IC card

Abstract

An IC card disclosed herein includes: a card body; a power storage device mounted on the card body; a communication device mounted on the card body and operable by the power storage device; and a photoelectric conversion unit having a light receiving unit exposed on the outer surface of the card body. The communication device operates when an electromotive force is generated in the photoelectric conversion unit as a result of receiving light. When it cannot be confirmed that the communication device is interconnected with a corresponding device set in advance, a payment function is disabled independently of authentication by a numeric passcode.

Description

IC card

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit (IC) card.

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology related to a credit card with security features. In this technology, a credit card identifier that identifies a credit card and a communication device identifier that identifies a single communication device are managed as a pair. The credit card can be used only when it is in a state where it can communicate with the single communication device.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-53493

[0004] In a configuration in which communication is performed between a credit card (IC card) and a communication device, it is conceivable to keep the communication function of the credit card constantly operating in order to make the use of the credit card easier. However, if the communication function is constantly operating, the power consumption of the power storage device installed in the credit card is likely to increase.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique for reducing power consumption of a power storage device mounted on an IC card.

[0006] The IC card according to the present disclosure includes a card body having a memory device storing a card identifier used for payment, a power storage device mounted on the card body, a communication device mounted on the card body and operable by the power storage device, and a photoelectric conversion unit having a light receiving unit exposed on the outer surface of the card body. The communication device operates when an electromotive force is generated by receiving light in the photoelectric conversion unit. If it is not possible to confirm that the communication device is interconnected with a pre-set compatible device, the payment function is disabled, independently of authentication using a PIN.

[0007] In the IC card, an electromotive force is generated by receiving light in the photoelectric conversion unit, and the communication device is interconnected with a compatible device, enabling the payment function. Generally, when a user uses an IC card, the user removes the IC card from a wallet or the like. In this case, when light hits the removed IC card, the photoelectric conversion unit receives light, so the user can use the IC card without performing any special operations. Furthermore, when the IC card is not in use, it is stored in a wallet or the like, and light does not hit the IC card. Therefore, unnecessary power is not supplied to the communication device, thereby reducing power consumption in the power storage device.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a technique for suppressing power consumption of a power storage device mounted on an IC card is provided.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example IC card according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a payment system including an example IC card; Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of a payment approval flow when using an IC card; Fig. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining interconnection between an IC card and a registered device; Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a payment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an IC card. The IC card 10 according to the present disclosure has a payment function. The payment function is a function for paying for purchases of goods, services, etc., and can execute monetary transactions using electronic means. For example, the payment function may be a credit card payment function, a points payment function, an electronic money payment function, an online payment function, etc. The credit card payment function may be a function for executing a payment using a credit card on a payment terminal device. The points payment function may be a function for executing a payment by consuming points previously acquired by the user through past purchases, etc. The electronic money payment function may be a function for executing a payment using electronic money previously charged. The online payment function is a payment method used for payments in online shopping, etc., conducted via the Internet, and may be a function for executing a payment by inputting credit card information, for example. Below, an example in which the IC card is a credit card will be described.

[0011] 1 , an example of an IC card 10 includes a card body 11, a power storage unit 13 (power storage device), a photoelectric conversion unit 15 (photoelectric conversion element), and a communication unit 17 (communication device). For example, the card body 11 has a substantially rectangular plate shape in a plan view and has a storage area for mounting components necessary for configuring the IC card 10.

[0012] The illustrated IC card 10 is a contact-type IC card, and has a terminal 12a (electrode) for reading and writing exposed on the surface of the card, and an IC chip 12b (storage device) located on the back side of the terminal. A card identifier used for payment may be stored in the IC chip 12b of the card body 11. The card identifier may be information for identifying the IC card 10. In one example, the card identifier may be a credit card number.

[0013] The power storage unit 13 is mounted (built-in) on the card body 11. The power storage unit 13 is electrically connected to the communication unit 17 and stores power for supplying power to the communication unit 17. In one example, the power storage unit 13 may include a secondary battery, a capacitor, etc. Note that the IC card 10 may also have a charging port 13a for connecting an external power source. For example, the power storage unit 13 may have a charging circuit and be controlled so that the power storage unit 13 is charged when a charging terminal connected to the external power source is connected to the charging port 13a. In the illustrated IC card 10, the charging port 13a is provided on the side of the card body 11.

[0014] The photoelectric conversion unit 15 has a light receiving unit 15a with a light receiving surface exposed on the outer surface of the card body 11. The light receiving unit 15a converts the energy of irradiated light into electricity. That is, when the light receiving unit 15a receives light, an electromotive force is generated. For example, the light receiving unit 15a may be configured by a module having a photovoltaic effect, such as a solar cell or a photodiode.

[0015] In the illustrated example, the photoelectric conversion unit 15 is disposed on the surface of the card near the edge 11b that faces the edge 11a that is closer to the terminal 12a for reading and writing. For example, in a plan view, the terminal 12a is disposed closer to the edge 11a (first end) than to the center of the card body 11 in the longitudinal direction, and the photoelectric conversion unit 15 is disposed closer to the edge 11b (second end) than to the center of the card body 11 in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] The communication unit 17 is mounted (built-in) in the card body 11 and is operable by power supplied from the power storage unit 13. The communication unit 17 can communicate with devices (registered devices) pre-registered by the user. For example, the communication unit 17 may be connected to other devices via wireless communication. An example of the communication unit 17 may be a device (chip, module, etc.) that communicates via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and may include, for example, a transceiver for performing short-range wireless communication and a control unit for controlling the transceiver. The control unit may be configured, for example, by a microcomputer. Furthermore, the device connected to the communication unit 17 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0017] The communication unit 17 operates when an electromotive force is generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 due to received light. For example, the communication unit 17 is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 15 and starts operating based on a signal from the photoelectric conversion unit 15. In one example, a control unit may detect that an electromotive force equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 15, and the control unit may activate the communication unit 17. Such a control unit may be provided in the communication unit 17 or the photoelectric conversion unit 15, or may be provided in the IC card 10 separately from the communication unit 17 and the photoelectric conversion unit 15.

[0018] The operation of the communication unit 17 may be stopped when the electromotive force in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 falls below a threshold. For example, the communication unit 17 may immediately stop communication when the electromotive force in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 falls below the threshold. Alternatively, the communication unit 17 may stop communication after a predetermined processing time has elapsed when the electromotive force in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 falls below the threshold. When communication is stopped, the communication unit 17 transitions to a standby state and waits until the electromotive force in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 again becomes equal to or greater than the threshold. The threshold value of the electromotive force that triggers the stopping of the communication unit 17 may be equal to or less than the threshold value of the electromotive force that triggers the operation of the communication unit 17.

[0019] As shown in the illustrated example, the IC card 10 may be equipped with a speaker 19. For example, when the communication unit 17 and the registered device are connected to each other, the speaker 19 may be operated by the registered device. The speaker 19 may emit a preset sound based on a signal from the registered device. Alternatively, the speaker 19 may emit a specified sound based on a signal from the registered device.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a payment system. As shown in FIG. 2, the payment system 1 (IC card system) may include an IC card 10, a registered device 20 (compatible device), a payment terminal device 30, and an authentication center 40 (payment server). As described above, the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 may be owned by a user. The payment terminal device 30 is a device through which a user makes credit card payments at a store or the like. The payment terminal device 30 is connected to the authentication center 40 via a communication network N. The illustrated payment terminal device 30 has an insertion section 31 into which a portion of the IC card 10, where the terminal 12a is located, is inserted. A reader (not shown) is disposed inside the insertion section 31 to contact the terminal 12a and read card information (e.g., a card identifier) ​​of the IC card 10. Note that when the IC card 10 is inserted into the insertion section 31, the light receiving section 15a of the IC card 10 is exposed to the outside of the insertion section 31.

[0021] Payment terminal device 30 reads the card identifier of IC card 10 and transmits the card identifier and purchase data along with a payment request requesting the user's payment to authentication center 40. The purchase data may be input using an input device (not shown) provided on payment terminal device 30, or may be input from the store's POS (Point of Sale) system, etc. Payment terminal device 30 may also transmit the PIN number input by the user.

[0022] The authentication center 40 has a first determination unit 41 that checks the received card identifier and PIN and determines the validity of the card and the legitimacy of the PIN. This determination may be performed by the card issuer's authentication system. In this case, the first determination unit 41 obtains the determination result from the card issuer's authentication system. If the card identifier and PIN are determined to be correct, the authentication center 40 sends an approval response to the payment terminal device 30 indicating that the payment has been approved. The payment terminal device 30 receives the approval response and notifies the user that the transaction has been approved. For example, the payment terminal device 30 may issue a receipt or the like and end the transaction. If the authentication center 40 determines that there is a problem with the card information, PIN, or the like, the transaction is rejected and interrupted.

[0023] Furthermore, in the payment system 1, if the interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 is not confirmed, the IC card 10 is disabled for use, regardless of the PIN authentication. In other words, even if the user inputs the correct PIN into the payment terminal device 30, payment cannot be made using the IC card 10. The operation of the payment system 1, including this configuration, will be described below.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of the process up to payment approval when using the IC card 10. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining the interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20. Note that in this embodiment, before using the IC card 10, the communication function of the registered device 20 is set by, for example, the user P so that short-range wireless communication is automatically established between the communication unit 17 of the IC card 10 and the registered device 20. When setting up the registered device 20, the user P may register the card identifier of the IC card 10 in the registered device 20. If the registered device 20 is a terminal such as a smartphone, such setting may be performed by a dedicated application installed on the registered device 20.

[0025] In this embodiment, when user P removes IC card 10 from a wallet, card case, or the like to use it, light strikes light-receiving unit 15a of IC card 10, generating an electromotive force in photoelectric conversion unit 15 (FIG. 4, step S11). This activates communication unit 17, which was in standby mode, and communication unit 17 transitions from standby mode to search mode (FIG. 4, step S12). In the search mode, communication unit 17 periodically transmits signals to the surrounding area to search for nearby devices (FIG. 4, step S13). When registered device 20 receives the signal transmitted by communication unit 17, it transmits a connection request to communication unit 17 (FIG. 4, step S14). When communication unit 17 responds to the connection request transmitted from registered device 20 (FIG. 4, step S15), interconnection between communication unit 17 and registered device 20 is established (FIG. 4, step S16).

[0026] In the exemplary payment system 1, it is determined whether the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 are connected to each other (FIG. 3, step S1). If the determination result indicates that the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 are not connected to each other, the payment function of the IC card 10 cannot be used (FIG. 3, step S2).

[0027] The determination of interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 may be performed by the IC card 10. When the IC card 10 determines that interconnection between the communication unit 17 and the registered device 20 has not been established, the IC card 10 may, for example, cut off an electrical response used for the payment function of the IC chip 12b. Such an operation may be performed by the control circuit of the communication unit 17 or the IC chip 12b, or may be performed by another control circuit mounted on the IC card 10. When an IC card 10 in which the payment function cannot be used is inserted into the insertion unit 31, the payment terminal device 30 may display a message prompting interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20.

[0028] Furthermore, the determination of the interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 may be performed by an external server such as the authentication center 40. For example, the authentication center 40 may include a second determination unit 42. The second determination unit 42 may acquire information indicating that the interconnection between the communication unit 17 and the registered device 20 is currently established (hereinafter referred to as connection information). This connection information may be transmitted from the registered device 20 to the authentication center 40 via the communication network N. That is, the registered device 20 may monitor whether the interconnection with the IC card 10 has been established, continuously transmit the connection information to the authentication center 40 when the interconnection is established, and stop transmitting the connection information when the interconnection is terminated or interrupted. The connection information may include a card identifier. When the second determination unit 42 (authentication center 40) receives a payment request from the payment terminal device 30 along with the card identifier and purchase data, the second determination unit 42 may determine whether the connection information for the IC card 10 corresponding to the card identifier has been received. If the connection information has not been received, the second determination unit 42 may return a response to the payment terminal device 30 indicating that the request cannot be approved.

[0029] The determination of interconnection between IC card 10 and registered device 20 may also be performed by payment terminal device 30. For example, IC chip 12b may monitor the communication status of communication unit 17, and payment terminal device 30 may acquire connection information from IC chip 12b indicating that a mutual connection between communication unit 17 and registered device 20 is currently established when IC card 10 is inserted into insertion unit 31. If payment terminal device 30 cannot acquire the connection information, it may determine that the payment function of IC card 10 cannot be used and terminate the payment process. In this case, payment terminal device 30 may display a message prompting the interconnection between IC card 10 and registered device 20.

[0030] As described above, the determination (monitoring) of the interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 may be performed by any one of the IC card 10, the registered device 20, the payment terminal device 30, and the authentication center 40 that constitute the payment system 1.

[0031] If the interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 is confirmed in step S1, the IC card 10 is permitted for use. In this case, when the IC card 10 is inserted into the payment terminal device 30, the payment terminal device 30 reads the card identifier of the IC card 10 and can transmit the card identifier and purchase data to the authentication center 40 along with a payment request requesting payment from user P. At this time, the payment terminal device 30 may determine whether user P needs to enter a PIN ( FIG. 3 , step S3). For example, if the transaction is a small-amount payment, a PIN may not be required. If it is determined that a PIN is not required, the authentication center 40 approves the payment and the transaction is completed ( FIG. 3 , step S4).

[0032] If it is determined in step S3 that entry of a PIN is required, the payment system 1 determines whether or not entry of the PIN can be omitted (FIG. 3, step S5). For example, even if identity verification by entry of a PIN is required, it may be determined that identity verification is complete if establishment of an interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 is confirmed. In this case, the payment is approved by the authentication center 40, and the transaction is completed.

[0033] If the PIN cannot be omitted, user P enters the PIN (FIG. 3, step S6). For example, user P may enter the PIN using an input device such as a numeric keypad provided on payment terminal device 30. Alternatively, user P may enter the PIN using an input device 21 such as a touch screen provided on registered device 20. In this case, the entered PIN may be transmitted to authentication center 40 along with connection information. Authentication center 40 determines whether the PIN is correct (FIG. 3, step S7). If the PIN is correct, payment is approved and the transaction is completed (FIG. 3, step S4). On the other hand, if the PIN is determined to be incorrect, the IC card 10 cannot be used (FIG. 3, step S2).

[0034] When payment using the IC card 10 is completed, the user P may put the IC card 10 into a wallet or the like (FIG. 4, step S18). In this case, the light shining on the light receiving unit 15a of the IC card 10 is blocked, and as the electromotive force generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 decreases, communication by the communication unit 17 is stopped and the communication unit 17 transitions to a standby state (FIG. 4, step S21). For example, the communication unit 17 may send a disconnection request to the registered device 20 (FIG. 4, step S19), and the registered device 20 may return a disconnection response (FIG. 4, step S20), thereby ending the communication.

[0035] When the interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 20 is released, the payment function of the IC card 10 becomes unavailable. Note that the timing at which the payment function returns to an unavailable state is not limited to the above. For example, the payment function may return to an unavailable state if a certain amount of time has passed since the payment function became available but no payment is made.

[0036] If the interconnection between the communication unit 17 and the registered device 20 is unintentionally stopped and the payment function of the IC card 10 transitions to a state in which it cannot be used, interconnection may be attempted by restarting the near-field wireless communication function of the registered device 20 while light above the threshold is shining on the light-receiving unit 15a. Alternatively, interconnection may be attempted by temporarily blocking the light shining on the IC card 10 and then shining light above the threshold on the light-receiving unit 15a again.

[0037] As described above, the example IC card 10 includes the card body 11 having a memory device (IC chip 12b) storing a card identifier used for payment, the power storage unit 13 mounted on the card body 11, the communication unit 17 mounted on the card body 11 and operable by the power storage unit 13, and the photoelectric conversion unit 15 having the light receiving unit 15a exposed on the outer surface of the card body 11. The communication unit 17 operates in response to the generation of electromotive force by receiving light in the photoelectric conversion unit 15. If the interconnection between the communication unit 17 and the registered device 20 cannot be confirmed, the payment function of the IC card 10 is disabled, independently of authentication using a PIN number.

[0038] In the IC card 10, photoelectric conversion unit 15 generates an electromotive force due to light reception, and communication unit 17 is interconnected with registered device 20, thereby enabling the payment function. Generally, when a user uses IC card 10, he or she removes IC card 10 from a wallet or the like. In this case, when light hits IC card 10 in the removed state, photoelectric conversion unit 15 receives the light, so the user can use IC card 10 without performing any special operations. Furthermore, when IC card 10 is not in use, IC card 10 is stored in a wallet or the like, and light does not hit IC card 10. Therefore, unnecessary power supply to communication unit 17 is not performed, thereby reducing power consumption of power storage unit 13.

[0039] In a plan view, card body 11 may have terminal 12a for reading the card identifier stored in the memory device at a position closer to the first end than the center, and light receiving unit 15a at a position closer to the second end on the opposite side from the first end than the center. In this configuration, light continues to hit light receiving unit 15a even when IC card 10 is inserted into payment terminal device 30.

[0040] The position of the light receiving unit 15a is not particularly limited. For example, the light receiving unit may be located closer to the edge 11a than the center (for example, between the edge 11a and the terminal 12a). In this case, the payment terminal device 30 may have a light source that irradiates the light receiving unit of the IC card 10 inserted into the insertion unit 31. This configuration prevents payment from being interrupted by intentionally covering the light receiving unit of the IC card with a hand or the like.

[0041] When it is confirmed that the communication unit 17 is interconnected with a pre-set registered device 20, the user P may not need to input a PIN when making a payment. This configuration can eliminate the need to input a PIN. Note that whether or not the PIN needs to be input may be set by an application installed on the registered device 20.

[0042] The configuration of IC card 10 of the present disclosure is not limited to the above example. For example, payment terminal device 30 may have a control circuit or the like for charging IC card 10, and power storage unit 13 may store power received from payment terminal device 30. That is, when IC card 10 is inserted into insertion portion 31 of payment terminal device 30, power storage unit 13 may be charged with power supplied from payment terminal device 30 via a terminal. This configuration allows for easy charging of power storage unit 13.

[0043] Furthermore, payment terminal device 30 may have a control circuit or the like for supplying power to IC card 10, and communication unit 17 may operate using power received from payment terminal device 30. That is, when IC card 10 is inserted into insertion portion 31 of payment terminal device 30, communication unit 17 may operate using power supplied from payment terminal device 30 via a terminal. In this configuration, communication unit 17 can operate regardless of the remaining amount of power in power storage unit 13.

[0044] Furthermore, the power storage unit 13 may store the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit 15. That is, the IC card 10 may have a control circuit or the like for charging the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit 15 to the power storage unit 13. In this configuration, the power storage unit 13 can be easily charged.

[0045] Furthermore, the communication unit 17 may operate using power received from the photoelectric conversion unit 15. That is, the IC card 10 may have a control circuit or the like for supplying the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit 15 to the communication unit 17. In this configuration, the communication unit 17 can be operated regardless of the remaining amount of power in the power storage unit 13.

[0046] Furthermore, although an example in which the IC card is of the contact type has been described, the IC card may be of the non-contact type.

[0047] Furthermore, when the interconnection determination is performed by the authentication center, connection information indicating that the interconnection has been established may be transmitted from the IC card to the authentication center. In this case, the IC card may have a network connection unit including, for example, a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) for connecting to the authentication center via the communication network N.

[0048] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates credit card payments at stores, etc., the IC card according to the present disclosure can also be used for, for example, online payments. In online payments, there is a known risk of credit card fraud due to the theft of information related to the card number and security code. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, even if the card number and security code are stolen, the payment function of the IC card cannot be used unless an interconnection between the IC card and the registered device is established when the card payment is actually executed. Even if information about the card is stolen, the circumstances under which light is irradiated onto the IC card are limited, thereby minimizing the risk of fraudulent use. Note that connection information indicating that an interconnection between the IC card and the registered device has been established may be transmitted to an authentication server, for example, from the registered device or the IC card.

[0049] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining software with the single device or multiple devices.

[0050] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0051] For example, any one or any combination of IC card 10, registered device 20, payment terminal device 30, and authentication center 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the processing of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of IC card 10, registered device 20, payment terminal device 30, and authentication center 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The IC card 10, registered device 20, payment terminal device 30, and authentication center 40 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, memory 1002, storage 1003, communication device 1004, input device 1005, output device 1006, bus 1007, etc.

[0052] In the following description, the term "device" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configurations of the IC card 10, the registered device 20, the payment terminal device 30, and the authentication center 40 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

[0053] Each function of the IC card 10, registered device 20, payment terminal device 30 and authentication center 40 is realized by loading specified software (programs) onto hardware such as processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0054] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned first determination unit 41 and the like may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0055] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these programs. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the first determination unit 41 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0056] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured by, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store executable programs (program codes), software modules, etc. for implementing a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0058] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD).

[0059] The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that accepts input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. Note that the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

[0060] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0061] Furthermore, IC card 10, registered device 20, payment terminal device 30, and authentication center 40 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0062] Notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure, and may be performed using other methods.

[0063] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0064] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0065] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0066] The aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to explicit notification, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0067] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0068] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0069] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0070] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0071] In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0072] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0073] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information.

[0074] The names used for the above parameters are not limiting in any way, and furthermore, the mathematical formulas etc. using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure.

[0075] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like, all of which are considered to be "determining." "Determining" and "determining" may also include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, and the like, all of which are considered to be "determining." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Also, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0076] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0077] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0078] As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0079] The "unit" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "means," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0080] When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0081] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0082] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0083] 1...Payment system (IC card system), 10...IC card, 11...Card body, 12a...Terminal (electrode), 12b...IC chip (memory device), 13...Power storage unit (power storage device), 15...Photoelectric conversion unit (photoelectric conversion element), 20...Registered device (compatible device), 30...Payment terminal device, 40...Authentication center.

Claims

1. An IC card comprising: a card body equipped with a storage device for storing a card identifier used for settlement; a power storage device mounted on the card body; a communication device mounted on the card body and operable by the power storage device; and a photoelectric conversion element having a light receiving portion exposed on an outer surface of the card body. The communication device operates when an electromotive force is generated by light reception in the photoelectric conversion element, and is capable of interconnecting with a corresponding device preset within a communicable range. When it cannot be confirmed that the communication device is interconnected with the corresponding device, use of the settlement function is prohibited independently of authentication by a password required for settlement. When the communication device is interconnected with the corresponding device, use of the settlement function is permitted.

2. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein when it can be confirmed that the communication device is interconnected with the corresponding device, input of the password at the time of executing the settlement is unnecessary.

3. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein when it can be confirmed that the communication device is interconnected with the corresponding device, the corresponding device is controlled to accept input of the password.

4. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device stores electric power received from a settlement terminal device.

5. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein the communication device operates by electric power received from a settlement terminal device.

6. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device stores the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion element.

7. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein the communication device operates by electric power received from the photoelectric conversion element.

8. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein in a plan view, the card body has an electrode for reading the card identifier stored in the storage device at a position closer to a first end than to the center, and has the light receiving portion at a position closer to a second end opposite to the first end than to the center.

9. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein in a plan view, the card body has an electrode for reading the card identifier stored in the storage device at a position closer to a first end than to the center, and has the light receiving portion at a position closer to the first end than to the center.

10. The IC card according to claim 1, wherein the settlement function is an online settlement function.