front edge portion 11a of the circuit board 11. Furthermore, the FPC12 covers the front edge portion 11a from both sides in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. In other words, the FPC12 covers a portion of the circuit board 11 from both sides in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11.
[0045] The FPC 12 comprises a first substrate portion 12a that covers the front edge portion 11a from the first direction, a second substrate portion 12b that covers the front edge portion 11a from the second direction, and a connecting substrate portion 12c that connects the first substrate portion 12a and the second substrate portion 12b. The first substrate portion 12a is located below the front edge portion 11a. The second substrate portion 12b is located above the front edge portion 11a. The connecting substrate portion 12c is located in front of the front edge portion 11a.
[0046] The width of the first substrate portion 12a in the left-right direction is equal to the width of the second substrate portion 12b in the left-right direction. The connecting substrate portion 12c connects the front end of the first substrate portion 12a and the front end of the second substrate portion 12b. The first substrate portion 12a is positioned above the front edge portion 14a that constitutes the front part of the flat plate member 14. The first substrate portion 12a is attached to the upper surface of the front edge portion 14a (see Figure 5). In other words, a part of the FPC 12 is attached to the flat plate member 14.
[0047] Furthermore, the FPC 12 includes a third substrate portion 12d connected to the first substrate portion 12a. The width of the third substrate portion 12d in the left-right direction is narrower than the width of the first substrate portion 12a in the left-right direction. The third substrate portion 12d is located below the first substrate portion 12a. The third substrate portion 12d is connected to the front end of the first substrate portion 12a. The third substrate portion 12d is also located below the front edge portion 14a of the flat plate member 14. The third substrate portion 12d is attached to the lower surface of the front edge portion 14a. The first-direction side surface of the first substrate portion 12a and the second-direction side surface of the third substrate portion 12d face each other via the front edge portion 14a.
[0048] As described above, the main body 5 is located below the input module 4 and below the FPC 12. That is, the main body 5 is located on the first direction side of the FPC 12. In this embodiment, the FPC 12 is located above the housing 22 of the control module 21 and overlaps with the control module 21 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. Specifically, the entire FPC 12 overlaps with the housing 22 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. That is, the entire portion of the circuit board 11 covered by the FPC 12 overlaps with the housing 22 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11.
[0049] The FPC12 has tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 formed on it (see Figure 11). For example, the FPC12 has two tamper detection patterns P1 and P2. The tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 are provided to detect when the tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 themselves are disconnected and when tamper detection pattern P1 and tamper detection pattern P2 are short-circuited. The tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 are routed irregularly as a pair. Furthermore, the tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 are routed throughout the entire surface of the FPC12 and are formed throughout the entire surface of the FPC12.
[0050] The removal detection mechanism 15 is equipped with a contact-type detection switch 41. The removal detection mechanism 15 in this embodiment is composed of the detection switch 41. The detection switch 41 is a push-button switch. That is, the detection switch 41 is a push-type detection switch. The detection switch 41 is mounted on the FPC 12. Specifically, the detection switch 41 is mounted on the first-direction side surface (lower surface) of the third substrate portion 12d. The detection switch 41 is electrically connected to the control board 20 via the FPC 12, the circuit board 11, and the FPC 39.
[0051] The detection switch 41 includes a cylindrical movable pin 41a that is movable in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. The movable pin 41a is positioned such that its axial direction coincides with the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. The movable pin 41a protrudes toward the first direction (downward). The movable pin 41a is biased toward the first direction. The detection switch 41, which is mounted on the first direction side surface of the third board portion 12d, is positioned between the portion of the circuit board 11 covered by the FPC 12 (i.e., the front edge portion 11a) and the housing 22. In other words, the detection switch 41 is positioned between the portion of the circuit board 11 covered by the FPC 12 and the main body portion 5.
[0052] When the input module 4 is fixed to the main body 5 (i.e., when the circuit board 11 is attached to the main body 5), the tip surface of the movable pin 41a is in contact with the upper end surface of the housing 22. In this case, as shown in Figure 10(A), the housing 22 pushes the movable pin 41a upward, and the detection switch 41 is in the ON state. On the other hand, when the input module 4 is removed from the main body 5, as shown in Figure 10(B), the movable pin 41a moves downward relative to the third circuit board 12d, and the detection switch 41 switches to the OFF state.
[0053] Therefore, based on the detection result of the detection switch 41, it is possible to detect that the input module 4 has been removed from the main unit 5 (i.e., that the circuit board 11 has been removed from the main unit 5). Alternatively, the detection switch 41 may be in the OFF state when the movable pin 41a is pressed upwards, and in the ON state when the movable pin 41a moves downwards.
[0054] Furthermore, a contact-type detection switch 42 is mounted on the second circuit board section 12b to detect when the first circuit board section 12a and the second circuit board section 12b are separated (see Figure 5). In other words, the input module 4 is equipped with a contact-type detection switch 42 to detect when the first circuit board section 12a and the second circuit board section 12b are separated. The detection switch 42 is a push-button switch configured in the same way as the detection switch 41. The detection switch 42 in this embodiment is a second detection switch.
[0055] The detection switch 42 is mounted on the first-direction side (lower side) of the second substrate portion 12b. The detection switch 42 is mounted at two locations on both ends in the left-right direction of the second substrate portion 12b. The detection switch 42 is electrically connected to the control board 20 via the FPC 12, circuit board 11, and FPC 39. The detection switch 42 is equipped with a cylindrical movable pin 42a that is movable in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. The movable pin 42a is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. The movable pin 42a protrudes toward the first direction (downward). The movable pin 42a is biased toward the first direction.
[0056] When the flat plate member 14 is fixed to the cover member 13 and the first substrate portion 12a and the second substrate portion 12b are close together, the tip surface of the movable pin 42a is in contact with the second-direction side surface of the first substrate portion 12a. At this time, the movable pin 42a is pushed upward by the first substrate portion 12a and the flat plate member 14, and the detection switch 42 is in the ON state. On the other hand, when the flat plate member 14 is removed from the cover member 13 and the first substrate portion 12a and the second substrate portion 12b are separated, the movable pin 42a moves downward relative to the second substrate portion 12b, and the detection switch 42 switches to the OFF state.
[0057] Therefore, based on the detection result of the detection switch 42, it is possible to detect that the first board portion 12a and the second board portion 12b have separated. Alternatively, the detection switch 42 may be in the OFF state when the movable pin 42a is pushed upward, and in the ON state when the movable pin 42a moves downward.
[0058] (Control board configuration) Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control board 20 shown in Figure 3.
[0059] The control board 20 is equipped with a tamper detection circuit 45 to which the FPC 12 and detection switches 41 and 42 are electrically connected. The tamper detection circuit 45 includes a destruction detection circuit 46 for detecting when tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 are disconnected and when tamper detection pattern P1 and tamper detection pattern P2 are short-circuited, a removal detection circuit 47 for detecting when the circuit board 11 is removed from the main body 5, and a separation detection circuit 48 for detecting when the first board section 12a and the second board section 12b are separated. The tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 are electrically connected to the destruction detection circuit 46. The detection switch 41 is electrically connected to the removal detection circuit 47. The two detection switches 42 are electrically connected to the separation detection circuit 48.
[0060] In the input device 1, if a criminal attempts to illegally obtain data from the circuit board 11, and the tamper detection circuit 45 detects at least one of the following: that the tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 are disconnected, that tamper detection pattern P1 and tamper detection pattern P2 are short-circuited, that the circuit board 11 is removed from the main unit 5, or that the first board unit 12a and the second board unit 12b are separated, a predetermined abnormality processing is executed.
[0061] (Main effects of this form) As explained above, in this embodiment, the FPC 12 on which the tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 are formed covers the front edge 11a of the circuit board 11, which is the part where data requiring security processing takes place. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a criminal attempts to illegally obtain data from the circuit board 11 and gains unauthorized access to the front edge 11a of the circuit board 11, it becomes possible to disconnect or short-circuit the tamper detection patterns P1 and P2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a disconnection of the tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 is detected, a predetermined error processing is executed.
[0062] Furthermore, in this configuration, a removal detection mechanism 15 is installed to detect when the circuit board 11 has been removed from the main unit 5. Therefore, when a criminal removes the circuit board 11 from the main unit 5 in an attempt to illegally obtain data from the circuit board 11, it is possible to detect that the circuit board 11 has been removed from the main unit 5. In addition, in this configuration, when it is detected that the circuit board 11 has been removed from the main unit 5, a predetermined error processing is executed.
[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contact-type detection switch 41 is positioned between the portion of the circuit board 11 covered by the FPC 12 (i.e., the front edge 11a) and the housing 22, and the housing 22 is positioned near the front edge 11a, which is the part of the circuit board 11 where data requiring security processing takes place. Therefore, in this embodiment, it becomes difficult for criminals to access the front edge 11a, which is the part of the circuit board 11 that requires security processing.
[0064] Thus, in this embodiment, predetermined error processing is executed when a break in the tamper detection patterns P1 and P2 is detected, and predetermined error processing is also executed when it is detected that the circuit board 11 has been removed from the main unit 5. Furthermore, it becomes difficult for criminals to access the parts of the circuit board 11 that require security. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent the unauthorized acquisition of data from the circuit board 11.
[0065] In this configuration, a contact-type detection switch 41 is positioned between the portion of the circuit board 11 covered by the FPC 12 (i.e., the front edge 11a) and the housing 22 of the control module 21, with the housing 22 of the control module 21 located near the front edge 11a. Therefore, in this configuration, the control module 21 is more susceptible to damage if a criminal gains unauthorized access to the front edge 11a. Consequently, in this configuration, executing a predetermined error processing when damage to the control module 21 is detected makes it possible to more effectively prevent unauthorized acquisition of data from the circuit board 11.
[0066] In this configuration, the entire front edge 11a of the circuit board 11 overlaps with the housing 22 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. Therefore, in this configuration, it becomes more difficult for criminals to access the front edge 11a. Furthermore, when criminals illegally access the front edge 11a, the control module 21 becomes more susceptible to destruction. By executing a predetermined error processing when destruction of the control module 21 is detected, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent the illegal acquisition of data from the circuit board 11.
[0067] In this embodiment, the detection switch 41 is mounted on the FPC 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate board for mounting the detection switch 41. Consequently, in this embodiment, the configuration of the input device 1 can be simplified. In addition, in this embodiment, since the circuit board 11 is covered from below by the flat plate member 14, it becomes more difficult for criminals to access the front edge 11a of the circuit board 11.
[0068] In this configuration, a contact-type detection switch 42 is mounted on the FPC 12 to detect when the first board section 12a and the second board section 12b are separated. When it is detected that the first board section 12a and the second board section 12b are separated, a predetermined error processing is executed. Therefore, in this configuration, if a criminal attempts to illegally obtain data from the circuit board 11 and performs some operation causing the first board section 12a and the second board section 12b to separate, the predetermined error processing is executed. Consequently, this configuration makes it possible to more effectively prevent the illegal acquisition of data from the circuit board 11.
[0069] In this embodiment, the detection switch 41 is mounted on the first-direction side of the third substrate portion 12d, and the detection switch 42 is mounted on the first-direction side of the second substrate portion 12b. In the unfolded state of the FPC 12 (i.e., before the FPC 12 is folded into a predetermined shape), the detection switches 41 and 42 are mounted on the same side of the FPC 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mounting work of the detection switches 41 and 42 onto the FPC 12 can be easily performed.
[0070] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without altering the essence of the invention.
[0071] In the above-described configuration, the main body 5 is equipped with an aerial image display mechanism 18, but the main body 5 does not necessarily have to be equipped with an aerial image display mechanism 18. In this case, for example, a display mechanism such as a liquid crystal display is arranged below the inner cylindrical portion 13b of the cover member 13. Even in this case, the inner circumference of the inner cylindrical portion 13b is the input section 2. The user enters a PIN using a keypad displayed on the display mechanism. Specifically, the user enters a PIN without touching the display mechanism by sequentially moving their fingertips above predetermined keys on the keypad displayed on the display mechanism.
[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the first detection mechanism 31 and the second detection mechanism 32 may be reflective optical sensors comprising a light-emitting unit that emits infrared light and a light-receiving unit that receives the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by the user's fingertip. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the fingertip detection mechanism 3 may be a sensor other than an optical sensor. For example, the fingertip detection mechanism 3 may be a capacitive sensor.
[0073] In the above-described configuration, the detection switch 41 is equipped with a movable pin 41a, but the detection switch 41 may also be a membrane switch (sheet switch) that is not equipped with a movable pin 41a. Furthermore, the detection switch 41 may also be a lever-type detection switch. Similarly, the detection switch 42 may be a membrane switch or a lever-type detection switch. Also, in the above-described configuration, the input module 4 does not need to be equipped with a detection switch 42.
[0074] In the above-described configuration, the number of tamper detection patterns formed on the FPC12 may be one or three or more. If the number of tamper detection patterns formed on the FPC12 is one, the tamper detection pattern is provided solely to detect when it itself is disconnected. Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the FPC12 does not have to include a third substrate portion 12d. In this case, the detection switch 41 is mounted on the first-direction side surface (lower surface) of the first substrate portion 12a. Moreover, in the above-described configuration, the detection switch 41 does not have to be mounted on the FPC12. In this case, a separate substrate is provided on which the detection switch 41 is mounted.
[0075] In the above-described configuration, only a portion of the front edge 11a of the circuit board 11 may overlap with the housing 22 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. Also, in the above-described configuration, the entire or a portion of the front edge 11a may overlap with the housing 19 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 11. Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the information input to the input unit 2 may be information other than a PIN. For example, the user's signature may be input to the input unit 2. Moreover, in the above-described configuration, the circuit board 11 may be a flexible printed circuit board. Furthermore, the input device 1 to which the present invention is applied may be used as a device other than an authentication device. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0076] 1 Input device 2 Input section 3. Fingertip detection mechanism 5 Main body 11 Circuit board 12. FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) 12a 1st board part 12b Second substrate section 12c connection board section 12d 3rd board part 14 Flat plate member 15 Removal detection mechanism 20 Control board 21 Control Module 22 enclosures 25 Display mechanism 25a Display surface 26. Aerial imaging mechanism 41 Detection switch 42 Detection switch (second detection switch) P1, P2 tamp detection patterns R Aerial image display area
Claims
1. An input device for inputting information using the user's fingertips, The input section into which information is input includes a fingertip detection mechanism for detecting the position of the user's fingertip, a circuit board on which the fingertip detection mechanism is mounted, a flexible printed circuit board covering at least a portion of the circuit board, a main body to which the circuit board is attached, and a removal detection mechanism for detecting when the circuit board has been removed from the main body. The flexible printed circuit board has a tamper detection pattern formed on it for detecting at least its own disconnection. The removal detection mechanism includes a contact-type detection switch, The main body comprises a control module having a control board to which the circuit board is electrically connected, The control board receives encrypted data transmitted from the circuit board. The control module comprises a housing that houses the control board, The input device is characterized in that the detection switch is positioned between the portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board and the housing.
2. The flexible printed circuit board covers a portion of the circuit board from both sides in the thickness direction of the circuit board. The main body is arranged on one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction of the circuit board. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the entire portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board overlaps with the housing in the thickness direction of the circuit board.
3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection switch is mounted on the flexible printed circuit board.
4. The circuit board comprises a flat plate member disposed between the circuit board and the main body in the thickness direction of the circuit board, The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a part of the flexible printed circuit board is attached to the flat plate member.
5. An input device for inputting information using the user's fingertips, The input section into which information is input includes a fingertip detection mechanism for detecting the position of the user's fingertip, a circuit board on which the fingertip detection mechanism is mounted, a flexible printed circuit board covering at least a portion of the circuit board, a main body to which the circuit board is attached, and a removal detection mechanism for detecting when the circuit board has been removed from the main body. The flexible printed circuit board has a tamper detection pattern formed on it for detecting at least its own disconnection. The removal detection mechanism includes a contact-type detection switch, The detection switch is positioned between the portion of the circuit board covered by the flexible printed circuit board and the main body portion. If one side of the circuit board in the thickness direction is designated as the first direction, and the side opposite the first direction is designated as the second direction, The flexible printed circuit board comprises a first substrate portion that covers a part of the circuit board from the first direction, a second substrate portion that covers a part of the circuit board from the second direction, and a connecting substrate portion that connects the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion. The input device is characterized in that the main body is arranged on the first direction side of the flexible printed circuit board.
6. The input device according to claim 5, further comprising a contact-type second detection switch for detecting when the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion have separated.
7. The flexible printed circuit board includes a third circuit board portion connected to the first circuit board portion, The surface of the first substrate portion facing the first direction and the surface of the third substrate portion facing the second direction are opposite each other. The second detection switch is mounted on the first direction side of the second substrate portion. The input device according to claim 6, characterized in that the detection switch is mounted on the first direction side surface of the third substrate portion.
8. The main body comprises a display mechanism having a display surface for displaying an image, and an aerial imaging mechanism that projects the image displayed on the display surface into space to form an aerial image. The input device according to any one of 1 to 7, characterized in that the aerial image display area, which is the area in which the aerial image is displayed, is the input unit.