Vehicle security system, vehicle, and security center

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a vehicle security system, a vehicle and a security center, and more particularly to a vehicle security system, a vehicle and a security center using a personal authentication function for authenticating the driver himself / herself.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, as a technology to prevent theft of a vehicle, (1) use a key dedicated to the vehicle, (2) attach a lock mechanism that physically locks the handle of the vehicle (see Fig. 10: handle lock mechanism), (see Fig. 10: handle lock mechanism). 3) When an intruder breaks the window glass or opens the door, trunk, etc. by the vibration sensor, current sensor, voltage drop sensor, etc., a siren sound is emitted or the warning lamp blinks (see Fig. 11: Unauthorized access). There were only anti-theft technologies such as (detection / warning system), (4) or wireless notification to the owner of the vehicle residing nearby.

【0003】

In the above-mentioned conventional technique (1), when a key is picked up, stolen, or imitated, a person other than the owner can move the vehicle. Moreover, even if there was no key, it was possible to easily start the vehicle by directly connecting the key switch. In the conventional technology (2), it has been clarified from the appearance that a lock mechanism is attached for the purpose of a psychological threatening effect, and an intruder can destroy the lock mechanism to eliminate the effect of the function. there were.

【0004】

The prior art (3) often malfunctions in response to natural wind and rain, ambient noise and vibration. In many cases, it could not be installed on foreign cars whose voltage change was unstable when the door was opened. Furthermore, when the door or trunk is opened and the room lamp is lit, a slight change in the current flowing through the vehicle body is detected, and it may not work properly depending on the vehicle model. The conventional technology (4) has a limited effect when the distance between the vehicle and the owner or the guard is short, such as between the garage and the home, the company parking lot and the guard room, and when the owner or the guard is absent. Had no effect.

【0005】

Further, the above-mentioned prior art techniques (1) to (4) can be expected to be effective only in the early stage of theft. That is, if the dedicated key is stolen, the lock mechanism is destroyed, the power of various sensors is turned off, or the vehicle is carried by another large trailer with the anti-theft mechanism attached. It was completely helpless.

【0006】

On the other hand, a technology related to a car with a personal authentication device has also been proposed for the purpose of solving problems caused by the release of the key from the car body (prevention of lost key, theft, and forgetting to take the key). For example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-168930). By installing a personal authentication device on the device body side and authenticating the regular registrant, it is possible to make it impossible for anyone other than the pre-registered regular registrant to use it, which protects privacy and confidentiality. I'm planning to do it.

【0007】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

It is also conceivable to apply such technology for vehicle theft prevention. That is, by authenticating the regular registrant, the use of a person other than the registrant can be prohibited. However, using the above technology to strictly prohibit the use of persons other than the registrant does not comply with the actual vehicle operation, such as when a person other than the registrant is permitted to use the vehicle. In addition, if the use with a conventional mechanical key is permitted in order to deal with such an exception case, unauthorized use cannot be prevented. Therefore, the above-mentioned technology has a problem that the usage state of the vehicle is not grasped and an appropriate countermeasure cannot be taken. The present invention is for solving such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle security system, a vehicle, and a security center capable of grasping the usage state of a vehicle and taking necessary measures.

【0008】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve such an object, the vehicle security system according to the present invention authenticates and determines a user who uses a vehicle using biometric information, and based on the authentication determination result, grasps the usage state of the vehicle. In the system, based on the biometric information of the user acquired from the user, it is authenticated and determined whether or not the user is a regular registrant registered in advance as a person who can use the vehicle, and the authentication determination result is transmitted. An electronic authentication key to be used, a vehicle having a control unit that enables the vehicle to be used when the authentication determination result received from the electronic authentication key indicates successful authentication of the user, and a communication network connected to the vehicle. It consists of a security center that manages the usage status of the vehicle. Then, when the vehicle is used in an unauthenticated state in which the user cannot be authenticated as a regular registrant based on the authentication determination result in the vehicle control unit, the unauthenticated use indicating that fact is transmitted via the communication network. If the security center can confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle after the notification of uncertified use from the vehicle, it is judged that the vehicle is being used normally. , If it is not possible to confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is being used illegally.

【0009】

When confirming that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle, the security center acknowledges the unauthenticated use of the vehicle from the authorized registrant within a certain period of time from the notification of unauthenticated use from the vehicle. When notified to that effect, it may be determined that the vehicle is being used normally. In addition, if the security center cannot confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle within a certain period of time from the notification of uncertified use from the vehicle, the registered authorized registrant will be contacted in advance. You may notify the uncertified use of the vehicle first.

【0010】

If the Security Center can confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle by notifying the above contact information of unauthenticated use, it is judged that the vehicle is being used normally and the vehicle is used. If it is not possible to confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the above, it may be determined that the vehicle is being used illegally. Further, if the security center cannot notify the contact information of the pre-registered authorized registrant of the unauthenticated use of the vehicle, it may be determined that the vehicle is being used illegally.

【0011】

When the user does not make an authentication judgment with the electronic authentication key, if the vehicle is used without receiving the authentication judgment result in the vehicle control unit, the communication network indicates unauthenticated use indicating no authentication. If the official registrant does not notify the security center of the unauthenticated use within a certain period of time from the notification of the unauthenticated use indicating no authentication, the security center does not notify the security center of the unauthenticated use of the vehicle. You may decide that the vehicle has been misused.

【0012】

When multiple regular registrants share the same vehicle, when the user is authenticated with multiple regular registrants using the electronic authentication key and it is confirmed that the user is one of the regular registrants. Sends the ID information corresponding to the regular registrant as the authentication judgment result indicating the success of the authentication, and the ID information from the electronic authentication key is the ID of a plurality of regular registrants registered in advance in the control unit of the vehicle. If it matches the information, it may be determined that the user's authentication is successful.

【0013】

When limiting the number of times a vehicle can be used with a mechanical key, the vehicle control unit counts the number of times the vehicle has been used in the unauthenticated state as the number of unauthenticated uses, and the number of unauthenticated uses exceeds the permissible number of times. , The engine start of the vehicle in the uncertified state may be prohibited. At this time, if the security center can confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle after receiving the notification of unauthenticated use from the vehicle, the count of the number of unauthenticated uses will be invalidated for the vehicle. Instructed, the control unit of the vehicle may invalidate the counting of the unauthenticated number of times of the unauthenticated use in response to the instruction of invalidating the counting of the unauthenticated number of times from the security center.

【0014】

In addition, when limiting the number of times a vehicle can be used with a mechanical key, the security center instructs the vehicle to initialize the number of unauthenticated uses according to the re-registration of biometric information by a regular registrant, and controls the vehicle. In response to the initialization instruction of the unauthenticated number of times from the security center, the unit may initialize the unauthenticated number of times of use.

【0015】

When managing the location information indicating the location of the vehicle, the vehicle is provided with a location detection unit that detects the current position of the vehicle and outputs the location information, and the vehicle control unit can use the vehicle in an unauthenticated state. If confirmed, the security center may be started to notify the location information obtained from the location detection unit. Further, when the security center receives the location information from the vehicle and notifies the authorized registrant about the vehicle, the location information of the vehicle may also be notified.

【0016】

When detecting the movement of a vehicle, the vehicle is provided with at least one of an engine rotation sensor for detecting the rotation of the engine and an acceleration sensor for detecting the movement of the vehicle. You may want to confirm the use of the vehicle.

【0017】

When managing the usage history of the vehicle, the security center may record the usage history information of the vehicle indicating the notification from the vehicle and the response at the security center. At this time, the control unit of the vehicle notifies the security center of the start and end of use of the vehicle and the authentication judgment result from the electronic authentication key as the usage status, and the security center notifies the usage history information of the usage status from the vehicle. It may be recorded as. In addition, the vehicle is further provided with a display device for displaying usage history information, and when the authentication determination result indicates successful authentication of the user in the vehicle control unit, the usage history information of the vehicle is acquired from the security center. , May be displayed on the display device.

【0018】

In addition, the vehicle according to the present invention is authenticated and determined based on the biometric information of the user obtained from the user, whether or not the user is a regular registrant registered in advance as a person who can use the vehicle. A vehicle having an electronic authentication key for transmitting an authentication determination result and a control unit that enables the vehicle to be used when the authentication determination result received from the electronic authentication key indicates successful authentication of the user, is connected to this vehicle. It is composed of a security center that manages the usage status of the vehicle via the communication network, and the user who uses the vehicle is authenticated and judged using biometric information, and the usage status of the vehicle is grasped based on the authentication judgment result. It is a vehicle used in a security system, and the vehicle is provided with a control unit. Then, when the vehicle is used in an unauthenticated state in which the user cannot be authenticated as a regular registrant based on the authentication determination result in the control unit, the unauthenticated use indicating that fact is transmitted via the communication network. If the security center is notified and the security center confirms that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle after the notification of uncertified use from the vehicle, it is judged that the vehicle is being used normally. If it is not possible to confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is being used illegally.

【0019】

In addition, the security center according to the present invention authenticates and determines whether or not the user is a regular registrant registered in advance as a person who can use the vehicle based on the biometric information of the user obtained from the user. An electronic authentication key for transmitting the authentication determination result, a vehicle having a control unit that enables the vehicle to be used when the authentication determination result received from the electronic authentication key indicates successful authentication of the user, and connection with this vehicle. It is composed of a security center that manages the usage status of the vehicle via the communication network, which uses biometric information to authenticate and judge the user who uses the vehicle, and grasps the usage status of the vehicle based on the authentication judgment result. It is a security center used in a vehicle security system, and a management means is provided in the security center. Then, when the vehicle is used in an unauthenticated state in which the user cannot be authenticated as a regular registrant based on the authentication determination result by this management means, the unauthenticated use indicating that fact is used via the communication network. Notify the Security Center If it can be confirmed that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle after the notification of uncertified use from the vehicle, it is judged that the vehicle is being used normally and the use of the vehicle is about. If it cannot be confirmed that the authorized registrant is aware of it, it is determined that the vehicle is being used illegally.

【0020】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This vehicle security system is composed of an electronic authentication key 1, a vehicle 2, a communication network 3, and a security center 5, and whether or not the vehicle 2 can be used is determined based on the authentication determination result of the electronic authentication key 1. In addition, the security center 5 manages the usage status of the vehicle 2 via the communication network 3. If necessary, the regular registrant 4 and the security center 5 are connected via the communication network 3.

【0021】

The electronic authentication key (key with personal authentication function) 1 uses the fingerprint of the user who will use the vehicle 2 to determine whether or not the user is an authorized registrant who is permitted to use the vehicle 2. It is a key for a vehicle that has a personal authentication function. In the following, a case where a fingerprint is used as biometric information will be described as an example when performing personal authentication. In addition to this fingerprint, voice print, iris, handwriting, palm shape (finger joint length), and vein pattern will be described as biometric information. , It is also possible to use a face arrangement pattern or the like.

【0022】

The electronic authentication key 1 contains a sensor 11 that acquires and outputs fingerprint fingerprint data of a fingerprint from a user, and a memory that stores verification data used for collating the fingerprint of a regular registrant who is permitted to drive the vehicle. 12. The fingerprint data acquired by the sensor 11 and the collation data stored in the memory 12 are compared and collated to determine the authentication of the regular registrant, and the authentication determination result is success (OK) / unsuccessful (NG). ) Is output, and a transmission unit 14 that transmits the authentication determination result from the authentication unit 13 to the vehicle 2 is provided.

【0023】

As a means for transmitting information from the electronic authentication key 1 to the vehicle 2, a wireless data communication means using infrared rays, weak radio waves, or the like can be used. In addition, pair information indicating the combination of the electronic authentication key 1 and the vehicle 2 is transmitted together with the authentication determination result from the authentication unit 13 to identify another combination of the same type of electronic authentication key 1 and the vehicle 2. You may do it. In addition, when data communication is performed between the electronic authentication key 1 and the vehicle 2 or between the vehicle 2 and the security center 5, an encryption method may be applied to the information exchanged to improve the security of the vehicle security system. Can be improved.

【0024】

In the memory 12, authentication data of a plurality of regular registrants can be registered, and in the transmission unit 14, when the authentication determination result in the authentication unit 13 indicates successful authentication, the ID for each regular registrant registered in advance Select the ID information of the official registrant who has succeeded in authentication from the information, and send it to vehicle 2 as the authentication judgment result. If the authentication determination result in the authentication unit 13 indicates unsuccessful, the authentication determination result indicating unsuccessful (NG) is transmitted to the vehicle 2. The sensor 11, the memory 12, the authentication unit 13, and the transmission unit 14 are integrally formed with the authentication LSI 10 on a single chip, and operate by supplying power from the built-in battery 15. Further, a switch 16 for operating the electronic authentication key 1 is provided, and the operation output thereof is input to the authentication unit 13 to control the operation of the electronic authentication key 1.

【0025】

The vehicle 2 confirms that the user is a pre-registered regular registrant based on the authentication determination result from the electronic authentication key 1, and determines that the vehicle can be driven according to the confirmation. In addition, if the vehicle 2 is used in an unauthenticated state in which the authentication of the regular registrant has not been confirmed, the security center 5 is notified of the unauthenticated use. The vehicle 2 includes a receiving unit 21 that receives the authentication determination result from the electronic authentication key 1, a control unit 22 that controls each part of the vehicle 2, and a communication unit 23 that performs data communication with the security center 5 via the communication network 3. , A memory that stores information necessary for control processing by the control unit 22, such as the ID information of a pre-registered regular registrant and the number of unauthenticated uses that indicate the number of times the vehicle 2 has been used by the mechanical key in the unauthenticated state. Part 24, key switch 25 for operating vehicle 2 with a mechanical key, engine rotation sensor 26 for detecting engine rotation, acceleration sensor 27 for detecting movement / running of vehicle 2, detecting the current location of vehicle 2 A position detecting unit 28 is provided.

【0026】

In addition, as general equipment of vehicle 2, various equipment such as door 29A, starter 29B for starting the engine, trunk 29C, display (display unit) 29D for displaying usage history information, bonnet 29E, etc. are connected to the control unit 22. Each equipment is controlled by the control unit 22 based on the usage state of the vehicle 2, and unauthorized access to the equipment is detected by the control unit 22 as necessary. The vehicle 2 referred to in the present invention includes general vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, and motorcycles, as well as special vehicles such as police cars, armored cars, and tanks, and can be applied to various vehicles.

【0027】

A general wireless telephone network can be used as a means of communicating between the vehicle 2, the security center 5, and the authorized registrant 4. If PHS (Personal Handyphone System) is used as this wireless telephone network, location information indicating the current position of vehicle 2 can be easily obtained. Regarding the location information of vehicle 2, the position detection unit 28 uses GPS (Global Positioning System) and various road transportation systems used in the car navigation system, such as ITS (Intelligent Transport System) and VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System). It may be acquired by using.

【0028】

The security center 5 authenticates the person using the communication means 51 that communicates with the vehicle 2 via the communication network 3, the ID information and password for each authorized registrant of the vehicle 2, and the confirmation information for confirming the person. A registrant information database (hereinafter referred to as a registrant information DB) that stores the registrant authentication means 52 for performing, the authentication information used for personal authentication by the registrant authentication means 52, and the management information necessary for providing security services. 53 is provided.

【0029】

In addition, in the security center 5, for each vehicle 2, the use start / end time of the vehicle notified from the vehicle, the authentication judgment result, the report history to the security center 5, the re-registration history, and the uncertified use history. History information database (hereinafter referred to as history information DB) 54 that stores history information such as, and location information database (hereinafter referred to as location information DB) 55 that stores location information indicating the location of the vehicle notified from vehicle 2. , And a management means 56 that manages the usage status of each vehicle 2 registered in advance and provides a security service is provided.

【0030】

Next, the operation of the vehicle security system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, in the security center 5, the presence / absence of the unauthenticated notification notified from the vehicle 2 and its contents, and the presence / absence of the uncertified use of the vehicle by the authorized registrant after the uncertified notification are used. , The usage status of vehicle 2, that is, normal use / unauthorized use is judged. In the following, cases A to F that match the actual usage conditions of vehicle 2 will be taken up, and the operation of the vehicle security system will be explained for each of these cases.

【0031】

[Case A: When the regular registrant is certified and uses the vehicle normally] First, referring to Fig. 2, the vehicle security system when the regular registrant is certified and uses the vehicle normally (Case A) The operation of is described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example (cases A and B) of the vehicle security system. Case B will be described later.

【0032】

When using the vehicle 2, the user first places his / her finger on the sensor 11 of the electronic authentication key 1 that he / she possesses to capture the fingerprint (step 101). The authentication unit 13 performs authentication determination as to whether or not the user is a regular registrant by comparing and collating the fingerprint data acquired by the sensor 11 with the verification data of the regular registrant registered in advance in the memory 12 ( Step 102). Here, when the fingerprint data matches the collation data and the personal authentication is obtained (step 102: OK), the authentication determination result indicating the success of the authentication is notified to the transmission unit 14. In response to this, the transmission unit 14 transmits the ID information of the pre-registered regular registrant to the vehicle 2 (step 103).

【0033】

In the vehicle 2, the ID information from the electronic authentication key 1 is received by the receiving unit 21 (step 104), and the ID information is passed to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 compares the ID information with the ID information of the regular registrant registered in advance in the storage unit 24 based on the ID information, and checks whether the received ID information belongs to the regular registrant (step 105).

【0034】

Here, if it is confirmed that the received ID information belongs to the regular registrant (step 105: YES), it is determined that the user is the regular registrant and can be used, and the door of vehicle 2 is determined. Control 29A to unlock it (step 106) and, if necessary, control starter 29B to start the engine (step 107). As a result, the vehicle 2 is normally used by the user, that is, the regular registrant. After that, the engine of vehicle 2 is turned off by the user at the end of use (step 108), the door 29A is locked (step 109), and a series of cases where the authorized registrant is authenticated and the vehicle is used normally. The operation ends.

【0035】

In this way, when the authentication determination result with the electronic authentication key 1 indicates successful authentication, the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 determines that the vehicle can be used by the user, so that the vehicle can be used quickly and accurately. It can be determined whether the vehicle can be used. In the above, when the personal authentication is obtained, the case where the door lock is released and the engine is automatically started in steps 106 and 107 has been described. However, the personal authentication is obtained without such automatic control. The door may be opened and the engine may be started by the user within a predetermined grace period from the time when the inspection is performed.

【0036】

If the personal authentication is successful with the electronic authentication key 1, the ID information of the regular registrant is transmitted, and when the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 confirms that the ID information belongs to the regular registrant. Since it is judged that the authentication is successful, even when the vehicle 2 is shared by a plurality of regular registrants, it is possible to identify each regular registrant, perform an authentication judgment, and manage the vehicle 2. Therefore, as will be described later, even when the history information is recorded in the security center 5, it is possible to grasp the usage status for each regular registrant, such as which regular registrant used the vehicle and how, and detailed security management. Can be realized.

【0037】

[Case B: When there is a report of illegal use of the vehicle from the regular registrant] Next, referring to Fig. 2, when there is a report of illegal use of the vehicle from the regular registrant as the operation of this embodiment ( The operation of case B) will be described. When the regular registrant 4 detects that the vehicle 2 is being used illegally by obtaining personal authentication due to the fraudulent activity of a third party (non-registered person) and notifies the security center 5 by telephone or the like (step 111). , The management means 56 of the security center 5 receives the notification (step 112), refers to the registrant information DB 53, and confirms that the notification source is the regular registrant 4 by the registrant authentication means 52 (step 113). ).

【0038】

Here, if it is confirmed that the notification source is the regular registrant 4 (step 113: YES), the communication address of the vehicle 2 is acquired from the registrant information DB53, and the communication means to the vehicle 2 of that communication address. Request location information from 51 via communication network 3 (step 114). If the regular registrant 4 cannot be confirmed in step 113 above, the processing related to the unauthorized use report may be stopped. The control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 receives this location information request via the communication unit 23 (step 115), the position detection unit 28 acquires the location information indicating the current position of the vehicle 2, and the communication unit 23 communicates. Send to security center 5 via network 3 (step 116).

【0039】

The management means 56 of the security center 5 receives the location information from the vehicle 2 by the communication means 51 (step 117), stores the location information in the location information DB 55, and stores the location information in the regular registrant 4 of the reporting source. Is notified from the communication means 51 via the telephone network 3 (step 118). As a result, the regular registrant 4 confirms the location of his / her vehicle 2 (step 119), notifies the police station that the vehicle has been stolen (step 120), and the regular registrant reports the unauthorized use of the vehicle. If there is, a series of operations will end. The management means 56 of the security center 5 may also report the occurrence of vehicle theft as necessary (step 121).

【0040】

In this way, in response to the report from the regular registrant 4, the location is acquired from the illegally used vehicle 2 and notified to the regular registrant 4, so the regular registrant 4 goes to the police station. Appropriate vehicle theft report can be made. In addition, the location may be obtained from the vehicle 2 in which the unauthorized use has been reported, and the security center 5 may directly report the location to the police station, so that the vehicle can be stolen more quickly. Furthermore, when the management means 56 of the security center 5 determines that the vehicle 2 is being used illegally, the legitimate registrant or the police station is selected and registered in advance according to the intention of the regular registrant. You may set it.

【0041】

[Case C: When a regular registrant uses a vehicle in an unauthenticated state] Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, as an operation of this embodiment, a regular registrant uses a vehicle in an unauthenticated state. The operation of the vehicle security system in this case (Case C) will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing other operation examples (cases C, D, E) of the vehicle security system. Cases D and E will be described later.

【0042】

When the regular registrant uses vehicle 2 in the unauthenticated state (Case C), the regular registrant performs personal authentication by fingerprint with the electronic authentication key 1, but the authentication cannot be obtained (Case C1). , When the mechanical key is used directly without authenticating the person with the electronic authentication key 1 (Case C2), and in step 105 of Case A (see Fig. 2) described above, the ID information is officially registered by the vehicle 2 side. It is possible that the person's property is not confirmed (Case C3). In case C1, the user places his / her finger on the sensor 11 of the electronic authentication key 1 that he / she possesses to capture the fingerprint (step 131). The authentication unit 13 performs personal authentication as to whether or not the user is a regular registrant by comparing and collating the fingerprint data acquired by the sensor 11 with the verification data of the regular registrant registered in advance in the memory 12 ( Step 132).

【0043】

Here, when the fingerprint data does not match the collation data and the personal authentication cannot be obtained (step 132: NG), the transmission unit 14 is notified as the authentication determination result that the authentication is unsuccessful. As a result, the transmission unit 14 transmits not the ID information but the authentication determination result indicating the authentication failure. Therefore, since the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 does not determine that the use is permitted, the user decides to use the mechanical key (step 133) and opens the door 29A of the vehicle 2 with the mechanical key (step 134). .. In the case of case C2, the process is started from step 134. Further, in the case of case C3, the process proceeds from step 105 in FIG. 2 to step 133.

【0044】

When the mechanical key is inserted into the key switch 25 of the vehicle 2 and operated, the operation is notified to the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2. As a result, the control unit 22 determines that the user is used in the unauthenticated state in which the user's authentication has not been confirmed based on the ID information from the electronic authentication key 1, and the machine in the unauthenticated state stored in the storage unit 24. After adding the unauthenticated usage to the number of times the formula key has been used, that is, the number of unauthenticated uses (adding one time), the value is checked (step 135). Here, the control unit 22 determines that the use of the vehicle 2 can be permitted when the number of unauthenticated uses is less than the allowable number of times (for example, 3 times) (step 135: YES), and controls the starter 29B to control the engine. Is started (step 138). As a result, the operation by the user is started.

【0045】

After that, when the engine start is detected by the engine rotation sensor 26 or the movement of the vehicle 2 is detected by the acceleration sensor 27, the control unit 22 determines that the vehicle 2 is being used in the unauthenticated state. The communication unit 23 notifies the security center 5 of unauthenticated use via the communication network 3, and the security center 5 is notified of the location information of the vehicle 2 detected by the position detection unit 28 at predetermined intervals. Start automatic transmission of (step 139). In response to this, the management means 56 of the security center 5 receives the unauthenticated use notification sent from the vehicle 2 via the communication means 51, and sequentially receives the location information automatically sent from the vehicle 2 and sequentially receives the location information. Update storage in the location information DB55 is started (step 140), and within a certain period of time from this unauthenticated use notification, it waits for a confirmation notification of unauthenticated use from the authorized registrant of the vehicle (step 142).

【0046】

On the other hand, the user (driver) who drives the vehicle 2 starts using the vehicle 2 with the mechanical key, and then goes to the security center 5 via the communication network 3 to properly use the vehicle 2 in the unauthenticated state. A confirmation notice of unauthenticated use is given to notify that the registrant himself / herself is aware of it (step 141). If the management means 56 of the security center 5 detects an unauthenticated use confirmation notification from the user within a certain period of time from the unauthenticated use notification via the communication means 51 (step 142: YES), the unauthenticated use is used. After receiving the confirmation notification (step 143) and confirming that the user who is the notification source is a regular registrant by the registrant authentication means 52 (step 147: YES), the communication means 51 via the communication network 3 Instruct vehicle 2 to invalidate the counting of unauthenticated usages (step 148).

【0047】

The control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 receives the instruction to invalidate the counting of the unauthenticated usage count via the communication unit 23 (step 149), and out of the unauthenticated usage count stored in the storage unit 24, the unauthenticated usage count is received. The count of is invalidated (subtracted once) and updated and stored (step 150). As a result, the vehicle 2 is normally used by the user, that is, the regular registrant. After that, the engine of vehicle 2 is turned off by the user (step 151), the door 29A is locked (step 152) according to the end of use, and a series of operations when the authorized registrant uses the vehicle in an unauthenticated state. Is finished.

【0048】

In this way, even if the regular registrant uses the vehicle in the unauthenticated state, if it can be confirmed that the regular registrant is aware of the uncertified use of the vehicle 2, it is judged to be normal use. Therefore, even if you are a regular registrant but you cannot obtain authentication with the electronic authentication key 1, or if a non-registrant uses it for a valid reason, you must be aware of it by the regular registrant. It is possible to use vehicle 2 on condition of. Therefore, as compared with the conventional case where the availability of the vehicle is simply determined based on the authentication result, it is possible to make a determination that matches the actual operating state, and smooth vehicle security management can be realized.

【0049】

If it can be confirmed that the regular registrant is aware of the unauthenticated use after being notified of the unauthenticated use, the number of unauthenticated uses managed by the vehicle 2 will be invalidated by the number of times. Therefore, the number of unauthenticated uses is not counted excessively, and the prevention of unauthorized use of the vehicle 2 using the number of unauthenticated uses can be effectively performed. In addition, since at least one of the engine rotation sensor 26 and the acceleration sensor 27 is provided to detect the movement of the vehicle 2, the use of the vehicle 2 can be quickly detected, and an unauthorized use can be promptly taken. ..

【0050】

[Case D: When there is no unauthenticated use confirmation notification when using an unauthenticated vehicle] Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, as the operation of this embodiment, when the vehicle is used in the unauthenticated state. The operation of the vehicle security system when there is no unauthenticated use confirmation notification (Case D) will be described. In step 142 (see FIG. 3) of case C described above, if there is no unauthenticated use confirmation notification from the regular registrant within a certain period of time from the unauthenticated use notification (step 142: NO), the management means of the security center 5 In 56, the contact information to the regular registrant of the vehicle 2 is obtained by referring to the registrant information DB53, and the vehicle 2 is used in the unauthenticated state from the communication means 51 to the regular registrant 4 via the communication network 3. Notify that it has been done (step 144).

【0051】

In response, Authorized Registrant 4 confirms the unauthenticated use report from Security Center 5 (step 145) and acknowledges that Vehicle 2 is being used with a mechanical key (step 145). Step 146: YES), tell Security Center 5 to that effect. On the other hand, in the management means 56 of the security center 5, it is confirmed in step 143 that the unauthenticated use state is accepted from the regular registrant 4 in the same manner as in the above (case C), and in step 147, the registrant authentication means 52 To confirm that the report destination in step 144 is a regular registrant. Here, if it is confirmed that the user is a regular registrant (step 147: YES), the operation after step 148 is performed as in the above (case C).

【0052】

In addition, when the regular registrant 4 is not aware of the unauthenticated usage state of the vehicle 2 in step 146 (step 146: NO), and when it cannot be confirmed that the regular registrant is a regular registrant in step 147 (step 147). : NO), the management means 56 of the security center 5 acquires the location information of the vehicle 2 from the location information DB 55, and notifies the authorized registrant of the location of the vehicle 2 used without authentication (step 153). ). As a result, the regular registrant 4 confirms the location of his / her vehicle 2 (step 154), notifies the police station that the vehicle has been stolen (step 155), and the regular registrant reports the unauthorized use of the vehicle. If there is, a series of operations will end. The management means 56 of the security center 5 may also report the occurrence of vehicle theft as necessary (step 156).

【0053】

In this way, if there is no unauthenticated use confirmation notification from the regular registrant within a certain period of time from the unauthenticated use notification from the vehicle 2, the security center 5 will use the unauthenticated use for the regular registrant 4. Since the notification is provided, if the authorized registrant does not know, it is possible to promptly respond to the vehicle theft report and provide a reliable service. Furthermore, according to this notification, if the regular registrant is aware of the unauthenticated use, it will be judged as normal use, so it is possible to respond to the forgotten contact of the regular registrant, and it was in actual operation. Appropriate service can be provided.

【0054】

If the security center 5 cannot notify the regular registrant of the unauthenticated use, it may be judged as an unauthorized use, and the vehicle can be stolen promptly. In addition, when the use in the unauthenticated state is confirmed, the automatic notification of the location information of the vehicle from the vehicle 2 to the security center 5 is started at predetermined intervals, so that the security center 5 is in the unauthenticated state. It is possible to grasp the location and other locations of the vehicle used in, and take appropriate measures when unauthorized use is confirmed. Furthermore, when the security center 5 notifies the regular registrant 4, the location of the vehicle 2 is also notified, so in the case of unauthorized use, the regular registrant 4 can also take appropriate measures. it can.

【0055】

[Case E: When the use of the mechanical key exceeds the specified number of times] Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the present embodiment is a case where the use of the mechanical key exceeds the specified number of times. The operation of the vehicle security system in (Case E) will be described. In step 135 (see FIG. 3) of case C described above, if the number of unauthenticated uses exceeds the allowable number (for example, 3 times) (step 135: NO), the control unit 22 cannot permit the use of vehicle 2. Judging and prohibiting the driving of the starter 29B (step 136). As a result, the engine cannot be started and the vehicle cannot run.

【0056】

Therefore, in such a case, the regular registrant re-registers the fingerprint data with the security center 5 and exchanges the mechanical key of the vehicle 2 (step 137). As a result, vehicle 2 can be reused. In response to this re-registration, the security center 5 instructs the vehicle to initialize (reset) the number of unauthenticated uses, and the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 initializes the number of unauthenticated uses of the storage unit 24. You may do it.

【0057】

In this way, the number of times the mechanical key can be used is limited by the number of times it has not been authenticated, so it is possible to handle exceptional cases such as when authentication with the electronic authentication key 1 cannot be obtained despite being a regular registrant. At the same time, it can deal with unauthorized use. In addition, when the number of unauthenticated uses exceeds the permissible number, the fingerprint data can be re-registered and the mechanical key can be changed so that the data can be used, so that new unauthorized use can be dealt with.

【0058】

[Case F: When a third party illegally uses the vehicle in the unauthenticated state] Next, referring to FIG. 5, as the operation of this embodiment, the third party illegally uses the vehicle in the unauthenticated state. The operation of the vehicle security system in this case (Case F) will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another operation example (case F) of the vehicle security system.

【0059】

When a third party illegally modifies the vehicle 2 without authenticating the person with the electronic authentication key 1 (step 161), the mechanical key is illegally used (step 162) and the door is opened illegally. When the door is opened (step 163) or when the door is opened illegally without using the mechanical key (step 163), the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 detects these. Then, since the authentication determination result from the electronic authentication key 1 has not arrived, it is determined that the product is used in the unauthenticated state without authentication, and is stored in the storage unit 24 in the same manner as in step 135 (see FIG. 3) described above. Count and check the number of unauthenticated uses (step 164).

【0060】

Here, the control unit 22 determines that the use of the vehicle 2 using the mechanical key cannot be permitted when the number of unauthenticated uses exceeds the allowable number of times (for example, 3 times) (step 164: NO), and the starter is used. Prohibit driving 29B (step 165). As a result, the engine cannot be started and the vehicle cannot run in the same manner as in Case E (see FIG. 3) described above. On the other hand, if the number of unauthenticated uses is less than or equal to the permissible number (step 164: YES), the starter 29B is controlled to start the engine in consideration of an emergency under the approval of the authorized registrant (step 166). In addition, if a third party directly starts the engine due to unauthorized modification, the process proceeds to step 166.

【0061】

When the engine rotation sensor 26 detects the engine start or the acceleration sensor 27 detects the movement of the vehicle 2, the control unit 22 notifies the security center 5 that the vehicle 2 is being used in an unauthenticated state. Therefore, the communication unit 23 notifies the security center 5 via the communication network 3 of unauthenticated use indicating no authentication. (Step 167) In addition, the location information of the vehicle 2 detected by the position detection unit 28 is sequentially transmitted to the security center 5 (step 167).

【0062】

In response to this, the management means 56 of the security center 5 receives the unauthenticated use notification from the vehicle 2 via the communication means 51, and starts sequentially receiving the location information from the vehicle 2 and storing the location information in the location information DB 55. (Step 168). Then, within a certain period of time from this unauthenticated use notification, the vehicle waits for confirmation notification of unauthenticated use from the regular registrant of the vehicle (step 169).

【0063】

Here, if the management means 56 of the security center 5 cannot detect the unauthenticated use confirmation notification from the user within a certain period of time from the unauthenticated use notification via the communication means 51 (step 169: NO). , The location information of the vehicle 2 is acquired from the location information DB55 (step 170), and the location of the vehicle 2 used without authentication is notified to the authorized registrant (step 171). As a result, the authorized registrant 4 confirms the current location of his / her vehicle 2 by notification from the security center 5 (step 172), and notifies the police station that the vehicle has been stolen (step 173). , A series of operations when a third party illegally uses the vehicle in an unauthenticated state ends.

【0064】

In this case, since the vehicle 2 notified the unauthenticated use without authentication, the user does not have the legitimate electronic authentication key 1, and the probability of unauthorized use is high. Therefore, the legitimate registrant. Prior to notifying 4, the security center 5 management means 56 may also report the occurrence of vehicle theft if necessary (step 174). In addition, if the engine is started without detecting the use of the mechanical key as well as the electronic authentication key 1, or if the engine is started without detecting the door opening, the engine rotation is not detected. Even if the use is detected by a procedure different from the normal use, such as when the movement of the vehicle is detected in the state, there is a high probability of unauthorized use, so security before notifying the regular registrant 4. The center 5 may report the occurrence of vehicle theft.

【0065】

In each of the above cases, when various notifications / reports are made between the security center 5 and the regular registrant 4, even if the operator of the security center 5 talks with the regular registrant 4 and exchanges the contents. Good. In addition, the security center 5 is provided with a device for sending necessary information by voice message (synthetic voice) and a device for receiving signals from the authorized registrant 4 (for example, touch-tone signal), and various notifications at the security center 5 are provided. / The reception process may be automated. In addition, when reporting from the security center 5 to the police station, the necessary information may be used as a voice message to report the occurrence of vehicle theft.

【0066】

Further, in each of the above cases, the management means 56 of the security center 5 may manage the state of the vehicle 2 as a log. Figure 6 shows an example of log file screen / print output. In the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2, the vehicle 2 detects the usage status in response to notifications from various equipment, and the communication unit 23 notifies the security center 5 via the communication network 3 as history information of the usage time / end time. To do. At this time, depending on whether or not the ID signal is received, it may be notified whether or not the user has attempted authentication with the electronic authentication key 1. The management means 56 of the security center 5 acquires the history information from the vehicle 2 via the communication means 51 and sequentially stores the history information in the history information DB 54. In addition, the communication with the regular registrant 4 is also sequentially stored in the history information DB 54.

【0067】

By recording such usage history, in addition to normal use, if an attempt is made to authenticate the vehicle and the vehicle is not authenticated as a regular registrant, the regular registrant skips the process of personal authentication in an emergency and uses the vehicle. History information such as when driving, when a person other than the regular registrant illegally uses the vehicle, etc. can be viewed by the management means 56. In addition, history information may be transmitted from the security center 5 to the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 so that it can be viewed on the display 29D, and a security level is further set so that the vehicle 2 is owned by a plurality of authorized registrants. It may be restricted so that only people can view it. As a result, the usage status of the vehicle, the usage status of the personal authentication function, etc. can be understood at a glance, which contributes to early detection of unauthorized use and warning to users who do not use the personal authentication function.

【0068】

As a specific example of the log file in Fig. 6, in the case of normal use (Case A: History 61,64,66,68), the start date and time of use, the end date and time of use, and the registrant at that time are displayed. The registrant can identify who the registrant is by the ID signal when the key with the fingerprint authentication function is authenticated. In most cases, it is used normally, so it is possible not to display this case.

【0069】

When unauthenticated use was notified and a confirmation notification was given later (Case C), an attempt was made to authenticate the person at the start of use, but the person was not authenticated despite being a regular registrant, and the mechanical key was used. In some cases, the vehicle was used to drive the vehicle, and the person himself / herself notified the security center 5 to that effect (History 62). In this case, since the person was rejected at the start of use, it is not known who the registrant was at the start of use, and "-(NG)" is displayed on the display. In the center reception column, the time when the person is contacted and the center authenticates the person is displayed. When the driver opens (can) the door using the key with the personal authentication function at the end of use, the registrant's name is displayed (history 62), but the personal authentication sensor is still used for some reason. If the person cannot be authenticated even though he / she puts his / her finger on the door, "-(NG)" is displayed.

【0070】

In case C, there is a case where the security center 5 contacts the regular registrant without prior notice from the driver and finds out who is driving the regular registrant (History 65). Here, "-(NG)" is displayed because the personal authentication is not good at the start of use. At the end of use, the driver does not use personal authentication and is displayed as "-". Similarly, at the start of use, the authorized registrant will drive the vehicle for some reason (emergency, forgetfulness, or stuff) without using the key with the personal authentication function, and will contact the security center 5 in advance. It may not be (History 63). At this time, the security center 5 contacts the regular registrant, confirms the regular registrant, and opens the door using the personal authentication function at the end of use.

【0071】

If a non-registrant uses a key with fingerprint authentication function obtained by some means, he / she may be mistakenly authenticated as one of the legitimate registrants (Case B: History 67). In this case, the name of the erroneously authenticated regular registrant is displayed, but when the owner of the vehicle subsequently reports to Security Center 5 and informs the owner of the location information of the vehicle. "User 1" and "User 2" are marked with "" when it is found that they are "accepted by others". In some cases, a non-registered person used a conventional mechanical key without using the personal authentication function (Case F: History 69). At this time, "-" is displayed in the user column because the authentication with the electronic authentication key 1 has not been performed. As a matter of course, since the driver does not contact the security center 5, the security center 5 automatically notifies all the authorized registrants of "illegal use" warning and the location information of the vehicle.

【0072】

Next, a configuration example of the electronic authentication key 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of an electronic authentication key. This electronic authentication key is composed of an insertion part 1B to be inserted into a key switch of a general mechanical key and a grip part 1A provided at the rear end, and the fingerprint of the user is attached to the grip part 1A. The authentication LSI 10 that detects and authenticates is installed. As shown in FIG. 1, the authentication LSI 10 performs personal authentication by comparing and collating the fingerprint sensing sensor 11, the memory 12 that stores the verification data, and the fingerprint data sensed by the sensor 11 with the verification data of the memory 12. The authentication unit 13 and the transmission unit 14 that transmits the ID information of the regular registrant to the vehicle 2 according to the successful authentication by the authentication unit 13 are formed by one chip.

【0073】

Further, the grip portion 1A is provided with a lock button 16A and a release button 16B as switches 16. When the user who touches the sensor 11 on the surface of the authentication LSI 10 is authenticated as a regular registrant, when the lock button 16A or the unlock button 16B is pressed, the ID information unique to the regular registrant is transmitted from the transmission unit 14. Vehicle 2 door 29A opens and closes. Infrared rays and weak radio are used to transmit ID information. If you press these buttons when you are not authenticated as a regular registrant, you may send NG information instead of ID information.

【0074】

In this case, the door cannot be opened, and the door must be opened with a mechanical key. If the authentication LSI 10 is used without placing a finger in an emergency, it can be determined by not receiving ID information or NG information on the vehicle. Of course, the insertion part IB may be an electronic lock type instead of a mechanical type, and it goes without saying that the insertion part 1B may not exist and may be a "keyless" type that sends a door opening signal by infrared rays or weak wireless. ..

【0075】

Next, a specific configuration example of the sensor 11 constituting the authentication LSI 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a sensor 11 constituting the authentication LSI 10, (a) is a diagram showing a schematic cross section of the sensor, and (b) is a circuit diagram showing a specific configuration of a capacitance detection circuit. The sensor 11 includes, for example, a plurality of 80 μm square sensor electrodes 315 and a grid-like earth electrode 316 on an interlayer insulating film 314 formed on a lower insulating film 312 on a semiconductor substrate 311 made of silicon. A plurality of sensor electrodes 315 and earth electrodes 316 are arranged on the same plane defined by the surface of the interlayer insulating film 314.

【0076】

The sensor electrode 315 is covered with a passivation film 317 formed on the interlayer insulating film 314, and a plurality of sensor electrodes 315 are provided at intervals of 150 μm, and are composed of Au and are formed to have a film thickness of about 1 μm. Since the film thickness of the passivation film 317 is about 3 μm, about 2 (= 3-1) μm of the passivation film 317 exists on the sensor electrode 315. The passivation film 317 is composed of an insulating material having a relative permittivity of about 4.0, such as polyimide. A wiring 313 connected to the sensor electrode 315 via a through hole is formed on the lower insulating film 312, while a capacitance detection circuit 318 for detecting the capacitance formed on the sensor electrode 315 is formed on the semiconductor substrate 311. Is forming. The capacitance detection circuit 318 is connected to the sensor electrode 315 by the wiring 313 described above. The capacitance detection circuit 318 is prepared for each sensor electrode 315, and detects the capacitance formed between the sensor electrode 315 and a part of the recognition target (finger).

【0077】

The output side of each capacitance detection circuit 318 is connected to the authentication unit 13, and fingerprint data obtained by converting the capacitance formed on each sensor electrode 315 into light and shade is output to the authentication unit 13. Each capacitance detection circuit 318, authentication unit 13 and memory 12 are formed on, for example, a semiconductor substrate 311 under the sensor electrode 315. This makes it possible to integrate the authentication LSI 10 into a single chip. As another example of such one-chip conversion, for example, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-242771.

【0078】

Cf is the capacitance formed between the sensor electrode 315 and the finger skin 331. The sensor electrode 315 forming the capacitance Cf is connected to the drain terminal of the Nch MOS transistor Q3a, and the source terminal of this transistor Q3a is connected to the input side of the current source 332A of the current I. Further, the source terminal of the Nch MOS transistor (first element) Q2a is connected to the node N1a between the sensor electrode 315 and the transistor Q3a. The drain terminal of this transistor Q2a, the drain terminal of the PchMOS transistor (first switch means) Q1a, and the gate terminal of the Nch MOS transistor Q4a in which the power supply voltage VDD is applied to the drain terminal and the source terminal is connected to the ground via the resistor Ra. Is connected. An inverter gate 333A is connected to the source terminal of this transistor Q4a.

【0079】

Signals PRE (bar) and RE are applied to the gate terminals of each transistor Q1a and Q3a, respectively. Further, a bias voltage VG is applied to the gate terminal of the transistor Q2a from a constant voltage source. Here, assuming that the threshold voltage between the gate and the source in which the transistor Q2a is in a non-conducting state is Vth, the voltages VDD and VG are set so that VDD> VG-Vth. In addition, the nodes N1a and N2a have parasitic capacitances Cp1a and Cp2a, respectively. The signal generation circuit 332 is composed of the current source 332A and the transistor Q3a, and the output circuit 333 is composed of the transistor Q4a, the resistor Ra, and the inverter gate 333A.

【0080】

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the capacitance detection circuit 318, (a) shows the potential change of the signal PRE (bar) that controls the transistor Q1a, and (b) is the signal that controls the transistor Q3a. The potential change of RE is shown, and (c) shows the potential change of each of the nodes N1a and N2a. Initially, a high level (VDD) signal PRE (bar) is given to the gate terminal of the transistor Q1a, and a low level (GND) signal RE is given to the gate terminal of the transistor Q3a. Therefore, at this time, neither the transistors Q1a and Q3a are conducting.

【0081】

When the signal PRE (bar) changes from the high level to the low level in this state, the transistor Q1a becomes conductive. At this time, since the transistor Q3a remains in the non-conducting state and the signal generation circuit 332 is in the stopped state, the potential of the node N2a is precharged to VDD. Further, the node N1a is charged until the gate-source voltage of the transistor Q2a reaches the threshold voltage Vth and the transistor Q2a becomes non-conducting. As a result, the potential of the node N1a is precharged to VG-Vth.

【0082】

When the signal PRE (bar) changes to the High level after the precharge is completed, the transistor Q1a becomes non-conducting. At the same time, when the signal RE changes to the High level, the transistor Q3a becomes conductive and the signal generation circuit 332 changes to the operating state. Then, when the electric charge charged to the node N1a is extracted by the current source 332A and the potential of the node N1a drops slightly, the gate-source voltage of the transistor Q2a becomes larger than the threshold voltage Vth, and the transistor Q2a becomes conductive. Changes to. As a result, the electric charge at the node N2a is also extracted, and the potential of the node N2a starts to decrease. Assuming that the period for setting the signal RE to the High level is Δt, the potential decrease amount ΔV of the node N1a after the elapse of Δt is VDD- (VG-Vth) + IΔt / (Cf + Cp1a). Here, the parasitic capacitance Cp2a is assumed to be sufficiently smaller than the parasitic capacitance Cp1a.

【0083】

Since the current I, the period Δt, and the parasitic capacitances Cp1a and Cp2a of the current source 332A are constant, the potential drop amount ΔV is the value of the capacitance generated between the sensor electrode 315 and the surface 331 of the finger to be recognized. Determined by Cf. Since this capacitance value Cf is determined by the distance between the sensor electrode 315 and the finger surface 331, it differs depending on the unevenness of the fingerprint. From this, the magnitude of the potential decrease amount ΔV changes reflecting the unevenness of the fingerprint. Since this potential drop amount ΔV is supplied to the output circuit 333 as an input signal, ΔV is input by the output circuit 333, and a signal reflecting the unevenness of the fingerprint is output. The output signal of each of these capacitance detection circuits 318 is output to the authentication unit 13 as the fingerprint image data described above. Then, the authentication unit 13 authenticates the user by comparing and collating the fingerprint image data with the registered fingerprint image data stored in advance in the memory 12.

【0084】

In FIG. 1, an example in which the sensor 11, the authentication unit 13, the memory 12, and the transmission unit 14 in the electronic authentication key 1 are configured by one chip has been described. The authentication unit 13 may be connected via the bus, and the memory 12 and the transmission unit 14 may be connected to the authentication unit 13 via the bus. Further, the sensor 11 and the authentication unit 13 may be integrated into one chip, and the memory 12 and the transmission unit 14 may be connected to the integrated one chip via a bus.

【0085】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, whether or not the vehicle security system according to the present invention is a regular registrant who can use the vehicle in which the user is registered in advance based on the biometric information of the user acquired from the user. An electronic authentication key that determines authentication and transmits the authentication determination result, and a vehicle having a control unit that enables the vehicle to be used when the authentication determination result received from the electronic authentication key indicates successful authentication of the user. The vehicle security system is composed of a security center that manages the usage status of the vehicle via a communication network connected to the vehicle. Then, when the vehicle is used in an unauthenticated state in which the user cannot be authenticated as a regular registrant based on the authentication determination result in the vehicle control unit, the unauthenticated use indicating that fact is transmitted via the communication network. If the security center can confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle after the notification of uncertified use from the vehicle, it is judged that the vehicle is being used normally. , If it is not possible to confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is being used illegally.

【0086】

In addition, the vehicle according to the present invention is authenticated and determined based on the biometric information of the user obtained from the user, whether or not the user is a regular registrant registered in advance as a person who can use the vehicle. A vehicle having an electronic authentication key for transmitting an authentication determination result and a control unit that enables the vehicle to be used when the authentication determination result received from the electronic authentication key indicates successful authentication of the user, is connected to this vehicle. It is composed of a security center that manages the usage status of the vehicle via the communication network, and the user who uses the vehicle is authenticated and judged using biometric information, and the usage status of the vehicle is grasped based on the authentication judgment result. It is a vehicle used in a security system, and the vehicle is provided with a control unit. Then, when the vehicle is used in an unauthenticated state in which the user cannot be authenticated as a regular registrant based on the authentication determination result in the control unit, the unauthenticated use indicating that fact is transmitted via the communication network. If the security center is notified and the security center confirms that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle after the notification of uncertified use from the vehicle, it is judged that the vehicle is being used normally. If it is not possible to confirm that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is being used illegally.

【0087】

In addition, the security center according to the present invention authenticates and determines whether or not the user is a regular registrant registered in advance as a person who can use the vehicle based on the biometric information of the user obtained from the user. An electronic authentication key for transmitting the authentication determination result, a vehicle having a control unit that enables the vehicle to be used when the authentication determination result received from the electronic authentication key indicates successful authentication of the user, and connection with this vehicle. It is composed of a security center that manages the usage status of the vehicle via the communication network, which uses biometric information to authenticate and judge the user who uses the vehicle, and grasps the usage status of the vehicle based on the authentication judgment result. It is a security center used in a vehicle security system, and a management means is provided in the security center. Then, when the vehicle is used in an unauthenticated state in which the user cannot be authenticated as a regular registrant based on the authentication determination result by this management means, the unauthenticated use indicating that fact is used via the communication network. Notify the Security Center If it can be confirmed that the authorized registrant is aware of the use of the vehicle after the notification of uncertified use from the vehicle, it is judged that the vehicle is being used normally and the use of the vehicle is about. If it cannot be confirmed that the authorized registrant is aware of it, it is determined that the vehicle is being used illegally.

【0088】

Therefore, compared to the conventional case where the vehicle can be used or not is determined based on the result of personal authentication, the case where the electronic authentication key 1 cannot be used for authentication even though the person is a regular registrant, or Even if it is used by a non-registrant for a legitimate reason, it is judged to be normal use on the condition that it is known by the regular registrant, and if this condition is not obtained, it is judged to be unauthorized use. Therefore, it is possible to make a judgment that matches the actual operating condition, realize smooth vehicle security management, and provide a high-quality security service that can be reassured.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows the vehicle security system by one Embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a flowchart which shows the operation (case A, B) by this embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a flowchart which shows the other operation (case C, D, E) by this embodiment.

[Fig. 4]

It is a flowchart which shows the other operation (case C, D, E) by this embodiment.

[Fig. 5]

It is a flowchart which shows the other operation (case F) by this embodiment.

[Fig. 6]

This is an output example of usage history information.

[Fig. 7]

This is a configuration example of an electronic authentication key.

[Fig. 8]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a sensor.

[Fig. 9]

It is a timing chart which shows the operation of the capacitance detection circuit.

[Fig. 10]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional vehicle theft prevention technology (handle lock mechanism).

[Fig. 11]

It is explanatory drawing which shows the conventional vehicle theft prevention technology (unauthorized access detection / warning system).

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Electronic authentication key, 10 ... Authentication LSI, 11 ... Sensor, 12 ... Memory, 13 ... Authentication unit, 14 ... Transmitter unit, 15 ... Built-in battery, 16. .. Switch, 2 ... Vehicle, 21 ... Receiver, 22 ... Control, 23 ... Communication, 24 ... Storage, 25 ... Key Switch, 26 ... Engine Rotation sensor, 27 ... acceleration sensor, 28 ... position detector, 29A ... door, 29B ... starter, 29C ... trunk, 29D ... display, 29E ... bonnet, 3. .. communication network, 4 ... regular registrant, 5 ... security center, 51 ... communication means, 52 ... registrant authentication means, 53 ... registrant information DB, 54 ... history Information DB, 55 ... Location information DB, 56 ... Management means.