JP2000353206A - Electronic currency and its system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simultaneously solve the deficiency of the safety of a credit card, and the deficiency of the convenience of conventional digital cash, and the deficiency of the anonymity and circulation of the credit card and the digital cash. SOLUTION: An ID is applied to electronic currency 1 having the configuration of currency or a card, and nor only the ID but also parity information for ID confirmation and a sum of money as necessary are written in an incorporated IC, and the reading/writing of data for the incorporated IC is electrically operated by a contact means or a non-contact means using electromagnetic waves or magnetism. The electronic currency 1 is used so as to be connected through a network 4 with an electronic currency server 5. Thus, the anonymity of the user of the electronic currency 1 can be secured, and also the circulation of the electronic currency 1 can be maintained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention of the present application relates to electronic money (Electro-money).
nic Coin) and electronic bills (Electronic Bill).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Payment without cash and without cash has become widespread, and prepaid cards and credit cards have been used as means for this purpose. In a magnetic recording prepaid card, a magnetic card is provided on a simple card, a usable amount is entered on the magnetic card, and a balance is entered when the card is used. Although this prepaid card is inexpensive and anonymous, it is easy to forge, and expensive ones are used in ticket purchase applications that are used in places where there is a public eye, but there is a possibility that it will be used in places where there is no public eyes The expensive public telephones are not expensive.

[0003] In order to solve such disadvantages of the magnetic recording prepaid card, there is an IC prepaid card in which an IC chip is housed in a rigid plastic card. Forgery or alteration is extremely difficult and security is high.
The C prepaid card body and its handling device are expensive.

[0004] Since a credit card performs identity verification only with a signature, it may be abused due to forgery of a signature or intentional unrecognition of a signature by another person found in the event of loss. In online shopping using the Internet, credit cards are used for payment. In the credit card settlement, since the seller is notified of the card number, the card number notified may be misused. Naturally, credit cards do not have anonymity of use and no circulation.
Furthermore, the use of a credit card requires a fee at a certain rate, and the use of a credit card requires communication with a credit card company. There is a limit to its use in

[0005] In addition to the cash settlement means, an IC
There is a digital cash using card. Digital cash called electronic money or electronic bill is IC
The encrypted amount data is written in the IC chip of the card, and the amount data is read out using the password of the owner, and payment is made. Even if this digital cash is lost, it is impossible for others who do not know the password to abuse it and it is highly secure, but the inconvenience that even if the user is the owner himself, he can not use it if he mistakes the password. is there. In addition, since a password is required, there is no anonymity at the time of use, and money data cannot be transferred to another person unless a dedicated device is used.

A system called a debit card, which makes a cash card corresponding to a savings account available at a store other than a financial institution and performs settlement without cash in conjunction with the savings account, is also being performed. When using a cash card, a security code is used to verify the identity, and the security code to be verified is stored in a savings account managed by a financial institution, so the security code is unlikely to be stolen and it is safe and lost Even in this case, there is no risk of misuse unless the password is known. However, when used as a debit card, the system is complicated because a financial institution must be interposed. In addition, there is no anonymity and, of course, lacks in distribution, and communication costs cannot be ignored in the case of small transactions.

[0007] There is a magnetic prepaid card which is a kind of magnetic prepaid card, in which a password preprinted on a purchased prepaid card is input to the host, so that the host can use the stored amount of money. . Although this scratch prepaid card has no risk of forgery or falsification, the input operation of the personal identification number is performed by hand, so that the input operation is complicated, and there is a high risk of being misused by others when lost.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention according to the present application addresses these problems, namely the lack of security of magnetic recording prepaid cards and credit cards, the lack of convenience of digital cash and debit cards (cash cards),
The purpose of the present invention is to solve simultaneously the lack of anonymity, lack of distribution, and increase in the burden of communication costs among credit card, digital cash, and debit card, based on a new concept that can achieve this purpose. Provided are a settlement means and a device therefor.

[0009] For this purpose, the present application provides an electronic currency in the form of a coin or a card in which a built-in IC is provided with an identification code (ID). The data to be written into the IC may be configured such that a monetary amount is written as necessary in addition to the identification code of the IC, and a display device for displaying the remaining amount in electronic currency may be provided. Reading / writing data from / into the built-in IC is performed by non-contact means using electromagnetic waves or magnetism or electric contact means.

The electronic currency is used in a state of being connected to a host database via a network. The host checks the balance of the electronic currency by the ID of the electronic currency, and if the balance is sufficient, the host uses the electronic currency. And prohibit the use of electronic currency if the balance is insufficient. The e-currency can be used anywhere the host can be connected. In addition, anonymity is secured because a user password is not required, and money data can be transferred by transferring the electronic currency of the present invention to another person.

In addition, a coin-shaped or card-shaped coin having the same shape and user identification information recorded on an IC separately from the electronic currency can be used as a debit card by using a user's password. Furthermore, in the Internet used for online shopping, when signing a usage contract with an Internet service provider (ISP), an online sign-up is often performed to sign up for a payment using a credit card. By linking the settlement of the usage fee with the card and the writing of the amount data to the electronic money or electronic bill of the present invention, the use of the electronic money or electronic bill becomes easy.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electronic currency used in the embodiments described below will be described in the case of a coin shape, but the shape is not limited to the coin shape, and it goes without saying that a card shape or other suitable shape can be adopted. .

First, an embodiment in which the electronic currency has only a currency ID will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the system concept of the embodiment of the present invention.
Is an electronic currency in the form of a coin, 2 is an electronic currency reading device which reads an ID unique to the electronic currency 1 and sends the read ID to a user device 3 which is a game machine or a personal computer, 4 is a connection between the user device 3 and an electronic currency server 5 Network. Electronic currency server 5 is electronic currency 1
May be managed by the other server 6 and the other server 6 may manage other data, or the electronic currency server 5 may manage other data together with the electronic currency 1.

The electronic currency 1 is a predetermined amount, for example, 1000
Although it is sold as a prepaid coin that can use yen, the electronic currency 1 does not store the amount data, but stores only the ID unique to the electronic currency 1 and the corresponding parity data. . Then, the amount data corresponding to the ID unique to the electronic currency 1 is stored only in the electronic currency server 5.

If the usable amount of the electronic currency is single, there is a possibility that the usage is limited to a narrow one. However, in order to cope with such a situation, the usable amount is changed to the current coin in the electronic currency. Is displayed by means such as engraving.

When the electronic currency 1 is placed on or inserted into the electronic currency reading device 2 shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG.
An electronic currency ID reading command is sent to the electronic currency reading device 2, the electronic currency reading device 2 reads the ID and parity data unique to the electronic currency 1, and the read ID and parity data are transmitted to the user device 3 and the network 4 shown in FIG. It is sent to the electronic currency server 5 via the server.

The electronic currency server 5 which has received the ID and the parity data of the electronic currency 1 transmits the ID by the parity data.
Is confirmed, and the amount data corresponding to the confirmed ID is shown in FIG.
The user sends the money to the user device 3 via the network 4 shown in FIG.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 2B, the electronic currency server 5 does not send the money data to the user device 3 but only informs the user device 3 that the electronic currency can be used. You can also send it.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic currency 1 and the electronic currency reading device 2 will be further described. Electronic currency 1 is mask ROM
11, transmitting circuit 12, receiving circuit 13, power supply voltage generator 1
4, an antenna 15 and a bus 16;
Is connected to a mask ROM 11, a transmission circuit 12, and a reception circuit 13, and the antenna 15 is connected to a power supply voltage generation unit 14, and the antenna 15 is connected to the transmission circuit 12, the reception circuit 13, and the power supply voltage generation unit 14.

A mask ROM having a writing means such as a fuse is used. A sequence program for operating the electronic currency 1 is stored in the form of a normal mask ROM. A total of 128 bits of unique data as parity data to be written are written and stored by writing means such as a fuse.

The electronic currency reading device 2 includes an antenna 17,
A receiving circuit 18 and a transmitting circuit 19 are provided, and the receiving circuit 18 and the transmitting circuit 19 are connected to the antenna 17. The receiving circuit 18 and the transmitting circuit 19 are also connected to the user device 3.

The transmitting circuit 19 modulates the oscillated high-frequency signal using the power supply current supplied from the user device 3 in accordance with the electronic currency ID reading command of the electronic currency reading device 2 from the user device 3, and routes the signal from the antenna 17. 22 and transmitted as radio waves. As the high frequency used in this case, for example, a high frequency of 13.56 MHz, which does not require a license if the power is very small, can be used.

When the electronic currency 1 is placed on or inserted into the electronic currency reading device 2, the antenna 15 of the electronic currency 1 receives the radio wave from the antenna 17 of the electronic currency reading device 2, and the receiving circuit 13 By demodulating the high-frequency current, the DC component included in the high-frequency current is extracted by the power supply current generation circuit 14, supplied as an electronic currency driving power source, and an electronic currency ID reading command is obtained via the path 21. The route 21 and the route 2
Although 2 is described as another for convenience, it is needless to say that these are one radio wave.

In the electronic currency 1, an ID code and parity data stored in the mask ROM are read out in accordance with an electronic currency ID read command by a sequence program stored in the mask ROM 11, and a high-frequency current oscillated in the transmission circuit 12. Is modulated by the read ID code and parity data, and transmitted from the antenna 15 to the electronic currency reader 2 via the path 20 as radio waves.

In the electronic currency reading device 2 which has received the radio wave from the electronic currency 1 via the path 20 by the antenna 17, the high frequency current is demodulated in the receiving circuit 18 and the ID and parity data of the electronic currency 1 are taken out. , To the user device 3.

Since the electronic currency does not have the amount data in the electronic currency itself, no damage is caused by forgery. Further, since no user information is required, anonymity is ensured, the information can be transferred to another person, and there is distribution.

Next, an example of using the electronic currency of the above embodiment will be described. In this usage example, a game program or a practical program is stored in a medium such as a CD-ROM and supplied to a user. The medium may be supplied for a fee or free of charge. This CD-R
A communication program to the electronic currency server 5 is stored at the beginning of the OM. When the electronic currency 1 is placed or inserted into the electronic currency reading device 2, the user device 3 automatically sends the electronic currency to the electronic currency server 5. Start communication.

The user device 3 sends an ID reading command of the electronic currency 1 to the reading device 2, sends the read ID of the electronic currency 1 to the electronic currency server 5, and the electronic currency server 5 corresponds to the received ID. Is transmitted to the user device 3, and then the communication between the user device 3 and the electronic currency server 5 is temporarily terminated.

The user device 3 limits the usable time of the program or the number of times the program is used according to the received usable amount data. When the usable time of the program or the number of times the program is used becomes less than a predetermined value (for example, less than 5 minutes or less than 2 times), the fact is displayed on the user device 3 and a new electronic currency 1 is read to the user and placed on the device 2 Prompt for insertion.

When the user places or inserts a new electronic currency 1 into the reading device 2, the user device 3 automatically starts communication with the electronic currency server 5, and the ID that has been initially set
Is confirmed and the available amount data is transmitted again, and the user continues using the program. If the new electronic currency has not been placed or inserted in the reader, or if there is no available amount of the electronic currency, the use of the program is terminated.

In this example of use, the program is stored in a medium and supplied. However, if the program is stored in another server 6 and is supplied online, the program is stored between the user device 3 and the electronic currency server 5. Needless to say, this usage example can be summarized by making a slight change to the communication start procedure.

[Other Embodiments] Even if the balance of the electronic currency described above is reduced by use, the balance data is not displayed, so that the transferability to a third party is somewhat impaired. By displaying the balance on a bistable ferroelectric liquid crystal capable of maintaining display contents without consuming power for display, transfer to another person is facilitated.

The electronic currency 1 is provided with an EEPROM for storing ID data and parity data, and the electronic currency 1 is stored in the EEPROM.
If the remaining balance data at the time of removal from the electronic currency 1 is stored and the electronic currency 1 is placed or inserted into the electronic currency reading device 2 again, the remaining balance is displayed on the user device 3, so that the electronic currency can be reused. You can check the usable amount before. If the balance displayed on the bistable ferroelectric liquid crystal or the balance data stored in the EEPROM differs from the balance data stored in the electronic currency server, the balance data stored in the electronic currency server is different. Has priority.

The transmission and reception of data between the electronic currency and the electronic currency reader are performed by using a magnetic coupling type in which transmission and reception are performed by electromagnetic induction using a coil in addition to using radio waves as shown in the embodiment, and electrostatic using an opposite electrode. A capacitive coupling type for transmitting and receiving by coupling and a contact type for electrically transmitting and receiving using a connector can be adopted.

A 64-bit ID and 192-bit data may be stored as data unique to the electronic currency.

The electronic currency and the reader have been described so far. Next, a method of selling, distributing and collecting the electronic currency will be described. First, the selling method will be described. As the selling method, there are a fixed amount selling method and an arbitrary amount selling method. The fixed-amount sales method is a sales method that is extremely commonly used, and sells an electronic currency in which an ID is stored in advance and a denomination associated with the ID is stored in an electronic currency server.

According to the arbitrary amount selling method, the face value associated with the ID is stored in the electronic currency server storing the ID of the electronic currency in which the ID is stored in advance at the time of selling the currency, and the arbitrary value is stored in the EEPROM of the electronic currency. The amount is stored.

A fixed-value electronic currency to be sold is shielded by a shield (radio wave reading, capacitive coupling type and contact type;
If it is sealed with a magnetic material in the case of magnetic reading) and opened at the time of use, the unopened material can be distributed at the face value. In that case, the money can be displayed on the shield.

The electronic currency itself is charged, and if there is no electronic currency to be collected at the time of selling the electronic currency, the electronic currency fee is added to the electronic currency face value to sell the electronic currency. Sell e-currency in money.

It is assumed that there are two types of electronic currencies to be used, the first type of electronic currency has only the electronic currency ID described above, and the second type of electronic currency stores a user ID. If the role of a cash card issued by a financial institution is given to transfer the usable amount of the first type of electronic currency from the account of the financial institution, the use limit of the first type of electronic currency can be expanded, A large amount of money can be used for online shopping and the like. In this case, the internal configuration of the second type of electronic currency may be the same as the internal configuration of the first type of electronic currency, but the appearance is different.

The electronic currency of the present invention can be used by lending at amusement facilities and the like in addition to selling. In that case, if the loaned electronic currency has a balance, it can be settled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram of the electronic currency of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the electronic currency of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an electronic currency and an electronic currency reading device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electronic currency 2 electronic currency reading device 3 user device 4 network 5 electronic currency server 6 other server 11 mask ROM 12, 19 transmitting circuit 13, 18 receiving circuit 14 power supply current generating circuit 16 electronic currency bus 15, 17 antenna 20, 21 , 22 route

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06K 19/00 G06K 19/00 H G07F 7/08 U G07F 7/08 LF Term (Reference) 3E044 CA06 DA05 5B035 BB09 BC02 CA11 CA23 CA29 5B049 AA02 BB46 CC39 DD04 EE23 GG02 5B055 BB10 CB09 EE12 EE27 HA02 KK00 KK04 KK05 KK18 5B058 CA17 KA04 KA06 YA06

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An operation control program and an electronic currency ID.
And an electronic currency having a communication circuit for receiving an operation control command from the user device and transmitting the electronic currency ID to the user device. 2. The electronic currency according to claim 1, wherein the ROM is a mask ROM, and the operation control program and the electronic currency ID are stored in the mask ROM. 3. The ROM according to claim 1, wherein the ROM is a mask ROM and an EEPROM.
OM, the operation control program is stored in the mask ROM, and the electronic currency ID is stored in the EEPROM.
The electronic currency of claim 1, wherein is stored. 4. The electronic currency according to claim 2, wherein an amount of money is further stored in said EEPROM. 5. The electronic currency according to claim 1, wherein said communication circuit is of a contactless type. 6. The communication circuit according to claim 1, wherein said communication circuit is of a contact type.
2, 3 and 4 electronic currencies. 7. An electronic currency, a user device and an electronic currency server, wherein an ID of the electronic currency is stored in a ROM of the electronic currency.
Is stored and the electronic currency server stores an ID of the electronic currency and a usable amount corresponding to the ID. When the user device transmits the ID to the electronic currency server, the electronic currency server Is the ID
An electronic currency system for transmitting an available amount of money corresponding to the above to the user device. 8. The electronic currency system according to claim 7, wherein the usable amount is changed using an electronic currency in which a user ID is stored.