JP7458208B2 - Approval System - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to approval systems.

Recently, systems have been provided that perform predetermined processing in response to sensor signals from sensor devices that serve as end devices in the so-called Internet of Things (IoT), rather than systems that only have a direct relationship between some kind of sensor device and its control device. When such systems determine that a predetermined condition (such as a fire) has occurred based on a signal from the sensor device, they perform a predetermined processing corresponding to that condition (such as activating a sprinkler).

However, in the conventional systems as described above, some kind of actuation is performed using the sensing results of the sensor device, and it has been difficult to ensure the appropriateness of performing predetermined processing.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Technology Strategy Committee Second Interim Report (Draft) “Smart IoT Promotion Strategy” http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000439133.pdf (June 14, 2016)

In order to solve the above problems, an object of the invention according to the present application is to provide an approval system that can request user approval before performing predetermined processing.

According to an embodiment, the approval system includes an information processing device and a plurality of biometric authentication devices. The information processing device includes a first interface, a storage unit, and a first processor. The storage unit stores a table in which a countermeasure process and an authority are associated with each other. The first processor receives a sensor signal from a sensor device, and when a state that satisfies a predetermined condition related to data indicated by the sensor signal occurs, determines a countermeasure process corresponding to the state and an authority to execute the countermeasure process corresponding to the state specified by the table, determines a biometric authentication device from the plurality of biometric authentication devices that performs the approval process based on the determined authority, transmits an approval response signal to the determined biometric authentication device, and performs the countermeasure process when an approval request signal is received from the biometric authentication device. The biometric authentication device includes a second interface, a storage unit, a biometric sensor, and a second processor. When the second processor receives an approval request signal, it causes the biometric sensor to acquire biometric information, and transmits an approval response signal to the information processing device when the biometric information acquired by the biometric sensor is identified with the biometric information stored in the storage unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an approval system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the biometric authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the biometric authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the biometric authentication device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the approval system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an approval system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the biometric authentication device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the approval system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the biometric authentication device according to the third embodiment.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each figure is a schematic diagram for promoting the embodiment and its understanding, and the shape, size, ratio, etc. can be changed as appropriate.
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment will be described.

The approval system according to the embodiment determines whether a predetermined state (any state is possible, but for example, an abnormality in the sensing target, a fire, etc.) has occurred based on a sensor signal from a sensor device such as an IoT device. When the approval system determines that a predetermined state has occurred, the approval system performs approval processing to perform a predetermined process (for example, stopping a system related to the sensing target, activating a sprinkler, etc.). The approval system executes predetermined processing when approval is successful.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an approval system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the approval system 1 includes a biometric authentication device 10 (10a and 10b), a server 30, a sensor device 40, a network 50, and the like. The biometric authentication device 10, the server 30, and the sensor device 40 are connected to a network 50.

Note that, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the approval system 1 may further include a configuration as required, or a specific configuration may be excluded from the approval system 1.

The server 30 (information processing device) controls the entire approval system 1. The server 30 determines whether a predetermined condition has occurred based on the sensor signal from the sensor device 40. When the server 30 determines that a predetermined condition has occurred, the server 30 causes the biometric authentication device 10 to perform an approval process. If the server 30 succeeds in approval, it executes a predetermined process depending on the predetermined state. The server 30 will be detailed later.

The biometric authentication device 10 performs approval processing under control from the server 30. The biometric authentication device 10 authenticates a user using biometric information (here, a fingerprint) from the user. The biometric authentication device 10 transmits an approval result according to the user's authentication result to the server 30. The biometric authentication device 10 will be described in detail later.

In the embodiment, the approval system 1 includes biometric authentication devices 10a and 10b. Note that the number of biometric authentication devices 10 included in the approval system 1 is not limited to a specific number.

The sensor device 40 is a device that acquires predetermined data. For example, the sensor device 40 acquires data such as temperature, humidity, sound, amount of light, acceleration, tilt, image, or odor. The sensor device 40 transmits a sensor signal indicating the acquired data to the server 30 via the network 50. Note that, depending on the case, the sensor device 40 may be provided so as to be able to communicate with the server without going through the network 50.

The sensor device 40 is installed not only in a building or on the street, but also in a predetermined location where the amount of substance to be sensed by the sensor device 40 changes. The sensor device 40 acquires data around the location where it is installed. For example, the sensor device 40 is an IoT (Internet to Thing) device or a device called an endpoint.

The approval system 1 may include a plurality of sensor devices 40.

Network 50 is a communication network for transmitting and receiving data. For example, network 50 is the Internet. Further, the network 50 may be a unique communication network.

Next, the biometric authentication device 10 will be explained.

Since the biometric authentication devices 10a and 10b have similar configurations, they will be described as the biometric authentication device 10.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the biometric authentication device 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the biometric authentication device 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the use of the biometric authentication device 10 in which the user holds the biometric authentication device 10 with his right hand and the biometric authentication device 10 acquires biometric information from the thumb 211.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the biometric authentication device 10 includes a processor 11, a biosensor 12, an SE 13 (Secure Element), a communication interface 14, a battery 15, and a display unit 17. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the biometric authentication device 10 includes a housing 16 that houses the processor 11, the SE 13, the communication interface 14, and the battery 15, and exposes the biosensor 12 and the display section 17 to the outside. include.

The processor 11 performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the biometric authentication device 10. The processor 11 implements various functions of the biometric authentication device 10 based on a program stored in the SE 13, for example. Processor 11 controls biosensor 12, SE 13, and communication interface 14. For example, the processor 11 compares the biometric information acquired by the biosensor 12 by the SE 13 with biometric information registered in advance.

The processor 11 (second processor) is, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Note that the processor 11 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Alternatively, the processor 11 may be a combination of these.

The biometric sensor 12 acquires a fingerprint from any finger as biometric information of the user.
The biometric sensor 12 transmits a fingerprint acquired from a finger as image data to the SE 13. Note that the biometric sensor 12 may acquire data other than a fingerprint, and may be, for example, a vein sensor that acquires a vein pattern of a finger as image data.

SE13 (storage unit) includes a memory that can store data, a cryptographic logic circuit, and the like.
The SE 13 stores biometric information registered in advance (here, a fingerprint) and data obtained by extracting feature points from the biometric information. Hereinafter, data obtained by extracting feature points from biometric information will be referred to as biometric information. Alternatively, the biometric information may be encrypted and stored in the SE 13.

Here, the SE 13 of the biometric authentication device 10a stores the fingerprint of the first user who has the first authority as previously registered biometric information. Furthermore, the SE 13 of the biometric authentication device 10b stores the fingerprint of the second user who has the second authority as pre-registered biometric information.

The communication interface 14 (second interface) is an interface for connecting to the network 50. That is, the communication interface 14 is an interface for connecting to the server 30 or the like via the network 50. For example, the communication interface 14 can employ a wired or wireless interface compliant with various communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, BLE, and LTE (registered trademark). Moreover, the communication interface 14 can also be realized by a combination thereof.

The battery 15 supplies power to each part of the biometric authentication device 10. The battery 15 is, for example, a secondary battery.

The display unit 17 displays various information based on control from the processor 11. For example, the display section 17 is composed of a lamp.

The housing 16 is formed into a rectangular shape that fits within the fingers of one hand. Here, the cube shape that fits in the fingers of one hand is, for example, a hexahedron of a size that can be grasped with the fingers of one hand. In the present embodiment, the casing 16 is formed into a cube shape that fits within a sphere having a diameter of 7 cm, for example, and as a specific example, a cube shape of 4 cm square or less. The housing 16 has, for example, curved edges and corners.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 16 houses, for example, the processor 11, the SE 13, the communication interface 14, and the battery 15, which are each mounted on a board. Further, the housing 16 accommodates a substrate on which the biosensor 12 and the display section 17 are mounted, and exposes the biosensor 12 and the display section 17 on a part of the outer surface. As a specific example, the housing 16 has an opening 21 on one side that exposes the biosensor 12. Furthermore, the housing 16 has an opening 23 that exposes the display section 17.

Furthermore, the housing 16 has a groove 22 in a part of its outer surface and at least in a part of the position where a finger comes into contact when the finger comes into contact with the biosensor 12 . The groove 22 is provided, for example, at least at a position of the housing 16 that is contacted by a finger different from the finger that contacts the biosensor 12 .

The groove 22 is formed to a depth that allows a finger to touch the bottom surface, for example. Furthermore, the groove 22 has, for example, a curved bottom surface. Note that the shape of the groove 22 can be set as appropriate, and for example, the bottom surface may be formed in a planar shape. For example, the groove 22 has such a depth and shape that when the housing 16 is gripped by the fingers, the pads of the fingers come into contact with the bottom surface of the groove 22 .

In this embodiment, the groove 22 is provided, for example, on one of the four surfaces of the housing 16 adjacent to the surface having the opening 21 that exposes the biosensor 12, as shown in FIG. The groove 22 is provided at the center of one surface adjacent to the surface having the opening 21 in a direction orthogonal to the surface where the opening 21 is provided, and extends along a direction parallel to the surface where the opening 21 is provided. Ru.

The groove 22 is provided, for example, between two opposing surfaces adjacent to the surface of the housing 16 where the groove 22 is provided and the surface where the opening 21 is provided. In other words, the groove 22 is formed on two opposing surfaces adjacent to both the surface on which the groove 22 is provided and the surface on which the opening 21 is provided so as to cross the surface on which the groove 22 is provided in a direction parallel to the surface that has the opening 21. The groove 22 is provided across the ridge formed by the groove 22 and the surface on which the groove 22 is provided.

To explain with a more specific example, when the surface on which the opening 21 is provided is the upper surface 16a, and the surface opposite to the upper surface 16a is the lower surface 16b, the groove 22 is formed on any one of the four side surfaces 16c of the housing 16. It is provided on the side surface 16c1. Further, the groove 22 extends in the direction in which the upper surface 16a and the lower surface 16b of the housing 16 face each other, in other words, in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and in a direction along the side surface 16c1 on which the groove 22 is provided. be done. Furthermore, the groove 22 extends to a pair of opposing side surfaces 16c2 adjacent to the side surface 16c1. As a result, when the side surfaces 16c2 are viewed from the front, a portion of the side portions of the pair of side surfaces 16c2 and the side surface 16c1 where the grooves 22 extend are respectively cut out to have the cross-sectional shape of the grooves 22.

According to the biometric authentication device 10 configured in this manner, a groove 22 extending in a direction along the top surface 16a on which the biometric sensor 12 is provided is provided on one of the four side surfaces 16c1 adjacent to the top surface 16a on which the biometric sensor 12 is exposed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the housing 16 is grasped with the fingers of either the left or right hand, in this embodiment the right hand 200, and the thumb 211 is brought into contact with the biometric sensor 12, the index finger 212 can be guided into the groove 22. When the index finger 212 is positioned in the groove 22, the position of the index finger 212 is guided by the groove 22, and for example, the middle finger 213, the ring finger 214, and the little finger 215 are positioned on the bottom surface 16b opposite the top surface 16a on which the biometric sensor 12 is provided. Then, by bringing the thumb 211 into contact with the biosensor 12, the housing 16 is grasped by the thumb 211, the index finger 212, and the middle finger 213, and a predetermined area of the thumb 211, in this embodiment, a part of the area of the thumb 211 that has the fingerprint, comes into contact with the biosensor 12.

That is, when a finger is placed in the groove 22, the positional relationship of other fingers with respect to the housing 16 is determined, and as a result, the groove 22 guides the positional relationship between the biosensor 12 and the finger that contacts the biosensor 12. do.

Next, we will explain the server 30.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the server 30 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the server 30 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an NVM 34, a communication section 35, an operation section 36, a display section 37, and the like.

The processor 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the NVM 34, the communication unit 35, the operation unit 36, and the display unit 37 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

Note that the server 30 may include other configurations as needed in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, or a specific configuration may be excluded from the server 30.

The processor 31 (first processor) has a function of controlling the operation of the server 30 as a whole. The processor 31 may include an internal cache, various interfaces, and the like. The processor 31 implements various processes by executing programs stored in advance in the internal memory, ROM 32, or NVM 34.

Note that some of the various functions realized by the processor 31 executing programs may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, processor 31 controls the functions performed by the hardware circuits.

The ROM 32 is a nonvolatile memory in which control programs, control data, and the like are stored in advance. The control program and control data stored in the ROM 32 are installed in advance according to the specifications of the server 30.

RAM 33 is a volatile memory. RAM 33 temporarily stores data being processed by processor 31. RAM 33 stores various application programs based on instructions from processor 31. RAM 33 may also store data necessary for executing application programs and execution results of application programs.

NVM34 is a non-volatile memory to which data can be written and rewritten. NVM34 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. NVM34 stores control programs, applications, various data, etc. according to the operational use of server 30.

The communication unit 35 (first interface) is an interface for connecting to the network 50. That is, the communication unit 35 is an interface for connecting to the biometric authentication device 10, the sensor device 40, and the like through the network 50. For example, the communication unit 35 supports a wired or wireless LAN connection.

The communication unit 35 can employ a wired or wireless interface compliant with various communication standards such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, BLE, and LTE. Further, the communication section 35 can also be realized by a combination thereof. The communication unit 35 may include an interface for communicating with the sensor device 40 and an interface for communicating with the biometric authentication device 10.

The operation unit 36 receives various operation inputs from an operator. The operation unit 36 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 31. The operation unit 36 may be composed of a touch panel.

The display unit 37 displays image data from the processor 31. For example, the display unit 37 is configured from a liquid crystal monitor. If the operation unit 36 is configured from a touch panel, the display unit 37 may be formed integrally with the operation unit 36.

For example, the server 30 is a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or the like.

Next, the functions realized by the biometric authentication device 10 will be explained. The functions realized by the biometric authentication device 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the SE 13, or the like.

First, the processor 11 has a function of receiving, through the communication interface 14, an approval request signal requesting approval.

The processor 11 receives the approval request signal as a push notification from the server 30 through the communication interface 14 . Further, the processor 11 may transmit a predetermined request to the server 30 at a predetermined timing through the communication interface 14. The processor 11 may receive an approval request signal as a response to the request.

The processor 11 also has a function of causing the biosensor 12 to acquire biometric information upon receiving the approval request signal.

In this case, the biometric information is the user's fingerprint (fingerprint image data).

When the processor 11 receives the approval request signal, the processor 11 displays a guide on the display unit 17 urging the user to touch the biosensor 12 with a finger. For example, the processor 11 causes the display unit 17 to light up in a predetermined color as the guide. Further, the processor 11 may cause the display unit 17 to blink. The method by which the processor 11 displays the guidance is not limited to a particular method.

Here, it is assumed that the user (first user or second user) contacts the biosensor 12 with his or her finger.

The biosensor 12 acquires a fingerprint from a finger that is in contact with itself. The biosensor 12 transmits the acquired fingerprint to the SE 13.

Furthermore, the processor 11 has a function of performing authentication processing based on a fingerprint acquired through the biometric sensor 12.

The processor 11 uses the SE 13 to perform authentication processing. As described above, the biosensor 12 transmits the acquired fingerprint to the SE 13. SE13 compares the biometric information registered in advance and the received fingerprint. For example, SE13 compares the feature points of both. When the two match (identify), the SE 13 transmits a signal (matching signal) indicating that the two match to the processor 11. Further, if the two do not match, the SE 13 transmits a signal (mismatch signal) indicating that the two do not match to the processor 11.

When the processor 11 receives a match signal from the SE 13, it determines that the authentication has been successful.
If it is determined that the authentication is successful, the processor 11 transmits a signal indicating that the authorization was successful (authorization response signal) as a response to the server 30 via the communication interface 14 .

Furthermore, upon receiving the mismatch signal from the SE 13, the processor 11 determines that the authentication has failed. When determining that the authentication has failed, the processor 11 transmits a signal (rejection response signal) indicating that the authorization has failed as a response to the server 30 via the communication interface 14.

Next, the functions realized by the server 30 will be explained. The functions realized by the server 30 are realized by the processor 31 executing a program stored in the internal memory, ROM 32, NVM 34, or the like.

First, the processor 31 has the function of acquiring a sensor signal from the sensor device 40 through the communication unit 35.

For example, the processor 31 receives sensor signals transmitted from the sensor device 40 at predetermined intervals through the communication unit 35.

Further, the processor 31 may transmit a predetermined request to the sensor device 40 through the communication unit 35. The processor 31 receives the sensor signal as a response to the request.

Furthermore, the processor 31 has a function of determining whether a state satisfying a predetermined condition (predetermined state) has occurred based on the acquired sensor signal.

The predetermined state is related to data (such as values of various parameters) indicated by the sensor signal. The predetermined state is not necessarily limited to an abnormal state, but refers to a state that requires human confirmation or approval once, and a typical example is, for example, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred based on the data indicated by the sensor signal. state. For example, the predetermined state is a state in which a disaster, accident, or incident such as a fire or an earthquake has occurred.

For example, if the sensor signal indicates the temperature at a predetermined location, the processor 31 determines that a fire has occurred as a predetermined condition when the temperature indicated by the sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Note that the predetermined state and the method by which the processor 31 determines the occurrence of the predetermined state are not limited to any particular configuration.

In addition, the processor 31 has the function of determining which biometric authentication device 10 will perform the approval process when it determines that a specified state has occurred.

The processor 31 determines a predetermined process (coping process) corresponding to the predetermined condition that has occurred.
The coping process is a process for dealing with a predetermined condition when the predetermined condition occurs. For example, if the predetermined condition is a fire, the response process may be activating sprinklers, cutting off power to a predetermined device, shutting down the system, or issuing an alarm.

For example, the NVM 34 stores a table that associates status conditions with countermeasures. The processor 31 refers to the table and determines a countermeasure for the predetermined condition that has occurred.

After determining the countermeasure process, the processor 31 determines the authority for executing the countermeasure process. For example, the NVM 34 stores a table that associates countermeasures with authorities. The processor 31 refers to the table and determines the authority to execute the response process that has occurred.
Here, the processor 31 determines the first authority or the second authority as the authority for executing the countermeasure process. Further, here, the first authority is the authority to execute some countermeasure processing. Further, the second authority is the authority to include this part of the handling process and further execute other handling processes. Note that the second authority may be the authority to execute all the countermeasures.

The processor 31 may determine multiple authorities as authorities for executing the response process. For example, if the determined response process can be executed with a first authority, the processor 31 may determine a first authority and a second authority as authorities for executing the determined response process.

After determining the authority, the processor 31 determines the biometric authentication device 10 corresponding to the determined authority as the biometric authentication device 10 to perform the approval process. That is, the processor 31 determines, as the biometric authentication device 10 to perform the approval process, the biometric authentication device 10 that can perform the authentication process for the user having the determined authority.

For example, when determining the first authority, the processor 31 determines the biometric authentication device 10a that stores the fingerprint of the first user who has the first authority as the biometric authentication device 10 to perform the approval process.

The processor 31 also has the function of transmitting an approval request signal to the determined biometric authentication device 10 via the communication unit 35.

When the processor 31 determines the biometric authentication device 10 that will perform the approval process, it transmits an approval request signal to the determined biometric authentication device 10 via the communication unit 35.

Further, the processor 31 has a function of, upon receiving an approval response signal through the communication unit 35, performing a countermeasure process corresponding to a predetermined state that has occurred.

When the processor 31 receives an approval response signal from the biometric authentication device 10 after transmitting the approval request signal to the biometric authentication device 10, it executes a countermeasure process. For example, the processor 31 transmits a signal to an external device to perform a countermeasure process.

For example, if the countermeasure processing is to activate a sprinkler, the processor 31 transmits a signal to activate the sprinkler to a device that controls the sprinkler through the communication unit 35 or the like.

Note that when the approval request signal is transmitted to a plurality of biometric authentication devices 10, the processor 31 performs a countermeasure process if it receives an approval response signal from at least one of the plurality of biometric authentication devices 10.
Further, the processor 31 may perform a countermeasure process when receiving an approval request signal from each biometric authentication device 10. Further, the processor 31 may perform a countermeasure process when receiving approval response signals from a predetermined number or more of biometric authentication devices 10.

Further, when the processor 31 receives a rejection response signal from the biometric authentication device 10 after transmitting the approval request signal to the biometric authentication device 10, it outputs an error indicating that the approval has failed. For example, the processor 31 displays an error message on the display unit 37 or the like.

Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the approval system 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the approval system 1.

First, the sensor device 40 transmits a sensor signal to the server 30 (S11).

The processor 31 of the server 30 receives a sensor signal from the sensor device 40 via the communication unit 35. Here, the processor 31 determines that a certain predetermined state has occurred based on the received sensor signal (S12).

When determining that a predetermined state has occurred, the processor 31 determines the biometric authentication device 10 to perform the approval process (S13). After determining the biometric authentication device 10 to perform the authentication process, the processor 31 transmits an approval request signal to the determined biometric authentication device 10 through the communication unit 35 (S14).

The processor 11 of the biometric authentication device 10 receives the approval request signal through the communication interface 14 . Upon receiving the approval request signal, the processor 11 acquires biological information through the biological sensor 12 (S15).

After acquiring the biometric information, the processor 11 performs authentication processing using the acquired biometric information (S16). Here, it is assumed that the processor 11 has succeeded in authentication. After performing the authentication process, the processor 11 transmits an approval response signal to the server 30 via the communication interface 14 (S17).

The processor 31 of the server 30 receives the approval response signal from the biometric authentication device 10 through the communication unit 35. Upon receiving the approval response signal, the processor 31 performs countermeasure processing (S18). When the processor 31 performs the handling process, the approval system 1 ends its operation.

Next, an example of the operation of the server 30 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the server 30.

First, the processor 31 of the server 30 receives a sensor signal from the sensor device 40 via the communication unit 35 (S21). Upon receiving the sensor signal, the processor 31 determines whether a predetermined state has occurred based on the sensor signal (S22).

If it is determined that the predetermined state has not occurred (S22, NO), the processor 31 returns to S21.

If it is determined that the predetermined condition has occurred (S22, YES), the processor 31 determines a countermeasure process corresponding to the predetermined condition that has occurred (S23). After determining the handling process, the processor 31 determines the biometric authentication device 10 to perform the authentication process based on the determined handling process (S24).

After determining the biometric authentication device 10, the processor 31 transmits an approval request signal to the determined biometric authentication device 10 through the communication unit 35 (S25). After transmitting the approval request signal, the processor 31 receives a response from the biometric authentication device 10 through the communication unit 35 (S26).

When a response is received, the processor 31 determines whether the response is an approval response signal (S27). If it is determined that the response is an approval response signal (S27, YES), the processor 31 performs a countermeasure process (S28).

When determining that the response is not an approval response signal (the response is a rejection response signal) (S27), the processor 31 outputs an error (S29).

When the countermeasure process is performed (S28) or when an error is output (S29), the processor 31 ends the operation.

Note that when the processor 31 of the server 30 determines that a predetermined state has occurred, it may display information indicating the predetermined state that has occurred on the display unit 37 or the like. Moreover, when the processor 31 determines the coping process, it may display information indicating the determined coping process on the display unit 37 or the like.

The processor 31 may also present the occurring predetermined state or the determined response process to the user whose fingerprint is acquired by the biometric authentication device 10 to which the approval request signal is transmitted. For example, the processor 31 may transmit information indicating the occurring predetermined state or the determined response process to a terminal carried by the user. The processor 31 may also cause the biometric authentication device 10 to display the occurring predetermined state or the determined response process.

Further, the processor 31 may store the approval request signal and the approval response signal (or rejection response signal) in the NVM 34 as an operation log. Further, the processor 31 may store the approval request signal and the approval response signal (or rejection response signal) in a predetermined external device.

When the approval system configured as described above determines that a predetermined state has occurred based on a sensor signal from a sensor device, it causes the biometric authentication device to perform an approval process before performing processing corresponding to the state. The approval system performs the process when the biometric authentication device succeeds in approval, that is, after confirming that the approval comes from a person who is suitable for the approval. As a result, the approval system can ensure the appropriateness of performing the processing. In the first embodiment, the server directly requests the biometric authentication device for approval, but it also requests approval from a mobile device such as a mobile phone through communication over a mobile line or WiFi. The application of the mobile device may separately request approval from a biometric authentication device that can communicate via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, and return the result to the server. In this way, by simply installing the app on a mobile device, even if the mobile device is installed with a different OS provided by various carriers, the biometric authentication software built into it or the biometric authentication software installed separately can be used. By using the authentication device, it is possible to realize a system that can incorporate approval/disapproval into a part of the judgment process.
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

The approval system according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the biometric authentication device 10 controls an IoT device. Therefore, the other points are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, effects derived from the configuration of the first embodiment will also be omitted here.

The approval system according to the second embodiment is a system for a person who performs a prescribed treatment such as caregiving, nursing, or medical treatment (a person who performs the treatment) to clearly indicate a person who receives the prescribed treatment (a person who receives the treatment). For example, the approval system is used in hospitals, sanatoriums, or nursing homes.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an approval system 1' according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the approval system 1' includes a biometric authentication device 10 (10a and 10b), a network 50, and IoT devices 60 (60a to 60c). The biometric authentication device 10 and the IoT devices 60 are connected to the network 50.

Note that, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the approval system 1' may further include configurations as necessary, or a specific configuration may be excluded from the approval system 1'.

The IoT devices 60a to 60c each include lamps 61a to 61c made of LEDs and the like. Since the IoT devices 60a to 60c have similar configurations, they will be described as the IoT device 60. Furthermore, since the lamps 61a to 61c have similar configurations, they will be described as lamp 61.

The IoT device 60 operates based on control signals from the biometric authentication device 10. That is, the IoT device 60 turns on or off the lamp 61 based on the control signal from the biometric authentication device 10.

When the IoT device 60 receives a control signal (lighting signal) instructing the lighting of the lamp 61 from the biometric authentication device 10 via the network 50, the IoT device 60 lights the lamp. The IoT device 60 may keep the lamp turned on until it receives a control signal instructing it to turn off. Furthermore, the IoT device 60 may turn off the lamp after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the lamp was turned on.

The IoT devices 60a to 60c each correspond to a predetermined treated person. For example, the IoT devices 60a to 60c each indicate the location of the person to be treated. For example, the IoT devices 60a to 60c are each installed near a position where the bed or seat of the person being treated is present. That is, the IoT devices 60a to 60c indicate the location of the person to be treated by lighting the lamps 61a to 61c, respectively.

Here, the approval system 1' includes three IoT devices 60a to 60c. The IoT devices 60a to 60c are installed at positions where predetermined treatment subjects a to c are located, respectively.

Next, the functions realized by the biometric authentication device 10 will be explained. The functions realized by the biometric authentication device 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the SE 13, or the like.

The processor 11 implements the following functions in addition to the functions implemented in the first embodiment.

If authentication is successful, the processor 11 has the function of sending a lighting signal to the IoT device 60 via the communication interface 14.

Here, the communication interface 14 is an interface for communicating with the IoT device 60 and the like via the network 50.

Further, the processor 11 causes the SE 13 to perform the authentication process even if it does not receive the approval request signal. That is, when a finger touches the biosensor 12, the processor 11 causes the biosensor 12 to acquire a fingerprint. The processor 11 causes the SE 13 to perform authentication processing using the acquired fingerprint.

If the authentication is successful, the processor 11 transmits a lighting signal to the IoT device 60 via the network 50.

The processor 11 transmits a lighting signal to a predetermined IoT device 60. That is, the processor 11 transmits a lighting signal to the IoT device 60 corresponding to the person being treated by the treatment person who has the biometric authentication device 10 .

For example, when a treatment person in possession of the biometric authentication device 10a performs treatment on treatment recipients a and b, the processor 11 of the biometric authentication device 10a processes the IoT devices 60a and 60b (treatment recipients a and b) upon successful authentication. A lighting signal is transmitted to the IoT device 60) corresponding to b.

Note that the processor 11 may output an error when authentication fails. For example, the processor 11 may turn on the display unit 17 as an error. Furthermore, the processor 11 may transmit a predetermined signal to an external device as an error.

Next, an example of the operation of the biometric authentication device 10 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the biometric authentication device 10.

First, the processor 11 of the biometric authentication device 10 determines whether the biometric sensor 12 has acquired a fingerprint (S51). That is, the processor 11 determines whether the finger has touched the biosensor 12.

If it is determined that the biometric sensor 12 has not acquired a fingerprint (S51, NO), the processor 11 returns to S51.

When determining that the biometric sensor 12 has acquired a fingerprint (S51, YES), the processor 11 causes the SE 13 to compare the fingerprint acquired by the biometric sensor 12 with a pre-registered fingerprint (S52).

If the SE 13 succeeds in verification (S53, YES), the processor 11 transmits a lighting signal to the predetermined IoT device 60 via the communication interface 14 (S54). If the SE 13 fails in verification (S53, NO), the processor 11 outputs an error (S55).

When the lighting signal is transmitted to the predetermined IoT device 60 (S54) or when an error is output (S55), the processor 11 ends the operation.

The biometric authentication device 10 may store the fingerprints of multiple operators in advance. In this case, the SE13 of the biometric authentication device 10 identifies the operator whose fingerprint matches the acquired fingerprint. The processor 11 transmits a lighting signal to the IoT device 60 corresponding to the treated person who will be treated by the operator whose fingerprint matches the acquired fingerprint.

The biometric authentication device configured as described above transmits a control signal to a predetermined IoT device when the fingerprint verification is successful. As a result, the biometric authentication device can control the IoT device corresponding to the user after authenticating the user.

Further, after authenticating the treatment person as a user, the biometric authentication device transmits a lighting signal to the IoT device corresponding to the person being treated by the treatment person. As a result, the biometric authentication device can clearly identify the person to be treated by the treatment person. Therefore, the biometric authentication device can prevent the mistaken identity of the person to be treated. In addition, in the configuration of this second embodiment, it has been explained that the IoT device operates according to the control signal from the biometric authentication device, but in order to prompt biometric authentication by the biometric authentication device, the network is configured from the IoT device side in the first place. A command may be issued to the biometric authentication device via the biometric authentication device, and the biometric authentication may be performed in the biometric authentication device in response to the command. With such a configuration, the biometric authentication device can specify the person to be treated by the treatment person based on an action from the IoT device when necessary. Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the lamp on the IoT device side is turned on, but instead of the lamp, an authentication result display means that allows the user to see the biometric authentication result is provided on the IoT device and its peripheral devices. When provided, the same effect as a lamp can be expected.
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described.

The approval system according to the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that biometric information of a plurality of users is registered in the biometric authentication device 10. Therefore, the other points are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, effects derived from the configuration of the first embodiment will also be omitted here.

SE13 of the biometric authentication device 10 stores biometric information of a plurality of users. Here, the SE 13 stores a fingerprint of a first user with a first authority and a fingerprint of a second user with a second authority as biometric information of a plurality of users.

Note that the approval system 1 may include one biometric authentication device 10.

Next, the functions realized by the server 30 will be explained. The functions realized by the server 30 are realized by the processor 31 executing a program stored in the internal memory, ROM 32, NVM 34, or the like.

The processor 31 implements the following functions in addition to the functions implemented in the first embodiment.

The processor 31 has a function of transmitting an approval request signal requesting approval by the determined authority to the biometric authentication device 10 through the communication unit 35.

In other words, the authorization request signal requests authentication of a user who has the authority to execute the response process.

For example, when the processor 31 determines that the first authority is the authority for executing the handling process, the processor 31 transmits, to the biometric authentication device 10, an approval request signal requesting approval by the first authority.
That is, the processor 31 transmits to the biometric authentication device 10 an approval request signal requesting authentication processing of the first user who has the first authority.

When the processor 31 determines multiple authorities as authorities for executing the handling process, it transmits an approval request signal to the biometric authentication device 10 requesting approval by one of the determined authorities.

Next, the functions realized by the biometric authentication device 10 will be explained. The functions realized by the biometric authentication device 10 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the SE 13, or the like.

The processor 11 implements the following functions in addition to the functions implemented in the first embodiment.

The processor 11 has a function of executing authentication processing based on a fingerprint acquired through the biosensor 12 in accordance with the approval request signal.

The processor 11 performs authentication processing using the SE 13. The SE 13 compares each piece of preregistered biometric information with the fingerprint received from the biometric sensor 12. For example, the SE 13 matches the characteristic points of both.

If the biometric information registered in advance includes biometric information that matches the input fingerprint, the SE 13 outputs a signal indicating the user of the matched biometric information to the processor 11.

In addition, if there is no matching biometric information, SE13 sends a signal to processor 11 indicating that the received fingerprint has not been registered as biometric information.

When processor 11 obtains a signal from SE 13 indicating that the received fingerprint is not registered as biometric information, processor 11 determines that authentication has failed. When determining that the authentication has failed, the processor 11 transmits a rejection response signal to the server 30 through the communication interface 14.

When the processor 11 acquires a signal indicating a user with matching biometric information from the SE 13, the processor 11 determines whether the authority of the user indicated by the signal matches (matches) the authority requested by the approval request signal. For example, the internal memory of the processor 11 or the SE 13 stores a table that associates users with privileges. The processor 11 refers to the table and determines whether the two authorities match.

If both authorities match, the processor 11 determines that the authentication has been successful. When determining that the authentication is successful, the processor 11 transmits an approval response signal to the server 30 through the communication interface 14.

Furthermore, if the two authorities do not match, the processor 11 determines that the authentication has failed. When determining that the authentication has failed, the processor 11 transmits a rejection response signal to the server 30 through the communication interface 14.

Note that when the approval request signal indicates a plurality of authorities, the processor 11 transmits an approval response signal to the server 30 if the authority possessed by the user of the matched biometric information matches any one of the plurality of authorities.

Further, a user may have multiple authorities. In this case, the processor 11 transmits an approval response signal to the server 30 if any one of the plurality of authorities possessed by the user matches the authority for which the approval request signal requests approval.

Next, an example of the operation of the approval system 1 will be explained.

Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the approval system 1.

First, the sensor device 40 transmits a sensor signal to the server 30 (S11).

The processor 31 of the server 30 receives a sensor signal from the sensor device 40 via the communication unit 35. Here, the processor 31 determines that a certain predetermined state has occurred based on the received sensor signal (S12).

When determining that a predetermined condition has occurred, the processor 31 determines the authority to execute the countermeasure process corresponding to the predetermined condition (S31). After determining the authority, the processor 31 transmits an approval request signal requesting approval based on the determined authority to the biometric authentication device 10 via the communication unit 35 (S32).

The processor 11 of the biometric authentication device 10 receives the approval request signal through the communication interface 14. Upon receiving the approval request signal, the processor 11 acquires biometric information through the biometric sensor 12 (S15).

When the biometric information is acquired, the processor 11 performs authentication processing according to the approval request signal based on the acquired biometric information (S33). Here, it is assumed that the processor 11 has succeeded in the authentication. When the authentication processing is completed, the processor 11 transmits an approval response signal to the server 30 via the communication interface 14 (S17).

The processor 31 of the server 30 receives the approval response signal from the biometric authentication device 10 through the communication unit 35. Upon receiving the approval response signal, the processor 31 performs countermeasure processing (S18). When the processor 31 performs the handling process, the approval system 1 ends its operation.

Next, an example of the operation of the biometric authentication device 10 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the biometric authentication device 10.

First, the processor 11 of the biometric authentication device 10 determines whether an approval request signal has been received from the server 30 through the communication interface 14 (S41). If it is determined that the approval request signal has not been received (S41, NO), the processor 11 returns to S41.

When it is determined that an approval request signal has been received (S41, YES), the processor 11 causes the biometric sensor 12 to acquire a fingerprint (S42). After the fingerprint has been acquired, the processor 11 causes SE13 to compare the fingerprint acquired by the biometric sensor 12 with multiple fingerprints registered in advance (S43).

If the biometric information matching the fingerprint acquired by the biometric sensor 12 is registered (S44, YES), the processor 11 determines whether the authority of the user of the matching biometric information matches the authority indicated by the approval request signal. (S45).

If it is determined that both authorities match (S45, YES), the processor 11 transmits an approval response signal to the server 30 through the communication interface 14 (S46).

If biometric information that matches the fingerprint acquired by the biometric sensor 12 is not registered (S44, NO), or if it is determined that the two authorities do not match (S45, NO), the processor 11 sends a rejection response signal via the communication interface 14. is transmitted to the server 30 (S47).

When an approval response signal is sent to the server 30 (S46), or when a rejection response signal is sent to the server 30 (S47), the processor 11 ends its operation.

Note that the processor 11 of the server 30 may determine the biometric authentication device 10 in which the biometric information of the user having the determined authority is registered. The processor 11 may transmit an approval request signal to the determined biometric authentication device 10.

The approval system configured as described above transmits an approval response new word based on the authority of the user authenticated by the biometric authentication device. As a result, the authorization system does not need to manage user privileges at the server.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Hereinafter, the contents described in the claims of the present application as originally filed will be added.
[1]
An approval system comprising an information processing device and a biometric authentication device,
The information processing device includes:
a first interface for communicating with a sensor device and the biometric authentication device;
receiving a sensor signal from the sensor device through the first interface;
When a state that satisfies a predetermined condition related to data indicated by the sensor signal occurs, an approval request signal is sent to the biometric authentication device through the first interface, requesting approval for a countermeasure corresponding to the state. ,
Upon receiving an approval response signal from the biometric authentication device through the first interface indicating that approval of the handling process has been successful, performing the handling process;
a first processor;
Equipped with
The biometric authentication device is
a second interface for communicating with the information processing device;
a storage unit that stores biometric information in advance;
A biosensor that acquires biometric information,
Upon receiving the approval request signal, causing the biosensor to acquire biometric information;
If the biometric information acquired by the biosensor and the biometric information stored in the storage unit are identified, transmitting the approval response signal to the information processing device through the second interface;
a second processor;
Equipped with
Approval system.
[2]
The first processor transmits the approval request signal through the first interface to the biometric authentication device including the storage unit that stores in advance biometric information of a user who is authorized to execute the countermeasure process. ,
The approval system described in [1].
[3]
The first processor transmits, through the first interface, the approval request signal requesting approval by an authority to execute the countermeasure process to the biometric authentication device, and the second processor If the authority to execute the process matches the authority possessed by the user of the biometric information acquired by the biosensor and the identified biometric information, transmit the approval response signal to the information processing device through the first interface. do,
The approval system described in [1].
[4]
The biometric information is a fingerprint;
The approval system according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5]
The state is a state that satisfies conditions for determining that an abnormality has occurred based on data indicated by the sensor signal.
The approval system according to any one of [1] to [4].
[6]
an interface for communicating with a device including a lamp;
a storage unit that stores biometric information in advance;
A biosensor that acquires biometric information,
a processor that transmits a lighting signal to the device through the interface to instruct lighting of the lamp when the biological information acquired by the biological sensor and the biological information stored in the storage unit are identified;
A biometric authentication device comprising:
[7]
The processor transmits the lighting signal to the device corresponding to the patient to whom the user of the biological information stored in the storage unit performs a predetermined treatment,
The biometric authentication device according to [6].
[8]
the device indicates a location where the person to be treated is located;
The biometric authentication device according to [7].
[9]
The biometric information is a fingerprint;
The biometric authentication device according to any one of [6] to [8].

1 and 1'... Approval system, 10 (10a and 10b)... Biometric authentication device, 11... Processor, 12... Biometric sensor, 13... SE, 14... Communication interface, 15... Battery, 16... Housing, 16a... Top surface, 16b...bottom surface, 16c...side surface, 16c1...side surface, 16c2...side surface, 17...display section, 21...opening, 22...groove, 23...opening, 30...server, 31...processor, 32...ROM, 33...RAM, 34 ...NVM, 35...Communication section, 36...Operation section, 37...Display section, 40...Sensor device, 50...Network, 60 (60a to 60c)...IoT device, 61 (61a to 61c)...Lamp, 200...Right hand, 211...thumb, 212...finger, 213...middle finger, 214...ring finger, 215...little finger, a to c...person to be treated.

Claims (5)

An approval system comprising an information processing device and a plurality of biometric authentication devices,
The information processing device includes:
a storage unit that stores a table that associates response processing with authority;
a first interface for communicating with a sensor device and the biometric authentication device;
receiving a sensor signal from the sensor device through the first interface;
Determining and determining a handling process corresponding to the condition when a condition satisfying a predetermined condition related to the data indicated by the sensor signal occurs and an authority to execute the handling process corresponding to the condition specified by the table. determining a biometric authentication device from the plurality of biometric authentication devices that is to perform approval processing based on the authority, and transmitting an approval request signal to the determined biometric authentication device;
Upon receiving an approval response signal from the biometric authentication device through the first interface indicating that approval of the handling process has been successful, performing the handling process;
a first processor;
Equipped with
The biometric authentication device is
a second interface for communicating with the information processing device;
a storage unit that stores biometric information in advance;
A biosensor that acquires biometric information,
Upon receiving the approval request signal, causing the biosensor to acquire biometric information;
If the biometric information acquired by the biosensor and the biometric information stored in the storage unit are identified, transmitting the approval response signal to the information processing device through the second interface;
a second processor;
Equipped with
Approval system. The first processor is configured to use a biometric authentication device that includes the storage unit that stores in advance biometric information of a user who has authority to execute the handling process as a biometric authentication device that causes the authorization process to be performed by the plurality of biometrics. Determined from the authentication device ,
The approval system according to claim 1. The first processor transmits, through the first interface, the approval request signal requesting approval by an authority to execute the handling process to the biometric authentication device determined from the plurality of biometric authentication devices ,
If the authority to execute the countermeasure processing matches the authority possessed by the biometric information acquired by the biosensor and the user of the identified biometric information, the second processor issues the approval through the first interface. transmitting a response signal to the information processing device;
The approval system according to claim 1. The biometric information is a fingerprint.
An approval system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The state is a state that satisfies conditions for determining that an abnormality has occurred based on data indicated by the sensor signal.
An approval system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.