Authentication device and authentication system

Abstract

Provided is an authentication device that ensures a high level of security and that is wearable and compact. An authentication device according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a finger and performs authentication by using the blood flow in the finger. The authentication device is characterized by: comprising at least a finger-mounted base body that is mounted on the finger, a light-emitting unit that is provided on the inner circumferential side of the finger-mounted base body, a light-receiving unit that is provided on the inner circumferential side of the finger-mounted base body and receives light from the light-emitting unit, and an image detection unit that is disposed at a position in the finger-mounted base body where the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are not provided; and being used to perform biometric authentication in which blood flow information obtained from the light-receiving unit and image information obtained from the image detection unit are combined.

Description

Authentication device and authentication system

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication device and an authentication system for authenticating an individual using biometric information.

[0002] In recent years, systems that use biometric information for personal authentication have become widespread. Various methods have been proposed for biometric authentication, including face recognition, iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, and blood flow recognition.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 describes a technology that aims to prevent erroneous authentication by combining fingerprint authentication with interactive motion authentication. This technology uses a fingerprint sensor that scans fingerprint data using an ultrasonic transducer equipped with an actuator and supplies energy that can be felt by the person being authenticated. For example, a tactile stimulus is applied to the person being authenticated, and the person being authenticated is prompted to quickly rub their finger against the palm of their other hand and then return it to the fingerprint sensor. As a result, a higher temperature is detected, which quantifies the finger movement. The authentication accuracy is improved by combining the person being authenticated's interactive response with fingerprint authentication.

[0004] Patent Literature 2 discloses a personal authentication device that combines multiple elements such as fingerprints, irises, voice, handwriting, faces, vein patterns, etc. For example, an input interface that captures images of veins captures an image of the vein pattern, a personal identification number is entered using a personal identification number input key, and the person is authenticated by inserting a finger into a vein pattern input interface, and to further improve the accuracy of the authentication, a fingerprint is input using a fingerprint input interface, an iris image capturing camera and a face image capturing camera capture images of the person to be authenticated, characters are written on a handwriting input tablet using a handwriting input pen, and a microphone picks up the voice, and these multiple personal features are analyzed to ultimately determine whether or not the person is authenticated.

[0005] JP 2020-530625 A JP 2004-171577 A

[0006] Since Patent Document 1 utilizes the interactive response of the person to be authenticated in response to a stimulus from an actuator, the scope in which this technology can be used is limited to a condition in which the person to be authenticated is able to reliably respond interactively. For example, the technology of Patent Document 1 cannot be applied when the person to be authenticated is unable to respond interactively, such as when the person to be authenticated is engaged in other work. Furthermore, there is a problem in that the authentication device becomes complicated because it is necessary to add functions such as an actuator that applies a stimulus to the person to be authenticated and a sensor that detects the response.

[0007] In Patent Document 2, a plurality of biometric authentication methods are combined in order to improve the accuracy of biometric authentication, but there is a problem in that the authentication device inevitably becomes complicated because a plurality of biometric authentication functions are added.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an authentication device that ensures high security and is wearable and compact.

[0009] An authentication device of a first aspect of the present invention is an authentication device that is worn on a finger and performs authentication based on the blood flow of the finger, and includes at least a finger attachment base that is worn on the finger, a light-emitting unit provided on the inner periphery of the finger attachment base, a light-receiving unit that is provided on the inner periphery of the finger attachment base and receives light from the light-emitting unit, and an image detection unit that is located at a position on the finger attachment base where the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are not provided, and is used to perform biometric authentication that combines the blood flow information obtained from the light-receiving unit and the image information obtained from the image detection unit.

[0010] An authentication device of a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the authentication device of the first aspect, the blood flow information obtained by the light receiving unit is used to calculate at least pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration.

[0011] An authentication device of a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the authentication device of the first aspect, the light-emitting unit is configured to irradiate red light or laser light onto the side of the finger, the light-receiving unit is arranged on the pad side of the finger of the finger-wearing base, a buffer unit is provided between the finger and the inner periphery of the finger-wearing base, and the light absorption rate of the surface of the buffer unit is set to 95% or more.

[0012] An authentication device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the authentication device according to the first aspect, characterized in that the finger-mounted base includes a ring mounting portion for detachably mounting a decorative ring.

[0013] The authentication system of the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising an authentication unit that performs biometric authentication by combining the blood flow information and the image information acquired from the authentication device of the first aspect, and determines whether the state is either an authentication completed state in which authentication is approved, or an authentication rejected state in which authentication is rejected.

[0014] An authentication system of a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the authentication system of the fifth aspect, a pulse wave is determined from the blood flow information, and if it is determined that the pulse wave is continuing, the authentication unit is allowed to continue the authentication completion state, and if it is determined that the pulse wave has not continued for a predetermined period, the authentication completion state is terminated and the authentication unit is allowed to accept another authentication calculation process.

[0015] An authentication system of a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the authentication system of the fifth aspect, the blood flow information obtained by the light receiving unit is used to calculate health-related information including at least pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration, and the health-related information is used to determine the health of the operator wearing the authentication device.

[0016] An authentication system of an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the authentication system of the fifth aspect, it cooperates with an external authentication system and provides information about the condition determined by the authentication unit by combining the blood flow information acquired from the authentication device and the image information to the external authentication system.

[0017] An authentication device of a ninth aspect of the present invention is an authentication device that is worn on a finger and performs authentication based on the blood flow of the finger, and includes at least a finger attachment base that is worn on the finger, a light-emitting unit provided on the inner periphery of the finger attachment base, and a light-receiving unit that is provided on the inner periphery of the finger attachment base and receives light from the light-emitting unit, and is characterized in that it obtains time-series difference blood vessel images from fingertip blood vessel images detected by the light-receiving unit, and calculates blood flow information including at least a pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration by analyzing the difference blood vessel images.

[0018] According to the authentication device of the first aspect of the present invention, by realizing multiple biometric authentication functions, such as blood flow authentication and facial authentication, in a single finger-worn base, such as a ring, it is possible to provide a wearable and compact authentication device while ensuring high security. A light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, such as a light-emitting element for blood flow authentication and various light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements for acquiring vital information, are provided on the inner periphery of the finger-worn base. An image detection unit, such as a small camera for facial authentication, is provided on the front of the ring in a location on the finger-worn base where the light-emitting element and light-receiving element are not provided. This allows for a wearable and compact authentication device to be configured using, for example, a single ring. Furthermore, a high level of security can be ensured by biometric authentication that combines multiple biometric authentication functions, such as blood flow authentication and facial authentication, using such a single ring.

[0019] Furthermore, in the authentication device of the first aspect of the present invention, for example, by mounting a small camera for facial authentication on the front of the ring, when the small camera is worn so as to be positioned in the center of the back of the hand, it also functions as a marker for wearing the ring in the center of the finger.

[0020] According to the authentication device of the second aspect of the present invention, the blood flow information obtained by the light receiving unit is used to calculate pulse waves, pulse rates, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels, and therefore the light emitting element and light receiving element for blood flow authentication provided inside the finger wearing base can also be used to obtain vital sign information.

[0021] According to the authentication device of the third aspect of the present invention, the light-receiving unit is disposed on the pad side of the finger on the finger-wearing base, and a buffer portion is provided between the finger and the finger on the inner periphery of the finger-wearing base. The light absorption rate of the surface of the buffer portion is set to 95% or higher, thereby achieving excellent sliding between the finger and the ring, preventing light leakage to the outside, and enabling efficient imaging of blood vessel images. By applying a black paint with a high light absorption rate of 95% or higher, for example, 99% or higher, to the cushioning material of the buffer portion, light leakage to the outside can be prevented and scattered light can be suppressed, thereby increasing the transmission efficiency within the finger. Furthermore, the light-emitting unit is configured to irradiate the side of the finger with red light or laser light, creating a clear shadow on the imaged portion of the finger, allowing the blood vessels to be clearly imaged with the red LED or laser light.

[0022] According to the authentication device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the finger-worn base is provided with a ring attachment portion for detachably attaching a decorative ring, thereby improving the design by detachably attaching a decorative ring such as a decorative ring or a brand design ring from various brands.

[0023] According to the authentication system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, biometric authentication is performed by combining blood flow information and image information obtained from the authentication device, and the authentication system is equipped with an authentication unit that determines whether the state is either an authentication completed state in which authentication is approved, or an authentication rejected state in which authentication is rejected, so that a high level of security in biometric authentication can be ensured using a wearable and compact authentication device.

[0024] According to the authentication system of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the authentication unit determines the pulse wave from the blood flow information, and if it determines that the pulse wave is continuing, it allows the authentication unit to continue the authentication completion state, but if it determines that the pulse wave has not continued for a predetermined period, it ends the authentication completion state and the authentication unit accepts another authentication calculation process. Therefore, since the authentication state can be maintained while the finger attachment base is worn, it is possible to suppress power consumption caused by repeated personal authentication operations. Furthermore, while ensuring high security, it is possible to reduce the time required for each personal authentication operation, thereby further improving convenience.

[0025] According to the authentication system of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the blood flow information obtained by the light receiving unit is used to calculate health-related information including pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen concentration, etc., and the health-related information can be used to determine the health of an operator wearing the authentication device. For example, for a car driver, this system ensures high security and provides a wearable and compact authentication function, while at the same time improving driving safety by monitoring the driver's health.

[0026] According to the authentication system of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the authentication system can cooperate with an external authentication system and provide the external authentication system with information about the condition determined by the authentication unit by combining blood flow information and image information acquired from the authentication device. Compared to existing systems that do not have biometric authentication functions, this system can ensure high security and provide a wearable and compact authentication function.

[0027] According to the authentication device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, a time-series difference vascular image is obtained from the fingertip vascular image detected by the light receiving unit, and by analyzing the difference vascular image, blood flow information including at least the pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration can be calculated.

[0028] 16A is a perspective view of an authentication ring according to embodiment 1. FIG. 16B is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1. FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of FIG. 1. FIG. 16D is a block diagram of an authentication ring according to embodiment 1. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of authentication determination according to embodiment 1. FIG. 16C is an authentication flow diagram using vital sign information in combination with facial authentication in a modified example of embodiment 1. FIG. 16D is an authentication flow diagram explaining authentication continuation in embodiment 2. FIG. 16C is an authentication flow diagram using an information terminal according to embodiment 3. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of a financial system according to embodiment 3. FIG. 16B is an authentication flow diagram of a reservation system according to embodiment 3. FIG. 16C is an authentication flow diagram of a modified example of the locking / unlocking device according to embodiment 3. FIG. 16D is an external view of an authentication device according to embodiment 6. FIG. 16A is a top perspective view, FIG. 16B is a front perspective view, FIG. 16C is a front view, and FIG. 16D is a side view. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of a blood vessel image and blood flow rate in an authentication device according to embodiment 6. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of a differential blood vessel image histogram in an authentication device according to embodiment 6. 19 is an explanatory diagram of attaching and detaching a decoration ring of the authentication device of embodiment 7. FIG.

[0029] An authentication device and authentication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of an authentication device and authentication system for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention, but may be equally applicable to other embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. In the embodiments of the present invention, an authentication device and authentication system worn on a finger are illustrated as a specific example, but this is merely an example, and the authentication device and authentication system of this embodiment are not limited to being worn on a finger, but may be applied to any part of the body as long as blood flow can be detected.

[0030] First Embodiment An authentication device and an authentication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] 1 is a perspective view of an authentication ring according to embodiment 1. An authentication ring 10 as an authentication device is worn by inserting a finger F of an unauthorized person.

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1. The exterior of the authentication ring 10 is formed from two cases, a first case 11 and a second case 12. The first case 11 and the second case 12 are fixed to each other by, for example, adhesive bonding, laser welding, or screw fastening. The mating surface of the first case 11 is provided with an outer annular rib 12, an inner annular rib 13, and a housing groove 14 provided between the outer annular rib 12 and the inner annular rib 13. Although not shown, the second case 12 is also provided with an outer annular rib, an inner annular rib, and a housing groove, similar to the first case.

[0033] The size adjustment member 20 is fitted to the inner periphery of the second case 15. At least the inner periphery of the size adjustment member 20 is made of an elastic material. The inner surface of the size adjustment member 20 is made of a material with a dynamic friction coefficient of less than 0.2 or is surface-treated. This reduces the risk of catching when inserting a finger, allowing for smooth insertion and removal. The inner surface of the size adjustment member 20 has high slidability, increasing durability against repeated insertion and removal.

[0034] The inner surface of the size adjustment member 20 is configured to absorb light with a high absorption rate. For example, the inner surface of the size adjustment member 20 is coated with black paint to set the light absorption rate to 95% or more, more preferably 99% or more. Alternatively, a sheet-like material with a reflectance of less than 5-10% from 850 nm to 950 nm can be used. To configure the inner surface of the size adjustment member 20 to absorb light with a high absorption rate, for example, black paint can be applied to the inner surface, or black-painted fibers or resin such as urethane can be attached.

[0035] The housing groove accommodates functional components such as a sensor board 30 and a camera board 40. The sensor board 30 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) on which circuit components are mounted. The sensor board 30 is equipped with one or more light-emitting modules 31, one or more light-receiving modules 32, one or more vital sensors 33, and the like. Although not shown, the sensor board 30 can also be equipped with functional components such as a microcomputer 50, a storage device 56, a communication module 57, a solar panel 54, a battery 55, and a power supply device 53.

[0036] The microcomputer 50 includes a CPU 51, a memory 52, etc., and performs calculations for various authentications based on sensor information and camera information. A solar panel 54 can store power in a battery 55 or a capacitor, while supplying power to functional circuits. If a secondary battery, for example, is used as the battery 55, the battery can be charged by external power, eliminating the need for a solar panel. The communication module 57 can include, for example, one or more of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, etc.

[0037] In the example of FIG. 2 , two red LEDs are provided as the light-emitting module 31. The red LEDs function as near-infrared light irradiating means and are not particularly limited, but examples include near-infrared LEDs that irradiate near-infrared light in the range of 850 nm to 950 nm, or red LEDs that irradiate red light in the range of 600 nm to 700 nm. The number of red LEDs is not limited to two; arranging multiple red LEDs can increase the light intensity and expand the irradiation range. When using a red LED, the red wavelength, along with the near-infrared wavelength, is easily absorbed by blood flow. Therefore, whether a near-infrared LED or a red LED with a different wavelength is used, it is possible to capture blood flow images using transmitted light.

[0038] In Fig. 2, two camera modules are provided as the light-receiving module 32. The camera module is composed of a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted and a lens unit, and can capture an image of light emitted from the light-emitting module and transmitted through the finger. Although Fig. 2 shows an example in which two light-emitting modules 31 and two light-receiving modules 32 are provided, this embodiment is not limited to this. The number and specifications of the light-emitting modules 31 and the light-receiving modules 32 are arbitrary as long as they are arranged so that the camera module of the light-receiving module 32 can capture an image of the light emitted from the red LED of the light-emitting module 31.

[0039] In Figure 2, the vital sensor 33 is a compact reflective sensor incorporating a red LED, an infrared LED, and a highly sensitive photodiode for receiving the reflected light. The vital sensor 33 can measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 value) from the ratio (R / IR) of the fluctuating components of the transmitted red (R) and infrared (IR) light. Furthermore, by observing the pulse (variable component), the components of arterial blood alone can be identified, and by observing this fluctuation, the pulse rate can also be calculated. Furthermore, the pulse fluctuates slightly from beat to beat, and the degree of this pulse fluctuation represents the "stress level." The greater the pulse fluctuation, the lower the stress level; whereas, a smaller, or more constant, heart rate fluctuation indicates a higher stress level. Furthermore, experiments have shown a correlation between the accelerated pulse wave, calculated by second-order differentiation of the pulse, and blood pressure, allowing blood pressure to be estimated. In this way, this vital sensor can measure SpO2 value, pulse rate, stress level, and estimated blood pressure.

[0040] In Figure 2, the vital sensor 33 is illustrated as a single module, but the vital sensor 33 is not limited to a single-chip element, and may be, for example, an optical heart rate sensor, a photoplethysmograph (PPG), a photodiode (PD), an LED, or other elements arranged in combination.

[0041] The camera board 40 is provided with a camera module 41 that captures an image of the face of the person to be authenticated for facial authentication. The specifications of the camera module 41 are not particularly limited as long as it is capable of performing facial authentication, but for example, a camera module using an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS can be used.

[0042] The second case 15 and the size adjustment member 20 are provided with multiple light-transmitting sections for transmitting light. The second case 15 is provided with a case light-emitting / transmitting section 16, e.g., a transmission hole, in a location corresponding to the light-emitting module 31. The second case 15 also has a case light-receiving / transmitting section 17, e.g., a transmission hole, in a location corresponding to the light-receiving module 32 and the vital sensor 33. While not particularly limited, the case light-receiving / transmitting section 17 can be provided with, for example, an optical filter, such as a visible light cut filter that blocks 90% or more of light with wavelengths less than 850 nm to 950 nm. Using a visible light cut filter as an optical filter can prevent images of wrinkles or scars on the finger surface, which are not necessary for blood flow authentication, from being captured, thereby improving the accuracy of blood flow authentication. The second case 15 is also provided with a case camera-transmitting section 18, e.g., a transmission hole, in a location corresponding to the camera module 41.

[0043] The size adjustment member 20 is provided with an inner light-emitting / transmitting portion 21, which may be a transmission hole, at a location corresponding to the light-emitting module 31, i.e., at a location corresponding to the case light-emitting / transmitting portion 16. The size adjustment member 20 is also provided with an inner light-receiving / transmitting portion 22, which may be a transmission hole, at a position corresponding to the light-receiving module 32 and the vital sensor 33, i.e., at a position corresponding to the case light-receiving / transmitting portion 17.

[0044] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1. The authentication ring 10 is worn on the finger with the camera module 41 facing the back of the hand of the person to be authenticated. The position of the camera module 41, i.e., the position of the case camera transmission portion 18, can be visually confirmed from the outside of the authentication ring 10, and can be used as a mark for determining the wearing position when the person to be authenticated wears the authentication ring on their finger. Therefore, the upper side of the Y axis in Figure 3 faces the back of the hand of the person to be authenticated. The X axis direction in Figure 3 faces the side of the finger of the person to be authenticated.

[0045] The light-emitting module 31 irradiates light toward the side of the finger from the part that contacts the side of the finger or from a position slightly diagonally below the part. The light-emitting module 31 is positioned so as to fall within a range of angle α, which is the downward angle from the Y axis in Fig. 3. Although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of irradiating light toward the side of the finger, the range of angle α is set as follows: 0°≦α≦60° (Equation 1).

[0046] The light receiving module 32 and the vital sensor 33 are arranged on the palm side of the person to be authenticated. When the angle from the Y axis to the left in Fig. 3 is defined as angle β, the light receiving module 32 and the vital sensor 33 are arranged so as to fall within an angle range between -β and +β. Although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of receiving light on the palm side of the person to be authenticated, the range of angle β is set as follows: 0°≦β≦60° (Equation 2).

[0047] The ranges of the angles α and β are set from the viewpoint of preventing the inclusion of noise light other than the transmitted light that has passed through the finger from the light-emitting module 31 toward the light-receiving module 32. Furthermore, the relationship between the angles α and β is set as follows, for example: 0°≦α+β<90° (Equation 3).

[0048] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a modified authentication ring 10A of Figure 1. Compared to the authentication ring 10 of Figure 3, the modified authentication ring 10A does not have the camera module 41, but instead has a marker member 45. The authentication ring 10A is worn on the finger with the marker member 45 facing the back of the hand of the person to be authenticated. The marker member 45 can be, for example, a decorative design member such as a jewel.

[0049] 5 is a block diagram of the authentication ring 10 according to the first embodiment. The authentication ring 10A includes the following functional components: a solar panel 54 that generates electricity using external light such as sunlight, a battery 55 including a secondary battery, a capacitor, etc., a power supply device 53 that controls the power generated by the solar panel 54 and the charging and discharging power of the battery 55, and controls the power supplied to each functional component of the authentication ring 10, a microcomputer 50 including a CPU 51 and a memory 52, etc., a light-emitting module 31, a light-receiving module 32, a camera module 41, a vital sensor 33, a storage device 56, a communication module 57, etc., which are connected to the microcomputer 50 so as to be able to transmit and receive data, or to transmit and receive data.

[0050] The storage device 56 includes not only internal storage but also removable storage media. The communication module 57 may be one or more of various communication modules having touch, contactless, or short-range communication functions, such as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module or a Near Field Communication (NFC) module. The communication module 57 is capable of data communication with an external system or external communication device, and is not particularly limited to, but may be capable of data communication with a sensor terminal 60 provided in or connected to the locking / unlocking device 61, an IC chip reader 62 provided in, connected to, or capable of communicating with a payment system 63, an information terminal 64 capable of communicating with a financial system 65, a reservation system 66, or the like.

[0051] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of authentication determination in the first embodiment. Before blood flow authentication is performed, the person to be authenticated, who is the owner of the authentication ring 10, registers a registration image 70 for personal authentication in advance according to the initial setting flow of the authentication ring 10 as an initial setting. Blood flow images 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d, and 71e of different people's fingers are shown as examples of "authentication images" on the right side of FIG. 6. The authentication ring 10 of this embodiment compares the blood flow authentication image 71 with the registration image 70, which has been acquired and initially set in advance, to determine that the blood flow patterns of the blood flow authentication images 71a to 71d are different from the owner's blood flow pattern, and that only the blood flow authentication image 71e is identical to the blood flow pattern of the registration image, thereby authenticating whether the person wearing the authentication ring 10 is the owner.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of authentication using vital sign information in accordance with the first embodiment, and is comprised of steps A1 to A8. First, in step A1, the ring is worn on the finger. In A2, the capacitance measurement unit mounted on the inside of the ring is activated to initiate personal identification. Next, in A3, the pulse is detected, and blood vessel imaging and personal identification are initiated. Note that either step A2 or step A3 may be performed, or both steps may be performed.

[0053] At A4, the image is compared with a database of blood vessel images originally stored in the memory within the ring. At the next step A5, a decision is made as to whether personal authentication should be approved or not. If the answer is YES, the process proceeds to A6, where an approval signal is transmitted, and then at A7, measurements of SpO2, pulse, and blood pressure are initiated at regular intervals, and communication with various receiving sensors is initiated. If the answer is NO, or not approved at A5, the process proceeds to A8, where operation ends.

[0054] While the authentication ring 10 is worn, pulse or capacitance is measured intermittently to confirm that the ring has not been removed. If the authentication ring 10 has not been removed, personal authentication is performed only once when the ring is worn. After that, only approval signals are sent to each authentication sensor, allowing for rapid personal authentication. Furthermore, the number of calculations can be reduced, which also reduces power consumption.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of authentication using face authentication in accordance with the first embodiment. The flowchart consists of steps B1 to B9. First, in step B1, the ring is worn on the finger. In B2, the capacitance measurement unit mounted on the inside of the ring is activated to initiate personal identification. In B3, the pulse is detected, and blood vessel imaging and personal identification are initiated. Note that either step B2 or step B3 may be performed, or both steps may be included.

[0056] In B4, the image is compared with a database of facial images originally stored in the memory of the ring. Next, in B5, the image is compared with a database of blood vessel images originally stored in the memory of the ring. In B6, the two comparison results are combined and personal authentication is performed based on a set threshold. If the degree of match is equal to or greater than the threshold, the image is approved, and if it is less than the threshold, the image is not approved. If the answer is YES in B6, the system proceeds to B7 and transmits an approval signal. Then, in B8, the system starts measuring SpO2, pulse, and blood pressure at regular intervals and starts communicating with various receiving sensors. If the answer is NO in B6, the system proceeds to B9, where the operation ends.

[0057] Facial recognition technology is currently a widely known personal authentication technology worldwide, but in a situation where fake images can be easily generated using AI, there is a risk that a fake image that is a replica of a facial recognition image may be used to perform fraudulent personal authentication. In this embodiment, by using both blood flow recognition and facial recognition, more robust and reliable personal authentication is possible.

[0058] [Embodiment 2] An authentication device and authentication system according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an authentication flow diagram illustrating authentication continuation according to embodiment 2, and relates to an authentication system that aims to realize a cashless society through cooperation with various payment systems. The authentication flow of this example will greatly contribute to the realization of a simpler and safer cashless society through cooperation with various payment systems or payment systems, and can be used for, for example, credit card payments, transportation payments, etc.

[0059] Once the ring is worn, personal authentication is performed at that point, and once authentication is complete, an authorization signal can be automatically transmitted when transmitting to the outside world while the ring is being worn. Whether the ring is still being worn is determined by utilizing the pulse waves of hair blood flow detected by each sensor in the authentication ring 10. While the pulse waves are being detected, it is determined that the authentication ring 10 has not been removed, and the person being authenticated who has already completed personal authentication is considered to be continuing to wear the authentication ring 10, eliminating the need for a new personal authentication operation. If the pulse waves cease to be detected, it is assumed that the person being authenticated has temporarily removed the authentication ring 10, and a new personal authentication operation is performed. This reduces power consumption due to repeated personal authentication operations, reduces the time required for each personal authentication operation, and improves convenience.

[0060] The authentication flow of this embodiment consists of steps C1 to C6. First, in step C1, the ring is worn on the finger. In C2, the authentication ring 10 obtains authorization for personal authentication and continues the authorization, or intermittently repeats personal authentication. In C3, the ring is brought close to a conventional IC chip reader while still worn on the finger. In C4, communication is initiated by a signal from the reader, personal authentication is performed, and a decision is made as to whether payment is possible. Since personal authentication has already been performed intermittently, in step C4, a signal indicating whether authorization is possible or not is simply sent, which enables faster authentication speed.

[0061] If the personal authentication in step C4 is YES, i.e., approved, the process proceeds to C5, where the payment is completed. If the personal authentication in step C4 is NO, i.e., not approved, the process proceeds to C6, where the payment is not accepted and the communication ends.

[0062] In the authentication flow of this embodiment, a cashless payment method is completed by bringing the authentication ring close to the sensor. This allows for easy and safe personal authentication, even for elderly people, from the perspective of using the payment terminal. Furthermore, from the perspective of installing the payment terminal, there is the advantage that there is no need to purchase a new sensor, and the currently used payment terminal can be used as is.

[0063] [Embodiment 3] The authentication flow for each application of an authentication device and authentication system according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 15. Figure 10 is an authentication flow diagram using an information terminal according to embodiment 3, which is utilized as a login function of an information terminal such as a smartphone or PC. While conventional technology requires users to memorize or record multiple IDs and passwords in their daily lives, this authentication flow allows users to input conventional IDs and passwords into various information terminals and use them as substitutes, thereby enabling login to be achieved simply by communication between the authentication ring 10 and the various information terminals.

[0064] This authentication flow consists of steps D1 to D6. First, in step D1, the ring is worn on the finger. In step D2, the authentication ring 10 obtains authorization for personal authentication and continues the authorization, or intermittently repeats personal authentication. In step D3, while the ring is still worn on the finger, a button or a designated app on the screen related to login on an information terminal such as a smartphone or PC is pushed or tapped.

[0065] In step D4, communication is initiated by a signal from the reader, personal authentication is performed, and a decision is made as to whether or not payment is possible. Since personal authentication has already been performed intermittently, in step D4, a signal indicating whether or not the payment is approved is simply sent, which makes it possible to speed up the authentication process.

[0066] If the personal authentication in step D4 is YES, i.e., approved, the process proceeds to D5, where the payment is completed. If the personal authentication in step D4 is NO, i.e., not approved, the process proceeds to D6, where login is not permitted and an image is displayed.

[0067] This authentication flow is intended to be applied to a more advanced information society of the future. Currently, people carry around their own information terminals, such as PCs. However, in the future, we envision a social infrastructure in which people can use information terminals located in stores around town, simply log in to the information terminal after personal authentication using the authentication ring 10, and their own data will be instantly transmitted from the cloud or elsewhere, allowing them to be used on the spot as an information terminal with the same level of functionality as the information terminal they normally use. For example, when boarding an airplane, there will be no need to separately present an information terminal during baggage inspection, reducing the hassle of carrying an information terminal and realizing a society in which people can travel easily.

[0068] FIG. 11 is an authentication flow diagram for a financial system according to a third embodiment, which is utilized as an alternative to IDs and passwords when conducting financial transactions on an information terminal. This authentication flow can be used as an ID and password when conducting financial transactions on various information terminals, for example. In conventional technology, different IDs and passwords or different methods of entry are required for different financial institutions, making it difficult to register the same ID and password for all transactions. In conventional technology, for example, elderly users and users with poor memory skills write down their IDs and passwords on separate media, creating security issues. Therefore, in this authentication flow, a personal authentication signal from the authentication ring 10 is transmitted instead of different IDs and passwords for each financial institution, thereby providing a simple and highly secure KYC system.

[0069] This authentication flow consists of steps E1 to E8. First, in step E1, the ring is worn on the finger. In step E2, the authentication ring 10 obtains authorization for personal authentication and continues the authorization, or intermittently repeats personal authentication. In step E3, while wearing the ring on the finger, the user pushes or taps a button or a designated app on the screen related to login on an information terminal such as a smartphone or PC.

[0070] At E4, communication is initiated by a signal from the reader, personal authentication is performed, and a decision is made as to whether or not payment can be made.

[0071] In step E4, the user clicks or taps on a button displayed on the screen to log in to their account, and determines whether personal authentication is approved. Since personal authentication has already been performed intermittently, step E4 simply sends a signal indicating whether it is approved or not, which makes it possible to speed up authentication. If personal authentication is YES, that is, approved, the process proceeds to E5, where the user's account information is displayed. Next, in E6, the user inputs the transaction they wish to perform, and when executing the transaction, the authentication ring 10 again determines whether personal authentication is approved. If approved in E6, the transaction is executed. If authentication is not performed in E6, the transaction is continued or terminated. If personal authentication in step E4 is NO, that is, not approved, the process proceeds to E8, where the transaction is continued or terminated.

[0072] 12 is an authentication flow diagram of the reservation system of embodiment 3. This authentication flow is utilized when making reservations for transportation, concerts, etc. on an information terminal. This authentication flow can be utilized when making reservations for transportation, concerts, etc. on various information terminals. For example, when boarding a train or entering an event venue such as a concert, the user, while wearing the authentication ring 10, brings the authentication ring 10 close to a predetermined sensor, whereupon personal authentication is verified against reservation information, allowing entry.

[0073] This authentication flow consists of steps F1 to F9. First, in step F1, the ring is worn on the finger. In F2, the authentication ring 10 obtains authorization for personal authentication and continues the authorization, or intermittently repeats personal authentication. In F3, while the authentication ring 10 is worn on the finger, the reservation site is accessed on various information terminals. In F4, the reservation details are entered, confirmed on the confirmation screen, and the reservation button is clicked or tapped. In F5, communication with the authentication ring 10 is initiated, and the reservation details are stored in the memory of the authentication ring 10. If necessary, the reservation confirmation button is clicked or tapped.

[0074] In step F6, communication with the authentication ring 10 is initiated, and after personal authentication, the reservation details are displayed on the site. Since personal authentication has already been performed intermittently, in step F6, a signal indicating whether approval or disapproval is given is simply transmitted, which enables faster authentication.

[0075] If the personal authentication in step F6 is YES, i.e., approved, the process proceeds to F7, where the reservation is approved. Next, in F8, personal authentication is performed by bringing the authentication ring 10 close to a predetermined sensor installed on-site on the day the reservation is to be made, and if the personal authentication is approved, entry is permitted. If the personal authentication is not approved, entry is denied and a reservation inquiry is made. If the personal authentication in step F6 is NO, i.e., not approved, the process proceeds to F9, where the reservation procedure is continued or terminated.

[0076] In step F5, not only is personal authentication information transmitted unilaterally from the authentication ring 10, but the ring side also receives reservation information and other data through communication with various information terminals and stores the data in memory, which has the advantage that the authentication ring 10 can grasp the reservation information and other information and execute the authentication flow.

[0077] FIG. 13 is an authentication flow diagram of the locking / unlocking device of embodiment 3, which is used as a building access control system. This authentication flow provides a system that allows easy and highly secure access to existing buildings simply by attaching a sensor terminal 60 capable of communicating with the authentication ring 10 of this embodiment to doors, elevators, delivery lockers, and the like. For example, by always wearing the authentication ring 10 on one's finger, the risk of losing a physical key or entry card can be eliminated. Furthermore, a completely contactless system can be achieved, significantly reducing the risk of virus infection. Furthermore, by linking this system to a reservation system for temporary accommodation facilities such as hotels, a completely keyless and cardless system can be achieved, similar to the authentication flow of the reservation system shown in FIG. 12 above.

[0078] This authentication flow, consisting of steps G1 through G6, is for entering and exiting a building or room used over an extended period of time, such as an apartment or office. First, in step G1, the ring is worn on the finger. In G2, the authentication ring 10 obtains authorization for personal authentication and continues the authorization, or intermittently repeats personal authentication. In G3, while still wearing the authentication ring 10 on the finger, the user opens a dedicated management app using an information terminal, specifies the sensor terminal to be accessed for unlocking, and enters basic information such as the user's name.

[0079] Next, in G4, when the confirmation and completion button is pushed or tapped, the basic information is recorded in the memory of the authentication ring 10. Next, in G5, the information is transmitted to the sensor terminal 60 for unlocking by communication with the authentication ring 10 and various communication means from the information terminal, thereby completing the remote registration.

[0080] In G6, the authentication ring 10 is worn on the finger and brought close to the sensor terminal 60 for unlocking, whereby personal authentication is performed by the authentication ring 10, and if authenticated, locking / unlocking can be performed by the locking / unlocking device 61. If not authenticated, locking / unlocking cannot be performed by the locking / unlocking device 61.

[0081] FIG. 14 is an authentication flow diagram of a modified example of the locking / unlocking device of the third embodiment. This authentication flow consists of steps H1 to H6. First, in step H1, the ring is worn on the finger. In H2, the authentication ring 10 obtains authorization for personal authentication and continues the authorization, or intermittently repeats personal authentication. In H3, the authentication ring 10, while still worn on the finger, is brought close to the sensor terminal 60 for unlocking, a dedicated management app is opened on an information terminal, and predetermined information is entered into the app. In H4, when the confirmation and completion button is pressed or tapped, basic information is recorded in the memory of the authentication ring 10. Next, in H5, the sensor terminal 60 for unlocking begins communication with the information terminal and also begins communication with the authentication ring 10 in parallel, completing registration between the authentication ring 10 and the sensor terminal 60 for unlocking.

[0082] In H6, the authentication ring 10 is worn on the finger and brought close to the sensor terminal 60 for unlocking, whereby personal authentication is performed by the authentication ring 10, and if authenticated, locking / unlocking can be performed by the locking / unlocking device 61. If not authenticated, locking / unlocking cannot be performed by the locking / unlocking device 61.

[0083] FIG. 15 is an authentication flow diagram for room entry / exit reservations according to the third embodiment, specifically, the authentication flow for entering or leaving a building or room temporarily used for a certain period of time, such as a hotel or weekly apartment. This authentication flow is comprised of steps J1 to J3. First, in step J1, the room entry / exit reservation is completed through personal authentication according to the flow of steps E1 to E7 in FIG. 11 , and the room is ready for use on-site. In step J2, the authentication ring 10, worn on the finger after various registrations have been completed, is brought close to the sensor terminal 60 for unlocking. In step J3, personal authentication is performed using the authentication ring 10, and if authenticated, the locking / unlocking device 61 becomes capable of locking / unlocking. Note that if authentication is not performed, the locking / unlocking device 61 is unable to lock / unlock, and the reservation details are queried.

[0084] [Fourth embodiment] An authentication device and authentication system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The authentication device of this embodiment adds a health check function to personal authentication using vital information of the person to be authenticated, and can, for example, continue personal authentication of a car driver while also monitoring the driver's health condition.

[0085] An unlocking detection sensor is mounted on the door part, and when the door is pulled, a sensor terminal 60 starts receiving a detection signal from the unlocking detection sensor, and performs personal authentication by receiving data from the authentication ring 10, making it possible for the locking / unlocking device 61 to lock / unlock.

[0086] The steering wheel is equipped with a sensor terminal 60 equipped with a capacitance detection sensor. When the person to be authenticated touches the steering wheel, the capacitance detection sensor detects a change in capacitance. In response to the detection signal from the capacitance detection sensor, the sensor terminal 60 starts up, and the authentication ring 10 performs personal authentication before starting the engine.

[0087] The vital sensor 33 of the authentication ring 10 detects vital information such as blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and blood pressure. The vehicle-side device can receive the vital information from the authentication ring 10, and can therefore issue warning information, such as a voice announcement, if the health condition of the driver to be authenticated significantly deviates from the average value under normal circumstances. The health condition determination threshold for issuing the warning information can be set by statistically processing the history of the vital information of the person to be authenticated.

[0088] [Embodiment 5] An authentication device and authentication system according to embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. The authentication device of this embodiment has the effect of improving the design of the authentication ring 10 by detachably attaching a decorative ring to the authentication ring 10. The authentication ring 10 is provided with an attachment portion to which the decorative ring can be detachably attached. The structure of the attachment portion is not particularly limited, but for example, the attachment portion can be formed by providing an annular uneven portion along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the authentication ring 10 and providing an uneven portion corresponding to the outer periphery shape of the authentication ring 10 on the inner periphery of the decorative ring, and fitting the two together by shape-fitting. Furthermore, for example, an attachment portion can be provided to detachably attach the decorative ring parallel to the authentication ring 10 in a direction that aligns the axis of the decorative ring.

[0089] [Sixth Embodiment] An authentication device and authentication system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as in Figures 1 to 15, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] 16A is a top perspective view, 16B is a front perspective view, 16C is a front view, and 16D is a side view. An authentication device 80 of this embodiment is provided with an authentication unit 81, a shutter 82 that covers the authentication device 81, a display LED 83 provided on the outer periphery of the shutter 82, and the like. The authentication device 80 can be placed on a placement unit 85.

[0091] When a finger approaches the authentication unit 81, a finger detection unit (not shown) detects the approach of the finger and automatically opens the shutter 82. Furthermore, simultaneously with the opening of the shutter 82, the indicator LED 83 lights up, prompting the person to be authenticated to insert their finger into the authentication unit 81. While FIG. 16 shows a circular indicator LED 83 surrounding the authentication unit 81 as an example of a display unit, the display unit of this embodiment is not limited to this, and any display configuration may be used as long as it indicates the position of the authentication unit 81. The authentication device 80 is preferably small, lightweight, and has a shape that fits comfortably in the hand so that the person to be authenticated can hold it in their hand for measurement. For example, it is palm-sized and portable. The authentication device 80 can also be used on a desktop. Furthermore, by using a secondary battery as the power source for the authentication device 80 and providing a rechargeable function, it is portable, and the present authentication device can be used for a long time because it reduces the number of calculations and power consumption as in embodiment 1. Furthermore, for example, a solar cell may be installed or power may be supplied via a power cable.

[0092] As in the first and second embodiments, a mark for determining the wearing position of the authentication ring on the finger of the person to be authenticated can be provided on the authentication unit 81 or the like, in accordance with the orientation in which the person to be authenticated inserts his / her finger into the authentication unit 81. The display unit may also serve as this mark. Furthermore, a function can be provided in which the finger detection unit detects the finger position of the person to be authenticated, and the authentication device automatically adjusts the positions of the light-emitting module and light-receiving module, etc., to match the wearing position of the finger of the person to be authenticated. Alternatively, by providing multiple sets of light-receiving modules and light-receiving modules, etc., in different positions, multiple wearing positions of the finger of the person to be authenticated can be allowed.

[0093] In conventional blood pressure estimation methods using cuffless blood pressure measurement devices using a PPG (photoplethysmogram) sensor, blood pressure values ​​are estimated from PPG waveforms detected by a photoelectric sensor, which measure changes in blood flow in superficial blood vessels close to the epidermis. However, the inventors discovered that accurate blood pressure measurements are difficult to obtain from PPG waveforms alone because the PPG waveforms obtained by PPG sensors contain not only blood flow change signals but also other biological information and environmentally dependent noise. In particular, when PPG waveforms are obtained from fingertip blood vessels using a PPG sensor, various noise components other than blood flow change signals are included because fingertip blood vessels are far from the heart. Therefore, the present invention uses vascular images collected by the authentication device to analyze the images of fingertip blood vessels and accurately measure blood flow data, such as vascular diastole and systole.

[0094] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a near-infrared light emitting module, such as a red LED, is used as the light-emitting module, and a camera module, such as a board with an image sensor mounted thereon and a lens unit, is used as the light-receiving module. Images of light emitted from the light-emitting module and transmitted through the finger can be captured by the light-receiving module. In the authentication device 80 of this embodiment, the light-receiving module and the light-receiving module can be arranged in the same manner as in the first embodiment. However, the arrangement of the light-receiving module and the light-receiving module in this embodiment is not limited to this and can be any arrangement as long as an image of light transmitted through the finger can be captured. In the PPG sensor described above, an optical unit is constructed using, for example, an LED emitting near-infrared light as the light-emitting element and a photodiode (PD) as the light-receiving element. The amount of light absorbed by blood is measured, and the PPG waveform corresponding to the amount of light absorption is used as a signal for the diastole and systole of the blood vessels. The authentication device 80 of this embodiment accurately measures blood flow data, such as the diastole and systole of the blood vessels, using blood vessel images.

[0095] Furthermore, since a PPG sensor can be installed in the authentication device 80 of this embodiment as in the first embodiment, in this case it becomes possible to accurately measure blood flow data by using both the fingertip blood vessel images and the PPG waveform collected by the authentication device 80. Furthermore, according to the authentication device 80 of this embodiment, blood flow data, for example, the diastole and systole of blood vessels, can be accurately measured from only the fingertip blood vessel images collected by the authentication device 80.

[0096] Furthermore, the authentication device 80 of this embodiment uses measured blood flow data to enable highly accurate individual identification (improved individual authentication accuracy), transcutaneous blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 [%]), pulse rate [bpm], and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: maximal blood pressure [mmHg], diastolic blood pressure: diastolic blood pressure [mmHg]), among other measurements. This allows for the realization of a cuffless blood pressure monitor that applies blood flow authentication technology. After accurately authenticating an individual, vital information can be measured quickly, accurately, and easily, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including medical settings, disaster sites, and homes. Vital information such as blood pressure, SpO2, and pulse rate can be measured simultaneously with personal authentication.

[0097] In this embodiment, by applying the aforementioned personal identification technology using transparent vascular images of fingertip blood vessels, it is possible to stably authenticate people of all ages and genders and accurately measure their vital information. For example, this system can be applied to at least male and female subjects aged between 6 and around 90 years old, and accurate personal authentication and vital information measurement are possible for any subject.

[0098] As mentioned above, because the fingertip is the farthest from the heart, PPG waveforms acquired by conventional PPG sensors contain various noise components other than blood flow change signals. In contrast, the authentication device 80 of this embodiment analyzes fingertip vascular images to suppress the effects of noise and accurately measure blood flow data. Furthermore, changes in the fingertip vascular images correspond to diastole and systole and are synchronized with the PPG waveform measured by the PPG sensor. Therefore, vital information such as blood pressure measurements can be accurately measured using fingertip vascular images, or by using both fingertip vascular images and PPG waveforms. Because blood flow changes in fingertip vascular images are synchronized with the PPG waveform, analyzing both data allows for more accurate blood flow data, enabling calculation of vascular stiffness and resistance information, for example. Analysis of a large amount of clinical trial data allows for accurate measurement of vital information, making it possible to provide, for example, an accurate blood pressure measurement device.

[0099] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a blood vessel image and blood flow rate in the authentication device of embodiment 6. When blood flow is high, the blood vessels are thick, resulting in high light absorbance and a high histogram value. On the other hand, when blood flow is low, the blood vessels are thin, resulting in low light absorbance and a low histogram value. In the systolic blood vessel image, the blood flow is high, resulting in a high histogram value. On the other hand, in the diastolic blood vessel image, the blood flow is low, resulting in a low histogram value. The difference in histogram height between systole and diastole is particularly noticeable in the circled region of interest in the histogram of FIG. 17. In other words, FIG. 17 shows that the change in blood flow rate between systole and diastole is greater in thinner blood vessels than in thicker blood vessels. In this way, by analyzing the blood vessel image histogram in the authentication device 80 of this embodiment, blood flow data including, for example, systole and diastole can be obtained from the change pattern of the blood vessel image histogram.

[0100] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a difference vascular image histogram of the authentication device 80 of embodiment 6. While FIG. 17 illustrates an example of analyzing a histogram of a blood flow image, FIG. 18 illustrates an example of analyzing a histogram of a difference vascular image that changes over time. The authentication device 80 collects fingertip vascular images in time series. FIG. 18 illustrates fingertip vascular images at times t, t+n, and t+n+x. Analysis of the difference vascular image and its histogram between the fingertip vascular image at time t and the fingertip vascular image at time t+n, and the difference vascular image and its histogram between the fingertip vascular image at time t and the fingertip vascular image at time t+n+x shows that the difference vascular image and its histogram are synchronized with the systole and diastole of the PPG waveform. While not particularly limited, FIG. 18 illustrates an example where t=0 second, t+n=1 / 60 second, and t+n+x=2 / 60 second.

[0101] Comparing the histograms of the difference vascular image in Figure 18 for the systolic and diastolic periods reveals that the horizontal axis position of the histogram of interest changes with time. For example, the horizontal axis position of the histogram of interest in Figure 18 is "143" in the difference vascular image between the vascular image at t + n = 1 / 60 seconds (systole) and the vascular image at t = 0 seconds. On the other hand, the horizontal axis position of the same histogram of interest is "151" in the difference vascular image between the vascular image at t + n + x = 2 / 60 seconds (diastole) and the vascular image at t = 0 seconds. In this way, the change in the horizontal axis of the histogram of the difference vascular image over time is synchronized with the PPG waveform. Therefore, by analyzing the change in the horizontal axis of the histogram of the difference vascular image over time, accurate blood flow data including the diastolic and systolic periods of the blood vessels can be obtained.

[0102] For the histogram of the differential vascular image and PPG waveform shown in Figure 18, data collected from a large number of authenticated persons can be analyzed, for example, by statistically processing a large number of data, or by machine learning a learning model and performing calculations using a trained learning model.By analyzing the change in the horizontal axis direction of the differential vascular image histogram over time from the fingertip vascular image (e.g., the histogram of the differential vascular image) or from the fingertip vascular image (e.g., the histogram of the differential vascular image) and the PPG waveform obtained from the PPG sensor, as described above, accurate blood flow data including systole and diastole can be obtained, and accurate vital information such as blood pressure, SpO2, and pulse rate can be calculated using this blood flow data.

[0103] When acquiring vital information using the authentication device 80 of this embodiment, a highly versatile cuffless blood pressure monitor can be realized, making it easier to measure, for example, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). In particular, since measurement can be performed at the fingertip, the authentication device 80 of this embodiment is also excellent in terms of ease of use. The authentication device 80's rechargeable, low-power consumption, compact, portable design, high-precision measurement, and personal authentication capabilities are advantageous in all vital information acquisition situations, and are particularly applicable to a variety of applications, such as medical settings and evacuation shelters in disaster areas. Furthermore, since the authentication device 80 of this embodiment simultaneously realizes both a personal identification function and a vital sign measurement function, it can automatically link the authenticated person with the measurement data, thereby improving accuracy and reliability.

[0104] Examples of use of the personal authentication information held by the authentication device 80 of this embodiment are the same as those of the above-described embodiments. The personal authentication function of the authentication device 80 of this embodiment is capable of obtaining precise images of fingertip blood vessels, and is therefore suitable for security systems, specifically for the housing market, which is centered on apartment complexes. In the housing market, the authentication device 80 of this embodiment can realize completely keyless entry using high-precision vascular image recognition technology. The authentication device 80 of this embodiment can be applied to, for example, common entrances, delivery lockers, and private entrances in common and private areas of condominiums; common entrances, delivery lockers, and private entrances in common and private areas of condominiums; common entrances, delivery lockers, elevator halls, and private entrances in common and private areas of rental condominiums; front doors, gates, and private rooms in detached houses; logistics centers for general corporations; general corporate offices; rental offices; data centers; laboratories; government offices; and the like.

[0105] For example, authentication devices 80 at entrance gates, delivery lockers, elevator stop floor controls, private areas, common areas, etc. can be equipped with sterilization devices that use deep ultraviolet light (UV-C, ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 100 to 280 nm). Sterilization devices that use deep ultraviolet light are not particularly limited, but for example, they can inactivate viruses by irradiating deep ultraviolet light for approximately 15 seconds or more, making them useful for sterilization after authentication operations. Furthermore, if authentication operations are performed during sterilization, sterilization can be temporarily interrupted and authentication can be performed immediately.

[0106] The authentication device 80 of this embodiment can also use blood flow authentication technology to provide a monitoring service for the authenticated person in the residential market. For example, the authentication device 80 of this embodiment can notify the results of personal authentication, such as unlocking the door and notifying the person that they have returned home, with high accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, since the authentication device 80 can measure vital signs, it is possible to provide a more detailed and highly functional monitoring service that also includes the vital signs of the authenticated person.

[0107] Seventh Embodiment An authentication device and authentication system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. The same reference numerals are used for structures similar to those in Figures 1 to 18, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0108] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of attaching and detaching a decoration ring of the authentication device of embodiment 7. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the fixing member of FIG. 19. FIG. 19 illustrates a ring-type authentication ring 10B as an example of the authentication device of this embodiment. The authentication device of this embodiment includes one or more fixing members that detachably fix a decoration ring (DR) 91 to a core ring (CR) 90. The core ring 90 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, an authentication ring such as the authentication ring 10 or 10A of embodiment 1. The core ring 90 of this embodiment can be any type of authentication ring as long as it has an authentication function.

[0109] In Figure 19, four fixing members 92 are provided on one surface of the decoration ring 91. Here, an example in which the fixing members 92 are provided on one surface of the decoration ring 91 is shown, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the fixing members 92 may be provided on both surfaces of the decoration ring 91. Note that in Figure 19, the gap between the outer periphery of the core ring 90 and the inner periphery of the decoration ring 91 is depicted as being wide for ease of understanding. However, in reality, the gap between the outer periphery of the core ring 90 and the inner periphery of the decoration ring 91 may be small, and the two may be substantially in contact with each other. In this case, when the two are substantially in contact with each other, for example, by making the contact between slightly tapered surfaces, one surface may be positioned and fixed by the four fixing members 92, and the other surface may be positioned and fixed by contact between the tapered surfaces. Although not particularly limited, the taper can be, for example, a cone-shaped tapered surface, where the cone-shaped tapered surfaces overlap each other so that the cone-shaped tapered surfaces come into contact with each other on the other side. If a cone-shaped taper, in which the inner diameter narrows toward the other side, is set on the other side of the decoration ring 91 and the other side of the core ring 90 in contact therewith, the two are fixed by contact on the other side. Another example of a tapered surface is an inner flange portion that protrudes toward the inner diameter on the other side of the decoration ring 91 and has a smaller inner diameter than the other portion. In this case, the other side of the core ring comes into contact with the inner flange portion on the other side of the decoration ring 91, thereby fixing the two on the other side. In this embodiment, since the two are fixed by contact on the other side, the fixing member 92 need only be provided on one side of the decoration ring 91.

[0110] The fixing member 92 comprises a fixed base 92a extending inward from the decorative ring 91 and a fixing claw 92b rotatably fixed to the base 92a. The fixing claw is rotatably fixed between a locked position and an unlocked position, for example, by a pivot 92c. FIG. 20 shows an example in which the fixing claw 92b is L-shaped. For example, if the fixing claw 92b is L-shaped, a protrusion 93 can be provided at a position corresponding to the recess 92d formed by the L-shaped bending of the core ring 90. This allows the protrusion 93 to engage with the fixing claw, thereby holding the fixing claw 92b in the locked position. By providing the protrusion 93 at the position where it engages with the fixing claw 92b on the core ring 90, the fixing claw 92b can engage with the protrusion 93 in the locked position, preventing lateral slippage.

[0111] 19 and 20 illustrate an example in which the fixing claws 92b are L-shaped, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the fixing claws 92b may be arc-shaped, T-shaped, or any other shape as long as they are held in the locked position. Furthermore, any shape of the protrusion 93 that engages with the fixing claws 92b when they are in the locked position may also be used. While this embodiment illustrates an example in which the fixing member 92 is rotatably provided on the decoration ring 91, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the fixing member 92 may be rotatably provided on the core ring 90, and the protrusion 93 that engages with the fixing claws 92b when they are in the locked position may be provided on the decoration ring 91. For example, any shape may be used as long as the fixing claws 92b can be held in the locked position.

[0112] The authentication ring 10 has been described above as an embodiment of the present invention. However, the above-described embodiment is merely an example of the authentication ring 10 for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention to these embodiments. The present invention may be equally applied to other embodiments, such as variations of the respective embodiments or combinations of the respective embodiments.

[0113] In the embodiment of the present invention, a blood flow authentication ring worn on a finger is shown as a specific example, but this is merely one example, and the blood flow authentication ring of this embodiment is not limited to being worn on a finger, but can be applied to any part of the body as long as blood flow can be detected. For example, it can be applied to the arm, leg, face (e.g., ear), etc.

[0114] The flowchart for identity authentication is merely an example, and various other procedures and flowcharts may be applied in embodiments of the present invention.

[0115] The structure and shape of the blood flow authentication ring 2 illustrated in the embodiment are merely examples, and the structure and shape of this embodiment are not limited to these, with a wide range of design freedom in terms of design, ease of assembly, choice of parts, etc.

[0116] The functional components provided in the authentication ring are not limited to those shown in the figure, and it is also possible to add or change functional components, sensor components, control components, communication equipment, power supply components, etc. required for authentication.

[0117] In the authentication device of embodiment 6, an example has been shown in which blood flow data is measured based on the fingertip vascular image and its histogram in FIG. 17, the fingertip differential vascular image and its histogram in FIG. 18, and a PPG waveform acquired by a PPG sensor, but the measurement methods exemplified in this embodiment are not limited to those exemplified, and the authentication device of this embodiment includes any measurement method as long as it measures blood flow information by analyzing vascular images such as a fingertip vascular image and its histogram, and a fingertip differential vascular image and its histogram, and the measured blood flow data can be used to calculate vital information such as pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration.

[0118] 10 Authentication ring 10A Authentication ring 10B Authentication ring 11 First case 12 Outer annular rib 13 Inner annular rib 14 Storage groove 15 Second case 16 Case light-emitting / transmitting portion 17 Case light-receiving / transmitting portion 18 Case camera-transmitting portion 20 Size adjustment member 21 Inner light-emitting / transmitting portion 22 Inner light-receiving / transmitting portion 30 Sensor board 31 Light-emitting module 32 Light-receiving module 33 Vital sensor 40 Camera board 41 Camera module 45 Marking member 50 Microcomputer 51 CPU 52 Memory 53 Power supply unit 54 Solar panel 55 Battery 56 Storage device 57 Communication module 60 Sensor terminal 61 Locking / unlocking device 62 IC chip reader 63 Payment system 64 Information terminal 65 Financial system 66 Reservation system 70 Registered image 71a to 71d Blood flow authentication image 80 Authentication device 81 Authentication unit 82 Shutter 83 Display LED 85 Placement unit 90 Core ring 91 Decoration ring 92 Fixing member 92a Base 92b Fixing claw 92c Pivot 92d Depression 93 Protrusion F Finger α Angular range for arranging light-emitting module β Angular range for arranging light-receiving module and vital sensor

Claims

1. A authentication device that is worn on a finger and performs authentication based on the blood flow of the finger, comprising: a finger-wearing base body that is worn on the finger; a light-emitting unit provided on the inner peripheral side of the finger-wearing base body; a light-receiving unit provided on the inner peripheral side of the finger-wearing base body that receives the light from the light-emitting unit; and an image detection unit disposed at a position where the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are not provided on the finger-wearing base body, and is used for performing biometric authentication by combining the blood flow information obtained from the light-receiving unit and the image information obtained from the image detection unit.

2. The authentication device, wherein the blood flow information obtained by the light-receiving unit is used for at least calculating pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration.

3. The light-emitting unit is configured to irradiate red light or laser light on the side surface of the finger, the light-receiving unit is disposed on the ventral side of the finger of the finger-wearing base body, a buffer portion is provided between the finger and the inner peripheral side of the finger-wearing base body, and the light absorption rate of the surface of the buffer portion is set to 95% or more. The authentication device according to claim 1.

4. The finger-wearing base body according to claim 1, further comprising a ring mounting portion for detachably mounting a design ring.

5. A authentication system, comprising: a authentication unit that performs biometric authentication by combining the blood flow information and the image information obtained from the authentication device according to claim 1, and determines whether it is in an authentication completion state where the authentication is approved or an authentication rejection state where the authentication is rejected.

6. The authentication unit determines a pulse wave from the blood flow information. When it is determined that the pulse wave continues, the authentication unit can continue the authentication completion state. When it is determined that the pulse wave does not continue for a predetermined period, the authentication completion state ends, and the authentication unit can receive a new authentication calculation process. The authentication system according to claim 5.

7. The blood flow information obtained by the light-receiving unit is used for at least calculating physical condition-related information including pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration, and determines the physical condition of the operator wearing the authentication device based on the physical condition-related information. The authentication system according to claim 5.

8. The authentication system according to claim 5, characterized in that it cooperates with an external authentication system and provides information about the state determined by the authentication unit to the external authentication system by combining the blood flow information acquired from the authentication device and the image information.

9. An authentication device that is worn on a finger and performs authentication based on the blood flow of the finger, comprising at least: a finger mounting base that is worn on the finger; a light emitting unit provided on the inner peripheral side of the finger mounting base; and a light receiving unit provided on the inner peripheral side of the finger mounting base and receiving the light from the light emitting unit. A time-series differential blood vessel image is obtained from the fingertip blood vessel image detected by the light receiving unit, and blood flow information including at least pulse wave, pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen concentration is calculated by analyzing the differential blood vessel image.

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