Electronic purse and its operation method

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to an electronic wallet for storing an IC card used in an electronic currency system, and in particular, an electronic wallet suitable for use for small-lot settlement of an electronic currency using an IC card containing an electronic currency and its operation. Regarding the method.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, an electronic currency system has been proposed in which electronic currencies are exchanged by communicating between IC cards containing electronic currencies. The IC card used in this system is configured to include a microprocessor having a communication function inside the IC card and a memory such as an EEPROM for storing a processing program and the balance of electronic currency. The IC card can be used via an electronic currency system that allows terminals provided in banks, shops, private residences, etc. to be arbitrarily connected via a communication line, or by using a dedicated terminal. Electronic currency can be transferred to and from other IC cards.

【0003】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

The electronic currency system proposed above is still under development because it has not yet been determined what functions and forms each device constituting the system should have.

【0004】

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic wallet for storing and carrying an IC card containing an electronic currency used in the above-mentioned electronic currency system, and using a general telephone line or the like between IC cards. To provide an electronic wallet and its operation method that enable payments in electronic currency between individuals, between individuals and banks, and between individuals and distributors by transmitting and receiving signals between IC cards. is there.

【0005】

Further, an object of the present invention is to reduce the number of operation keys arranged in the operation system to enable easy operation, to make the display easy to see and understand, and to easily connect to the communication system. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic wallet having a thin structure that is convenient to carry and an operation method thereof.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

The first feature of the present invention for achieving the above object is that the electronic wallet has at least a plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, a power switch, and at least one other independent function switch. While the independent function switch is being operated, the electronic currency information stored in the IC card is displayed on the display unit, which turns it off when the finger is released from the independent function switch, and the battery There is no waste in consumption, and you can easily know the balance of the electronic currency of the IC card.

【0007】

The second feature of the present invention is that the electronic wallet includes at least a plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, a power switch, and at least one other independent function switch. The purpose is to allow the IC card to be locked to indicate the exclusivity of data processing during operation, which turns it off when a finger is spoken from an independent function switch and locks the IC card easily. Can be in a state.

【0008】

The third feature of the present invention is that the electronic wallet has at least a plurality of operation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information, and a contact, and when the contact is in a conductive state with the contact of the IC card, a predetermined time is set. Given, it is equipped with a control unit that displays the electronic currency information stored in the IC card on the display unit during the predetermined time, whereby the state of the IC card can be instantly known. You can check the status of multiple IC cards in sequence.

【0009】

The fourth feature of the present invention is that the electronic wallet has a plurality of operation keys having at least a plurality of number keys and calculation keys, a display unit for displaying electronic currency information and IC card status information, a power switch, and the like. It has at least one independent function switch, multiple control keys for operating electronic currency information and IC card status information stored in the IC card, and multiple function hierarchies with multiple tasks, and each function hierarchy has. It is provided with a function key for selecting a plurality of tasks to be possessed, whereby an electronic wallet having many functions can be obtained.

【0010】

By further having an up key and a down key as control keys in the above configuration, when the first subtask is selected, either the up key or the down key is operated to perform the first IC card or the second. When one of the IC cards of the above is instructed and the third subtask is selected, the transfer direction of the electronic currency information is instructed by the operation of either the up key or the down key, and the fourth subtask is selected. At that time, the latest history information is searched from the beginning of the IC card by operating either the up key or the down key, and when the fifth subtask is selected, the operation of either the up key or the down key is performed. Since you can select tasks in 2 functional hierarchies, you can add more functions.

【0011】

Furthermore, since the modem unit is detachably provided in the card slot and has a through hole and a modular jack that can be connected to the communication line so as to communicate with the card slot, the modem unit is mounted in the card slot. You can insert the IC card into the card slot even when you are using it, which is convenient to handle when transferring electronic currency through the communication line, and you can insert the IC card into the electronic wallet even while connected to the communication line. Can be done.

【0012】

The other party who can send and receive electronic currency information to and from the IC card inserted in one card slot is the IC card inserted in the other card slot of the electronic wallet, a terminal that can send and receive electronic currency information to and from the IC card. It includes IC cards of other electronic wallets connected through devices and modem units.

【0013】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic wallet in the electronic currency system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

【0014】

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic currency system to which the electronic wallet according to the present invention is applied. First, the configuration of the electronic currency system will be described with reference to FIG. In Figure 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, and 10 is. IC card, 11 is an external IC card reader / writer, 12 is a window terminal, 13 is an internal communication line, 14 is an automatic cash deposit / payment machine, 15 is an electronic safe, 16 is an electronic currency transaction control terminal, 17 is a relay computer, 21 is a POS terminal for electronic currency, 22 is a POS terminal, 23 is a store controller, 24 is a center device, 25 is an information control system, 26 is a workstation, 31 is an electronic wallet, 32 is a personal computer, and 33 is a PC card type card. Reader / writer, 34 is an IC card phone, 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, and 53 is an external control terminal.

【0015】

The electronic currency system shown in FIG. 1 includes a public communication network 7, a bank office system 1, a distribution system 2 installed in a large store such as a department store, a supermarket, a personal computer 32 as an end user system 3, and an IC card telephone 34. It is configured to be connected and configured to include a vending machine system 4 and the like as a system that is not connected to the communication network 7. In the illustrated example, one representative system is shown for each, but a large number of systems can be configured by being connected to the public communication network 7. Further, the bank branch office system is connected to the bank computer center 5 by a dedicated line or the like, and the electronic currency issuing organization 6 is connected to the bank computer center 5.

【0016】

The IC card 10 is configured to include a microprocessor having a communication function inside thereof and a memory such as an EEPROM that stores a processing program and the balance of electronic currency, and is possessed by an individual who is an end user and is an electronic currency system. It is owned by banks, shops, vending machines, etc. that participate in the event.

【0017】

As is known, the bank branch office system 1 is configured by connecting a counter terminal 12 and an automated teller machine 14 via an internal communication line 13 and further connecting to a bank computer center via a relay computer 17. However, for electronic currency payment, an IC card reader / writer 11 is provided at the counter terminal 12, an IC card reader / writer is built into the automatic teller machine 14, and an electronic currency transaction control terminal. An electronic safe 15 is connected and configured via 16.

【0018】

The bank computer center 5 is composed of a core banking system host 51 and a circumscribed system system 52, and the circumscribed system system 52 is provided with a circumscribed system control terminal 53, a relay computer 17, and an electronic safe 15.

【0019】

The distribution system 2 is usually configured by connecting a POS terminal to a center device 24 via an internal communication line 13 and a store controller 23, but is externally attached to the normal POS terminal 22 for electronic currency settlement. IC card reader / writer 11 is provided, or is configured by using a POS terminal 21 for electronic currency. Further, the center device 24 includes an information control system 25, a workstation 26, and an electronic safe 17.

【0020】

The end user system 3 is mainly an individual user system, and simply requires only an electronic wallet 31 that can display the balance of the 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 to be connectable to the public communication network 7 by providing a PC-type card reader / writer 33 for electronic currency payment in a personal computer owned by the individual. It is also possible to use an IC card telephone 34 having a processing function for the IC card 10 that stores electronic currency in a normal telephone.

【0021】

The personal computer 32 and the IC card telephone device 34 in the end user system 3 described above are provided with two sets of card readers / writers for the two IC cards inside, so that the electronic currency can be exchanged between the two IC cards. You can communicate. As a result, for example, the electronic currency in the master's IC card can be transferred to the wife's IC card, and the same processing as in the case of handling ordinary cash can be performed.

【0022】

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

【0023】

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

【0024】

IC cards 10 will be distributed from the electronic currency issuing organization 6 to banks, shops, vending machines, individuals, etc. participating in the system, and banks will receive electronic currency in exchange for cash that is normally in circulation. It is stored in the electronic safe 15 provided in the external system 52. The electronic safe 15 stores a large number of IC cards 10 inside, and the electronic currency received from the electronic currency issuing organization is distributed and stored in each card 10. The electronic currency stored in the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in the external system 52 is distributed to the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank branch system 1 installed in each bank branch.

【0025】

Individuals as end users who participate in the electronic currency system possess the distributed IC card 10 and use the counter terminal 12 of the bank branch office system 1 and the automatic teller machine 14 to deposit their own account at the bank. Exchange it for electronic currency, withdraw it, and store it in your IC card 10. Further, a personal computer 32 or an IC card telephone 34 having a PC card type reader / writer 33 owned by the bank is connected to the bank sales office system 1 via the public communication network 7, and the bank is used in the same manner as described above. You can exchange the deposit in your own account for electronic currency, withdraw it, and store it in your own IC card 10.

【0026】

At the time of withdrawal of the above-mentioned electronic currency, the IC card possessed by the individual can be the reader / reader of the counter terminal 12, the automated teller machine 14, the personal computer 32, or the IC card telephone 34, depending on the communication function possessed in the card. It is connected to the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 via the writer. Then, under the control of the electronic currency transaction control terminal 16, the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank branch office system 1 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. In addition, withdrawal of deposits from an individual's account is carried out in the same manner as in the past.

【0027】

In the above, it was explained that the deposit of the individual's bank account is withdrawn and stored in the IC card possessed by the individual, but the cash is taken to the bank window or the window of the electronic currency issuing organization, and the IC card is used there. You can also have it stored.

【0028】

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

【0029】

As described above, a user who stores electronic currency in his / her own IC card 10 uses the IC card in the same way as cash to shop for products and receive various services at various stores and the like. It is possible.

【0030】

It is assumed that a user who has stored the electronic currency in his / her IC card 10 has made a purchase at a store and brought the purchased product to the counter of the POS terminal for payment. The handler inputs the selling price of the product from the POS terminal 21 or 22 by reading the barcode or the like as in the case of a normal transaction, calculates the total, and charges the customer.

【0031】

When the customer pays with an IC card containing electronic currency instead of cash, the customer connects the IC card to the card insertion hole of the electronic currency POS terminal 12 or the normal POS terminal 22. Insert it into the IC card reader / writer 11. As a result, the customer's IC 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 customer's IC is connected. The electronic currency in the card is transferred to one of the IC cards in the electronic safe 15 installed in the center device 24, a receipt is output from the POS terminal, and the processing of payment by shopping is completed. In this case, the electronic currency in the customer's IC card is deducted by the amount used for shopping and added to the electronic currency in the store's IC card.

【0032】

In the above, it was explained that a distribution system equipped 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 pays the transaction price of the product. In the case of a system equipped with only a deposit machine, the deposit machine is provided with an IC card reader / writer for the customer's IC card, and the IC card owned by the store is held inside the deposit machine. Payment can be made in electronic currency between the IC card owned by this store and the customer's IC card connected via an IC card reader / writer. Then, as described above, the electronic currency in the IC card possessed by the store can be credited to the bank account or can be cashed at the bank counter.

【0033】

Further, in the distribution system having the above-mentioned POS terminal, as a method of constructing the system, each POS terminal is provided with an IC card, and money is exchanged with the customer's IC card once with the IC card in the POS terminal. It can be done with the customer's IC card, and if necessary, it can be transferred from the POS terminal to the IC card in the electronic safe 15 of the center device 24.

【0034】

In addition, when the vending machine 42 etc. 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 use the IC card reader / writer. Money may be exchanged with the IC card inserted in the writer 41.

【0035】

Next, an embodiment of the electronic wallet according to the present invention used in the electronic currency system used as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0036】

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, 311 is a modem connector, 312 is a liquid crystal display, 313 is a microprocessor for controlling electronic currency, 314 is a control unit, 315 and 316 are IC card readers / writers, 317 is an operation key unit, and 318 is a power switch. 3191 and 3192 are the first and second independent function switches (these independent function switches are on while pressed and turned off when the finger is released from the switch), 320 is the battery, and 321 is the modem unit for electronic wallet. , 323 are telephone lines, and the other codes are the same as in FIG.

【0037】

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 described later, the electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an IC card reader / writer 315 for an IC card 10 in which an electronic currency for carrying in a normal state is stored, and this IC. An IC card reader / writer 316 for the IC card 10'that exchanges electronic currency with and from the card 10, an operation key unit 317, a liquid crystal display unit 312 that displays various information, and a power switch 318. , 1st and 2nd independent function switches 3191 and 3192, a microprocessor 313 for controlling electronic currency that controls electronic currency in IC cards 10 and 10', and an entire electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is composed of a control unit 314 for performing control. Further, the illustrated electronic wallet electronically uses a modem unit 321 dedicated to the electronic wallet for exchanging electronic currency with each other's IC cards of other individuals, banks, and distributors connected via the telephone line 323. It is configured with a modem connector 311 for connecting to the currency control microprocessor 313.

【0038】

The detailed functional operation of the electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described later, but next, the functional operation will be briefly described.

【0039】

The illustrated electronic wallet 31 is in a state where the power switch 318 is turned off and the IC card 10 in which the user's electronic currency is stored is set in the IC card reader / writer 315 when the user carries it around. Has been done. Then, when trying to pay for shopping or the like using this IC card 10, the user takes out the electronic wallet 31 from the pocket or the like and presses the first independent function switch 3191 to display the liquid crystal display unit. Check the balance of the electronic currency in the IC card 10 on 312, press the second independent function switch 3192, and enter the password etc. so that the electronic currency in the IC card 10 can be handled. Unlock. After that, the user takes out the IC card 10 and inserts his / her own IC card 10 into the terminal device for transactions with the IC card placed in the shop or the like where he / she shopped, and electronically as explained with reference to FIG. Make payments in currency.

【0040】

In the above, the first and second independent function switches 3191 and 3192 are turned on only when the user presses them to supply power to the electronic wallet 31 from the battery 320, and the first and second independent functions, respectively. It is intended to execute only the processing associated with the independent function switches 3191 and 3192 in advance. In the above example, when the first independent function switch 3191 is pressed, the control unit 314 (deletes) identifies it, and the balance of the electronic currency in the IC card 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312. , When the second independent function switch is pressed, the input mode of the password for unlocking the IC card 10 is set, or the mode for locking is set. By inserting the IC card 10 into the electronic wallet 31, the contacts of the IC card 10 come into contact with the contacts of the control unit 314, the power is turned on for a predetermined time, and the balance of the electronic currency is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312. You can also do it. In addition to the personal identification number, it may be personal identification character information.

【0041】

Next, a case where, for example, another IC card 10'held by a child or the like is inserted into the illustrated electronic wallet and the electronic currency is transferred to and from the own IC card 10 will be briefly described.

【0042】

In this case, the user sets the other IC card 10'in one of the IC card reader / writer 316 provided, turns on the power switch 318, and then displays the operation on the liquid crystal display unit 312. By operating the operation keys of the operation key unit 317 according to the instructions such as, the electronic currency can be transferred between the IC cards 10 and 10'. The operation key unit 317 includes a number key and an instruction key.

【0043】

When exchanging electronic currency between another IC card and its own IC card via the telephone line 323, the modem unit 321 dedicated to the electronic wallet is connected to the electronic wallet 31 to connect with the other party's device. After making the connection, as in the case described above, by operating the operation keys of the operation key unit 317 according to the instructions such as the operation displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312, the remote IC card 10 and the remote unit (not shown) are operated. It is possible to transfer electronic currency between IC cards such as individuals and banks.

【0044】

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the outer shape of the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a sectional view of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an outer shape of the electronic wallet dedicated modem unit 321 attached to the electronic wallet 31 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows, and the structure of the electronic wallet 31 by one Embodiment of this invention is described below with reference to these figures. In FIGS. 3 to 5, 324 is the main body, 325 is the protective cover, 326 is the board, 327 is the eject button, 3111 is the modem connector, 3151, 3161 and 3162 are the card slots, and 3191 and 3192 are the first and second. The independent function switch, 3211 is the main body of the modem unit, 3212 is the modular jack, and the other codes are the same as in Fig. 2.

【0045】

As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) to 3 (d), the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 312 and an operation key unit 317 on the upper surface of the main body unit 324. , A modem connector 311 for connecting the modem unit 321 on the upper side, a card slot 3161 for inserting the IC card 10', and a card slot 3151 for inserting the IC card 10 on the lower side and an eject for this card. A button 327 is provided, and a power switch 318 and first and second independent function switches 3191 and 3192 are provided on the left side surface.

【0046】

The illustrated electronic wallet 31 is configured to insert the IC card 10 that the user uses by himself / herself into the card slot 3151 from the lower side surface of the main body 324, and the entire IC card 10 extends to the inside of the main body 324. It can be inserted. Then, when the entire IC card 10 is inserted into the main body 324, the IC card 10 is set in an IC card reader / writer 315 (not shown) for the IC card 10. The IC card 10 is taken out by pressing the idect button 237.

【0047】

Further, on the upper side surface of the illustrated electronic wallet 31, a modem connector 311 for connecting a modem unit 321 dedicated to the electronic wallet, which will be described later, and a card slot 3161 for inserting another IC card 10'are provided. ing. An IC card reader / writer 316 (not shown) for the IC card 10'is provided in the back of the card slot 3161, and when the IC card 10'is inserted into the card slot 3161, the IC card reader for the IC card 10' / It becomes the state set in the writer 316. In this case, the entire IC card 10'is not inserted into the card slot 3161, and only about half of the IC card 10'is inserted into the IC card reader / writer 316.

【0048】

Further, on the left side of the illustrated electronic wallet 31, there is a power switch 318, a first independent function switch 3191 for checking the balance, and a second independent function switch 3192 for locking and unlocking the IC card 10. Is provided.

【0049】

Then, when the illustrated electronic wallet 31 is carried by the user, the protective cover 325 is attached as shown in FIG. 4 with the IC card 10 owned by the user inserted in the card slot 3151. Further, as can be seen from FIG. 4, the substrate 326 constituting each functional portion described with reference to FIG. 2 and the power supply 320 by a dry battery or the like are housed inside the main body portion 324 of the electronic wallet 31.

【0050】

As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (d), the modem unit 321 dedicated to the electronic wallet is provided on the lower side surface of the modem unit main body 3211 and on the main body 324 (FIG. 3 (a)) of the electronic wallet 31. A modem connector 3111 to be connected to the modem connector 311 is provided, and a modular jack 3212 for connecting to a communication line such as a telephone line is provided on the left side thereof, and an interface with the communication line is performed inside the modular jack 3212. A modem is provided. Then, the modem unit 321 is electrically and mechanically coupled to the electronic wallet 31 by connecting the modem connector 3111 to the modem connector 311 of the electronic wallet 31. Further, the modem unit 321 is provided with a penetrating card slot 3162 so that another IC card 10'can be inserted even when the modem unit 321 is connected to the electronic wallet 31.

【0051】

The electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention having an external shape as described above has an extremely thin overall shape by using a thin device such as a sheet as a functional device to be mounted inside the electronic wallet 31. The thickness of the part other than the part that stores the batteries as a power source can be about 8 mm, and when using AAA batteries as a power source, the thickness of the part on the left side that stores the batteries can be about 14 mm. I was able to. Even when the protective cover 325 is attached, the thickness of the main body 324 can be accommodated to about 14 mm, which is extremely convenient to carry.

【0052】

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention and two IC cards 10 and 10', and FIG. 7 shows a state in which a modem unit 321 is attached to the electronic wallet 31 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows 2 IC cards 10, 10'.

【0053】

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention has two IC cards 10 and 10'on the lower side and the upper side regardless of whether or not the modem unit 321 is attached. The IC card 10 to be inserted from the lower side can be inserted into the main body as a whole as described above. The IC card 10 can be stored and carried around with the electronic wallet alone or with the modem unit 321 attached.

【0054】

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the key arrangement of the operation key unit 317 of the electronic wallet 31 and the display mode of the liquid crystal display unit 312 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The key arrangement of the operation key unit 317 of the electronic wallet 31 and the display mode of the liquid crystal display unit 312 according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

【0055】

As shown in FIG. 8, the operation key unit 317 consists of a number key for inputting a number without a symbol and an instruction key, and the control key 3500 indicates the clear / cancel key C and the transfer direction of the electronic currency. It has an up key U and a down key D to select and display various functions, a function key F for selecting and displaying various functions, and an enter key E which is an execution key. These control keys 3500 are operated in association with various information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312, whereby various processes that the user wants to perform are performed.

【0056】

Further, the information displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 312 is as described below, as shown in FIG.

【0057】

Tasks S, T, L, ST, and M are cyclically displayed one by one by the function key F, where S is card selection, T is transfer, L is lock, ST is history, and M. Is to perform each function of the menu. The remote status information 3121 is information displayed when another IC card, for example, the IC card 10 shown in FIG. 1 is connected via a communication line such as a telephone line 323, and the connected card is locked. Indicates whether or not there is. The upper IC card information 3122 is information indicating the status of another IC card inserted from the upper side of the electronic wallet 31, and is located above the display unit 312, and the balance of the electronic currency in the card and the card are displayed. Indicates whether or not it is locked. The lower IC card information 3124 is information indicating the state of the own IC card inserted from the lower side of the electronic wallet, and is located below the display unit 312, and the balance of the electronic currency in the card and the card. Indicates whether or not is in the locked state. The transfer direction information 3123 is information indicating in which direction the electronic currency is to be moved, that is, whether to move the electronic currency from the upper IC card 10 to the lower IC card 10'or vice versa, and the direction is indicated by an arrow. indicate. The function information 3125 is information indicating the contents of the task.

【0058】

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the functional hierarchy of the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention and a diagram showing the control key 3500, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the functional operation of the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention. , Hereinafter, the function hierarchy and the function operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

【0059】

In FIG. 9 (a), the switches shown as B and L of the first and second independent function switches 3191 and 3192 are the switch B for displaying the remaining amount in the card and the switch for unlocking the card. It is a switch L that allows you to enter a password, and it is composed of non-locking switches. Only while the user presses these switches, the power is turned on and the functions assigned to the switches are executed. To do.

【0060】

That is, when the user presses the first independent function switch 3191B with his / her IC card 10 stored in the electronic wallet 31, the IC card reader / writer 315 contains the IC card reader / writer 315 only while the switch B is pressed. As a result, the internal circuit reads out the balance of the electronic currency in the IC card 10 and displays it on the display unit 312 via the control unit 314. This operation is shown in Routine 14A in the flowchart shown in FIG.

【0061】

When the user presses the second independent function switch 3192L, the control unit 314 unlocks or locks the electronic currency in the IC card 10 stored in the electronic wallet 31. The user can unlock the IC card 10 by inputting the password from the number keys while pressing the switch L. This operation is shown in Routine 14B in the flowchart shown in FIG.

【0062】

Then, when the user presses the power switch 318P, the electronic wallet 31 is in a state of displaying a home screen showing the balance of the electronic currency of its own IC card 10 on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. , Card status information is displayed. As shown in FIG. 13, this card status information includes the card insertion state 301, that is, whether a card is inserted in the card slot, or the card selection state 302, that is, which IC card among the inserted IC cards. There is a state of operation, a card lock state 303, that is, the IC card is locked, and a card balance 304, that is, how much electronic currency is contained in the IC card.

【0063】

After that, when the function key F is pressed, the icon indicating one of the above-mentioned tasks S, T, L, ST, and M, which is the task under the first function hierarchy 3502 of the function key F, is displayed on the display unit 312. Is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, the display of the task by this icon is cyclically changed every time the function key F is pressed, and the icon blinks to indicate that the task is selected. Is displayed. When the icon of the task that the user needs is displayed, the user presses the enter key E, which is the execution key in the control key 3500, so that the task is selected and used or can be executed. Will be done. At this time, the displayed icon is continuously lit to indicate that the task is being executed. This operation is shown in Routine 14C in the flowchart shown in FIG.

【0064】

In the example shown in FIG. 10, since the task ST is selected and executed as the task, the history information of transactions such as shopping by the IC card 10 is displayed as a statement on the display unit 312. This task is completed by pressing the clear / cancel key C of the control key 3500, and the display unit 312 is in the state of displaying the home screen. History information can be displayed by selecting the latest one from the beginning with the up key U and down key D. This operation is shown in Routine 15A in the flowchart shown in FIG.

【0065】

The task M selected by the function key F described above is for selecting a task in the second functional hierarchy 3503, which is one level below the first functional hierarchy 3502, as shown in FIG. 9 (a). In the example shown in FIG. 9 (a), the task CU, CA of the second function hierarchy 3503 is the up key U by selecting the task M of the first function hierarchy 3502 and pressing the enter key E. And down key D makes it selectable. The task CU is a currency switching function, and is used to select the currencies of each country when they are stored in the IC card 10. In addition, the task CA is a function of a calculator, which makes it possible to use the electronic wallet 31 as a calculator. The up key U and the down key D indicate the currency conversion procedure displayed on the display unit 312. This operation is shown in Routine 15B in the flowchart shown in FIG.

【0066】

FIG. 11 illustrates an operation example when the electronic currency is transferred between two IC cards 10 and 10'using the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above. It is a figure, and this will be described below.

【0067】

(1) When the user inserts his / her IC card 10 from the lower side of the electronic wallet 31 or turns on the power switch 318 while the IC card 10 is stored, the display unit 312 of the electronic wallet 31 Displays the balance of the electronic currency of the IC card 10 and the locked state as a home screen at the display position of the IC card 10 on the lower side. In the illustrated example, the black background indicates that the card can be operated. Further, in the illustrated example, it is shown that this IC card is in a locked state (Screen A).

【0068】

(2) When another IC card 10'that intends to exchange electronic currency with your IC card 10 is inserted from the upper side of the electronic wallet 31, the balance of the electronic currency of that IC card 10'is increased. It is displayed at the display position of the IC card 10'on the upper side. In the illustrated example, it is shown that the IC card 10'on the upper side is not locked (Screen B).

【0069】

(3) Next, operate the function key F to select the transfer of task T to move the electronic currency, and press the enter key E to press the upper IC card information 3122 (Fig. 8) and the lower side. The part of IC card information 3124 (Fig. 8) blinks (Screen C).

【0070】

(4) In this state, press the up key U or down key D to indicate the direction to transfer the electronic currency. In the illustrated example, the down key D is pressed to transfer the electronic currency from the upper IC card 10'to the lower IC card 10. As a result, a downward arrow indicating that the electronic currency is transferred from the upper IC card 10'to the lower IC card 10 is displayed. The lock of the IC card need only be released when the electronic currency in the card is withdrawn, and in the case of the illustrated example, the lock of the lower IC card 10 may remain locked. When transferring electronic currency from the lower IC card 10 to the upper IC card 10', the process of unlocking the lower IC card 10 between screens C and D described above is performed. Must be done (Screen D).

【0071】

(5) By pressing the enter key E as the enter key, currency transfer can be executed, and the upper IC card information 3122 and lower IC card information 3124, which had been blinking until now, are changed to continuous lighting. It becomes an instruction screen for inputting how much to move the electronic currency (Screen E).

【0072】

(6) Enter the amount to be moved using the number keys, and that amount will be displayed. After that, when you press the enter key E, a screen to confirm whether there is any error is displayed (screens F and G).

【0073】

(7) Confirm that the entered amount to be moved is correct, and press the enter key E again to blink the displayed amount to be moved and process the move. When the process is completed, the display of the amount to be moved lights up continuously, and the balances of the upper and lower IC cards 10'and 10 changed by the movement of the electronic currency are displayed and blink. (Screens H, I).

【0074】

(8) After that, the upper IC card 10'display showing the balance of the two IC cards 10 and 10'after the transfer of the electronic currency changes to the continuous lighting state. The electronic currency transfer process will continue to be possible, but here, by pressing the clear / cancel key C of the control key 3500, you can return to the state of displaying the home screen and select and execute other functions. It becomes possible (screens J and B). This operation is shown in Routine 15C in the flowchart shown in FIG.

【0075】

In the above description, an operation example in which the electronic currency is transferred between two IC cards 10 and 10'using the electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention has been shown, but the present invention describes the communication line. It can also be used to exchange electronic currencies by connecting to a remote IC card. In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the thick line indicates the step operated by the user of the electronic wallet 31, and the others depend on the function of the electronic wallet 31 itself.

【0076】

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when exchanging electronic currency by connecting to a remote IC card, which will be described below.

【0077】

The example shown in FIG. 12 is a screen when a remote IC card is connected using a communication line instead of the upper IC card 10'in the state of screen B in the above-mentioned example of electronic currency transfer operation. is there. In this case as well, electronic currency can be exchanged between the two IC cards via a communication line by the same operation as described above. Also, if the remote IC card is an IC card in a bank, it can be identified by the BANK display. In this case, in order to indicate which of the IC cards 10 and 10'inserted in the electronic wallet 31 is to be transferred, the task S of the first functional layer 3502 is instructed by the function key 3501F, and the up key U or Specify the IC card with the down key D. This operation is shown in Routine 15D in the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that Routine15E shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 releases and sets the lock when task L of the first functional layer 3502 is selected.

【0078】

The electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention described above was configured so that only one IC card for oneself could be stored and carried around. However, the current electronic currency payment system is configured so that the amount of electronic currency stored in the IC card is limited to a certain amount or less, and payment with an electronic currency exceeding this fixed amount cannot be performed. .. In order to solve such problems, multiple IC cards can be stored in the electronic wallet, and the amount to be settled should be distributed to each IC card so as not to exceed the payment limit of each IC card. Can be considered.

【0079】

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic wallet 31 capable of storing two personal IC cards.

【0080】

Figure 16 (a) shows an example in which two IC cards are arranged side by side on the same plane in the vertical direction so as not to increase the overall thickness. In this example, the thickness is not increased, but the length in the vertical direction is increased. In order to shorten the length in the vertical direction, the IC cards may be arranged side by side in the same plane in the horizontal direction.

【0081】

Figure 16 (b) shows an example in which two IC cards can be stacked and stored in order to avoid increasing the overall length. In the case of this example, the thickness is increased to some extent, but the vertical direction is not increased.

【0082】

FIG. 16 (c) shows an example in which the contact points of the card reader / writer with respect to the two IC cards are arranged so as to be offset by a distance a, and the IC cards are arranged and stored so as to overlap with each other. According to this example, the increase in thickness does not increase as much as that shown in FIG. 16 (b), and the overall length of the two ICs does not increase as much as that shown in FIG. 16 (a). Can store cards.

【0083】

In the examples shown in FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (c), consideration is not given to providing a card reader / writer for other IC cards, assuming that two IC cards of the user are stored. Providing a card reader / writer for other IC cards and exchanging electronic currency between other IC cards and your own IC card only requires a slight increase in the size or thickness of the electronic wallet. It can be easily configured.

【0084】

Further, the electronic wallet 31 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above has been described as inserting the IC card from the lower side surface and the upper side surface, but it can also be configured to be inserted from the right side or the left side surface. The structure of the electronic wallet 31 described above can also be applied to the structure proposed by the applicants in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-203053.

【0085】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, an electronic wallet for storing and carrying an IC card storing electronic currency is used between IC cards and between IC cards using a general telephone line or the like. By transmitting and receiving signals, payments can be made in electronic currency between individuals, between individuals and banks, and between individuals and distributors.

【0086】

Further, according to the present invention, the number of operation keys arranged in the operation system can be reduced to enable easy operation, the display can be made easy to see and understand, and the connection with the communication system is easy. Moreover, it is possible to provide an electronic wallet having a thin structure that is convenient to carry.

[Simple explanation 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 block diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outer shape of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outer shape of a modem unit dedicated to an electronic wallet attached to the electronic wallet shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an electronic wallet and two IC cards according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a modem unit is attached to an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention and two IC cards.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a key layout of an operation key unit of an electronic wallet and a display mode of a liquid crystal display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a functional hierarchy of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional operation of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation example in the case of transferring electronic currency between two cards by using the electronic wallet according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when connecting to a remote IC card to exchange electronic currencies.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of an IC card on a display unit of an electronic wallet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying the state of an IC card on a display unit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a processing function of an IC card.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic wallet capable of storing two personal IC cards.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Bank branch office 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 311, 3111 Modem connector 312 LCD display unit 313 Computer for electronic currency control 314 Control unit 315, 316 IC card Reader / Writer 317 Operation Keys 318 Power Switch 3191 First Independent Function Switch 3192 Second Independent Function Switch 320 Battery 321 Modem unit for electronic wallet 323 Telephone line 324 Main unit 325 Protective cover 326 Board 327 Eject button 3151, 3161, 3162 Card slot 3211 Modem unit main unit 3212 Modular jack 3500 Control key 3501 Function key 3502 First functional hierarchy 3503 Second Functional hierarchy