JPH09218928A - Ic card reader-writer and operation method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an IC card reader-writer for which an operation, maintenance and the insertion of an IC card are facilitated and to provide the operation method therefor. SOLUTION: A main body part 110 is provided with an IC card insertion port 111 and an operation display part and the main body part 110 is constituted of an upper cover part 116 and a lower side part 117. Then, on a side provided with the IC card insertion port 111, the upper cover part 116 and the lower side part 117 are shifted, a step part 118 is formed and further, a shelf part 119 recessed more than the step part 118 is formed at the part of the IC card insertion port 111. Then, the upper cover part 116 and the lower side part 111 of the main body part 110 are separatable. Further, the surface of the upper cover part 116 is curved upwards in the opposite direction of the insertion port of the IC card so as to increase the thickness of this IC card reader-writer on the opposite side of the insertion port of the IC card and a display part 115 is positioned at a tilted part constituted by being curved.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an IC card reader / writer and an IC card reader / writer for interfacing between an IC card used in an electronic currency system and various conventional devices such as a POS terminal and a bank teller device. Regarding the operation method, in particular, when an IC card containing electronic currency is used to make a payment with another IC card in electronic currency, an interface between a conventional device and the IC card is performed. The present invention relates to an IC card reader / writer suitable for use in the above and an operating method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been proposed an electronic currency system for exchanging electronic currency by communication between IC cards containing electronic currency. I used for this system
The C card includes a microprocessor having a communication function inside, and a memory such as an EEPROM for storing a processing program and the balance of electronic currency.
The IC card can be connected to a terminal provided in a bank, a store, a private residence, etc. through a communication line through an electronic currency system, or by using a dedicated terminal, Electronic currency can be taken in and out of other IC cards.

[0003]

The electronic currency system proposed above does not yet define what functions and forms each component of the system should have, and is being developed. There is something.

It is an object of the present invention to use various electronic devices such as a personal computer in the electronic currency system described above when various electronic devices are used to perform electronic currency settlement with other IC cards. Telephone, P
To provide an IC card reader / writer suitable for use for performing an interface between an OS terminal, information / communication equipment, etc. and an IC card and processing data in the IC card, and an operating method thereof. is there.

[0005]

According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by an IC card containing an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading at least digital information and containing electronic currency, and other information equipment such as a bank. In an IC card reader / writer used for interfacing with a teller terminal, POS terminal, personal computer, telephone, etc., the main body is provided with an IC card insertion port, and the main body is covered with an upper lid and a lower side. And the above I
On the side where the C card insertion opening is provided, the upper lid portion and the lower side portion are displaced from each other to form a step portion, and further, a shelf portion recessed from the step portion is formed at the IC card insertion opening portion. It

[0006] Further, the above-mentioned object is to provide a keyboard and a display portion by a ten-key, a function key on the surface of the upper lid part, and to increase the thickness of the IC card reader / writer on the side opposite to the IC card insertion port, I the surface of the upper lid
This is achieved by providing a curved configuration so as to warp in the direction opposite to the insertion port of the C card, and by disposing the display unit so as to be positioned on the curved inclined portion.

Further, the above object can be achieved by providing a keyboard having a numeric keypad and function keys and a display unit on the upper surface of the IC card reader / writer.

Further, the above object is to provide an IC card insertion opening in the main body, the main body is configured to be separable by an upper lid portion and a lower side portion, and the IC card insertion opening is provided on the side where the upper lid portion and the lower portion are provided. A step portion is formed by being displaced from the side portion, and further, the IC
A shelf portion that is recessed from the step portion is formed at the card insertion portion, and a keyboard having a numeric keypad and function keys and a display portion are provided on the surface of the upper lid portion, and the electronic currency stored in an IC card as a function key. This is achieved by providing a key for displaying the balance or a key for confirming whether the IC card containing the electronic currency is in the locked state.

[0009] Further, for the above-mentioned purpose, the user inserts an IC card into the card insertion opening of the IC card reader / writer, and the user instructs the balance display of the electronic currency stored in the IC card. Step and IC
And a step of displaying the balance of the electronic currency stored in the card.

[0010] Further, the above-mentioned purpose is that a user inserts an IC card into a card insertion opening of an IC card reader / writer and a user gives an instruction to display whether or not the IC card is in a locked state. This is achieved by a method of operating an IC card reader / writer, which has steps and a step of displaying whether or not the IC card is in a locked state.

[0011] Further, the purpose is to insert the IC card into the card insertion opening of the IC card reader / writer by the user and the IC card of the other party with which the user exchanges electronic money with the IC card. Is specified, the transaction amount of the electronic currency is input by the user, and the transaction amount is displayed.
This is achieved by the operating method of the C card reader / writer.

[0012] Further, the purpose is to insert the IC card into the card insertion opening of the IC card reader / writer by the user, and to select from among a plurality of types of electronic currency stored in the IC card by the user. This is achieved by the operating method of the IC card reader / writer, which has a step of selecting the type of currency and a step of displaying the type of the selected desired currency.

Further, the purpose is to insert the IC card into the card insertion opening of the IC card reader / writer by the user, to display the history of the IC card by the user, It is achieved by the method of operating the IC card reader / writer having a step of displaying a history.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an IC card reader / writer in an electronic currency system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic currency system to which an IC card reader / writer according to the present invention is applied. First, the configuration of the electronic currency system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, 1 is a bank office system, 2 is a distribution system, 3 is an end user system,
4 is a vending machine system, 5 is a bank computer center, 6 is an electronic currency issuing organization, 7 is a public communication network, 10 is an IC card, 11 is an external IC card reader / writer, 12 is a counter terminal, and 13 is internal communication. Line, 14 automatic teller machine, 15 electronic safe, 16 electronic currency transaction control terminal, 17 relay computer, 21 electronic currency POS terminal, 22 POS terminal, 23 store controller, 24 center device , 25 is an information control system, 26 is a workstation, 31 is an electronic wallet, 32
Is a personal computer, 33 is a PC card type card reader / writer, 34 is an IC card telephone, 41 is a built-in IC card reader / writer, 42 is a vending machine, 51
Is an accounting system host, 52 is an external system, 53
Is the external control terminal.

The electronic currency system shown in FIG. 1 has a public communication network 7, a bank office system 1, a distribution system 2 provided in a large store such as a department store or a supermarket, and a personal computer 3 as an end user system 3.
2. An IC card telephone 34 is connected, and the system is provided with a vending machine system 4 and the like as a system not connected to the communication network 7. In the illustrated example, one representative system is shown for each system. However, many systems can be connected to the public communication network 7 and configured. The bank business system is connected to the bank computer center 5 by a dedicated line or the like, and the bank computer center 5 is connected to an electronic currency issuing organization 6.

The IC card 10 is provided with a microprocessor having a communication function therein and a memory such as an EEPROM for storing a processing program and the balance of electronic currency, and is possessed by an individual who is an end user. Owned by banks, shops, vending machines, etc. that participate in the electronic currency system.

The bank office system 1 is, as is known,
The teller terminal 12 and the automatic teller machine 14 are connected via the internal communication line 13, and the relay computer 1
7 is connected to a bank computer center, but an IC card reader / writer 11 is provided at the counter terminal 12 for electronic currency settlement, and an IC card reader / writer is provided at the automatic teller machine 14. / Writer is built in, and an electronic safe 15 is connected via an electronic currency transaction control terminal 16.

The bank computer center 5 is composed of an accounting system host 51 and an external system 52. The external system 52 is provided with an external control terminal 53, a relay computer 17 and an electronic safe 15. ing.

In the distribution system 2, a POS terminal is usually
It is configured to be connected to the center device 24 via the internal communication line 13 and the store controller 23. For electronic currency settlement, the ordinary POS terminal 22 is provided with an external IC card reader / writer 11; Alternatively, it is configured using the electronic currency POS terminal 21. The center device 24 includes an information control system 25, a workstation 26, and an electronic safe 17.

The end user system 3 is mainly an individual user system, and simply needs an electronic wallet 31 capable of displaying the balance of electronic currency in the IC card.
It is also possible to add a function such as a calculator to the electronic wallet 31. In addition, the personal computer 32 is configured so that it can be connected to the public communication network 7 by providing the personal computer 32 with a PC type card reader / writer 33 for electronic currency settlement. In addition, an IC card telephone 34 having a processing function for the IC card 10 that stores electronic currency in a normal telephone can be used.

The personal computer 32 and the IC card telephone device 34 in the end user system 3 described above.
By providing two sets of card readers / writers for two IC cards therein, the electronic currency can be exchanged between the two IC cards. Thereby, for example, the electronic currency in the master's IC card,
The same processing as in the case of handling ordinary cash, such as transferring to a wife's IC card, can be performed.

The vending machine system 4 is composed of an automatic vending machine 42 provided with a built-in IC card reader / writer 41.

Next, a method of using the electronic currency system to which the present invention configured as described above is applied will be described.

For the banks, shops, vending machines, individuals, etc., who participate in the system, the IC card 1 from the electronic currency issuing organization 6
0 is distributed, and the bank receives the electronic currency in exchange for cash that is normally distributed and stores it in the electronic safe 15 provided in the external connection system 52. This electronic safe 1
Numeral 5 stores a large number of IC cards 10 therein, and each card 10 distributes and stores the electronic currency received from the electronic currency issuing organization. External system 5
The electronic currency stored in the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in 2 is distributed to the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 installed in each bank office.

An individual as an end user who participates in the electronic currency system possesses the IC card 10 that has been distributed, and uses his / her account at the bank by the window terminal 12 of the bank office system 1 and the automatic teller machine 14. The deposit is exchanged for electronic currency, withdrawn, and stored in the IC card 10 of the user. A personal computer 32 having a PC card type reader / writer 33, or
The IC card telephone 34 is connected to the bank office system 1 via the public communication network 7, and in the same manner as described above, the deposit of the bank's own account is exchanged for electronic currency and withdrawn, and the IC card's own It can be stored in the card 10.

At the time of withdrawing the above-mentioned electronic currency, the IC card possessed by the individual has a communication function in its own card, the counter terminal 12, the automatic teller machine 14, the personal computer 32, or the IC card telephone 34. Is connected to the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 via the reader / writer. Then, under the control of the electronic currency transaction control terminal 16, the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1
The electronic currency stored in is stored in the IC card 10 possessed by the individual. At this time, the balance of the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 is reduced by the amount stored in the IC card 10 owned by the individual. The withdrawal of a deposit from an individual's account is performed in the same manner as in the past.

In the above description, the IC card possessed by an individual
Although it was explained that the deposit of the individual's bank account is withdrawn and stored, the cash can be brought to the window of the bank or the window of the electronic currency issuing organization and stored in the IC card there.

Contrary to the above, the electronic currency in the IC card is the IC in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 via the counter terminal 12, the automatic teller machine 14 and the personal computer 32. You can return it to the card and deposit it in your own account at the same time.

As described above, the electronic currency is used as its own IC.
The user stored in the card 10 can use the IC card in a variety of stores and the like to use the IC card in the same manner as cash to buy goods and receive various services.

Now, the user who stores the electronic currency in his / her IC card 10 purchases at a store and pays for payment.
It is assumed that the purchased product is brought into the counter of the OS terminal. As in the case of normal transactions, the handler reads the bargain price of the product to POS
Input is made from the terminal 21 or 22, and the total is calculated and billed to the customer.

When the customer pays with an IC card containing electronic currency instead of cash, the customer pays the IC
Insert the card into the card insertion hole of the electronic currency POS terminal 12,
Alternatively, it is inserted into the IC card reader / writer 11 connected to the normal POS terminal 22. This allows the customer I
The C card and one of the IC cards in the electronic safe 15 installed in the center device 24 of the store are connected via the internal communication line 13 and the workstation 26, and the electronic currency in the customer's IC card is connected. Is transferred to one of the IC cards in the electronic safe 15 installed in the center device 24,
The receipt is output from the POS terminal, and the processing of payment by shopping ends. In this case, the electronic currency in the customer's IC card is reduced by the amount used for shopping, and
It is added to the electronic currency of the C card.

In the above description, in the distribution system provided with a large number of POS terminals and an electronic safe in which a large number of IC cards are stored in the center device 24, the description has been made assuming that the transaction price of merchandise is paid. In the case of a system having only one depositing machine, the depositing machine is provided with an IC card reader / writer for the customer's IC card, and
By providing an IC card owned by the store inside the deposit machine, the IC card owned by the store is
Customer IC connected via C card reader / writer
Electronic payment can be made with the card. As described above, the electronic currency in the IC card possessed by the store can be deposited in a bank account, or can be cashed at a bank counter.

Furthermore, in the distribution system having the above-mentioned POS terminal, each PO is used as a system construction method.
The S terminal is provided with an IC card, and money transfer between the customer's IC card and the customer's IC card is once performed between the IC card in the POS terminal and the customer's IC card.
The data can be transferred from the terminal to the IC card in the electronic safe 15 of the center device 24.

When the vending machine 42 or the like participates in the electronic currency system, the vending machine 42 is provided with a built-in IC card reader / writer 41 and the vending machine itself is equipped with an IC card so that the customer can Money may be exchanged with the IC card inserted in the card reader / writer 41.

Next, an embodiment of the IC card reader / writer of the present invention used in the electronic currency system used as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows an IC according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a card reader / writer. FIG.
1, reference numeral 110 is a main body portion, 111 is an IC card insertion slot, 112 is an operation display portion, 116 is an upper lid portion, 117 is a lower side portion, 118 is a step portion, 119 is a shelf portion, and other reference numerals in FIG. Same as the case.

The IC card reader / writer 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a main body 11 as shown in FIG.
0 is provided with an IC card insertion port 111 and an operation display section 112, and the main body section 110 is composed of an upper lid section 116 and a lower side section 117. Then, on the side where the IC card insertion port 111 is provided, the upper lid part 116 and the lower side part 117 are displaced from each other to form a step portion 118, and further, the IC card insertion port 111 is recessed from the step portion 118. The shelf 119 is formed. Then, the upper lid part 116 and the lower part 11 of the main body part 110.
7 is coupled to the bottom surface of the lower side portion 117 with a screw or the like, and the upper lid portion 116 can be removed from the lower side portion 117.

With the above configuration, when the IC card 10 is inserted into the IC card insertion port 111, the IC
Since the card 10 can be inserted along the shelf 119,
The IC card can be easily and surely inserted by preventing it from being dropped. Further, even when a visually handicapped person attempts to insert an IC card, the shelf 119 can be identified and the IC card can be reliably inserted by merely touching the vicinity of the IC card insertion opening. it can.

Further, the main body 110 is composed of the upper lid portion 116 and the lower side portion 117 and is separable, so that by separating the upper lid portion 116 from the lower side portion 117, the main body portion 110 is stored inside the main body. Since it is possible to expose the functional circuit and the like that are to be exposed, it is possible to easily perform maintenance of the functional circuit and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the counter terminal 12 in the bank business system or to the POS terminal 22 or the like in the distribution system. used. Also, it can be used by connecting to a personal computer or an ordinary telephone.

Then, the illustrated IC card reader / writer 1
1 is a window terminal 12 in a bank office system and a POS terminal 22 in a distribution system by a connection line not shown.
Or an information device such as a personal computer or an ordinary telephone, and the IC card insertion port 111
The IC card 10 for storing the electronic currency described with reference to FIG. The IC card 10 stores data such as electronic currency, history, and personal information.
The C card reader / writer 11 is connected to the connected device and IC.
It interfaces with the card 10.

When connected to the counter terminal 12 of the bank office system, the bank user inserts the IC card 10 in which the electronic currency he has is stored into the IC card insertion port 11
By inserting into 1 and requesting the person handling the window,
Performs processing such as deposit / withdrawal between the deposit account and the electronic currency in the IC card, cash conversion between cash and electronic currency in the IC card, and transfer of the electronic currency in the IC card to another person's account. be able to.

When connected to the POS terminal 22 of the distribution system, the electronic currency owned by the user is stored in the I
It is possible to insert the C card 10 into the IC card insertion port 111 and pay for the purchase with the electronic currency in the IC card 10. In addition, when connected to an ordinary telephone, electronic money can be exchanged with the IC card set in the device of the other party connected by the communication function, and the counterpart device is a bank business system. In some cases, processing similar to the processing at the bank described above can be performed.

Furthermore, when connected to a personal computer, the personal computer can be made to perform processing relating to data such as history and personal information stored in the IC card 10, and for electronic currency. ,
You can read it and query the balance. Also,
When the personal computer itself has a communication function, electronic currency can be exchanged with another personal computer connected via a communication line, an IC card set in a bank terminal, a terminal of a distributor, or the like. .
Furthermore, when two IC card readers / writers 11 are connected to one personal computer and IC cards are inserted into them, electronic currency can be exchanged between these two IC cards. .

FIG. 3 shows an IC according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a card reader / writer. FIG.
2, numeral 113 is a ten-key pad, 114 is a function key, 115 is a display unit, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

The IC card reader / writer 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the IC card reader / writer described with reference to FIG. 2 provided with a ten-key pad 113, function keys 114, and a display section 115.

The second embodiment of the present invention is I
The surface of the upper lid portion 116 is curved so as to warp in the direction opposite to the IC card insertion port so that the thickness of the IC card reader / writer increases on the side opposite to the C card insertion port, and the display unit 115 is formed. It is provided so as to be located at the curved inclined portion, and is otherwise configured in the same manner as in the case of FIG. 2. As a result, the second embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same effect as in the case of FIG. 2 and can make the display of the display section easy to see from the side where the IC card is inserted.

The IC card reader / writer shown in FIG.
Numeric keypad 113, function key 114, display unit 1
Since it is configured with 15, use these,
It is possible to unlock the IC card, display the balance, display the payment amount when connected to the POS terminal, and the like.

That is, the IC card 10 for storing electronic currency can be used as an equivalent to ordinary currency, but the IC card itself is carried by an individual, a store, or the like. If it is lost, it may be used by others. In order to prevent such a situation, the IC card can be locked so that it cannot be used illegally by giving a personal identification number to the IC card or a store or the like. And IC
When the card is used, particularly when used for payment by electronic currency, it is necessary to enter a personal identification number in some way to unlock the electronic currency in the IC card.

The second embodiment of the present invention can be used for such unlocking, and the usage method in this case will be described below.

First, the IC card is inserted into the IC card insertion slot 11
Insert into 1. The internal circuit in the IC card reader / writer checks the state of the IC card, and displays a guide such as "locked" on the display unit 115. Next, the user presses the lock / unlock key in the function key 114. As a result, the display unit 1
In 15, for example, a guide of “Please enter your PIN” is displayed. If the user inputs the personal identification number according to this guide, the internal circuit unlocks the IC card, displays "unlocked", etc., and unlocks.

Next, this IC card reader / writer
An example of connecting to the POS terminal 22 for use will be described. In this case, it is assumed that the IC card is unlocked in advance.

When a customer brings in a product to be purchased at a POS counter in a supermarket or the like, the clerk can
The total billing amount of the purchased products is displayed on the display unit 115 of the IC card reader / writer by reading the bar code of the products from the terminal 22 or the like. The customer inserts his / her IC card into the IC card insertion port 111.
As a result, the internal circuit of the IC card reader / writer and P
An OS terminal is an IC for a store in a POS terminal that draws out electronic currency equivalent to the billing amount from the inserted IC card.
Perform the process of transferring to the card. As a result, the payment for the product sale is completed, and the customer can receive the discharged IC card and the product.

Next, an example in which the remaining amount of electronic currency in the IC card is inquired by using this IC card reader / writer will be described.

The IC card is inserted into the IC card insertion port 111 and the balance key in the function keys 114 is pressed. With this, the internal circuit in the IC card reader / writer reads the balance of the electronic currency in the IC card and displays it on the display unit 115. The balance is displayed only while the balance key is pressed.

While various functions using the ten-key pad 113, the function keys 114, and the display section 115 have been described above, the IC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 3 can also be used in the same manner as that described with reference to FIG. You can

Next, the internal functional structure of the IC card reader / writer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of an IC card reader / writer incorporating an electronic wallet function according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, 1104 is a loading / unloading circuit, 1105 is a connector, 1
106 is an IC card activation control circuit, 1107 is a clock generation circuit, 1108 is a reader / writer circuit, and 1109.
Is a reader / writer control circuit, 1110 is a ROM, 111
1 is a data waveform shaping & extraction circuit, 1112 is an I / O port, 1113 is a main program ROM, 1114 is R
AM 1115 is a CPU, 1116 is an IC card check data storage unit, 1117 is an interface circuit conforming to the RS232C standard, and 1118 is a power generation circuit.

As described with reference to FIG. 1, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 is used by being externally connected to various information devices by a metal line or the like. Therefore, the RS232C type device is used. It is configured with an interface circuit. The IC card reader / writer 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention has an IC card insertion port 111 for driving the IC card 10 into the IC card reader / writer main body, and an IC card 10 for driving the IC card 10 in the main body 110. Loading / unloading circuit 1104,
Connector 1105 with IC card 10, IC card 10
Data is read from the activation control circuit 1106, the clock generation circuit 1107, and the IC card 10 for activating the IC card 10 by supplying a power supply and a clock signal to the IC card 10.
Further, a reader / writer circuit 1108 for writing and a reader / writer for controlling the operation of the reader / writer 1108
Writer control circuit 1109, ROM 1110 in which a program for the CPU 1115 to control the basic operation of an IC card conforming to the ISO standard is stored, IC card 1
A data waveform shaping & extracting circuit 1111 for performing waveform shaping and data extraction of data read from 0, an I / O port 1112 for data input / output between the reader / writer circuit 1108 and the CPU 1115, and a CPU 1115
ROM 1 in which an electronic wallet processing main program for processing the electronic currency stored in the C card 10 is stored
113, a RAM 1114 used by the CPU 1115 for data processing, a CPU 1115, and an IC card check data storage unit storing ID data for checking whether or not the information stored in the IC card 10 is electronic currency information. 1116, an interface circuit 1117 compliant with the RS232C standard for exchanging data between the main body of the IC card reader / writer and the personal computer, and a power supply for supplying power to each circuit through a connector compliant with the RS232C standard The generating circuit 1118 is provided.

Now, the IC card reader / writer 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to another device, for example, a counter terminal 12 of a bank office, an existing POS terminal 22, etc.
When the card 10 is inserted into the IC card insertion port 111 of the main body 110 of the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention, the loading / unloading circuit 1104.
Function, the IC card 10 is automatically loaded, and the connector 1105 and the contact portion of the IC card 10 come into contact with each other. The CPU 1115 recognizes this and
The control circuit 1106 for activating the C card 10 is instructed to supply power and clock to the IC card 10 to activate it.

After that, the CPU 1115 causes the IC card 1
0 from the IC card 10 to the connector 1105 and the reader / writer 110
Read through 8 etc. These operations are performed by the ROM 111
This is performed in accordance with the ISO standard by a program stored in “0”. The programs stored in the ROM 1110 include, for example, a format exchange for matching a data input / output format with the IC card to the protocol of the IC card, an activation procedure of the IC card, a data read / write procedure with the IC card, and the like. is there.

The CPU 1115 uses the IC card 10 as described above.
Is compared with the contents of the IC card check data storage 1116, and the IC card 10
Check whether the electronic currency information is stored in the. When it is confirmed that the electronic currency information is stored in the IC card 10, the IC card reader / writer 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention can operate the electronic wallet processing main program stored in the ROM 1113.

The operation described above is automatically performed by the IC card reader / writer 11 regardless of the operation of other connected devices.

On the other hand, when the other connected device needs to exchange with the IC card 10, the RS232C interface 111 is added to the IC card reader / writer 11.
A request for access to the IC card 10 is issued through 7.
According to this request, the IC card reader / writer 11
First, it sends the ID data previously read from the IC card 10 to the personal computer 32, and if electronic currency information is stored, sends it to another device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the electronic wallet IC card 10. Here, the electronic wallet IC card 10 will be described. In FIG. 5, 10
3 is a contact portion with the outside, 104 is a CPU, 105 is an EEPROM, and 106 is a ROM.

The IC card 10 for storing electronic currency for an electronic wallet has a contact portion 10 with the outside for exchanging signals, power supplies, clocks, reset signals and the like with the outside.
3 and a CPU 104 that controls the operation of the IC card 10.
And a ROM 106 in which a program for the CPU 104 is stored, and a rewritable memory such as an EEPROM 105 for holding data such as electronic currency.

In the above description, the CPU 104 controls the protocol for inputting / outputting data in accordance with the ISO standard.
Processing such as encryption is performed according to the electronic wallet program stored in the ROM 106. In addition, the amount of money for use as an electronic wallet, history information used, etc.
It is stored in the PROM 105.

The basic electronic wallet operation of the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above is performed by the main body 110 of the IC card reader / writer 11.
It is performed by accessing the electronic currency in the IC card 10 by the main program for the electronic wallet in the ROM 1113 stored in.

The merit of doing so is generally that the device inside the IC card 10 can easily access the program source such as the device connected to the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is possible to enhance the security against unauthorized access and manipulation from the outside by enclosing these functions in the IC card reader / writer which is a dedicated device, rather than mounting the function of accessing the electronic currency information of . Therefore,
A bank teller terminal 12, which is a device connected to an IC card reader / writer according to an embodiment of the present invention, an existing POS
The programs provided in the terminal 22 and the personal computer 32 are limited to only the function of giving the IC card reader / writer 11 auxiliary information such as the transfer destination of money and the transfer amount.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of an RS232C type IC card reader / writer incorporating an electronic wallet function according to another embodiment of the present invention. The RS232C type IC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 4 has the same function as that of FIG. 4, and the reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIG.

The RS232C type IC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 6 has the function of accessing the electronic money information in the IC card described above in a dedicated device to ensure the security against unauthorized access and operation from the outside. This is a further advancement.

That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the IC card 10 is supplied with power and a clock.
A control circuit 1106 for activating the IC card, a clock generation circuit 1107, a reader / writer circuit 1108 for reading and writing data from the IC card 10,
Reader / writer control circuit 1109 for controlling the operation of the reader / writer 1108, an IC compliant with the ISO standard
A ROM 1110 in which a program for the CPU 1115 to control the basic operation of the card is stored, a data waveform shaping & extracting circuit 1111 for performing waveform shaping and data extraction of data read from the IC card 10, a reader / writer circuit. I / O port 1112 for data input / output between 1108 and CPU 1115, CPU 111
R stores the electronic wallet processing main program 5 for processing the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10.
An OM 1113, a RAM 1114 used by the CPU 1115 for data processing, an IC card check data storage unit 1116 storing ID data for checking whether the information stored in the IC card 10 is electronic currency information, 1-chip control LS with electronic wallet function that integrates CPU 1115 in 1 chip
It is configured as I111.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, this makes it possible to further enhance safety. It is obvious that the one-chip LSI described above may include other circuits such as the RS232C standard interface circuit.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, I
In the description of the functional configuration of the C card reader / writer, as described with reference to FIG. 3, when the keyboard such as the numeric keypad 113 and the function keys 114 and the display unit 115 are provided, the keyboard is connected to the CPU 1115, and the CP
A display driver may be connected to U1115, and the display unit 115 may be connected to this display driver.

In the above description of the embodiments of the present invention, the appearance of two types of IC card reader / writers has been described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, but the present invention can take various shapes. . Hereinafter, these will be described.

7 to 9 are perspective views showing the appearance of an IC card reader / writer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The IC card reader / writer shown in FIG.
In contrast to what is described with reference to FIG. 2, another IC card insertion opening 111 ′ is provided on the upper surface of the upper lid portion 6 of the main body 110, and two IC card insertion openings 11 are provided.
Each of 1, 111 ′ may be used alone, or an IC card may be inserted into both and used. In this case, one IC card 10 can be used for a transaction by electronic currency, and the other IC card 10 can be used in place of a household account book or the like by managing history information. Further, when the IC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 7 is used independently, it is possible to transfer the electronic currency between the two IC cards.

In the IC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 7, another IC card insertion port 111 'is provided on the upper surface of the upper lid 6 of the main body 110, but the present invention is
Another IC card insertion port 111 ′ may be provided on either side of the upper lid 116 of the main body 110. Also in this case, it can be used in the same manner as the above-mentioned case.

The IC card reader / writer shown in FIG.
A display unit 115 'composed of a liquid crystal display device is provided on the entire upper surface of the upper lid 116 of the main body 110, and information contents are displayed on the display unit 115', and ten keys and function keys are displayed by soft keys to display the display unit. 115 '
Is used as a touch panel.
With such a configuration, the IC card reader /
The writer can be made easier to use.

The IC card reader / writer shown in FIG.
The ten-key pad 113 and the function key 114 of the IC card reader / writer described with reference to FIG. When the keyboard 113 ′ is detached and used, the keyboard 113 ′ and the main body 110 are connected by infrared rays or radio waves. And
The user holds the keyboard 113 'at hand,
It is possible to input a personal identification number or the like for unlocking the C card 10 without being seen by others.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when various kinds of conventional devices are settled by electronic currency with other IC cards, these devices, for example,
PCs, telephones, POS terminals, information / communication equipment, etc.
It is possible to provide a suitable IC card reader / writer which is used to interface with the C card and to process the data in the IC card.

Further, since the IC card insertion port 111 is formed so as to have a shelf portion, when the IC card is inserted, I
It is possible to insert the C card easily and surely by preventing the C card from dropping. Further, even when a visually handicapped person tries to insert an IC card, the IC card can be surely inserted by identifying the shelf portion by simply touching the vicinity of the IC card insertion opening. .

Further, in the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the main body portion is composed of the upper lid portion and the lower side portion and is separable, the upper lid portion is separated from the lower side portion. As a result, it is possible to easily maintain the functional circuits and the like stored inside the main body. Also, I
The upper surface of the upper lid is curved to increase the thickness of the IC card reader / writer on the side opposite to the C card insertion port, and the display is provided so as to be positioned on the curved inclined portion. Therefore, the display from the side where the IC card is inserted can be easily seen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the operation key arrangement of the IC card reader / writer. The example shown in FIG. 10 is an operation procedure and display when an IC card reader / writer having a display unit and operation keys as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 is connected to a POS terminal to transfer electronic money. It is an example of the display contents on the part.

The operation key shown in FIG. 11 has a ten-key on the left side and a function key on the right side. Among the function keys, “C” is a Clear button, which is a button used when deleting displayed items or canceling input. "E" is
The Enter button is a button that means confirmation or execution. “B” is a Balance button, which is used when confirming the balance. "L" means Rock /
The Unlock button is a button used to confirm the lock state of the IC card and change the state.

First, the customer inserts the IC card 10 through the IC card insertion port 111. B to check the balance
Press the alance button. As a result, the balance is displayed on the display unit 115 or 115 ', for example, as shown in the display example 121. Next, when confirming the locked state of the IC card, the Clear button is once pressed to erase the balance display, and then the Lock / Unlock button is pressed. In the locked state, for example, the display example 123 is displayed, and the input of the personal identification number is requested. Here, when the personal identification number is input with the ten-key pad and the Enter button is pressed, the personal identification number is collated in the IC card reader / writer, and if it coincides, the IC card is unlocked and, for example, the display example 125 is displayed. Will be displayed in the and will be unlocked.

Next, the POS terminal is operated. When the clerk inputs the amount of money to be transferred from the product barcode, etc., P
The amount is displayed on the display of the OS terminal. This amount of money is also displayed on the display unit 115 or 115 'of the IC card reader / writer. When the customer confirms the displayed amount and presses, for example, the Enter button, the electronic currency is transferred from the customer's card, that is, the IC card inserted in the IC card reader / writer, to the card of the POS terminal. After this, the receipt is printed and the IC card reader /
The IC card of the customer is ejected from the writer.

By providing the function keys as described above, it is possible to easily confirm the balance in the IC card and the lock state by a simple operation.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the display screen of the personal computer when the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the personal computer to transfer electronic money. Is.
In FIG. 12, 131 is a display area displayed on the display screen of a personal computer, 132 is a display showing a card of a remittance source when remitting electronic currency, 133 is a display of a card of a remittance destination, and 134 is a current display. Date and time display,
Reference numeral 135 is a display of the operation currently being performed. In the example shown in FIG. 12, it is displayed that the card selecting operation is being performed, and 133 indicating the card of the remittance destination is marked in black, which means that the card of the remittance destination is selected. I understand.

Reference numeral 136 denotes an operation area displayed on the display screen of the personal computer. The operation area 136 is used to select a ten-key 137 used when inputting a numerical value, a remittance source card or a remittance destination card. Card selection button 138, IC used in cases such as
Currency selection button 1 used to select one of multiple currencies when the card stores multiple currencies
39, a transfer button 140 used to transfer the electronic currency to another card or the like, a balance button 141 used to check the balance of the electronic currency stored in the card,
A lock button 142 used to check whether or not the IC card is locked; a past record of electronic currency exchange using the IC card, that is, a history button 143 used to check the history; A telephone / communication button 144 used when communicating with the other party via a public line network or the like, an OK button 145 used when confirming display contents or instructing execution, deleting input items and canceling operations. Cancel button 146 used at the time,
When switching the card selection from the remittance destination card to the remittance source card, the left move button 147 used for cursor movement at the time of entering a numerical value, when switching the card selection from the remittance source card to the remittance card And a right move button 148 used for moving the cursor and the like.

As described above, by providing the display area and the operation area on the display screen of the personal computer, the user can perform operations such as trading of electronic currency by looking at these two areas. Therefore, even a person who is not accustomed to using a personal computer can easily operate the personal computer. In addition, since the operation can be performed using the buttons displayed in the operation area, it is possible to easily operate even a person who cannot use the keyboard. The button displayed in the operation area may be clicked using a mouse, or may be touched on a display screen of a personal computer with a finger or pen using a touch panel.

In the above-mentioned example, the display area and the operation area are displayed on the display screen of the personal computer, but the present invention shows the liquid crystal display on the upper surface of the IC card reader / writer as shown in FIG. It is also possible to display on the upper part of the IC card reader / writer by providing the buttons shown in the operation area on the upper surface of the IC card reader / writer and displaying on the upper surface of the IC card reader / writer. It is also possible to display it on the department. Furthermore, the present invention can be used by connecting the IC card reader / writer to an information device other than a personal computer and having a display unit, and in that case, the display area and the operation area are used as the information device. May be displayed on the display section of.

FIGS. 13 to 17 show the operation procedure when the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to a personal computer and electronic money is remitted, currency (denomination) is switched, or history is confirmed. It is a flowchart shown, and each operation procedure will be described below with reference to FIG. 12.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a case where the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to a personal computer and electronic money is transferred to and from an IC card connected via a public line network. It is a flowchart figure explaining the example of an operation procedure and a display content.

First, an IC card is inserted into the card insertion port 111. This allows the IC card reader / writer to
The card is loaded, the electronic wallet processing main program becomes operable, and the electronic wallet processing application of the personal computer is activated. At this time, the current date and time are displayed in the display area 131 as shown in a display example 151.

Next, when the telephone / communication button 144 is pressed, a display as shown in the display example 152 is made, and the input of the other party's telephone number or the like is instructed. When the telephone number of the destination is input, the input content is displayed in the display area as shown in a display example 153. When the number is confirmed and the OK button 145 is pressed, communication with the other party is started.

Next, the remittance source card and the remittance destination card are specified. Therefore, when the card selection button 138 is pressed,
The color of the portion of the display 132 indicating the remittance source card changes, indicating that the remittance source card is to be selected. Furthermore, when the card selection button 138 is pressed, the display of the remittance source card is displayed as display example 1
It changes sequentially as shown at 56. The example shown in FIG. 13 shows an example in which an IC card reader / writer having two card insertion ports is connected to a personal computer, and therefore, "C" showing the card inserted from the lower card insertion port is shown.
Both "ARD ↓" and "CARD ↑" indicating the card inserted from the upper card insertion slot are shown, but both must be displayed when using an IC card reader / writer with one card insertion slot. Even when using an IC card reader / writer that has two card insertion ports, if the IC card is inserted in only one of the insertion ports, only a display showing the inserted card is displayed. Note that "REMOTE" is a display showing the card of the other party during communication. When the card inserted in the lower card insertion slot is selected as the sender card,
It is displayed as shown in a display example 155.

Next, the destination card is selected. For this reason, when the right button 148 is pressed, the color of the display 133 indicating the destination card changes, indicating that the destination card is selected. In the state of the display example 155, since the destination card is the card inserted in the lower card insertion slot, the display example 156 is displayed when the card selection button 138 is pressed twice.
Accordingly, the destination card is switched to "REMOTE", that is, the card of the communication partner, and is displayed as shown in a display example 157. Here, when the OK button 145 is pressed, the card selection of the transmission source “CARD ↓” and the transmission destination “REMOTE” is completed.

Next, when the remittance amount is input using the ten keys 137 or the like, the input content is displayed as shown in a display example 158. After inputting the remittance amount, pressing the OK button 145 determines the remittance amount. After that, when the displayed content is confirmed and the transfer button 140 is pressed, the transfer of the specific amount of money from the specified remittance source card to the specified remittance destination card is started, and a display is displayed as shown in a display example 159. When the transfer is complete,
It is displayed as shown in the display example 160. When the OK button is pressed, a display as shown in a display example 161 is displayed, and the remittance operation can be continued.

According to the operation procedure described above, since there is a confirmation operation of pressing the OK button every time the card is selected or the transaction amount is input, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an IC card reader / writer having two card insertion ports according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is connected to a personal computer to exchange electronic currency between two cards inserted into the two insertion ports. It is a flow chart explaining an operation procedure and a display content when performing.

First, I is inserted into each of the two card insertion openings.
Insert the C card. After that, the process up to the point where the electronic wallet processing application of the personal computer is activated is the same as in the case of FIG. Further, the operation thereafter is the same as the operation procedure shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 after the completion of the communication connection with the partner. That is, the source and destination cards are selected, the remittance amount is input, and the electronic currency is transferred. At this time, since communication with the other party is not performed, "REMOTE" is not selected as the transmission source or transmission destination card. Therefore, the card selection method is "CARD ↓" shown in 164,
In addition to the method of sequentially displaying three types of "CARD ↑" and "REMOTE", if there is no communication connection with the other party, "CARD ↑"
A method of alternately displaying and selecting "ARD ↓" and "CARD ↑" is also possible.

In the example described above, the IC card reader / writer having two card insertion ports is used.
In the present invention, it is possible to use an IC card reader / writer having three or more card insertion openings, and a plurality of ICs.
The card reader / writer can also be connected to a personal computer. In this case, it is only necessary to select a transmission source card and a transmission destination card from a plurality of cards inserted in the IC card reader / writer, input the transaction amount, and perform the transfer process.

FIG. 16 is an operation procedure for switching the currency to be handled when the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to a personal computer and a plurality of types of currencies are stored in the IC card. 3 is a flowchart illustrating display contents. Since a plurality of types of currencies can be stored in the IC card, it is necessary to switch the currencies to be exchanged when it is desired to exchange currencies different from the currencies which have been handled up to now.

First, the IC card is inserted through the card insertion slot, and the electronic wallet processing application of the personal computer is activated. The processing up to this point is the same as in the case of FIG. 13 or 15. When the currency selection button 139 is pressed, the balance of the currency of the type handled last is displayed as shown in a display example 171. In the display example 171, the currency type is yen and the balance is $ 3600.

Next, when the right move button 148 is pressed, the balance of another type of currency is displayed as shown in the display example 172. In the example shown in display example 172, the currency type is dollars and the balance is 200 dollars. In addition, a right button 148
Press to see the balance of another type of currency.
In the example shown in display example 173, the currency type is pound and the balance is £ 200.

As described above, the right move button 148 is pressed until the balance of the desired type of currency is displayed, and when the desired type of currency is displayed, the OK button 145 is pressed to complete the switching of the currency, The display is as shown in Example 174. According to such an operation procedure, the currency can be easily switched using the currency selection button and the move button.

FIG. 17 shows the history of the IC card inserted in the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention, that is, the operation procedure and the display when confirming the record of the transaction performed using the IC card. It is a flow chart explaining contents. In the flow shown in FIG. 17, the processing from inserting the card to starting the electronic wallet processing application of the personal computer is as shown in FIGS.
Alternatively, it is similar to the case of FIG.

When the history button 143 is pressed, a display example 176 is displayed. This display example displays the date of the last transaction and the transaction amount.
In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is displayed that there was an income of $ 203 on March 4, 1996.

Next, when the right move button 148 is pressed, the date and the transaction amount of the transaction performed one time before the transaction displayed in the display example 176 are displayed as in the display example 177. In the example shown in display example 177, on February 20, 1996,
It shows that 1013 spending is hot. further,
When the right button 148 is pressed, the date and the transaction amount of the transaction performed one time earlier are displayed as in a display example 178. In the example shown in the display example 178, it is displayed that there was an income of $ 5060 on January 6, 1996.

As described above, each time the right move button is pressed, the past transaction record can be confirmed. The history, that is, the display of the transaction record, may be displayed in the order from the newest to the past as described above, or may be displayed in the order from the past to the latest transaction.
Further, in the above-described example, one transaction is displayed at a time, but a plurality of transaction records may be displayed at a time. Further, the user may be able to specify how many times the transaction record is to be displayed.

In the above example, the transaction date and transaction amount are displayed as the transaction record, but another item may be displayed or more items may be displayed. As other display items, transaction time, transaction partner, transaction purpose, etc. can be displayed.

After confirming the desired history, the OK button 14
When 5 is pressed, the history check operation ends, and a display as shown in a display example 179 is displayed. In this manner, the history of the IC card can be confirmed by the history button and the move button, so that the user can easily confirm the history when desired.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the case where various types of conventional devices are used to settle electronic currency with other IC cards, these devices, such as personal computers and telephones, are used. Interface between a POS terminal, an information / communication device, etc. and an IC card, and is preferably used for processing data in the IC card.
A C card reader / writer and an operation method thereof can be provided.

When the IC card is inserted, it is possible to prevent the IC card from dropping and to insert it easily and securely.
Even when trying to insert a card, the position of the IC card insertion port can be identified and the IC card can be surely inserted by simply touching the vicinity of the IC card insertion port.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform maintenance of the functional circuits and the like stored inside the main body, and to make it easy to see the display from the side where the IC card is inserted.

Further, according to the present invention, by providing the function keys on the upper surface of the IC card reader / writer and the operation area displayed on other information equipment, handling of electronic currency such as balance confirmation and lock state confirmation. The necessary operations can be easily performed with simple operations.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic currency system to which an IC card reader / writer according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an IC card reader / writer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an IC card reader / writer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an IC card reader / writer having a built-in electronic wallet function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of an IC card for an electronic wallet.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an IC card reader / writer having an electronic wallet function according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an IC card reader / writer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an IC card reader / writer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of an IC card reader / writer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an IC card reader / according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flow chart explaining the operating procedure of a writer.

FIG. 11 is an IC card reader / according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the example of an operation key arrangement of a writer.

FIG. 12 shows an IC card reader / according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen displayed on a display screen of a personal computer, when a writer is connected to a personal computer and electronic money is remitted.

FIG. 13 shows an IC card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure and display contents when a writer is connected to a personal computer and electronic money is transferred between the writer and an IC card connected via a public line network (part 1).

FIG. 14 illustrates an IC card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure and display contents when the writer is connected to a personal computer and electronic money is transferred to and from an IC card connected via a public line network (part 2).

FIG. 15 shows an IC card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure explaining the operating procedure and the display content at the time of exchanging electronic currency between two cards inserted in two insertion ports of a writer.

FIG. 16 is an IC card reader / according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure and display contents when switching a currency to be handled when a writer is connected to a personal computer and a plurality of currencies are stored in an IC card.

FIG. 17 is an IC card reader / embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation procedure and display contents when confirming the history of an IC card inserted into a writer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Bank Branch System 2 Distribution System 3 End User System 4 Vending Machine System 5 Bank Computer Center 6 Electronic Currency Issuing Organization 7 Public Communication Network 10 IC Card 11 External IC Card Reader / Writer 12 Counter Terminal 13 Internal Communication Line 14 Cash Automatic deposit payment machine 15 Electronic safe 16 Electronic currency transaction control terminal 17 Relay computer 21 Electronic currency POS terminal 22 POS terminal 23 Store controller 24 Center device 25 Information control system 26 Workstation 31 Electronic wallet 32 Personal computer 11 IC card type card reader / Writer 41 Built-in IC card reader / writer 42 Vending machine 51 Accounting system host 52 External system 53 External control terminal 103 External contact 104 CPU 105 E PROM 106 ROM 110 Main body section 111 IC card insertion slot 112 Operation display section 113 Numeric keypad 114 Function key 115 Display section 116 Upper lid section 117 Lower side section 121 Balance display 123 Locked status display 131 Display area 132 Remittance Original card display 133 Remittance destination card display 134 Current date and time display 135 Operation display 136 Operation area 137 Numeric keypad 138 Card selection button 139 Currency selection button 140 Transfer button 141 Balance button 142 Lock button 143 History button 144 Telephone / communication button 145 OK button 146 Cancel button 147 Left move button 148 Right move button 151 Display example (current date and time) 152 Display example (communication partner number input request) 153 Display example ( 154 Display example (during communication) 155 Display example (remittance source card selection) 156 Card selection method 157 Display example (remittance destination card selection) 158 Display example (remittance amount input) 159 Display example (during transfer) 160 Display example (Transfer completed) 161 Display example (Remittance operation preparation state) 162 Display example (Current date and time) 163 Display example (Remittance source card selection) 164 Display example (Card selection method) 165 Display example (Remittance destination card selection) 166 Display example (Amount input) 167 Display example (Transfer) 168 Display example (Transfer completed) 169 Display example (Remittance operation preparation state) 170 Display example (Current date and time) 171 Display example (Currency selection) 172 Display example (Currency switching) ) 173 Display example (Currency switching) 174 Display example (Currency determination) 175 Display example (Current date and time) 176 Display example (History display) 177 Display example (history switching) 178 Display example (history switching) 179 Display example (history display end) 1104 Loading / unloading circuit 1105 Connector 1106 IC card activation control circuit 1107 Clock generation circuit 1108 Reader / writer circuit 1109 Reader / writer control Circuit 1110 ROM 1111 Data waveform shaping & extraction circuit 1112 I / O port 1113 Main program ROM 1114 RAM 1115 CPU 1116 IC card check data storage unit 1117 RS232C compliant interface circuit 1118 Power generation circuit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shigeyuki Ito 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref., Hitachi, Ltd., Multimedia Systems Development Division (72) Inventor, Hiroki Kitagawa, Koubunku, Kokubunji, Tokyo 280-chome, Hitachi, Ltd. Design Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Takao Osawa 1-280, Higashi-Kengikubo, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo Hitachi-design Co., Ltd.

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. Writing at least digital information,
An IC card reader / writer that has a built-in readable integrated circuit and that is used to interface between an IC card that stores electronic currency and other information devices. The main body portion is configured to be separable by the upper lid portion and the lower side portion, and the step portion is formed by shifting the upper lid portion and the lower side portion on the side where the IC card insertion opening is provided, and further, the IC card insertion An IC card reader / writer, characterized in that a shelf portion which is recessed from the step portion is formed at a mouth portion. 2. The IC card reader / writer according to claim 1, wherein the IC card insertion opening is provided on any one of an upper surface, a front surface, and both side surfaces of the main body. 3. The surface of the upper lid is curved so as to warp in a direction opposite to the IC card insertion port so that the thickness of the IC card reader / writer increases on the side opposite to the IC card insertion port. The IC card reader / writer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a display portion provided on the upper lid portion is provided so as to be positioned on the curved inclined portion. 4. Writing at least digital information,
An IC card reader / writer that has a built-in readable integrated circuit and is used for interfacing between an IC card containing electronic currency and another information device. An IC card reader / writer characterized in that a keyboard having a numeric keypad and function keys and a display section are provided. 5. The keyboard having a numeric keypad and a function key is a keyboard displayed by a soft key on a liquid crystal display unit provided on an upper surface of the IC card reader / writer, and the display unit is located inside the liquid crystal display unit. The IC card reader / writer according to claim 4, wherein the liquid crystal display unit is used as a touch panel. 6. The IC as the function key
6. The IC card reader / writer according to claim 4, further comprising a key for displaying a balance of electronic currency stored in the card. 7. The function key has a key for confirming whether or not the IC card storing electronic currency is in a locked state.
7. The IC card reader / writer according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. The keyboard having the numeric keypad and function keys is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body, and when the keyboard is detached and used, the main body is connected by infrared rays or radio waves. The IC card reader / writer according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: 9. Writing at least digital information,
An IC card reader / writer that has a built-in readable integrated circuit and that is used to interface between an IC card that stores electronic currency and other information devices. The main body portion is configured to be separable by the upper lid portion and the lower side portion, and the step portion is formed by shifting the upper lid portion and the lower side portion on the side where the IC card insertion opening is provided, and further, the IC card insertion An electronic device, in which a shelf portion recessed from the step portion is formed at the mouth portion, a keyboard having a numeric keypad and function keys and a display portion are provided on the surface of the upper lid portion, and which is stored in the IC card as the function keys It has a key for displaying a balance of currency or a key for confirming whether or not the IC card storing the electronic currency is in a locked state. IC card reader / writer that. 10. The keyboard having a numeric keypad and a function key is a keyboard displayed by soft keys on a liquid crystal display unit provided on the surface of an upper lid of the IC card reader / writer, and the display unit is the liquid crystal display. 10. The IC card reader / writer according to claim 9, wherein the liquid crystal display unit is used as a touch panel inside the unit. 11. The keyboard having a numeric keypad and function keys is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a main body, and when the keyboard is detached and used, the main body is connected by infrared rays or radio waves. 11. The IC card reader / card according to claim 9 or 10,
lighter. 12. An IC card reader / writer which has at least an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information, and which is used for interfacing between an IC card containing electronic currency and another information device. In the operating method described above, the user inserts an IC card into the card insertion slot of the IC card reader / writer, and the user instructs the balance display of the electronic currency stored in the IC card. , The IC
And a step of displaying the balance of the electronic currency stored in the card.
How to operate the writer. 13. The IC card reader / writer according to claim 12, wherein a balance display is instructed by using a function key for displaying a balance provided on an upper surface portion of the IC card reader / writer. How to operate. 14. An IC card reader / writer which has at least an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information, and which is used for interfacing between an IC card containing electronic currency and another information device. In the operating method, the user inserts an IC card into the card insertion slot of the IC card reader / writer, and the user gives an instruction to display whether the IC card is in a locked state. And a step of displaying whether or not the IC card is in a locked state, the operating method of the IC card reader / writer. 15. A display indicating whether or not the IC card is in a locked state is instructed by using a function key provided on the upper surface of the IC card reader / writer for displaying the locked state of the IC card. 15. The method of operating an IC card reader / writer according to claim 14, wherein: 16. A step of instructing the input of a personal identification number for unlocking when the display indicating that the IC card is in a locked state, and a step of inputting a personal identification number by a user 16. The method for operating an IC card reader / writer according to claim 14, further comprising: 17. An IC card reader / writer which has an integrated circuit capable of writing / reading at least digital information and is used for interfacing between an IC card containing electronic currency and another information device. In the operating method of step 2, the step of inserting an IC card into the card insertion port of the IC card reader / writer by the user and the IC card of the other party with which the user exchanges electronic currency with the IC card are specified. And a step of inputting a transaction amount of electronic currency by a user, and a step of displaying the transaction amount. 18. The IC card reader / reader according to claim 17, further comprising a step of instructing a transaction of electronic currency between the IC cards by a user.
How to operate the writer. 19. The IC card reader /
The IC card reader / writer according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the IC card inserted in the writer and the IC card of the other party are connected via a public line network.
How to operate the writer. 20. The method of operating an IC card reader / writer according to claim 17, wherein the IC card of the other party is another card inserted in the IC card reader / writer. 21. Writing at least digital information,
In a method of operating an IC card reader / writer which has a built-in readable integrated circuit and is used for interfacing between an IC card containing electronic currency and another information device, the IC card is used by a user. The step of inserting an IC card into the card insertion slot of the reader / writer and the step of selecting a desired type of currency from among a plurality of types of electronic currencies stored in the IC card by the user are selected. And a step of displaying the desired type of currency, the method of operating an IC card reader / writer. 22. An IC card reader / writer which has an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information, and which is used for interfacing between an IC card containing electronic currency and another information device. In the operating method described above, the user inserts an IC card into the card insertion opening of the IC card reader / writer, the user issues an instruction to display the history of the IC card, and the history of the IC card. Is displayed, and a method of operating an IC card reader / writer.