JPH02249092A - Ic card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make the processing of a single sale faster by providing an encoder, which writes the added amount in the range of a credit balance in the credit transaction area of an IC card and simultaneously writes the subtracted amount of the credit balance in the credit transaction area of the IC card. CONSTITUTION:A first PIN (a system code common to a system) is sent to an IC card 1, a prepaid area 2a is accessed, the transaction amount is subtracted from the prepaid balance, when the prepaid balance is small or short, one part of the credit balance in a credit transaction area 1 of the IC card 1 is added to the prepaid balance with the use of an encoder 11. To access the credit transaction area of the IC card 1, an individual code (a second PIN) is inputted. Thus when a commodity, etc., are purchased at an automatic vending machine or in a shop, it is unnecessary to input the code at every time, and the processing of a single sale is made faster.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tC card system that uses an IC card to make cashless payments when purchasing products at vending machines or stores.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, as part of cashless transactions, a system is being experimentally used in which payment for purchasing products is made using a TC card. This system allows users to have an offline account on their IC card (of course they also have a deposit account with the same amount at a financial institution), and when they make a transaction for products at a vending machine, store, etc., the balance in the IC card's offline account is Payment is made by deducting the price of goods etc. from the bank. In addition, there are cases where a credit transaction area is set up within the IC card to conduct credit transactions. The credit transaction referred to here refers to the amount of credit given to an individual in advance (for example, 5 yen per month).
This is a transaction in which a person is given a credit amount of up to 30,000 yen (up to 30,000 yen, etc.) and can freely purchase products within that amount of credit.For example, this includes salary deductions within an area such as one's workplace, and credit that can be used in a wide area. For example, the detailed contents are published in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 62-80761.
It is stated in the publication.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, with the conventional configuration, in order to make payments from an offline account stored in an IC card, a PIN code is required every time a transaction is made at a store, etc., just like when withdrawing cash at a bank. had to be entered. Therefore, although there is an advantage of high security when making a large payment, on the other hand, when purchasing a product with a low price (
For example, when purchasing a can of juice for 100 yen), there was the hassle of having to enter a PIN code each time. In particular, vending machines and workplace kiosks are mostly low-priced products, and their use tends to be concentrated during lunch breaks. In such a case, if a product cannot be purchased without entering a PIN code each time, the processing at vending machine corners and shops would be slow and extremely crowded. There was also the problem that if it took a long time to make one sale, the sales themselves would decrease.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention eliminates the need to enter a PIN number especially when purchasing low-value products, and speeds up the processing of each sale, thereby alleviating congestion in vending machine corners and shops. This provides an IC card system that can

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the IC card system of the present invention has a prepaid area that is accessed by a first PIN (personal identification number) and stores a prepaid balance, and a prepaid area that is accessed by a second PIN. an IC card having a credit transaction area for storing a credit balance, and a transaction processing device that writes a transaction amount as a subtraction from the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the IC card when making a transaction for products at a vending machine, a store, etc. The present invention includes an encoder that increases the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the IC card by an amount within the range of the credit balance in the credit transaction area of the IC card by 5 pages, and at the same time writes a decrease in the credit balance in the credit collection area of the IC card. It is something.

Effect of the present invention With the above-described configuration, when making a transaction for products at a vending machine or store, the first PIN (system code common to the system) is sent to the IC card, and the prepaid area is accessed. The transaction amount will be reduced from the prepaid balance in the ID area,
Write.

In addition, if the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the IC card becomes low or insufficient, use the encoder to input
A part of the credit balance in the credit transaction area of the C card can be added to the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the IC card. Of course, in this case, it is necessary to enter the personal identification code (ie, the second PIN) in order to access the credit transaction area of the IC card. By doing so, when making a transaction for products at a vending machine or a store, there is no need to input a personal identification code (only 6 pages are required), so that one sale can be processed more quickly.

Example Below, regarding an IC card system according to an example of the present invention,
This will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an IC card system in one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an IC card, and an internal memory 2 (memory, not shown in FIG. 1) is provided with two areas: a prepaid area 2a and a credit transaction area 2b. Reference numeral 3 denotes a transaction processing device for paying with a card when purchasing a product, such as a vending machine or a store register. Transaction processing device 3 is IC card 1
A reading means 4 for reading information from the IC card 1, a writing means 5 for writing information into the IC card 1, a system code generation means 6 for generating the system code of this system, an amount setting means 7 for setting the amount of purchased products, etc. It consists of a sales permission means 8 for giving permission, a subtraction means 9 for subtracting the purchase amount from the prepaid balance, and a sales means 10 for selling seven pages of products only when sales are permitted by the sales permission means 8. 11 is IC card 1
This is an encoder for moving a part of the credit balance of the credit transaction area 2b to the prepaid area 2a.

Encoder 11 is reading means 12 for reading information from IC card 1) writing means 13 for writing information into IC card 1.
, a system code generation means 14 for generating a system code of this system, a password input means 15 for inputting a personal password, and a calendar means 1 for generating the current date and time.
6. Credit balance updating means 17, which determines whether or not to update the credit balance by comparing the credit balance update date, previous transaction date, etc. in the calendar means 16 and the credit transaction area 2b, and updates the credit balance at the time of update; and the prepaid area. A transfer amount setting means 18 sets the transfer amount to 2a, a transfer permission means 19 compares the offline account balance of the offline account area 2b with the set transfer amount and gives permission for transfer, and prepaid according to the judgment of the transfer permission means 19. It consists of an addition/subtraction means 20 that adds the amount in the area 2a and subtracts the amount in the offline account area 2b.

FIG. 2(a) is a diagram of the internal structure of an IC card in one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2(a), 1 is an IC card and 2 is a memory. The memory 2 is provided with two areas: a prepaid area 2a and a credit transaction area 2b. Furthermore, each prepaid area 2a has an area for storing the first PIN, prepaid balance, transaction details, and the like. In addition, the credit transaction area 2b has a second PIN,
Reference numeral 621, each provided with an area for storing credit information, credit balance, transaction details, etc., is a contact point for electrically connecting the IC card 1 with the outside.

22 is an interface for exchanging electrical signals between the IC card 1 and the outside. 23 is to prevent direct access to the memory 2 from outside the IC card 1,
This is a CPU for performing other processing. 24 is CPU
This is a ROM that stores programs and unchanging data for operating the 23. 25 is a RAM in which the CPU 23 temporarily stores variable data and the like during program execution.

FIG. 2(b) on page 9 is a configuration diagram showing the contents of the credit transaction area 2b of the memory 2 of the IC card 1. In FIG. 2(b), the credit information in the credit transaction area 2b includes ID information in which personal codes, credit numbers, etc. are stored;
The credit limit that can be given to the person per month, and the credit balance update date (for example, the 25th) on which the credit balance is updated each month.
is memorized. Further, the credit balance in the credit transaction area 2b stores the credit balance that can be used in that month and the date of the previous transaction.

Regarding the IC card system configured as above,
The operation will be explained below using FIG. 1, FIG. 2(a), and FIG. 2(b).

First, we will explain the operation when purchasing a product from a vending machine or a store. First of all, product T? IC card 1 when purchasing
is inserted into the reader/writer (not shown) of the transaction processing device 8. Then, a system code is generated from the system code generating means 6, and the system code is written to the IC via the writing means 5.
Sent to card 1. Next, CPU 2 inside IC card 1
2, the system code sent for 10 pages is compared and verified with the first PIN of the prepaid area 2a, and subsequent transactions are permitted only if they match. However, if there is a mismatch, it is determined that the IC card 1 cannot be used in this system and the card is returned. Next, the reading means 4 reads the prepaid balance in the prepaid area 2a of the IC card 1. This prepaid balance is compared with the amount set by the amount setting means 7, and if (prepaid balance) ≧ (amount set by the amount setting means 7), the sales permission means 8 permits the sale. 1
At the same time as selling the product at 0, the subtraction means 9 calculates the subtraction of (prepaid balance) = (prepaid balance) (the amount set by the amount setting means 7), and the prepaid balance after the calculation is written through the writing means 5. is sent to the IC card 1 and the prepaid balance in the prepaid area 2a is rewritten. In addition, (prepaid balance) < (amount set by amount setting means 7) If page 11, sales are not permitted by sales permission means 8 (insufficient balance)
No sales will be made.

Next, we will explain what happens when the prepaid balance decreases or becomes insufficient. First, the IC card 1 is inserted into a reader/writer (not shown) of the encoder 11. Then, a system code is generated by the system code generating means 14 and sent to the IC card 1 via the writing means 13. Next, the system code sent by the CPU 23 inside the IC card 1 is compared with the first PIN of the prepaid area 2a, and only if they match, subsequent transactions are permitted. However, if there is a mismatch, it is determined that the IC card 1 cannot be used in this system and the card is returned. Next, the user inputs his or her personal identification code using the identification code input means 15. Enter this human-generated PIN code into IC card 1.
The CPU 23 inside the IC card 1 compares and verifies the sent PIN code with the second PIN in the credit transaction area 2b and permits subsequent transactions only if they match.

However, if they do not match, it will be determined that the PIN code is incorrect and the card will be returned. Next, the prepaid balance in the prepaid area 2a and the credit information and credit balance in the credit transaction area 2b are read through the reading means 12. Next, based on the current date and time generated by the calendar means 16, the credit balance update date in the IC card 1, and the previous transaction date, the last credit balance update date based on today (for example, if the credit balance update date is the 25th of each month)
If today is October 1st, then September 25th, etc.) and the previous transaction date are compared, and if the previous transaction date is older, the credit balance update means 17 sets the credit balance to the credit limit. Update. On the other hand, if the previous trading date is newer, it is not updated.

Next, the user compares the transfer amount set by the transfer amount setting means 18 with the credit balance, and if (credit balance)≧(transfer amount), the transfer is permitted by the transfer permission means 19, and (credit balance) = (Credit account balance) = (transfer amount) (prepaid balance) = (prepaid balance) + (transfer amount) is calculated by the addition/subtraction means 20, and the calculated credit balance and Prepaid balance I
The credit balance in the credit transaction area 2b and the prepaid balance in the prepaid area 2a are rewritten respectively to the C card 1. By updating the prepaid balance in this manner, it becomes possible to purchase products using the transaction processing device 3 again.

Next, an example in which this embodiment is applied to an actual system will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram when the embodiment is applied. In FIG. 8, 1 is an IC card and 11 is an encoder. 30 is a vending machine, and 31 is a register installed in a shop or the like. Although only one of each unit is installed in this figure, it goes without saying that in reality, a large number of units may be installed. Reference numeral 32 denotes a totaling machine that totals the sales of the vending machine 30 and the register 81, and is connected to the vending machine 30 and the register 31 through a communication line 33. 34 is a host computer for financial transactions installed in a financial institution or the like. The host computer 34, aggregation machine 32, and encoder 11 are each connected by a public 14-page public line, a private line, or the like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the vending machine 30 in the system of FIG. 3. In Figure 4, 1 is an IC card, 2a
is a prepaid area within the IC card 1. 40 is a main control section that controls the entire vending machine 80. The main control unit 40 is a storage unit 41 that stores information via a pass line or the like.
, a coin identification unit 42 that identifies the type and number of inserted coins, etc.) a banknote identification unit 43 that identifies the type and number of inserted banknotes, a reader/writer 44 that exchanges data with the IC card 1, and a reader/writer 44 that exchanges data with the IC card 1; a display section 45 for displaying;
A product selection section 46 selects a desired product from a large number of products using a push button switch, a product unloading section 47 transports the selected product to a takeout port (not shown), and a totalizing machine 32 at regular intervals. Communication control unit 4 for communicating and sending, for example, sales data stored in the storage unit
It is connected to 8 etc.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of register 31 in the system of FIG. In FIG. 5, 1 is an I15 page C card, and 2a is a prepaid area within the IC card 1. 50 is a main control section that controls the entire register 81. The main control unit 50 includes a storage unit 51 that stores information via a pass line etc., a reader/writer 52 that exchanges data with the IC card 1) a display unit 58 that displays the amount, etc., and a keypad for the store clerk to enter the purchase amount, etc. A communication control unit 55 communicates with the aggregation machine 82 at regular intervals and sends sales data stored in the storage unit, for example.
etc. are connected.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of encoder 11 in the system of FIG. 8. In Figure 6, 1 is an IC card, 2
a is a prepaid area within the IC card 1, and 2b is a credit transaction area within the IC card 1. 60 is encoder 1
This is the main control unit that controls the entire system. The main control unit 60 includes a storage unit 61 that stores information via a pass line, etc., a reader/writer 62 that exchanges data with the IC card 1) a display unit 63 that displays the amount and operation guidance, and a PIN code and transfer amount. It is connected to an operating section 64 for input by a user, and a communication control section 65 for communicating with the host computer 34 at regular intervals to send, for example, off-line account debit data stored in a storage section.

Regarding the IC card system configured as above,
The operation will be explained below using FIGS. 3 to 9.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the vending machine 30. In FIG. 7, the IC card 1 is first inserted (STEPI). Next, send the system code to the IC card 1 via the reader/writer 44 (5TEP2)
. Next, inside the IC card 1, the prepaid area 2
Compare and match the first PIN of & with the sent system code (STEP 3), and if they match, read the prepaid balance in the prepaid area 2a (STBP 4)
, displays the prepaid balance on the display section 45 (5T
EP5). Next, the user selects a desired product using the product selection section 46 (STBP6). Next, the selected product price and prepaid balance are compared on page 17 (STEP 7), and if (product price)≦(prepaid balance), the product is carried out using the product carrying out section 47 (
STEP 8). Next, prepaid area 2 of IC card 1
Rewrite a's prepaid balance (5TEP9).

Next, the transaction details are written in the transaction details in the prepaid area 2a of the IC card 1 (STEPIO). Similarly, the transaction details are also stored in the storage unit 41 (STEP II). Next, the reader/writer 44 asks you to return the IC card 1.5TEP12
), the process ends. [ST] In EP3, the first PI in the prepaid area 2a inside the IC card 1
N and the sent system code are compared and verified, and if they do not match, the card cannot be used in this system, so the card mismatch is displayed on the display section 45. 5TEP
13), return the IC card 1 from the reader/writer 44 (STEPI2). Also, compare the product price selected in 5TEP7 with the prepaid balance, and if (product price)>(prepaid balance) page 18, the prepaid balance is insufficient, so display the insufficient balance on the display section 45.5TEP14) The IC card 1 is returned from the reader/writer 44 (STEPI2).

In addition, for sales using coins and banknotes, the coin recognition unit 42 and banknote recognition unit 43 are simply used instead of the reader/writer 44, so a description thereof will be omitted. It should be noted that the communication control section 48 sends out the transaction data stored in the storage section 41 when instructed by the aggregation machine 82.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of register 81. In Fig. 8, first insert the IC card 1 (
5TEP20). Next, the I
Send the system code to C card 1 (STEP 21)
). Next, inside the IC card 1, the first PIN of the prepaid area 2a and the sent system code are compared and verified (STEP 22), and if they match, the clerk will check the price of the purchased item using the key part 54. Input 5TEP
23), if finished, proceed to the next 5 TEP, and if not finished, repeat 5 TEP 23 (STEP 219 page 4). Next, the total amount is displayed on the display section 53 (ST
EP25). Next, prepaid area 2a of IC card 1
Read the prepaid balance (STBP26) and compare the total price of the product to be purchased with the prepaid balance.5TE
P27) If (total product price)≦(prepaid balance), sell the product. Next, rewrite the prepaid balance in prepaid area 2a of IC card 1 (5TEP28
). Next, the transaction details are written in the transaction details in the prepaid area 2a of the IC card 1 (STEP 29). Similarly, transaction details are also stored in the storage unit 51 (5TEP30)
. Next, the reader/writer 52 asks you to return the IC card 1.
5TEP31), the process ends. In addition, in 5TEP22, the prepaid area 2a inside the IC card 1
The first PIN of the card is compared with the sent system code, and if they do not match, the card cannot be used in this system, so the card mismatch is displayed on the display section 58. Return card 1 (STEP 31). Also, in 5TEP27, compare the total product price and the prepaid balance, and if (total product price) > (prepaid balance), the prepaid balance is insufficient, so the insufficient balance should be displayed on the display section 53.5TEP33) , the reader/writer 52 returns the IC card 1 (STBP31). It should be noted that the communication control section 55 sends out the transaction data stored in the storage section 51 when receiving a command from the aggregation machine 32.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the encoder 11. In FIG. 9, first, the IC card 1 is inserted (STEP 40). Next, the IC is connected via the reader/writer 62.
Send the system code to card 1 (STEP 41)
. Next, inside the IC card 1, the prepaid area 2
The first PIN of a and the sent system code are compared (STEP 42), and if they match, the display unit 6
Display instructions for entering the PIN code in step 3 (STEP 48)
. Next, the user inputs his/her own personal identification code from the operation unit 64 (5TEP44), and sends the manually entered secret 21 page identification code to the IC card 1 via the reader/writer 62. Next, the second PIN of the credit transaction area 2a and the sent PIN code are compared and verified inside the IC card 1 (STEP 45), and if they match, the credit balance etc. of the credit transaction area 2b of the IC card 1 is checked. Read the data (STEP 46) and use the current date and time, the credit balance update date in IC card 1, and the previous transaction date to determine the last credit balance update date based on today (for example, if the credit balance update date is the 25th of every month and today is In the case of October 1st, compare September 25th, etc.) with the previous transaction date to determine whether it is necessary to update the credit balance (5TEP47), and if updating is necessary, update the credit balance to the credit limit. Do (STE Pd2)
. On the other hand, if updating is unnecessary, do not update (STEP 4)
8). The credit balance is displayed on the display section 63 (STEP 49). Next, the user enters the credit transaction area 2b.
5TEP50) Enter the transfer amount you wish to transfer to the prepaid area 2a from the operation unit 64 (5TEP50), display the offline balance and prepaid remaining 22 page amount after transferring the amount on the display unit 68 (5TEP51), and confirm the user. Wait (STEP 52). If there is any abnormality or problem, try again from 5TIEP46.

Next, the prepaid balance in the prepaid area 2a of the IC card 1 and the credit balance in the credit transaction area 2a are rewritten (
STEP 53). Next, the details of the transaction are written in the transaction details in the prepaid area 2a and the credit collection area 2a of the IC card 1. Similarly, the transaction details are also stored in the storage section 61 (STEP 54). Next, the reader/writer 62
Please return the C card 1 (5TEP55) and end the process.

Furthermore, at 5TEP42, the first PIN in the pre-held area 2a and the transmitted system code are compared and matched inside the IC card 1, and if they do not match, the card cannot be used in this system, so a card mismatch is displayed on the display. 63, the IC card 1 is returned from the reader/writer 62 (STBP55).

In addition, at 5TEP45, the second PIN of the credit transaction area is compared and verified within the IC card 1 with the sent PIN code on page 23, and if there is a discrepancy, there is an error in the PIN code entered by this user. The PIN code mismatch is displayed on the display unit 63 (5TEP57), and the IC card 1 is returned from the reader/writer 62 (STEP55).

Note that the communication control unit 65 sends the transaction data stored in the storage unit 61 to the host computer 84 at regular intervals (for example, every day).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the IC has the prepaid area 2a that is accessed by the first PIN and stores the prepaid balance, and the credit transaction area 2b that is accessed by the second PIrQ and stores the credit balance. A card 1, a transaction processing device 3 that writes a transaction amount as a subtraction from the prepaid balance in a prepaid area 2a of the IC card 1 when making a transaction for products at a vending machine, a store, etc., and a prepaid area 2b of the IC card 1. By providing an encoder 11 that increases the prepaid balance of the IC card 1 by an amount within the credit balance range of the credit transaction area 2b of the IC card 1 and simultaneously writes a decrease of the credit balance of the credit transaction area 2b of the IC card 2. When transactions are made for products at vending machines, stores, etc., payments are processed using a common system code between system component devices, eliminating the need to enter a troublesome PIN code, making it possible to process a single sale. It can be done quickly. In other words, even in a shop where usage time is concentrated, congestion due to processing delays can be alleviated, and this can greatly contribute to the sales of the shop. Furthermore, since there is less need to prepare change and the amount of cash handled, it is possible to reduce costs by shortening the time required for aggregation work, and it is also highly secure. A similar effect can also be expected in vending machines. In addition, by installing one encoder 11 in each vending machine corner, even if the prepaid balance runs out, as long as there is a credit balance, the prepaid amount can be freely withdrawn and easily added to the prepaid amount regardless of the financial institution's business hours. . Of course, the credit balance can also be used as regular credit, making it extremely convenient for users.

Page 25 Also, by connecting the vending machine 80, the register 31, and the tally machine 32 with the communication line 38, the amount used with the IC card 1 can be settled smoothly, and at the same time, the efficiency of office processing can be improved. You can get the desired effect.

Effects of the Invention As described above, the present invention provides a prepaid area that is accessed by a first PIN and stores a prepaid balance;
An IC card having a credit transaction area that can be accessed by a second PIN and stores a credit balance, and when making a transaction for products at a vending machine, store, etc., the transaction amount is calculated from the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the IC card. A transaction processing device for writing a reduction amount, and the above-mentioned IC.
The above IC will be added to the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the card.
By providing an encoder that writes an increase in the amount within the credit balance range of the credit transaction area of the card and at the same time writes a decrease of the credit balance in the credit transaction area of the IC card, transactions such as products at vending machines, stores, etc. Since payment processing is performed using a common system code among the system component devices on page 26, there is no need to input a troublesome password code, so that one sale can be processed more quickly. In other words, even in a shop where usage time is concentrated, congestion due to processing delays can be alleviated, and this can greatly contribute to the sales of the shop.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an IC card system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2(a) is an internal structure diagram of an IC card according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. A configuration diagram showing the contents of the credit transaction area of memory,
Figure 3 is a system configuration diagram when the embodiment is applied;
The figure is a block diagram of the vending machine in the system of Figure 8, Figure 5 is a block diagram of the register in the system of Figure 3, Figure 6 is a block diagram of the encoder in the system of Figure 3, and Figure 7 is the automatic vending machine. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the vending machine, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the register, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the encoder. 27Baget...IC card, 2a...Prepaid area, 2b...Offline account area, 3.
...Transaction processing device, 11...Encoder.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) An IC card that has a prepaid area that is accessed by a first PIN and stores the prepaid balance, and a credit transaction area that is accessed by the second PIN and stores the credit balance, and is used in vending machines, stores, etc. A transaction processing device that reduces the transaction amount from the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the IC card when making a transaction for products, and converts the prepaid balance in the prepaid area of the IC card into a credit balance range of the credit transaction area of the IC card. An IC card system comprising: an encoder that writes an increase in the amount in the IC card and at the same time writes a decrease in the credit balance in the credit transaction area of the IC card. (2) In claim 1, the first PI
An IC characterized in that N is a system code common to all the constituent devices of the IC card system, and the second PIN is a personal identification code set by an individual user.
card system.