IC card with card holder

Abstract

This IC card with a card holder includes: an IC card used for settlement; a card holder in which a storage part for storing the IC card is formed; a power storage device installed on the IC card or the card holder; and a communication device operable by the power storage device. The communication device operates when the IC card is taken out from the storage part of the card holder. When it cannot be confirmed that a wireless device is interconnected with a corresponding device set in advance, a settlement function is disabled independently of authentication by a numeric passcode.

Description

IC card with card holder

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an IC (Integrated Circuit) card with a card holder.

[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.

[0006] The IC card with card holder according to the present disclosure includes an IC card used for payment, a card holder formed with a storage section for storing the IC card, a power storage device mounted on the IC card or the card holder, and a communication device operable by the power storage device. The communication device operates when the IC card is removed from the storage section of the card holder. If it cannot be confirmed 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 with card holder, when the IC card is removed from the storage compartment of the card holder, the communication device is interconnected with the compatible device, enabling the payment function. On the other hand, when the IC card is not in use, the IC card is stored in the card holder and the communication device is not operating. Therefore, unnecessary power supply to the communication device is not performed, thereby reducing power consumption of the power storage device.

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

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an IC card with a card holder according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a payment system including an example of an IC card with a card holder; Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of a payment approval flow when an IC card is used; Fig. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining interconnection between a card holder and a registered device; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an IC card used in another example of an IC card with a card holder; Fig. 6 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 with a card holder. The IC card 10 constituting the IC card with a card holder 1 according to the present disclosure has a payment function. The payment function is a function for paying for the purchase 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] As shown in FIG. 1 , an example of an IC card with card holder 1 includes an IC card 10 and a card holder 20. The card holder 20 includes a holder main body 21, an accommodating section 22, a power storage section 23 (power storage device), a photoelectric conversion section 25 (photoelectric conversion element), and a communication section 27 (communication device). The holder main body 21 has a generally rectangular plate shape in a plan view and includes an accommodating area for mounting components necessary for the configuration. The accommodating section 22 defines a space for accommodating the IC card 10. The accommodating section 22 in the illustrated example has an insertion opening for inserting and removing the IC card 10. The insertion opening may be provided on a side surface connecting the front and back surfaces of the holder main body 21. The space defined by the accommodating section 22 may have a shape generally identical to the outer shape of the IC card 10 to be accommodated.

[0012] The storage section 22 may be provided with a detection section 22a that detects when the IC card 10 is removed. As an example, the detection section 22a may be provided at a position facing the insertion slot of the storage section 22 (i.e., at the innermost position). The detection section 22a may have a push-type switch that is pressed by the inserted IC card 10 and is released when the IC card 10 is removed, thereby outputting a detection signal. Note that the specific configuration of the detection section 22a is not particularly limited. For example, the detection section may be provided near the insertion slot and detect the IC card 10 being inserted or removed.

[0013] The power storage unit 23 is mounted (built-in) on the holder main body 21. The power storage unit 23 is electrically connected to the communication unit 27 and stores power for supplying power to the communication unit 27. In one example, the power storage unit 23 may include a secondary battery, a capacitor, etc. Note that, in one example, the holder main body 21 may have a charging port 23a for connecting an external power source. For example, the power storage unit 23 may have a charging circuit and be controlled so that the power storage unit 23 is charged when a charging terminal connected to the external power source is connected to the charging port 23a. In the illustrated example of the card holder 20, the charging port 23a is provided on the side surface of the holder main body 21.

[0014] The photoelectric conversion unit 25 has a light receiving unit 25a with a light receiving surface exposed on the outer surface of the holder body 21. The light receiving unit 25a converts the energy of irradiated light into electricity. That is, when the light receiving unit 25a receives light, an electromotive force is generated. For example, the light receiving unit 25a may be configured by a module having a photovoltaic effect, such as a solar cell or a photodiode.

[0015] The communication unit 27 is mounted (built-in) in the holder main body 21 and is operable by power supplied from the power storage unit 23. The communication unit 27 is capable of communicating with devices (registered devices) pre-registered by the user. For example, the communication unit 27 may be connected to other devices via wireless communication. An example of the communication unit 27 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 27 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0016] The communication unit 27 operates when the IC card 10 is removed from the storage unit 22 of the holder main body 21. The communication unit 27 is electrically connected to the detection unit 22a of the storage unit 22, and may start operating based on a signal from the detection unit 22a. In one example, a signal detecting that the IC card 10 has been removed from the storage unit 22 may be input from the detection unit 22a to a control unit, and the control unit may activate the communication unit 27. Such a control unit may be included in the communication unit 27, or may be provided in the card holder 20 separately from the communication unit 27.

[0017] The communication unit 27 may be activated in response to other events. For example, the communication unit 27 may be activated in response to the generation of an electromotive force in the photoelectric conversion unit 25 due to light reception, in addition to the detection of the removal of the IC card 10 from the storage unit 22 described above. For example, the communication unit 27 may be electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion unit 25. In one example, a signal detecting the removal of the IC card 10 from the storage unit 22 may be input from the detection unit 22a to the control unit, and the control unit may detect that an electromotive force equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value has been generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 25. The control unit determines whether or not a signal has been received from the detection unit 22a and whether or not an electromotive force has been detected by the photoelectric conversion unit 25, and activates the communication unit 27 when both are confirmed. Such a control unit may be provided in the communication unit 27, or may be provided separately from the communication unit 27 in the card holder 20.

[0018] The communication unit 27 stops when the detection signal from the detection unit 22a is no longer input. For example, the communication unit 27 may immediately stop communication when the detection signal from the detection unit 22a is no longer input. Alternatively, the communication unit 27 may stop communication after waiting for a predetermined processing time to elapse when the detection signal from the detection unit 22a is no longer input. When communication is stopped, the communication unit 27 transitions to a standby state and waits until the detection signal from the detection unit 22a is input again.

[0019] The shape of the card holder 20 is not particularly limited as long as it functions as a holder for accommodating the IC card 10. For example, the card holder 20 may be a case such as a commuter pass holder. The card holder 20 may also serve as a case (a so-called smartphone case, etc.) that is attached to a smartphone, tablet, etc. As an example, the card holder 20 may be integrated with a wallet-style smartphone case. The card holder 20 may also be sized to fit inside a wallet, etc., like a card sleeve.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment system. As shown in FIG. 2, the payment system S may include an IC card with card holder 1, a payment terminal device 30, an authentication center 40 (payment server), and a registered device 50 (compatible device). As described above, the IC card with card holder 1 and the registered device 50 may be owned by a user. The payment terminal device 30 is a device that allows a user to make 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 payment terminal device 30 in the illustrated example is compatible with contact-type IC cards and has an insertion section 31 into which the IC card 10 is inserted.

[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 S, if the interconnection between the cardholder-equipped IC card 1 and the registered device 50 is not confirmed, the IC card 10 is disabled for use, regardless of authentication using a personal identification number. In other words, even if the user inputs a correct personal identification number into the payment terminal device 30, payment cannot be made using the IC card 10. The operation of the payment system S, including this configuration, will be described below.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the process up to payment approval when using the IC card 10 constituting an example of the cardholder-equipped IC card 1. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for explaining the interconnection between the cardholder 20 and the registered device 50. Note that in this embodiment, before using the IC card 10, the communication function of the registered device 50 is set by, for example, a user so that short-range wireless communication is automatically established between the communication unit 27 of the cardholder 20 and the registered device 50. When setting up the registered device 50, the user may register the card identifier of the IC card 10 in the registered device 50. If the registered device 50 is a terminal such as a smartphone, such setting may be performed by a dedicated application installed on the registered device 50.

[0025] In this embodiment, to use the IC card 10, the user removes the IC card 10 from the card holder 20 ( FIG. 4 , step S11). While the IC card 10 is housed in the card holder 20, the payment function of the IC card 10 is disabled. Removal of the IC card 10 triggers activation of the communication unit 27, which was in a standby state, and the communication unit 27 transitions from the standby state to a searching state ( FIG. 4 , step S12). In the searching state, the communication unit 27 periodically transmits signals to the surrounding area to search for devices in the vicinity that can communicate ( FIG. 4 , step S13). Upon receiving the signal transmitted by the communication unit 27, the registered device 50 transmits a connection request to the communication unit 27 ( FIG. 4 , step S14). The communication unit 27 returns a connection response to the connection request transmitted from the registered device 50 ( FIG. 4 , step S15), thereby establishing an interconnection between the communication unit 27 and the registered device 50 ( FIG. 4 , step S16).

[0026] In the exemplary payment system S, it is determined whether the cardholder 20 and the registered device 50 are connected to each other (FIG. 3, step S1). If the determination result shows that the connection between the cardholder 20 and the registered device 50 cannot be confirmed, the payment function of the IC card 10 cannot be used (FIG. 3, step S2).

[0027] The determination of the interconnection between the IC card 10 and the registered device 50 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 (connection information) indicating that the interconnection between the communication unit 27 and the registered device 50 is currently established. This connection information may be transmitted from the registered device 50 to the authentication center 40 via the communication network N. That is, the registered device 50 may monitor whether the interconnection with the cardholder 20 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 cardholder 20 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.

[0028] As another example, the connection information may be transmitted from the cardholder 20 to the authentication center 40. For example, the cardholder 20 may have a network connection unit 28 that communicates with the authentication center 40 via the communication network N (see FIG. 1 ). The network connection unit 28 operates when the IC card 10 is removed from the storage unit 22 of the cardholder main body 21, and monitors the communication status of the communication unit 27. The network connection unit 28 may continuously transmit the connection information to the authentication center 40 while the interconnection is established, and stop transmitting the connection information when the interconnection is terminated or interrupted.

[0029] If interconnection between the cardholder 20 and the registered device 50 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 the user's payment. At this time, the payment terminal device 30 may determine whether the user is required to enter a personal identification number (FIG. 3, step S3). For example, if the transaction is a small-amount payment, a personal identification number may not be required. If it is determined that a personal identification number is not required, the authentication center 40 approves the payment and the transaction is completed (FIG. 3, step S4).

[0030] If it is determined in step S3 that entry of a PIN is required, the payment system S determines whether entry of the PIN can be omitted ( FIG. 3 , step S5). For example, even if identity verification by entry of a PIN is required, identity verification may be determined to be complete if establishment of an interconnection between the cardholder 20 and the registered device 50 is confirmed. In this case, the payment is approved by the authentication center 40, and the transaction is completed.

[0031] If the PIN cannot be omitted, the user inputs the PIN (FIG. 3, step S6). For example, the user may input the PIN using an input device such as a numeric keypad provided on the payment terminal device 30. Alternatively, the user may input the PIN using an input device 51 such as a touch screen provided on the registered device 50. In this case, the input PIN may be transmitted to the authentication center 40 along with the connection information. The authentication center 40 determines whether the PIN is correct (FIG. 3, step S7). If the PIN is correct, the 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).

[0032] When payment using the IC card 10 is completed, the user may store the IC card 10 in the card holder 20 (FIG. 4, step S18). In this case, the IC card 10 presses the detection unit 22a, which stops communication by the communication unit 27 and causes the communication unit 27 to transition to a standby state (FIG. 4, step S21). For example, the communication unit 27 may send a disconnection request to the registered device 50 (FIG. 4, step S19), and the registered device 50 may return a disconnection response (FIG. 4, step S20), thereby terminating communication.

[0033] When the interconnection between the card holder 20 and the registered device 50 is released, the payment function of the IC card 10 becomes unavailable. The timing at which the payment function returns to the unavailable state is not limited to the above. For example, the payment function may return to the unavailable state if a certain amount of time has passed since the payment function became available but no payment is made.

[0034] In the above-described embodiment, the authentication center 40 determines whether the IC card 10 can be used based on connection information transmitted from the card holder 20 or the registered device 50. This determination of whether the IC card 10 can be used may be performed, for example, by the IC card 10 itself. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an IC card used in another example of an IC card with a card holder. The example IC card 10 shown in FIG. 5 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 includes a storage area for mounting components necessary for configuring the IC card 10.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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, or the like. The IC card 10 may also have a charging port 13a for connecting to 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 a side surface of the card body 11. In one example, the storage unit 22 of the card holder 20 may be provided with a charging terminal connected to the charging port 13a. When the IC card 10 is accommodated in the accommodation section 22, the charging port 13a may be connected to a charging terminal, so that the IC card's storage section 13 (another storage device) may be charged using power from the storage section 23 of the card holder 20.

[0037] Furthermore, charging port 13a can function as a detection unit that determines whether or not IC card 10 is accommodated in accommodating unit 22. That is, when charging port 13a is connected to a charging terminal, it may be determined that IC card 10 is accommodated in accommodating unit 22, and when charging port 13a is not connected to a charging terminal, it may be determined that IC card 10 has been removed from the accommodating unit.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 than the center of the card body 11 in the longitudinal direction, and the photoelectric conversion unit 15 is disposed closer to the edge 11b than the center of the card body 11 in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] 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 is capable of communicating with 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 unit for performing short-range wireless communication and a control unit that controls the transceiver unit. The control unit may be configured, for example, by a microcomputer or the like.

[0041] The communication unit 17 operates when the IC card 10 is removed from the storage unit 22 of the holder main body 21. The communication unit 17 is electrically connected to the charging port 13a, which serves as a detection unit, and may start operating when the charging port 13a is detached from the charging terminal of the storage unit 22. The communication unit 17 may also stop operating when the charging port 13a is connected to the charging terminal of the storage unit 22. The communication unit 17 may also operate when other events occur. For example, the communication unit 17 may operate when an electromotive force is generated in the photoelectric conversion unit 15 due to received light, in addition to detecting the connection state of the charging port 13a.

[0042] The IC card 10 determines whether or not interconnection has been established between the IC card 10 and the registered device 50. When the IC card 10 determines that interconnection between the communication unit 17 and the registered device 50 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 a 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.

[0043] As described above, the example IC card with card holder 1 includes the IC card 10 used for payment, the card holder 20 formed with the storage section 22 for storing the IC card 10, the power storage sections 13, 23 mounted on the IC card 10 or the card holder 20, and the communication sections 17, 27 operable by the power storage sections 13, 23. The communication sections 17, 27 operate when the IC card 10 is removed from the storage section 22 of the card holder 20. If it cannot be confirmed that the communication sections 17, 27 are interconnected with a pre-set registered device 50, the payment function is disabled, independently of authentication using a PIN number.

[0044] In the above-described IC card with card holder 1, when IC card 10 is removed from storage section 22 of card holder 20, communication units 17 and 27 are interconnected with registered device 50, thereby enabling the payment function. That is, the payment function of IC card 10 is disabled when IC card 10 is stored in card holder 20, and becomes available when IC card 10 is removed from card holder 20 and an interconnection between card holder 20 and registered device 50 is established. When IC card 10 is not in use, IC card 10 remains stored in card holder 20, and communication units 17 and 27 are not operating. Therefore, unnecessary power supply to communication units 17 and 27 is not performed, thereby reducing power consumption in the power storage unit.

[0045] When it is confirmed that the communication unit 27 and the like are interconnected with a pre-set registered device 50, the user may not need to input a personal identification number when making a payment. This configuration can eliminate the need to input a personal identification number. Note that whether or not the personal identification number needs to be input may be set by an application installed on the registered device 50.

[0046] The configuration of IC card with card holder 1 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 power storage unit 13, 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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. Similarly, the power storage unit 23 may store the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit 25. That is, the card holder 20 may have a control circuit or the like for charging the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion unit 25 to the power storage unit 23. With these configurations, the power storage units 13, 23 can be easily charged.

[0049] Furthermore, communication unit 17 may operate using power received from photoelectric conversion unit 15. That is, IC card 10 may have a control circuit or the like for supplying the electromotive force of photoelectric conversion unit 15 to communication unit 17. Similarly, communication unit 27 may operate using power received from photoelectric conversion unit 25. That is, card holder 20 may have a control circuit or the like for supplying the electromotive force of photoelectric conversion unit 25 to communication unit 27. In this configuration, communication units 17 and 27 can be operated regardless of the remaining amount of power in power storage units 13 and 23.

[0050] Furthermore, the power storage unit 23 of the card holder 20 may supply power to the power storage unit 13 of the IC card 10 when the IC card 10 is housed in the card holder 20. That is, the cardholder-attached IC card 1 may have a control circuit or the like for supplying power from the power storage unit 23 to the power storage unit 13. This configuration can prevent the power storage unit 13 of the IC card from running out of charge. In a configuration in which the IC card 10 is housed in the card holder 20, the power storage unit 23 of the card holder 20 can be made larger than the power storage unit 13 of the IC card 10. By making the power of the large-capacity power storage unit 23 available to the IC card 10, running out of charge in the power storage unit 13 is effectively prevented. Note that when the card holder 20 constitutes a so-called smartphone case, power from a storage battery built into the registered device 50 may be supplied to the power storage unit 23 of the card holder 20.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, the cardholder 20 may have a storage unit (storage device) that stores biometric authentication information. The biometric authentication information may be, for example, user biometric information related to iris authentication, fingerprint authentication, or voice (voiceprint) authentication. When personal authentication using the user's biometric authentication information is confirmed, use of the payment function of the IC card 10 may be permitted regardless of whether the communication unit 27 is interconnected with the registered device 50. As an example, the cardholder 20 may have an input device (reader) for receiving the user's biometric information, and the cardholder 20 may perform personal authentication of the user by inputting the user's biometric information into the input device. If authenticated, the cardholder 20 may transmit authentication information to the authentication center 40, and the authentication center 40 may then permit use of the IC card 10. With the above configuration, the payment function of the IC card 10 can be safely used even in a situation where the registered device 50 cannot be started due to a dead battery or the like, and the communication unit 27 cannot be interconnected with the registered device 50.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates credit card payments at stores, etc., the IC card with card holder 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 cardholder and the registered device is established when the card payment is actually executed. Even if information related to the card is stolen, the circumstances in which the IC card is removed from the cardholder are limited, thereby limiting the damage caused by fraudulent use.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] For example, any one or any combination of the IC card 10, card holder 20, payment terminal device 30, authentication center 40, and registered device 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs the processing of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the IC card 10, card holder 20, payment terminal device 30, authentication center 40, and registered device 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The IC card 10, card holder 20, payment terminal device 30, authentication center 40, and registered device 50 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.

[0057] 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 card holder 20, the payment terminal device 30, the authentication center 40, and the registered device 50 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.

[0058] Each function of the IC card 10, card holder 20, payment terminal device 30, authentication center 40 and registered device 50 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] Furthermore, the IC card 10, the card holder 20, the payment terminal device 30, the authentication center 40, and the registered device 50 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, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0067] Notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure, and may be performed using other methods.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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."

[0083] 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.

[0084] The "unit" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "means," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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."

[0088] 1...IC card with card holder, 10...IC card, 20...card holder, 22...storage section, 23...power storage section (power storage device), 27...communication section (communication device), 30...payment terminal device, 40...authentication center, 50...registered device (compatible device).

Claims

1. An IC card with a card holder, comprising: an IC card used for payment; a card holder formed with a storage section for storing the IC card; a power storage device mounted on the IC card or the card holder; and a communication device operable by the power storage device, wherein the communication device operates when the IC card is removed from the storage section of the card holder, and is capable of interconnecting with a pre-set compatible device when there is one within a communication range; if it cannot be confirmed that the communication device is interconnected with the compatible device, use of the payment function is disabled independently of authentication using a PIN required for the payment; and if the communication device is interconnected with the compatible device, use of the payment function is permitted.

2. The IC card with card holder according to claim 1, wherein the IC card or the card holder further comprises a photoelectric conversion unit having a light receiving portion exposed on the outer surface, and the communication device operates when an electromotive force is generated by receiving light in the photoelectric conversion unit and the IC card is removed from the card holder.

3. The IC card with card holder according to claim 1, wherein if it is confirmed that the communication device is interconnected with the compatible device, authentication using the PIN is not required when executing the payment.

4. The IC card with card holder according to claim 1, wherein, when it is confirmed that the communication device is interconnected with the corresponding device, the corresponding device is controlled to accept input of the personal identification number.

5. The IC card with card holder according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device stores power received from a payment terminal device.

6. The IC card with card holder according to claim 1, wherein the communication device operates on power received from a payment terminal device.

7. The IC card with card holder according to claim 2, wherein the power storage device stores the electromotive force of the photoelectric conversion section.

8. The IC card with card holder according to claim 2, wherein the communication device operates using power received from the photoelectric conversion section.

9. An IC card with card holder according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device is mounted on the IC card, the card holder includes another power storage device different from the power storage device, and the other power storage device supplies power to the power storage device of the IC card when the IC card is housed in the card holder.

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