JPH10302039A - Ic card release discrimination method, ic card and ic card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a card user able to immediately discriminate whether or not an IC card is already released and started to be used without using a dedicated device by cutting off or peeling and separating an inoperative circuit element together with a card piece or a normal stuck object or the like at the time of first use. SOLUTION: The card function stoppage means 13 of this IC card 1 stops the internal electronic circuit function of the IC card 1 by being connected to a card reader- writer 21 inside a service providing device 2 and a signal transmission/reception means 11 for receiving signals. A connection release means 14 releases the connection of the signal transmission/reception means 11 and the card function stoppage means 13 so as not to be restored and makes re-connection impossible. Then, a release display means 15 displays whether or not the connection is released, that is whether or not the danger of being used is present, immediately discriminatably to the user. That is, when the connection of the signal transmission/reception means 11 and the card function stoppage means 12 for making an internal electronic circuit inoperative is released once so as not to be restored in the connection release means 14, the connection can not be performed again.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an IC card release determining method, and an IC card and an IC directly used for the method.
According to the card system, more specifically, a device for providing a service using an IC card is provided with a special mechanism for giving a marking when the card is used or detecting whether or not the card is wrapped. A new IC card release discrimination method and IC that allows a user to easily identify whether or not the card has been used only without using the card.
The present invention relates to a card and an IC card system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An IC card provides a predetermined function (authentication of an owner, frequency management, etc.) by exchanging data with a card reader / writer in an apparatus for providing a service. The card issuer issues a card having a predetermined function for the price paid by the user.

[0003] At that time, the card issuer must show that the card is a brand new handwritten brush having a predetermined function corresponding to the price. That is, after manufacturing the card,
You need to indicate that the card is unused. The most common method of indicating that a card has not been used is to provide a card reader / writer and indicate the use state of the card to a user.

[0004] In this case, it is necessary to install the apparatus in all places where issuance (sales) is performed, which is not suitable for those in which various sales and distribution forms are desired. In a card system in which various sales and distribution forms are desired, it is desirable that the card issuer or card user can determine whether the card has been used only by using the card alone. A method of leaving a usage history is used.

[0005]

FIG. 12 shows one such prior art example. 1 'is an IC card,
A signal transmitting / receiving means 1 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the card reader / writer 21 in a contact type or a non-contact manner is provided therein.
1. Card function realizing means 12 and IC card 1 for storing predetermined information such as an individual's authentication number (ID information), frequency, amount of money such as electronic money, etc., and realizing the intended initial purpose of the IC card 1 '. 'Has a use history recording means 16 for recording the use history.

[0006] On the other hand, reference numeral 2 'denotes a service providing device, which includes a card reader / writer 21 and the card reader / writer 2;
A service providing unit 2 for providing a predetermined predetermined service (for example, a telephone call service) based on the information from the card function realizing means 12 read through
2 and the usage history of the IC card 1 '
Is composed of usage history writing means 23 for writing the data in the log.

As is well known, for example, in the case of a telephone card or the like, a means such as punching a hole in the card in accordance with the number of uses can be used to write the history. In addition, a means of engraving the usage history of various prepaid cards (for example, pachinko cards), orange cards (trademark), highway cards, and the like is used. However, such a method also has a problem that such a marking function is required for all devices at the place where the service is received.

[0008] Further, as shown in Fig. 13, there is a method of wrapping the IC card 1 ".
For example, an unused IC card 1 "is sealed in a plastic transparent packaging bag 17 or the like so that the card 1" cannot be used unless the wrapping is released.

[0009] In this case, the IC card 1 "must be surely made unusable, and at the same time, it must be simple and economical to minimize the increase in cost due to wrapping. All of the devices 2 ″ need to be provided with a wrapping detecting means 24 for detecting whether or not wrapping specified in advance has been performed, and having a mechanism for disabling the wrapping.

The two methods described above are used to change the marking or wrapping of the IC card 1 ', 1 "for the convenience of the service provider when the service provider 2', 2" itself is changed. There is a problem that the function must be changed, and practical operation is extremely difficult.

Here, the main objects to be solved by the present invention are as follows. That is, a first object of the method of the present invention is to provide an IC card opening discrimination method, an IC card and an IC card which do not require a card user to use a dedicated device and further have no special function on the service providing device side. It does not provide a card system.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an IC card unsealing determination method and an IC card which can immediately determine whether the IC card is new or used by just looking at the obtained IC card. An IC card system is not provided.

[0013] A third object of the present invention is to determine whether the IC card can be restored to its original shape by the start of use of the IC card or the presence or absence of a regular sticking object that cannot be re-attached to the IC card. An IC card opening determination method, an IC card, and an IC card system that can immediately determine whether a product is new or has already been used are provided.

Other objects of the present invention are as follows:
In particular, it will be obvious from the appended claims.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a circuit element which can be cut off or peeled off from an IC card itself or a regular sticking object so that a circuit element connected to an internal electronic circuit and made inoperative is cut off. The inoperative circuit element is cut off or peeled off together with the card piece or the regular adhered material when the brush is used for writing down, so that it is possible to determine that the sealed use has been started from the outside. Therefore, the external imprint of the usage history such as the frequency of use of the IC card itself that causes the service providing device to be erroneously recognized and malfunctioning is eliminated, and it is difficult to modify or alter the usage history by using the external engraving. And

Here, more specifically,
In order to solve the problem, the object is achieved by adopting each of the novel characteristic configuration techniques and means from the upper concept to the lower concept enumerated below.

That is, the first feature of the method of the present invention is that when using an IC card, the presence or absence of irreparable physical separation of a circuit element that renders an internal electronic circuit inoperative is visually checked from the outside, and the brush is dropped. The present invention resides in the adoption of a configuration of an IC card release discrimination method for discriminating whether a product is new or has been released.

A second feature of the method of the present invention is that the internal electronic circuit according to the first feature of the method of the present invention employs a configuration of an IC card cut-off determination method in which a signal transmitting / receiving means and a card function realizing means are constituted. It is in.

A third feature of the method of the present invention resides in that the circuit element to be deactivated in the first or second feature of the method of the present invention is an AC short-circuiting means that exhibits an electric short-circuit function.
The present invention resides in the configuration adoption of the C card release determination method.

A fourth feature of the method of the present invention is that the irreparable physical separation in the first, second or third feature of the method of the present invention is such that the card piece is separated from the IC card itself or separated from the IC card itself. The present invention resides in the configuration adoption of an IC card seal discrimination method, which is a separation of a kimono.

A fifth feature of the method of the present invention resides in the adoption of a configuration of an IC card seal discrimination method in which the regular adhered article in the fourth feature of the method of the present invention is a conductive seal.

A sixth feature of the method of the present invention is that the visual check from the outside according to the fourth or fifth feature of the method of the present invention is based on the presence or absence of a missing IC card in its original form or in a regular attached article, respectively. This is in the adoption of the configuration of the release determination method.

A seventh feature of the method of the present invention is that the AC short-circuit means in the third, fourth or sixth feature of the method of the present invention is as follows.
The present invention resides in the adoption of a configuration of an IC card seal discrimination method which is disposed at one corner of an IC card and connected to an internal electronic circuit so as to be cut and separable and buried.

According to an eighth feature of the method of the present invention, the AC short-circuit means according to the third, fourth, fifth or sixth feature of the present invention is characterized in that an external terminal connected to an internal electronic circuit is connected to a short-circuit terminal. Formed on a conductive seal that can be peeled off by contact with
The present invention resides in the configuration adoption of the C card release determination method.

A ninth feature of the method of the present invention resides in that the AC short-circuit means according to the third, fourth, fifth or sixth feature of the present invention is connected to an internal electronic circuit and is provided on the side edge of the IC card 1. The present invention provides a configuration of an IC card seal determination method in which a buried electrode terminal and a short-circuit electrode terminal are provided in a non-contact opposing and peelable conductive seal for electromagnetic induction.

A tenth feature of the method of the present invention resides in that the AC short-circuit means according to the third, fourth, fifth or sixth feature of the present method is connected to an internal electronic circuit, and is provided on a side edge of the IC card 1. Another object of the present invention is to adopt a configuration of an IC card cut-off determination method in which a closed loop induction coil is provided in a non-contacting and peelable conductive seal for electromagnetic induction with respect to an embedded induction coil.

An eleventh feature of the method of the present invention is the AC short-circuiting means according to the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh feature of the method of the present invention. However, there is a configuration adoption of an IC card release determination method which is an electric wire or a capacitor.

A twelfth feature of the method of the present invention resides in that the connection with the internal electronic circuit in the seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth feature of the method of the present invention is that the connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function realizing means is established. The present invention resides in adoption of a configuration of an IC card release determination method directly connected to connection wiring.

A thirteenth feature of the method of the present invention is that the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth feature of the method of the present invention is provided. The AC short circuit means employs a configuration of an IC card opening determination method in which the AC impedance is set sufficiently lower than that of the internal electronic circuit.

A first feature of the card of the present invention is that in an IC card having an electronic circuit built therein,
Signal transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals to and from a card reader / writer for reading and writing to the card,
Connected to the signal transmitting / receiving means, thereby
Card function stopping means for stopping the function of the card, connection canceling means for canceling the electrical connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function stopping means and making it impossible to reconnect them,
An IC card having a release display means for displaying to a card user whether or not the connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function stopping means has been released by the connection release means.

According to a second feature of the card of the present invention, the signal transmitting / receiving means in the first feature of the card of the present invention uses direct connection or transmission / reception of signals with the card reader / writer by using electromagnetic induction or electrostatic induction. Non-contact IC
In the configuration of the card.

A third feature of the card according to the present invention is that the card function stopping means according to the first or second feature of the present invention is characterized in that both terminals of the signal transmitting / receiving means are short-circuited in an alternating current manner so that the signal transmitting / receiving means can be used. The function of the present invention lies in the use of an IC card which is an AC short-circuiting means for preventing the function of (1) from being exhibited.

A fourth feature of the card of the present invention resides in that, as the disconnection means of the first, second or third feature of the card of the present invention, a portion in which a card function stopping means is arranged is a part of the I card.
Another object of the present invention is to adopt a configuration of an IC card using means for physically cutting from a C card, and using a change in the shape of the card due to the cutting as release display means.

A fifth feature of the card of the present invention is that, as the disconnection means in the first, second or third feature of the card of the present invention, a portion in which the card function stopping means is arranged can be easily removed from the IC card. The present invention is to adopt an IC card configuration using a means that cannot be re-attached to the card and using a change in the appearance of the card due to the peeling as a release display means.

According to a sixth feature of the card of the present invention, the AC short-circuit means in the third feature of the card of the present invention is provided on a conductive seal which cannot be re-attached, and is connected to an external terminal directly connected to the signal transmitting / receiving means. IC that is attached by contacting the terminals
In the configuration of the card.

A seventh feature of the card of the present invention resides in that the AC short-circuit means according to the third feature of the card of the present invention is provided on a conductive seal for electrostatic coupling which cannot be reattached, and the IC card is provided inside the IC card. Another aspect of the present invention resides in the use of an IC card which is attached to the outer surface of the card so as to be electrostatically coupled with an electrode provided for electrostatic coupling with the outside.

An eighth feature of the card of the present invention resides in that the AC short-circuit means in the third feature of the card of the present invention is provided by providing a closed loop induction coil on a seal which cannot be reattached, and electromagnetically coupling the inside of the IC card with the outside of the card. In this case, the seal is attached to the outer surface of the IC card so as to induce electromagnetic induction with an induction coil provided for the IC card.

A first feature of the system of the present invention is that a signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a card reader / writer, and a card which stops the function of the IC card when connected to the signal transmitting / receiving means Function stopping means,
Disconnecting means for disconnecting the electrical connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function stopping means and making them unreconnectable; and disconnecting the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function stopping means by the disconnecting means. An IC card having the disconnection display means for displaying to the card user in a discriminable manner, a card reader / writer for reading information from the IC card and writing information to the card, and a card reader / writer for reading information from the card reader / writer. And a service providing apparatus having a service providing unit for providing a predetermined service to the card user based on the obtained information.

The second feature of the system of the present invention is that the IC card and the service providing device according to the first feature of the present invention are arranged such that the signal transmission / reception coupling is performed by direct contact between electrodes, electromagnetic induction or electrostatic coupling. In the configuration of an IC card system by mutual non-contact.

[0040]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A card example, a card system example, and a method example showing the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Example of Card and Example of Card System) FIG.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an example of the present card system including the present card example. This card system example has a combination configuration of an IC card 1 and a service providing device 2 as this card example.

The IC card 1 of the present card example is connected to a signal transmission / reception means 11 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a card reader / writer 21 in the service providing apparatus 2 so that the IC card 1 is connected.
A card function stopping means for stopping an internal electronic circuit function of the C card;
Disconnection means 14 for canceling the connection between the card function stopping means 13 and the card function stopping means 13 and making it impossible to reconnect, and the user can immediately determine whether the connection has been canceled, that is, whether or not the card may have been used. Release display means 15 for performing the operation.

The IC card 1 is provided with a card function realizing means 12, and the IC card 1 is scheduled by using a signal transmitted / received to / from the service providing apparatus 2 via the signal transmitting / receiving means 11. Function.

The service providing apparatus 2 includes a card reader / writer 21 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 in the IC card 1 and the card reader / writer 21 and the I / O
A service providing unit 22 that provides a predetermined service using signals transmitted to and received from the C card 1.

The issuer of the IC card 1 keeps the connection before the issuance while maintaining the connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 and the function stopping means 13 of the IC card 1. In this state, the IC
The function of the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 of the card 1 is stopped by the card function stopping means 13 connected thereto.
C card 1 cannot be used. Also, the release display means 15
Indicates that the connection releasing means 14 has not released or disconnected the connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 and the card function stopping means 13.

Although FIG. 1 shows the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 and the card function realizing means 12 separately for easy understanding of the functional structure of the IC card 1, the card function is generally used. The realizing means 12 is the signal transmitting / receiving means 1
It can be regarded as a part of 1. In this sense, the signal transmission / reception unit 11 is the card function realization unit 1 shown in FIG.
2 can be included.

(Example of Method) The procedure of using the example of the method of the present embodiment applied to the present card example and the present card system example will be described with reference to FIG.

In this example of the method, once the connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 and the card function stopping means 12 for disabling the internal electronic circuit is released by the connection releasing means 14 so that it cannot be repaired, the connection cannot be made again. The IC card 1 in the state in which the release display is not performed, from the manufacturing completion stage to the present.
It is assured that the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 and the card function stopping means 12 are still unusable while being connected.

Therefore, the person who has been issued the IC card 1 simply confirms that the IC card 1 has been issued by the issuer and that the release display means 15 of the IC card 1 has not displayed the release, and that the IC card 1 is in an unused state. Can be confirmed to be new. After issuing the card, the card user uses the connection disconnecting means 14 of the IC card 1 to transmit the signal transmission / reception means 11 and the card function stopping means 13 before attempting to receive service provision using the IC card 1 for the first time. Disconnect. As a result, the card function suspension state of the signal transmission / reception unit 11 is released, and signal transmission / reception with the card reader / writer 21 of the service providing apparatus 2 is enabled for the first time.
That is, the service can be provided using the IC card 1.

According to this example of the method, the service providing device 2
Only needs to have a function as a card reader / writer 21 for transmitting and receiving signals as a card interface function, and has a marking addition and a wrapping detection function for a user to determine the start of use of the IC card 1. There is no need to provide a system for economical card service.

The IC card 1 used in this example of the method is provided with a card function stopping means 13, a connection releasing means 14, and a releasing display means 15 as compared with the conventional one. , And can be configured with an inexpensive one.

[0052]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is an internal electronic circuit diagram before the start of use of the embodiment 1, and FIG. 3 is an internal electronic circuit diagram after the start of use. As shown in the figure, the IC card 3 of this embodiment is
The card function stopping means 13 shown in FIG.
It is characterized in that the disconnecting means 14 comprises a disconnecting means 26.

The AC short-circuit means 25 is used for the signal transmitting / receiving means 11.
In a state in which both terminals a and b of the signal transmission / reception means are electrically short-circuited in an AC state, and specifically, the two terminals a and b are directly connected via a wire or a capacitor 27.
Terminals 25a and 25b connecting between the terminals b are provided. The terminals 25a and 25b are connected to the terminals a and b via electrical wirings L1 and L2 provided on the base of the card.
The AC impedance of the AC short-circuiting means 25 with respect to the signal frequency is set to a value sufficiently smaller than the impedance of the card function realizing means 12.

The cutting means 26 allows the card user to physically and electrically use the corner of the IC card 3 where only the AC short-circuit means 25 is arranged as a card piece.
Used to cut from itself. In the figure, the AC short-circuit means 25 is illustrated as being cut into triangular card pieces from the IC card 3 itself, but only the part where the AC short-circuit means 25 is arranged so that the original form of the IC card 3 is missing is a card. The shape to be cut is not limited as long as it can be cut as a piece.

The method of realizing the cutting means 26 is a simple tool,
For example, it may be made of a material that can be easily cut using scissors, a cutter knife, or the like, and the cut portion may be marked, or so that it can be cut without tools.
Perforations may be made in advance, but before cutting, the AC short circuit means 26 must be completely electrically connected to the terminals a and b.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the use of the IC card 3 is started, the portion where only the AC short-circuit means 25 is disposed is cut by the cutting means 26. Both terminals a of the signal transmitting / receiving means 11,
It is possible to release the short circuit between b and make it usable.

When this cutting is performed, an unreproducible change occurs in the original shape of the IC card 3. Therefore, by knowing whether or not the original shape of the IC card 3 has been changed, the use of the IC card 3 has already been started. You can immediately check if it is used.

The transmission and reception of signals between the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 and the card reader / writer 21 may be either a contact type in which both electrodes are contacted or a non-contact type utilizing an electromagnetic induction phenomenon.

Further, the IC card 3 of the first embodiment can be realized only by providing the wirings L1 and L2 for short-circuiting the terminals a and b and the means 26 capable of cutting and separating the middle thereof. Inexpensively configured.

In the first embodiment, before the connection is released, the IC
Although an example in which all functions of the card 3 are stopped has been shown, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of signal transmitting / receiving means 11, 11 'and card function realizing means 12, 12' are provided, and at least one of them is provided. If the AC short-circuit means 25 is not provided,
AC short circuit means 2 provided in another signal transmitting / receiving means 11
It is possible to provide only the functions to be operated (for example, the operability check of the card function) without disconnecting the connection of the device 5. If the cutting means 26 of the AC short-circuit means 25 is cut and separated, all card functions can be exhibited (see FIG. 5).

(Example 2) Next, a second example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the case of the second embodiment, external terminals a ′ and b ′ connected to the terminals a and b of the signal transmitting / receiving unit 11 are provided, and a conductive seal attached to the external terminals a ′ and b ′ as an AC short circuit unit 28. Is used.

The conductive seal, which is a regular adhered product, is a material which cannot be repaired once it has been peeled off. Further, the impedance of the conductive seal with respect to the signal frequency needs to be sufficiently smaller than the impedance of the card function realizing means 12, as in the case of the AC short-circuit means 25 of the first embodiment.

In the case of the IC card 5 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, before the use of the IC card 5 is started, the external terminals a ′ and b ′ are bonded so as to short-circuit in an alternating current manner. By peeling off the attached conductive seal, the signal transmitting / receiving means 1
The short circuit between the two terminals a and b can be released and the IC card 5 can be used.

As described above, since this conductive seal is of a type that cannot be re-attached, it is determined whether or not this conductive seal is attached to the IC card 5 so that the IC card can be re-attached. It is possible to easily confirm whether or not 5 has already been used. A commercially available non-reattachable conductive seal can be used, and a portion to be brought into contact with the external terminals a ′ and b ′ and a portion therebetween are constituted by a series of conductive patterns.

When the reading of the IC card 5 is of a contact type, the external terminals a ′ and
For b ′, the electrode inserted into the card reader / writer 21 can be used as it is as a short-circuit electrode. In the case of non-contact type,
Both terminals a and b of the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 and external terminals a 'and b'
Are provided on the card.
If the distance between the external terminals a ′ and b ′ is shortened, the cost can be reduced because the conductive seal has a small area.

(Example 3) Next, a third example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 shows the state of the IC card 6 before starting to use (before issuing). As shown in the figure, both terminals a of the signal transmitting / receiving means 11,
On the extension of b, electrodes a ″ and b ″ for electrostatic coupling with the outside of the IC card 6 are provided. The electrodes a ″ and b ″ are connected to an IC
It is provided inside the card 6.

Then, a non-re-attachable conductive seal that is electrostatically coupled to the electrodes a ″ and b ″ is attached to the outer surface of the IC card 6. This seal is formed by a conductive pattern between electrodes 29a and 29b opposed to the two electrodes a "and b" for electrostatic coupling, respectively, and a space therebetween.

This seal constitutes an AC short-circuit means 29 as a card function stopping means. The signal transmitting / receiving means 11 is short-circuited in an AC manner unless the seal is peeled off, and even if the IC card 6 is inserted into the card reader / writer 21, The signal transmitting / receiving means 11 does not exhibit its function.

FIG. 9 shows that the conductive seal for electrostatic coupling is
This shows a state in which the C card 6 is peeled off. As shown in the figure, by removing the seal, the short circuit of the electrode for electrostatic coupling is released, and the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 can perform its original function. Since this sticker cannot be reattached and repaired, if the sticker has been peeled off from the IC card 6, it is possible to know that the IC card 6 may have already started to be used.

(Example 4) Next, a fourth example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 shows the state of the IC card before the start of use (before issuing). As shown in the figure, both terminals a,
On the extension of b, a high inductance induction coil 7a for generating an electromagnetic induction phenomenon with the outside of the IC card 7 is provided.

The induction coil 7a is provided inside the IC card 7. Then, a non-recoverable seal provided with a closed loop induction coil 30a for electromagnetic induction coupling with the induction coil 7a is electromagnetically coupled to the induction coil 7a.
It is attached to a predetermined position on the outer surface of the C card 7.

This seal is provided by the closed loop induction coil 30.
a is constituted by a conductive pattern. This seal also constitutes an AC short-circuiting means 30 as a card function stopping means. The signal transmitting / receiving means 11 is short-circuited in an AC manner unless the seal is peeled off from the IC card 7, and the IC card 7 is inserted into the card reader / writer 21. But the signal transmitting and receiving means 1
1 does not perform its function.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the conductive seal serving as the AC short circuit means 30 has been peeled off from the IC card 7.
As shown in the figure, by removing the seal, the closed loop induction coil 30a is separated and removed, and the signal transmitting / receiving means 11 can perform its original function.

Since the sticker cannot be re-attached, knowing that the sticker has been peeled off from the IC card 7 indicates that the IC card 7 may have already been opened. You can know. still,
In FIGS. 10 and 11, the coils 7a and 30a are shown in one turn, but this is a schematic representation of the coils, and can actually be composed of a plurality of turns.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention, the card user does not need to use a dedicated device and does not have any special function on the service providing device side.
It is possible to provide a determination method, an IC card, and an IC card system that can immediately determine whether or not the C card has already been used for release.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the principle of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of an example of a state before starting use of the IC card of Example 1 showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of a state example after starting use of the IC card of the first example showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of an example of a state before starting to use another IC card according to the first example showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of an example of a state after the start of use of another IC card according to the first example showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of an example of a state before starting use of an IC card according to a second example showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of an example of a state after starting use of the IC card according to the second example showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of an example of a state before starting to use the IC card of Example 3 showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of an example of a state after the use of the IC card according to the third embodiment, showing an embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of a state example before starting use of an IC card according to a fourth example showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an internal electronic circuit diagram of a state example after starting use of an IC card according to a fourth example showing the embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a conventional IC card system.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of another conventional IC card system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1 ', 3, 4, 5, 6, 7: IC card 2, 2': Service providing device 11, 11 ': Signal transmitting / receiving means 12, 12': Card function implementing means 13: Card function stopping means 14: Connection release unit 15 Release display unit 16 Usage history recording unit 17 Packaging bag 21 Card reader / writer 22 Service providing unit 23 Usage history writing unit 24 Wrapping detection unit 25, 28, 29, 30 AC short circuit Means 26 ... Cutting means 27 ... Capacitors a, b ... Terminals a ', b' ... External terminals (electrodes) a ", b" ... Electrostatic coupling electrodes 25a, 25b, 29a, 29b ... Terminals in AC short-circuit means ( Electrodes) 7a, 30a: induction coil L1 to L4: wiring

Claims (23)

[Claims] When using an IC card, the presence or absence of irreparable physical separation of a circuit element that renders an internal electronic circuit inoperative is visually checked from the outside, and it is discriminated whether it is a new handwritten brush or a used used brush. An IC card release determination method, comprising: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the internal electronic circuit comprises a signal transmitting / receiving means and a card function realizing means. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the circuit element to be deactivated is an AC short-circuiting device exhibiting an electric short-circuit function. 4. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein the irreparable physical separation is separation of a piece of a card from the IC card itself or separation of a regular adhered object. Release decision method. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the regular attachment is a conductive seal. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the visual check from the outside is based on the presence or absence of missing of the original form of the IC card or of the regular attachment. 7. The IC according to claim 3, wherein the AC short-circuiting means is arranged at one corner of the IC card and is connected to an internal electronic circuit so as to be severable and buried. Card release decision method. 8. The AC short-circuit means is provided on a conductive seal which is detachable by contacting the short-circuit terminal with an external terminal connected to the internal electronic circuit. Or the method for judging the release of an IC card according to 6. 9. The AC short-circuit means is connected to an internal electronic circuit, and is provided on a conductive seal for electromagnetic induction which is detachable in a non-contacting and opposing manner with an electrode terminal and a short-circuit electrode terminal embedded in a side edge of the IC card 1. 7. The method for determining whether an IC card has been released according to claim 3, 4, 5, or 6. 10. The AC short-circuit means is connected to an internal electronic circuit, and a closed-loop induction coil is provided on a conductive seal for electromagnetic induction which can be peeled off in a non-contact manner with respect to an induction coil embedded in a side edge of the IC card 1. 7. The method of claim 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein: 11. The AC short circuit means is an electric wire or a capacitor.
12. The method for determining whether an IC card has been released according to 10 or 11. 12. The IC according to claim 7, wherein the connection with the internal electronic circuit is directly connected to a connection wiring between the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function realizing means.
Card release decision method. 13. An AC short-circuit means for setting an AC impedance sufficiently lower than that of an internal electronic circuit.
10. The method for determining whether an IC card has been released according to 10, 11, or 12. 14. An IC having an electronic circuit built therein.
A signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a card reader / writer for reading / writing to / from the IC card;
Card function stopping means for stopping the function of the card; connection releasing means for releasing the electrical connection between the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function stopping means so that they cannot be reconnected; and An IC card comprising: a release display means for displaying to the card user whether or not the connection between the means and the card function stopping means has been released. 15. The IC card according to claim 14, wherein the signal transmitting / receiving means transmits / receives a signal to / from a card reader / writer by direct contact or non-contact using electromagnetic induction or electrostatic induction. 16. The card function stopping means is an AC short-circuiting means for short-circuiting both terminals of the signal transmitting / receiving means in an AC manner so that the function of the signal transmitting / receiving means cannot be exhibited. Item 16. The IC card according to Item 14 or 15. 17. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the means for physically disconnecting the portion where the card function stopping means is arranged is used as the disconnection means from the IC card, and the change in the shape of the card due to the disconnection is used as the release display means. 17. The IC according to claim 14, 15, or 16,
card. 18. A means for releasing the connection in which the portion where the card function stopping means is arranged is easily peeled off from the IC card and cannot be re-attached. The IC according to claim 14, 15 or 16, which is used.
card. 19. The AC short-circuit means is provided on a conductive seal which cannot be re-attached, and is attached by contacting a short-circuit terminal with an external terminal directly connected to the signal transmitting / receiving means. The described IC card. 20. An AC short-circuit means is provided on a conductive seal for electrostatic coupling which cannot be re-attached, and is electrostatically coupled between an electrode provided inside the IC card for electrostatic coupling with the outside of the IC card. 17. The IC card according to claim 16, wherein the IC card is attached to an outer surface of the card. 21. An AC short circuit means, wherein a closed loop induction coil is provided on a seal which cannot be reattached, and said seal is electromagnetically induced with an induction coil provided inside the IC card for electromagnetic coupling with the outside of said card.
The IC card according to claim 16, wherein the IC card is attached to an outer surface of a C card. 22. A signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a card reader / writer; a card function stopping means for stopping a function of the IC card by being connected to the signal transmitting / receiving means; Disconnecting means for disconnecting the electrical connection between the means and the card function suspending means so that they cannot be reconnected, and whether the signal transmitting / receiving means and the card function suspending means have been disconnected by the disconnecting means. Based on the information read from the card reader / writer, an IC card having connection disconnection display means for displaying the information to the card user in a distinguishable manner, a card reader / writer reading information from the IC card and writing information to the card. And a service providing unit that provides a predetermined service to the card user. IC card system. 23. The IC card according to claim 22, wherein the IC card and the service providing device transmit and receive signals by direct contact of electrodes or by mutual non-contact of electromagnetic induction or electrostatic coupling. system.