WO2009148196A1

WO2009148196A1 - Multi access protocol device using a living body authentication and a control method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2009148196A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/003131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young Sik Yoo; Myung Jae Choi
Original assignee: Card Topia Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-06-02
Filing date: 2008-06-04
Publication date: 2009-12-10
Also published as: KR20090125438A; KR100989192B1

Abstract

A multi-access protocol device and a method of controlling the same are provided. When a cap is opened, the device receives a user's fingerprint to determine if the user is a certified user. When the user is a certified user, it is determined if there is selection of a switch. When there is no selection of the switch, a predetermined key value is generated by an algorithm of a one time password unit and is displayed on a liquid crystal display. When there is selection of the switch, a frequency signal corresponding to the selection of the switch is generated. As the biometrics is primarily performed, risk can be reduced even when the device is lost. In addition, the user can easily lock and unlock an automobile door or a house door. The device has a data protective function that is a weak spot of a conventional USB memory. The device can maintain high safety when the user uses a one time password.

Description

[Invention Title]

MULTI ACCESS PROTOCOL DEVICE USING A LIVING BODY AUTHENTICATION AND A CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

[Technical Field] The present invention relates to an access protocol device for a one-time password (OTP) generator, a door lock system, an automobile key, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-access protocol device using biometrics and a method of controlling the multi-access protocol device. [Background Art] Generally, an OTP generator is used to perform authentication for

Internet banking, online stock transactions, server access, and the like.

However, when the OTP generator is lost, it may be possible for the OTP device to be used illegally. In addition, the prior art OTP generator is not designed to provide other supplementary features. Further, households use a door lock system for security and convenience. However, there is the danger that a password of the door lock system may be exposed.

In recent years, remote control keys have been widely used to perform a locking/unlocking function of automobiles. However, when the remote control key is lost, the related automobile may be exposed to risks that goods in the automobile may be stolen.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]

[Technical Problem] Technical objects of the present invention are to solve the prior art problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-access protocol device using biometrics that is simple and convenient, that has very few risks even when it is lost, and that can perform a variety of functions.

[Technical Solution] To achieve the technical objects, a multi-access protocol device using biometrics in accordance with a feature of the present invention includes a main body, and a cap that opens and closes the main body through a sliding motion, wherein the main body includes: a memory for storing a predetermined fingerprint therein; a fingerprint recognition module for recognizing a user's fingerprint; a biometrics unit for performing authentication by comparing a fingerprint input from the fingerprint recognition module with the fingerprint stored in the memory; a power supplier for supplying electric power; an automobile key generator for generating a first high frequency signal for locking/unlocking an automobile door; a door lock locking/unlocking signal generator for generating a second high frequency signal for locking/unlocking a house door; and a switch for switching electric power to the door lock locking/unlocking signal generator or the automobile key signal generator in accordance with user selection. The multi-access protocol device further includes: a universal serial bus (USB) connector connected to a USB port of an external computer; a USB controller for controlling the USB connector and transferring information stored in the memory in accordance with a command from the computer; an on/off switch for detecting if use of a one-time password (OTP) function is selected; a display unit for displaying information; an OTP controller for generating a key value through a predetermined key generation algorithm in accordance with selection of the on/off switch and displaying the generated key value on the display unit; a first display lamp for displaying that an authentication result of the biometrics unit is normal; and a second display lamp for displaying that an authentication result of the biometrics unit is abnormal.

To achieve the technical objects, a multi-access protocol device using biometrics in accordance with another feature of the present invention includes a main body, and a cap that opens and closes the main body through a sliding motion, wherein the main body includes: a memory for storing a predetermined fingerprint therein; a fingerprint recognition module for recognizing a user's fingerprint; a biometrics unit for performing authentication by comparing a fingerprint input from the fingerprint recognition module with the fingerprint stored in the memory and for controlling switch operation and OPT operation; a universal serial bus (USB) connector to be connected to a USB port of an external computer; a USB controller for controlling the USB connector and transferring information stored in the memory in accordance with a command from the computer; a display unit for displaying the information; an opening/closing detector for detecting if use of an OTP function is selected by opening/closing the cap; a wireless communication unit for communicating with an external device; an OTP controller for determining whether there is an input from the switch when opening is detected by the opening/closing detector, and generating a key value through a predetermined key generation algorithm and displaying the generated key value on the display unit when there is no input from the switch; a power supplier for supplying electric power; a first signal generator for generating a first high frequency signal for locking/unlocking a door of a first apparatus; a second signal generator for generating a second high frequency signal for locking/unlocking a second apparatus; and a switch for switching the electric power to the first or second signal generator in accordance with user selection after authentication of the biometrics unit is completed.

To achieve the technical objects, a multi-access method using biometrics in accordance with another feature of the present invention includes: receiving a user's fingerprint to determine if the user is a certified user; determining connection to a USB connector when the user is the certified user; determining if there is a switch selection when there is no connection to the USB connector; and outputting a selected frequency signal when switch selection occurs.

To achieve the objects, a multi-access method using biometrics of a multi-access device having a cap and a main body includes: receiving a user's fingerprint to determine if the user is a certified user when the cap is opened; determining if there is a selection of a switch when the user is a certified user; generating and displaying a predetermined key value when there is no selection of the switch; and generating a frequency signal corresponding to the selection of the switch when there is a selection of the switch.

The generating of the frequency signal includes generating an automobile door lock locking/unlocking signal or a door lock locking/unlocking signal.

[Advantageous Effects]

In the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as the biometrics function is primarily performed, risk can be reduced even when the device is lost. In addition, the user can easily lock and unlock an automobile door or a house door. The device has a data protective function, which is a weak spot of a USB memory. The device can maintain high safety when the user uses a one time password. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an outer appearance of a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer connected to a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for registering a fingerprint in a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of receiving an OTP using a USB port of a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating the OTP of a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Best Mode]

In the following detailed description, only certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, simply by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an outer appearance of a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a computer connected to a multi-access protocol device using biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a multi-access protocol device using biometrics includes a main body 101 and a cap 102.

The main body 101 includes a memory 130, a fingerprint recognition module 120, a biometrics unit 110, a universal serial bus (USB) connector 150, a USB controller 140, a display unit 190, a wireless communication unit 180, an OTP controller 160, an opening/closing detector 170, first and second light emitting diodes 200 and 210, a radio frequency (RF) switch 220, an automobile key signal generator 230, a door lock locking/unlocking signal generator 240, and a power supplier 250.

The memory 130 stores fingerprints of allowable users therein through a predetermined registration process. The fingerprint recognition module 120 recognizes an image of the user's fingerprint and outputs the recognized image.

The biometrics unit 110 compares the fingerprint input from the fingerprint recognition module 120 with the fingerprint stored in the memory 130, and authenticates the input fingerprint if the input fingerprint is matched with the stored fingerprint. The biometrics unit 110 includes a biometrics controller 111 , a module controller 112, and a clock 113. The clock 113 provides time information. The module controller 112 converts an analog signal received from the fingerprint recognition module 120 into a digital signal, compresses the digital signal in a predetermined format, and transfers the compressed digital signal to the biometrics controller 111. The biometrics controller 111 compares the fingerprint input from the fingerprint recognition module 120 with the fingerprint stored in the memory 130, and authenticates the input fingerprint if the input fingerprint is matched with the stored fingerprint. The USB connector 150 is connected to a USB port of an external computer to function as a channel through which information is transferred.

The USB controller 140 serves to control the USB connector 150, transfer the information of the memory 130 or store received information in the memory 130 in response to a command from the computer, and store other sorts of information such as an official certificate. The display unit 190 displays the information in accordance with the control of the OTP controller 160.

The opening/closing detector 170 detects if a user opens the cap 102 to use the OTP function. If necessary, an opening/closing switch 230 may be provided, and it may be possible to determine if the user selects the OTP function if the user selects the opening/closing switch 230.

In addition, both of the opening/closing detector 170 and the opening/closing switch 230 may be provided.

The wireless communication unit 180 may transfer the information to the computer 400, if necessary.

When the selection of the opening/closing detector 170 or the opening/closing switch 230 is the use of the OTP function, the OTP controller 160 generates a key value in accordance with a predetermined key generation algorithm to transfer the information to the computer 400 via the wireless communication unit 180 and display the information on the display unit 190.

The cap 102 opens and closes the main body 101 through a sliding motion. If necessary, the cap 102 may be modified to other structures. The power supplier 250 supplies electric power to the RF switch 220 and to the biometrics controller 111.

The automobile key signal generator 230 receives electric power from the RF switch 220 to generate a first high frequency signal for locking/unlocking an automobile door. The door lock locking/unlocking signal generator 240 receives electric power from the RF switch 220 to generate a second high frequency signal for locking/unlocking a door of a house.

The RF switch 220 operates in accordance with a control signal of the biometrics controller 111. When the user is not authenticated, the RF switch 220 does not operate. The RF switch 220 switches the electric power to the door lock locking/unlocking generator 240 or to the automobile key signal generator 230 in accordance with the user selection. The first and second high frequency signals are set to be respectively matched with frequencies of receivers of an automobile and a door lock system in advance, during the manufacturing process.

Referring to FIG. 3, the computer 400 includes a LAN card 410, a controller 420, a monitor 430, a storage unit 440, a USB port 450, and a CD-ROM drive 460. The LAN card 410 performs a communication function. If necessary, the LAN card 410 may be a wireless communication unit and may transfer the OTP generation information to an external related server through the internet. The controller 420 performs general control. Specifically, the controller 420 controls a fingerprint registration process, an OTP receiving process, and the like. The monitor 430 displays information in accordance with the control of the controller 420. The storage unit 440 stores the information therein in accordance with the control of the controller 420. The USB port 450 is connected to the USB connector 150. The CD-ROM drive 460 reads the information from a CD loaded therein and transfers the information to the controller 420.

Referring to FIG. 4, the CD used for registering the fingerprint in the multi-access protocol device is loaded in the CD-ROM drive 460 of the computer 400 (S410).

Then, the controller 420 reads a related program from the CD-ROM drive 460 and executes the related program (S410), and outputs a message for connecting the USB connector 150 to the USB port 450 to the main screen of the monitor 430 (S430).

After connecting the USB connector 150 to the USB port 450, the user manipulates an input unit 470 to select a basic operation or an option (S440). Here, the basic is a basic process for inputting a fingerprint, and the option is a process for changing a current fingerprint.

After selecting the basic operation, when the user puts his/her fingerprint to a related region of the fingerprint recognition module 120, the fingerprint recognition module 120 recognizes the fingerprint and outputs an analog image signal for the recognized fingerprint (S450). Then, the module controller 112 converts the analog signal received from the fingerprint recognition module 120 into the digital signal, compresses the digital signal, and transfers the compressed signal to the biometrics controller 111. The biometrics controller 111 stores the fingerprint input in the memory 130 (S470). Meanwhile, when the option is selected, the biometrics controller 111 performs a predetermined certificating process, after which the memory 130 deletes the stored fingerprint.

Subsequently, as in the fingerprint input process, the biometrics controller 111 stores the input fingerprint in the memory 130 (S460 and S470). The following will describe a method of using the multi-access protocol device using the biometrics in accordance with an exemplary embodiment after the fingerprint is registered through the above-described processes.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of receiving an OTP using a USB port of the multi-access protocol device using the biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a power switch may be provided to the power supplier 250 to supply the electric power when it is necessary. Referring to FIG. 5, when the user puts his/her fingerprint to a related region of the fingerprint recognition module 120, the fingerprint recognition module 120 recognizes the fingerprint and transfers the recognized fingerprint to the biometrics controller 111 through the module controller 112 (S502), and the biometrics controller 111 compares the input fingerprint with the fingerprint stored in the memory 130 (S504).

When the input fingerprint is matched with the fingerprint stored in the memory 130, the biometrics controller 111 determines through the USB controller 140 if the USB connector 150 is connected to the USB port 450. In addition, the biometrics controller 111 applies a signal to the RF switch 220 to activate the RF switch 220.

Meanwhile, in the above-described process, the user connects the USB connector 150 to the USB port 450 of the computer 400 as needed.

When the USB connector 150 is connected to the USB port 450, an authentication completing signal is transferred to the computer 400 through the

USB connector 150 by the control of the USB controller 140 and the controller

420 displays an image, which asks the user what he/she wants to use between the OTP function or the USB function, on the monitor 450 (S505).

Meanwhile, when the input fingerprint is not matched with the stored fingerprint, the controller 420 simply displays the fact that the fingerprints are not identical to each other on the display unit 190, and the authenticating process is performed again.

After the above, when the user selects a menu, the controller 420 determines the selected menu (S506).

When the selected menu is the USB function, the controller 420 performs a process for storing and reading the related information in or from the memory 130 via the USB connector 150 and the USB controller 140 in accordance with the manipulation of the input unit 470, and the multi-access protocol device in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention functions as a USB memory (S507).

Meanwhile, when the selected menu is the OTP function, the controller 420 displays a request for opening the cap 102 on the monitor 450 (S508). Next, when the user opens the cap 102 or presses the opening/closing switch 230 after opening the cap 102 (S509), the opening/closing detector 170 or the opening/closing switch 230 lets the OTP controller 160 know the fact that the cap 102 is opened.

Then, the OTP controller 160 generates a key value in accordance with a predetermined key generation algorithm, and transfers the generated key value to the controller 420 via the USB connector 150. The controller 420 displays the key value on the monitor 430 or the display unit 190 (S511 ).

Subsequently, the user accesses an external server 330 of a bank or other financial companies through a network 500 to perform financial transactions if needed. That is, the user performs work he/she wishes to do using the OTP displayed on the monitor 430 or the display unit 190.

Meanwhile, when the USB connector 150 is not connected in the process S520, a menu is selected by the user (S521 ). That is, a switch selection is input.

After the above, the switch 220 determines if the user selects the automobile key or the door lock key (S523).

When the automobile key is selected, the switch 220 generates a signal by applying electric power from the power supplier 250 to the automobile key signal generator 230. Then, a high frequency signal having a corresponding frequency is transmitted to a receiver (not shown) of the automobile to unlock the door (S524).

Meanwhile, when the door lock is selected, the switch unit 220 generates a signal by applying the electric power from the power supplier 250 to the door lock locking/unlocking signal generator 240. Then, a high frequency signal having a corresponding frequency is transmitted to a receiver (not shown) of the door lock to unlock the door (S525).

In the above process, other frequencies that are not high frequency or infrared rays may be used as the frequency. This process may be variously modified as needed.

The following will describe a case where the multi-access protocol device is independently used.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating the OTP of the multi-access protocol device using the biometrics according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, after the user opens the cap 102 or presses the opening/closing switch 230 after opening the cap 12, the user puts his/her fingerprint to a related region of the fingerprint recognition module 120. Then, the fingerprint recognition module 120 recognizes the fingerprint (S62) and transfers the recognized fingerprint to the biometrics controller 111 via the module controller 112, and the biometrics controller 111 compares the input fingerprint with the fingerprint stored in the memory 130 (S640).

When the input fingerprint is matched with the fingerprint stored in the memory 130, the biometrics controller 111 completes the authentication (S640). When the input fingerprint is not matched with the fingerprint stored in the memory 130, the biometrics controller 111 displays this fact on the display unit 190 (S630) and performs the authenticating process again. When the authentication is completed, the OTP controller 160 determines if there is a selection of the RF switch 220.

When there is no switch selection, a key value is generated in accordance with a predetermined key generation algorithm and displays the generated key value on the display unit 190 (S660).

Subsequently, the user performs desired-work by using the OTP displayed on the display unit 190.

Here, the work includes financial transactions such as Internet banking or other businesses. Meanwhile, when the switch is selected in the process S641 , the switch

220 determines if the user selects the automobile key or the door lock key. When the automobile key is selected, the switch 220 generates an automobile key signal. When the door lock is selected, the switch 220 generates a door lock locking/unlocking signal (S642). Then, a high frequency signal having a corresponding frequency is transferred to a receiver of the door lock to unlock the door (S525).

The process may be variously modified as needed. The door lock or the automobile door may be locked or unlocked in a state where the cap is opened or closed.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the biometrics is applied, other people cannot use the device even if the device is lost. Therefore, the device has a data protecting function that is a weak spot of a USB memory.

In addition, only a person who is certified through the biometrics can search, store, and delete the information stored in the USB memory. Further, the device may be used for many purposes such as access control and the like.

Since the device is compact and light, it is easy to carry, and the device is convenient to use.

The above-described embodiment may be realized by not only an apparatus and method but also a program that can realize a function corresponding to a structure of the embodiments or a recording media in which the program is recorded. This will be easily realized by those skilled in the art from the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure.

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1 ]

A multi-access protocol device comprising a main body, and a cap that opens and closes the main body through a sliding motion, wherein the main body comprises: a memory for storing a predetermined fingerprint therein; a fingerprint recognition module for recognizing a user's fingerprint; a biometrics unit for performing authentication by comparing a fingerprint input from the fingerprint recognition module with the fingerprint stored in the memory; a power supplier for supplying electric power; an automobile key generator for generating a first high frequency signal for locking/unlocking an automobile door; a door lock locking/unlocking signal generator for generating a second high frequency signal for locking/unlocking a house door; and a switch for switching the electric power to the door lock locking/unlocking signal generator or the automobile key signal generator in accordance with user selection.

[Claim 2]

The multi-access protocol device of claim 1 , further comprising: a first display lamp for displaying that an authentication result of the biometrics unit is normal; and a second display lamp for displaying that the authentication result of the biometrics unit is abnormal.

[Claim 3]

The multi-access protocol device of claim 2, further comprising: a universal serial bus (USB) connector connected to a USB port of an external computer; a USB controller for controlling the USB connector and transferring information stored in the memory in accordance with a command from the computer; an on/off switch for detecting if use of a one time password (OTP) function is selected; a display unit for displaying the information; an OTP controller for generating a key value through a predetermined key generation algorithm in accordance with a selection of the on/off switch and displaying the generated key value on the display unit; a first display lamp for displaying that an authentication result of the biometrics unit is normal; and a second display lamp for displaying that the authentication result of the biometrics unit is abnormal.

[Claim 4] A multi-access protocol device comprising a main body, and a cap that opens and closes the main body through a sliding motion, wherein the main body comprises: a memory for storing a predetermined fingerprint therein; a fingerprint recognition module for recognizing a user's fingerprint; a biometrics unit for performing authentication by comparing a fingerprint input from the fingerprint recognition module with the fingerprint stored in the memory and for controlling switch operation and OPT operation; a universal serial bus (USB) connector connected to a USB port of an external computer; a USB controller for controlling the USB connector and transferring information stored in the memory in accordance with a command from the computer; a display unit for displaying the information; an opening/closing detector for detecting if use of an OTP function is selected by opening/closing the cap; a wireless communication unit for communicating with an external device; an OTP controller for determining whether there is an input from the switch when opening is detected by the opening/closing detector, and generating a key value through a predetermined key generation algorithm and displaying the generated key value on the display unit when there is no input from the switch; a power supplier for supplying electric power; a first signal generator for generating a first high frequency signal for locking/unlocking a door of a first apparatus; a second signal generator for generating a second high frequency signal for locking/unlocking a second apparatus; and a switch for switching the electric power to the first or second signal generator in accordance with user selection after authentication of the biometrics unit is completed.

[Claim 5]

A multi-access method using biometrics, the method comprising: receiving a user's fingerprint to determine if the user is a certified user; determining connection to a USB connector when the user is the certified user; determining if there is a switch selection when there is no connection to the USB connector; and outputting a selected frequency signal when there is switch selection.

[Claim 6]

A multi-access method using biometrics of a multi-access device having a cap and a main body, the method comprising: receiving, when the cap is opened, a user's fingerprint to determine if the user is a certified user; determining if there is selection of a switch when the user is a certified user; generating and displaying a predetermined key value when there is no selection of the switch; and generating a frequency signal corresponding to the selection of the switch when there is selection of the switch.

[Claim 7] The method of one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the generating of the frequency signal comprises generating an automobile door lock locking/unlocking signal or a door lock locking/unlocking signal.