JPH0517600B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention provides a prepaid IC card in which amount information is stored in advance in the memory of the IC card and the balance is reduced each time the IC card is used, and the IC card. Regarding the transaction processing method used.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, when making purchases using an ID card at department stores, supermarkets, retail stores, etc., credit cards with magnetic stripes have been the mainstream. In this credit card system, the customer's personal information and credit are given to the card itself, and payments are made within a preset credit balance. Therefore, it is very convenient because it allows you to shop without having to carry cash, but on the other hand, it is becoming a major social problem as it induces crimes such as card counterfeiting, fraudulent use, and defaulting on debts.

On the other hand, in recent years, the development of semiconductor technology has been remarkable, and IC cards in which semiconductor elements such as microcomputers and memories are embedded in the card are being put into practical use. Unlike magnetic cards, this IC card has both a large amount of storage and processing functions, so it not only has so-called ID functions such as customer personal information and credit information, but also transaction information, security information, and available balance. It is possible to store information that requires processing such as For this reason, so-called prepaid cards have been devised in which a fixed amount is entered into an IC card in advance and the balance is reduced each time the card is used. This prepaid card (prepaid card) can play almost the same role as currency because the card issuer (e.g. bank, etc.) stores the funds themselves as amount information, not just credit grant information. . Examples of payment methods using prepaid cards include the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) telephone card and the Japanese National Railways (JNR) Orange Card, which use magnetic cards. At the time of payment, the balance can be reduced but cannot be increased. It also has drawbacks, such as the scope of use being limited to specific things. Prepaid cards using IC cards can compensate for these drawbacks. That is, since the IC card has a microcomputer with a processing function and a memory element with a storage function, the amount information can be freely increased or decreased. For example, the amount can be reduced by making a payment at the time of shopping as described above, and the amount can be increased by withdrawing money from one's own account or depositing cash using an automatic transaction device installed at a financial institution. Also, the fact that IC cards have these characteristics means that they are not disposable and can be used over and over again, making them extremely effective.

(Problems to be solved by the invention) However, while conventional prepaid IC cards are extremely convenient as mentioned above,
If it is dropped or stolen, there is a risk that it may be used illegally by a third party.
Another drawback is that if the user does not know the balance in advance when using the card, the user often feels anxious about not having enough balance at the time of payment.

In order to prevent unauthorized use by a third party, it may be possible to input a personal identification number when using the card and verify the user's identity before allowing the IC card to be used. In this case, it is generally considered to enter the PIN number from the terminal, but with this method, there is a risk that store staff or other shoppers will see when the PIN is pressed, and it is psychologically harmful for the user. There is a problem of strong pressure.

The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and prevents unauthorized use of prepaid IC cards by others, and allows users to check their balances before making payments.
The purpose is to provide an IC card and a transaction processing method using the IC card.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The first invention includes a transmitting/receiving means for inputting and outputting information to and from an external device, a storage means for storing various information, and a power supply supplying power for operating each part. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, an information input method for a user to input information is targeted at a prepaid type IC card that has a built-in means and a microcomputer that controls the operation of each part and performs arithmetic processing. means (for example, a keyboard), a display means for displaying information stored in the storage means, user identification information stored in advance in the storage means, and identification information input from the information input means. and a time monitoring unit for displaying the available balance information stored in the storage means on the display means for a first predetermined period when the identification means is verified by the determination means. When the person is confirmed by the first timer and the determination means, the second timer is activated.
A second timer is provided to monitor the time to ensure that the IC card maintains the validity of the transaction.

In a second invention, in order to similarly solve the problems of the prior art, the user inputs identification information using an information input means provided on the prepaid IC card itself, and the IC card is used to confirm the input identity. The user's identity is verified by comparing the information with the user's pre-stored identity verification information, and when the user's identity is verified, the IC card displays the available balance information on the display means provided on the IC card. In addition to displaying the card for a predetermined period, the validity of the card transaction is maintained for a second predetermined period, and the card transaction validity is maintained for a second predetermined period.
The transaction validity of the IC card is determined, and transaction processing is executed only when an IC card with card transaction validity is inserted into an external device.

(Function) In the IC card of the first invention, when a user inputs a PIN number using an information input means such as a keyboard provided on the IC card before transaction processing, the determination means stores the PIN number and the storage means in advance. It compares the stored password and determines whether the two match. If the two match, that is, if the identity has been verified, the first timer is started in response to an instruction from the microcomputer, and the information is stored in the storage means for a first predetermined period, which is the monitoring time of the first timer. The available balance is displayed on the display means. This allows users to know their balance before processing a transaction. The first predetermined period is set to, for example, 2 to 3 seconds, and after this period has elapsed, the display on the display means is turned off, so there is no possibility that the password will be seen by another person against the user's will. In addition, if the identity is verified, a second timer also starts and a second predetermined period (for example, 3 to 10
The validity of the card transaction will be maintained for the amount of time (minutes), and the IC card will be used for transaction processing. Since transaction processing will not be executed even if an IC card whose card transaction validity is not maintained is used, unauthorized use by others can be effectively prevented.

In the second invention, the balance is displayed on the display means on the IC card when the user's identity is verified using the IC card before processing the transaction, so the user can know the balance before processing the transaction, as in the first invention. You will be able to do this. Furthermore, since the external device executes transaction processing only with IC cards whose identity has been verified and card transaction validity is maintained, there is no need to worry about unauthorized use by others.

(Example) Hereinafter, an IC card according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the prepaid type IC card of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the IC card.

First, the configuration of the IC card of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 2. In the figure, 1 is the IC card body, and 2 is the IC card body.
Contact for connecting to the IC card retail store vending machine (retail store terminal), 3 is the display for displaying information in the memory (described later) in the IC card, 4 is the password for user identification A keyboard is used to input numbers, etc., and 5 is a battery that allows the IC card to operate on its own.

Next, the circuit configuration of the IC card of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the same elements as in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals. In the figure, 10 is a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU), which controls the operation of each part and performs arithmetic processing. Read-only memory (ROM) 1 as memory
1. Random access memory (RAM) 12 and electrically eraseable programmable
A ROM (EEPROM) 13 is provided and stores various information such as user identification information and available balance information. The timer circuit 14 includes a timer (1) and a timer (2) (not shown).
(1) performs time monitoring in order to display amount information indicating the available balance stored in the memory of the IC card on the display 3 for a certain period of time, for example, 2 to 3 seconds. On the other hand, the timer (2) monitors the time to keep the validity code of the IC card on for a certain period of time, for example 3 to 10 minutes. In addition to the above elements, the IC card of this embodiment includes a display control section 15,
keyboard control section 16, battery switching circuit 17,
A clock switching circuit 18 is provided.

Next, FIGS. 3 and 4 show the retail store vending machine (retail store terminal) 20 for processing the settlement of sales transactions using the above-mentioned prepaid type IC card.
This will be explained using figures.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the retail store vending machine 20.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the device. In these figures, 21 is a device for displaying the purchase amount to the customer on a customer display. Reference numeral 22 denotes a price display device on which an operator (clerk) confirms the purchase price. A multi-item input area 23 is composed of a display and a touch sensor provided on its surface. 24 is a manual magnetic card reader used when using a magnetic card. 2
5 is an FDD for logging the vending machine's system program and sales information, 26 is an operation unit, 27 is a receipt printer, 28 is an IC card reader/writer, 29 is a prepaid IC card used for sales transactions, and 30 is an This figure shows a main control unit that controls the operation of each part.

Next, the validation process operation of the IC card payment process shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the user presses the "Password" button on the keyboard 4 on the IC card, the password input becomes valid. Next, use the numeric keys on the keyboard 4 to enter the required number of digits of the password. When the CPU 10 in the IC card detects that the specified number of digits has been input, the CPU 10 reads the user's PIN recorded in the ROM 11 of the IC card and confirms that it matches the input PIN. , the card itself performs the identity verification process. If a match is not found here, a message indicating that the password was pressed incorrectly is displayed on the display 3 of the IC card. If the number of press errors exceeds a predetermined number, the validity code is locked and the IC card cannot be reused by the user himself.

If a match is found during the identity verification process, the validity code of the IC card is turned on and the IC card becomes ready for payment processing. Here, 2 of the timer circuit 14
Activate two timers (1) and (2). The available balance recorded in the IC card's memory is displayed on the IC card's display 3 for a certain period of time from when timer (1) time monitoring starts until it times out, and this display is displayed when timer (1) times out. disappear. On the other hand, while timer (2) is working,
The IC card is inserted into a retail vending machine as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and used as a payment processing medium for sales transactions. An IC card inserted into a retail vending machine by a user or a clerk can start the payment process as long as the timer (2) is working. The operation when performing transaction settlement processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The customer (user) confirms the available balance in advance by the method described above, and hands the IC card 19 to the operator (clerk) in order to make a payment using the IC card 19 with the validity code turned on. When the operator receives the IC card 19, the operator inserts the IC card 19 through a card insertion slot (not shown) of the retail store vending machine 20. Then, the IC card 19 is taken into the IC card reader/writer 28 of the retail store vending machine 20, and an electrical connection is formed by the contact mechanism 2. After the connection, the IC card 19 sends its own identification information (ID information) to the retail store vending machine 20,
Retail store vending machine 20 is an IC card reader/writer 2
8 receives this information, and the main control section 30 identifies the IC card based on the information. Then IC
When the timer (2) of both the card 19 and the retail store vending machine 20 times out, the validity code is automatically turned off, and payment processing using the IC card becomes impossible. Note that even if the timer (2) times out after the payment process starts, the validity code remains on until the payment process ends. Further, when the payment process is completed, the validity code is turned off even if the timer (2) has not timed out.

When the payment process is completed in this manner, the IC card is ejected from the retail store vending machine, and the purchase and sale transaction payment process is completed.

Next, the operation when the prepaid type IC card 19 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used to process the settlement of a buying and selling transaction at the retail store vending machine 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is described in 6. This will be explained according to the flowchart shown in the figure.

The customer (user) confirms the available balance in advance by the method described above, and hands the IC card 19 to the operator (clerk) in order to make a payment using the IC card 19 with the validity code turned on. When the operator receives the IC card 19, the operator inserts the IC card 19 through a card insertion slot (not shown) of the retail store vending machine 20. Then, the IC card 19 is taken into the IC card reader/writer 28 of the retail store vending machine 20, and an electrical connection is formed by the contact mechanism 2. After the connection, the IC card 19 sends its own identification information (ID information) to the retail store vending machine 20,
Retail store vending machine 20 is an IC card reader/writer 2
8 receives this information, and the main control section 30 identifies the IC card based on the information. Then IC
Both the card 19 and the retail store vending machine 20 mutually exchange identification information to mutually confirm authenticity. When the validity check is completed, the retail store vending machine 20 checks the validity code of the IC card 19, and if the validity code is on, it starts the payment processing operation, and at the same time the IC card 19 is checked.
The timer (2) in the timer circuit 14 of the card 19 is turned off and the validity code is kept on until the payment process is completed. Next, the retail vending machine 20 was inserted.
Check the negative file to see if any accident reports have been issued for IC card 19. If there is no abnormality, enter the transaction amount on the operation unit 26, and
The balance in the card 19 is updated and the transaction details are displayed on the price display 22. The operator checks the contents of the transaction details here, and if they are OK, presses a confirmation button in the operation section 26. Transaction details are IC
The information is recorded in a journal and a receipt by the memory in the card 19 and the receipt printer 27 of the retail vending machine 20, and the receipt is cut by the operator and handed to the customer.

On the other hand, after writing the transaction record, the IC card 19 has its validity code turned off, is electrically disconnected from the retail store vending machine 20, and is ejected from the retail store vending machine 20. The operator then returns the IC card 19 to the customer, completing the sales transaction.

Although the above has described an example in which the IC card according to the present invention is used in a retail vending machine, the present invention is not limited to this example, and can be applied to various other POS, automatic teller machines, etc. It is.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained in detail above, according to the present invention (first invention and second invention), when processing a transaction, the user himself/herself can confirm his/her identity from the information input means on the IC card. When the user inputs the necessary information and the user's identity is verified, the balance information stored on the IC card is displayed on the display means on the IC card, and the IC card is activated for transactions for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the user can check the balance in a place completely separate from the external device, and since transactions cannot be processed outside of the valid period, unauthorized use by others can be prevented, making it extremely safe and convenient for users. It becomes possible to conduct transactions without putting psychological pressure on people.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of an IC card according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external view of the IC card shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an external view of a retail vending machine in which the IC card is used. FIG. 4 is a device configuration diagram of the retail vending machine shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the IC card validation processing operation according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the IC card according to the present invention. This is a flowchart for explaining payment processing in a retail store vending machine using . 1... IC card body, 3... Display, 4...
Keyboard, 10... Microcomputer (CPU), 11... Read only memory (ROM),
12...Random access memory (RAM), 13
…Electric eraser ROM
(EEPROM), 14...timer circuit, 19...IC card, 20...retail store vending machine.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Transmitting and receiving means for inputting and outputting information to and from external devices; Storage means for storing various information; Power supply means for supplying power to operate each part; Controlling the operation of each part A prepaid system with a built-in microcomputer that performs calculation processing.
In the IC card, an information input means for a user to input information, a display means for displaying information stored in a storage means, user identification information stored in advance in the storage means, a determination means for verifying the identity of the individual by comparing the identity verification information inputted from the information input means; A first timer monitors the time so that the IC card is displayed on the display means, and a second timer monitors the IC card to maintain the transaction validity for a predetermined period when the identification means is verified by the determination means. A prepaid IC card that is equipped with a second timer. 2. Claim 1, characterized in that when the determination means fails to verify the identity within a preset number of inputs, card transaction validity cannot be assigned to the IC card. prepaid IC card. 3. At the end of the second predetermined period, if transaction processing with an external party is started via the transmitting/receiving means,
The prepaid IC according to claim 1, characterized in that the transaction processing is completed.
card. 4. The prepaid IC card according to claim 1, wherein specific information is displayed on the display means when the card transaction validity is maintained. 5 In an IC card transaction processing method in which transactions are processed with an external device using a prepaid IC card, the user enters identification information using the information input means provided on the IC card itself, and the IC card is The user's identity is verified by comparing the user's identity verification information with the user's identity verification information stored in advance, and when the identity is verified, the IC card displays the available balance information on the display means provided on the IC card. The external device determines the transaction validity of the inserted IC card, and the IC card with the card transaction validity is displayed on the external device. An IC card transaction processing method characterized by executing transaction processing only when the IC card is inserted into the IC card. 6. If identity verification cannot be made within the preset number of inputs, the validity of the card transaction will be determined as described above.
The IC card transaction processing method according to claim 5, characterized in that the IC card cannot be attached to an IC card. 7. According to claim 5, the end of the second predetermined period is when the transaction processing between the IC card and the external device is completed when the transaction processing is started. IC card transaction processing method. 8. The IC according to claim 5, wherein when the IC card maintains card transaction validity, specific information is displayed on the display means provided on the IC card. Card transaction processing method.