U.S. patent application number 12/222187 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-04 for authentication system and method, identification information inputting method and apparatus and portable terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Corporation. Invention is credited to Akira Kimura.
Application Number | 20080301772 12/222187 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18913350 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080301772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimura; Akira |
December 4, 2008 |
Authentication system and method, identification information
inputting method and apparatus and portable terminal
Abstract
An authentication system in which unauthorized acquisition of
the private information by a third party in the course of
authentication of a user by a service provider is rendered
difficult. In an authentication system in which a card 10 and a
host computer 20 are interconnected over a connection line 30, the
card 10 includes a memory for ID 11 for storing the card ID, an
input unit 12 fed with a secret identification number, a card side
interface 13 connected to the host computer 20, an information
encryption unit 14 for generating the information for
authentication by mixing a random number, sent from the host
computer 20 and having a unique value each time it is sent, with
the secret identification number of the card, and by encoding the
resulting mixed signal, and a transient storage unit 15 for
transiently storing the information for authentication as obtained
by the information encryption unit 14.
Inventors: |
Kimura; Akira; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RADER FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC
LION BUILDING, 1233 20TH STREET N.W., SUITE 501
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
Sony Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
18913350 |
Appl. No.: |
12/222187 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10082186 |
Feb 26, 2002 |
7426277 |
|
|
12222187 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
726/2 ;
380/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/388 20130101;
G06Q 20/40975 20130101; G06Q 20/341 20130101; G07F 7/1008 20130101;
G07F 7/0886 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
726/2 ;
380/277 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/00 20060101
G06F021/00; H04L 9/06 20060101 H04L009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2001 |
JP |
2001-052770 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. An encryption key inputting device in which a string of a
preset number of letters comprised of a combination of letters
included in a preset group of letters is a letter string for
authentication, said device comprising: display means for
irregularly displaying the letters included in said preset group of
letters; and selection means for selecting said letter string for
authentication from among the letters irregularly displayed on said
display means.
26. The encryption key inputting device according to claim 25
wherein said preset group of letters is ten numerical figures from
0 to 9.
27. The encryption key inputting device according to claim 25
wherein said display means irregularly displays said numerical
figures in optional positions in said display means.
28. The encryption key inputting device according to claim 25
wherein said display means displays said numerical figures
one-by-one in an irregular sequence.
29. The encryption key inputting device according to claim 25
wherein said display means displays the pre-entered numerical
figures of from 0 to 9 or the vicinity thereof by emitting light
thereat to indicate respective numerical figures.
30. An encryption key inputting method in which a string of a
preset number of letters comprised of a combination of letters
included in a preset group of letters is a letter string for
authentication, said method comprising: a displaying step of
irregularly displaying the letters included in said preset group of
letters; and a selection step of selecting said letter string for
authentication from among the letters irregularly displayed in said
display step.
31. The encryption key inputting method according to claim 30
wherein said preset group of letters is ten numerical figures from
0 to 9.
32. The encryption key inputting method according to claim 30
wherein said display step irregularly displays said numerical
figures in optional positions in said display step.
33. The encryption key inputting method according to claim 30
wherein said display step displays said numerical figures
one-by-one in an irregular sequence.
34. The encryption key inputting method according to claim 30
wherein said display step displays the pre-entered numerical
figures of from 0 to 9 or the vicinity thereof by emitting light
thereat to indicate respective numerical figures.
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
43. (canceled)
44. (canceled)
45. (canceled)
46. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional Application of the patent
application Ser. No. 10/082,186, filed Feb. 26, 2002, which claims
priority from Japanese Application No.: 2001-052770, filed Feb. 27,
2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an authentication system and
method, an identification information inputting method and
apparatus and portable terminal. More particularly, it relates to
an authentication system and method which, in the process of a
service provider authenticating a user, render unauthorized
acquisition of the personal information on the user by a third
party difficult. This invention also relates to an identification
information inputting method and apparatus and a portable terminal
which, in the process of a user inputting an encryption key, render
unauthorized acquisition of the personal information on the user by
a third party difficult.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Heretofore, in recognizing whether or not a user is
authorized to exploit a given service entity, a method has
basically been used in which a service provider issues a physical
ticket or a member's card for the user in advance and, at the point
in time of the user exploiting the service, the ticket or the
member's card is checked by way of performing the
authentication.
[0006] For example, in a credit sale system, typified by a credit
card sale system, the service provider identifies a user by the
card information recorded on a card presented by the user, that is
the personal information, in order to carry out credit trading. In
this case, the user is authenticated by simply causing a card
reader to read the credit card owned by the user.
[0007] On the other hand, a so-called debit payment system in which
the debit has the opposite meaning to that of credit is also
becoming accepted as being among the various payment methods. In
the debit payment service, a user inserts a bank cashing card in a
sale point information management terminal, or point-of-sale (POS)
terminal, and enters a secret identification number and amount. In
this case, the charge is instantly transferred from the user's
account by way of performing a liquidation.
[0008] Also, with the coming into widespread use of the Internet, a
user is able to purchase goods through the Internet and to make
corresponding payments. For example, the user is able to make
payment on simply transmitting the preset information of a credit
card to the service provider.
[0009] The present Assignee has already proposed encrypting a key
signal using a random number for preventing unauthorized use
(Japanese Laying-Open Patent Publication 2000-332748).
[0010] However, the above-described payment methods are low in
reliability for an authentication procedure, such that acquisition
by a third party of the card information may occur at any point in
time in the process of the authentication procedure.
[0011] For example, the authentication procedure by a credit card
simply resides in causing the card reader to read-in the card. When
shopping in a store and using a credit card for payment, the user
hands his or her credit card to a sales clerk for payment
procedure. At this time, the sale clerk is able to cause another
card reader capable of holding the credit card information, to
read-in the card information while being able to exchange willfully
the card with another one. That is, the risk is high that the
personal information stored in the card may be illicitly acquired
(skimmed) by a third party.
[0012] In the case of the Internet, in particular, it may be a
frequent occurrence that payment may be finished simply by the user
transmitting the preset information stated on the credit card to
the service provider. Up to now, there was the risk that the credit
card information could be intercepted and stolen by a third party
in the communication process. Moreover, in the case of the
Internet, there is no direct contact between the service provider
and the user, so that there is the risk that a third party could
feign being the card owner in the communication process for payment
and make an unauthorized false payment or could adulterate payment
data, thus lowering reliability.
[0013] Also, in debit payment, a caching card is inserted into a
POS terminal. Since the user inputs a secret identification number
via input means in the POS terminal, the number may be illicitly
acquired by a third party in the case where the input means, etc.,
of the POS terminal is willfully modified. On the other hand,
should there be no physical screening means around the POS
inputting means, the third party may be in a position to acquire
illicitly the secret identification number by simply and secretly
peeping at the figures of the numbers being input by the user.
Moreover, if the secret identification number is skimmed, stolen or
exchanged with another one, there is the risk that the card can be
repeatedly used in an unauthorized manner until this state is
recognized by the card owner.
[0014] Although there is known a technique of encrypting the key
number by a random number, as described in the aforementioned
Japanese Laying-Open Patent Publication 2000-332748, there is not a
service system that is improved so that skimming of the secret
identification number of the card may be prevented.
[0015] The above-described servicing system suffers from many
drawbacks in connection with reliability, such that, if this
problem is seen in the perspective of a business, the user may feel
anxious about its safe service utilization due to this flaw in
operational reliability. As a result, the number of users may not
increase as expected, despite the fact that large installment
investment is needed for POS equipment, thus leading to low
profitability for the business.
[0016] In view of the above-described prior art technique, it is an
object of the present invention to provide an authentication system
and method which, in the process of the service provider
authenticating a user, render it difficult for a third party to
acquire illicitly the user's personal information.
[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
identification information inputting method and apparatus which, in
the process of the user inputting the identification information,
render it difficult for a third party to acquire illicitly the
user's personal information.
[0018] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a portable terminal which, in the course of the user
inputting identification information, renders it difficult for a
third party to acquire illicitly the user's personal
information.
[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an authentication system and method, an identification information
inputting method and apparatus and a portable terminal which remove
the marked apprehension entertained by users at large about service
exploitation, increase the number of latent users and improve the
profitability of business.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In one aspect, the present invention provides an
authentication system made up by a portable terminal and an
authentication device provided independently of the portable
terminal for communication with the portable terminal. The
authentication system includes first identification information
storage means having the first identification information
pre-stored therein for discriminating the portable terminal,
operating means for inputting the second identification information
associated with the first identification information, encryption
means for encrypting the second identification information input by
the operating means based on the preset encryption key generating
information, and first communication means for communication with
the authentication device. The authentication device includes
second identification information storage means for storage of the
first identification information and the second identification
information therein, encryption key generating means for generating
the encryption key generating information, second communication
means for communication with the portable terminal and comparator
authentication means for comparing the second identification
information encrypted by the encryption means to the encryption key
generating information by way of performing the authentication.
[0021] Preferably, the portable terminal encrypts the second
identification information input from the operating means based on
the encryption key generating information received from the
authentication device through the first communication means, and
the so encrypted second identification information is transmitted
through the first communication means to the authentication device.
In the authentication device, the encrypted second identification
information received through the second communication means and the
second identification information stored by the second
identification information storage means are compared to the
encryption key generating information by way of performing the
authentication.
[0022] With the authentication system of the present invention, it
is difficult for a third party to acquire the user's private
information in an unauthorized fashion in the process until the
service provider authenticates the user.
[0023] In particular, when the authentication system of the present
invention is applied to a credit sale system and to an
inter-account instant payment carried out over the dedicated
network or to E-commerce carried out over an optional network, such
as the Internet, it is possible to improve interception properties
when the user inputs the secret identification number as a letter
string.
[0024] Moreover, with the authentication system according to the
present invention, since the marked apprehension entertained by
users at large about the reliability in card exploitation may be
removed, the number of users of the credit sale system employing a
card, an inter-account instant payment system employing a cash
card, and E-commerce carried out over an optional network, such as
the Internet, may be increased, thus enlarging the market while
improving the profitability of business.
[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides an
authentication method which includes an operating step of inputting
the second identification information associated with the first
identification information for discriminating a portable terminal,
pre-stored in first identification information storage means, an
encryption key generating information generating step of generating
the encryption key generating information, an encrypting step of
encrypting the second identification information input at the
operating step, based on the encryption key generating information
generated in the encryption key generating information generating
step, and a comparison authentication step of comparing the second
identification information encrypted in the encrypting step based
on the encryption key generating information and performing the
authentication.
[0026] With the present authentication method, the second
identification information input in the operating step is encrypted
in the encrypting process based on the encryption key generating
information. The so-encrypted second identification information is
compared to the second identification information stored in the
second identification information storage means and performs the
authentication.
[0027] With the authentication method of the present invention, it
is difficult for a third party to acquire the user's private
information in an unauthorized fashion in the process until the
service provider authenticates the user.
[0028] In particular, when the authentication method of the present
invention is applied to a credit sale system and to an
inter-account instant payment carried out over the dedicated
network or to the E-commerce carried out over an optional network,
such as the Internet, it is possible to improve interception
properties when the user inputs the secret identification number as
a letter string.
[0029] Moreover, with the authentication method according to the
present invention, since the marked apprehension entertained by
users at large about the reliability in card exploitation may be
removed, the number of latent users of a credit sale system
employing a card, an inter-account instant payment system employing
a cash card, and E-commerce carried out over an optional network,
such as the Internet, is increased, thus enlarging the market while
improving the profitability of business.
[0030] In another aspect, the present invention provides an
identification information inputting device in which a string of a
preset number of letters comprised of a combination of letters
included in a preset group of letters is a letter string for
authentication. The device includes display means for irregularly
displaying the letter included in the preset group of letters, and
selection means for selecting the letter string for authentication
from among the letters irregularly displayed on the display
means.
[0031] In the present identification information inputting device,
the letters forming the letter string for authentication are
selected in the selection means from among the letters included in
the preset group of letters irregularly displayed on the display
means.
[0032] In the above identification information inputting device,
the letters making up the letter string for authentication are
selected by selection means from among the letters included in the
group of letters irregularly displayed in the display means.
[0033] With the above identification information inputting device
of the present invention, it is difficult for a third party to
acquire the user's private information in an unauthorized fashion
in the process until the service provider authenticates the
user.
[0034] In particular, when the identification information inputting
device of the present invention is applied to a credit sale system
and to an inter-account instant payment carried out over the
dedicated network or to the E-commerce carried out over an optional
network, such as the Internet, it is possible to improve
interception properties when the user inputs the secret
identification number as a letter string for authentication.
[0035] Moreover, with the identification information inputting
device according to the present invention, since the uneasiness
entertained by users at large about the reliability in card
exploitation may be removed, the number of users of the credit sale
system employing a card, an inter-account instant payment system
employing a cash card, and E-commerce carried out over an optional
network, such as the Internet, is increased, thus enlarging the
market while improving the profitability of business.
[0036] In another aspect, the present invention provides an
identification information inputting method which includes a
display step of irregularly displaying the letters included in the
preset group of letters and a selection step of selecting the
letter string for authentication from among the letters irregularly
displayed in the display step.
[0037] In the present identification information inputting method,
the letters forming the letter string for authentication are
selected in the selection means from among the letters included in
the preset group of letters irregularly displayed on the display
means.
[0038] With the identification information inputting method of the
present invention, it is difficult for a third party to acquire the
user's private information in an unauthorized fashion in the
process until the service provider authenticates the user.
[0039] In particular, when the identification information inputting
method of the present invention is applied to a credit sale system
and to an inter-account instant payment, carried out over the
dedicated network or to the E-commerce carried out over an optional
network, such as the Internet, it is possible to improve
interception properties when the user inputs the secret
identification number as a letter string for authentication.
[0040] Moreover, with the identification information inputting
method according to the present invention, since the uneasiness
entertained by users at large about the reliability in card
exploitation may be removed, the number of latent users of the
credit sale system employing a card, an inter-account instant
payment system employing a cash card, and E-commerce, carried out
over an optional network, such as the Internet, is increased, thus
enlarging the market while improving the profitability of
business.
[0041] In another aspect, the present invention provides a portable
terminal authenticated by an authentication device, including first
identification information storage means having the first
identification information for discriminating the portable terminal
pre-stored therein, operating means for inputting the second
identification information associated with the first identification
information, communication means for communication with the
authentication device and encrypting means for encrypting the
second identification information input by the operating means
based on preset encryption key generating information sent over the
communication means from the authentication device.
[0042] In the present portable terminal, the second identification
information associated with the first identification information
input at the operating means is encrypted by the encrypting means
based on the preset encryption key generating information sent over
the communication means from the authentication device.
[0043] With the portable terminal of the present invention, it is
difficult for a third party to acquire the user's private
information in an unauthorized fashion in the process until the
service provider authenticates the user.
[0044] In particular, when the portable terminal of the present
invention is applied to a credit sale system and to an
inter-account instant payment carried out over the dedicated
network, or to the E-commerce carried out over an optional network,
such as the Internet, it is possible to improve interception
properties when the user inputs the secret identification number as
a letter string for authentication.
[0045] Moreover, with the portable terminal according to the
present invention, since the uneasiness felt by users at large
about the reliability in card exploitation may be removed, the
number of users of the credit sale system employing a card, an
inter-account instant payment system, employing a cash card, and
E-commerce, carried out over an optional network, such as the
Internet, is increased, thus enlarging the market while improving
the profitability of business.
[0046] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an
authentication system made up by a portable terminal and an
authentication device provided independently of the portable
terminal for communication with the portable terminal. The
authentication system includes first identification information
storage means having the first identification information
pre-stored therein for discriminating the portable terminal,
operating means including display means for irregularly displaying
letters included in a group of letters and selection means for
selecting the letters making up the second identification
information from among the letters irregularly displayed on the
display means, the operating means inputting the second
identification information associated with the first identification
information, encryption means for encrypting the second
identification information input by the operating means based on
the preset encryption key generating information and first
communication means for communication with the authentication
device. The authentication device includes second identification
information storage means having the first identification
information and the second identification information stored
therein, encryption key generating information generating means for
generating the encryption key generating information, second
communication means for communication with the portable terminal
and comparator authentication means for comparing and
authenticating the second identification information encrypted by
the encryption means based on the encryption key generating
information.
[0047] In the above authentication system, the portable terminal
encrypts the second identification information input from the
operating means based on the encryption key generating information
received from the authentication device, and the so-encrypted
second identification information is transmitted through the first
communication means to the authentication device. In the
authentication device, the encrypted second identification
information received through the second communication means and the
second identification information stored by the second
identification information storage means are compared to the
encryption key generating information and performing the
authentication.
[0048] With the authentication system of the present invention, it
is difficult for a third party to acquire the user's private
information in an unauthorized fashion in the process until the
service provider authenticates the user.
[0049] In particular, when the authentication system of the present
invention is applied to a credit sale system and to an
inter-account instant payment carried out over the dedicated
network or to E-commerce carried out over an optional network, such
as the Internet, it is possible to improve interception properties
when the user inputs the secret identification number as a letter
string for authentication.
[0050] Moreover, with the authentication system according to the
present invention, since the uneasiness felt by users at large
about the reliability in card exploitation may be removed, the
number of latent users of the credit sale system employing a card,
an inter-account instant payment system employing a cash card, and
E-commerce, carried out over an optional network, such as the
Internet, is increased, thus enlarging the market while improving
the profitability of business.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating the progress of
authentication of a portable terminal by an authentication device
as an exemplary structure of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a structure of an authentication system as an
exemplary structure of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows another structure of an authentication system
as an exemplary structure of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows the appearance of a card as a portable terminal
in an authentication system as an exemplary structure of a card as
a portable terminal in an authentication system as an exemplary
structure of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows the appearance of another card as a portable
terminal in an authentication system as an exemplary structure of a
card as a portable terminal in an authentication system as an
exemplary structure of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows the appearance of a further card as a portable
terminal in an authentication system as an exemplary structure of a
card as a portable terminal in an authentication system as an
exemplary structure of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the case of making
payment for goods purchased with a card by a card owner in a
store.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the case of making
payment by a card owner at a high class restaurant.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the case of making
payment by a card owner over the Internet via a network terminal
such as a PC.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] FIG. 1 shows the rudimentary process for an authentication
device to authenticate a portable terminal and its owner in an
authentication system of the present invention.
[0061] When the owner of a portable terminal intends to receive
preset services using a portable terminal, he or she inputs the
second information to a portable terminal (step S1). The second
identification information in this case is a string of letters,
such as a secret identification number, accorded to the user of the
portable terminal in association with the first identification
information. This secret identification number, as the letter
string for authentication, and the first identification
information, as the identification information proper to the
portable terminal, as later explained, are accorded from the
service provider at the outset.
[0062] The portable terminal transmits the first identification
information stored in the first identification information storage
unit to the authentication device (step S2). The first information
is the information indicating whether or not the portable terminal
is being supervised; and is stored in a second identification
information storage unit provided in the authentication device
along with the string of letters for identifying the owner of the
portable terminal.
[0063] When the authentication device acquires the first
identification information from the portable terminal and
ascertains that the portable terminal is being supervised by the
authentication device, the authentication device at step S3
generates the information for encrypting the information
(encryption key), such as a random number, and transmits the
so-generated random number (step S3) to the portable terminal. The
so-generated random number is associated with the first
identification information of the portable terminal and
provisionally (transiently) stored in the authentication device.
This random number is used for encrypting and suppressing the
letter string for authentication when the portable terminal sends
the letter string for authentication to the authentication device.
The letter string for authentication is encrypted at an encrypting
unit of the portable terminal based on a preset rule. The rule for
encryption may be prepared using pre-existing known encrypting
methods. The portable terminal sends the encrypted letter string
for authentication to the authentication device (step S4).
[0064] On receipt of the encrypted letter string for authentication
from the portable terminal, the authentication device compares the
letter string for authentication of the owner of the portable
terminal stored in association with the first identification
information in the second authentication information storage unit
provided in the authentication device to the letter string for
authentication transmitted encrypted from the portable terminal.
When the letter string for authentication from the portable
terminal coincides with the letter string for authentication stored
in the second identification information storage unit of the
authentication device, the person who entered the letter string for
authentication at the portable terminal in question is
authenticated as the true owner of the portable terminal (step
S5).
[0065] The comparison of the letter string for authentication of
the owner of the portable terminal stored in the second
authentication information storage unit in association with the
first identification information to the encrypted letter string for
authentication is carried out by first decoding the encrypted
letter string for authentication, using the random number for
encryption stored provisionally (transiently) in the authentication
device, and then comparing the decoded results to the letter string
for authentication stored in the authentication device.
Alternately, the above-described sequence of operations may be
reversed, that is, the letter string for authentication stored in
the authentication device may first be encrypted with the random
number using the same rule as that used in the portable terminal,
with the encrypted results then being compared to the encrypted
letter string for authentication from the portable terminal.
[0066] By generating a random number each time an owner of a
portable terminal intends to enjoy a preset service, and by
performing encryption based on this random number, the encrypted
letter string for authentication, transmitted from the portable
terminal is represented at all times with different codes, thus
improving suppression characteristics.
[0067] The portable terminal erases the stored letter string for
authentication following the authentication by the authentication
device. The authentication device executes preset processing for
the authenticated portable terminal (step S6).
[0068] There is no particular limitation to the timing at which the
portable terminal is connected to the authentication device. That
is, the portable terminal may be connected to the authentication
device as the letter string for authentication is first input, or
the portable terminal may first be connected to the authentication
device as a first step and transiently disconnected from and
subsequently re-connected to the authentication device after
inputting of the letter string for authentication.
[0069] In the authentication system of the present invention, the
portable terminal is authenticated by the authentication device by
the above-described processing. In the authentication system of the
present invention, the portable terminal cannot be authenticated by
itself by the authentication device, except if the letter string
for authentication, such as secret identification number (letter or
number), is input by the owner, so that the third party is not in a
position to perform illicit acts using only the portable terminal.
At any rate, high suppression characteristics are required when the
owner inputs the letter string for authentication to the portable
terminal.
[0070] To this end, the input unit in the authentication system of
the present invention for inputting the letter string for
authentication as the secret identification number is made up by a
display section for irregularly displaying letters included in a
preset group of letters, and a selection section for selecting
letters making up the letter string for authentication from the
letters displayed irregularly in the display section. For example,
ten numerical figures from 0 to 9 are irregularly displayed at
optional positions in the display section for the ten numerical
figures of 0 to 9. Moreover, the portable terminal is improved in
suppression characteristics because no letter string for
authentication used for authentication with respect to the
authentication device is held therein.
[0071] Thus, the authentication system according to the present
invention is an authentication system in which, in the process
until authentication of the portable terminal by the authentication
device (service provider) when the authentication device verifies
whether or not the portable terminal in question is managed by the
authentication device, the act of illicit acquisition of the card
information or the terminal information by a third party is
rendered difficult.
[0072] In particular, in the authentication device according to the
present invention, it is presupposed that when the user utilizes
the credit transaction system employing the credit card or the
debit payment service employing the bank's cashing card, the seller
who sold a commodity to the service provider or the user
authenticates the information of no one other than the user as
recorded on the card presented by the user and carries out payment
based on such authentication. Consequently, the portable terminal
in the instant embodiment is indicated as being a `card` pre-issued
from the service provider to the user, while the service mainly
indicates `payment` at the time of purchasing the commodity.
[0073] In distinction from the card used for authenticating the
user in this sort of conventional service, the card as the portable
terminal has an input unit for inputting the letter string for
authentication (secret identification number or secret
identification letter) and an information encrypting unit for
generating the information for authentication for a host computer
based on the preset information encryption information. The
information encrypting unit mixes (calculates) a random number and
a card ID as the card authentication information pre-stored in the
card itself together into a code to form the information for
authentication for the host computer. The card input unit, as this
portable terminal, has sufficient suppression characteristics for
assuring safety when the user inputs the secret identification
number.
[0074] In short, the card as the portable terminal needs to have
input the secret identification number by the card owner, while the
function proper to the card for commerce aimed at authentication is
not performed with the card itself, such that the card is not
authorized by an authentication device with merely a simplified
operation of reading the card by a card reader, as in the case of
the conventional card.
[0075] An authentication system 1 is hereinafter explained by
referring to the drawings. In FIG. 2, the authentication system 1
is a system for authentication in which a card 10 and a host
computer 20, as an authentication device, are interconnected over a
connection line 30. When connected to the card 10, the host
computer 20 verifies whether or not the card 10 is supervised by
the host computer 20 and also acquires the personal information of
the card owner stored in the card to authenticate the card 10 and
its owner.
[0076] The connection line 30 is either a dedicated line for
connecting the card to the host computer 20 or the so-called
Internet constructed by interconnecting plural networks to form a
large-scale network. There may be variegated configurations of
interconnecting the card 10 to the host computer 20 over the
connection line 30. For example, the host computer 20 may be
provided with a connection terminal for connection to the card 10
and connected to the card by the connection terminal and a
connection line. In this case, the connection terminal and the host
computer 20 are interconnected over a cable or a radio path. The
card and the connection terminal may be interconnected with a
contact connection with a magnetic readout, the connection
terminal, or a non-contact connection.
[0077] The card 10 is made up by a memory for ID 11 for storing the
card ID equivalent to the aforementioned first identification
information, an input unit 12 via which the card owner inputs the
secret identification number as a letter string for authentication,
and a card side interface 13 connected to the host computer 20 over
the connection line 30. The card ID is the information required for
identifying the card and pre-accorded by the service provider. This
card ID does not indicate the direct information specifying no one
other than the user. The input unit 12, fed with the secret
identification number as the letter string for authentication, is
constructed so that the secret identification number of the card
owner will not be illicitly acquired by a third party. The details
of the input unit 12 will be explained subsequently.
[0078] The card 10 also includes an information encryption unit 14,
a transient storage unit 15 and a display unit 16. The information
encryption unit 14 mixes (calculates) the random number, equivalent
to the aforementioned preset encryption generating information,
transmitted from the host computer 20 and which has an inherent
value each time it is transmitted, and the card ID, as the
identification number for the card, into a code to generate the
information for authentication for the host computer 20. In the
transient storage unit 15, there is transiently stored the secret
identification number input from the input unit. The secret
identification number stored in the transient storage unit 15 is
erased each time the authentication comes to a close or every
preset time interval. The display unit 16 may, for example, be a
liquid crystal display device. On the display unit 16, there is
displayed the information required for inputting by the input unit
12, as an example. A wide variety of encrypting methods may be used
for encryption in the information encryption unit 14.
[0079] The above components of the card 10 are controlled
comprehensively by a card controller 17 having a CPU (Central
Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area for
the CPU, and a ROM (Read-Only Memory) for storing e.g., a program
designed for carrying out variegated processing operations. The
card reader 17 manages the control for transmitting the card ID and
the information for authentication to the host computer 20 while
erasing the secret identification number stored in the transient
storage unit 15 when the letter string for authentication
transmitted as the information for authentication is authenticated
by the host computer 20. The card controller 17 also is able to
erase the memory contents of the transient storage unit 15 at every
preset time interval.
[0080] Thus, the card 10 encodes the secret identification number
with encryption keys different from one communication event with
the host computer 20 to another. Moreover, the input secret
identification number is not held after the encoding within the
card, so that, if the card is stolen by a third party, the card by
itself is not authenticated by the host computer 20.
[0081] The host computer 20 includes a host side interface 21
connected to the card 10 over the connection line 30, a random
number generator 22 generating random numbers, and a storage unit
for card ID/letter string for authentication 23 for holding the
card ID of the card 10 and the letter string for authentication
issued for the card ID in association with each other. The host
computer 20 also includes an information decoding unit 24 for
decoding the information for authentication to extract the card
authentication information and a comparator authentication unit for
the decoded letter string for authentication 25 for comparing and
authenticating the information for authentication obtained on
mixing the random number and the card ID by the information
encryption unit 14 in the card 10 and on encoding the resulting
mixed signal based on the generated random number. These various
components are comprehensively controlled by a host controller 26
having a CPU, a RAM as a work area of the CPU and a ROM for storage
of programs, etc., used for carrying out variegated processing
operations. The card ID/storage unit for letter string for
authentication 23 is adapted for holding the random numbers
generated in the random number generator 22 in association with the
generated card ID.
[0082] It is sufficient if the random number generator 22 generates
the encryption key by a preset function at a preset timing. For
example, an encryption key generator also may be used in which the
inherent value obtained each time by a preset function based on the
information obtained from GPS (Global Positioning System) or clocks
is used as an encryption key. The host controller 26 associates the
card ID sent from the card with the random number issued for the
card, in order to store the card ID and the random number
transiently in the card ID/storage unit for letter string for
authentication 23. The host controller 26 also controls the
information decoding unit 24 to extract the card identification
information from the information for authentication. In the case of
authentication on comparison in the comparator authentication unit
for the decoded letter string for authentication 25, the host
controller 26 furnishes preset service to the card owner.
[0083] In the above-described authentication system 1, the
comparison of the letter string for authentication of the owner of
the portable terminal stored in the card ID/storage unit for letter
string for authentication 23 in association with the card ID to the
letter string for authentication encrypted by the information
encryption unit 14 (information for authentication) is carried out
by decoding the encrypted letter string for authentication
(information for authentication) using random numbers transiently
stored in the host computer 20 and by subsequently comparing the
decoded result with the letter string for authentication stored in
the card ID/storage unit for letter string for authentication 23.
However, it also is possible to encrypt the letter string for
authentication stored in the card ID/storage unit for letter string
for authentication 23 under the same rule as that of encryption
used in the card and to compare the result to the encrypted letter
string for authentication from the card 10.
[0084] Specifically, the host computer 20 in the authentication
system 1 includes a host side encryption unit 27 for encryption
under the same rule as that of the information encryption unit 14
in place of the information decoding unit 24, while including a
comparator authentication unit for the encoded letter string for
authentication 28 in place of the comparator authentication unit
for the decoded letter string for authentication 25, as shown in
FIG. 3. By encrypting the letter string for authentication stored
in the card ID/storage unit for letter string for authentication 23
under the same rule as that of the encoding carried out in the card
10, the information for authentication can be compared and
authenticated without decoding the information for
authentication.
[0085] The secret identification number is input from the owner in
the input unit 12 of the card 10, as described above. To this end,
sufficient suppression characteristics must be guaranteed in the
input unit 12 against the third party when the owner inputs the
secret identification number. FIGS. 4 to 6 show a specified
embodiment of the input unit 12, which enables the secret
identification number to be input with high suppression
characteristics. Heretofore, in a host computer or a connection
terminal for a host computer, the secret identification number is
input from a fixed input unit. In this case, it is difficult to
suppress the encryption key from a third party at the inputting
time. Since the secret identification number can be input to the
card, the card owner is able to input the secret identification
number into the card 10 at an optional place. That is, the card
owner is able to protect his or her secret identification number
inputting scene from the eye of the third party. Consequently, the
input unit 12 is able to secure confidentiality at the time of
inputting the secret identification number.
[0086] FIG. 4 schematically shows the appearance of the card 10
provided with the input unit 12 shown as a first embodiment. In the
card 10 shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 16 features the ten
numerical figures irregular, in optional places of the display
unit. The input unit 12 is provided with a contact inputting
function of detecting the contacted position and of reflecting the
position information in the input, and is provided in
superimposition on corresponding positions of the display unit
16.
[0087] In FIG. 4, reference numerals, or FIGS. 7, 8, 4, 3, 1, 5, 0,
6, 2, C, 9 and E are demonstrated from the upper left end towards
the right lower end of the display unit 16. At the next inputting
event, the respective numerical figures are displayed at different
positions of the display unit 16. In FIG. 4, C and E denote a
selection button and an erasure button, respectively. When
inputting the secret identification number, the card owner touches
desired numerical figures irregularly displayed on the display unit
16 to enter the letter string representing the secret
identification number. When the inputting is finished, the card
owner presses the button C. Button E is used when the input
numerical figure is to be corrected or when the letter string input
as the secret identification number is to be erased.
[0088] When a preset numerical figure is demonstrated at a preset
position on the display unit, the same position is acted on each
time the card owner inputs the secret identification number. In
such a case, as the card is used repeatedly, a problem is raised
that the numerical figures used as the secret identification number
become known to the third party due to wear and/or contamination of
the input unit 12. Moreover, the secret identification number may
become known by the movement of the finger pressing the numerical
figure on the inputting site. However, in the case of the card 10
having the inputting unit, shown in FIG. 4, it is difficult for the
numerical figures used as the secret identification number to
become known to the third party due to wear, contamination of the
input unit 12 or finger movement at the time of input.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of the input unit
12 is now explained. In the card 10 shown in FIG. 5, the display
unit 16 causes light emission in the numerical figures of 0 to 9 or
their vicinity on the card surface to point to the respective
numerical figures. The display unit 16 is, e.g., a light emitting
means, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and emits light to
point to a preset numerical figure. The display unit 16 may
sequentially emit light from 0 to 9, from 9 to 0, or irregularly.
The light emitting time interval may be constant or varied
[0090] Although the input unit 12 has a selection button S and an
erasure button E, the button of the input unit 12 used for
selection is only the button S. Since each display unit 16 emits
light sequentially or irregularly, it is sufficient if the card
owner thrusts the selection button when the desired numerical
figure is indicated. In such a case, since the same position is
pressed at all times in selecting the letter string as the secret
identification number, it is difficult for the numerical figures
used as the secret identification number to become known to the
third party due to wear, contamination or to finger movements at
the time of input.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, a third embodiment of the input unit 12
is hereinafter explained. In the card 10 shown in FIG. 6, the
display unit 16 features displaying one of ten numerical figures.
The display unit 16 may display the ten numerical figures
sequentially or irregularly. The user presses a selection button S
of the input unit 12 when the desired numerical figure is displayed
to select the desired numerical figure.
[0092] In this case, only one button is pressed at all times in
selecting the numerical figures in the input unit 12, so that it is
difficult for the numerical figures used as the secret
identification number to become known to the third party due to
wear, contamination or to finger movements at the time of
input.
[0093] In the above-described three embodiments, the suppression
properties at the time of inputting the secret identification
number may be further raised by setting the angle of view of the
display unit 16 to a narrow angle.
[0094] Meanwhile, the present invention features a card as a
portable terminal having the function of inputting the secret
identification number, so that there is no particular limitation to
the encrypting method in the signal transmission/receipt between
the card 10 and the host computer 20, such that currently available
encryption principles, such as an open key encryption system, may
be applied. As a typical encryption method, it may be contemplated
to use a value obtained on computing and processing of a random
number transmitted from the computer 20 as the authentication
device to the card 10 and the secret identification number of the
card 10 under a preset rule, as an encryption key of the card 10
for the host computer 20.
[0095] Specifically, a case in which a random number generated by
the host computer 20 is a 20-digit figure, the secret
identification number of the card 10 is a 4-digit figure, and a
four-digit figure made up of the secret identification number and
the random number is generated in the information encryption unit
14 of the card 10 as the information for authentication is now
explained.
[0096] There are 20!, that is, approximately 4.times.10.sup.18 ways
of re-arraying the 20 digit numerical figure sent from the host
computer 20 to the card 10 into four sets of numerical figures each
comprised of five digit numerical figures. In re-arraying the
20-digit figure into four sets each comprised of five digit
numerical figures, such a rule may be adopted in which the first
digit of the first five digit figure is the 19th digit figure of
the 20-digit random number, the second digit of the first five
digit figure is the third digit figure of the 20-digit random
number, the third digit of the first five digit figure is the 17th
digit figure of the 20-digit random number and the fourth digit of
the first five digit figure is the fifth digit figure of the
20-digit random number, with the fifth digit of the first five
digit figure being the 15th digit figure of the 20-digit random
number.
[0097] Next, one digit of the secret identification number made up
of four digit numerical figures is inserted into each of the four
sets of the five digit numerical figures to create 6-digit
numerical figures. It is determined at which of the six possible
inserting positions the numerical figure is to be inserted. There
are (10.times.6).sup.4 different ways, that is, approximately
1.3.times.10.sup.7 different ways of inserting the numerical
figures.
[0098] Here, four five-digit numerical figures are determined from
the 20-digit random number and multiplied with the six-digit
numerical figures prepared as described above. There are
(10.sup.5).sup.4, that is, 10.sup.20, different ways of
multiplication. By this multiplication, four sets of 11- or
12-digit numerical figures are obtained.
[0099] An optional one digit is extracted from the lower ten digits
of the 11 or 12 digit numerical figures. The four numerical
figures, extracted by carrying out the above operations on the four
sets of the numerical figures are combined, and the resulting
numerical figures are used as the four-digit information for
authentication. There are 14 different ways of so combining the
numerical figures.
[0100] Thus, even in the above-described extremely simple case,
approximately 3.1.times.10.sup.49 information for authentication
may be obtained by mixing the 20-digit random number and the
four-digit secret identification number. Moreover, since the
numerical value to become the ultimate information for
authentication is of four digits and is of a smaller value, it may
be difficult to counter-reckon the respective numerical figures by
several to scores of skimming operations, even though the
above-described calculations for encryption should become
exposed.
[0101] With the above-described input unit 12 of the authentication
system 1 for the card 10, it is possible to improve the suppression
properties at the time of inputting the secret identification
number as the letter string for authentication by the user.
[0102] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a specified instance of payment
with the use of the above-described authentication system 1 is
hereinafter explained. Referring to FIG. 7, the case of making
payments for the commodity purchased by a card owner at a sale
store using a card is explained. A card owner 50 selects a
commodity at a store 51 (step 71). When the commodity to be
purchased is determined and the card owner intends to make
payments, the sale store 51 connects a dedicated network terminal
52 of, e.g., a personal computer (abbreviated to PC) to a card
issuing company 53 (step 72) and transmits the information
pertinent to commodity information (contents and the amount of the
commodity) (step 73). The card owner 50 checks for the commodity
information (contents and the amount of the commodity) on the
commodity being purchased (step 74) to enter the secret
identification number in the card 54 (step 75). The card 54 on
which the secret identification number has been input, is connected
to the dedicated network terminal 52 (step 76). At this time, the
above-described payment process is executed. On completion of the
payment, a payment end receipt is transmitted from the card issuing
company 53 (step 77).
[0103] When the card owner inputs the secret identification number
to the card, he or she is able to enter the secret identification
number in a place outside the sight of a third party. Although the
card 54 with the secret identification number entered thereto may
be handed to and, thus, may be seen by, e.g., a sale clerk in the
course of the payment, it is difficult for a third party to
illicitly acquire the secret identification number from the trace
of the inputting operations on the card. Even if the card is
willfully exchanged, the encryption information is unique to each
event of the transmission, so that the encryption information
generated on encryption is invalid for any other communication
event, and hence it is difficult for any third party to illicitly
acquire the private information.
[0104] The case of a card owner making payments in a high-class
restaurant using a card is explained with reference to FIG. 8.
Although the payment at a high-class restaurant is here explained,
it is assumed that, in the payment configuration shown in FIG. 8,
the card 54 is transiently handed to a third party, such as a
waiter 55. The card owner 50 confirms, e.g., the accounting
specifications, presented by the waiter to enter an amount, such as
tips (step 81). The card owner 50 also enters the secret
identification number on the card 54 (step 82) and hands the card
54 along with the accounting specifications to the waiter (step
83). The waiter 55, who has received the card 54 from the card
owner 50, connects the dedicated network terminal 52, such as a PC,
installed in the sale store, here the high-class restaurant 51, to
the card issuing company 53, to transmit the information pertinent
to the commodity (information pertinent to the contents of the
commodity and the amount) (step 84). The waiter then connects the
card 54, handed by the card owner 50, to the network terminal 52
(step 85). The above-described payment process is now carried out
(step 86). On completion of the payment, a receipt indicating
payment completion is transmitted from the card issuing company 53
(step 87). The waiter 55 then returns the card 54 along with the
receipt indicating the payment completion to the card owner 50
(step 88).
[0105] In this case, the card owner is again able the secret
identification number on a card in a place outside the sight of a
third party. Although the card 54 with the secret identification
number entered thereto may be handed to and, thus, may be seen by,
e.g., a sale clerk in the course of the payment, it is difficult
for a third party to illicitly acquire the secret identification
number from the trace of the past inputting operations left on the
card. Even if the card is willfully exchanged, the encryption
information is unique to each event of the transmission, such that
the encryption information generated on encryption is invalid for
any other communication event, and hence it is difficult for any
third party to illicitly acquire the private information.
[0106] The case of a card owner making payments over the Internet
using a card is now explained with reference to FIG. 9. It is
assumed here that the terminal, such as a PC, connected to the
Internet is provided with a readout device loaded with the card 54
and that is adapted to read out the card information. It is also
assumed here that the card owner 50 uses the PC installed on his
premises, however, the card owner also may use a PC installed a
store and that is connected to the Internet. The card owner 50
selects the commodities sold by the sale store 51, on the Internet
through a network terminal 56, such as a PC, connected to the
Internet (step 91). The card owner 50 then selects the card issuing
company from whom the services to the card owner are offered (step
92). The card owner 50 then transmits the commodity information
(the information pertinent to the commodity contents and amount)
(step 93). The commodity information also is transmitted from the
store 51 to the card issuing company 53. The card owner 50 then
confirms the commodity information (step 94). The card owner 50
inputs the encryption number to the card 54 (step 95). The
above-described payment process is executed (step 96). The card
issuing company 53 transmits the information indicating the
completion of payment (step 97).
[0107] In this case, the card owner is again able to enter the
secret identification number on a card in a place out of sight of a
third party. Even though the PC is installed, e.g., at a store for
use by a large number of users, some form of the private
information may be left within the PC, and the private information
may be intercepted in the course of the information
transmission/reception over the Internet; however, the encryption
information is unique to each event of the transmission, so that
the encryption information generated on encryption is invalid for
any other communication event and hence it is difficult for any
third party to acquire illicitly the private information.
[0108] It may be seen from above that, in the case where the
authentication system 1 as an illustrative structure of the present
invention is applied to the credit sale system or an inter-account
instant decision system, which is carried out over a dedicated
network, the result is improved suppression properties on the
occasion of a user inputting the secret identification number as
the letter string for authentication. This removes anxiety from
users at large about the reliability in card exploitation to
increase the number of latent users of the credit sale system a
card, an inter-account instant payment system, employing a cash
card, and E-commerce carried out over an optional network, such as
Internet, thus enlarging the market while improving the
profitability of business.
[0109] It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited
to the above-described embodiments, but it may be modified in a
number of ways without departing from its scope. For example,
although the portable terminal in the authentication system 1 shown
as an illustrative structure of the present invention is a card
having an encoding circuit, the portable terminal also may be a PDA
(Personal Digital Assistant), a portable telephone set or a
portable PC in place of the card. Similarly to the card information
in a credit card or a debit card, the private information stored in
the portable telephone set, PDA or the PC is information that is
not to be leaked to a third party. The use of a portable terminal
by a user in making payment may be envisioned readily, as
exemplified by a user shopping in a certain store and making
payments using the private information stored in his or her
portable telephone set. In such a case, authentication may be
carried out with an authentication device by the processing shown
in FIG. 1.
[0110] Consequently, even in an authentication system employing a
portable terminal other than a card, it is possible to render
difficult the unauthorized acquisition by a third party of the
terminal information or the private information in the course of
the procedure up to the authentication of a user by a service
provider.
* * * * *