JP2005190291A - Transaction device and contactless ic data carrier holder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a transaction device for implementing transaction processes via a contactless IC data carrier from being abused, such as for avoiding a subtraction process during the transaction processes. <P>SOLUTION: The transaction device 1 allows an IC card 20 to be housed in a compartment 12 during a transaction process, with its door 13 locked. After after-adjustments necessitated by a transaction for a copying service are over, the door 13 is unlocked. Thus, the user can be prevented from abusing the device, as by pulling out the IC card 20 at a predetermined timing during the transaction process to avoid a subtraction process. Because the execution of the transaction for the copying service is controlled within the range of balance information read by a reader/writer part 14, even if the balance recorded on the IC card 20 is scarce, providing the copying service for more than the balance is prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a transaction apparatus that performs transaction processing via a non-contact IC data carrier such as a portable terminal device incorporating a non-contact IC card or IC chip, and a non-contact IC data carrier to the transaction apparatus during the transaction processing. The present invention relates to a non-contact IC data carrier holder for holding.

Along with the recent progress in cashless, systems for performing transaction processing associated with the provision of products and services via a non-contact IC data carrier such as a non-contact IC card have become widespread.
In such a system, transaction processing by wireless communication is automatically performed by holding the contactless IC data carrier in which the deposit information is recorded over the data communication unit of the transaction apparatus. For this reason, the non-contact IC data carrier does not have to be in the shape of a card, and may be configured as a portable terminal device such as a watch, a key holder, a mobile phone, or the like that incorporates an IC chip having an antenna as a transmission / reception unit.

  In addition, since this invention was invented based on a well-known and public technique, it does not disclose a prior art document.

  By the way, in the case of clearing transactions where the clearing amount is not fixed before the transaction, such as refueling gasoline or using a copier, the transaction device has a sufficient balance in the non-contact IC data carrier at the start of the transaction at the data reader. It detects that there is, and notifies this to the main control unit, thereby recognizing that the transaction is possible and starting the transaction. Then, the transaction amount is subtracted at the end of the transaction.

  However, if the contactless IC data carrier recognized at the start of the transaction cannot be recognized at the end of the transaction, the transaction amount subtraction process cannot be executed. For this reason, if the non-contact IC data carrier is removed immediately before the transaction amount subtraction process using this characteristic, it becomes possible to receive provision of goods and services without subtracting the transaction amount. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such points, and in a transaction apparatus that performs transaction processing via a non-contact IC data carrier, prevents fraudulent acts such as avoiding subtraction processing at the time of settlement of the transaction processing. In addition to being able to do so, it is an object of the present invention to allow the user to carry out transaction processing for convenience without having to recognize the balance information.

  In the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a transaction apparatus that executes transaction processing of goods or services by settlement after using a non-contact IC data carrier, the accommodating unit accommodating the non-contact IC data carrier, A read / write unit that is installed in the housing unit and reads and writes the balance information by placing the non-contact IC data carrier, a door that can open and close the housing unit, and the door is closed. Detecting means for detecting the door, and when the detection means detects that the door is closed, the locking means for locking the door in a closed state, and the door being locked by the locking means, Control means for executing and controlling the transaction of the product or service within the range of the balance information read by the read / write unit, and the transaction of the product or service by the control means After the completion, after the product or service is settled, calculation means for subtracting the settlement amount from the balance information to calculate new balance information, and writing of the new balance information by the read / write unit is completed And a lock release means for releasing the locked state of the door.

  Here, “contactless IC data carrier” means that payment / remaining information is recorded to use cashless services such as contactless IC cards and mobile terminals such as mobile phones, and is settled by communication with the transaction device side. This means a medium that can be processed. In addition to the remaining amount itself, the “remaining amount information” may include information that can be paid for a product or service, such as the number of points equivalent to the remaining amount.

  According to such a transaction apparatus, settlement associated with the transaction of goods or services is performed after the transaction. However, during the transaction processing, the non-contact IC data carrier is accommodated in the door and locked, and the settlement is performed. The door is unlocked after completion. For this reason, the user cannot take out the non-contact IC data carrier from the accommodation unit until the settlement amount is subtracted from the balance information.

  In addition, since the transaction of the product or service is controlled within the range of the balance information read by the read / write unit, even if the user of the transaction device sets a transaction that exceeds the balance information, it is within the range of the balance information. Only goods or services are provided.

  According to the transaction apparatus of the present invention, since the contactless IC data carrier cannot be taken out from the accommodation unit until the transaction settlement amount is subtracted from the balance information of the contactless IC data carrier, the user can It is possible to prevent fraud such as removing the non-contact IC data carrier at the time of settlement and avoiding the subtraction process.

  In addition, since goods or services are automatically provided within the range of the balance information, even if the balance recorded on the contactless IC data carrier is small, it is possible to prevent the provision of goods or services that exceed the balance. Is done. Moreover, even if the user sets a transaction exceeding the balance information, the transaction is not immediately stopped, but is performed within the range of the balance information, so that the convenience of the user can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the transaction apparatus of the present invention is configured as a copying machine installed in a convenience store, etc. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the transaction apparatus, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the non-contact IC data carrier holder (henceforth a "holder") which comprises a part and accommodates a non-contact IC card (henceforth a "IC card"). FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the holder, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a transaction apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is attached to an apparatus main body 2 having a copying function and the apparatus main body 2, and performs charging processing (settlement) for the copying service based on the copying operation. It is comprised from the holder 10 for.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the holder 10 is a box provided so as to cover the casing 11 having the panel 11 disposed on the front surface of the transaction apparatus 1 and the opening 11 a formed in the panel 11 on the back surface side. And a door 13 that opens and closes the opening 11 a on the front side of the housing 12.

  On the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 12, a read / write portion 14 is provided for mounting an IC card 20 (non-contact IC data carrier) to be described later and reading and writing the balance information. The read / write unit 14 is provided with an antenna 15 for communicating with the IC card 20.

  The door 13 is made of a permeable resin material, has a lid shape in which both ends of a ¼ arc-shaped curved surface forming the front face thereof are closed by side walls, and is provided on the rear side of the panel 11 (not shown). It is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis. A locking projection 13a extending at a predetermined width is provided at the center of the front edge of the door 13 on the front side, and fitted to the locking projection 13a at the center of the lower end edge of the opening 11a of the panel 11. And the latching recessed part 11b which latches this is formed.

  The door 13 is configured to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the panel 11 through a gap 31 formed between the upper end edge of the accommodating portion 12 and the upper end edge of the opening portion 11a of the panel 11, and is not shown. Is biased backward (in the opening direction of the opening 11a). Furthermore, on the back surface (concave surface side) of the door 13, a metal mesh is appropriately disposed to such an extent that the permeability of the door 13 is not significantly hindered, and constitutes an electromagnetic shield that blocks electromagnetic waves.

  Further, a door sensor 21 is provided in the vicinity of the locking recess 11b of the panel 11 to detect that the locking protrusion 13a is fitted and the door 13 is closed. On the other hand, on the back side of the panel 11, a stopper 22 that can move forward and backward with respect to the gap 31, lock the rear edge when the door 13 is closed, and lock the door 13 in the closed state. Is arranged. The stopper 22 is driven forward and backward by a solenoid 23 described later disposed on the back side of the panel 11. Whether or not the door 13 is locked by the stopper 22 is detected by a lock detection sensor 25 described later provided in the vicinity of the gap 31.

  Further, on the front surface of the panel 11, a display unit 18 for displaying transaction information and a cancel button 19 for outputting a cancel signal for the user to cancel the continuation of the transaction are provided. The above-described reading and writing processing by the read / write unit 14, driving of the solenoid 23, display processing on the display unit 18, transaction cancellation processing by operating the cancel button 19, and the like will be described later disposed on the back side of the panel 11. And executed by a microcomputer 30 (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration around the control unit of the transaction apparatus 1. In the figure, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
As shown in FIG. 3, in transaction apparatus 1, microcomputer 30 built in holder 10 that executes the accounting process for the copying service and microcomputer 40 (main control unit) of apparatus body 2 that controls the copying operation are included. The communication controllers 35 and 45 can communicate with each other. Communication between the IC card 20 and the holder 10 is performed via the antenna 15 provided in the read / write unit 14, and the card information of the IC card 20 received via the antenna 15 is transmitted through the radio frequency (RF) circuit 33. Via the microcomputer 30. The microcomputer 30 communicates with the apparatus main body 2 based on the balance information of the IC card 20 obtained through the RF circuit 33 and the output signals from the door sensor 21 and the lock detection sensor 25, and performs a settlement process for the copying service. Execute.

Next, operation | movement of the holder 10 is demonstrated based on FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the user of the transaction apparatus 1 places his / her IC card 20 on the read / write unit 14 in the storage unit 12. And as shown to the figure (B), the door 13 is closed manually so that the latching convex part 13a may be grasped and pulled to the near side. At this time, the locking projection 13a is fitted and locked in the locking recess 11b, and the door sensor 21 detects that the door 13 is closed. The microcomputer 30 receives the detection signal from the door sensor 21 and energizes the solenoid 23. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, the stopper 22 operates and is inserted into the gap 31, and the rear edge of the door 13 is locked and locked. This locked state is detected by the lock detection sensor 25.

  And the reading process mentioned later by the read / write part 14 is started in the state in which the door 13 was locked in this way. At this time, since the door 13 is formed of a permeable material as described above, the user can visually recognize the IC card 20 in the housing portion 12 from the outside. When the transaction process ends and the IC card 20 reduction process ends, the energization of the solenoid 23 is stopped, and the door 13 is unlocked. At this time, the door 13 is pushed up by the urging force of the spring member and the accommodating portion 12 is opened, so that the user can take out the IC card 20.

  Next, the flow of transaction processing executed by the transaction apparatus 1 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In the figure, processing executed by each of the microcomputer 30 on the holder 10 side and the microcomputer 40 on the apparatus main body 2 side is shown.

  First, when it is determined in the holder 10 that the IC card 20 is placed in the storage unit 12 (S110: YES), the card information recorded on the IC card 20 is read by the read / write unit 14 (S120). At this time, if the IC card 20 is invalid because it is not of a kind that can be handled (S130: NO), a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 18 and the process is terminated (S260).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S130 that the IC card 20 is valid (S130: YES), it is subsequently determined whether there is a balance based on the balance information. If there is no balance (S140: NO) ), The fact is displayed on the display unit 18, and the process is terminated as it is (S260).

If it is determined in S140 that there is a balance (S140: YES), the user is instructed to close the door 13 by voice or display on the display unit 18 (S150).
If it is determined that the door 13 is closed by the output of the door sensor 21 (S160: YES), the solenoid 23 is driven to lock the door 13 (S170), and at the same time, the device main body 2 can be used based on the balance information. The amount information is transmitted (S180).

  On the device body 2 side, when this available amount information is received (S310: YES), it is determined whether or not the balance is equal to or greater than the minimum transaction amount. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a balance for one copy designated by the user, and if it is determined that the balance is insufficient (S320: NO), transaction end processing for storing the transaction information is performed ( S370), the transaction information indicating that the transaction cannot be performed is notified to the holder 10 side (S380).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S320 that the balance is equal to or greater than the minimum transaction amount (S320: YES), the transaction process is started and the copy process based on the balance information and the copy number setting information by the user is executed and controlled. (S330). At this time, as the copying process proceeds, the usage fee (transaction amount) is sequentially accumulated to calculate the current transaction amount, and whether or not the balance of the balance information is larger than the current transaction amount for each copying process. to decide. It is also determined whether or not the copying process has been canceled in the middle by the user operating the cancel button 19. At this time, if the balance becomes insufficient before reaching the set number (S340: NO), or if the process is canceled halfway (S350: YES), a transaction end process for storing the transaction information is performed (S370). Then, the transaction information indicating that is notified to the holder 10 side (S380).

  When the transaction process is normally performed and the set transaction amount reaches the set number without exceeding the current transaction amount, that is, the balance (S360: YES), a transaction end process for storing the transaction information is performed (S360: YES) S370), the transaction information indicating that the transaction has been completed normally is notified to the holder 10 side (S380).

  As described above, when the transaction information is notified by the apparatus main body 2 and received on the holder 10 side (S190: YES), the holder 10 determines whether or not the transaction is normally completed from the transaction information ( S200). At this time, if the transaction is not completed due to a shortage of balance, it is determined that the transaction did not end normally (S200: NO), and the door 13 is unlocked (S250). A series of processing is terminated by displaying (S260).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S200 that the transaction has ended normally (S200: YES), new balance information obtained by subtracting the transaction amount (settlement amount) from the balance information is written to the IC card 20 (S210). ). In other words, when a transaction is terminated at the set transaction amount, the transaction amount is displayed.When the transaction is terminated without reaching the set transaction amount, the previous transaction amount is further displayed. The transaction amount up to the middle is reduced as the settlement amount.

  Then, the intention of the user to continue the transaction is confirmed by external input (S220), and the presence or absence of the continuation is notified to the apparatus main body 2 side (S230). The user operates a setting button (not shown) on the apparatus main body 2 side to set a new number of copies and continue the transaction, or by pressing the cancel button 19 provided on the holder 10. It is possible to cancel the continuation of the transaction.

On the apparatus body 2 side, when information indicating the presence / absence of continuation is received and it is determined that the continuation is to be continued (S390: YES), the process returns to S320 and the above-described processing is repeated.
On the other hand, if it is notified in S230 that the transaction is not continued on the holder 10 side, and it is determined in S390 that the transaction is not continued on the apparatus body 2 side (S390: NO), the apparatus body 2 side A lock release command for the door 13 is notified, and the series of processing ends (S400).

  When the holder 10 receives this lock release command (S240), after unlocking the door 13 (S250), the holder 10 displays the result of the transaction so far on the display unit 18 and ends the series of processes (S260). .

  As described above, in the transaction apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the settlement accompanying the transaction of the copying service is performed after the transaction, but the lock of the door 13 is released after the settlement is completed. For this reason, the IC card 20 cannot be taken out from the accommodation unit until the settlement amount is subtracted from the balance information. For this reason, it is possible to prevent fraud such as the user avoiding the subtraction process during the transaction process.

  Further, since the transaction of the copying service is controlled within the range of the balance information read by the read / write unit 14, even when the balance recorded on the IC card 20 is small, a copy service exceeding the balance can be provided. Is prevented. Moreover, even if the user sets a transaction exceeding the balance information, the transaction is not immediately stopped, but is performed within the range of the balance information, so that the convenience of the user can be achieved.

  Furthermore, since the door 13 is made of a transparent material and the IC card 20 accommodated in the accommodating portion 12 can be visually recognized from the outside, a sense of security can be given to the user. Further, since the door 13 is electromagnetically shielded, it is possible to prevent malfunction such as communication of the read / write unit 14 with an IC card other than the IC card 20 accommodated in the accommodating unit 12. Thereby, for example, a malicious user closes the door 13 without holding the IC card 20 in the housing part 12 and starts the transaction process by closing the door 13 and removes the IC card 20 just before the end of the transaction. Unauthorized acts such as avoiding subtraction processing can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the door sensor 21 corresponds to detection means, and the microcomputer 30, the stopper 22, and the solenoid 23 correspond to lock means and lock release means. Further, the microcomputer 40 corresponds to the control means, and the microcomputer 30 and the microcomputer 40 correspond to the calculation means. Furthermore, the communication control unit 35 corresponds to a transmission / reception unit, and the microcomputer 30 corresponds to a calculation unit.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and it can be changed and modified within the spirit of the present invention. Not too long.

  For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the example is shown in which the transaction is stopped when the transaction amount becomes the same as the balance information read by the read / write unit 14. Since it may not always be a multiple of the minimum transaction amount (unit price, etc.) of the service, the transaction is canceled when the difference between the transaction amount and the balance information becomes smaller than the minimum transaction amount of the product or service. You may do it.

  Moreover, although the example which comprised the transaction apparatus of this invention as a copying machine which provides a copy service was shown in the said embodiment, for example, it comprises as a fueling apparatus of a gas station, for example, provision of goods or a service is settled later. It can also be configured as other devices in the system.

  In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which an IC card is used as a non-contact IC data carrier. However, for example, a portable terminal such as a mobile phone or a wristwatch is applicable to any medium capable of recording deposit / remaining information. It is possible to use.

It is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the transaction apparatus of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing showing the structure of the holder which comprises some transaction apparatuses. It is a block diagram showing the structure around the control part of a transaction apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing the operation | movement method of a holder. It is a flowchart showing the flow of the transaction processing performed by a transaction apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Transaction apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 10 Holder 12 Storage part 13 Door 14 Read / write part 18 Display part 20 IC card 21 Door sensor 22 Stopper 25 Lock detection sensor 30, 40 Microcomputer 35, 45 Communication control part

Claims (7)

A transaction device that executes transaction processing of goods or services by settlement after using a non-contact IC data carrier,
An accommodating portion for accommodating the non-contact IC data carrier;
A read / write unit that is installed in the housing unit and that reads and writes the balance information by placing the non-contact IC data carrier;
A door capable of opening and closing the accommodating portion;
Detecting means for detecting that the door is closed;
When the detection means detects that the door is closed, a lock means for locking the door in a closed state;
When the door is locked by the locking means, control means for executing and controlling the transaction of the goods or services within the range of the balance information read by the read / write unit;
After the transaction of the goods or services by the control means is finished, calculating means for calculating the new balance information by subtracting the settlement amount from the balance information after the settlement of the goods or services,
Unlocking means for releasing the locked state of the door when writing of the new balance information by the read / write unit is completed;
A transaction apparatus comprising: The control means sequentially calculates the transaction amount with provision of the product or service, and at least the transaction amount is the same as the balance information read by the read / write unit, or the transaction amount and the balance information When the difference becomes smaller than the minimum transaction amount of the product or service, the provision of the product or service is stopped,
2. The transaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means subtracts the transaction amount when the transaction is canceled from the balance information as the settlement amount.   When the balance information read by the read / write unit is smaller than the minimum transaction amount of the product or service, the control unit does not execute the provision of the product or service, and the unlocking unit immediately The transaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the door is unlocked. Non-contact IC that is mounted on a transaction apparatus that executes transaction processing of goods or services by settlement after using a non-contact IC data carrier, and holds the non-contact IC data carrier with respect to the transaction apparatus during the settlement process A data carrier holder,
An accommodating portion for accommodating the non-contact IC data carrier;
A read / write unit that is installed in the housing unit and carries the reading and writing of the balance information by placing the non-contact IC data carrier;
A door capable of opening and closing the accommodating portion;
Detecting means for detecting that the door is closed;
When the detection unit detects that the door is closed, a lock unit that locks the door in a closed state;
It is possible to communicate with the main control unit that executes the transaction process in the transaction device, and at the same time the door is locked by the locking means, the balance information read by the read / write unit is transmitted to the main control unit, After that, when the settlement amount associated with the transaction processing is transmitted from the main control unit, transmission / reception means for receiving the transaction amount,
Calculating means for calculating new balance information by subtracting the settlement amount received by the transmission / reception means from the balance information;
Unlocking means for releasing the locked state of the door after the writing of the new balance information by the read / write unit is completed;
A non-contact IC data carrier holder.   The said door is comprised from the transparent material so that the said non-contact IC data carrier accommodated in the said accommodating part can be visually recognized from the exterior, and the electromagnetic shield which interrupts | blocks electromagnetic waves is made | formed. 4. A non-contact IC data carrier holder according to 4.   5. The non-contact IC data carrier holder according to claim 4, wherein the door is configured to be manually openable and closable from the outside in an unlocked state. 5. The non-transmission button according to claim 4, further comprising a cancel button for outputting a cancel signal for canceling the continuation of the transaction process to the main control unit of the transaction apparatus via the transmission / reception means. Contact IC data carrier holder.

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