JP3580974B2 - Electronic wallet and its operation method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic wallet for storing an IC card used in an electronic currency system, and more particularly to an electronic wallet suitable for small-scale settlement of an electronic currency using an IC card storing an electronic currency and its operation. About the method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electronic currency system for exchanging electronic currency by communication between IC cards containing electronic currency has been proposed. The IC card used in this system includes a microprocessor having a communication function therein and a memory such as an EEPROM for storing a processing program and the balance of the electronic currency. The IC card can be connected to a terminal provided in a bank, a store, a private residence, or the like through an electronic currency system configured to be arbitrarily connectable via a communication line, and by using a dedicated terminal. Electronic currency can be exchanged with other IC cards.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The electronic currency system proposed above has not yet been defined as to what functions and forms each device constituting the system should have, and is under development.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic wallet for accommodating and carrying an IC card storing an electronic currency used in the above-described electronic currency system. To provide an electronic wallet and a method of operating the electronic wallet that enable payment by electronic currency between individuals, between individuals and banks, and between individuals and distributors by transmitting and receiving signals between IC cards. is there.
[0005]
Further, an object of the present invention is to enable easy operation by reducing the number of operation keys arranged in the operation system, to make it easy to see and understand the display, and to easily connect to the communication system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic wallet configured to be thin and convenient to carry, and an operation method thereof.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first feature of the present invention for achieving the above object is that the electronic wallet includes at least a plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, a power switch, and at least one other independent function switch. The electronic currency information stored in the IC card is displayed on the display unit while the independent function switch is being operated, so that when the finger is released from the independent function switch, the electronic currency information is turned off, and the battery is turned off. There is no waste in consumption, and the balance of the electronic currency of the IC card can be easily known.
[0007]
According to a second feature of the present invention, the electronic wallet includes at least a plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, a power switch, and at least one other independent function switch. To permit the IC card to be in a locked state indicating the exclusiveness of data processing during operation, whereby the IC card is turned off when a finger is spoken from the independent function switch, and the IC card is easily locked. State.
[0008]
A third feature of the present invention is that the electronic wallet has at least a plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, and a contact, and the predetermined time is set when the contact is in a conductive state with the contact of the IC card. And a control unit for displaying the electronic currency information stored in the IC card on the display unit during the predetermined time, whereby the state of the IC card can be instantly known, The status of a plurality of IC cards can be checked sequentially.
[0009]
A fourth feature of the present invention is that the electronic wallet has a plurality of operation keys having at least a plurality of numeric keys and calculation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information and IC card status information, a power switch, and Has at least one independent function switch, a plurality of control keys for operating electronic currency information and IC card state information stored in an IC card, and a plurality of function layers having a plurality of tasks. And a function key for selecting a plurality of tasks to be provided, whereby an electronic wallet having many functions can be obtained.
[0010]
The above configuration further includes an up key and a down key as control keys, so that when the first subtask is selected, the first IC card or the second IC card is operated by operating either the up key or the down key. Of the IC card, and when the third subtask is selected, the transfer direction of the electronic currency information is indicated by operating one of the up key and the down key, and the fourth subtask is selected. At this time, the latest history information is searched from the beginning of the IC card by the operation of either the up key or the down key, and when the fifth subtask is selected, the operation is performed by the operation of the up key or the down key. Since the tasks of the second functional hierarchy can be selected, more functions can be provided.
[0011]
Furthermore, since the modem unit is detachably provided in the card slot and has a through hole and a modular jack connectable to a communication line so as to communicate with the card slot, the modem unit is mounted in the card slot. You can insert the IC card into the card slot even when you are using it, and when transferring the electronic currency through the communication line, it is convenient to handle and insert the IC card into the electronic wallet while connected to the communication line Can be.
[0012]
A partner who can send and receive electronic currency information to and from an IC card inserted into one card slot is an IC card inserted into the other card slot of an electronic wallet, or a terminal capable of transmitting and receiving electronic currency information to and from the IC card. The device and the IC card of another electronic wallet connected through the modem unit are included.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic wallet in an electronic currency system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic currency system to which an electronic wallet according to the present invention is applied. First, the configuration of the electronic currency system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, 1 is a bank office system, 2 is a distribution system, 3 is an end user system, 4 is a vending machine system, 5 is a bank computer center, 6 is an electronic currency issuing organization, 7 is a public communication network, 10 is IC card, 11 is an external IC card reader / writer, 12 is a counter terminal, 13 is an internal communication line, 14 is an automatic teller machine, 15 is an electronic safe, 16 is an electronic currency transaction control terminal, 17 is a relay computer, 21 is a POS terminal for electronic currency, 22 is a POS terminal, 23 is a store controller, 24 is a center device, 25 is an information control system, 26 is a workstation, 31 is an electronic wallet, 32 is a personal computer, and 33 is a PC card type card. Reader / writer, 34 is an IC card telephone, 41 is a built-in IC card reader / writer, 42 is automatic Sale machine, 51 accounting system host, 52 circumscribing systems, 53 are circumscribed system control terminal.
[0015]
In the electronic currency system shown in FIG. 1, a public communication network 7 includes a bank office system 1, a distribution system 2 provided in a large store such as a department store or a supermarket, a personal computer 32 as an end user system 3, and an IC card telephone 34. The vending machine system 4 and the like are configured so as to be connected and not connected to the communication network 7. In the illustrated example, one representative system is shown for each system. However, many systems can be connected to the public communication network 7. Further, the bank office system is connected to a bank computer center 5 by a dedicated line or the like, and an electronic currency issuing organization 6 is connected to the bank computer center 5.
[0016]
The IC card 10 includes a microprocessor having a communication function therein, and a memory such as an EEPROM for storing a processing program and a balance of the electronic currency. Owned by participating banks, stores, vending machines, etc.
[0017]
As is well known, the bank office system 1 is configured such that a counter terminal 12 and an automatic teller machine 14 are connected via an internal communication line 13 and further connected to a bank computer center via a relay computer 17. However, an IC card reader / writer 11 is provided in the counter terminal 12 for electronic currency settlement, an IC card reader / writer is built in the automatic teller machine 14, and an electronic currency transaction control terminal. An electronic safe 15 is connected via the connection 16.
[0018]
The bank computer center 5 is configured by an accounting system host 51 and an external system 52, and the external system 52 includes an external control terminal 53, a relay computer 17, and an electronic safe 15.
[0019]
The distribution system 2 is generally configured such that a POS terminal is connected to a center device 24 via an internal communication line 13 and a store controller 23, but is externally connected to a normal POS terminal 22 for electronic currency settlement. Or a POS terminal 21 for an electronic currency. The center device 24 includes an information control system 25, a workstation 26, and an electronic safe 17.
[0020]
The end user system 3 is mainly a personal user system, and simply requires only the electronic wallet 31 capable of displaying the balance of the electronic currency in the IC card. It is also possible to add a function such as a calculator to the electronic wallet 31. Further, the personal computer 32 is provided with a PC-type card reader / writer 33 for electronic currency settlement in a personal computer, and is configured to be connectable to the public communication network 7. Further, an IC card telephone 34 having a processing function for the IC card 10 that stores electronic currency in a normal telephone can be used.
[0021]
The personal computer 32 and the IC card telephone device 34 in the above-mentioned end user system 3 are provided with two sets of card readers / writers for the two IC cards, so that electronic currency can be exchanged between the two IC cards. Can interact. Thereby, for example, the same processing as in the case of handling ordinary cash, such as transferring the electronic currency in the master's IC card to the wife's IC card, can be performed.
[0022]
The vending machine system 4 includes a vending machine 42 provided with a built-in IC card reader / writer 41.
[0023]
Next, a method of using the electronic currency system to which the present invention configured as described above is applied will be described.
[0024]
The IC card 10 is distributed from the electronic currency issuing organization 6 to banks, shops, vending machines, individuals, etc. participating in the system, and the bank receives the electronic currency in exchange for cash that is normally distributed, It is stored in the electronic safe 15 provided in the external connection system 52. The electronic safe 15 stores a large number of IC cards 10 therein, and each card 10 distributes and stores the electronic currency received from the electronic currency issuing organization. The electronic currency stored in the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in the external connection system 52 is distributed to the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 installed in each bank office.
[0025]
An individual as an end user participating in the electronic currency system possesses the distributed IC card 10 and deposits his / her account with the bank by using the teller terminal 12 and the automatic teller machine 14 of the bank office system 1. It is exchanged for electronic currency, withdrawn, and stored in its own IC card 10. Also, a personal computer 32 having a PC card type reader / writer 33 or an IC card telephone 34 is connected to the bank office system 1 via the public communication network 7, and the bank Can be exchanged for an electronic currency, withdrawn, and stored in the IC card 10 of the user.
[0026]
When the electronic currency is withdrawn, the IC card possessed by the individual is transferred to the teller terminal 12, the automatic teller machine 14, the personal computer 32, or the reader / writer of the IC card telephone 34 by the communication function of the card. Via a writer, it is connected to an IC card in an electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1. Then, under the control of the electronic currency transaction control terminal 16, the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 is stored in the IC card 10 owned by the individual. . At this time, the balance of the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 is reduced by the amount stored in the IC card 10 owned by the individual. The withdrawal of a deposit from an individual's account is performed in the same manner as in the past.
[0027]
In the above, it was explained that the deposit of the individual's bank account was withdrawn and stored in the IC card possessed by the individual, but the cash was brought to the window of the bank or the window of the electronic currency issuing organization, where the IC card was They can be stored.
[0028]
On the contrary, the electronic currency in the IC card is stored in the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 via the teller terminal 12, the automatic teller machine 14, and the personal computer 32, contrary to the above. You can return it and deposit it into your account at the same time.
[0029]
As described above, the user who has stored the electronic currency in his or her IC card 10 can use the IC card in the same manner as cash at various stores and the like to shop for goods and receive various services. It is possible.
[0030]
Now, it is assumed that the user who has stored the electronic currency in his or her IC card 10 does shopping at the store and brings the purchased product to the counter of the POS terminal for payment. The operator inputs the selling price of the product from the POS terminal 21 or 22 by reading a barcode or the like as in the case of a normal transaction, calculates the total, and bills the customer.
[0031]
When the customer pays with an IC card containing an electronic currency instead of cash, the customer inserts the IC card into the card insertion hole of the electronic currency POS terminal 12 or the normal POS terminal 22. Insert it into the IC card reader / writer 11. Thereby, the customer's IC card and one of the IC cards in the electronic safe 15 installed in the center device 24 of the store are connected via the internal communication line 13 and the workstation 26, and the customer's IC card is connected. The electronic currency in the card is transferred to one of the IC cards in the electronic safe 15 installed in the center device 24, a receipt is output from the POS terminal, and the payment processing for shopping is completed. In this case, the electronic currency in the customer's IC card is reduced by the amount used for shopping and added to the electronic currency of the store's IC card.
[0032]
In the above description, a distribution system including a large number of POS terminals and an electronic safe in which a large number of IC cards are stored in the center device 24 has been described as paying the transaction price of a product. In the case of a system having only a deposit machine, an IC card reader / writer for a customer's IC card is provided in the deposit machine, and an IC card owned by the store is provided inside the deposit machine. Electronic currency payment can be made between the IC card possessed by the store and the customer's IC card connected via the IC card reader / writer. As described above, the electronic currency in the IC card possessed by the store can be deposited in a bank account, or can be cashed at a bank counter.
[0033]
Further, in the distribution system having the above-mentioned POS terminal, as a system construction method, each POS terminal is provided with an IC card, and money exchange with the customer's IC card is performed once with the IC card in the POS terminal. This can be performed with the customer's IC card, and if necessary, transferred from the POS terminal to the IC card in the electronic safe 15 of the center device 24.
[0034]
When the vending machine 42 or the like participates in the electronic currency system, the vending machine 42 has a built-in IC card reader / writer 41, and the vending machine itself has an IC card. Money may be exchanged with the IC card inserted in the writer 41.
[0035]
Next, an embodiment of the electronic wallet according to the present invention used in the electronic currency system used as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electronic wallet according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2, 311 is a modem connector, 312 is a liquid crystal display unit, 313 is an electronic currency control microprocessor, 314 is a control unit, 315 and 316 are IC card reader / writers, 317 is an operation key unit, 318 is a power switch, Reference numerals 3191 and 3192 denote first and second independent function switches (these are turned on while the independent function switches are pressed, and turned off when the finger is released), 320 is a battery, and 321 is a modem unit for an electronic wallet. Reference numeral 323 denotes a telephone line, and other symbols are the same as those in FIG.
[0037]
An electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an IC card reader / writer 315 for an IC card 10 storing an electronic currency for carrying in a normal state, as shown in FIG. An IC card reader / writer 316 for an IC card 10 ′ for mutually transferring electronic currency to and from the card 10, an operation key unit 317, a liquid crystal display unit 312 for displaying various information, and a power switch 318. , The first and second independent function switches 3191 and 3192, the electronic currency control microprocessor 313 for controlling the electronic currency in the IC cards 10 and 10 ′, and the entire electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. And a control unit 314 for performing control. Further, the illustrated electronic wallet includes a modem unit 321 dedicated to the electronic wallet for mutually exchanging electronic currencies with IC cards of other individuals, banks and distributors connected via the telephone line 323. It is provided with a modem connector 311 for connecting to a currency control microprocessor 313.
[0038]
The detailed functional operation of the electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described later. Next, the functional operation will be briefly described.
[0039]
The illustrated electronic wallet 31 has a state in which the power switch 318 is turned off when the user carries the IC card 10 and the IC card 10 in which his / her own electronic currency is stored is set in the IC card reader / writer 315. Have been. Then, when paying for shopping or the like using the IC card 10, the user removes the electronic wallet 31 from a pocket or the like and presses the first independent function switch 3191 to cause the liquid crystal display unit to operate. In step 312, the user checks the remaining amount of the electronic currency in the IC card 10, presses the second independent function switch 3192, and inputs a password or the like so that the electronic currency in the IC card 10 can be handled. Release the lock. Thereafter, the user inserts his / her own IC card 10 into a terminal device for trading by the IC card placed in a store or the like where the user took out the IC card 10 and made a purchase, and as shown in FIG. Make a payment in currency.
[0040]
In the above description, the first and second independent function switches 3191 and 3192 are turned on only when the user presses them, to supply power to the electronic wallet 31 from the battery 320, and to operate the first and second independent switches. Only the processing previously associated with the independent function switches 3191 and 3192 is executed. In the above-described example, when the first independent function switch 3191 is depressed, the control unit 314 identifies (deletes) and displays the balance of the electronic currency in the IC card 10 on the liquid crystal display unit 312. When the second independent function switch is pressed, a mode for inputting a password for unlocking the IC card 10 is set, or a mode for locking is set. When the IC card 10 is inserted into the electronic wallet 31, the contact of the IC card 10 contacts the contact of the control unit 314, the power is turned on for a predetermined time, and the balance of the electronic currency is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312. You can also. Further, password character information may be used instead of the password.
[0041]
Next, a brief description will be given of a case in which, for example, another IC card 10 'possessed by a child or the like is inserted into the illustrated electronic wallet and electronic currencies are mutually transferred between the IC card 10 and the IC card 10.
[0042]
In this case, the user sets two sets of other IC cards 10 ′ in one of the provided IC card readers / writers 316, turns on the power switch 318, and then displays the operation displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312. By operating the operation keys of the operation key section 317 in accordance with the instructions such as the above, the electronic currency can be moved between the IC cards 10 and 10 '. The operation key unit 317 includes numeric keys and instruction keys.
[0043]
In the case where electronic currency is exchanged between another IC card and its own IC card via the telephone line 323, the modem unit 321 for exclusive use of the electronic wallet is connected to the electronic wallet 31 so as to communicate with the other device. After the connection has been made, the user operates the operation keys of the operation key unit 317 in accordance with the instructions such as the operation displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312 in the same manner as described above, so that the user's own IC card 10 and a remote control (not shown) are connected. Electronic currency can be transferred between IC cards such as individuals and banks.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a view showing the outer shape of the electronic wallet 31 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3, and FIG. It is a figure which shows and the structure of the electronic wallet 31 by one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated below with reference to these figures. 3 to 5, 324 is a main body, 325 is a protective cover, 326 is a board, 327 is an eject button, 3111 is a modem connector, 3151, 3161, 3162 are card slots, 3191, 3192 are first and second. An independent function switch, 3211 is a modem unit main body, 3212 is a modular jack, and other symbols are the same as those in FIG.
[0045]
As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the electronic wallet 31 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a liquid crystal display unit 312 and an operation key unit 317 provided on the upper surface of a main unit 324. A modem connector 311 for connecting the modem unit 321 on the upper side, a card slot 3161 for inserting the IC card 10 'are provided, and a card slot 3151 for inserting the IC card 10 on the lower side, and an eject for this card. A button 327 is provided, and a power switch 318 and first and second independent function switches 3191 and 3192 are provided on the left side surface.
[0046]
The illustrated electronic wallet 31 is configured so that the user inserts the IC card 10 to be used by the user into the card slot 3151 from the lower surface of the main body 324, and the entire IC card 10 extends into the main body 324. Can be inserted. When the entire IC card 10 is inserted into the main body 324, the IC card 10 is set in an IC card reader / writer 315 (not shown) for the IC card 10. The removal of the IC card 10 is performed by pressing the eject button 237.
[0047]
On the upper side of the illustrated electronic wallet 31, a modem connector 311 for connecting a modem unit 321 dedicated to an electronic wallet, which will be described later, and a card slot 3161 for inserting another IC card 10 'are provided. ing. An IC card reader / writer 316 (not shown) for the IC card 10 'is provided at the back of the card slot 3161. When the IC card 10' is inserted into the card slot 3161, the IC card reader / writer for the IC card 10 'is provided. / Writer 316 is set. In this case, the entire IC card 10 ′ is not inserted into the card slot 3161, but is inserted into the IC card reader / writer 316 only by inserting about half.
[0048]
Further, on the left side of the illustrated electronic wallet 31, a power switch 318, a first independent function switch 3191 for checking the balance, a second independent function switch 3192 for locking and unlocking the IC card 10 are provided. Is provided.
[0049]
Then, when the illustrated electronic wallet 31 is carried by the user, the protection cover 325 is attached as shown in FIG. 4 in a state where the IC card 10 owned by the user is inserted into the card slot 3151. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 4, a substrate 326 constituting each functional unit described with reference to FIG. 2 and a power supply 320 such as a dry battery are housed inside the main body 324 of the electronic wallet 31.
[0050]
As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the electronic wallet-dedicated modem unit 321 is provided on the lower surface of the modem unit main body 3211 on the main body 324 of the electronic wallet 31 (FIG. 3A). A modem connector 3111 is provided on the left side thereof for connection to a communication line such as a telephone line, and a modular jack 3212 for connecting to a communication line is provided therein. A modem is provided. The modem unit 321 is electrically and mechanically coupled to the electronic wallet 31 by coupling the modem connector 3111 to the modem connector 311 of the electronic wallet 31. The modem unit 321 is provided with a penetrating card slot 3162 so that another IC card 10 'can be inserted even when the modem unit 321 is connected to the electronic wallet 31.
[0051]
The electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above-described external shape has a very thin overall shape by using a thin device such as a sheet as a functional device mounted inside the electronic wallet 31. The thickness of the portion other than the portion for storing the dry battery as the power source can be reduced to about 8 mm, and when the AAA battery is used as the power source, the thickness of the left portion for storing the dry battery is approximately 14 mm. And could be. Even when the protective cover 325 is attached, the thickness of the main body 324 can be reduced to about 14 mm, which is extremely convenient to carry.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an electronic wallet 31 according to one embodiment of the present invention and two IC cards 10 and 10 ′, and FIG. 7 is a state in which a modem unit 321 is attached to the electronic wallet 31 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the two IC cards 10 and 10 ′.
[0053]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention has two IC cards 10 and 10 ′, regardless of whether the modem unit 321 is attached or not, The IC card 10 inserted from below can be inserted into the main body as described above. The IC card 10 can be stored and carried around with the electronic wallet alone or with the modem unit 321 attached.
[0054]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the key arrangement of the operation key unit 317 of the electronic wallet 31 and the display mode of the liquid crystal display unit 312 according to the embodiment of the present invention. An arrangement of keys of the operation key unit 317 of the electronic wallet 31 and a display mode of the liquid crystal display unit 312 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 8, the operation key unit 317 includes numeric keys for inputting numbers without symbols and instruction keys, and the control key 3500 includes a clear / cancel key C and an electronic currency transfer direction. And a down key D, a function key F for selecting and displaying various functions, and an enter key E as an execution key. These control keys 3500 are operated in association with various types of information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312, and thereby various types of processing desired by the user are performed.
[0056]
The information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312 is as described below as shown in FIG.
[0057]
Each of the tasks S, T, L, ST, and M is cyclically displayed by a function key F. S is a card selection, T is transfer, L is lock, ST is history, M is Indicates that each function of the menu is performed.
The remote status information 3121 is information displayed when another IC card, for example, the IC card 10 shown in FIG. 1 is connected via a communication line such as the telephone line 323, and the connected card is locked. Indicates whether there is.
The upper IC card information 3122 is information indicating the state of another IC card inserted from the upper side of the electronic wallet 31, is located above the display unit 312, and shows the balance of the electronic currency in the card and the card. Indicates whether or not the lock state is established.
The lower IC card information 3124 is information indicating the state of the own IC card inserted from the lower surface of the electronic wallet, is located below the display unit 312, and stores the balance of the electronic currency in the card and the card. Indicates whether or not is locked.
The transfer direction information 3123 is information indicating in which direction the electronic currency is to be moved, that is, whether the electronic currency is to be moved from the upper IC card 10 to the lower IC card 10 ′, or vice versa. indicate.
The function information 3125 is information indicating the contents of the task.
[0058]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a functional hierarchy of the electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a diagram illustrating control keys 3500. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional operation of the electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the function hierarchy and function operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0059]
In FIG. 9A, the switches indicated as B and L of the first and second independent function switches 3191 and 3192 are a switch B for displaying the remaining balance in the card and a switch B for releasing the lock of the card. A switch L for inputting a personal identification number, which is constituted by a non-locking switch. The power is turned on and the function assigned to the switch is executed only while the user is pressing these switches. I do.
[0060]
That is, when the user presses the first independent function switch 3191B with the IC card 10 stored in the electronic wallet 31, when the user presses the switch B, the IC card reader / writer 315 Thus, the internal circuit reads the balance of the electronic currency in the IC card 10 and displays it on the display unit 312 via the control unit 314. This operation is shown in Routine 14A of the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0061]
When the user presses the second independent function switch 3192L, the control unit 314 unlocks or locks the electronic currency in the IC card 10 stored in the electronic wallet 31 so that the user can insert and remove the electronic currency. , And the user can unlock the IC card 10 by pressing the switch L and inputting the password from the numeric keys. This operation is shown in Routine 14B of the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0062]
When the user presses the power switch 318P, the electronic wallet 31 displays a home screen indicating the balance of the electronic currency of the IC card 10 on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. , Card status information is displayed. As shown in FIG. 13, the card status information includes a card insertion state 301, that is, whether a card is inserted into a card slot, or a card selection state 302, that is, which IC card among the inserted IC cards. The operation state, the card lock state 303, that is, the IC card is locked, and the card balance 304, that is, the amount of the electronic currency in the IC card, are available.
[0063]
Thereafter, when the function key F is pressed, an icon indicating one of the tasks S, T, L, ST, and M, which is a task below the first function hierarchy 3502 of the function key F, is displayed on the display unit 312. Is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, the display of the task by this icon changes the display content cyclically each time the function key F is pressed, and the icon flashes to indicate that the task is selected. Is displayed. When the icon of the task required by the user is displayed, the user presses an enter key E, which is an execution key in the control keys 3500, so that the task is selected and used or ready to be executed. Is done. At this time, the displayed icon is continuously lit to indicate that the task is being executed. This operation is shown in Routine 14C in the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0064]
In the example shown in FIG. 10, since the task ST is selected and executed as the task, history information of transactions such as shopping by the IC card 10 is displayed on the display unit 312 as a statement. This task is completed by pressing the clear / cancel key C of the control key 3500, and the display unit 312 is in a state where the home screen is displayed. The history information can be displayed by selecting the latest information from the beginning with the up key U and the down key D. This operation is shown in Routine 15A of the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 9A, the task M selected by the above-described function key F is used to select a task in the second function hierarchy 3503 which is one level lower than the first function hierarchy 3502. By selecting the task M in the first function hierarchy 3502 and pressing the enter key E, in the example shown in FIG. 9A, the tasks CU and CA in the second function hierarchy 3503 are And down key D. The task CU is a function of currency switching, and is used to select currencies of each country when those currencies are stored in the IC card 10. The task CA is a function of a calculator, which enables the electronic wallet 31 to be used as a calculator. An up key U and a down key D indicate a currency conversion procedure displayed on the display unit 312. This operation is shown in Routine 15B of the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0066]
FIG. 11 illustrates an operation example in the case where an electronic currency is transferred between two IC cards 10 and 10 ′ using the electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above. This is a diagram, which will be described below.
[0067]
(1) When the user inserts his / her IC card 10 from the lower side of the electronic wallet 31 or turns on the power switch 318 with the IC card 10 being stored, the display unit 312 of the electronic wallet 31 Displays the balance of the electronic currency of the IC card 10 and the locked state on the display position of the IC card 10 on the lower side as a home screen. In the illustrated example, the display of the black background indicates that the operation for the card can be performed. The illustrated example shows that the IC card is locked (screen A).
[0068]
(2) When another IC card 10 ′ that intends to exchange electronic currency with its own IC card 10 is inserted from the upper side of the electronic wallet 31, the balance of the electronic currency of the IC card 10 ′ becomes It is displayed at the display position of the IC card 10 'on the upper side. In the illustrated example, it is shown that the IC card 10 'on the upper side is not locked (screen B).
[0069]
(3) Next, when the function key F is operated to select the transfer of the task T for the transfer of the electronic currency, and the enter key E is pressed, the upper IC card information 3122 (FIG. 8) is displayed. The part of the IC card information 3124 (FIG. 8) blinks (screen C).
[0070]
(4) In this state, press the up key U or the down key D to indicate the direction in which the electronic currency is to be transferred. In the illustrated example, the down key D is pressed to transfer the electronic currency from the upper IC card 10 'to the lower IC card 10. As a result, a downward arrow indicating that the electronic currency is to be transferred from the upper IC card 10 'to the lower IC card 10 is displayed. Note that the lock of the IC card may be released only when the electronic currency in the card is withdrawn, and in the illustrated example, the lock of the lower IC card 10 may be kept locked. If the electronic currency is to be transferred from the lower IC card 10 to the upper IC card 10 ', the process of unlocking the lower IC card 10 between the screens C and D is performed. (Screen D).
[0071]
(5) By pressing the enter key E as the enter key, currency transfer can be executed, and the flashing display of the upper IC card information 3122 and the lower IC card information 3124 changes to continuous lighting. An instruction screen for inputting how much the electronic currency is to be moved is displayed (screen E).
[0072]
(6) When the amount to be moved is input using the numeric keys, the amount is displayed. Then, when the enter key E is pressed, a screen for confirming whether there is any error is displayed (screens F and G).
[0073]
(7) After confirming that there is no error in the input amount to be moved, and pressing the enter key E again, the displayed amount of money to be moved blinks, and the moving process is performed. When the processing is completed, the display of the amount to be transferred is continuously lit, and the balances of the electronic currencies of the upper and lower IC cards 10 ′ and 10 changed by the movement of the electronic currency are displayed and blink. (Screens H and I).
[0074]
(8) After that, the display of the upper IC card 10 'indicating the balance of the two IC cards 10, 10' after the transfer of the electronic currency changes to the continuous lighting state. Subsequently, the electronic currency transfer processing is enabled. Here, by pressing the clear / cancel key C of the control key 3500, the display returns to the home screen display state, and other functions can be selected and executed. It becomes possible (screens J and B). This operation is shown in Route 15C of the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0075]
In the above, the operation example in which the electronic currency is transferred between the two IC cards 10 and 10 'using the electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described. It can also be used to connect to a remote IC card to exchange electronic currency. In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the bold lines represent steps operated by the user of the electronic wallet 31, and the other lines represent functions of the electronic wallet 31 itself.
[0076]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in the case of exchanging electronic currencies by connecting to a remote IC card, which will be described below.
[0077]
The example shown in FIG. 12 is a screen when the remote IC card is connected using a communication line instead of the upper IC card 10 'in the state of the screen B in the above-described example of the electronic currency transfer operation. is there. Also in this case, the electronic currency can be exchanged between the two IC cards via the communication line by the same operation as described above. Further, when the remote IC card is an IC card in a bank, the fact is indicated by the BANK display. In this case, the task S of the first functional layer 3502 is designated by the function key 3501F to designate the IC card 10 or 10 'inserted in the electronic wallet 31 to be transferred, and the up key U or Specify the IC card with the down key D. This operation is shown in Routine 15D of the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the Route 15E shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is for unlocking and setting when the task L of the first functional hierarchy 3502 is selected.
[0078]
The electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention described above is configured so that only one IC card for oneself can be stored and carried around. However, the current electronic currency settlement system is configured so that the amount of electronic currency stored in the IC card is limited to a certain amount or less, and it is impossible to perform settlement using the electronic currency exceeding this certain amount. . In order to solve such a problem, a plurality of IC cards can be stored in an electronic wallet, and the amount to be settled is allocated to each IC card so as not to exceed the settlement limit of each IC card. It is possible.
[0079]
FIG. 16 is a view for explaining the structure of an electronic wallet 31 in which two personal IC cards can be stored.
[0080]
FIG. 16A shows an example in which two IC cards are arranged vertically on the same plane so as not to increase the overall thickness. In this example, the thickness is not increased, but the length in the vertical direction is increased. In order to shorten the length in the vertical direction, the IC cards may be arranged side by side on the same plane in the horizontal direction.
[0081]
FIG. 16B shows an example in which two IC cards can be stacked and accommodated in order to avoid an increase in the overall length. In the case of this example, the thickness increases to some extent, but does not increase in the vertical direction.
[0082]
FIG. 16C shows an example in which the positions of the contact portions of the card reader / writer with respect to two IC cards are arranged so as to be shifted by a distance a, and the IC cards are arranged and housed so as to partially overlap. According to this example, the increase in the thickness does not increase as shown in FIG. 16B, and the total length thereof does not increase as much as that shown in FIG. Cards can be stored.
[0083]
In the examples shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, two user's own IC cards are stored and no consideration is given to providing a card reader / writer for another IC card. Providing a card reader / writer for another IC card and exchanging electronic currency between the other IC card and its own IC card can be achieved by only slightly increasing the size or thickness of the electronic wallet. It can be easily configured.
[0084]
In addition, although the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention is described as inserting the IC card from the lower side and the upper side, the electronic wallet 31 may be configured to be inserted from the right side or the left side. The structure of the electronic wallet 31 described above can be applied to the structure proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-203553.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an electronic wallet for storing and carrying an IC card storing an electronic currency can be used between IC cards and between IC cards using a general telephone line or the like. By transmitting and receiving signals, settlement by electronic currency can be performed between individuals, between individuals and banks, and between individuals and distributors.
[0086]
Further, according to the present invention, the number of operation keys arranged in the operation system can be reduced to enable easy operation, the display can be easily viewed and understood, and the connection with the communication system can be easily performed. In addition, it is possible to provide an electronic wallet configured to be thin and convenient to carry.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic currency system to which an IC card reader / writer according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electronic wallet according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outer shape of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outer shape of a modem unit dedicated to an electronic wallet attached to the electronic wallet shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an electronic wallet and two IC cards according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a modem unit is attached to an electronic wallet according to one embodiment of the present invention and two IC cards.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a key arrangement of operation keys of an electronic wallet and a display mode of a liquid crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a functional hierarchy of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional operation of the electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the case where an electronic currency is transferred between two cards using an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when an electronic currency is exchanged by connecting to a remote IC card.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of an IC card on a display unit of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for displaying a state of an IC card on a display unit.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a processing function of the IC card.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an electronic wallet capable of storing two personal IC cards.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Bank branch system
2 Distribution system
3 End user system
4 Vending machine system
5 Bank Computer Center
6. Electronic currency issuing organization
7 Public communication network
10 IC card
11 External IC card reader / writer
12 window terminals
13 Internal communication line
14. Automatic teller machine
15 Electronic safe
16 Electronic Currency Transaction Control Terminal
17 relay computer
21 POS terminal for electronic currency
22 POS terminal
23 Store Controller
24 center equipment
25 Information control system
26 workstation
31 Electronic wallet
32 PCs
11 IC card type card reader / writer
41 Built-in IC card reader / writer
42 Vending machine
51 Accounting system host
52 External system
53 External control terminal
311 3111 Modem connector
312 Liquid crystal display
313 Electronic Currency Control Microprocessor
314 control unit
315, 316 IC card reader / writer
317 Operation key section
318 Power switch
3191 First independent function switch
3192 Second independent function switch
320 battery
321 Modem unit for electronic wallet
323 telephone line
324 body
325 protective cover
326 substrate
327 Eject button
3151, 3161, 3162 Card slot
3211 Modem unit body
3212 modular jack
3500 control key
3501 Function key
3502 First functional hierarchy
3503 Second functional hierarchy

Claims (10)

An electronic wallet having a plurality of card slots into which an IC card can be inserted and withdrawn, storing electronic currency information in the IC card, and capable of withdrawing the electronic currency information,
A plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, a power switch, and at least one other independent function switch,
An electronic wallet wherein the electronic currency information stored in the IC card is displayed on the display unit while the power switch is off and the independent function switch is operated. 2. The electronic wallet according to claim 1, wherein the electronic currency information displayed on the display unit is a lock state indicating the balance of the electronic currency or the exclusiveness of data processing relating to the IC card. An electronic wallet having a plurality of card slots into which an IC card can be inserted and withdrawn, storing electronic currency information in the IC card, and capable of withdrawing the electronic currency information,
A plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, a power switch, and at least one other independent function switch,
An electronic wallet wherein the IC card is allowed to be in a lock state indicating exclusiveness of data processing while the power switch is off and the independent function switch is operated. . An electronic wallet having a plurality of card slots into which an IC card can be inserted and withdrawn, storing electronic currency information in the IC card, and capable of withdrawing the electronic currency information,
A plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, a power switch, and a contact ,
A predetermined time is given when the power switch is off and the contact is in conduction with the contact of the IC card, and the electronic currency information stored in the IC card during the predetermined time An electronic wallet, comprising a control unit for displaying on the display unit. The electronic wallet according to claim 4, wherein the electronic currency information displayed on the display unit is a lock state indicating the balance of the electronic currency or the exclusiveness of data processing regarding the IC card. The IC card has a plurality of card slots can be out, and stores the electronic money information in said IC card, and, in pulling out Shi is an electronic purse of the electronic money information, a plurality of numeric keys and calculation keys A plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information and IC card status information, a power switch, at least one other independent function switch, the electronic currency information stored in the IC card, and the A plurality of control keys for operating IC card state information, a plurality of function layers having a plurality of tasks, and a function key for selecting the plurality of tasks of each of the function layers ;
An electronic wallet wherein the electronic currency information stored in the IC card is displayed on the display unit while the power switch is off and the independent function switch is operated . An electronic wallet having a plurality of card slots for inserting and removing an IC card, storing electronic currency information in the IC card, and capable of withdrawing the electronic currency information, comprising a plurality of numeric keys and operation keys Operating keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information and IC card status information, a plurality of control keys for operating the electronic currency information and the IC card status information stored in the IC card, and a plurality of tasks. Having a plurality of function hierarchies having, a function key for selecting the plurality of tasks that each of the function hierarchies has,
The function layer selected by the function key is a first function layer of the plurality of function layers, and a task of the first function layer is:
(1) a first subtask for selecting at least one of a first IC card and a second IC card inserted into the card slot;
(2) a second subtask for locking the first IC card and the second IC card;
(3) a third subtask for transferring the electronic currency information;
(4) a fourth subtask for displaying history information of the first IC card and the second IC card on the display unit;
(5) a fifth subtask for selecting a second functional layer of the plurality of functional layers. The control key includes a clear / cancel key for erasing information displayed on the display unit and stopping a transfer of the electronic currency in progress, and an up key and a down key for indicating a transfer direction of the electronic currency. , Including a decision key to instruct execution, the up key and the down key,
(1) When the first subtask is selected, any one of the keys is operated to indicate either the first IC card or the second IC card,
(2) When the third sub-task is selected, any one of the keys is operated to indicate a transfer direction of the electronic currency information;
(3) When the fourth subtask is selected, the latest history information is searched from the beginning of the IC card by operating any of the keys,
(4) The electronic wallet according to claim 7, further comprising a function of selecting a task of the second functional hierarchy by operating any of the keys when the fifth subtask is selected. An operation method of an electronic wallet having a plurality of card slots into which an IC card can be taken in and out, storing electronic currency information in the IC card, and allowing the electronic currency information to be withdrawn,
(A) Insert an IC card into the card slot ,
(B) operating at least one independent function switch in addition to the power switch while the power switch is off;
(C) the independent function while the switch is being operated, the operation method of the electronic wallet characterized by the Turkey be displayed on the display unit of the electronic money information stored in the IC card. A method of operating an electronic wallet having a plurality of card slots into which an IC card can be inserted and withdrawn, storing electronic currency information in the IC card, and capable of withdrawing the electronic currency information,
(A) Insert an IC card into the card slot,
(B) displaying electronic currency information and IC card status information stored in the IC card on a display unit;
(C) displaying a plurality of tasks of a predetermined function hierarchy on a display unit by using a function key;
(D) operating the IC card status information according to the IC card status information;
(E) selecting any of the plurality of tasks with the function key,
(F) executing the selected task with a control key;
As the task of the first function layer of the function layers in (c),
(1) a first subtask for selecting at least one of a first IC card and a second IC card inserted into the card slot;
(2) a second subtask for locking the first IC card and the second IC card;
(3) a third subtask for transferring the electronic currency information;
(4) a fourth subtask for displaying the history of the first IC card and the second IC card on the display unit;
(5) An operation method of an electronic wallet, wherein a fifth subtask for selecting a second functional hierarchy is displayed on the display unit.

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