Electronic device, authenticity determination system, processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to determine authenticity of a product with high reliability without using the outer covering, packaging, etc., of the product. A scientific calculator 10F comprises a battery power source DB, a solar power source SB, and a near-field wireless communication unit (NFC) 16 for making a communication connection with a communication device (smartphone) 20. The NFC 16 operates using the solar power source SB only when the power source for operating the calculator 10F is switched from the battery power source DB to the solar power source SB. The calculator 10F displays a solar mark SM on a display unit 12 when operating using the solar power source SB. When the solar mark SM is displayed on the calculator 10F, if a unique ID (manufacturer serial number) received from the calculator 10, in response to transmission by the communication device 20 of an authentication data request signal to the calculator 10 according to a calculator confirmation application 22b, matches a unique ID (manufacturer serial number) included in the calculator confirmation application 22b, a genuine product determination screen GH is displayed on the display unit 26, and a notification is issued that the calculator 10F is genuine.

Description

Electronic device, determination system, determination method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a determination system, a determination method, and a program for determining the authenticity of an electronic device.

[0002] Countermeasures against counterfeit products of all kinds have long been important, and a method of verifying authenticity has been widely used in which authentication labels or hologram stickers are affixed to the exterior packaging or packaging of a product to confirm that the product is genuine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-190369

[0004] In authenticity determination methods that involve attaching authentication labels or hologram stickers to the exterior of a product or its packaging box, it can be difficult to determine whether the product itself is genuine, as there is a risk that the stickers may become dirty or peel off, as well as that the stickers themselves may be counterfeit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide an electronic device, an authentication system, an authentication method, and a program that enable highly reliable authentication of the product itself without using the product's exterior packaging or packaging box.

[0006] The electronic device of the present invention comprises a communication unit that communicates with a communication device, a first power source that does not supply power to the communication unit, a second power source that supplies power to the communication unit, and a control unit that performs processing to transmit information indicating that power is being supplied to the communication unit by the second power source to the communication device via the communication unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the authenticity of the product itself with high reliability without using the product's exterior packaging or packaging box.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an authenticity determination system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of an electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F. A block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of a communication device (smartphone) 20. A flowchart showing a comparison between an electronic device (calculator) verification process by the communication device (smartphone) 20 and an authenticity request response process by the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F. A diagram showing a genuine product determination screen GH notifying an authenticity determination result of "OK" (genuine product) in accordance with the electronic device (calculator) verification process by the communication device (smartphone) 20. A diagram showing a non-genuine product determination screen GN notifying an authenticity determination result of "NG" (non-genuine product) in accordance with the electronic device (calculator) verification process by the communication device (smartphone) 20. A block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system for a near-field wireless communication unit (NFC, etc.) 16 of the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F. A flowchart showing power supply processing for the near-field wireless communication unit 16 executed by a control unit 13 of the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an authenticity determination system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] The authenticity determination system 1 includes an electronic device (here, a scientific calculator) 10F to be determined for authenticity, a user's communication device (here, a smartphone) 20 that verifies the authenticity of the scientific calculator 10F, and a management server 30 that is set up on a communication network (here, the Internet) N, for example, by the manufacturer of the scientific calculator 10F.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit of the communication device (smartphone) 20.

[0014] The electronic device is not limited to the scientific calculator 10F, but also includes electronic devices having at least a control unit (CPU) 13, a memory unit 14 that stores a small amount of data, a short-range wireless communication unit 16 such as NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) that can be connected to a smartphone 20, and a battery power source (dry cell) DB and a solar power source (solar battery) SB that supply power to the electronic circuitry (see FIG. 2).

[0015] The driving voltage for the short-range wireless communication unit 16 is supplied by a solar power source (solar battery) SB. The control unit 13 includes at least one processor.

[0016] For example, the operating voltage of the scientific calculator 10F including the control unit 13 is 1.5 V, the operating voltage of the NFC (contactless IC tag) used as the near field communication unit 16 varies depending on the type, and is 1.65 V, 1.8 V, or 2.5 V, the output voltage of the battery power supply DB is 1.5 V, and the output voltage of the solar power supply SB is around 2.0 V under indoor lighting, 2.0 V to 3.0 V on cloudy days, and around 3.0 V on sunny days.

[0017] Furthermore, the communication device is not limited to the smartphone 20, but may be configured as a PDA (personal digital assistant), a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (personal computer), a game console, or the like.

[0018] The scientific calculator 10F is small enough to be held and operated in one hand by a user due to the need for portability, and a key input unit 11 and a display unit 12 are provided on the front of the main body of the scientific calculator 10F.

[0019] The key input section 11 is provided with a group of numeric and operation symbol keys 111 for inputting numeric values ​​and formulas and instructing the execution of calculations, a group of function keys 112 for inputting various functions and activating memory functions, a group of mode setting keys 113 for displaying menu screens of various operation modes and instructing the setting of an operation mode, and cursor keys 114 for moving a cursor displayed on the display section 12 and selecting data items.

[0020] The numeric and arithmetic symbol key group 111 includes the numeric keys [0] to [9], the four arithmetic symbols [+], [-], [x], and [÷], the Ans and = keys (execute), and the AC key (clear).

[0021] The function key group 112 includes an [x-1] (-1 power; reciprocal) key, a [√□] (root) key, a [□ / □] (fraction) key, a [sin] (sign) key, an [M+] (memory plus) key, an [OPTN] (option) key, and a [RCL] (memory recall) key.

[0022] The mode setting key group 113 includes a [MODE] key, a [SHIFT] key, an [ALPHA] key, an [ON] (power on) key, and the like.

[0023] The display unit 12 is made up of a dot matrix type high resolution liquid crystal display unit.

[0024] The smartphone 20 is equipped with a short-range wireless communication unit 25 such as NFC that can communicate with the scientific calculator 10F, a communication unit 24 that can communicate with the management server 30 via the communication network N, and a touch panel display unit 26 that also functions as a touch input unit.

[0025] <Authenticity Request Accommodating Function of Scientific Calculator 10F> The scientific calculator 10F has an authenticity request accommodating function including at least the following functions (10a) to (10c).

[0026] (10a) A function to switch the power supply of the electronic circuit from the battery power supply DB to the solar power supply SB when the output voltage from the solar power supply SB reaches the operating voltage (specified operating voltage) of the electronic circuit and remains in this state for a certain period of time, and to switch the power supply of the electronic circuit from the solar power supply SB to the battery power supply DB when the output voltage from the solar power supply SB drops below the specified operating voltage.

[0027] (10b) When the power source is switched to the solar power source SB, in response to receiving an authenticity data request signal (specific signal) from the smartphone 20, a function of transmitting the data of the unique ID (e.g., manufacturing serial number) stored in the unique ID storage area 14c of the memory unit 14 as authenticity data to the smartphone 20 that sent the authenticity data request signal.

[0028] (10c) A function of displaying a solar mark SM on the display unit 12 when the power source is switched to the solar power source SB, which indicates that the device is operating on the solar power source SB.

[0029] The genuine scientific calculator 10F has a display 12 consisting of a high-resolution liquid crystal display unit, but can operate at a low operating voltage of 1.5 V, so it can switch between battery power DB and solar power SB to operate with low power consumption.

[0030] On the other hand, counterfeit products (non-genuine products) lack the technological capability to enable high-resolution LCD display units to operate at a low operating voltage of 1.5 V, so they operate at a high operating voltage of 3.0 V and run on a 3.0 V battery power supply DB. Therefore, even if they appear to have a solar power supply SB, they do not have the ability to switch power sources.

[0031] <Calculator Check Function of Smartphone 20> The smartphone 20 has a calculator check function including at least the following functions (20a) to (20c).

[0032] (20a) A function of communicating with the scientific calculator 10F using a short-range wireless communication unit 25 such as NFC and transmitting an authenticity data request signal in accordance with an electronic device confirmation application program (calculator confirmation app) 22b downloaded and installed from a program server (management server 30) on the communication network N, for example.

[0033] (20b) A function of receiving, using the short-range wireless communication unit 25, authenticity data (unique ID: manufacturing serial number) sent from the scientific calculator 10F in response to sending an authenticity data request signal to the scientific calculator 10F, and determining the authenticity of the scientific calculator 10F based on whether the received data matches the unique ID (manufacturing serial number) of the scientific calculator 10F included in the calculator verification application 22b.

[0034] (20c) A function of displaying the authenticity determination result of the scientific calculator 10F on the display unit 26.

[0035] In addition, in the scientific calculator 20F, the authenticity data that is sent to the smartphone 20 in response to receiving an authenticity data request signal (specific signal) from the smartphone 20 is not limited to the unique ID (manufacturing serial number) of the scientific calculator 10F, but may be a specific response signal (specific response data) in response to a specific signal that is predetermined in the calculator verification app 22b.

[0036] 2, the electronic circuit of the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F includes a key input unit 11, a display unit 12, a battery power source DB, and a solar power source SB, as well as a control unit (CPU: central processing unit) 13 which is a computer, a storage unit 14, a recording medium reading unit 15, and a short-range wireless communication unit 16. The CPU 13 has at least one processor.

[0037] The CPU 13 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with the calculator control program 14a and the authenticity checking program 14b stored in the memory unit 14, and performs various arithmetic processing in response to key input signals from the key input unit 11 and received signals received from an external communication device (e.g., a smartphone 20) via the short-range wireless communication unit 16.

[0038] The calculator control program 14 a includes programs for executing various calculation processes in response to key input signals from the key input unit 11 .

[0039] The authenticity response program 14b includes a program for executing the authenticity request response function, which includes at least the above-mentioned functions (10a) to (10c).

[0040] The calculator control program 14a and the authenticity verification program 14b may be stored in advance in the storage unit 14, or may be read from an external storage medium M such as a memory card via the storage medium reading unit 15 and stored in the storage unit 14. The calculator control program 14a and the authenticity verification program 14b cannot be rewritten by the user by operating the key input unit 11.

[0041] The storage unit 14 further has various data storage areas, such as a unique ID storage area 14c, a calculation data storage area 14d, and a working data storage area 14e.

[0042] The unique ID storage area 14c stores data of a unique ID (manufacturing serial number) that is unique to each scientific calculator 10F, which is determined, for example, at the time of manufacturing by the manufacturer.

[0043] The calculation data storage area 14d stores data of calculation formulas inputted in response to the operation of the key input unit 11, data of calculation results, and the like.

[0044] The working data storage area 14e temporarily stores various data generated or acquired in response to the control of the operation of each part by the control unit 13, as needed.

[0045] The short-range wireless communication unit 16 has a function of performing short-range wireless communication with an external communication device (for example, a smartphone 20) using near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy, or the like.

[0046] In the scientific calculator 10F configured as an electronic device in this manner, the control unit 13 controls the operation of each circuit part in accordance with the commands written in the calculator control program 14a and the authenticity response program 14b, and the software and hardware operate in cooperation to realize the authenticity request response function described in the operation explanation below.

[0047] <Electronic Circuit of Communication Device (Smartphone) 20> As shown in FIG. 3 , the electronic circuit of the communication device (smartphone) 20 includes a control unit (CPU) 21, which is a computer, a memory unit 22, a recording medium reading unit 23, a communication unit 24, a short-range wireless communication unit 25, an input unit 27 such as a power key, and a touch panel display unit 26.

[0048] The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with a communication device control program 22 a and an electronic device confirmation application program (calculator confirmation app) 22 b stored in the memory unit 22, in response to input signals in response to user operations from the touch panel display unit 26 and the input unit 27, or signals received by the communication unit 24 from communication devices on the communication network N, or signals received from an electronic device (here, the scientific calculator 10F) via the short-range wireless communication unit 25.

[0049] The calculator confirmation application 22b includes a program for executing the electronic device (calculator) confirmation function, which includes at least the above-mentioned functions (20a) to (20c).

[0050] The working data storage area 22c temporarily stores various data generated or acquired in response to the control of the operation of each part by the control unit 21, as needed.

[0051] In the communication device (smartphone) 20 configured in this manner, the control unit 21 controls the operation of each circuit part in accordance with commands written in the communication device control program 22 a and the electronic device confirmation application program (calculator confirmation app) 22 b, and the software and hardware operate in cooperation to realize the electronic device (calculator) confirmation function described in the operation explanation below.

[0052] Next, the operation of the authenticity determination system 1 of the embodiment will be described.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing, in comparison, the electronic device (calculator) verification process by the communication device (smartphone) 20 and the authenticity request response process by the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an authenticity determination screen GH that notifies the user of the authenticity determination result “OK” (genuine product) in accordance with the electronic device (calculator) verification process by the communication device (smartphone) 20.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the non-genuine product determination screen GN that notifies the user of the authenticity determination result “NG” (non-genuine product) in accordance with the electronic device (calculator) verification process by the communication device (smartphone) 20.

[0056] Here, we will assume a situation in which a user uses a communication device (smartphone) 20 on which an electronic device (calculator) confirmation app 22b has been installed to confirm whether the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F is genuine or non-genuine, based on authentication information (electronic device (calculator) identification data) for downloading the electronic device (calculator) confirmation app 22b from the management server 30, which is described in the instruction manual for the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F, for example.

[0057] When the output voltage from the solar power supply SB reaches a specified operating voltage and remains at that voltage for a certain period of time due to the amount of light falling on the solar power supply SB, the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F switches the power source for the electronic circuit from the battery power supply DB to the solar power supply SB, and displays the solar mark SM (see FIG. 1) on the display unit 12, indicating that the electronic device is operating on the solar power supply SB (step F1).

[0058] Among the electronic circuits of the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F, at least the near field communication unit (NFC) 16 does not receive power from the battery power supply DB, but operates by receiving power only from the solar power supply SB.

[0059] First, the user confirms that the solar mark SM is displayed on the display unit 12 of the scientific calculator 10F, and confirms that the scientific calculator 10F is operating on the solar power supply SB.

[0060] When the calculator verification app is launched on the smartphone 20 in response to a user operation (step T1), the control unit 21 establishes a communication connection with the scientific calculator 10F via the near-field wireless communication unit (NFC) 25 and transmits an authenticity data request signal (step T2).

[0061] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the authenticity data sent from the scientific calculator 10F in response to the authenticity data request signal sent in step T2 is received via the near-field wireless communication unit (NFC) 25 within a certain period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) (steps T3 and T4).

[0062] In the scientific calculator 10F, when the authenticity data request signal sent from the smartphone 20 is received via the near-field communication unit (NFC) 16 (step F2 (Yes)), the control unit 13 acquires the unique ID (manufacturing serial number: for example, “12345678”) stored in the unique ID storage area 14b (step F3).

[0063] Next, the control unit 13 transmits the unique ID (manufacturing serial number “12345678”) acquired in step F3 as authenticity data to the smartphone 20 that requested the authenticity data and is currently connected via the near-field wireless communication unit (NFC) 16 (step F4).

[0064] When the smartphone 20 receives the unique ID (manufacturing serial number “12345678”) sent as authenticity data from the scientific calculator 10F via the near field communication unit (NFC) 25 within a certain time period after sending the authenticity data request signal in step T2 (step T3 (Yes)), the control unit 21 determines whether the received unique ID (manufacturing serial number) of the scientific calculator 10F matches the unique ID (manufacturing serial number) included in the calculator verification app 22b (step T5).

[0065] If it is determined that the unique ID (manufacturing serial number) of the received scientific calculator 10F matches the unique ID (manufacturing serial number) included in the calculator verification application 22b (step T5 (Yes)), the control unit 21 generates an authenticity verification screen GH indicating the authenticity verification result "OK" ("Genuine product"), as shown in FIG. 5, and causes the display unit 26 to display the authenticity verification screen GH, thereby notifying the user that the scientific calculator 10F being verified is genuine (step T6).

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that the unique ID (manufacturing serial number) of the scientific calculator 10F received in step T3 does not match the unique ID (manufacturing serial number) included in the calculator verification application 22b (step T5 (No)), the control unit 21 generates an unauthorized product determination screen GN indicating the authenticity determination result "NG" ("Not a genuine product"), as shown in FIG. 6, and causes the display unit 26 to display the unauthorized product determination screen GN, thereby notifying the user that the scientific calculator 10F being verified is an unauthorized product (imitation, fake) (step T7).

[0067] In this case, even if the scientific calculator 10F displays the solar mark SM, the solar power supply SB is not actually functioning, and it can be determined that the short-range wireless communication unit 16 is operating on the battery power supply DB, making it an unauthorized product (imitation or fake).

[0068] Furthermore, if the authenticity data that should have been sent from the scientific calculator 10F is not received within a certain period of time after sending the authenticity data request signal in step T2 (step T3 (No) → T4 (Yes)), the control unit 21 also displays an unauthorized product determination screen GN indicating the authenticity determination result "NG" (not an authentic product) on the display unit 26, as shown in FIG. 6, and notifies the user that the scientific calculator 10F that was the subject of verification is an unauthorized product (imitation, fake) (step T7).

[0069] In this case, even if the scientific calculator 10F displays the solar mark SM, it can be determined that the solar mark SM is fake and the short-range wireless communication unit 16 is not operating, or that even if the short-range wireless communication unit 16 is operating using a battery power DB, it is an unauthorized product (imitation, fake) that does not have the authenticity request response function (authenticity response program 14b).

[0070] In a genuine scientific calculator 10F, the near field communication unit (NFC) 16 operates only when the calculator is operating on solar power source SB, which displays the solar mark SM, and the smartphone 20 performs calculator confirmation processing in accordance with the calculator confirmation app 22b, thereby displaying the genuine product determination screen GH, as described above.

[0071] For this reason, the smartphone 20 performs the calculator confirmation process in accordance with the calculator confirmation app 22b, and after confirming that the scientific calculator 10F being confirmed is a genuine product by displaying the genuine product determination screen GH, the user deliberately blocks light from reaching the solar power supply SB of the scientific calculator 10F with his / her hand, thereby preventing the solar power supply SB from functioning (the solar mark SM is not displayed), and then performs the calculator confirmation process for the scientific calculator 10F again using the smartphone 20.

[0072] Here, the short-range wireless communication unit 16 of the scientific calculator 10F does not operate due to the interruption of the solar power supply SB, the solar mark SM is not displayed, and no authenticity data is received from the scientific calculator 10F in response to the authenticity data request signal from the smartphone 20 (step T3 (No) → T4 (Yes) → T7). Therefore, by confirming that the non-genuine product determination screen GN (which in this case means no communication connection) is displayed on the display unit 26, the user can not only confirm that the scientific calculator 10F being checked is genuine, but also obtain confirmation of this fact through the genuine product determination screen GH displayed in accordance with the previous calculator confirmation process.

[0073] Summary of the embodiment According to the authenticity determination system 1 of the embodiment, the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F includes a battery power source DB, a solar power source SB, and a near-field communication unit (NFC) 16 for connecting and communicating with an external communication device (smartphone) 20, and the near-field communication unit 16 operates using the solar power source SB only when the power source operating the electronic circuitry of the scientific calculator 10F has been switched from the battery power source DB to the solar power source SB. When operating using the solar power source SB, the electronic device (scientific calculator) 10F displays a solar mark SM on the display unit 12.

[0074] When the solar mark SM is displayed on the scientific calculator 10F to be verified, the user's smartphone 20 sends an authenticity data request signal to the scientific calculator 10 via the near field wireless communication unit (NFC) 25 in accordance with the electronic device (calculator) verification app 22b. In response to this, if the unique ID (such as a manufacturing serial number) serving as authenticity data received from the scientific calculator 10 matches the unique ID (such as a manufacturing serial number) included in the calculator verification app 22b, an authenticity determination screen GH is displayed on the touch panel display unit 26, and the user is notified that the scientific calculator 10F is an authentic product.

[0075] Next, the user blocks the light incident on solar power supply SB of scientific calculator 10F, confirms that the solar mark SM has disappeared, and then performs the calculator confirmation process again in accordance with calculator confirmation app 22b on smartphone 20. In this case, a communication connection with short-range wireless communication unit 16 of scientific calculator 10F cannot be established, and the unique ID as authenticity data is not received from scientific calculator 10F. As a result, the user confirms the non-genuine product determination screen GN (which means no communication connection here) displayed on touch panel display unit 26, and is assured that scientific calculator 10F is a genuine product.

[0076] On the other hand, when the solar mark SM is displayed on the scientific calculator 10F, if the unique ID serving as authenticity data received from the scientific calculator 10F to the smartphone 20 does not match the unique ID included in the calculator confirmation app 22b, or even if the authenticity data is not received, the non-genuine product determination screen GN is displayed on the smartphone 20, making it possible to confirm that the scientific calculator 10F is an unauthorized product (imitation, fake).

[0077] Furthermore, if the genuine product determination screen GH is displayed on the smartphone 20 even though the solar mark SM is not displayed on the scientific calculator 10F, it means that the scientific calculator 10F is operating on the battery power DB, and it can be confirmed that the scientific calculator 10F is an unauthorized product (imitation or fake).

[0078] Therefore, according to the authenticity determination system 1 of the embodiment, the user can check the display status of the solar mark SM on the scientific calculator 10F while following the calculator confirmation process on the smartphone 20 and checking the display of the genuine product determination screen GH or the non-genuine product determination screen GN, thereby making it possible to perform a highly reliable authenticity determination of the product itself without using the product's exterior packaging, packaging box, etc.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when the scientific calculator 10F displays the solar mark SM through the calculator verification process by the smartphone 20, the authenticity data received from the scientific calculator 10F via the short-range wireless communication unit 25 is a unique ID (such as a manufacturing serial number), and if this matches the unique ID (such as a manufacturing serial number) included in the calculator verification app 22b, the scientific calculator 10F is determined to be an authentic product.

[0080] Without being limited to this, in a genuine scientific calculator 10F, the near field wireless communication unit (NFC) 16 operates only when the scientific calculator 10F is operating using the solar power source SB on which the solar mark SM is displayed. Therefore, in the authentication request response process of the scientific calculator 10F, in a state in which the solar mark SM is displayed, in response to receiving an authenticity data request signal (specific signal) from the smartphone 20, the calculator confirmation app 22b transmits a predetermined specific response signal (specific response data) to the smartphone 20 (steps F2 to F4), and the calculator confirmation process of the smartphone 20 determines whether the received specific response data matches the specific response data included in the calculator confirmation app 22b (or displays the specific response data for the user to confirm), thereby determining that the scientific calculator 10F is genuine without confirming that the unique ID (such as a manufacturing serial number) of the scientific calculator 10F matches.

[0081] In this case, in order to download the calculator confirmation app 22b to the smartphone 20, authentication information (calculator identification data) for the scientific calculator 10F, which is described in the instruction manual for the scientific calculator 10F, or the like, is not required. Therefore, the authenticity of the scientific calculator 10F to be confirmed can be determined by installing the calculator confirmation app 22b, for example, before or after the scientific calculator 10F is purchased by the user.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the scientific calculator 10F has been described as having a function (10a) of switching the power supply for the electronic circuit from the battery power supply DB to the solar power supply SB when the state in which the output voltage from the solar power supply SB has reached the operating voltage (specified operating voltage) of the electronic circuit is maintained for a certain period of time, and of switching the power supply for the electronic circuit from the solar power supply SB to the battery power supply DB when the output voltage from the solar power supply SB drops below the specified operating voltage. However, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 below, a configuration in which the short-range wireless communication unit 16 operates stably using the solar power supply SB only when it is switched to the solar power supply SB will be described in more detail.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system for the near field communication unit (NFC, etc.) 16 of the scientific calculator 10F.

[0084] The control unit (CPU) 13 has a function of detecting the output voltage Vd of the battery power supply DB and the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB.

[0085] The output voltage Vsb from the solar power supply SB is supplied to the short-range wireless communication unit 16 via a power supply switch SW that is turned ON / OFF by the control unit 13, thereby operating or stopping the short-range wireless communication unit 16. If the output voltage Vsb from the solar power supply SB to the short-range wireless communication unit 16 is temporarily insufficient, the insufficient voltage may be supplemented by the output voltage Vd of the battery power supply DB.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a power supply process for the near field communication unit 16 executed by the control unit 13 of the scientific calculator 10F.

[0087] The control unit (CPU) 13 determines whether the output voltage Vsb output when light hits the solar power supply SB has been detected (step S1), and if the output voltage Vsb has been detected (step S1 (Yes)), determines whether the output voltage Vsb has reached or exceeded the specified operating voltage Vs (step S2).

[0088] If the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB is not detected (step S1 (No)) or if the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB has not reached the specified operating voltage Vs or higher (step S2 (No)), and the output voltage Vsb is not currently being supplied to the short-range wireless communication unit 16 (power supply switch SW-OFF) (step S6 (No)), the control unit 13 repeats (returns to) the processing from step S1.

[0089] When the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB is detected (step S1 (Yes)) and it is determined that the output voltage Vsb has reached or exceeded the specified operating voltage Vs (step S2 (Yes)), the control unit 13 determines whether the state in which the output voltage Vsb has reached or exceeded the specified operating voltage Vs has been maintained for a certain period of time (T: for example, 3 seconds) or more (step S3).

[0090] When it is determined that the state in which the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB has reached or exceeded the specified operating voltage Vs has been maintained for a certain period of time (T: for example, 3 seconds) or more, i.e., a stable power supply from the solar power supply SB has been obtained (step S3 (Yes)), the control unit 13 turns on the power supply switch SW to supply the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB to the short-range wireless communication unit 16, thereby enabling communication operation by the short-range wireless communication unit 16 (step S4).

[0091] The control unit 13 causes the display unit 12 to display the solar mark SM (see FIG. 1) (step S5).

[0092] When the power supply switch SW is turned ON and the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB is being supplied to the short-range wireless communication unit 16, and it is determined that light is no longer falling on the solar power supply SB and the output voltage Vsb can no longer be detected (step S1 (No) → S6 (Yes)), or that less light is falling on the solar power supply SB and the output voltage Vsb has dropped below the specified operating voltage Vs (step S2 (No) → S6 (Yes)), the control unit 13 turns OFF the power supply switch SW and stops the supply of the output voltage Vsb from the solar power supply SB to the short-range wireless communication unit 16 (step S7).

[0093] The control unit 13 makes the solar mark SM (see FIG. 1) displayed on the display unit 12 invisible (step S8).

[0094] In addition, when the power supply switch SW is turned ON and the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB is being supplied to the short-range wireless communication unit 16, if the output voltage Vsb of the solar power supply SB temporarily drops below the specified operating voltage Vs (for example, for less than 2 seconds), the output voltage Vd of the battery power supply DB may be temporarily supplied as an auxiliary voltage until the output voltage Vsb returns to the specified operating voltage Vs, thereby stabilizing the operation of the short-range wireless communication unit 16 that is currently communicating, for example.

[0095] In this way, the scientific calculator 10F executes the power supply process for the short-range wireless communication unit 16, thereby enabling stable operation of the short-range wireless communication unit 16 using power supplied from the solar power source SB.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the power supply process for the short-range wireless communication unit 16 is performed using power supplied from the solar power source SB. However, the power supply process for the short-range wireless communication unit 16 may be performed using the power source with the higher output voltage between the output voltage Vsb of the solar power source SB and the output voltage Vd of the battery power source DB.

[0097] The processing methods performed by the authenticity determination system 1 described in each of the above embodiments, i.e., the electronic device (calculator) verification process in the communication device (smartphone) 20 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the authenticity request response process in the electronic device (calculator) 10F, can all be stored and distributed as programs executable by a computer on an external storage device such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory. The control unit (CPU) of the electronic device then loads the program stored on the external storage device into the storage device, and the operation is controlled by the loaded program, thereby realizing the electronic device (calculator) verification function and authenticity request response function described in each of the above embodiments and enabling similar processing using the above-mentioned methods.

[0098] In addition, the program data for realizing each method can be transmitted over a communication network (N) in the form of program code, and the program data can be imported into an electronic device from a computer device (program server) connected to this communication network (N) and stored in a memory device, thereby realizing the above-mentioned electronic device (calculator) verification function and authenticity request response function.

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0100] The present invention is particularly useful for determining the authenticity of a product body with high reliability without using the product's exterior packaging or packaging box.

[0101] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ...Authenticity determination system 10F...Electronic device (scientific calculator) SB...Solar power supply (solar cell) SM...Solar mark DB...Battery power supply 11...Key input unit 12...Display unit 13...Control unit (CPU) 14...Memory unit 14a...Calculator control program 14b...Authenticity response program 14c...Unique ID memory area 14d...Calculation data memory area 16...Near field wireless communication unit 20...Communication device (smartphone / tablet terminal, etc.) 21...Control unit (CPU) 22...Memory unit 22a...Communication device control program 22b...Electronic device (calculator) confirmation application program 24...Communication unit 25...Near field wireless communication unit 26...Touch panel display unit 30...Management server N...Communication network (Web) GH...Genuine product determination screen GN...Non-genuine product determination screen (meaning that there is no communication connection when the solar power supply SB is blocked) SW...Power supply switch for near field wireless communication unit

Claims

1. An electronic circuit including a communication unit that communicates with a communication device; A first power source; A second power source; supplying power from the first power source to an electronic circuit other than at least the communication unit, and when power supply from the second power source is possible, supplying power from the second power source to the communication unit; a control unit that performs a process of transmitting specific data to the communication device via the communication unit when power is supplied to the communication unit by the second power source; Electronic equipment equipped with

2. The control unit is In response to a data request signal received from the communication device via the communication unit, a process of transmitting the specific data to the communication device is performed.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. the communication device has a function of determining whether the specific data received from the electronic device matches specific data stored in a storage unit; The specific data is identification information of the electronic device.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. A display unit is provided, The control unit is performing a process of displaying on the display unit a mark indicating that power is being supplied to the communication unit by the second power source; The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first power source is a battery power source; the second power source being a solar power source; 5. The electronic device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit is When an output voltage of the second power source is equal to or higher than a preset voltage, a process of supplying power to the communication unit from the second power source is performed.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1.

7. The control unit is When a state in which an output voltage of the second power source is equal to or higher than a preset voltage is maintained for a certain period of time or longer, a process of supplying power to the communication unit from the second power source is performed.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1.

8. The control unit is performing a process of supplying power to the communication unit from one of the first power supply and the second power supply, whichever has a higher output voltage; 6. The electronic device according to claim 1.

9. An authenticity determination system for an electronic device including an electronic device and a communication device, The electronic device includes: An electronic circuit including a communication unit that communicates with a communication device; A first power source; A second power source; supplying power from the first power source to an electronic circuit other than at least the communication unit, and, when power supply from the second power source is possible, supplying power from the second power source to the communication unit; a first control unit that performs a process of transmitting specific data to the communication device via the communication unit when power is supplied to the communication unit by the second power source; Equipped with The communication device includes: A storage unit that stores specific data; and a second control unit that performs a process of determining authenticity of the electronic device based on whether or not the specific data received from the electronic device matches the specific data stored in the storage unit. A system for determining the authenticity of electronic devices.

10. A processing method for an electronic device including an electronic circuit including a communication unit that communicates with a communication device, a first power source, and a second power source, comprising: supplying power from the first power source to an electronic circuit other than at least the communication unit, and, when power supply from the second power source is possible, supplying power from the second power source to the communication unit; transmitting specific data to the communication device via the communication unit when power is supplied to the communication unit by the second power source; A method for treating electronic devices comprising:

11. A computer of an electronic device including an electronic circuit including a communication unit that communicates with a communication device, a first power source, and a second power source, a means for supplying power from the first power source to at least an electronic circuit excluding the communication unit, and supplying power from the second power source to the communication unit when power supply from the second power source is possible; a means for transmitting specific data to the communication device via the communication unit when power is supplied to the communication unit by the second power source; A program that functions as a