JP2002373317A - Ic card capable of switching operating systems with optical sensor, and reader-writer for ic card used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an optical sensor provided in an IC card to switch operating systems(OS) of an IC card on which a plurality of OSs are installed by detecting a light quantity value of an external environment or an optical signal. SOLUTION: This IC card 10 capable of switching operating systems with the optical sensor is provided with the optical sensor 1 on the surface of a card base material, and selects any operating system among the plurality of installed operating systems on the basis of a detected light quantity value of a received optical signal in such a manner that the optical sensor 1 detects the light quantity value of the external environment where the IC card is used or receives the optical signal. This reader-writer is provided with an illumination, etc., that gives such a light quantity value or signal to the IC card.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an IC card and an IC card.
The present invention relates to an invention of a reader / writer for a C card. Specifically, 1
In an IC card in which a plurality of operating systems (hereinafter, also referred to as “OS”) are mounted on the IC card, an optical sensor provided in the IC card detects an external light amount or an optical signal received from a reader / writer or the like,
The present invention relates to an IC card which starts an operation by selecting an OS used by the IC card itself and a reader / writer for the IC card which is used for reading and writing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional portable electronic media such as conventional I
In the C card, the IC card was developed and designed on the assumption that it was used for a single purpose (application) as defined in "ISO / IEC7816-4", so a plurality of operating systems were added to the memory. Was not supposed to. However, general-purpose operation systems have also been developed for IC chips for IC cards, and mounting multiple OSs, such as JAVA (registered trademark) and MULTOS cards, has come into practical use.

Such IC cards equipped with a plurality of OSs include: (1) an IC card for a financial institution, an IC card having both functions of a cash card and a credit card, and (2) a regular IC card for a transportation agency. IC card with both ticket and prepaid ticket functions (3)
An IC card for a communication terminal, and an S card for a mobile phone.
An IC card having both functions as an IM card or as a prepaid card for a public telephone can be considered. In addition, IDs of these, companies, organizations, schools, qualifications, etc.
An IC card having two or more OSs as a card function can be considered.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a general configuration of an IC card. As shown in FIG. 5, the IC card 10 includes a terminal board 18 serving as a contact point with the outside, a processor 11 for performing calculations and controls, a volatile memory (RAM) 12, a rewritable program code, and data having a permanent attribute. , A coprocessor 14 that assists the processor 11, a non-rewritable program code (card operating system (OS)), a program that executes loading / installation of an application, and data that is not rewritten. It has a ROM 15 to be stored. Communication with the reader / writer 20 is performed through the terminal board 18. Under the control of the processor 11, two types of memories, the RAM 12 and the EEPROM 13, are managed, and there may be a case where a coprocessor 14 is used for performing an operation that generates a load.

[0005] An IC card 1 having a plurality of OSs mounted thereon
When 0 is set in the reader / writer 20, signals are generally transmitted and received between the IC card and the reader / writer in the following procedure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among an IC card, a reader / writer, and an arithmetic device. As shown in FIG. 6, the IC card 10 is inserted into the reader / writer 20, and the writing to the IC card and the
Reading from the C card is performed. The arithmetic unit 30 and the reader / writer 20 are connected by a connection cable 32.
However, FIG. 6 shows an example of how the IC card is used, and the IC card 10 is not limited to use in a reader / writer connected to a computing device (such as a personal computer). Therefore, the communication partner is a multimedia terminal or a financial institution ATM (Automatic ATM).
Teller Machine) or a reservation terminal.

When the IC card 10 is inserted into the card insertion slot 21 of the reader / writer 20, connection between respective contacts of the IC card and the reader / writer is established. Thereby, power is supplied to the IC card 10 from within the reader / writer. Next, a reset signal is sent from the reader / writer 20
A signal sent to the C card and including the identifier of the application to be used is transmitted to the processor 11 of the IC card. In response, the processor 11 of the IC card 10 transmits a reset response (ATR) signal including the attribute of the card to the reader / writer 20. Thereafter, the processor 11 enters a command waiting state.

[0007]

In the case of an IC card on which a plurality of OSs are mounted, the I / O used by a terminal device or a reader / writer on which the IC card is mounted according to the above procedure.
The OS of the C card is selected, operated, and the service is provided. In this case, a specific electric signal is given to the IC card from the terminal device or the reader / writer as described above, and an appropriate OS is selected. It is also necessary to have diversity. It is also considered necessary to use a method of switching the OS according to a change in the external environment, particularly, a change in the brightness of the external environment or the brightness in the reader / writer. Therefore, in the present invention, the IC card is provided with an optical sensor, and when the IC card is attached to the terminal, the light amount value of the external environment is detected, or an optical signal from the terminal is received and the target OS is automatically connected to the target OS. It was completed after studying switching.

[0008]

A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an IC card in which an optical sensor is mounted on a surface of a card base material, wherein the optical sensor uses an IC card. Detecting the light amount value of the external environment to be performed, and selecting one of a plurality of installed operating systems based on the detected light amount value. Switchable IC
On the card.

A second aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is that an I / O system having a plurality of operating systems is installed.
In the C card, an optical sensor mounted on the surface of the card base detects the amount of light in the external environment where the IC card is used,
Any one of the installed operating systems is selected based on the detected light amount value, and thereafter, a reset response signal is transmitted to an external reader / writer device. IC card whose operating system can be switched by an optical sensor.

A third aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an IC card having an optical sensor mounted on a surface of a card base, wherein the optical sensor is a light-emitting device of a reader / writer using the IC card. Receiving an input signal and selecting one of a plurality of operating systems based on the received optical signal. ,It is in.

A fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is that an I / O system having a plurality of operating systems is installed.
In the C card, an optical sensor mounted on the surface of the card substrate receives an optical signal of the reader / writer, and based on the received light amount value, activates any one of the installed operating systems based on the received light amount value. An IC card capable of switching an operating system by an optical sensor, wherein the IC card makes a selection and then transmits a reset response signal to an external reader / writer device.

A fifth aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a reader / writer which is used for reading / writing an IC card equipped with a plurality of operating systems and provided with an optical sensor for switching operating systems. And an illumination or optical signal generator for giving a constant light value to an optical sensor of an IC card.
Card reader / writer.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an IC card of the present invention. 1A is a plan view of the IC card 10, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along a line AA in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1A, the surface of the IC card 10 has a terminal board 18 similar to a normal IC card.
However, the IC card 10 of the present invention is characterized in that the optical sensor 1 is provided on the surface of the card base material. As the optical sensor 1, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD can be downsized and can be mounted on an IC card. Or MOS
It may be a device. The optical sensor 1 basically has no problem as long as it can detect the brightness. However, the optical sensor 1 may be provided with a color discrimination ability in order to make a determination based on the color light. In addition, the display device 3 and the like can be freely provided. As shown in FIG. 1B, the optical sensor 1 may be provided so that the oversheet 4 of the IC card base material covers a part of the optical sensor 1. It may be fitted so that it fits inside. The surface of the card base means a surface where the card comes into contact with the external environment, and does not mean a surface having a remarkable design or the like. Therefore, a case where the optical sensor is provided on the so-called back surface opposite to the terminal substrate may be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the IC card of the present invention. Like an ordinary IC card, the IC card 10 of the present invention also includes a terminal board 18 serving as a contact point with the outside, a processor 11 for performing calculations and controls, and a volatile memory (RA).
M) 12, rewritable EEPROM 13, ROM 1
5, a coprocessor 14 that assists the processor 11 if necessary. The optical sensor 1 has an A / D
It is connected to the IC chip 10c via the conversion circuit 2.
Therefore, the light amount value detected by the optical sensor 1 is supplied to the processor 11 of the IC chip 10c, and the OS switching control is performed. When the IC card receives an optical signal, the processor 11 analyzes the received signal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the IC card of the present invention is inserted into a reader / writer. FIG.
FIG. 3B shows a state in which the C card is completely inserted into the reader / writer 20 for use, and FIG.
0 shows a state in which approximately half is inserted and used. In any case, the IC card 10 is pressed by the connector 22 on the reader / writer side by the leaf spring 7 or the like. Specifically, the selection of the operating system by the IC card is performed after the IC card 10 is inserted into the reader / writer 20, activated by the reader / writer, and after the cold reset.
(Reset response signal) needs to be performed before transmission.

When the IC card is completely inserted into the reader / writer, the optical sensor 1 is always located in the reader / writer. Will be shut off. In this case, the following procedure is performed. Power is supplied from the reader / writer, and the IC card is activated. The IC card receives the reset signal from the reader / writer. The supplied power activates the optical sensor on the IC card, and the optical sensor detects the amount of light. (Normally, the light amount value>
0). The detected light amount value is compared with a threshold value stored in the IC card in advance, and the associated OS starts up. The IC card transmits the ATR to the reader / writer.

In this case, the illumination is switched to a constant brightness inside the reader / writer with respect to the optical sensor, or the light source 5 and the light introducing path 6 are connected to the reader / writer as shown in FIG. It is also preferable to provide them. The light source 5 is not limited to a device that simply supplies illumination light, and may be an optical signal generator that emits a constant optical signal in a pulsed manner.

When the entire IC card is not covered with the reader / writer box, a usage method in which the optical sensor 1 is exposed outside the reader / writer can be performed, and the following procedure is performed. Power is supplied from the reader / writer, and the IC card is activated. A reset signal is transmitted from the reader / writer to the IC card. An optical sensor on the IC card detects the amount of light. (Usually, the light amount value> 0). At this time, what the optical sensor detects is the light amount value in the environment where the reader / writer is installed, and the OS to be selected differs depending on the magnitude. The OS associated with the detected light amount value starts up. The IC card transmits the ATR to the reader / writer.

In this case, the light amount of the external environment may be detected as it is, but as shown in FIG. 3B, a light source 5 is provided on the lower surface side of the IC card to illuminate at a constant brightness. The light amount value can also be adjusted. When the brightness of the external environment changes unstablely, it is preferable to provide a fixed illumination.
In this case, the light source 5 may also emit a constant optical signal in a pulsed manner. The IC card reader / writer of the present invention can have the configuration shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart for selecting an operating system. When the IC card is inserted into the reader / writer, the reader / writer 20 outputs the IC card 1
0 is supplied with power and the IC card is activated (S
1). Thereafter, the IC card receives a reset signal from the reader / writer (S2). In the IC card, the optical sensor 1 in the IC card is activated by the power supplied from the reader / writer, and detects the amount of light in the external environment of the card (S3). The detected light amount value is compared with a threshold value stored in the IC card in advance (S4), and an appropriate operating system (OS) is started.

In the case shown in FIG.
If a threshold value is set and the detected light amount value is smaller than the threshold value 1, the operating system A is selected (S5), and an ATR signal is transmitted (S6). If the detected light amount value is larger, comparison with the threshold value 2 is performed (S7). When the detected light amount value is smaller than the threshold value 2, the operating system B is selected (S8), and A
A TR signal is transmitted (S9). If the detected light amount is larger, the operating system C is selected (S
10), an ATR signal is transmitted (S11). The above example is
Although the case where there are three operating systems is described, two operating systems may be used.
Also, three or more types may be used.

[0022]

As described above, the IC card of the present invention has the following features.
Since the optical sensor is provided, the following usage method can be adopted, and the following effects are obtained. (1) An OS can be selected according to the usage environment. For example, when the external environment is dark, it is possible to perform an automatic operation of switching the OS so that the display device 3 (FIG. 1) emits light. As a result, power consumption can be reduced as compared with a case where light emission is always displayed. In addition, since the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at night, the OS for vending can be prevented from operating.

(2) The OS can be selected according to the type of reader / writer. A reader / writer for a certain purpose can automatically control the IC card to switch the OS by adjusting the illumination in the reader / writer or the light introduction path so as to give a certain light amount value. This allows the reader / writer to use the OS
There is no need to install special software for switching. For example, in the lighting L1, the OS as an employee card functions, in the lighting L2, the OS as a banking card functions, and in the lighting L3, the vending OS functions.
Such a usage method becomes possible.

The reader / writer for an IC card of the present invention is provided with an illumination or an optical signal generator for giving a constant light amount value.
Stable detection accuracy can be given to the optical sensor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an IC card of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an IC card of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where the IC card of the present invention is inserted into a reader / writer.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for selecting an operating system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a general configuration of an IC card.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an IC card, a reader / writer, and a calculation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical sensor 2 A / D conversion circuit 3 Display device 4 Oversheet 5 Light source 6 Light introduction path 10 IC card 10c IC chip 11 Processor 12 Volatile memory (RAM) 13 Nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 14 Coprocessor 15 ROM 18 terminal Substrate 20 Reader / writer 21 Card slot 30 Arithmetic unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An IC card having an optical sensor mounted on a surface of a card substrate, wherein the optical sensor detects a light amount value in an external environment in which the IC card is used, and based on the detected light amount value. An operating system switchable by an optical sensor, wherein the operating system selects one of a plurality of operating systems mounted on the IC card. 2. In an IC card equipped with a plurality of operating systems, an optical sensor mounted on a surface of a card base detects a light amount in an external environment in which the IC card is used, and based on the detected light amount value, The operating system can be switched by an optical sensor characterized by selecting any one of a plurality of operating systems mounted thereon and then transmitting a reset response signal to an external reader / writer device. IC card. 3. An IC card in which an optical sensor is mounted on a surface of a card substrate, wherein the optical sensor receives an optical signal of a reader / writer in which the IC card is used, and based on the received optical signal. An operating system switchable by an optical sensor, wherein the operating system selects one of a plurality of operating systems mounted on the IC card. 4. In an IC card equipped with a plurality of operating systems, an optical sensor mounted on a surface of a card base receives an optical signal of a reader / writer, and, based on the received light amount value, a plurality of mounted optical sensors. An IC card capable of switching the operating system by an optical sensor, wherein the operating system selects one of the operating systems and then transmits a reset response signal to an external reader / writer device. 5. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is a CCD or a MOS device. 6. A reader / writer for reading and writing an IC card equipped with a plurality of operating systems and provided with an optical sensor for switching between operating systems, the illumination or the lighting device providing a constant light value to the optical sensor of the IC card. A reader / writer for an IC card, comprising an optical signal generator.