JP2000315118A - Information processing apparatus, information processing apparatus control method, and storage medium storing information processing apparatus control program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] Conventionally, an information processing apparatus having an operation button for easily starting an application has been realized, but in an information processing apparatus having a plurality of operation buttons,
The external shape and the operation unit of the device became large. However, when the number of operation buttons is reduced, simplification of operation may be impaired. SOLUTION: An image such as a fingerprint, a character or a symbol is associated with a process such as an application, and when an image sensor senses the input of the image, the process of the associated application is easily activated. Thus, an information processing apparatus is realized in which the number of operation buttons is reduced and simplification of the operation is not impaired.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of inputting image information, an information processing apparatus control method, and a storage medium storing an information processing apparatus control program.

[0002] The present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus capable of inputting image information and further having a fingerprint authentication function and a portable information processing apparatus. .

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information processing apparatus in which an operation button capable of immediately activating an application in the information processing apparatus is attached to a portable information processing apparatus has been realized so that an operator can easily use the information processing apparatus. It had been. This operation button needs a certain size for human operation.

[0004] Further, since operation buttons are provided for a plurality of applications, a plurality of operation buttons are required.

In some cases, such as when the number of applications is larger than the number of operation buttons, it may be necessary to perform operations by combining a plurality of operation buttons.

[0006]

In an information processing apparatus having a plurality of operation buttons for human operation, the outer shape of the apparatus and the operation section having the operation buttons are necessarily increased.

Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the apparatus, it is necessary to reduce the number of operation buttons.

However, simply reducing the number of operation buttons may impair the simplification of the operation for activating the processing of the information processing apparatus. For example, when the number of operation buttons is reduced, when an application is started, it is not possible to start only by operating one operation button once, and it is necessary to operate a plurality of (or one) operation button a plurality of times. Can be considered.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of starting a plurality of applications by a simple operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of easily starting a plurality of applications by one sensor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized information processing apparatus.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including first information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the first information input means is provided with the first information input means. Analyzing means for analyzing image information, processing determining means for determining a process of the information processing apparatus for new information in accordance with an analysis result of the analyzing means, and the new information in response to determination by the processing determining means Starting means for starting the processing of the information processing apparatus before the input is input.

An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising an information processing apparatus for converting the image information input to the first information input means into the new information. And a corresponding registration unit capable of registering in correspondence with the above processing.

An information processing apparatus according to a third aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first and second aspects, further comprising a second information input means capable of inputting information, wherein The area to be input by the information input means is provided in the area to be input by the second information input means.

An information processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first and second aspects, further comprising a second information input means capable of inputting information, The area to be input by the information input means is provided outside the area to be input by the second information input means.

An information processing apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first and second aspects, further comprising a second information input means capable of inputting information, The area to be input by the information input means is provided in the area to be input by the second information input means, and is movable within the area to be input by the second information input means. It is characterized by the following.

An information processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is data relating to a fingerprint. There is a feature.

An information processing apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is a character. It is characterized by.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is a symbol. It is characterized by.

An information processing apparatus according to a ninth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus is performed by an application included in the information processing apparatus. It is characterized by being software.

An information processing apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the first information input means is constituted by a capacitance type sensor. It is characterized by.

An information processing apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus provided with information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the determining means determines whether the input information is fingerprint image information, When the determination unit determines that the input image is fingerprint image information, an analysis unit that analyzes the input fingerprint image information; and information for new information according to an analysis result of the analysis unit. A process determining unit that determines a process of a processing device, and, in accordance with the determination of the process determining unit, before the new information is input,
Starting means for starting the processing of the information processing apparatus.

An information processing apparatus according to a twelfth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, further comprising an information processing apparatus for the image information of the fingerprint input to the information input means and the new information. It is characterized by comprising a correspondence registration means capable of registering the processing in association with the processing.

An information processing apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the eleventh and twelfth aspects, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus is
It is application software of the information processing apparatus.

An information processing apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, wherein the first information input means is constituted by a capacitance type sensor. It is characterized by.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus control method for controlling an information processing apparatus having first information input means capable of inputting information. An analysis step of analyzing image information, and a processing determination step of determining processing of the information processing apparatus for new information according to an analysis result of the analysis step;
A starting step of starting the processing of the information processing apparatus before the new information is input in response to the determination in the processing determining step.

An information processing apparatus control method according to claim 16 is the information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15,
Further, the image processing apparatus further includes a correspondence registration step of registering the image information input to the first information input means in correspondence with the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus.

The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 17 is the information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a second information input means capable of inputting information. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, wherein an area to be input by the first information input unit is provided in an area to be input by the second information input unit.

An information processing apparatus control method according to claim 18 is the information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a second information input means capable of inputting information. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, wherein an area to be input by said first information input means is provided in an area to be input by said second information input means, and said second information It is characterized in that the input means is movable within an area to be input.

The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 19 is the information processing apparatus control method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is It is characterized by being data relating to a fingerprint.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information processing apparatus control method according to any one of the fifteenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is: Characteristic.

An information processing apparatus control method according to a twenty-first aspect is the information processing apparatus control method according to any one of the fifteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is: It is a symbol.

An information processing apparatus control method according to claim 22 is the information processing apparatus control method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus is the information processing apparatus. It is characterized by being application software of the device.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus control method for controlling an information processing apparatus having information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the input information is fingerprint image information. A judging step of judging, when the judging means judges that the inputted information is fingerprint image information, an analyzing step of analyzing the inputted fingerprint image information, and according to the analysis result of the analyzing means, A process deciding step of deciding a process of the information processing apparatus with respect to new information; And a step.

An information processing apparatus control method according to claim 24 is the information processing apparatus control method according to claim 23,
Further, the image processing apparatus further includes a correspondence registration step capable of registering the image information of the fingerprint input to the information input means in correspondence with the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus.

An information processing apparatus control method according to claim 25 is the information processing apparatus control method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus is the information processing apparatus. It is characterized by being application software of the device.

A storage medium storing the computer-readable information processing device control program according to claim 26 controls an information processing device having first information input means capable of inputting information. A storage medium storing a computer-readable information processing device control program, wherein an analysis step for analyzing the image information input to the first information input means, and a new analysis step according to the analysis result of the analysis step. A processing determining step of determining the processing of the information processing apparatus for the information; and a starting step of starting the processing of the information processing apparatus before the new information is input according to the determination of the processing determining step. It is characterized by the following.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing device control program according to claim 27 is the storage medium according to claim 26, further comprising: And a registration step of registering the image information in correspondence with the processing of the information processing apparatus for the new information.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing device control program according to claim 28 is the storage medium according to any one of claims 26 and 27, wherein the second information can be further input. A storage medium storing the information processing apparatus control program for controlling the information processing apparatus having the information input means, wherein the area to be input by the first information input means is the second information input means. The means is provided in an area to be input.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing device control program according to claim 29 is the storage medium according to any one of claims 26 and 27, wherein a second information capable of further inputting information is stored. A storage medium storing the information processing apparatus control program for controlling the information processing apparatus having the information input means, wherein the area to be input by the first information input means is the second information input means. The second information input means is provided in an area to be input, and is movable in the area to be input by the second information input means.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing device control program according to claim 30 is the storage medium according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the first information input means is The input image information is characterized in that it is data relating to a fingerprint.

A storage medium storing the computer-readable information processing device control program according to claim 31 is the storage medium according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the first information input means is The input image information is a character.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing device control program according to claim 32 is the storage medium according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the first information input means is The input image information is a symbol.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing device control program according to claim 33 is the storage medium according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the information processing device for the new information is stored. Is characterized by application software of the information processing apparatus.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing apparatus control program according to claim 34 controls an information processing apparatus having information input means capable of inputting information. And a determining step for determining whether the input information is fingerprint image information, and the determining means determines whether the input information is fingerprint image information. If it is determined that there is, the analyzing step of analyzing the input image information of the fingerprint, the processing determining step of determining the processing of the information processing apparatus for new information according to the analysis result of the analyzing means, and the processing In response to the determination by the determining means, before the new information is input, the activation of the information processing apparatus is started. Characterized in that it comprises a step.

A storage medium storing the computer-readable information processing device control program according to claim 35 is the storage medium according to claim 34, further comprising a fingerprint image input to the information input means. The information processing apparatus further comprises a correspondence registration step capable of registering the information and the processing of the information processing apparatus with respect to the new information in association with each other.

A storage medium storing the computer readable information processing device control program according to claim 36 is the storage medium according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the information processing device for the new information is stored. Is characterized by application software of the information processing apparatus.

[0048]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described below.

<First Embodiment> First, the configuration of the portable terminal device according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an internal configuration diagram of the portable terminal device.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a portable terminal device according to the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 101 denotes a power supply of a device in the portable terminal device, which uses, for example, a lithium ion battery.

A fingerprint sensor IC (Integrated)
A circuit (integrated circuit) 102 converts the image signal read by the sensor into a CPU (Central Process).
ssing Unit: Central processing unit). For example, a notification that something has been pressed due to a change in the voltage or capacitance of the sensor is used as the CPU, and an image signal detected by the sensor is notified to the CPU.

In the present embodiment, a capacitance type fingerprint sensor is used as an example of the fingerprint sensor IC. A capacitance-type fingerprint sensor is a device in which a large number of electrodes are arranged on the sensor surface and detects the capacitance between the electrodes and the skin of the finger. There is a feature that it can be made small, thin, and lightweight. The principle of the capacitance type fingerprint sensor will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In FIG.
The curve 1 indicates the unevenness of the fingerprint on the skin surface. Reference numerals 1702 to 1706 denote electrodes formed on the sensor surface. Each electrode has the same dimensions and is formed smaller than the line width generated by the unevenness of the fingerprint. Reference numeral 1707 denotes a base made of an insulator serving as a main plane of the sensor. Reference numeral 1708 denotes a circuit for detecting the capacitance of each electrode. Note that the capacitance detection circuit may be provided for each electrode.

When the fingerprint is not approached, the capacitance detecting circuit detects the capacitance generated from the wiring of the circuit connected to the electrodes 1703 to 1706 and the like. When the operator places a finger on the sensor, an air capacitor is formed with a gap between the electrode and the skin surface of the fingerprint, and the capacitance detection circuit detects the capacitance. Since the magnitude of the capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the electrode and the skin, the capacitance of each electrode reflects the skin irregularities. That is, when the distance between the skin and the electrode increases, the capacitance decreases, and when the distance between the skin and the electrode decreases, the capacitance increases. When the skin is in contact with the electrode, it can be regarded as an infinite capacitance. If the size and arrangement density of each electrode are sufficiently smaller than the fingerprint line width of 100 to 500 μm, the capacitance of each electrode will differ due to the unevenness of the fingerprint. This capacitance distribution is used as an image signal as CP
Notify U.

Here, a case where a capacitance type fingerprint sensor is used as the fingerprint sensor IC will be described. However, a fingerprint sensor such as another optical fingerprint sensor or a linear type optical sensor array may be used.

The CPU 103 detects that the fingerprint sensor I
When touching C, the fingerprint sensor program receives a notification from the fingerprint sensor IC that something has touched, activates the fingerprint authentication program, takes in an image signal from the fingerprint sensor IC, and generates fingerprint image data. The feature points are extracted from the image data, collated with the registered feature point extracted data, and when the collation result is determined to be a match, the feature point corresponding to the registered feature point extracted data is determined. When the application software is started, input of new information processed by the application software is waited, and when it is determined that the collation result is mismatch (NG), the NG result is displayed.

The feature points are used to encode the fingerprint image data so that the difference between each person and each finger can be determined and the data amount is smaller than that of the fingerprint image data. Where, for example, the point where the stripe of the fingerprint is branched and the end point of the stripe (the end and the beginning of the stripe). FIG. 11 shows an example of a fingerprint. In FIG. 11A, 11
01 is the center point of the vortex of the fingerprint, 1102 and 1103 are the end points of the stripe, and 1104 is the branch point of the stripe.

The fingerprint feature point extraction data is data obtained by coding fingerprint image data based on the above-described feature points. For example, as shown by an arrow in FIG. This is data represented as a set of data of vectors (direction and distance from the center point) from the center point to the feature point.

In matching feature point extraction data extracted from fingerprint image data with registered feature point extraction data, for example, whether the vector from the center point to the feature point described above matches ( Some error may be determined in advance as an allowable range).

Reference numeral 104 denotes an NG display unit for displaying an NG when it is determined that they do not match as a result of fingerprint collation by the CPU. In this embodiment, an LED (Light-Emi) is used.
(ting diode: light emitting diode) is used as an NG display portion.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a flash memory which stores a program, stores feature point extraction data of a fingerprint, and further stores a command for starting application software corresponding to the feature point extraction data of the fingerprint.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a DRAM memory which transfers a program from the flash memory and which is used when the CPU actually operates the program.

Reference numeral 107 denotes an ASIC having a peripheral I / O function of the portable terminal device.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a display unit. In the present embodiment, L
CD (Liquid Crystal Display)
y: liquid crystal display) is used as the display unit.

Next, the outer shape of the portable terminal device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 shows an outline view of the portable terminal.

Reference numeral 100 denotes a portable terminal device having a fingerprint authentication function.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a fingerprint sensor IC for inputting fingerprint information data with a finger placed.

A display unit 108 displays application software and the like. The present embodiment will be described using an LCD.

Next, a process of registering an application corresponding to a fingerprint in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. A control program for executing this flowchart is stored in the DRAM 106,
It is executed under the control of U103.

In step S201, first, registration software for associating a fingerprint with an application is started. Next, the user selects which finger's fingerprint data (feature point extraction data) is to be registered. FIG. 12 shows an LCD display example when a finger is selected. A column 1201 indicates a finger to be registered. A column 1202 indicates whether fingerprint data (feature point extraction data) corresponding to the column 1201 is registered. The column 1203 indicates an application registered corresponding to the column 1202. Here, as an example, a case where “2. right index finger” is selected as the fingerprint to be registered will be described.

In step S202, the operator's right index finger is used to register the fingerprint.
When pressed against C, the fingerprint sensor IC senses that something has been pressed by the change in the capacitance of the fingerprint sensor IC 102 and notifies the CPU that it has been pressed.

In step S203, the CPU 103
Receives an image signal (capacitance data) from the fingerprint sensor IC 102 and generates fingerprint image data. For example, an image signal received as an analog electric signal from a sensor is converted into a digital binary image to generate fingerprint image data.

In step S 204, feature points are extracted from the fingerprint image data, feature point extraction data of the right index finger is generated as fingerprint data for registration, and registered in the flash memory 105.

In step S205, the operator selects application software to be registered in association with the feature point extraction data from among the application software displayed on the LCD. FIG. 13 shows L when selecting the application software to be registered correspondingly.
In the CD display example, it is assumed here that the application software of the schedule is selected as the application software corresponding to the fingerprint of the right index finger from the displayed application software.

In step S206, the application software selected in S205 is registered in association with the fingerprint feature point extraction data registered in S204.
Here, a schedule application is registered corresponding to the characteristic point extraction data of the fingerprint of the right index finger.
This registration data is stored in the flash memory 105.

FIG. 4 is an example showing the registration data stored in the flash memory after the registration processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 2 as a correspondence table between fingerprints and application software.

A column 401 indicates the types of fingers for which fingerprints can be registered, a column 402 registers feature point extraction data as registration fingerprint data corresponding to 401, and a column 403 indicates 402 feature point extraction. The application (type of processing) corresponding to the data, 401, 402, 403
Is registered corresponding to each line. For example, the registration fingerprint data (feature point extraction data) is data 2 with respect to the right index finger, and the corresponding application is a schedule.

In the example of FIG. 4, the right thumb, right index finger,
The corresponding feature point extraction data and application are registered for the right middle finger and the left little finger, but the right ring finger, the right little finger, the left thumb, the left index finger, the left middle finger, and the left ring finger are not registered.

Next, a detailed operation of the portable terminal device at the time of fingerprint collation after fingerprint registration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S301, when something is pressed against the fingerprint sensor IC 102, the fingerprint sensor I
C102 senses that something has been pressed by the change in the capacitance of the fingerprint sensor IC 102, and
03 is notified.

In step S302, the CPU 103
Receives an image signal (capacitance data) from the fingerprint sensor IC 102 and generates fingerprint image data. For example, an image signal received as an analog electric signal from a sensor is converted into a digital binary image to generate fingerprint image data.

In step S303, feature points are extracted from the fingerprint image data, and feature point extraction data is generated.

In step S 304, it is determined whether or not the feature point extraction data generated in S 303 matches the feature point extraction data registered in the flash memory 105.

If the CPU 103 determines that the registered feature point extraction data matches the feature point extraction data extracted from the currently input fingerprint feature point extraction data, the CPU 103 determines in step S305 that the flash memory 10
5 starts application software registered corresponding to the feature point extraction data from the correspondence table stored in 5. For example, in FIG. 4, if it is determined that the data matches the data 2, the schedule is started.

In step S306, when the application software is started, the screen of the application program is displayed on the LCD 108, and input of new information processed by the application software is awaited.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the collation results do not match, in step S307, the LED 104 for notifying the collation result mismatch is displayed.
Returning to step 301, a new fingerprint input wait state is set.

As described above with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3, when the feature point extraction data is registered in association with the application software, and the registered feature point extraction data is input. By launching application software corresponding to feature point extraction data, a single fingerprint sensor IC can easily launch a plurality of application software without using a plurality of launch buttons. A mobile terminal can be provided.

<Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, a feature point is extracted from an image signal input to a fingerprint sensor and it is checked whether or not the feature point matches registered feature point extraction data. The data is not limited to the feature point extraction data, and for example, it may be checked whether or not the image data matches.

In this case, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3, the step of extracting feature points from fingerprint image data is eliminated, and fingerprint image data is registered as registration fingerprint data in FIG.

Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, registration fingerprint data such as feature point extraction data is registered in association with an application, and fingerprint data that matches the registration fingerprint data is input. If so, the application software corresponding to the fingerprint data was started. The image data to be registered and input need not be a fingerprint. For example, image data such as handwritten characters and symbols is registered in association with an application, and when image data determined to match the registered image data is input, the associated application is registered. May be started.

A method of registering an application corresponding to image data such as characters and symbols will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where an information processing apparatus capable of inputting handwritten characters is used will be described as an example. Here, as a sensor for inputting characters, an LCD having a touch panel type sensor capable of inputting coordinates is used.

First, registration software for associating image data such as characters with an application is started. FIG. 14 shows a display example of the LCD at the time of character registration.
1 is an area for inputting characters.

In step S601, a character to be registered is input by handwriting. When the sensor is touched,
Notify that U was touched.

In step S602, the CPU receives coordinate data indicating the touched position of the sensor from the sensor, and generates image data of the character from the input coordinate data when a character or the like is input. For example,
Digital binary image data is generated from an electric signal indicating coordinate data detected by the sensor.

In step S603, the characteristics of the image data are analyzed to generate registration data. For example, by recognizing what character has been input, the code of the recognized character may be used as registration data, or the coordinates of a characteristic point such as a bent point or an end point of a line of a character image may be used. It may be used as registration data.

In step S 604, the user is caused to select application software to be associated with the input character registration data.

In step S605, the selected application software is registered in the flash memory in correspondence with the character registration data.

Next, when characters are input after data registration, the detailed operation of the portable terminal device at the time of image collation will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S701, when the sensor is touched, the sensor notifies the CPU of the touch.

In step S702, the CPU receives coordinate data indicating the position touched by the sensor from the sensor, and generates image data from the coordinate data.

In step S703, the CPU analyzes the features of the image data and generates collation data.

In step S704, the CPU determines whether the collation data matches the registration data registered in the flash memory. For example, if the data for verification and the data for registration completely match or are within a certain error range, it may be determined that they match.

If it is determined that the registration data and the collation data match, then in step S705, C
The PU starts application software corresponding to the registration data.

In step S706, when the application software is started, the screen of the application program is displayed on the LCD, and input of new information to be processed by the application software is waited.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S704 that there is no match, in step S707, an LED for notifying the mismatch of the collation result is displayed, and the flow returns to S701 to wait for input of new data.

The image data (registration data) of a character corresponding to the application software may be a single character or a plurality of characters.

The image data (registration data)
May be image data such as symbols other than characters. In addition, image data such as characters, symbols, and fingerprints may be mixed and registered.

Although the input image is analyzed to generate registration data, as described above, the registration data may be data obtained by extracting features of the image data. Characters may be recognized from the input image data, and the character code may be used as registration data. Further, the image data may be registered as it is as in the second embodiment.

<Embodiment 4> The external view of the device may be such that the image sensor (fingerprint sensor) 102 and the liquid crystal display 108 are located at different positions as shown in FIG.
The image sensor (fingerprint sensor) 803 may be provided inside the liquid crystal display 802 as shown in FIG.

The liquid crystal display shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 may be a display integrated with a touch panel or the like capable of inputting information as well as displaying applications.

In FIG. 8, the display 802
Can input an image in the same way as the image sensor 803,
The area of the image sensor 803 may be an area indicated by a window displayed on the display 802, or the area window may be freely movable in the display 802. In that case, first, a step of displaying an area for an image sensor on the display 802 is provided, and furthermore, S202 of FIG. 2 and S301 of FIG.
In step 601 of determining whether the sensor has been touched in step S701 of FIG. 7, a process of determining whether or not the touched area is within the area is added.

For example, the display 802 in FIG. 8 is a display integrated with a touch panel, and 803 is an input area displayed in the display 802. When image data such as characters is input in the input area 803, Alternatively, the application software may be started. Since the input area 803 is an area displayed on the display 802, the display location of the input area 803 may be changed in some cases. In addition, this touch panel display
It may be configured by a capacitance type sensor.

<Fifth Embodiment> In the first to fourth embodiments, an area for inputting image information for starting application software is determined in advance.
The input area may not be determined in advance.

For example, as shown in FIG.
1 is a device having a display 902 also serving as a sensor capable of inputting information. When a fingerprint is input to any of the sensors in the display, a corresponding application is started and coordinate input information, character input information, etc. When information other than the fingerprint information is input, a process according to the input information may be performed. In this case, since the processing at the time of registration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the collation processing operation of the device will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S1001, when information is input to the sensor by the operator of the portable terminal device, the sensor notifies the CPU that the sensor has detected the information.
For example, due to changes in sensor voltage or capacitance,
The CPU receives a notification that something has been pressed.

When the CPU receives notification that something has been pressed, in step S1002, the CPU analyzes a signal received from the sensor. For example, a signal received as an analog electric signal from a sensor is converted to a digital signal.
The image data is generated by converting the image data into a value image.

In step S1003, it is determined whether the received image data is fingerprint image data.
In this determination, when the shape of the image data sensed by the sensor at the time of analysis in S1002 is represented by the shape of a finger (such as elliptical data), it may be determined that the image data is fingerprint image data. The determination may be made based on the pressing time, or may be determined based on the pressure distribution of the pressed sensor if the sensor can sense the pressure.

If it is determined in step S1003 that the data is not fingerprint image data, the flow advances to step S1008 to perform a normal process on the input information and end the processing. For example, if the input is a handwritten character input on the document creation screen, a character recognition process is performed to input the character.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1003 that the data is fingerprint image data, the flow advances to step S1004 to change the CP
U analyzes the fingerprint image data and extracts feature points to generate feature point extraction data.

In step S1005, the CPU
It is determined whether the feature point extraction data generated in S1004 matches the feature point extraction data registered in the flash memory.

If the CPU determines that the registered feature point extraction data matches the currently input feature point extraction data, the process proceeds to step S1006, and the CPU proceeds to step S1006. The attached application software is activated, and enters a state of waiting for input of new information processed by the application software.

When the application software is started, in step S1007, the screen of the application program is displayed on the LCD.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the collation results do not match, in step S1009, an LED for notifying that the collation results do not match is displayed.
Then, the process returns to 01 to wait for input of new data.

It should be noted that a capacitive sensor may be used as a sensor of a display capable of inputting information, or any sensor capable of inputting a fingerprint image may be used.

In the matching process, similar to the first and second embodiments, feature points (branch points and end points) are extracted from fingerprint image data input to the sensor, and the matching is performed using the feature point extracted data. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the image data matches with the image data.

<Sixth Embodiment> The information processing program according to the present invention may be executed by an information processing apparatus capable of inputting images such as fingerprints and characters by a program installed from the outside. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, a recording medium such as 1502 in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is recorded is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the system or the apparatus (or CPU or MPU) It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the medium. In addition,
It goes without saying that the information processing device 1501 in FIG. 15 may be the information processing device as shown in FIGS. 5, 8, and 9.

In this case, the program code entity read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, and a DVD.
-ROM, DVD-RAM, magnetic tape, memory card, ROM, and the like can be used.

Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a case where the program is distributed via a communication line such as a personal computer communication from a storage medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is recorded.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a C which supplies a program code.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a memory map of a storage medium such as a D-ROM. An area 1601 stores directory information. An area 1 stores an installation program.
602 and the position of the area storing the information processing program 1603 are shown. When the information processing program according to the present invention is installed in an information processing apparatus having the same configuration as that of FIG. 1, first, the installation program stored in the area 1602 is loaded into the system,
Performed by Next, the installation program executed by the CPU reads the information processing program from the area 1603 that stores the information processing program, and stores the read information processing program in a storage unit such as a flash memory.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a program code of software for realizing various functions in the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG.
For example, it is requested to be transmitted from an HTTP server or an FTP server, and received via a network, a public line, or a wireless line 1505, and the system or apparatus (or CPU, MPU) executes the program code. Needless to say, this is also achieved by

In this case, the program code itself transmitted from the transmitting device realizes the function in the above-described embodiment, and therefore, the transmitting device that transmits the program code constitutes the present invention.

The present invention may be applied to a system or an integrated device composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, etc.), or may be applied to a device composed of one device.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the readout program codes. In addition, the OS or the like running on the computer is executed based on the instructions of the program codes. The present invention can be applied to a case where some or all of the processing is performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are also realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the information processing device or a function expansion unit connected to the information processing device, the program code of the program code is read. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction, and the functions of the above-described embodiment are also realized by the processing.

According to the first to sixth embodiments as described above, in the information processing apparatus having the first information input area in which information can be input, image information is input to the first information input area. This has the effect that the processing associated with the image information can be easily activated. In addition, the number of buttons (information input area) for starting the process can be reduced, so that the size of the apparatus can be easily reduced.

[0139] Further, in an apparatus having a second information input area capable of inputting information other than the first information input area,
When the first information input area is provided in the information input area, the second information input area can be widened. Further, when the first information input area and the second information input area are configured by the same sensor,
There is also an effect that the first information input area and the second information input area can be constituted by one sensor device.

Conversely, the first information input area is set to the second information input area.
Provided outside the information input area, there is an effect that the first information input area can be clearly distinguished. Further, when the first information input area and the second information input area are constituted by different sensors, there is an effect that the processing can be easily performed.

When a first information input area is provided within the second information input area and the first information input area is made movable, the first information input area can be moved to an optimum position according to the situation of the information processing apparatus and the necessity. There is an effect that the first information input area can be moved or moved to a position that is easy for the operator to use.

Further, by simply inputting image information such as fingerprints, characters and symbols into the first information input area, it is possible to easily start a process such as a desired application of the information processing apparatus. . In particular, when a fingerprint is used, the input can be clearly distinguished from other inputs, so that there is an effect that the possibility of performing wrong processing is reduced. Also,
In the case where characters and symbols are used, even if the operator is changed, if the same characters and symbols are input, processing such as an application can be easily started, and there is an effect that sharability is improved.

In the case where the first information input area and the second information input area are not clearly distinguished from each other, for example, it is determined whether or not specific information such as a fingerprint has been input, and a specific information such as a fingerprint is determined. If the information is information, a process such as a desired application of the information processing apparatus is started. If the information is other than a fingerprint, an operation corresponding to the information can be performed. Thus, when specific information such as a fingerprint is input, there is an effect that processing such as an application desired by the operator can be started. In particular, when a fingerprint is used as specific information, it can be clearly distinguished from other inputs, so that there is an effect that the possibility of performing erroneous processing is reduced.

Further, when the image sensor is constituted by a lightweight and thin capacitive sensor, there is an effect that downsizing becomes easy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an internal configuration diagram of a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for registering an application corresponding to a fingerprint according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a correspondence table of application software corresponding to fingerprint data in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an external view example 1 of the mobile terminal device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for registering an application corresponding to an image according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart at the time of image collation of the device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an external view example 2 of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an external view example 3 of the portable terminal device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart at the time of image collation of the device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a fingerprint for explaining the characteristic points of the fingerprint.

FIG. 12: LCD display example when a finger is selected

FIG. 13 is an example of an LCD display when the corresponding application software is selected.

FIG. 14 is a display example of an LCD at the time of character registration.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a storage medium storing a program code and a transmitting apparatus for transmitting the program code.

FIG. 16 is an image diagram showing a memory map of a storage medium storing an information processing program according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a capacitance type fingerprint sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 portable terminal device 101 battery 102 fingerprint sensor IC 103 CPU 104 LED 105 flash memory 106 DRAM 107 ASIC 108 LCD 801 portable terminal device 802 LCD 803 image sensor or fingerprint sensor 901 portable terminal device 902 image information input display 1101 fingerprint vortex 1102 End point (feature point) of fingerprint stripe 1103 End point (feature point) of fingerprint stripe 1104 Branch point (feature point) of fingerprint stripe 1501 Computer 1502 Storage medium 1503 Storage medium read / write unit 1504 Sending device 1505 Communication line 1701 Unevenness of fingerprint on skin surface 1702-1706 Electrode formed on sensor surface 1707 Sensor base 1708 Circuit for detecting capacitance

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06T 1/00 G06F 15/64 G H04L 9/32 H04L 9/00 673D

Claims (36)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus comprising first information input means capable of inputting information, wherein said analysis means analyzes image information input to said first information input means, and an analysis result of said analysis means. In accordance with, processing determining means for determining the processing of the information processing apparatus for new information, and, in accordance with the determination of the processing determining means, before the new information is input,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a start unit that starts processing of the information processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correspondence registration unit configured to register the image information input to the first information input unit in correspondence with processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second information input means capable of inputting information, wherein an area to be input by said first information input means is an area to be input by said second information input means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided in the information processing apparatus. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second information input means capable of inputting information, wherein an area to be input by said first information input means is outside an area to be input by said second information input means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is provided in the information processing apparatus. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second information input unit capable of inputting information, wherein an area to be input by said first information input unit is within an area to be input by said second information input unit. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said information processing apparatus is movable in an area to be input by said second information input means. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information input to the first information input unit is data relating to a fingerprint. 7. The image information input to the first information input unit is a character.
An information processing device according to any one of the above. 8. The image information input to the first information input means is a symbol.
An information processing device according to any one of the above. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus is application software of the information processing apparatus. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first information input means comprises a capacitance type sensor.
10. The information processing device according to any one of claims 9 to 9. 11. An information processing apparatus comprising information input means capable of inputting information, a determining means for determining whether or not the input information is fingerprint image information; Analysis means for analyzing the input fingerprint image information when it is determined that the information is fingerprint image information, and processing determination for determining processing of the information processing apparatus for new information according to the analysis result of the analysis means An information processing apparatus comprising: means for activating a process of the information processing apparatus before the new information is input in accordance with a determination of the processing determining means. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correspondence registering unit capable of registering the image information of the fingerprint input to the information input unit in correspondence with the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, which performs the processing. 13. The information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing device is application software of the information processing device. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first information input means comprises a capacitance type sensor.
14. The information processing device according to any one of 1 to 13. 15. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus including first information input means capable of inputting information, comprising: an analysis step of analyzing image information input to the first information input means; A process determining step of determining a process of the information processing apparatus for new information in accordance with an analysis result of the step; and, in response to the determination of the process determining step, the information processing apparatus before inputting the new information. And a starting step of starting the processing of (1). 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a registration step of registering the image information input to said first information input means in correspondence with processing of said new information by said information processing apparatus. The information processing device control method according to the above. 17. A method for controlling the information processing apparatus further comprising second information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the area to be input by the first information input means is the second information input means. 17. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15, wherein the information input means is provided in an area to be input. 18. A method for controlling the information processing apparatus further comprising second information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the area to be input by the first information input means is the second information input means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information input means is provided in an area to be input, and is movable in the area to be input by the second information input means.
An information processing apparatus control method according to any one of claims 5 and 16. 19. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15, wherein the image information input to the first information input unit is data relating to a fingerprint. 20. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15, wherein the image information input to the first information input unit is a character. 21. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is a symbol. 22. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 15, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus is application software of the information processing apparatus. 23. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus including information input means capable of inputting information, comprising: a determination step of determining whether input information is fingerprint image information; An analysis step of analyzing the input fingerprint image information when it is determined that the input information is fingerprint image information; and a processing of the information processing apparatus for new information according to an analysis result of the analysis means. And a starting step of starting the processing of the information processing apparatus before the new information is input in accordance with the determination of the processing determining means. Device control method. 24. A correspondence registration step capable of registering the fingerprint image information input to the information input means in correspondence with the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 23, wherein: 25. The information processing apparatus control method according to claim 23, wherein the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus is application software of the information processing apparatus. 26. A storage medium storing a computer-readable information processing device control program for controlling an information processing device provided with first information input means capable of inputting information, the first medium comprising: An analysis step of analyzing the image information input to the information input means, and a processing determining step of determining processing of the information processing apparatus for new information according to an analysis result of the analysis step;
A starting step of starting the processing of the information processing apparatus before the new information is input in accordance with the determination of the processing determining step. A storage medium that has been stored. 27. The image processing apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising a correspondence registration step of registering the image information input to the first information input means in correspondence with the processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus. A storage medium storing the information processing device control program according to the above description. 28. A storage medium storing the information processing device control program for controlling the information processing device further comprising second information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the first information input means is 28. The information processing device control program according to claim 26, wherein the input target area is provided in the input target area by the second information input unit. Storage medium. 29. A storage medium storing the information processing device control program for controlling the information processing device further comprising second information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the first information input means is The area to be input is provided in the area to be input by the second information input means, and is movable in the area to be input by the second information input means. Claim 26
Or a storage medium storing the information processing device control program according to any one of claims 27 to 27. 30. The information processing device control program according to claim 26, wherein the image information input to the first information input means is data relating to a fingerprint. Storage medium. 31. A storage medium storing an information processing device control program according to claim 26, wherein the image information input to said first information input means is a character. . 32. A storage medium storing an information processing device control program according to claim 26, wherein the image information input to said first information input means is a symbol. . 33. The information processing device control program according to claim 26, wherein the processing of the information processing device for the new information is application software of the information processing device. Storage media. 34. A storage medium storing a computer-readable information processing device control program for controlling an information processing device having information input means capable of inputting information, wherein the input information is A determining step of determining whether the image information is fingerprint image information; andan analyzing step of analyzing the input fingerprint image information when the input unit determines that the input information is fingerprint image information, A process determining step of determining a process of the information processing apparatus for new information in accordance with an analysis result of the analyzing unit; and, in response to the determination of the process determining unit, determining whether the new information is input before the new information is input. And a starting step for starting processing of the processing device. Storage media. 35. A registration step capable of registering image information of a fingerprint input to the information input means and processing of the new information by the information processing apparatus in a corresponding manner. A storage medium storing the information processing device control program according to claim 34. 36. The information processing device control program according to claim 34, wherein the processing of the information processing device for the new information is application software of the information processing device. Storage media.