JP2008107891A - Amount change information sending apparatus, money terminal, amount change information sending method and amount change method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set an expiration date for an electronic money function formed in an IC chip while validating a money value stored in the IC chip before the expiration date. <P>SOLUTION: In conjunction with an amount change information sending apparatus, an IC card 6 has an electronic money function and a credit card function. The IC card 6 can be used as an electronic money card when the electronic money function is used. The IC card 6 can also be used as a credit card when the credit card function is used. An expiration date is set for the credit card function of the IC card 6. An electronic money terminal 8 charges the electronic money function of the IC card 6 before the expiration date but does not charge it past the expiration date. This can promote the discard of the IC card 6 upon the expiration of the credit card function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a money amount change information transmitting device, a money terminal, a money amount change information transmitting method, and a money amount changing method, and for example, relates to a device for distributing electronic money.

In recent years, a business that provides various services by incorporating an IC chip into a resin card or a mobile phone has become popular.
The IC chip is formed with a CPU, a memory, and the like, and various functions such as an electronic money function, a credit card function, a point card function, etc. can be exhibited by incorporating and executing application software therein. .

When an electronic money function is realized with an IC chip, electronic data corresponding to a monetary monetary value called value is stored in the IC chip, and this amount is increased or decreased at an electronic money terminal provided in the store or the like to make a prepaid card Used in the same way as
Further, when the credit card function is realized by the IC chip, credit information such as a credit card number and an expiration date is stored in the IC chip, which is read by a credit terminal provided in the store and used as a credit card.

A plurality of application software can be incorporated in an IC chip, and an electronic money function, a credit card function, a point card function, and the like can be exhibited with one IC chip.
For this reason, the user can use one IC card or one mobile phone as an electronic money card, a credit card, a point card, etc., and the convenience of the user can be improved.
As described above, as a technique for incorporating a plurality of applications into an IC chip, there is the following “IC card and electronic money deposit system”.
JP 2005-38446 A

  In this technology, an electronic money function and a credit card function are mounted on an IC card, and credit is provided to the user with a credit card function when value is insufficient for settlement with electronic money.

In some cases, an electronic money function is installed on a credit card in which an IC chip is embedded.
In this case, an expiration date is set for the credit card, and it is required to immediately discard the credit card after the expiration date.
However, since the electronic money function can be used even after the expiration date of the credit card elapses, the user may continue to use the expired credit card as an electronic money card.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to set an expiration date for an electronic money function formed on an IC chip while maintaining a state in which a monetary value stored in the IC chip can be used before the expiration date.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores the amount of monetary value as electronic data, changes the amount of monetary value stored using amount change information, and sets a time limit. A money amount change information transmitting device for transmitting money amount change information to the money terminal, a transmission request receiving means for receiving a request for sending money amount change information to the money terminal, and a time limit set in the money terminal has elapsed A deadline confirmation means for confirming whether or not there is money amount change information transmission means for sending the money amount change information for which the transmission request has been received to the money terminal, wherein the money amount change information transmission means is the deadline confirmation means When it is confirmed that the time limit has passed, an amount change information transmitting device is provided that does not transmit amount change information for increasing the amount stored in the money terminal.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a time limit acquisition means for acquiring a time limit from the money terminal, and the time limit confirmation means uses the acquired time limit and the time limit set for the money terminal has elapsed. It is confirmed whether or not there is provided the money amount change information transmitting device according to claim 1.
In the invention according to claim 3, the time limit confirmation means confirms whether or not the time limit has passed by requesting a predetermined server to check whether or not the time limit of the money terminal has passed. An amount change information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
In the invention according to claim 4, the money terminal is configured so that flag information indicating that a time limit has passed can be set, and it has been confirmed that the time limit has passed by the time limit checking means. In such a case, the money amount change information transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the flag information is set in the money terminal.
In the invention described in claim 5, the amount storage means for storing the monetary value amount as electronic data, the time limit storage means for storing the time limit, and the amount change information receiving means for receiving the amount change information from the amount change information transmitting device And the amount change means for changing the stored amount using the received amount change information, and the amount change information for increasing the stored amount from the amount change information transmission device, the stored time limit And a time limit transmitting means for transmitting the information to the amount change information transmitting device.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, flag information setting means for setting flag information indicating that the time limit has passed has been provided, and after the time limit is transmitted to the amount change information transmitting device, the amount change information transmission 6. The money terminal according to claim 5, wherein the flag information setting means sets the flag information when requested by an apparatus.
In the invention according to claim 7, the amount of money value is stored as electronic data, the amount of money value stored is changed using amount change information, and the amount change information for the money terminal for which a time limit is set. The amount change information transmitting method performed by the amount change information transmitting device for transmitting the information, wherein the amount change information transmitting device includes a transmission request accepting means, a time limit confirming means, and an amount change information transmitting means. A request acceptance means for accepting a request for sending money amount change information to the money terminal, and a time limit for confirming whether the time limit set for the money terminal has passed by the time limit confirmation means. A confirmation step; and an amount change information transmission step of transmitting the amount change information for which the transmission request has been accepted to the money terminal by the amount change information transmission means, and the amount In the update information transmission step, if it is confirmed that the time limit has passed in the time limit confirmation step, the money amount change information transmission for increasing the amount stored in the money terminal is not performed. Provide a method.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the money terminal comprising the money amount storage means, the time limit storage means for storing the time limit, the money amount change information receiving means, the money amount change means, and the time limit transmission means, the money amount storage Means for storing the amount of money value as electronic data, and for the amount change information receiving means, for receiving the amount change information from the amount change information transmitting device, and for the amount change means, When the amount change step for changing the stored amount using the received amount change information and the amount change information for increasing the stored amount from the amount change information transmitting device are received by the time limit transmission means. An amount change method comprising: a time limit transmission step of transmitting the stored time limit to the amount change information transmitting device.

  According to the present invention, by disabling payment to the IC chip after the expiration date, the electronic value formed on the IC chip is maintained while maintaining the money value stored in the IC chip before the expiration date. An expiration date can be set for the money function.

(1) Outline of Embodiment The IC card 6 (FIG. 1) has an electronic money function and a credit card function. When the electronic money function is used, the IC card 6 can be used as an electronic money card, and the electronic money terminal 8 can charge (deposit) a value (money value) or make a settlement.
On the other hand, when the credit card function is used, the IC card 6 can be used as a credit card, and the credit terminal 60 can confirm or give credit.

An expiration date is set for the credit card function of the IC card 6, and the electronic money terminal 8 charges the electronic money function of the IC card 6 before the expiration date, but the expiration date has passed. After that, you will not be charged.
On the other hand, payment can be made regardless of the expiration date of the credit card.
The electronic money terminal 8 may read the expiration date directly from the credit card function. However, since the credit card function and the electronic money function are generally managed by different entities, the electronic money function is credited. The expiration date of the card function is written, and the electronic money terminal 8 thereby indirectly refers to the expiration date of the credit card function.

  In this way, by prohibiting the charging of the IC card 6 after the expiration date of the credit card function, the user is prevented from continuing to use the IC card 6 as an electronic money card after the expiration date of the credit card function. It is possible to promote the destruction of the IC card 6 whose credit card function has expired.

(2) Details of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network configuration of an electronic money system 1.
The electronic money system 1 includes a mobile phone 7, an electronic money server 2, the Internet 4, a base station 5, an IC card 6, a user terminal 9, an electronic money terminal 8, a credit terminal 60, a credit server 61, and the like.

The IC card 6 incorporates a non-contact type IC chip, and can be connected to the electronic money terminal 8, the credit terminal 60, and the user terminal 9 by short-range wireless communication.
Note that the IC chip may be of a contact type and connected to these terminals by contact of electrodes.
This IC chip incorporates an electronic money function and a credit card function, and the IC card 6 can function as an electronic money card or a credit card by selectively activating these functions.

When the IC card 6 functions as an electronic money card, the stored value is increased (hereinafter referred to as charge) and decreased (hereinafter referred to as payment) in accordance with a command from the electronic money terminal 8, and the user terminal 9, the Internet 4 can be connected to the electronic money server 2 via 4, and charging and settlement can be performed by a command from the electronic money server 2.
Here, the value is a concept corresponding to money in the electronic money system 1 and is money information that represents the amount of money value as electronic data.

The amount of money (currency) corresponding to the value is collected from the user at the time of charging, and this is distributed according to the settlement amount to the merchants that have settled with the value, so that the correspondence between the value and the currency is taken Yes.
In the IC card 6, the same expiration date as that of a credit card function described later is set as a time limit for charging.
Thus, the IC chip built in the IC card 6 is a terminal that communicates with the electronic money terminal 8, the electronic money server 2, etc., and functions as a money terminal that stores the monetary value as electronic data. .

  Further, when the IC card 6 functions as a credit card, the stored credit information (credit card number, expiration date, user name, etc.) is transmitted to the credit terminal 60 in response to a command from the credit terminal 60. .

The cellular phone 7 is a portable terminal incorporating an IC chip similar to the IC card 6 and has a function as an electronic money card or a credit card.
When the mobile phone 7 functions as an electronic money card, the mobile phone 7 charges and settles in response to an instruction from the electronic money terminal 8, and connects to the electronic money server 2 via the base station 5 and the Internet 4. Can be charged and settled by the command.
Further, when the mobile phone 7 functions as a credit card, the mobile phone 7 transmits credit information to the credit terminal 60.

The user terminal 9 is a personal computer including a device that accesses a non-contact IC chip called a reader / writer, and has a function of connecting to the Internet 4.
When the IC card 6 (which can also be a mobile phone 7) is installed in a reader / writer and the user terminal 9 is connected to the electronic money server 2 via the Internet 4, the IC card 6 and the electronic money server 2 can communicate with each other. The money server 2 can instruct the IC card 6 to charge or settle.

The electronic money center is an operating entity of the electronic money system 1 and manages the electronic money system 1, and an electronic money server 2 is installed.
The electronic money server 2 is connected to the electronic money terminals 8, 8, 8,... Via the communication line, receives usage log data from the electronic money terminal 8, stores it, and performs various information processing. .
The usage log data includes ID information (hereinafter referred to as an electronic money function unit ID) set in the IC card 6 accessed by the electronic money terminal 8 and the IC chip of the mobile phone 7, charge / settlement, processing amount, processing date and time. Etc.

The electronic money server 2 can also be connected to the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 4, and money amount change information can be transmitted to them for charging and settlement. In this case, the electronic money server 2 functions as a money amount change information transmission device.
The electronic money server 2 confirms the expiration date set in the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 when the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 is directly charged, and if the expiration date has not passed, Send change information to charge.
On the other hand, regarding the settlement, the electronic money server 2 transmits the amount change information regardless of the expiration date, and performs settlement.

  Member stores are stores (convenience stores, department stores, restaurants, other retail stores, sales vehicles, other mobiles, etc.) that can be charged and charged with IC card 6 or mobile phone 7 in the accounting area. One or a plurality of electronic money terminals 8 are provided.

The electronic money terminal 8 is a terminal that accesses the IC chip of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 by short-range wireless communication. For example, the electronic money terminal 8 is installed alone or is incorporated in an accounting device (register). is set up.
Alternatively, there are also installation forms such as installing an electronic money terminal 8 dedicated for charging in a plaza of a commercial facility, or incorporating an electronic money terminal 8 dedicated for payment into a vending machine and using it for payment at a vending machine.
The electronic money terminal 8 can transmit the amount change information to the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 to perform charging or settlement. Thus, the electronic money terminal 8 functions as a money amount change information transmission device.

The electronic money terminal 8 checks the expiration date set in the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 when the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 is charged, and changes the amount of money when the expiration date has not passed. Send information to charge.
On the other hand, regarding the settlement, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits the amount change information regardless of the expiration date and causes the settlement.
The electronic money terminal 8 accumulates usage log data in which processing contents with the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7 are recorded. For example, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits the usage log data to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing about once a day.

The credit store is a store where the credit card function of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 can be used, and a credit terminal 60 is installed.
The credit terminal 60 can communicate with the IC chip of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 by short-range wireless communication, read the credit information from these, and transmit it to the credit server 61.
The credit center is a business entity that manages the credit card functions of the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7, and operates a credit server 61.
The credit server 61 receives credit information from the credit terminal 60, examines the credit, and transmits the examination result to the credit terminal 60.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the IC card 6.
The IC card 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a high frequency circuit 22, an antenna 26, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 25, and the like. Yes.
These elements are formed on an IC chip. However, the antenna 26 is constituted by an aerial line extending around an elliptical curve around the outer edge of the IC card 6 or on the diagonal line of the IC card 6 as an axis, and the end is connected to the IC chip.

The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that performs information processing according to various programs stored in the ROM 23 and the EEPROM 25.
Further, the CPU 21 can perform short-range wireless communication with the electronic money terminal 8 via the antenna 26 and the high-frequency circuit 22.

The antenna 26 is an antenna for performing short-distance wireless communication with an antenna built in a reader / writer such as the electronic money terminal 8, the credit terminal 60, or the user terminal 9.
The antenna 26 generates power for driving the IC chip by radio waves from the reader / writer.

  The high frequency circuit 22 converts the high frequency transmitted from the reader / writer to the antenna 26 into a digital signal and outputs it to the CPU 21. Conversely, the high frequency circuit 22 converts the digital signal output from the CPU 21 into a high frequency and sends it out from the antenna 26 to the reader / writer. To do.

The RAM 24 is a readable / writable memory that provides a working memory when the CPU 21 performs information processing.
The RAM 24 can hold the stored contents while the power is supplied to the IC card 6, but the stored contents are lost when the power supply is stopped.
The ROM 23 is a read-only memory that stores basic programs, parameters, data, and the like for causing the IC card 6 to function.

The EEPROM 25 is a ROM capable of writing and erasing information. Information stored in the EEPROM 25 is maintained even when power is not supplied to the IC card 6.
In the EEPROM 25, an electronic money area and a credit card area are formed. The electronic money area stores an electronic money program and data for causing the IC card 6 to function as an electronic money card, and the credit card area allows the IC card 6 to function as a credit card. A credit card program and data are stored.
When the IC card 6 is used as an electronic money card, the electronic money area is used for the CPU 21, and when it is used as a credit card, the credit card area is used for the CPU 21.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the IC card 6 formed when the electronic money program is executed by the CPU 21.
The electronic money storage unit 29 is formed in the electronic money area of the EEPROM 25 and stores an electronic money function unit ID, a value balance, usage log data, an expiration date, a flag group, and the like.
The electronic money function unit ID is ID information uniquely assigned to the electronic money function of the IC chip, and the electronic money server 2 allows the electronic money server 2 to use the IC chip (that is, the IC card 6 in which the IC chip is incorporated). And mobile phone 7).
The electronic money storage unit 29 functions as an amount storage unit that stores the monetary value amount as electronic data (value) and an expiration date storage unit that stores an expiration date (expiration date).

The value balance is the balance of the value currently stored, and has a settlement capacity corresponding to this balance.
The usage log data is log data that records the processing content of communication with the electronic money terminal 8 or the electronic money server 2.
The expiration date is an expiration date that can be charged, and is set to be the same as the expiration date of the credit card function. The expiration date is set, for example, when a credit card function is incorporated into the IC card 6.
The flag group is composed of various types of flag information indicating the state of the electronic money function of the IC card 6. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, when the expiration date has passed, the charge disable flag information is set.

The terminal communication unit 27 mediates communication between the value processing unit 28 and the value processing unit 28 such as receiving amount change information and other commands from the reader / writer unit 8 a of the electronic money terminal 8 and inputting them to the value processing unit 28. To do.
The value processing unit 28 is an information processing unit that executes a command.
The commands include amount change information (consisting of an overwrite command, an addition command, a subtraction command, etc. described later), an ID reference command, an expiration date reference command, a balance reference command, and a flag setting command.

  The amount change information is a command that causes the value processing unit 28 to increase or decrease the value balance stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 by the amount specified in the amount change information and record the processing history in the usage log data. For example, it can be constituted by an addition command, a subtraction command, an overwrite command, etc. described below.

The addition command is a command for causing the value processing unit 28 to increase the amount stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 by the amount specified by the parameter accompanying the addition command.
On the other hand, the subtraction command is a command that causes the value processing unit 28 to reduce the amount stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 by the amount specified by the parameter accompanying the subtraction command.
For example, when the value balance stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 is 5000 yen and the settlement amount is 1000 yen, the electronic money terminal 8 generates a subtraction command for reducing 1000 yen and transmits it to the terminal communication unit 27. Then, the value processing unit 28 executes this subtraction command and updates the balance of the value stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 to 5000 yen-1000 yen = 4000 yen.

The overwrite command is a command for causing the value processing unit 28 to overwrite the amount stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 with the amount specified by the parameter accompanying the overwrite command.
When the overwrite command is used as the amount change information, the electronic money terminal 8 calculates the value balance after addition / subtraction, and causes the value processing unit 28 to overwrite the value balance in the electronic money storage unit 29 with this amount.
For example, consider a case where the value balance stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 is 5000 yen and the settlement amount is 1000 yen.
The electronic money terminal 8 reads the current value balance 5000 yen from the IC card 6 and calculates the balance 5000 yen-1000 yen = 4000 yen after settlement. Then, the electronic money terminal 8 generates an overwrite command for overwriting the value balance to 4000 yen and transmits it to the terminal communication unit 27. Then, the value processing unit 28 executes this overwrite command, and updates the value balance stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 to 4000 yen.

The electronic money terminal 8 may be configured to use the addition / subtraction command described above, or may be configured to use an overwrite command.
Alternatively, an addition / subtraction command and an overwrite command can be combined.
For example, an addition command can be used for charging, an overwrite command can be used for settlement, or an overwrite command can be used for charging, and a subtraction command can be used for settlement.
In this manner, the value processing unit 28 functions as a money amount change information receiving unit that receives money amount change information from the money amount change information transmitting device (the electronic money terminal 8 or the electronic money server 2) via the terminal communication unit 27 or the like. Moreover, it functions as an amount change means for changing the amount stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 using the received amount change information.

The ID reference command is a command for causing the value processing unit 28 to read the electronic money function unit ID. When the ID reference command is input, the value processing unit 28 obtains the electronic money function unit ID from the electronic money storage unit 29. Read and output.
The expiration date reference command is a command that causes the value processing unit 28 to read the expiration date. The value processing unit 28 reads the expiration date from the electronic money storage unit 29 and outputs it when the expiration date reference command is input.

As described above, the value processing unit 28 stores the amount change information that increases the amount stored from the amount change information transmitting device (the electronic money terminal 8 or the electronic money server 2), and stores the amount change information in the electronic money storage unit 29. It functions as a term sending means for sending the term (valid term) to the money amount change information sending device.
Note that the value processing unit 28 according to the present embodiment outputs an expiration date when an expiration date reference command is input from the electronic money terminal 8 or the electronic money server 2 regardless of reception of the charge amount change information to be charged. .

The balance reference command is a command for causing the value processing unit 28 to read the value balance, and when the balance reference command is input, the value processing unit 28 reads the value balance from the electronic money storage unit 29 and outputs it.
The flag setting command is a command for causing the value processing unit 28 to set a flag. For example, when a command for setting a charge disable flag is input, the value processing unit 28 sets the charge disable flag (for example, from 0 to 1). ) Set.
As described above, the value processing unit 28 functions as a flag information setting unit that sets flag information indicating that a time limit (expiration date) has passed.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the IC card 6 formed when the credit card program is executed by the CPU 21.
The credit storage unit 67 is formed in the credit card area of the EEPROM 25, and stores credit information such as a credit card number, an expiration date, and a user name.

The terminal communication unit 65 receives a credit information reference command and other commands from the reader / writer unit 60 a of the credit terminal 60 and inputs them to the credit processing unit 66.
The credit processing unit 66 is an information processing unit that executes a command.
The command includes a credit information reference command. The credit information reference command is a command for reading out credit information stored in the credit storage unit 67. The credit processing unit 66 reads out the credit information from the credit storage unit 67 by executing the credit information reference command, and the credit processing unit 66 executes the credit information reference command. Output to the terminal 60.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the mobile phone 7.
The mobile phone 7 includes a telephone function unit 10 and an IC chip 12, and both are connected by an interface unit 11.
The IC chip 12 is an IC chip similar to the IC chip incorporated in the IC card 6 and can realize both functions of an electronic money function and a credit card function.
FIG. 4 shows a case where an electronic money program is executed on the IC chip 12 and an electronic money function unit is formed on the IC chip 12.

The telephone function unit 10 has a call mode for performing a call and an application mode, and can be switched by a user operation.
The telephone function unit 10 includes a CPU and a storage unit that stores various application programs, and can execute various application functions by executing these application programs on the CPU in an application mode.

The electronic money application unit 15 is formed by executing an electronic money application program by the CPU of the telephone function unit 10.
The electronic money application unit 15 can access both the electronic money server 2 and the IC chip 12 and can mediate communication between the electronic money server 2 and the IC chip 12.
For this reason, the mobile phone 7 receives money amount change information and various commands from the electronic money server 2 and inputs them to the IC chip 12 to cause the IC chip 12 to perform various functions such as charging, settlement, and flag information setting. Can do.

  Further, the electronic money application unit 15 displays the balance of the value stored in the IC chip 12 on the display of the mobile phone 7, or the electronic money function unit ID, which is ID information unique to the IC chip 12, is displayed in the IC. Various functions for the user such as reading from the chip 12 and displaying on the display can be exhibited.

The IC chip 12 is connected to the electronic money application unit 15 by the interface unit 11.
In the IC chip 12, as with the IC card 6, the CPU executes the electronic money program stored in the EEPROM in the IC chip, so that the terminal communication unit 16, the value processing unit 17, the electronic money storage unit 18, etc. Is formed. These functions are the same as those of the IC card 6 in FIG.

The value processing unit 17 communicates with the electronic money terminal 8 via the terminal communication unit 16 to perform the same information processing (charging, settlement, setting of flag information, etc.) as the IC card 6 and the electronic money application unit 15 It is possible to perform similar information processing by communicating with the electronic money server 2 through the network.
The electronic money storage unit 18 stores an electronic money function unit ID, a value balance, usage log data, an expiration date, a flag group, and the like.

Although not shown, when the credit card program is executed by the IC chip 12, a terminal communication unit, a credit processing unit, and a credit storage unit are formed and used as a credit card, like the IC card 6 of FIG. be able to.
Further, the telephone function unit 10 can access the IC chip 12 and refer to credit information such as a credit number and an expiration date on the display.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the electronic money terminal 8.
The electronic money terminal 8 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, a communication control unit 35, a storage unit 36, an input unit 37, an output unit 38, a clock unit 39, a deposit unit 40, a reader / writer unit 8a, and the like connected by a bus line. Has been.

The CPU 31 performs information processing according to a predetermined program, and controls the entire electronic money terminal 8.
In the present embodiment, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits the money amount change information to the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 to perform charging or settlement, and checks the expiration date of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 to charge. It is determined whether or not to charge, and when the expiration date has passed, the charge disable flag information of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 is set.
The ROM 33 is a read-only memory that stores basic programs and parameters for operating the electronic money terminal 8.
The RAM 34 is a readable / writable memory that provides a working memory for the CPU 31 or loads and stores a program or data stored in the storage unit 36.

The communication control unit 35 is a connection device that connects the electronic money terminal 8 to the electronic money server 2 via a network.
The storage unit 36 includes, for example, a hard disk and other storage media, and a drive device that drives them, and includes a program storage unit 42 that stores various programs, a data storage unit 44 that stores data, and the like. .

The program storage unit 42 accesses the OS, which is a basic program for causing the electronic money terminal 8 to function, the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7 to make a payment, and the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7 are valid. A program for confirming the deadline and controlling the charge process according to the confirmation result is stored.
The data storage unit 44 stores usage log data that is a transaction history with the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7. This usage log data is transmitted to the electronic money server 2 by batch processing.

The input unit 37 is connected to an interface of the accounting device (when incorporated in the accounting device), a user interface, and the like.
The electronic money terminal 8 receives an operation of a member store representative from the input unit 37 and performs various processes such as charging and settlement.
The output unit 38 is connected to an interface of the accounting device (when incorporated in the accounting device), a user interface, and the like.
The electronic money terminal 8 outputs various information such as processing results from the output unit 38, and presents the information to the person in charge of the member store.
The reader / writer unit 8 a performs wireless communication with the IC card 6 and the IC chip of the mobile phone 7.

The clock unit 39 is a clock device that measures the current date and time. The clock unit 39 is calibrated from time to time by a clock device of a host device or a time signal, and measures the exact date and time.
Alternatively, when the usage log data is transmitted as batch data to the electronic money server 2, the management time of the clock unit 39 can be calibrated to the time managed by the electronic money server 2 by accessing the electronic money server 2.
The date and time output by the clock unit 39 is used by the CPU 31 to determine whether or not the expiration date of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 has currently passed.
The depositing unit 40 is a functional unit that is incorporated in the electronic money terminal 8 when the electronic money terminal 8 is an automatic depositing machine (depositing means charging). For example, the depositing unit 40 accepts bills and money inserted by the user and authenticates them. Judgment and the amount of money.
In the case of an automatic depositing machine, the value corresponding to the amount inserted from the depositing unit 40 is charged to the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the electronic money server 2.
The electronic money server 2 is configured by connecting a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 54, a communication control unit 53, a storage unit 55, and the like through a bus line.

The CPU 51 is a central processing unit that performs various types of information processing according to a predetermined program. In the present embodiment, for example, communication with the mobile phone 7 or the IC card 6 (via the user terminal 9) is performed, and charging, settlement, expiration date confirmation, flag information setting, and the like are performed.
The CPU 51 also analyzes usage log data collected from the electronic money terminal 8.
The ROM 52 is a read-only memory, and stores basic programs and parameters for operating the electronic money server 2.
The RAM 54 is a readable / writable memory, and provides a working memory for the CPU 51, loads and stores programs and data stored in the storage unit 55, and the like.
The communication control unit 53 is a control unit for communicating with the electronic money terminal 8 and communicating with the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 4.

The storage unit 55 is configured by using a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk, and includes a program storage unit 56 that stores various programs, a data storage unit 57 that stores data, and the like.
The program storage unit 56 analyzes an OS, which is a basic program for causing the electronic money server 2 to function, a program for charging and settlement by communicating with the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7, and usage log data. For storing the program and other programs.
The data storage unit 57 stores a member store database storing member store information, a transaction database storing use log data with the mobile phone 7 and the IC card 6, and the like.
Although not shown, the electronic money server 2 is equipped with an accurate clock device, which can be used to determine whether the expiration date of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 has passed.

Next, a procedure for charging the IC card 6 from the electronic money terminal 8 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
The electronic money terminal 8 is installed at a member store and is operated by a person in charge.
The user operates the user terminal 9 or the electronic money terminal 8 configured to be operated by the user.
First, the user installs the IC card 6 in the electronic money terminal 8 in the reader / writer unit 8a.
The electronic money terminal 8 detects the IC card 6 and activates the electronic money program on the IC card 6. As a result, the IC card 6 functions as an electronic money card.
When the IC card 6 is installed in the credit terminal 60, the credit terminal 60 causes the IC card 6 to execute a credit card program, whereby the IC card 6 functions as a credit card.

Next, the person in charge receives money from the user and receives a request for charging. The person in charge inputs the amount of money to be charged into the electronic money terminal 8 and further presses a button for causing the electronic money terminal 8 to execute charging.
By this operation of the person in charge, the electronic money terminal 8 accepts a charge request (step 5). As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 includes a transmission request reception unit that receives a transmission request for money amount change information to a money terminal (IC chip).

Upon receiving the charge request, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits an expiration date reference command to the IC card 6 and requests transmission of the expiration date set in the IC card 6 (step 10).
When receiving the expiration date reference command from the electronic money terminal 8, the IC card 6 reads the expiration date stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 and transmits it to the electronic money terminal 8 (step 15).

The electronic money terminal 8 receives the expiration date from the IC card 6 and compares it with the current date and time output from the clock unit 39 (step 20) to check whether or not the expiration date has passed (step 25). .
In this way, the electronic money terminal 8 uses the term acquisition means for obtaining the term (expiration date) from the money terminal (IC chip) and the term set for the money terminal (IC chip) using the obtained term of validity. It is provided with a time limit confirmation means for confirming whether or not elapses.
When the expiration date is set in units of year and month, for example, “December 1, 2006”, the electronic money terminal 8 uses the date and time part of the date and time output from the clock unit 39. Use and compare.

When the expiration date is set in units of year / month / date / time, year / month / date / hour / minute, year / month / date / hour / minute / second, Judgment is made using the seconds part.
As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 compares at least a unit in which the expiration date is set.

As a result of the comparison, if the current date has passed the expiration date (step 25; Y), the electronic money terminal 8 rejects the charge request and does not transmit the amount change information to the IC card 6 (step 40). ).
In this case, the electronic money terminal 8 notifies the person in charge that the IC card 6 is expired (subordinate) by displaying an error message on the display.

On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the current date has not expired (step 25; N), the electronic money terminal 8 generates amount change information for charging the value of the amount and stores it in the IC card 6. Transmit (step 30).
The IC card 6 receives and executes the money amount change information, and charges the value (step 35).
As described above, the electronic money terminal 8 includes amount change information transmitting means for transmitting the amount change information for which the transmission request has been accepted to the money terminal (IC chip). When it is confirmed that the time has elapsed, the amount change information for increasing the amount stored in the money terminal (IC chip) is not transmitted.

That is, the electronic money terminal 8 confirms the expiration date of the IC card 6 and performs a charge process when the expiration date has not elapsed.
Further, when the settlement process is performed with the IC card 6, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits the amount change information to the IC card 6 without confirming the expiration date of the IC card 6 and performs settlement.
For this reason, even after the expiration date of the IC card 6 has elapsed, the user can use the value charged before the expiration date.

The above example is the case of the IC card 6, but the same applies when charging from the electronic money terminal 8 to the mobile phone 7.
In addition, when the electronic money server 2 transmits and charges the money amount change information directly to the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 4, the electronic money server 2 is connected to the IC card 6 or the same as the electronic money terminal 8. The expiration date of the mobile phone 7 is confirmed, and if the expiration date has not elapsed, the amount change information is transmitted, and if the expiration date has elapsed, the amount change information is not transmitted. In the case of settlement, the electronic money server 2 transmits the amount change information to the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 regardless of the expiration date.

The electronic money terminal 8 of the present embodiment is configured to refer to the expiration date set in the electronic money area of the IC card 6, but directly refers to the expiration date set in the credit card area. It is also possible to configure as described above.
In such a configuration, it is not necessary to set an expiration date in the electronic money area.

Next, the case where the charge impossible flag is set in the IC card 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As described above, when the expiration date of the IC card 6 has elapsed, the electronic money terminal 8 can be configured to set a charge impossible flag to the IC card 6.
Once the charge disable flag is set, the electronic money terminal 8 can recognize that the IC card 6 is prohibited from being charged by checking the flag.
The non-chargeable flag can be used when the function of the electronic money system 1 is expanded later to add a new function.

First, after rejecting the charge request at step 40 in FIG. 7, the electronic money terminal 8 generates a flag setting command for setting a charge impossible flag and transmits it to the IC card 6 (step 45).
The IC card 6 receives the flag setting command from the electronic money terminal 8 and executes it to set the charge impossible flag (step 50).
As described above, when the IC card 6 accesses the electronic money terminal 8 after the expiration date, the charge impossible flag is set.

The setting status of the flag group can be referred to by a flag reference command, and by using this to refer to the setting state of the non-chargeable flag, the function of the electronic money system 1 using the non-chargeable flag can be expanded. it can.
In addition, the electronic money terminal 8 checks the non-chargeable flag before checking the expiration date of the IC card 6, and if the non-chargeable flag is set, the electronic money terminal 8 is not charged without checking the expiration date. It can also be configured.

Note that a charge impossible flag can be similarly set for the mobile phone 7, and a charge impossible flag can be similarly set when accessing the electronic money server 2 directly from the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7. it can.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic money terminal 8 and the electronic money server 2 refer to the expiration date of the credit card function, but this expiration date can be set regardless of the credit card function.

The following effects can be obtained by the present embodiment described above.
(1) By referring to the expiration date stored in the electronic money storage unit 29 in the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7, it can be determined whether or not the expiration date of the credit card function has elapsed.
(2) When the expiration date of the credit card function has elapsed, charging to the IC card 6 and the mobile phone 7 can be prohibited.
(3) Even after the expiration date of the credit card function, the value already charged in the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 can be used for settlement. Therefore, the user can use up the already charged value after the expiration date of the credit card function.
(4) When the expiration date of the credit card function has expired, a non-chargeable flag can be set for the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7.

Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.
In the embodiment described above, the expiration date is stored in the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7. However, in this embodiment, the expiration date is stored in the electronic money server 2 and is referred to by the electronic money terminal 8. The expiration date of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 is determined.

  The electronic money server 2 of this modification stores an electronic money function unit ID of each IC card 6 or each mobile phone 7 and an expiration date database for managing these expiration dates in association with each other. When an inquiry by the electronic money function unit ID is received, the expiration date set in the electronic money function unit ID is confirmed, and the confirmation result is returned to the electronic money terminal 8.

Hereinafter, this procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the IC card 6 is set in the electronic money terminal 8 and the person in charge inputs a charge amount, and the electronic money terminal 8 accepts a charge request (step 55).
Then, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits an ID reference command to the IC card 6 and requests an electronic money function unit ID (step 60).

The IC card 6 receives the ID reference command from the electronic money terminal 8 and executes it, reads the electronic money function unit ID from the electronic money storage unit 29, and transmits it to the electronic money terminal 8 (step 65).
Upon receiving the electronic money function unit ID from the IC card 6, the electronic money terminal 8 transmits this to the electronic money server 2 and requests confirmation of whether or not the expiration date of the IC card 6 has passed (step). 70).

When receiving the electronic money function unit ID from the electronic money terminal 8, the electronic money server 2 searches the expiration date database using this as a key, and reads the expiration date associated with the electronic money function unit ID. Then, the electronic money server 2 compares this expiration date with the current date and time output from its own clock device, and confirms whether or not the expiration date has passed (step 75).
After confirming the expiration date, the electronic money server 2 transmits the confirmation result to the electronic money terminal 8 (step 80).
Thus, the electronic money terminal 8 confirms whether or not the time limit has passed by requesting a predetermined server (electronic money server 2) to check whether or not the time limit of the money terminal has passed. A term confirmation means is provided.

The electronic money terminal 8 receives the confirmation result of the expiration date from the electronic money server 2, and when the result is the confirmation result that the expiration date has passed (step 85; Y), the transmission of the amount change information The process is terminated by outputting an error message or the like.
On the other hand, if the result is a confirmation result indicating that the expiration date has not passed (step 85; N), the electronic money terminal 8 generates amount change information for charging the amount specified in the charge request. To the IC card 6 (step 90).
Then, the IC card 6 receives and executes the money amount change information from the electronic money terminal 8 and charges it (step 95).

In the above description, the IC card 6 is used, but the same applies when charging from the electronic money terminal 8 to the mobile phone 7.
Similarly, when the electronic money server 2 directly charges the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7 via the Internet 4, the electronic money server 2 similarly uses the electronic money function unit ID of the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7. Search the expiration date database to check the expiration date. Also in this modified example, the electronic money terminal 8 (in the case of direct access to the electronic money server 2 is the electronic money server 2) can set a non-chargeable flag on the IC card 6 or the mobile phone 7.

In this modification described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The expiration date of the credit card function of each IC card 6 or each mobile phone 7 can be collectively managed in the electronic money server 2.
(2) Therefore, when the expiration date of the credit card function is changed, it is possible to respond quickly by correcting the expiration date database.

It is the figure which showed the network structure of the electronic money system. It is a figure showing an example of hardware constitutions of an IC card. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of an IC card. It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the functional structure of a mobile telephone. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of an electronic money terminal. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware constitutions of an electronic money server. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which charges an IC card. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which sets a charge impossible flag to an IC card. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the modification which confirms an expiration date.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic money system 2 Electronic money server 4 Internet 5 Base station 6 IC card 7 Mobile phone 8 Electronic money terminal 9 User terminal 60 Credit terminal 61 Credit server

Claims (8)

An amount change information transmitting device that stores money amount as electronic data, changes the stored amount of money value using amount change information, and transmits the amount change information to a money terminal for which a time limit is set. There,
A transmission request receiving means for receiving a transmission request for money amount change information to the money terminal;
Time limit confirmation means for confirming whether or not the time limit set in the money terminal has passed;
Amount change information transmitting means for transmitting the amount change information received the transmission request to the money terminal,
Comprising
The amount change information transmitting means does not transmit the amount change information for increasing the amount stored by the money terminal when it is confirmed that the time limit has passed by the time limit confirmation means. Information transmission device. Comprising a time limit acquisition means for acquiring a time limit from the money terminal;
2. The money amount change information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time limit checking unit checks whether or not a time limit set for the money terminal has elapsed using the acquired time limit.   2. The time limit confirmation unit confirms whether or not a time limit has passed by requesting a predetermined server to check whether or not the time limit of the money terminal has passed. Amount change information transmission device.   The money terminal is configured so that flag information indicating that a time limit has passed can be set, and when it is confirmed by the time limit checking means that the time limit has passed, the flag is displayed on the money terminal. The amount change information transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is set. Amount storage means for storing the monetary value as electronic data;
Time limit storage means for storing the time limit;
Amount change information receiving means for receiving amount change information from the amount change information transmitting device;
Amount change means for changing the stored amount using the received amount change information;
A deadline transmitting means for sending the stored deadline to the amount change information transmitting device when receiving the amount change information for increasing the stored amount from the amount change information transmitting device;
A currency terminal characterized by comprising: Comprising flag information setting means for setting flag information indicating that the time limit has passed,
6. The flag information setting unit sets the flag information when there is a request from the money amount change information transmission device after the deadline is transmitted to the money amount change information transmission device. Money terminal. A monetary value change information transmitting device that stores monetary value amounts as electronic data, changes the stored monetary value amounts using monetary amount change information, and transmits the monetary amount change information to a money terminal for which a time limit has been set. An amount change information transmission method to be performed,
The amount change information transmitting device includes a transmission request accepting unit, a time limit confirming unit, and an amount change information transmitting unit,
A transmission request receiving step for receiving a transmission request for money amount change information to the money terminal by the transmission request receiving means;
A time limit confirming step for confirming whether or not the time limit set in the money terminal has passed by the time limit confirming means;
Amount change information transmitting step of transmitting the amount change information for which the transmission request has been accepted to the money terminal by the amount change information transmitting means;
Consisting of
In the amount change information transmission step, when it is confirmed that the time limit has passed in the time limit confirmation step, the amount change information for increasing the amount stored by the money terminal is not transmitted. Information transmission method. In a money terminal comprising an amount storage means, an expiration date storage means for storing an expiration date, an amount change information reception means, an amount change means, and an expiration date transmission means,
An amount storage step of storing the amount of money value as electronic data in the amount storage means;
Amount change information receiving step for receiving amount change information from the amount change information transmitting device by the amount change information receiving means;
An amount change step of changing the stored amount using the received amount change information in the amount change means;
A deadline sending step of sending the stored deadline to the amount change information transmitting device when the deadline transmitting means receives amount change information for increasing the stored amount from the amount change information sending device;
An amount change method characterized by comprising:

Images