Biometric smart card

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery-type smart card including a biometric sensor. The battery-type smart card may comprise: an energy harvest unit which generates DC power from an RF signal received through an antenna unit; a wake-up detection unit which generates and outputs an enable signal according to an OR combination of the DC power and a power hold signal; a regulator which is activated according to an input of the enable signal and converts and outputs charging power supplied from an internal battery into card driving power; and a micro control unit which maintains a system ON state for a predetermined time by outputting a power hold signal for maintaining an active state of the regulator to the wake-up detection unit according to the supply of the card driving power outputted due to the DC power.

Description

Biometric smart card

[0001] The present invention relates to biometric smart card technology. Specifically, the technology relates to battery-type smart cards, smart cards that also function as access cards, and smart cards that include a biometric information registration function.

[0002] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards are based on technology that transmits and receives data using radio frequencies. These cards are convenient because they allow information to be exchanged without physical contact, and are widely used in various applications such as transportation cards, access control, and simple payment systems. Conventional RFID cards can be divided into passive and active types based on their power supply method, each with its own unique characteristics.

[0003] First, passive RFID cards lack a built-in power source and operate by receiving power from externally transmitted RF signals. The card contains an antenna and an IC chip, which receives power by collecting RF signals transmitted from the reader. This activated chip then transmits stored data to the reader.

[0004] Passive RFID cards offer the advantages of low maintenance costs due to their lack of power supply, and their ability to be designed in a compact and thin form factor. Furthermore, they boast high durability, providing a long lifespan. However, because they utilize RF signal energy, their operating range is limited and they are highly dependent on the reader's transmission power. This makes them suitable for relatively close-range applications rather than large-scale deployment.

[0005] Additionally, active RFID cards are self-powered, with a built-in battery. The chip and antenna are powered by the battery, allowing them to communicate with readers from a distance. This means their operating range is generally much longer than passive RFID cards and their ability to transmit a stronger signal makes them suitable for use in large spaces.

[0006] Active RFID cards offer the advantage of being effective in systems requiring long-distance data collection, such as logistics management and inventory tracking. However, they require battery replacement and maintenance, and the cards become inoperable when the battery runs out. Furthermore, the battery can make the card thicker, and manufacturing and maintenance costs are higher than those of passive RFID cards.

[0007] Meanwhile, smart cards, an advanced form of RFID technology, differ from RFID cards in that they simply transmit and receive data. Unlike RFID cards, which simply transmit and receive data, smart cards incorporate an internal MCU (Micro Controller Unit) and memory, providing advanced data processing and security. Smart cards utilize an integrated circuit (IC) chip to perform various advanced functions, including encrypted data transmission, biometric authentication, and UID-based authentication. These smart cards can be used in a wide range of applications, including financial transactions, access control, medical information management, and public services.

[0008] Conventional smart cards that provide multiple functions cannot receive sufficient power from the reader device, so they are equipped with a battery to ensure stable operation of the system. These smart cards are also called battery-type smart cards.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates the block configuration of a typical battery type smart card, which includes an RF energy harvesting unit (2) and a battery (5) for power supply, as illustrated.

[0010] In a typical battery-type smart card, the RF waveform input through the RF antenna (1) is converted into DC power through the RF energy harvesting unit (2) and supplied to the charging / power input unit (4), and the LDO (6) converts the power supplied from the battery (5) into a constant voltage that is supplied to the MCU (8) and other internal ICs.

[0011] In this type of battery-type smart card, when the card is not in use, it maintains a low-power mode (sleep mode) to minimize power consumption, and when the user presses the button switch (9) (or fingerprint sensor or touch sensor) to use the card, the MCU (8) operates the system normally by the wake-up signal generated.

[0012] In this way, in smart cards that wake up the system with a button switch (9), fingerprint sensor, or touch sensor, there is a problem that the internal elements must basically be maintained in a low-power mode rather than a power-off state, so a current of several hundred uA or as little as several uA is consumed. In addition, there is the inconvenience of the card user having to operate the button switch (9), fingerprint sensor, etc. In particular, a dome switch is widely used as a button switch (9), but many defects are caused before and after the laminating process during the manufacturing of smart cards that employ such a dome switch, so the introduction of a new type of wake-up detection means is necessary.

[0013] Furthermore, conventional smart cards equipped with biometric sensors are not suitable for use as access cards due to their high power consumption and the difference in RF power communication speed with the reader device compared to standard RFID cards used as access cards. This is because typical access control readers employ a polling method that does not continuously output RF power.

[0014] More specifically, a smart card for fingerprint recognition requires a fingerprint authentication time of approximately 400ms or more. A typical RFID (Mifare) smart card receives an RF polling signal from a reader device and transmits an ID value within approximately 100ms. If the ID value is not received after 100ms, the reader device resets the communication process and returns to the initial RF polling signal stage. However, a smart card for fingerprint recognition requires a fingerprint authentication time of approximately 400ms or more. Therefore, it must receive RF power from the reader device without interruption until fingerprint authentication is complete and the ID is transmitted.

[0015] In other words, to use a biometric smart card as an access card, the existing firmware of the access control reader device must be modified to enable continuous RF power output. However, this is often difficult to implement in practice due to security concerns or the difficulty of firmware modifications. Therefore, a device or method that allows biometric smart cards to be used as access cards without requiring firmware modifications is required.

[0016] Additionally, biometric smart cards are cards with a built-in IC that can read and authenticate a user's biometric information (such as fingerprints, facial expressions, or irises). For example, a payment can be processed by inserting or touching the card into a terminal while placing a finger on the fingerprint sensor, offering exceptional security and user convenience.

[0017] Conventional smart cards equipped with biometric sensors, such as fingerprint recognition, consume more power than standard RFID cards, resulting in a short RF recognition range when paired with a reader or mobile phone. In particular, for mobile phones, depending on the manufacturer or model, the card may require precise alignment and contact with the phone's RFID antenna for recognition.

[0018] For standard RFID cards, users can easily register and use them via the web or phone after receiving the card without a separate issuance process. However, biometric smart cards require users to register their biometric information. This requires either visiting the card issuer's branch in person or using separate equipment (smart card activation device), as disclosed in Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0087616 (Biometric Smart Card System). From the user's perspective, both of these methods entail inconvenience.

[0019] Therefore, it is believed that user convenience can be improved if biometric information can be registered on a smart card using an app that is already widely used for financial transactions. However, due to the short RF recognition distance of mobile phones, it is believed that the method of accurately placing the smart card on the RFID antenna area on the back of the mobile phone while looking at the screen of the mobile phone app will also entail inconvenience in use. Therefore, a method to eliminate this inconvenience is necessary.

[0020] In particular, the card must be delivered to the true card owner and the card owner's biometric information must be registered on the card. However, measures to prevent someone other than the card owner from registering biometric information and using the card must also be devised.

[0021] [Patent Document]

[0022] (Patent Document 1) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2220572

[0023] (Patent Document 2) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0138917

[0024] (Patent Document 3) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0119626

[0025] (Patent Document 4) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0087616

[0026] Accordingly, the first embodiment of the present invention was created to address some of the aforementioned problems. The primary purpose of the first embodiment is to provide a battery-type biometric smart card that automatically wakes up without any separate user intervention, such as a button switch.

[0027] Furthermore, another object of the first embodiment is to provide a battery-type biometric smart card that automatically wakes up when brought into proximity to a card reader while minimizing power consumption in low power mode.

[0028] In addition, another purpose of the first embodiment is to provide a battery-type biometric smart card that can minimize waste of standby power by activating the card for a certain period of time only when a user's card usage behavior is detected and then automatically switching to a power-off mode.

[0029] In addition, the second embodiment of the present invention is an invention created in response to the above-described necessity, and the main purpose of the second embodiment is to provide a biometric smart card that can be used as an access card without changing the firmware of an access control reader device.

[0030] Furthermore, another purpose of the second embodiment is to provide a method of using an ID card of a biometric smart card that can be used as an access card.

[0031] In addition, the third embodiment of the present invention is an invention created in response to the above-described necessity, and the main purpose of the third embodiment is to provide a biometric information registration device and method that can more conveniently register and use biometric information in a smart card for biometric information recognition using a mobile app without separate equipment.

[0032] In addition, another purpose of the third embodiment is to provide a biometric information registration device and method that can conveniently register or authenticate biometric information while looking at the back of a mobile terminal where an RFID antenna is located.

[0033] Furthermore, another object of the third embodiment is to provide a biometric information registration device and method that can register and use biometric information only by a true card owner, and a biometric information registration device and method that can prevent a device such as a mobile terminal from automatically switching to sleep mode (or power saving mode) during registration or authentication of biometric information.

[0034] In addition, another object of the third embodiment is to provide a method for registering biometric information in a smart card for biometric information recognition.

[0035] A battery-type smart card including a biometric sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an energy harvesting unit that generates direct current power from an RF signal received through an antenna unit, a wake-up detection unit that generates and outputs an enable signal according to a logical combination of the direct current power and a power hold signal, a regulator that is activated according to an input of the enable signal and converts and outputs charging power supplied from an internal battery into card driving power, and a micro control unit that outputs a power hold signal to the wake-up detection unit to maintain an activated state of the regulator according to the supply of the card driving power output due to the direct current power, thereby maintaining a system on state for a predetermined period of time.

[0036] In a battery-type smart card including a biometric sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention, the wake-up detection unit may include a logical logic element that performs a logical logic operation on the DC power input generated by receiving the RF signal and the power hold signal to generate and output the enable signal.

[0037] In a battery-type smart card including a biometric sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention, the microcontrol unit can automatically switch the operation mode of the card to a power-off mode by blocking the output of the power hold signal after a certain period of time has elapsed after the driving power is supplied.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a biometric smart card that can be used as an access card by being inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery includes: a connector connecting to a connector connected to the external battery; a wake-up detection unit converting an RF signal transmitted from a reader device into an initial DC power and outputting the converted initial DC power as an enable signal; a regulator generating and supplying card driving power according to an input of the enable signal; and a micro control unit that is activated by the card driving power and supplies a power hold signal to the wake-up detection unit so that the regulator generates and supplies the card driving power from the power supplied from the external battery, wherein the micro control unit can transmit a UID to the reader device upon completion of authentication of biometric information input through a biometric sensor.

[0039] In a biometric smart card that can be used as an access card and inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, the wake-up detection unit may include an RF signal DC conversion circuit that converts the RF signal into an initial DC power, and an OR element that supplies an enable signal to the regulator by inputting the converted initial DC power and the power hold signal, respectively.

[0040] In a biometric smart card that can be used as an access card and inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, the micro control unit can block the power hold signal when a set time has elapsed after the UID is transmitted.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, a biometric smart card that can be used as an access card and inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery may include a card holder having a battery mounting groove capable of attaching or detaching a battery, an external battery mounted in the battery mounting groove, and connectors electrically connected to connector connections of an inserted smart card, as accessories.

[0042] A method for using an ID card of a biometric smart card that can be inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of waking up a microcontrol unit by card driving power output from a regulator that is enabled by initial direct current power generated by an RF signal transmitted from a reader device, a step of supplying a power hold signal to the regulator so that the regulator generates and supplies the card driving power from the power supplied from the external battery, and a step of transmitting a UID to the reader device when authentication of biometric information input through a biometric sensor is completed by the microcontrol unit.

[0043] In a method for using an ID card of a biometric smart card that can be inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, the microcontrol unit may further include a step of blocking the power hold signal when a set time arrives after transmitting the UID.

[0044] A biometric information registration device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a biometric information registration app that can activate a biometric smart card and is downloaded and stored in a storage medium of a mobile terminal, and a microcontrol unit that executes the biometric information registration app, wherein the biometric information registration app can include a first set of control code data for providing voice guidance for a biometric information registration procedure in a biometric smart card.

[0045] In a biometric information registration device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the biometric information registration app may further include a second set of control code data that outputs a wake-up signal for maintaining the mobile terminal in a forced activation state during the biometric information registration procedure.

[0046] In a biometric information registration device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the biometric information registration app may further include a third set of control code data for blocking output of the wake-up signal after registration of the biometric information in the biometric smart card is completed.

[0047] In a biometric information registration device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first set may include control code data that induces completion of registration of the biometric information by outputting different guidance sounds before and after acquiring identification information of the biometric smart card after providing voice guidance on the contact position of the biometric smart card with respect to the mobile terminal.

[0048] In a biometric information registration device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the wake-up signal can activate the rear camera of the mobile terminal.

[0049] A method for registering biometric information in the form of a mobile app that is stored and executed in a storage medium of a mobile terminal capable of activating a biometric smart card according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of authenticating a card owner by accessing a server of an issuer of the biometric smart card and providing card owner authentication information, and a step of inducing completion of registration of the biometric information in the biometric smart card by outputting different guidance sounds before and after obtaining identification information of the biometric smart card after providing voice guidance on a contact position of the biometric smart card with respect to the mobile terminal when a request for registration of biometric information is made by the card owner.

[0050] In a method for registering biometric information in the form of a mobile app that is stored and executed in a storage medium of a mobile terminal capable of activating a biometric smart card according to one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step of outputting a wake-up signal for maintaining the mobile terminal in a forced activation state from the time of the biometric information registration request until the completion of registration of the biometric information in the biometric smart card.

[0051] A method for registering biometric information of a biometric smart card according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of activating by power induced by an RFID antenna provided in a mobile terminal, a step of transmitting identification information stored inside the biometric smart card to the mobile terminal, a step of storing and registering biometric information of a card owner recognized through a biometric sensor in a storage unit, and a step of transmitting the fact of completion of registration of the biometric information to the mobile terminal.

[0052] A battery-type biometric smart card according to a first embodiment of the present invention does not wake up the card system through a button switch, but rather supplies initial card operation power by activating a regulator using an RF signal received by bringing the card close to a card reader, and maintains the system on for a certain period of time by a control unit (MCU) that is woken up by the supply of the initial card operation power.

[0053] Accordingly, the smart card according to the first embodiment of the present invention can eliminate the inconvenience of having to operate a separate means, such as a button switch, in advance. In addition, it has the advantage of fundamentally eliminating defects that may occur during the manufacturing process and during use of the card by including a separate means, such as a button switch. Furthermore, when the card is not in use, the internal ICs, including the control unit (MCU), maintain a completely powered-off mode rather than a sleep mode, thereby minimizing standby power waste compared to a card system that employs a button switch.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, stable power can be supplied from an external battery installed in the card holder until biometric authentication and UID transmission are completed after receiving an RF polling signal from the access control reader device. Therefore, it provides the advantage of being able to use a biometric smart card as an access card without changing the firmware of an existing access control reader device.

[0055] In addition, the biometric information registration device and method according to the third embodiment of the present invention provides convenience in that the card owner can conveniently register biometric information on the smart card anytime and anywhere through a biometric information registration app distributed by the card issuer.

[0056] Furthermore, since the third embodiment of the present invention sequentially provides voice guidance in accordance with the biometric information registration procedure, the cardholder can quickly register biometric information by simply looking at the back of the mobile terminal without looking at the screen and positioning the smart card in the optimal location where the RFID antenna is located.

[0057] In addition, the third embodiment of the present invention prevents the mobile terminal from automatically switching to sleep mode while the card owner is registering biometric information by looking at the back of the mobile terminal, and provides convenience in that the normal receipt authentication, biometric information registration, and card use registration procedures of the true card owner can be performed at once through the biometric information registration app.

[0058] Figure 1 is an example block configuration diagram of a typical battery type smart card.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a biometric smart card of a battery type according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 3 is an example diagram of the configuration of the wake-up detection unit (160) of Figure 2.

[0061] Figure 4 is an example of the peripheral configuration of a biometric smart card that also functions as an access card according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 5 is a detailed configuration example of the biometric smart card and its peripheral components used as an access card as shown in Figure 4.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a detailed configuration example of the wake-up detection unit (160) of Fig. 5.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a method of using a biometric smart card according to a second embodiment of the present invention as an ID card.

[0065] Figure 8 is an example diagram of the linkage state of a biometric smart card and a mobile terminal according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 9 is an exemplary flow diagram of a biometric information registration procedure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figures 10 to 12 are exemplary views showing the arrangement of a biometric smart card placed on the back of a mobile terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The detailed description of the present invention, which follows, refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be implemented, to clearly illustrate the purposes, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention.

[0069] Furthermore, throughout the detailed description and claims of the present invention, the word "comprise" and variations thereof are not intended to exclude other technical features, additives, components, or steps. Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, in part, from this description, and in part, from practice of the invention. The examples and drawings below are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention. Moreover, the present invention encompasses all possible combinations of the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention, while different from one another, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. It should also be understood that the positions or arrangements of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention, if properly described, is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0070] Additionally, unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context, items referred to in the singular encompass the plural unless the context otherwise requires. Furthermore, when describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0071] Example 1

[0072] First, FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a battery-type biometric smart card (10a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a wake-up detection unit (160) in FIG. 2.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery-type biometric smart card (10a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may have a physical form in the form of a plate, such as a plastic material or a metal material. In addition, the biometric smart card (10a) is an electronic card equipped with an IC chip to store information on multiple payment methods, and includes an antenna unit (100) for performing RF communication with a card reader.

[0074] The energy harvesting unit (110) generates DC power from an RF signal received through the antenna unit (100), and the DC power generated by the received RF signal is input to the charging / power input unit (130) and the wake-up detection unit (160).

[0075] The charging / power input unit (130) converts DC power supplied through the energy harvesting unit (110) or contact power input unit (120) into battery charging power and supplies it to the internal battery and regulator (150).

[0076] The regulator (150) is activated according to an enable signal input from a wake-up detection unit (160) to be described later, and converts power (including charging power) supplied from an internal battery (140) or a charging / power input unit (130) into card operating power and supplies it to each part of the card system (e.g., biometric recognition sensor / display unit, MCU, etc.).

[0077] Meanwhile, the regulator (150) may be a linear regulator (Low Drop Out: LDO). A linear regulator (LDO) is a voltage regulator that can operate even if the input voltage is slightly higher than the output voltage. Specifically, linear regulators typically have a low dropout voltage of several hundred millivolts (mV) and provide a stable output voltage even when the input voltage decreases. In addition, LDOs have a simple circuit design and do not require external components (e.g., inductors), allowing for a compact design. They also have very low output noise and ripple, making them suitable for sensitive circuits. These characteristics of linear regulators are particularly useful in small battery-based electronic devices or systems requiring precise data processing.

[0078] The following effects can be expected when applying an LDO to the present invention. First, due to its low dropout voltage characteristics, the biometric smart card (10a) can operate stably even when the battery voltage is low. This contributes to extending the life of the internal battery (140) and ensuring a secure user experience even when the battery level is low. Furthermore, the biometric smart card (10a) can supply stable power even when the input voltage decreases when approaching a reader device or transitioning to a wake-up state. Furthermore, the low power loss reduces heat generation issues and minimizes standby power, maximizing energy efficiency. Furthermore, the low output noise and ripple reduces signal interference during biometric authentication, improving authentication accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, the LDO has a simple circuit design, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the biometric smart card (10a) and contributes to maintaining a compact size of the smart card.

[0079] The MCU (Micro Control Unit, 170), which controls the overall operation of the smart card, outputs a power hold signal to the wake-up detection unit (160) to maintain the activation state of the regulator (150) according to the card operation power supply from the regulator (150).

[0080] When the operating power is supplied from the regulator (150), the MCU (170) automatically switches the card's operating mode to power-off mode by blocking the output of the power hold signal after a certain period of time. Since the power-off mode switches the regulator (150) to an inactive state, the effect of minimizing system power consumption can be obtained.

[0081] For reference, the MCU (170) performs user authentication by comparing a fingerprint recognized through a biometric sensor (180), such as a fingerprint recognition sensor, with stored fingerprint information, and transmits information about the stored payment method to a card reader.

[0082] Meanwhile, the wake-up detection unit (160) generates an enable signal according to the input combination of the DC power supplied from the energy harvesting unit (110) and the power hold signal supplied from the MCU (170), and outputs the signal to the regulator (150), so that the MCU (170) can be kept on for a certain period of time after the smart card is initially activated by detecting the RF signal and is woken up by the regulator (150). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the wake-up detection unit (160) can be implemented as a logical logic element that generates and outputs the enable signal by performing a logical logic operation on the DC power input generated by receiving the RF signal and the power hold signal.

[0083] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a process in which a smart card according to the first embodiment of the present invention is temporarily maintained in an on state by a woke-up MCU (170) after being initially activated by an RF signal will be described in more detail.

[0084] First, when a card user brings a battery-type biometric smart card (10a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention close to a card reader, the antenna unit (100) receives an RF signal transmitted from the card reader in a polling manner for a short period of time (several ms to several hundred ms).

[0085] The RF signal received through the antenna unit (100) is converted into DC power through the energy harvesting unit (110) and transmitted to the charging / power input unit (130) and the wake-up detection unit (160).

[0086] In this way, the DC voltage generated due to the reception of the RF signal is transmitted to the wake-up detection unit (160) implemented as a logical logic element, so that the wake-up detection unit (160) generates an enable signal that is activated in a section where a DC voltage higher than a threshold voltage is applied, and outputs the signal to the regulator (150), and the regulator (150) is enabled during the activation section of the enable signal to supply card operating power to each part of the system.

[0087] The MCU (170) wakes up by the card operating power supplied by the enabled regulator (150), and then the MCU (170) outputs a power hold signal to the wakeup detection unit (160) to maintain the wakeup state. The wakeup detection unit (160) outputs an enable signal in an activated state by the power hold signal as described above. Accordingly, the wakeup detection unit (160) enables the regulator (150) to maintain the enabled state regardless of the RF signal, so that the regulator (150) of the smart card according to the first embodiment of the present invention is maintained in an on state by the MCU (170) that is woken up after being initially activated by the harvest. For reference, the woken-up MCU (170) automatically switches the operation mode of the card to a power off mode by blocking the output of the power hold signal after a certain period of time has elapsed after the initial operating power is supplied.

[0088] As described above, the battery-type biometric smart card (10a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not wake up the card system through a button switch, but rather, supplies initial card operation power by activating the regulator (150) using an RF signal received by bringing the card close to a card reader, and maintains the system on state for a certain period of time by the MCU (170) that is woken up by the supply of the initial card operation power.

[0089] Accordingly, the inconvenience of having to operate a separate means such as a button switch can be eliminated.

[0090] In addition, there is an advantage in that it can fundamentally eliminate defects that may occur during the manufacturing process and use of the card by including separate means such as a button switch.

[0091] Furthermore, when the smart card according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not used, the internal ICs including the MCU (170) are maintained in a complete power-off mode rather than a sleep mode, so there is an advantage in that standby power waste can be minimized compared to a card system employing a button switch.

[0092] Meanwhile, it was confirmed through tests that the smart card system according to the first embodiment of the present invention stably wakes up and operates even in reader devices with low RF transmission power and short transmission times, such as NFC-enabled smart phones and card-type door lock systems. Therefore, the biometric smart card (10a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be widely applied and used not only for financial payments but also as a smart card for security devices.

[0093] While the first embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined solely by the appended claims.

[0094] Second Example

[0095] FIG. 4 illustrates a peripheral configuration diagram of a biometric smart card (10b) that doubles as an access card according to a second embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the biometric smart card (10b) that doubles as an access card according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be used as an access card (i.e., ID card) that is inserted into a card holder (20) equipped with an external battery and transmits and receives information (UID) through short-range wireless communication with a reader device (30). Specifically, the reader device (30) may be an access control reader device used in a security management system. For example, the present invention can authenticate and manage a user's access rights through an access control reader device installed in an office, research institute, factory, airport, or other secure area. Such an access control reader device generally reads the UID of the card through short-range wireless communication (RFID or NFC) and determines whether the user can enter or exit based on the read information.

[0096] To this end, the card holder (20) is provided with a battery mounting groove into which a battery can be attached or detached, and a connector (214 in FIG. 5) that is electrically connected to an external battery (212 in FIG. 5) mounted in the battery mounting groove and a connector connection portion (155 in FIG. 5) of a biometric smart card (10b) inserted into the card holder (20). This card holder (20) may also be referred to as an accessory of a biometric smart card (10b) that also serves as an access card.

[0097] Hereinafter, the configuration of an interoperable card holder (20), an access card-compatible biometric smart card (10b, also referred to as a biometric smart card), and a reader device (30) will be further described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0098] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed configuration diagram of the access card-compatible biometric smart card (10b) and its peripheral components (20, 30) illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed configuration diagram of the wake-up detection unit (160) in FIG. 5.

[0099] As mentioned above, the card holder (20) into which the biometric smart card (10b) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be inserted is provided with an external battery (BAT, 212) for supplying power to the card, and a connector (214) for providing a power supply path between the external battery (212) and the biometric smart card (10b).

[0100] A biometric smart card (10b) according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a connector connection portion (155) for supplying card power by physically contacting the connector (214) when inserted into a card holder (20), and a biometric sensor (180) and antenna portion (100) for detecting biometric information such as a fingerprint.

[0101] Furthermore, the biometric smart card (10b) has a wake-up detection unit (160) that converts an RF signal transmitted from a reader device (30) into an initial DC power source and outputs the converted initial DC power source as an enable signal.

[0102] It includes a regulator (150) that generates and supplies card driving power according to the above enable signal input.

[0103] In addition, the biometric smart card (10b) is activated by the card driving power and includes a control unit (MCU, 170) that supplies a power hold signal to the wake-up detection unit (160) so that the regulator (150) generates and supplies card driving power from the power supplied from the external battery (212).

[0104] The above control unit (MCU, 170) transmits the UID to the reader device (30) when the authentication of the biometric information input through the biometric sensor (180) is completed, so that the reader device control unit (320) or management server (not shown) of the reader device (30) approves the authority based on the authenticity of the transmitted UID.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit (MCU, 170) blocks the power hold signal when the set time arrives after the UID transmission, thereby switching the regulator (150) to a disabled state, thereby saving power from the external battery (212).

[0106] Meanwhile, the wake-up detection unit (160) includes an RF signal DC conversion circuit (161) that converts an RF signal into an initial DC power source, as shown in FIG. 6,

[0107] It includes an OR Gate (162), an OR logic element that supplies an enable signal to a regulator (150) by inputting the converted initial DC power and the power hold signal, respectively.

[0108] The operation of a biometric smart card (10b) including the configuration described below is further described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0109] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a method of using a biometric smart card (10b) according to a second embodiment of the present invention as an ID card. In the following, a fingerprint card (10b) will be assumed as an example of a biometric smart card (10b).

[0110] First, when a card user inserts a fingerprint card (10b) into a card slot provided in a card holder (20), a connector (214) provided in the card holder (20) and a connector connection portion (155, contact chip of a smart card) provided in the fingerprint card (10b) come into physical contact.

[0111] In this way, when a fingerprint card (10b) is inserted into a card holder (20), the fingerprint of the card user is brought into contact with the biometric sensor (180) and the card holder (20) is brought close to the reader device (30), the card detection unit (310) of the reader device (30) polls an RF signal in response to card detection (step S100).

[0112] As the transmitted RF signal is transmitted to the fingerprint card (10b) and card holder (20) (step S110), the signal converted into the initial DC power in the RF signal DC conversion circuit (161) of the fingerprint card (10b) is transmitted as an enable signal of the regulator (150) through the OR Gate (162). Accordingly, the card driving power is supplied to the control unit (MCU, 170) as well as the biometric recognition sensor (180) in the enabled regulator (150).

[0113] The control unit (MCU, 170) wakes up (“on”) by the card driving power (step S120), and the MCU (170) outputs a power hold signal to the regulator (150) to generate and supply card driving power from the power supplied from the external battery (212) of the card holder (20) (step S120).

[0114] In this way, the power hold signal output from the control unit (MCU, 170) is applied to the OR Gate (162) in the wake-up detection unit (160), so that a 'high' level enable signal is continuously applied to the regulator (150), and as a result, the regulator (150) continuously supplies card driving power.

[0115] A biometric sensor (180) activated by the card driving power (step S130) detects the fingerprint of the card user, and a separate fingerprint authentication unit or control unit (MCU, 170) compares the detected fingerprint data with pre-registered fingerprint data to check whether they match (step S140).

[0116] If the verification result is confirmed as normal fingerprint data, the control unit (MCU, 170) transmits the UID to the reader device (30). The reader device (30) transmits the received UID to the management server (40) to request verification of the authenticity of the UID data, or if a separate management server (40) is not established, the reader device (30) verifies whether the UID data matches and approves authorization (step S150).

[0117] In this way, in the biometric smart card (fingerprint card, 10b) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the initial card driving power is generated in accordance with the RF signal (polling signal) transmitted from the reader device (30), the MCU (170) activated by the card driving power controls the regulator (150) so that the card driving power is continuously supplied using the battery power provided in the card holder (20). Accordingly, the biometric smart card can be operated with a stable power supply until the biometric information is authenticated and the UID is transmitted after receiving the first RF polling signal. As a result, the biometric smart card can be used as an authorization authentication card (ID card), and furthermore, it provides the advantage of being able to be used in conjunction with an existing reader device (30) without changing the firmware of the existing reader device (30).

[0118] While the second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the drawings has been described above, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

[0119] Third Example

[0120] FIG. 8 illustrates a state of connection between a biometric smart card (10c, hereinafter referred to as a smart card) and a mobile terminal (50) according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the smart card (10c) and the mobile terminal (50) mutually transmit and receive information necessary for biometric information registration through short-range RF communication.

[0121] Information required for biometric information registration includes, for example, smart card identification information indicating that the smart card (10c) has been recognized by the mobile terminal (50), a registration completion signal indicating that registration of biometric information in the storage unit of the smart card (10c) has been completed, etc.

[0122] Meanwhile, the owner of the smart card (10c) can authenticate the card owner by accessing the smart card issuer server (not shown) through the biometric information registration app installed on the mobile terminal (50) and then register biometric information on the smart card (10c).

[0123] For reference, an example of a biometric information registration app installed in the storage of a mobile terminal (50) and executed by the control unit of the mobile terminal (50) may be a financial transaction app distributed by a smart card issuer. Such apps include a biometric information registration function in addition to the basic functions for financial transactions (which vary by issuer).

[0124] In order to implement the biometric information registration function, the above biometric information registration app,

[0125] A first set of control code data for voice guidance of the biometric information registration procedure on a biometric smart card (10c) may be included.

[0126] Furthermore, the biometric information registration app may further include a second set of control code data that outputs a wake-up signal to the control unit or operating system of the mobile terminal (50) to maintain the mobile terminal (50) in a forced activation state during the biometric information registration procedure.

[0127] In addition, the biometric information registration app may further include a third set of control code data that blocks the output of the wake-up signal when biometric information is registered in the storage unit (175) of the smart card (10c).

[0128] It is desirable to understand that the above wake-up signal is a signal used to prevent the mobile terminal (50) from automatically switching to sleep mode due to inactivity. The biometric information registration function will be further explained in FIG. 9.

[0129] Meanwhile, the smart card (10c) includes, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a biometric sensor (180) that recognizes biometric information such as a user's fingerprint, a storage unit (175) that stores biometric information recognized by the biometric sensor (180), an MCU (170) that controls the overall operation of the components (120, 175, 180) that constitute the smart card (10c), a contact power supply unit (I / F, 120) that interfaces power or information with a card reader according to the smart card standard, and an energy harvesting unit (110) that generates an induced current and supplies it to each component that constitutes the smart card (10c) when the smart card (10c) is brought close to the RFID antenna unit equipped on the rear of the mobile terminal (50).

[0130] Hereinafter, a method for registering the card owner's biometric information on a smart card (10c) through a biometric information registration app installed on a mobile terminal (50) will be described in detail.

[0131] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a biometric information registration procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate the arrangement of a smart card (10c) for biometric information recognition placed on the back of a mobile terminal (50) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to Figure 9, the owner who wishes to register his / her biometric information on a smart card (10c) first runs the biometric information registration app installed on his / her mobile terminal (50), accesses the card issuing agency, i.e., the smart card issuer server, and performs a login procedure (step S200). The owner who receives the card by performing the login procedure is authenticated as the true card owner.

[0133] Thereafter, the smart card owner requests biometric information registration by selecting the "Register Biometric Information" menu supported by the app. If a request for biometric information registration is made (step S210), the biometric information registration app provides (sequential) voice guidance on the procedure for registering biometric information on the smart card (10c) (step S220).

[0134] In addition, the biometric information registration app outputs a wake-up signal to the control unit (or operating system) of the mobile terminal (50) to forcibly keep the mobile terminal (50) in an activated state during the biometric information registration process (step S230). The wake-up signal prevents the mobile terminal (50) from switching to sleep mode, thereby allowing the cardholder to proceed with the biometric information registration process without any separate terminal operation.

[0135] To explain in more detail the process of providing voice guidance for registering biometric information, first, when requesting biometric information registration, the biometric information registration app outputs a voice guidance message, "Please place the card against the back of the mobile phone," as shown in Fig. 10. Accordingly, the cardholder places the smart card (10c) against the back of the mobile terminal (50) and moves it, as shown in Fig. 10 (b).

[0136] The biometric information registration app that outputs the first voice guidance message outputs a guidance message or guidance sound such as “Please slowly move the card position to ensure accurate recognition” as shown in Fig. 11 until the smart card (10c) is recognized.

[0137] If the smart card (10c) is positioned at the optimal position (position where the smart card can be activated, which is also the position where the smart card's identification information is acquired) as in (b) of Fig. 11, the smart card (10c) is activated by the interaction between the RFID antenna located at the rear of the mobile terminal (50) and the induction coil of the smart card (10c). Then, the MCU (170) of the smart card (10c) transmits the identification information of the smart card to the mobile terminal (50), so that the biometric information registration app can determine whether the smart card (10c) has been recognized by receiving the identification information of the smart card (step S240).

[0138] When the smart card (10c) is recognized, the biometric information registration app outputs a guidance message saying “Please register biometric information” as shown in Fig. 12 (step S250).

[0139] Accordingly, the card owner places his / her finger on the biometric sensor (180) to have the fingerprint information read, and the MCU (170) of the smart card (10c) stores the scanned fingerprint information in the storage unit (175) and then transmits the fact that the biometric information registration is complete to the biometric information registration app.

[0140] With this, the biometric information registration app recognizes the fact that biometric information registration is complete (step S260) and outputs a message saying “Registration is complete” (step S270).

[0141] Once biometric information registration is complete, the biometric information registration app transmits the fact along with smart card identification information to the card issuer server, so that the card issuer server can complete the registration process for the newly issued smart card.

[0142] Meanwhile, the biometric registration app can perform a re-identification process after the initial biometric registration process to verify the proper registration of biometric information by displaying a "Please authenticate your biometric information" message. This re-identification process verifies that the stored biometric information matches the newly recognized biometric information, thereby completing the biometric authentication process.

[0143] When the biometric information registration procedure or authentication procedure is completed, the biometric information registration app blocks the wake-up signal so that the mobile terminal (50) automatically switches to sleep mode when it is in a non-operational state for a specified period of time.

[0144] According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, the present invention has the effect of providing convenience in which a card owner can conveniently register biometric information on a smart card anytime and anywhere through a biometric information registration app distributed by a card issuer.

[0145] Furthermore, since the third embodiment according to the present invention sequentially provides voice guidance in accordance with the biometric information registration procedure, the cardholder can quickly register biometric information by simply looking at the back of the mobile terminal without looking at the screen and positioning the smart card at the optimal location where the RFID antenna is located.

[0146] Furthermore, the third embodiment of the present invention prevents the mobile terminal from automatically switching to sleep mode (or sleep mode) while the cardholder is registering biometric information by viewing the back of the mobile terminal. Furthermore, the biometric information registration app provides the convenience of simultaneously completing the procedures for authenticating the true cardholder's normal receipt, biometric information registration, and card use registration.

[0147] Although the third embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, this is merely exemplary. That is, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible.

[0148] For example, the wake-up signal described in the third embodiment described above can activate the rear (back) camera of the mobile terminal (50), and by determining whether the card owner is recognized through the activated camera, the time for which the mobile terminal (50) remains in a forced activation state can be adjusted.

[0149] As another modified embodiment, after a request for biometric information registration without a wake-up signal, the position change of the mobile terminal (50) (turning the mobile terminal to the back) and the position change of the mobile terminal (50) (turning the mobile terminal to the front) after completion of biometric information registration may be detected using an acceleration sensor provided in the mobile terminal (50), and the forced activation state maintenance time of the mobile terminal (50) may be controlled. Meanwhile, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of ​​the appended claims.

[0150] Furthermore, the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention have been described separately so far. The first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention can be implemented independently, and combinations of these embodiments are also possible. For example, various modified embodiments can be implemented, such as applying the wake-up method of the battery-type smart card of the first embodiment to the biometric smart card that also functions as an access card of the second embodiment. Furthermore, embodiments that combine all the features of the first, second, and third embodiments are also possible.

[0151] This is because the first, second, and third embodiments all share the common technical characteristic of being biometric smart cards. Therefore, these combinations and variations of the embodiments fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0152] [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 10 Biometric Smart Cards (10a, 10b, 10c)

[0154] 20 card holders

[0155] 30 Leader Devices

[0156] 40 Management Servers

[0157] 50 mobile terminals

[0158] 100 antenna section

[0159] 110 Energy Harvest Department

[0160] 120 contact power input

[0161] 130 Charging / Power Input

[0162] 140 internal battery

[0163] 150 regulator

[0164] 155 connector connection

[0165] 160 Wake-up detection unit

[0166] 161 RF signal DC conversion circuit

[0167] 162 OR Gate

[0168] 170 MCU

[0169] 175 Storage

[0170] 180 biometric sensors

[0171] 212 External Battery

[0172] 214 connector

[0173] 310 card detection unit

[0174] 320 Leader Device Control Unit

Claims

1. In a battery type smart card including a biometric recognition sensor, An energy harvesting unit that generates direct current power from an RF signal received through an antenna unit; A wake-up detection unit that generates and outputs an enable signal according to a logical combination of the above DC power supply and the power hold signal; A regulator that is activated according to the above enable signal input and converts and outputs charging power supplied from an internal battery into card driving power; and A micro control unit that outputs the power hold signal to the wake-up detection unit to maintain the activation state of the regulator according to the card driving power supply output due to the DC power, thereby maintaining the system on state for a certain period of time; Battery type biometric smart card.

2. In claim 1, The above wake-up detection unit includes a logical logic element that performs a logical logic operation on the DC power input generated according to the reception of the RF signal and the power hold signal to generate and output the enable signal. Battery type biometric smart card.

3. In claim 1, The above micro control unit automatically switches the operation mode of the card to power off mode by blocking the output of the power hold signal after a certain period of time has elapsed after the card driving power is supplied. Battery type biometric smart card.

4. For a biometric smart card that can be used as an access card and inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery, A connector connection portion connected to a connector connected to the above external battery; A wake-up detection unit that converts an RF signal transmitted from a leader device into an initial DC power source and outputs the converted initial DC power source as an enable signal; A regulator that generates and supplies card driving power according to the above enable signal input; and A micro control unit which is activated by the card driving power and supplies a power hold signal to the wake-up detection unit so that the regulator generates and supplies the card driving power from the power supplied from the external battery; The above micro control unit transmits the UID to the reader device when the authentication of the biometric information entered through the biometric sensor is completed. Biometric smart card that doubles as an access card.

5. In claim 4, The above wake-up detection unit, An RF signal DC conversion circuit that converts the above RF signal into the initial DC power; A logical logic element that supplies the enable signal to the regulator by inputting the converted initial DC power and the power hold signal, respectively; Biometric smart card that doubles as an access card.

6. In claim 4, The above micro control unit, When the set time arrives after transmitting the above UID, the power hold signal is blocked. Biometric smart card that doubles as an access card.

7. In claim 4, A battery mounting hole capable of being attached or detached from the battery, a card holder having a connector electrically connected to the connector connection portion of the external battery mounted in the battery mounting hole and an inserted smart card, as accessories. Biometric smart card that doubles as an access card.

8. In the method of using an ID card of a biometric smart card that can be inserted into a card holder equipped with an external battery, A step in which the microcontrol unit is woken up by card drive power output from a regulator which is enabled by an initial direct current power generated by an RF signal transmitted from a reader device; The step of the micro control unit supplying a power hold signal to the regulator so that the regulator generates and supplies the card driving power from the power supplied from the external battery; and A step of transmitting a UID to the reader device when the authentication of biometric information input through the biometric sensor is completed by the above micro control unit; How to use ID cards with biometric smart cards.

9. In claim 8, The step of the micro control unit further comprising: blocking the power hold signal when a set time has elapsed after the UID transmission; How to use ID cards with biometric smart cards.

10. An app for registering biometric information that can activate a biometric smart card and is downloaded and stored in the storage medium of a mobile terminal; and A micro control unit for executing the above biometric information registration app; comprising: A first set of control code data for guiding a procedure for registering biometric information on the biometric smart card, Biometric information registration device.

11. In claim 10, The above biometric information registration app is, Further comprising a second set of control code data for outputting a wake-up signal for maintaining the mobile terminal in a forced activation state during the registration procedure of the biometric information. Biometric information registration device.

12. In claim 11, The above biometric information registration app is, Further comprising a third set of control code data for blocking output of the wake-up signal after completion of registration of the biometric information in the biometric smart card. Biometric information registration device.

13. In claim 11, the first set comprises: After providing voice guidance on the contact location of the biometric smart card for the mobile terminal, control code data that induces completion of registration of the biometric information by outputting different guidance sounds before and after obtaining identification information of the biometric smart card are included. Biometric information registration device.

14. In claim 11 or claim 12, A biometric information registration device characterized in that the wake-up signal activates the rear camera of the mobile terminal.

15. A method for registering biometric information in the form of a mobile app that is stored and executed on a storage medium of a mobile terminal capable of activating a biometric smart card, A step of authenticating the card owner by connecting to the server of the biometric smart card issuer and providing card owner authentication information; and When there is a request for biometric information registration from the card owner, a step of guiding the contact location of the biometric smart card to the mobile terminal by voice, and then outputting different guidance sounds before and after acquiring identification information of the biometric smart card to induce completion of registration of the biometric information on the biometric smart card is included. Method of registering biometric information.

16. In claim 15, further comprising a step of outputting a wake-up signal for maintaining the mobile terminal in a forced activation state from the time of the biometric information registration request until the completion of registration of the biometric information in the biometric smart card; Method of registering biometric information.

17. In the method of registering biometric information for a biometric smart card, A step activated by power induced by an RFID antenna equipped in a mobile terminal; A step of transmitting identification information stored inside the biometric smart card to the mobile terminal; A step of storing the biometric information of the card owner recognized through a biometric sensor in a storage unit; and A step of transmitting the fact of completion of registration of the above biometric information to the mobile terminal; including; Method of registering biometric information.

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