WO2001077931A1

WO2001077931A1 - Electronic wallet

Info

Publication number: WO2001077931A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2001/000062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Mckenna; Dale Anthony Carnegie
Original assignee: Joseph Mckenna; Dale Anthony Carnegie
Priority date: 2000-04-11
Filing date: 2001-04-11
Publication date: 2001-10-18
Also published as: AU2001252796A1

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic wallet (2) comprising a memory (22) arranged to store electronic funds, an optical transceiver (10) to provide bi-directional contactless transfer of electronic funds between the memory (22) of the electronic wallet (2) and the memory of a second electronic wallet (2A), and a plurality of operating keys (6) arranged to control the transfer of electronic funds. The invention may also be arranged to provide bi-directional transfer of electronic funds between the memory of the electronic wallet (2) and an external memory, for example a host computer or financial institution (200).

Description

ELECTRONIC WALLET

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an electronic wallet and a method of operating an electronic wallet.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Use of integrated circuit or smartcards is well-known. A smartcard is arranged to store electronic credits, representing money, which can be transferred by electronic means from a payer to a payee. A card reader/writer accepts the smartcard and deducts the appropriate value from the value stored in the smartcard. Financial institutions are generally in control of card reader/writers having the facility to transfer funds to the smartcard.

It is also desirable to facilitate transfer of value between stored value cards, thereby emulating cash and providing off-line settlement of a transaction between a merchant and a customer or between individuals who wish to settle without the use of cash or cheque.

US patent specification 5,945,652 to Hitachi Limited describes an electronic wallet having two IC card reader/ writers. Electronic money stored on one IC card may be transferred to another IC card by inserting each card into respective reader/writers in the wallet and using the operating keys to transfer funds between cards.

US patent specification 4,454,414 to Vericard Corporation describes a portable funds data storage module which may be used to store electronic funds. Each module is provided with an optical transmitter and optical receiver for transferring funds between modules. Each module is provided with both male and female alignment elements. To transfer funds between modules, the alignment elements of each module are engaged and the coupled modules are then positioned on an alignment pad. The alignment pad is adapted to be retained by a vendor at a point of sale to be presented to the vendee prior to each transaction.

European patent specification 708424 to Accumulata Symi Grundstϋcks GmbH describes an electronic coin purse in which money may be stored. The coin purse is arranged to be None of the prior art documents describe an electronic wallet arranged to transfer funds between individuals in a contactless fashion using optical transceivers.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In broad terms the invention comprises an electronic wallet comprising a memory arranged to store electronic funds; an optical transceiver arranged to provide bi-directional contactless transfer of electronic funds between the memory of the electronic wallet and the memory of a second electronic wallet: and a plurality of operating keys arranged to control the transfer of electronic funds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred forms of the electronic wallet will now be described by way of example and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form electronic wallet of the invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the internal components of the wallet;

Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of one form of electronic wallet;

Figure 4 is a further circuit diagram of the wallet of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of another form of electronic wallet;

Figure 6 shows the transfer of funds between electronic wallets: and

Figure 7 shows the transfer of funds between the electronic wallet and a financial institution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS

Referring to Figures 1 and 2. the preferred form electronic wallet 2 comprises a suitable robust and shock resistant casing protecting the internal components of the wallet described below. The preferred wallet is provided with display apparatus, for example an LCD display 4 arranged to display information relating to electronic funds stored in the wallet 2. The wallet further comprises a plurality of operating keys 6 arranged to control operation of the electronic wallet, as will be described below.

It will be appreciated that the display 4 and operating keys 6 together form the user interface of the wallet 2. The display 4 and operating keys 6 could alternatively comprise a touch- sensitive LCD display in which the user selects various operating keys by pressing the desired marked areas of the LCD display with a finger or stylus.

The wallet 2 may also be provided with power switch 8. such as the slide switch shown in Figure 1. It will be appreciated that the power switch 8 could be positioned in various positions around the wallet 2. Power is provided to the wallet 2 by a battery which in one form could be internal and in another form could be shaped and configured to clip onto the rear surface of wallet 2. The battery could be provided with a port into which recharging apparatus is inserted.

The preferred wallet 2 further comprises an optical transmitter and optical receiver, collectively referred to as an optical transceiver. The optical transceiver is arranged to transmit and receive data through port 10 between other similar electronic wallets as will be described below.

The wallet 2 may also be provided with a modem port through which funds may be transferred between the wallet 2 and a financial institution over a communication line, for example the PSTN, as will be described below. It will be appreciated that the wallet 2 may further comprise an internal modem interfaced to the modem port or alternatively the user may plug an external modem into the port. Wallet 2 may also be provided with a further communication port through which funds are transferred between the wallet 2 and a financial institution over a satellite network. The wallet may optionally be provided with an antenna to facilitate communication.

Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the wallet 2. The preferred wallet comprises controller 20 to which a number of peripherals are interfaced, for example memory 22 and communication apparatus, for example the optical transceiver 10, the modem port, internal modem and/or further communication port, in addition to the display and operating keys 6 described above.

The controller 20 is also interfaced to communication apparatus for the transfer of data between the wallet 2 and similar wallets and between the wallet 2 and financial institutions. The communication apparatus in one form comprises a serial cable connected to the RS232 port through the modem port of the wallet shown in Figure 1. A more preferred form communication apparatus comprises an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, referred to collectively as an optical transceiver. The preferred form optical transceiver is arranged to transfer data through the modem port in the wallet to enable transfer of data between similar wallets without requiring direct physical contact between the wallets, as will be described below.

Figure 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of one preferred form wallet, showing the circuit information arranged to interface the microcontroller to the operating keys 6, the display 4 and memory 22. In one preferred form the controller could comprise an 8XC552 microcontroller based upon the Intel 8051 processor. The processor preferably comprises a plurality of peripherals used by the wallet, for example an RS232 serial port, bi-directional 8 bit digital ports, internal RAM, I^"C port, and a collection of timer-counters. The controller 20 is interfaced to memory 22 as shown in Figure 2, which could comprise battery-backed RAM. It is envisaged that memory 22 is used for the storage of electronic funds, an identification number, operating software, and other data as will be described below. Once again, it is envisaged that controller 20 could be provided with sufficient ROM and RAM to reduce the need for external memory 22.

Chip 30 includes the links to port 3 of the microcontroller, chip 32 contains the links to ports 1 and 4 and chip 34 contains the links to port 5. Chip 36 connects the display^'s 8 data lines to port 4 of the microcontroller, chip 38 connects the display^'s control lines to port 3, and chip 40 connects the four lines of port 5 to the operating keys 6 to serve as the input lines, and to four lines of port 4 as the output or read lines.

Depressing an operating key 6 sends a signal, conditioned by diodes 42, 44, 46 and 48 to the external interrupt of the microcontroller. The microcontroller will then call the operating key reading interrupt service routine in the software. The memory may further comprise means arranged to store time and date information. For example, the memory could include a clock calendar chip connected via the I²C bus to the controller. Alternatively, the time and date information could be stored on the controller. The preferred form wallet stores time and date information and updates this information so that the user need only alter the time and date, for example, when a new time zone, daylight saving, or other time change is imposed.

Chip 50 is the I^"C clock/calendar chip, run from its own external oscillator based upon crystal 52. Chip 50 feeds to the two I^"C lines of controller 20.

In one form the wallet could comprise a switch-mode power supply chip, the LM2825N package. This package delivers 5N to the wallet up to a current limit of 1A. This power supply is preferably efficient and significantly increases the battery life of the wallet.

Figure 4 illustrates the main microcontroller circuitry of the wallet of Figure 3. The wallet is connectable to power supply 60 running from a 9 volt battery through a 7805 voltage regulator 62 with an indicating LED 64. It is envisaged that the power supply could alternatively comprise two AA cells or any other arrangement suitable for the purpose.

The lower eight address lines of the controller 20 are multiplexed with the eight data lines via chip 66, a 74HCT573 latch. Data memory 68 and program memory 70 are shown as separate SRAM and EPROM chips respectively. It is envisaged that data memory 68 and program memory 70 could alternatively be combined into a single battery-backed RAM. In a further modification, as discussed above, data memory 68 and program memory 70 could alternatively be provided by controller 20.

The controller 20 is clocked via a 14.7456 MHz crystal. Chip 72 ensures the watch dog timer does not interrupt the software execution.

Communication apparatus is shown as an MAX232 chip which amplifies and buffers the signal between the controller 20 and RS232 connector 74. As discussed above, the preferred form communication apparatus is alternatively an infrared equivalent of the MAX232/RS232 connection comprising an optical transmitter and optical receiver, enabling the wallet to transfer data in a contactless, wireless manner with minimal circuit alterations to that shown in Figure 4.

Figure 5 illustrates a circuit diagram of another preferred form electronic wallet.

The preferred controller comprises an ATMEL 89s 8252 microcontroller based on the Intel 8051 processor. The preferred controller 20 provides three 16 bit counter/timers UART, four bi-directional digital I/O ports, 256 bytes of RAM, 8K bytes of In-System Reprogrammable Downloadable Flash Memory, and 2K bytes of EEPROM. In one preferred form, all data requiring storage is stored on the controller 20, thereby eliminating the need for a separate memory 22. Use of the controller 20 in this way leads to a reduction in board size, meaning that the wallet can be packaged into, for example, a cell phone-sized case of approximately 120mm x 60mm x 20mm.

In one preferred form, the Flash memory and the EEPROM of the controller 20 are nonvolatile so that program instructions and logged transaction data are not lost upon power- down. Preferably the controller 20 also has a low power mode to significantly increase battery life of the device.

The wallet could include a Dallas DS 12887 real time clock which includes an independent battery backup ensuring that time is not lost upon power-down. The preferred clock can be set for either 12 or 24 hour mode, is equipped with alarms which enables the wallet to be used as an appointment reminding device, and will automatically adjust itself for daylight saving time. The preferred clock includes a further unused 1 14 bytes of RAM which could be available for use by the controller 20 should the internal RAM of the controller prove to be insufficient. It is envisaged that the time be set once before the wallet is distributed, but in one form the wallet could be arranged to enable the user to reset the time if desired.

Chip U2 indicated at 100 is the Dallas DS 12887 real time clock calendar chip (RTC). This chip contains its own battery back-up, so its data is not lost upon power-down. Additionally. the chip contains 1 14 bytes of RAM which may be addressed by the micro-controller Ul indicated at 1 10 if desired. Unlike the arrangement described in Figures 3 and 4 above, the circuit does not have a dedicated external memory, as the micro-controller's internal flash memory replaces the EEPROM program memory, and the micro-controller's internal EERAM memory replaces the battery-backed RAM chip. The absence of these external memory chips also removes the requirement for the 74HCT573 multiplexing latch. Substantial savings in space and power requirements are made with the new arrangement.

Chip U2 100 is accessed via the address lines (Port 0) of the micro-controller, and the chip is selected by a logic low on Port 1.7 of the micro-controller. Port 0 is dedicated to accessing the RTC. Control signals to the RTC are provided by the ! WR (Port 3.6). the ! RD (Port 3.7). and the ALE/! PROG (Pin 27) pins of the micro-controller.

An LM2825 switch mode power supply chip U3 indicated at 120 replaces the voltage regulator power supply of Figures 3 and 4. This chip is more efficient in the supply of power than a voltage regulator power supply, thereby increasing battery life of the device.

To conserve I/O PINS, the display which is connected to the board by chip JP3 indicated at 130. is connected by four data lines rather than eight data lines, and is connected to the microcontroller's Port 1, bit 0 through to 3. The three display control lines are connected to the next three bits of Port 1. Port 1 then controls all the data and control lines for the display, as well as the RTC select. A 9 vault battery plugs into chip CM1 indicated at 140.

The key pad plugs into chip JP2 indicated at 150 which is connected to Port 2 of the microcontroller. As a 12 digit keypad is employed, only 7 bits of Port 2 are required to scan the keyboard. Port 2.7 in this form is unused.

The optical transceiver is implemented by the HEDL 1 100 chip indicated at 160. This chip is driven by the RXD (Port 3.0) and TXD (Port 3.1) pins of the micro-controller. The wallet preferably further comprises an inverting buffer chip to drive the transceiver more strongly. Such an addition does not change the functionality of the transceiver, merely how the transceiver is driven. The optical transceiver eliminates the need for an RS232 connector and MAX 232 chip.

The micro-controller is preferably programmed via the chip's JP 1 indicated at 170 and JP 4 which is not shown. JP 1 shares the same micro-controller pins as the control lines for display, and hence the display does not operate during program download. Upon power-up. where the wallet includes the ATMEL 89s8252 micro-controller, the controller 20 fetches its program from internal flash memory. During program execution, data is written to both the internal volatile RAM and the EEPROM. The former is used for dynamic variable storage and the latter is used to record the log data of the wallet, for example transaction information. This transaction information is updated every time the wallet is used to make a transaction. The preferred transaction data comprises a series of data sets, each data set comprising the time. date, the wallet ID of the other wallet in the transaction, and the amount or value of the transaction. This data is preferably stored in the EEPROM until it is uploaded to external memory, for example a user computer or a bank computer for analysis and/or storage. The advantage of storing the transaction data in the EEPROM is that the battery can be removed completely from the wallet without loss of the logged transaction data or the time.

The upload could be performed for example, by transmitting the data through transceiver 10 to a further transceiver connected to an RS232 interface for connection to the serial part of a host PC. Alternatively, the data could be transmitted to a laptop through an IR port where available.

Preferably the operating keys comprise 12 keys mounted on a membrane keyboard. In one form 10 of these keys could each correspond to a single numerical digit. One key, for example the # key, could function as a "enter" key and the * key function as a "function" key as will be described below. In one form the wallet is provided with a memu-drived system. thereby reducing the number of operating keys required.

Upon power-up, the user must enter a PIN and this PEN must be correctly entered before any access to the information or functions of the wallet will be granted. The user preferably has four attempts to get the PIN correct before the device locks the user out. The wallet must be turned off. then back on again for operation to resume.

Once a successful PIN is entered, the wallet greets the user with a message presented on the display 4 and presents the user with four options, namely FUNDS. PIN, TIME and EXIT. If the user selects the FUNDS option, the user is provided with further options, for example, obtaining a balance (BAL), withdrawing money (DEBIT), deposit money (RECEIVE), or exiting back to the main memory (EXIT).

Selecting balance or BAL displays the balance remaining in the wallet and returns the user to the main menu.

As discussed above, the wallet 2 is arranged to transfer electronic funds between the wallet and other similar wallets. This transfer could represent a gift from one individual to another or could represent the purchase of goods or services by the owner of wallet 2. Referring to Figure 5, the user positions wallet 2 relative to similar wallet 2A so that ports 10 and 10A are aligned. Wallets 2 and 2A preferably do not need to contact each other to effect the transfer of data, do not need to be physical interfaced to each other and do not require the use of a cradle or other similar apparatus to assist alignment of the wallets. Preferably the two wallets are simply placed on a flat surface, such as a desk or shop counter and the wallets 2 and 2A positioned so that ports 10 and 10A face each other. The wallets 2 and 2A are preferably spaced between 20mm and 200mm from each other, depending on the maximum range of the optical transceivers.

It is envisaged that one or both of wallets 2 and 2A could belong to an individual, a vendor, or a financial institution. The components of wallet 2A could further be included in nonportable apparatus operated by a vendor or financial institution.

Should the user select the option of withdrawing money or DEBIT, the user is preferably warned that a withdrawal is about to take place. The user is given the chance to escape at this point and return to the main menu. If the user chooses to proceed, the amount to be withdrawn is entered and the # key pressed. Once entered, the user preferably is required to confirm the amount to be withdrawn. At this point, the user has the opportunity to alter the amount to be withdrawn. If the amount is verified, the amount is checked against the balance of the wallet and if sufficient funds exist within the wallet, the amount of transfer is withdrawn from the wallet's balance and transmitted to receiving wallet 2A as a deposit. The time, receiving wallet ID, and the amount are recorded in EEPROM memory. Once complete, the user is returned to the main memory. The user of wallet 2 may also wish to receive funds from the wallet 2A. The user selects deposit money or RECEIVE. The user is warned that a deposit is expected from another wallet. The user is given the chance to escape at this point and return to the main menu. If the user chooses to proceed, the wallet 2 waits until it receives information from wallet 2A through the infrared transceivers 10 and 10A. The data transmitted from wallet 2A to wallet 2 is decoded, the transmitting wallet ID is extracted, the balance of the receiving wallet is incremented by the amount of the transaction, and the time, transmitting wallet ID and the amount are recorded in EEPROM memory. Once complete, the user is returned to the main menu.

The further option is EXIT which returns the user to the main menu.

The user could also be provided with the option of PIN which enables the user to change a user personal identification number or PIN. The user must first enter the old PIN and if the number entered is incorrect, the user is returned to the main menu. If the PIN entered is correct, the user then enters the new PIN. The user must then verify this new PIN. If the verification is identical, the PIN is changed, and the user return to the main menu. If it is not, the user is informed that the new PPΛf was not verified, the PIN was not changed, and the user is returned to the main menu.

A further option available to the user is TIME in which the current time and date is displayed. The user is given the opportunity to return to the main memory, or alter the time and date. If alteration is selected, the user is prompted for the hours, for example 12 or 24 hour mode, minutes, day, months and the last two digits of the year. Each entry is tested to make sure that it is a valid date, for example. If an invalid date is entered, the user is informed that the date is invalid and that a new value must be entered. Once complete, the new time is stored in the wallet and the user is returned to the main memory.

A further option available to the user of EXIT, when selected by the user, turns the wallet off. The wallet can be turned back on using the power switch.

The communication apparatus could further comprise apparatus arranged to provide transfer of electronic funds between the memory of the wallet 2 and an external memory, such as a computer operated by a financial institution, using a conventional PSTN, cellular or radio network. Referring to Figure 6, the user transfers electronic funds from the wallet 2 to a financial institution by selecting an option available to the user, followed by the amount of the transfer using keys 6 and the #/enter key. It is envisaged that the wallet may also be arranged to permit the user to select an appropriate bank account to which funds should be transferred.

The wallet 2 could be provided with a port 16 interfaced to a conventional communications line 18. Wallet 2 may comprise an internal modem or alternatively an external modem could be plugged into port 16. Data is then transferred from wallet 2 to financial institution 100 over the telecommunications line. A further preferred form wallet 2 further comprises a transmitter and receiver arranged to send and receive messages over either the cellular or radio networks. As shown in Figure 6. the wallet 2 could transmit funds to the financial institution 200 through port 18 and antenna 20.

The user may also transfer funds from the financial institution 100 to the wallet 2 by selecting the appropriate option, entering the value of the transaction using keys 6 and pressing the #/enter key. It is envisaged that the balance of the user's account at the financial institution 100 will be checked and an amount not exceeding the value of the account or overdraft facility will be transferred to wallet 2.

The preferred form electronic wallet 2 comprises an identification number (ID) stored in memory 22. Alteration of this ID is preferably prevented. The preferred wallet 2 further comprises recordal means arranged to store, preferably in memory 22. a record of each transfer of funds between electronic wallets. The preferred record includes the ID or unique identifier of the respective wallets from which funds are transferred and to which funds are transferred, the value or amount of electronic funds transferred and the time and date of the transactions. This record of transactions is preferably transferred to the financial institution at regular intervals and/or when the user transfers funds to or transfers funds from the financial institution. The transaction record is a useful feature for providing the user with a transaction record to record spending habits and the tracing of unauthorised use of the wallet by a third party.

In a further preferred form electronic wallet, the wallet is interfaced to a database of on-line foreign currency conversion tables. Where a transaction involves electronic funds of different currencies, the wallet 2 could be arranged to access stored foreign currency conversion data and calculate the value of the transaction of the desired currency.

The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the scope hereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An electronic wallet comprising: a memory arranged to store electronic funds; an optical transceiver arranged to provide bi-directional contactless transfer of electronic funds between the memory of the electronic wallet and the memory of a second electronic wallet; and a plurality of operating keys arranged to control the transfer of electronic funds.

2. An electronic wallet as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a unique wallet identifier stored in the memory.

3. An electronic wallet as claimed in claim 2 wherein the wallet is further arranged to transfer transaction data representing a transfer of electronic funds, the transaction data comprising the time, date, the wallet identifier and the value of the transaction.

4. An electronic wallet as claimed in claim 3 wherein the wallet is further arranged to store the transaction data in the memory.

5. An electronic wallet as claimed in claim 4 further comprising communication apparatus arranged to provide bi-directional transfer of electronic funds between the memory of the electronic wallet and an external memory.

6. An electronic wallet as claimed in claim 5 wherein the communication apparatus is arranged to provide wireless transfer of electronic funds.

7. An electronic wallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a display arranged to display data representing the electronic funds stored in the wallet.