KR20070042621A - Smart card having usb-type smart reader module, internet phone module and memory - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart card with a USB smart chip reading module, an Internet phone module and a memory. Smart card 1 according to the present invention, the contact / contactless smart chip having an electronic money function (10); An RF antenna 20 connected to the smart chip 10 to realize a non-contact function of the smart chip 10; A USB smart chip reading module 30 connected to the smart chip 10 to read data recorded in the smart chip 10; A USB Internet phone module 40 having a handset 42 for making a telephone call via an internet network by converting a call signal into an analog signal and a digital signal; A USB memory unit 50 in which various data are stored and capable of transmitting data through USB communication; And a USB smart chip reading module 30, a USB internet phone module 40, and a USB memory unit 50, respectively, and are connected to the USB smart chip reading module 30, a USB internet phone module 40, and a USB memory unit 50. USB interface 60 for transmitting and receiving the relevant data by connecting the USB communication terminal 2 and the USB communication; Characterized in that it comprises a. The smart card 1 of the present invention can execute charges related to the electronic money function, electronic payment and record contents inquiry through USB communication with an Internet communication terminal without a separate RF reader, and of course, the Internet through USB communication. You can make a phone call and pay the call charge with a smart card with electronic money function, and use it as a USB external memory of various digital devices.

Description

Smart card with USS smart chip reader module, internet phone module and memory {SMART CARD HAVING USB-TYPE SMART READER MODULE, INTERNET PHONE MODULE AND MEMORY}

1 is a block diagram of an exemplary smart card according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system related to the use of the smart phone Internet phone according to the present invention,

3 is a conceptual diagram of a call of a general landline phone and an Internet phone.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

1: Smart card of the present invention 2: Internet-enabled communication terminal (computer)

3: RF reader 4: USB cable

5: Electronic money server 6: Internet phone server

10: smart chip 20: RF antenna

30: USB smart chip reading module 40: USB Internet phone module

41: codec unit 42: handset unit

43: memory unit 44: control unit

50: USB memory section 51: memory

52: controller 60: USB interface

(Technology)

The present invention relates to a smart card, and more particularly, by integrating the USB Internet phone function and USB memory integrally with the smart card of the electronic money function capable of USB communication with the Internet communication terminal, Internet communication terminal without a separate RF reader Through the USB communication with the electronic money function, it is possible to execute charges, electronic payments, and record contents related to the electronic money function, as well as execute Internet telephone calls through the USB communication, and convert the call charges into the smart card of the electronic money function. The present invention relates to a smart card reader, an internet phone module, and a memory of a USB method, which can be used as a USB external memory of various digital devices.

(Background)

As is widely known, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system, which is based on transmitting and receiving information through short-range wireless communication, includes an RF reader that performs a reading function and a transponder such as a contactless smart card or RF tag in which predetermined information is recorded. (transponder)

The RF reader reads the unique information recorded on the transponder through wireless communication with the transponder (e.g. smart card), including the transceiver, decoder and antenna, and the transponder such as smart card or tag includes chip and antenna. Send and receive recorded information through communication with the RF reader. If the transponder can also read and write, new information can be entered into the transponder.

RFID system is widely used as a system for transmitting and receiving predetermined information by using wireless communication in various fields such as payment management, document management, logistics management, identity verification, document authentication, and its range of application is gradually increasing. One of the applications is smart cards with various payment functions such as transportation card billing and RF readers (bill collectors, chargers, etc.).

As is widely known, smart cards can be classified in various ways according to their classification criteria, but are classified into contact cards, contactless cards, and contact / contactless cards according to the manner in which the data is read. The contact smart card refers to a form in which the smart card is activated by contacting the contact of the smart card with the contact point of the interface device. The contactless smart card is the same as the contact type for the operation and memory elements required for the information processing function. It is a type of card that is powered by RF antenna and uses electromagnetic induction method for communication with interface device. Combined smart card is a smart card that supports both contact and non-contact functions. It is a smart card configured to share parts within a chip of which contact / contactless can be shared.

The standard combination card is equipped with an interface for the contact function, an applet for the interface for the contactless function and related functions, and six terminals for the contact function (power supply terminal: VCC, initialization). Input terminal: RST, clock terminal: CLK, ground terminal: GND, program voltage terminal: not currently used, serial data input / output terminal: I / O), and two antenna connection terminals (ANT) for contactless function It is.

RFID system basically executes the desired function by communicating certain information through wireless communication between the RF reader and the transponder, but RF reader connects to the operator (management server) that manages the execution of related functions by wire or wireless. The related information is communicated with the management server, whereby the management server manages the entire RFID system.

Using the smart card with the transportation card function as an example, when a prepaid transportation card is to be charged, the RF reader (charger) reads the information recorded on the transportation card through RF communication and between the RF reader and the management server. Through communication, charging is realized through authentication procedures of the corresponding transportation card.

As such, the use of the smart card requires an RF reader capable of reading information recorded on the smart card and communicating with the management server through wired or wireless communication, if necessary, but the user of the smart card does not have such an RF reader. Therefore, if you want to check the information recorded on the smart card or charge the amount of money is inconvenient to visit the place (eg charging station) where the RF reader is provided.

RF can be connected to a communication terminal (e.g. personal computer) to monitor the recorded information by reading a smart card and update the information recorded on the smart card as necessary to eliminate the inconvenience of using the RF reader. Readers (commonly referred to as 'dummy terminals') have been proposed, and financial institutions are trying to disseminate dummy terminals as a way to promote their use of smart cards.

However, such a dummy terminal has a inconvenience that a smart card user has to use a separate dummy terminal to connect to a communication terminal and use the communication terminal (personal computer) to directly access the information recorded on the smart card without the intermediate terminal. It would be desirable to be able to update the information recorded on the smart card through the connection with the management server through the Internet, and thus the present invention invents a 'smart card with a USB smart card reading chip' Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0082483 (filed September 09, 2005) was proposed under the name of.

On the other hand, a conventional landline telephone converts the voice signal through the handset of the calling party telephone into an analog type electrical signal and transmits it to the exchange through the telephone line, and the exchange transfers the signal to the called party's telephone through the telephone line again. The telephone of the phone converts the transmitted electrical signal into a voice signal and delivers it to the handset to realize a voice call.

According to the development of information and communication technology, especially Internet communication technology, IP packet which converts and compresses analog voice signal into digital signal is transmitted to receiver through data communication network such as internet, and digital compressed signal reaching destination is again Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and devices that convert voice signals to make phone calls have been developed and commercialized.

3 is a conceptual diagram of a call between a general landline phone and an Internet phone.

As shown, the general landline telephone 100 is expensive because the telephone line is connected to the other party's telephone via several exchanges (domestic and foreign exchange) of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 200. The phone 300 (or the computer) uses the internet network 400 entirely (when making calls between internet phones interconnected by the internet network) or by using some PSTNs (e.g., making calls between internet phones and regular phones). In this case, it is possible to omit all or at least a part of the exchanges, thereby making it possible to set a low call rate.

In particular, in case of international calls, a telephone that converts the Internet can set a call rate very cheaply compared to a genetic telephone. For this reason, as the number of Internet phone users increases, ordinary landline phones are gradually converted into Internet phones. In FIG. 3, the gateway 500 is a system that connects the Internet network and the PSTN to enable a call.

However, since both sides of the Internet telephone call do not go through the PSTN when both sides are connected to the Internet, the call can be made using only the Internet access fee. As part of the route, you will have to pay as much PSTN usage fees as possible, and your Internet phone service provider will receive a call charge in the form of a flat rate or a pay-as-you-go plan.

In recent years, Internet phone technology includes a technology that enables wireless communication by combining short-range wireless communication, a technology that allows an internet phone to connect directly to a LAN without connecting to an internet communication computer, and installs related software or inputs a password. Various technologies have been developed and realized, such as a technology that allows a user to make a call by simply connecting an Internet phone to a USB port of a computer without prior operation such as connecting to a server.

As a technology related to a USB Internet phone, for example, the Internet phone using the USB No. 2000-54763 of the Republic of Korea and the Internet phone system using the same (published on September 5, 2000), the USB Internet phone of the Republic of Korea Utility Model No. 389880 Interface module device (registered on July 6, 2005), wireless LAN Internet phone (registered on May 15, 2002) with USB connection of Korea Utility Model No. 276694, and a USB internet phone module on a memory stick. There is a compact USB memory phone on the market that can be used to make a phone call when connected to a computer's USB pod.

One of the problems associated with Internet phones is the difficulty associated with payment of Internet phone call usage fees. In other words, the usage fee of the Internet telephone call is accessed by accessing the homepage of the Internet phone provider and charging the amount in advance and reducing the fee, or receiving a fixed fee or a fixed amount in the post payment method. There is a problem that the user has to visit the operator homepage one by one to charge the amount, the latter case has a problem that a lot of costs to build a fee storage system from the perspective of the operator.

As the functions of various digital devices including digital cameras, MP3s, mobile phones, and the like are gradually diversified and expanded, the required storage capacity is increasing. For example, a mobile phone equipped with a digital camera capable of capturing and storing images requires a lot of additional memory to store the photographed picture data in addition to the inherent storage capacity of the mobile phone.

However, embedding a large amount of memory in the main body of the mobile communication terminal for the large amount of memory required for such additional functions not only increases the price of the terminal but also wastes the user who does not use the large capacity memory. .

Therefore, in general, a large capacity memory is not directly embedded in the mobile communication terminal, but a memory mounting socket separately provided in the mobile communication terminal is provided to selectively install and use an additional expansion memory according to the user's mobile communication terminal. I'm trying to.

Memory media have been developed in a variety of forms, mainly in the form of cards using flash memory, for example, Memory Stick (MS Stick), Secure Digital Card (SD Card), Smart Media Cards (Smart Cards), Compact Flash Cards (CFC Cards), Multimedia Cards (Multi Media Cards) are standardized and used.

Such a memory medium has a trend of making USB communication possible like a memory stick so that it can be conveniently stored and deleted by connecting to a USB terminal of a computer.

An object of the present invention is to integrate the USB Internet phone function and the USB memory into a smart card of the electronic money function capable of USB communication with the Internet communication terminal, the electronic communication through the USB communication with the Internet communication terminal without a separate RF reader Not only can you charge money, make electronic payments, and look up records related to money functions, but also make phone calls through Internet phone via USB communication with Internet communication terminals and pay the charges with the smart card of the electronic money function. By doing so, it is possible to make Internet telephone call payments more convenient and to use it as an external storage medium for various digital devices.

According to the present invention, there is provided a smart card equipped with a USB smart chip reading module and a USB Internet phone module.

Smart card according to the invention, the contact / contactless smart chip having an electronic money function; An RF antenna connected to the smart chip to realize a non-contact function of the smart chip; A USB smart chip reading module connected to the smart chip to read data recorded on the smart chip; A USB Internet phone module having a handset unit for converting a call signal into an analog signal and a digital signal to enable a telephone call via the Internet network and for inputting / outputting the call signal; A USB memory unit for storing various data and transmitting data through USB communication; And connected to the USB smart chip reading module, the USB internet phone module, and the USB memory unit, respectively, to connect the USB smart chip reading module, the USB internet phone module and the USB memory unit to an Internet communication terminal by USB communication. USB interface for transmitting and receiving; Characterized in that it comprises a.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a smart card equipped with a USB smart chip reading module, Internet phone module and memory. The following embodiments are merely illustrative of the smart card according to the present invention, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of an exemplary smart card according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system related to the use of the smart phone of the smart card according to the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the smart card 1 according to the present invention, smart chip 10, RF antenna 20, USB smart chip reading module 30, USB Internet phone module 40, USB memory The part 50 and the USB interface 60 are integrally provided in the compact housing like the housing of a memory stick, for example. The smart card 1 of the present invention is not a traffic card and a card type smart card but a device such as a memory stick, but is called a smart card in that it is used as an electronic money like a traffic card.

The smart chip 10 is, for example, a well-known combination chip operating in contact and contactless manner. The smart chip 10 is equipped with an electronic money protocol such as a prepaid transportation card, and can be used as an electronic money such as a transportation card. As described above, a power supply terminal (VCC), a clock terminal (CLK), and a serial device are used. A data input / output terminal I / O, an initialization input terminal RST, an antenna terminal ANT, and the like are provided.

The RF antenna 20 is a conventional RF antenna that allows the smart chip 10 to communicate with the RF reader (eg, a toll collector, etc.), for example, an RF reader in a 13.56 MHz frequency domain. An antenna having a characteristic capable of wireless communication with (3), and as described above, both terminals of the RF antenna 20 are connected to the antenna terminal (ANT) of the smart chip 10.

In the smart card 1 according to the present invention, the USB smart chip reading module 30 is integrally included with the smart chip 10 in one package, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the USB smart chip reading module 30 includes a power supply terminal VCC, a clock terminal CLK, a serial data input / output terminal I / O, and an initialization input among the terminals of the smart chip 10. It is electrically connected to the terminal RST, so that the USB smart chip reading module 30 can access the data (information) recorded in the smart chip 10 in a contact manner.

That is, the smart card 1 of the present invention contacts and transmits data related to an electronic money function (e.g., a transportation card function), etc., mounted on the contactless wireless communication with the external RF reader 3 by the RF antenna 20. On the other hand, the data related to the traffic card function, etc. mounted through the electrical contact with the USB smart chip reading module 30 is to transmit and receive by contact wired.

The USB smart chip reading module 30 may transmit / receive data read from the smart chip 10 to an external internet-enabled communication terminal (hereinafter referred to as a “computer” such as a personal computer or a mobile communication terminal) via USB communication. It is connected to the USB interface 60 so that.

Thus, when the smart card 1 of the present invention is connected to the USB port of the computer 2 using the USB interface 60, the computer 2 recognizes the smart card 1 of the present invention as one external device. It is possible to transmit and receive predetermined data between the computer 2 and the smart chip 10 within the allowable range, so that the USB smart chip reading module 30 is the data between the computer 2 and the smart chip 10 It will relay the transmission.

Terminals exemplified in the USB interface 60 in Fig. 1 represent power terminals VCC, data terminals D + and D-, and ground terminals GND necessary for USB communication. Reference numeral 4 denotes a USB cable when necessary.

According to the smart card 1 according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, among the data recorded in the smart chip 10, the data of the range allowed to access, for example, data on the balance or data on usage history, etc. Can be inquired through the monitor of the computer 2 via the USB smart chip reading module 30 and the USB interface 60, and the correction of the data by input through the keyboard of the computer 2 within the allowed range. can do.

When the prepaid charge charged in the smart chip 10 of the smart card 1 is exhausted, a new amount must be charged. This charging process is also performed by connecting the smart card 1 to the computer 2 to the computer 2. The amount paid after accessing the electronic money server (5: the operator in charge of the operation of electronic money or the agency in charge of electronic payment, see Fig. 2) and undergoing predetermined authentication and payment procedures. Received as the charging data is updated and recorded in the smart chip 10 can be easily charged using the computer (2) at home without visiting the charging station.

In addition, even if you want to execute a small payment on the Internet with the amount charged in the smart chip (10) through the Internet communication with the server through the computer (2) if necessary after a predetermined authentication and payment procedures The charged amount may be subtracted from the charged amount and the charged amount may be updated with new data in which the settled amount is reduced.

The USB Internet phone module 40 is a conventional VoIP module that allows the Internet phone call by connecting the smart card 1 of the present invention to the computer 2 through the USB interface 60.

The USB Internet phone module 40 of the USB system includes, for example, a codec unit 41 for converting a call signal into an analog signal and a digital signal to execute an internet call, and a handset unit 42 for inputting and outputting a voice signal for a call. For example, a headset), a memory unit 43 for storing related programs and data, and a control unit 44 for overall control of an internet telephone call may be included. The module can be adapted to the invention.

Internet phone call using the USB Internet phone module 40 is realized by connecting the smart card 1 of the present invention to the USB port of the computer 2 via the USB interface 60 to enable USB communication.

That is, when the smart card 1 of the present invention is connected to the computer 2 through the USB interface 60, the computer 2 recognizes the smart card 1 as an external device, and then the USB Internet phone module ( The program for the Internet telephony call equipped with 40) is driven to receive the Internet phone service while making an Internet connection with the Internet phone server 6 which is in charge of the Internet phone. Preferably, the Internet connection with the Internet phone server 6 is made automatically, not by operation by the user.

At this time, the monitor of the computer 2 displays a series of processes for making an internet phone call, and the user inputs necessary data such as a phone number using the keyboard of the computer 2 and uses the handset 42 to make an internet phone call. Will run.

The charge of the Internet telephone call executed using the smart card 1 of the present invention is realized through the electronic money of the smart chip 10 mounted on the smart card 1. That is, when the Internet telephone call is executed using the smart card 1 of the present invention, the charge is smart before starting the call (suitable for a fixed amount) or after ending the call (suitable for a pay-as-you-go). The amount of money charged to the chip 10 is subtracted through a predetermined payment procedure, and the amount of money is updated with new data of which the usage fee is reduced.

The payment of the Internet telephone call charge by the smart card 1 of the present invention is a service provider that manages the electronic money function of the smart chip 10 (for example, a service provider that manages a transportation card and a company related to the electronic money server of FIG. 2). And through a business alliance between the service provider and the service provider (Internet service provider related to the Internet phone server of Figure 2).

The USB memory unit 50 may apply a general memory medium such as, for example, a USB memory stick in accordance with the present invention. For example, a memory 51 (for example, a flash memory) in which information is stored and the memory 51 Controller 52, which is used as an external memory for digital devices such as mobile phones, MP3s and digital cameras, as a medium for storing related files.

The USB memory unit 50 is connected to the computer 2 via a USB interface 60 to enable USB communication, whereby data stored in the USB memory unit 50 can be conveniently stored and deleted through the operation of the computer 2. Can be.

As the smart card 1 of the present invention has a function as an electronic money, a function as an Internet phone, and a function as an external storage device, an initial screen displayed on a computer monitor when the smart card 1 is connected to the computer 2 A screen for selecting which operation to perform among electronic money service, Internet phone service, and memory can be displayed by selecting.

As a result, the smart card 1 according to the present invention can be used as an electronic money (for example, a transportation card) mounted on the smart chip 10, as well as the USB smart chip reading module 30 and the USB interface 60. It is possible to transmit and receive data between the smart chip 10 and the communication terminal 2 through the relay, thereby allowing the data recorded in the smart chip 10 through the input of the key input unit of the communication terminal (2) It can be operated in a range, it is possible to display the necessary data through the monitor of the communication terminal 2, and also the command of the electronic money server 5 in the state that the communication terminal 2 is connected to the electronic money server (5) By inputting the necessary data through the key input unit of the communication terminal 2 according to the operation (eg, transportation card charging, small payment, etc.) related to the function of the smart chip 10 can be performed via the communication terminal (2). .

In addition, the smart card (1) of the present invention, the Internet phone call through the USB Internet phone module 40 and the USB interface 60 in the state of the USB communication connection to the communication terminal (2) connected to the Internet, The Internet telephone call usage fee can be settled from the charge amount charged in the smart chip 10.

In addition, the smart card (1) according to the present invention, by the operation of the USB memory unit 50 and the USB interface 60 in the state of USB communication connection to the communication terminal (2), mobile phones, MP3, digital camera and It can also be used as external USB memory of various digital devices.

Reference numeral 70 denotes, for example, a USB hub circuit that allows the USB interface 60 to be used for both the USB smart chip reading module 30, the USB internet phone module 40, and the USB memory unit 50.

According to the smart card according to the present invention as described above, not only can carry as an original electronic money, but also anytime, anywhere in the environment prepared for the Internet-enabled communication terminal, charging the amount related to electronic money without a separate RF reader It is possible to conveniently execute electronic payments and lookups of contents, and to freely execute Internet telephone calls and pay the used Internet telephone call charges directly with electronic money, and to external memory of related data of various digital devices. There is an effect that can be used.

Claims (1)

A contact / contactless smart chip 10 having an electronic money function; An RF antenna 20 connected to the smart chip 10 to realize a non-contact function of the smart chip 10; A USB smart chip reading module 30 connected to the smart chip 10 to read data recorded in the smart chip 10; A USB Internet phone module 40 having a handset 42 for making a telephone call via an internet network by converting a call signal into an analog signal and a digital signal; A USB memory unit 50 in which various data are stored and capable of transmitting data through USB communication; And It is connected to the USB smart chip reading module 30, the USB Internet phone module 40 and the USB memory unit 50, respectively, the USB smart chip reading module 30, the USB Internet phone module 40 and the A USB interface 60 which connects the USB memory unit 50 and the Internet communication terminal 2 to USB communication and transmits and receives related data; Smart card with a USB smart chip reading module and a USB Internet phone module comprising a.

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