JPH031289A - Medium and using method for medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need of inputting discrimination data each time in the case of executing an account settlement processing, and also, to prevent an illegal use at the time of loss by nullifying the discrimination data stored in a discrimination data storage special means when the validity time elapses. CONSTITUTION:When discrimination data is inputted by an input means 24, the discrimination data is stored in a discrimination data storage means 36, and when the discrimination data is stored in the discrimination data storage means 36, time counting by a time counting means 31 is started. A nullification processing means 32 compares a time counting result by the time counting means 31 and a validity time stored in a validity time storage means 37 in advanc As a result of the comparison, in the case a result of time counting exceeds the validity time, the nullification processing means 32 erases the discrimination data stored in the dis crimination data storage means 36. In such a way, within a prescribed time after the discrimination data is inputted, it is unnecessary to input the discrimination data whenever a transaction is executed, and also, an illegal use at the time of loss can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a medium such as an IC card used for payment settlement, etc., and a method of using the medium.

(Prior Art) There are cases where the payment for shopping etc. is made using a medium such as a credit card instead of cash. As one of these media, what is generally called a magnetic stripe card is widely used. Various types of information are magnetically recorded on this magnetic stripe card, and various payments are made by reading this information using a card reader/writer equipped with a magnetic head.

Now, in recent years, as a medium to replace magnetic stripe cards,
IC cards have been put into practical use. This IC card has an advantage over a magnetic stripe card in that it can store a large amount of information. For this reason, a single IC card can function as both a credit card and a cash card, or may even be used as an identification card by storing personal information such as an address or telephone number.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a conventional IC card.

The IC card 1 shown in the figure is an EEPROM (Elec
tri-cally Erasable Progra
mmable ROM) 2 and this EEPROM2
The input/output interface 3 is connected to the input/output interface 3.

The EEPROM 2 stores various information necessary for transactions, and is provided with a usage limit storage means 5 and an identified data storage means 6. The usage limit storage means 5 stores the upper limit value (usage limit) of the amount that can be settled using this IC card 1. The identification data storage means 6 stores identification data (password number) used to confirm whether the user of this IC card l has the right to use it. Here, the data to be identified refers to data that is registered in advance with the card issuing company for the purpose of confirming whether or not the user of the IC card l has the right to use it.

The input/output interface 3 is composed of electrodes and the like that are used when the EEPROM 2 is accessed by a card transaction terminal device, which will be described later.

When the IC card 1 having the above configuration is issued to a user, the usage limit is confirmed in the usage limit storage means 5 of the EEPROM 2 and the right to use the IC card 1 is confirmed in the identified data storage means 6 in advance. Identification target data used for this purpose is stored.

A method of using the IC card 1 having the above configuration will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a conventional general card transaction terminal device.

In the figure, the card transaction terminal device 11 includes a keyboard 1
2, display 13, printer 14, and card reader/writer 1
5 and a bin pad 16.

The keyboard 12 is arranged on the front upper surface of the device and is composed of a plurality of numerical keys and the like. The display 13 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays operation guidance for the device, input data, and the like. The printer 14 includes a thermal printer or the like that prints transaction slips. The card reader/writer 15 is a device that reads and writes information on an IC card. The pin pad 16 is
This is an operation unit equipped with a keyboard used by the user of the IC card 1 to input identification data (password number) and the like. This pin pad 16 is connected to the card transaction terminal device 11 by a cable 16a.

When using the card transaction terminal device 11 having the above configuration, the IC card 1 is attached to the card reader/writer 15.

As a result, the electrode provided on the card reader/writer 15 comes into contact with the electrode 3a of the input/output interface 3 provided on the surface of the IC card 1. The card terminal device 11 connects the EEPROM 2 of the IC card 1 via this electrode 3a.
access.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart when using a conventional IC card.

First of all, when making a payment using the IC card 1, the operator of the card transaction terminal device 11 inserts the IC card 1 into the card reader/writer 15 of the card transaction terminal device 11.
(Step sB) The card reader/writer 15 reads the identification data (PIN number) from the identification data storage means 6 of the EEPROM 2 provided in the IC card 1 (Step S2). When this reading is completed, , the user of the IC card 1 inputs identification data (PIN number) using the pin pad 16 (step S3), and the card transaction terminal device 11 compares the data to be identified with the identification data (step S4). ).If a match is determined as a result of step S4, the card transaction terminal device 11 performs a predetermined settlement process (step S5), ejects the card (step S6), and ends the transaction process. Furthermore, even if it is determined in step S4 that there is no match, step S6 is immediately executed.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) As explained above, the conventional medium (IC card)
The user must input identification data (PIN number) each time the user pays the bill. This has become a very troublesome task for the user of the IC card 1 when frequently paying bills and the like. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the input of the identification data may be seen by another person, which poses a problem in terms of maintaining the confidentiality of the identification data. Furthermore, it took time to compare the identification data with the data to be identified, and it was not possible to quickly determine whether to permit or deny the use of the medium.

The present invention has been made with attention to the above points, and does not force the user to perform troublesome work, and furthermore, there is no need to worry about the identification data being seen by others and the consequences of not being able to complete the payment process. The purpose of this invention is to provide a medium and a method for using the medium that can quickly release the information.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The medium of the present invention includes an input means for inputting identification data for identifying that a user of the medium has the right to use the medium, and a means for temporarily storing the identification data. an identification data storage means, a valid time storage means for storing the validity time of the identification data stored in the identification data storage means, and a timer for measuring the time elapsed since the identification data was stored in the identification data storage means. and an invalidation processing means for invalidating the identification data stored in the identification data storage means when the time measured by the clocking means exceeds the valid time.

Further, the method of using the medium of the present invention is as described below.

After storing identification data on the medium in advance, the medium user
Just attach it to the card reader/writer of the transaction terminal.

The transaction terminal reads the identification data stored in the medium, and if the identification data is valid, performs a verification process to confirm the authenticity of the identification data, and if the identification data is invalid. shall refuse the use of said media.

(Operation) According to the present invention, identification data is inputted using an input means. This identification data is stored in the identification data storage means. When the identification data is stored in the identification data storage means, the clocking means starts measuring time.

The invalidation processing means compares the time measurement result by the time measurement means and the valid time stored in advance in the valid time storage means. As a result of this comparison, if the time measurement result has passed the valid time, the invalidation processing means erases the identification data stored in the identification data storage means.

Thereby, it is not necessary to input identification data every time a transaction is made within a certain period of time after the identification data is input.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an IC card according to the present invention.

The IC card 20 shown in the figure is an EEPROM (Electrically Erroneous Memory) connected to a processor 21.
programmable ROM) 2
2, a RAM 23, an input means 24, a battery 25, and an input/output interface 26.

The processor 21 controls and manages each part of the IC card 20, and is provided with a clock means 31 and an invalidation processing means 32. The EEPROM 22 stores various information necessary for transactions, and is provided with a usage limit storage means 33 and an identified data storage means 34. The usage limit storage means 33 stores the upper limit of the amount of money that can be settled using this IC card 20 (usage limit). This IC card 2 is stored in the identified data storage means 34.
Identification data (password number) used to confirm whether user 0 has the usage right is stored. Here, the data to be identified refers to data that is used for the purpose of confirming whether or not the user of the IC card has the right to use the IC card.
RAM2 indicates data to be registered in advance with the card issuing company.
3 is each number 11 arbitrarily set by the user of the IC card 20.
It stores information, and is provided with a scheduled usage amount storage means 35, an identification data storage means 36, and an effective time storage means 37. The expected usage amount storage means 35 is used by the user of the IC card 20 to set the amount that can be settled using this IC card 20, and can arbitrarily set an amount within the usage limit stored in the usage limit storage means 33. Can be set.

The identification data storage means 36 stores identification data (PIN code) input by the user of the IC card 20 using the input means 24.
It is something that is memorized at - times. The valid time storage means 37 is
It stores the time period during which the identification data stored in the identification data storage means 36 remains valid (valid time). The input means 24 is composed of a keyboard or the like for inputting numerical information and the like.

The battery 25 backs up the RAM 23 and supplies power for operating the processor 21 . The input/output interface 26 is connected to the card transaction terminal device 11 (FIG. 3).
etc. are composed of electrodes and the like used when accessing the EEFROM 22, RAM 23, etc.

When the IC card 20 having the above configuration is issued to a user,
The usage limit storage means 33 of the EEFROM 22 stores in advance the usage limit, and the identification data storage means 34 stores identification data used to confirm the right to use the IC card 20.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the IC card 20 according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the input means 24 and electrodes 26a are provided on the surface of the IC card 20.

The input means 24 is provided with numeric keys from 0 to 9, an F key for starting input of valid time and expected usage amount, which are optional functions described later, and a SET key for executing storage in the RAM 23. ing. The electrode 26a constitutes a part of the input/output interface 26.

Transactions are performed using the IC card 20 configured as described above using the card transaction terminal device 11 shown in FIG.

Here, using FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, an IC according to the present invention will be described.
A method of using the card 20 will be explained.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the usage pattern of the IC card according to the present invention.

First of all, the user of the IC card 20 must initialize the IC card 20 before going out for shopping or the like. This initial setting processing consists of mandatory identification data input, and optional processing such as valid time input and expected usage amount input. When the IC card 20 is unavailable (input waiting state) (step 5ll)
, F key is pressed (step 5L2), input of effective time manually or scheduled amount of money for optional processing can be selected using numeric keys "O" and "1" (step 513). In step S13, when the numeric key "0" is pressed, valid time input (step 514) is executed, and when the numeric key "l" is pressed, the expected usage amount is input (
Step 515) is executed.

When valid time input is selected, the value set in the valid time storage means 37 of the RAM 23 can be changed using the input means 24. The user estimates the usage time of the IC card 20 and inputs an appropriate valid time (step 5).
14). In step S13, if the input of the scheduled usage amount is selected, the value set in the scheduled usage amount storage unit 35 of the RAM 23 can be changed using the input means 24. The user can also predict the amount to be settled within the valid time and input that amount (step 515), or start by inputting the identification data without pressing the F key.

In this case, the validity period and scheduled usage amount will not be changed, and the previous values will be used.

If the result of step S12 is NO, the identification data is input from the input means 24 and stored in the identification data storage means 36 of the RAM 23 (step 516). Note that step S14. In S15 and S16, when the SET key is pressed, storage in each means is executed.

Now, when the above processing is completed, the clock means 31 of the processor 21 starts counting time and monitors whether or not the F key has been pressed (step 517).

If the result of step S17 is NO, the invalidation processing means 32
The time measurement result by the time measurement means 31 is stored in the effective time storage means 3.
It is determined whether the valid time stored in step 7 has elapsed (step 518). If the result is YES, the invalidation processing means 32 performs invalidation processing to erase the identification data stored in the identification data storage means 36 (step 51).
9), return to before initial setting (step 5ll). Note that if the result of step S18 is NO, step S17
Execute the judgment again. Also, in step S17, Y
If ES is determined, step S19 is executed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a payment method using the IC cart 20 according to the present invention.

When settling the payment using the IC card 20, the operator of the card transaction terminal bag M11 (FIG. 3) inserts the IC card 20 into the cart reader/writer 1 of the card transaction terminal device 11.
5 (step S21), the cart reader/writer 15 reads identification data (password) from the identification data storage means 36 of the RAM 23 provided in the IC card 20 (step 522). When this reading is completed, the card transaction terminal device 11 determines whether or not the identification data is valid (step 523). If the result is YES, the card reader/writer 15 reads the E of the IC card 20.
The identified data (password number) is read from the identified data storage means 34 of the EPROM 22 (step 524). When this reading is completed, the card transaction terminal device 11 compares this data to be identified with the previously read identification data (step 525). If a match is determined as a result, the card transaction terminal device 11 11 performs a predetermined payment process (step 526), ejects the IC card 20 (step 527), and ends the transaction process. Note that if a NO determination is made in step S23 and a determination of non-coincidence is made in step S25, the process immediately proceeds to step S.
27 is executed.

(Effects of the Invention) The medium (IC card 20) of the present invention described above stores identification data in the identification data storage means 36, scheduled usage amount in the scheduled usage amount storage unit 35, and valid time in the valid time storage unit 37. Memorize it in advance. As a result, after the identification data is stored in the identification data storage means 36, the effective time storage means 3
Until the valid time stored in 7 has elapsed, settlement processing within the range of the scheduled usage amount stored in the scheduled usage amount storage means 35 is possible. As an effect of the invention, firstly, when performing payment processing, the user does not need to input identification data each time. Second, after the validity period has elapsed, the contents of the identification data storage means 36 are erased so that payment processing using that medium cannot be performed.
It can prevent unauthorized use when lost. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that the medium is lost and used illegally within the validity period, the amount of damage caused can be kept within the amount scheduled for use.

In addition, in the method of using the medium (IC card 20) of the present invention, identification data is stored in the medium in advance, and if this identification data is invalid, it is checked whether the identification data is genuine or not. Immediately refuse its use without doing so. For this reason, regular identification data (data to be identified)
This saves the effort of comparing the information and identification data, and it is possible to promptly provide a result indicating that the medium cannot be used.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an IC card according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a conventional IC card, Fig. 3 is an external perspective view of a conventional general card transaction terminal device, and Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional IC card.
Flowchart when using the card, FIG. 5 is a front view of the IC card according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a flowchart of how the IC card is used according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an I
It is a flowchart of the payment method using a C card. 20...IC card, 21...processor, 22.
... EEPROM, 23 ... RAM, 24 ... Input means, 25 ... Battery, 26 ... Input/output interface, ... Time measurement means, 32 ... Invalidation processing means, ...
-Usage limit storage means, . . . identified data storage means, . . . scheduled usage amount storage means, . . identification data storage means, . . . valid time storage means. Patent Applicant: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Figure 5 Surface of an IC cart according to the invention Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 7

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Input means for inputting identification data identifying that a user of a medium has the right to use this medium; Identification data storage means for temporarily storing said identification data; Valid time storage means for storing the validity time of the identification data stored in the identification data storage means; Time measuring means for measuring the time elapsed since the identification data was stored in the identification data storage means; and the time measuring means. and invalidation processing means for invalidating the identification data stored in the identification data storage means when the valid time has elapsed. 2. After storing the identification data in the medium, read the identification data stored in the medium, and if the identification data is valid, perform a verification process to confirm the authenticity of the identification data, and A method of using a medium, characterized in that, if the identification data is invalid, use of the medium is refused.