JPH09223206A - Electronic currency card reader/writer to be used for personal computer and personal computer with the reader/writer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute various interfaces with an IC card storing electronic currency. SOLUTION: A personal computer(PC) card part 330 is inserted into a card slot of a PC and an IC card 10 is inserted into an IC card inserting port 331. The IC card 10 stores data such as electronic currency, history and personal information, a PC card reader/writer 33 executes interface between the PC and the IC card 10 and the PC reads out data from the IC card and writes and updates data. The PC executes the processing of data such as the history and personal information stored in the IC card 10, and in the case of electronic currency, can read out the electronic currency and inquire a balance. When the PC itself has a communication function, the PC can transfer electronic currency to/from an IC card set up in another PC, a bank terminal, a currency agent terminal, or the like connected through a communication line.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic currency card used in an electronic currency system, a memory card slot, and a memory slot (insertion) of the recording medium of a storage device using a recording medium such as a magnetic or optical disk cassette. The present invention relates to an electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing with a personal computer having a mouth) and a personal computer equipped with the reader / writer. In an electronic currency system that allows a personal computer to process data in an electronic currency card and to settle electronic money with another electronic currency card, connect to the memory slot of the personal computer to interface with the electronic currency card. A suitable persona to use to make About personal computer having an electronic currency card reader / writer and the reader / writer for use with a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electronic currency system has been proposed in which electronic currency is exchanged through communication between electronic currency cards containing electronic currency, for example, IC cards. The IC card used in this system includes a microprocessor having a communication function therein and a memory such as an EEPROM for storing a processing program and the balance of electronic currency. And the IC card is a bank,
By using a dedicated terminal through an electronic currency system configured so that terminals provided in shops, private houses, etc. can be arbitrarily connected through communication lines, other ICs can be used.
Electronic currency can be taken in and out of the card.

On the other hand, in personal computers, standardized expansion boards for expanding the functions, for example, personal computers equipped with a memory card slot into which a memory card can be mounted are widely used. In addition, JP-A-6-131508 and JP-A-7-
-295682 and the like disclose an IC card information processing device and an IC memory card unit which are mounted in the memory card slot to interface with an IC card.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-276081 discloses that data can be exchanged between a built-in memory and a processor of the device and a read / write head provided in any of the EDP devices. A pluggable device has been proposed for an EDP device having a processor with an interface designed by the method.

[0005]

The electronic currency system proposed above does not yet define what functions and forms each component of the system should have, and is being developed. There is something.

Further, the IC card information processing device and IC
In the memory card unit, no consideration is given to safety against unauthorized access and manipulation from the outside, which is indispensable for the electronic currency system.

The object of the present invention is suitable for use in the above-mentioned electronic currency system for making an interface between a personal computer and an electronic currency card when making a payment in electronic currency with another electronic currency card. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic currency card reader / writer and a personal computer equipped with the reader / writer for use in a personal computer.

[0008]

According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by a reader / writer for an electronic currency card of a personal computer used together with an electronic currency card having an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information. In the above, the card reader / writer can be achieved by incorporating a control unit for reading / writing the electronic currency card.

Further, the above-mentioned object is to provide an electronic currency card reader / writer for a personal computer which is used with an electronic currency card having an integrated circuit capable of writing / reading at least digital information. Read / write means for reading and writing, and a means for detecting that a program for handling electronic currency in the electronic currency card is stored based on the information read from the read / write means, Consists of electronic currency processing means that operates based on the output of the detection means and that accesses the electronic currency program in the electronic currency card, and data input / output means that inputs and outputs the electronic currency processing means and external digital information. Or by replacing each of the above means with a one-chip control LSI. It is accomplished by built.

Further, the above-mentioned object is an electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between an electronic currency card used in an electronic currency system and a personal computer having a memory slot. An input / output mechanism section connected to the output means, a card insertion slot for inserting an electronic currency card, a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted in the card insertion slot, and reading / writing on the electronic currency card It is achieved by having a control unit for.

Further, the above-mentioned object is to provide an electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between an electronic currency card having at least an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information and a personal computer having a memory slot. Further, a read / write means for reading and writing digital information in the electronic currency card, and a program for handling electronic currency in the IC card based on the information read from the read / write means are stored. Means for detecting that the electronic currency processing means operates to operate on the basis of the output of the detection means and accesses the electronic currency program in the electronic currency card, and the input of the electronic currency processing means and external digital information. It is connected to the data input / output means for outputting and the input / output means of the memory slot. By providing an input / output mechanism section, a card insertion slot for inserting an electronic currency card, and a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted in the card insertion slot, or each of the above-mentioned means in one chip This is achieved by incorporating it in the control LSI.

Further, the above object is a personal computer comprising a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, a storage unit and a memory slot, which is attached to the memory slot to write at least digital information,
An electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between an electronic currency card having a readable integrated circuit and the personal computer is provided, and the electronic currency card reader / writer is an input / output unit of the memory slot. For inputting / outputting an electronic currency card, a card insertion slot for inserting an electronic currency card, a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted in the card insertion slot, and reading / writing the electronic currency card. It is achieved by having a control unit of.

Further, the above object is a personal computer comprising a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, a storage unit and a memory slot, which is attached to the memory slot and writes at least digital information.
An electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between an electronic currency card having a readable integrated circuit and the personal computer is provided, and the electronic currency card reader / writer is used to store digital information in the electronic currency card. Read / write means for reading and writing, and a means for detecting that a program for handling electronic currency in the IC card is stored based on the information read from the read / write means; Electronic currency processing means that operates based on the output of the means to access the electronic currency program in the electronic currency card; data input / output means that inputs / outputs the electronic currency processing means and external digital information; and the memory. I / O mechanism connected to the I / O means of the slot and card insertion to insert an electronic currency card And a connector unit electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted into the card insertion slot, and the control unit of the personal computer reads the electronic currency subprogram stored in the storage unit. This is achieved by accessing the electronic currency processing means.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a reader / writer (hereinafter referred to as a PC card reader / writer) which can be attached to a memory card slot of a personal computer in an electronic currency system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a PC card reader / reader according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic currency system to which a writer is applied. First, a configuration of the electronic currency system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, 1 is a bank office system, 2 is a distribution system, 3 is an end user system, 4 is a vending machine system, 5 is a bank computer center,
6 is an electronic currency issuing organization, 7 is a public communication network, 10 is an IC card, 11 is an external IC card reader / writer, 12 is a counter terminal, 13 is an internal communication line, 14 is an automatic teller machine, 15 is electronic Safe, 16 is an electronic currency transaction control terminal, 17 is a relay computer, 21 is an electronic currency POS terminal, 22 is a POS terminal, 23 is a store controller, 24 is a center device, 25 is an information control system, 26 is a workstation, 31 Is an electronic wallet, 32
Is a personal computer, 33 is a PC card card reader / writer, 34 is an IC card telephone, 41 is a built-in IC card reader / writer, 42 is a vending machine, 51 is an accounting system host, 52 is an external system, and 53 is It is a circumscribed system control terminal.

The electronic currency system shown in FIG. 1 has a public communication network 7, a bank office system 1, a distribution system 2 provided in a large store such as a department store or a supermarket, and a personal computer 3 as an end user system 3.
2. An IC card telephone 34 is connected, and the system is provided with a vending machine system 4 and the like as a system not connected to the communication network 7. In the illustrated example, one representative system is shown for each system. However, many systems can be connected to the public communication network 7 and configured. The bank business system is connected to the bank computer center 5 by a dedicated line or the like, and the bank computer center 5 is connected to an electronic currency issuing organization 6.

The IC card 10 is provided with a microprocessor having a communication function therein and a memory such as an EEPROM for storing a processing program and the balance of electronic currency, and is possessed by an individual who is an end user. Owned by banks, shops, vending machines, etc. that participate in the electronic currency system.

The bank office system 1 is, as is known,
The teller terminal 12 and the automatic teller machine 14 are connected via the internal communication line 13, and the relay computer 1
7 is connected to a bank computer center, but an IC card reader / writer 11 is provided at the counter terminal 12 for electronic currency settlement, and an IC card reader / writer is provided at the automatic teller machine 14. / Writer is built in, and an electronic safe 15 is connected via an electronic currency transaction control terminal 16.

The bank computer center 5 is composed of an accounting system host 51 and an external system 52. The external system 52 is provided with an external control terminal 53, a relay computer 17 and an electronic safe 15. ing.

In the distribution system 2, a POS terminal is usually
It is configured to be connected to the center device 24 via the internal communication line 13 and the store controller 23. For electronic currency settlement, the ordinary POS terminal 22 is provided with an external IC card reader / writer 11; Alternatively, it is configured using the electronic currency POS terminal 21. The center device 24 includes an information control system 25, a workstation 26, and an electronic safe 15.

The end user system 3 is mainly an individual user system, and simply needs an electronic wallet 31 capable of displaying the balance of electronic currency in the IC card.
It is also possible to add a function such as a calculator to the electronic wallet 31. In addition, the personal computer 32 is configured so that it can be connected to the public communication network 7 by providing the personal computer 32 with a PC type card reader / writer 33 for electronic currency settlement. In addition, an IC card telephone 34 having a processing function for the IC card 10 that stores electronic currency in a normal telephone can be used.

The personal computer 32 and the IC card telephone device 34 in the end user system 3 described above.
By providing two sets of card readers / writers for two IC cards therein, the electronic currency can be exchanged between the two IC cards. Thereby, for example, the electronic currency in the master's IC card,
The same processing as in the case of handling ordinary cash, such as transferring to a wife's IC card, can be performed.

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

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

For the banks, shops, vending machines, individuals, etc., who participate in the system, the IC card 1 from the electronic currency issuing organization 6
0 is distributed, and the bank receives the electronic currency in exchange for cash that is normally distributed and stores it in the electronic safe 15 provided in the external connection system 52. This electronic safe 1
Numeral 5 stores a large number of IC cards 10 therein, and each card 10 distributes and stores the electronic currency received from the electronic currency issuing organization. External system 5
The electronic currency stored in the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in 2 is distributed to the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 installed in each bank office.

An individual as an end user who participates in the electronic currency system possesses the IC card 10 that has been distributed, and uses his / her account at the bank by the window terminal 12 of the bank office system 1 and the automatic teller machine 14. The deposit is exchanged for electronic currency, withdrawn, and stored in the IC card 10 of the user. A personal computer 32 having a PC card type reader / writer 33, or
The IC card telephone 34 is connected to the bank office system 1 via the public communication network 7, and in the same manner as described above, the deposit of the bank's own account is exchanged for electronic currency and withdrawn, and the IC card's own It can be stored in the card 10.

At the time of withdrawing the above-mentioned electronic currency, the IC card possessed by the individual has a communication function in its own card, the counter terminal 12, the automatic teller machine 14, the personal computer 32, or the IC card telephone 34. Is connected to the IC card in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 via the reader / writer. Then, under the control of the electronic currency transaction control terminal 16, the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1
The electronic currency stored in is stored in the IC card 10 possessed by the individual. At this time, the balance of the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10 in the electronic safe 15 in the bank office system 1 is reduced by the amount stored in the IC card 10 owned by the individual. The withdrawal of a deposit from an individual's account is performed in the same manner as in the past.

In the above description, the IC card possessed by an individual
Although it was explained that the deposit of the individual's bank account is withdrawn and stored, the cash can be brought to the window of the bank or the window of the electronic currency issuing organization and stored in the IC card there.

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

As described above, the electronic currency is used as its own IC.
The user stored in the card 10 can use the IC card in a variety of stores and the like to use the IC card in the same manner as cash to buy goods and receive various services.

Now, the user who stores the electronic currency in his / her IC card 10 purchases at a store and pays for payment.
It is assumed that the purchased product is brought into the counter of the OS terminal. As in the case of normal transactions, the handler reads the bargain price of the product to POS
Input is made from the terminal 21 or 22, and the total is calculated and billed to the customer.

When the customer pays with an IC card containing electronic currency instead of cash, the customer pays the IC
Insert the card into the card insertion hole of the electronic currency POS terminal 12,
Alternatively, it is inserted into the IC card reader / writer 11 connected to the normal POS terminal 22. This allows the customer I
The C card and one of the IC cards in the electronic safe 15 installed in the center device 24 of the store are connected via the internal communication line 13 and the workstation 26, and the electronic currency in the customer's IC card is connected. Is transferred to one of the IC cards in the electronic safe 15 installed in the center device 24,
The receipt is output from the POS terminal, and the processing of payment by shopping ends. In this case, the electronic currency in the customer's IC card is reduced by the amount used for shopping, and
It is added to the electronic currency of the C card.

In the above description, in the distribution system provided with a large number of POS terminals and an electronic safe in which a large number of IC cards are stored in the center device 24, the description has been made assuming that the transaction price of merchandise is paid. In the case of a system having only one depositing machine, the depositing machine is provided with an IC card reader / writer for the customer's IC card, and
By providing an IC card owned by the store inside the deposit machine, the IC card owned by the store is
Customer IC connected via C card reader / writer
Electronic payment can be made with the card. As described above, the electronic currency in the IC card possessed by the store can be deposited in a bank account, or can be cashed at a bank counter.

Furthermore, in the distribution system having the above-mentioned POS terminal, each PO is used as a system construction method.
The S terminal is provided with an IC card, and money transfer between the customer's IC card and the customer's IC card is once performed between the IC card in the POS terminal and the customer's IC card.
The data can be transferred from the terminal to the IC card in the electronic safe 15 of the center device 24.

When the vending machine 42 or the like participates in the electronic currency system, the vending machine 42 is provided with a built-in IC card reader / writer 41 and the vending machine itself is equipped with an IC card so that the customer can Money may be exchanged with the IC card inserted in the card reader / writer 41.

Next, an embodiment of the PC card reader / writer of the present invention used in the electronic currency system used as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows a PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a card reader / writer. FIG.
3, reference numeral 330 is a PC card portion, 331 is an IC card insertion slot, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the PC card reader / writer 33 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a PC card section 330 and an IC card insertion slot 331. It is used by inserting it into a card slot of an information device (not shown) such as a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as a personal computer) and inserting the IC card 10 for storing the electronic currency explained in FIG. It IC card 1
0 stores data such as electronic currency, history, and personal information, and the PC card reader / writer 33 interfaces between the personal computer and the IC card 10. It is used to read or write or update data.

In this case, the processing of the data in the IC card 10 performed in the personal computer is processing relating to data such as history and personal information, and for electronic currency, it is read and the balance is inquired. be able to.
When the personal computer itself has a communication function, it is set in another personal computer, a bank terminal, a terminal of a distributor, etc., which is connected via a communication line.
Electronic currency can be exchanged with the C card 10. Further, as will be described later, when two sets of PC card readers / writers 33 are connected to one personal computer and the IC card 10 is inserted into them, an electronic signal is output between the two IC cards 10. Can exchange currencies.

FIG. 3 shows a PC according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a second perspective view showing the appearance of the card reader / writer.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the PC card reader / writer according to the exemplary embodiment is inserted into a personal computer. In FIGS. 3 and 4, 321 is a PC card slot, 33
The 2 modem sections 333 are modular jacks, and other symbols are the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the PC card reader / writer 33 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a modem section 332 having a modular jack 333 is provided in the PC card reader / writer described with reference to FIG. It has a communication function and is effective when used with a personal computer that does not have a communication function. The PC card reader / writer 33 according to the second embodiment is different from the PC card reader / writer described with reference to FIG. 2 except that the modular jack 333 can be used by connecting a communication line such as a telephone line. It can perform the same functions as a writer.

The diagram for explaining the insertion state of the PC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 4 into the personal computer shows the mounting position of the PC card section 330 of the PC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 3 to the modem section 332. It is assumed that the center of the side surface and the lower portion of the side surface of the modem section 332 are offset, and the PC card section 330 of these PC card reader / writer 33 is standardized to expand the functions of the personal computer. A state in which the memory card is inserted into a PC card slot 321 is shown. Further, it is assumed that two sets of PC card slots 321 are provided in the vertical direction on the personal computer 32 side.

In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the PC card unit 33 is provided by offsetting it to the center of the side surface of the modem unit 332.
0 is attached, and in this case, when one of the PC card slots 321 is used to insert the PC card reader / writer into the personal computer, the other PC card slots 321 are disabled. However, FIG.
As shown in (b), when the PC card section 330 is attached by offsetting it to the lower side surface of the modem section 332, when this PC card reader / writer is inserted into the PC card slot 321 in the upper section of the personal computer, the PC in the lower section is Another PC card can be inserted into the card slot 321.

A PC card reader / writer of the type described with reference to FIG. 2 can be used as the PC card to be inserted in the lower stage, whereby two IC cards can be connected to one personal computer. . In this way, when the two IC cards are connected to the personal computer, the personal computer can exchange electronic currency between the two IC cards as described above.

Next, the PC type card reader /
The functional configuration inside the writer will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an IC card reader / writer incorporating an electronic wallet function according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram for explaining a connection state with a personal computer capable of using the IC card reader / writer. Is. In this embodiment, a PCMCIA (PC Memory Card I
nternational Association) type interface circuit. In FIG. 5, 330 is an IC card reader / writer main body (PC card), 330
4 is a loading / unloading circuit, 3305 is a connector, 3306 is an IC card activation control circuit, 33
Reference numeral 07 is a clock generation circuit, 3308 is a reader / writer circuit, 3309 is a reader / writer control circuit, and 3310 is R.
OM, 3311 is a data waveform shaping & extraction circuit, 3312
Is an I / O port, 3313 is a main program ROM,
3314 is RAM, 3315 is CPU, 3316 is IC
Card check data storage unit, 3317 is PCMCIA
A standard-compliant interface circuit, 3318 is a power generation circuit, 320 is a computer main body, and 321 is a PCM.
A CIA interface slot (PC card slot) 322 is a keyboard, and 323 is a display.

The PC card reader / writer 33 according to the embodiment of the present invention drives the IC card 10 into the main body 330, the IC card insertion opening 331 for taking the IC card 10 into the main body of the IC card reader / writer, and the IC card 10. Loading / unloading circuit 3304, a connector 3305 with the IC card 10, an activation control circuit 3306 for activating the IC card 10 by supplying power and a clock signal to the IC card 10, and a clock generation circuit 33.
07, a reader / writer circuit 3308 for reading and writing data from the IC card 10, a reader / writer control circuit 3309 for controlling the operation of the reader / writer 3308, and the basic operation of an IC card compliant with the ISO standard. A ROM 3310 in which a program to be controlled by the CPU 3315 is stored, a data waveform shaping & extracting circuit 3311 for performing waveform shaping and data extraction of the data read from the IC card 10, a reader / writer circuit 3308 and the CPU 3315. An I / O port 3312 for data input / output, a ROM 3313 that stores an electronic wallet processing main program for the CPU 3315 to process the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10,
RAM used by the CPU 3315 to process data
3314, the CPU 3315, the IC card check data storage unit 3316 in which ID data for checking whether the information stored in the IC card 10 is electronic currency information is stored, the main body of the IC card reader / writer, and the personal computer. An interface circuit 3317 conforming to the PCMCIA standard for exchanging data with a computer, and a power generation circuit 3318 supplying power supplied through a connector conforming to the PCMCIA standard to each circuit are configured.

In the above embodiment, the CPU 3315
The operation program of the two ROMs 3310, 3313
Are stored separately. Then, in the ROM 3310, I
A program for controlling the basic operation of the C card 10 is stored, and the ROM 3313 stores an electronic wallet processing main program for processing electronic currency such as encryption and money transfer processing. As a result, the ROM 331
Various systems, such as programs that give uniqueness to each bank, just by changing the programs stored in 3.
A similar securities company system or a credit company system can be easily changed.

Note that the embodiment shown in FIG.
Although it is illustrated that the OM3310 and the ROM 3313 are separately provided, for example, the ROM 3310 and the ROM 3313 may be formed in one ROM and the above-mentioned programs may be separately stored in these ROMs. Of course, also in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

On the other hand, the personal computer 32 comprises a display 323, a computer main body 320 having a PCMCIA interface slot (PC card slot) 321, and a keyboard 322.

Next, the operation flow of the IC card reader / writer and personal computer will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the personal computer 32
It is assumed that the main body portion 330 of the IC card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the PC card slot 321 of FIG.

By inserting the IC card 10 into the IC card insertion slot 331 of the main body 330 of the IC card reader / writer, the CPU 3315 activates the IC card (step 1100). In step 1100 of activating the IC card, the IC card 10 is automatically loaded (step 1110) by the operation of the loading / unloading circuit 3304 when the IC card is inserted (step 1000), and the connector 3305. And the contact portion of the IC card 10 are brought into contact with each other (step 1120).

The CPU 3315 recognizes this, gives an instruction to the control circuit 3306 for activating the IC card 10, and supplies power to the IC card 10 (step 1130),
Supply clock and reset signal (step 1140)
Then, the IC card is activated and brought into an operable state.
At this time, the IC card 10 performs an operation of returning the acceptance signal by receiving the reset signal.

After that, the CPU 3315 (IC card 1
In response to the acceptance signal from 0), the ID data is read according to the operation procedure according to the ISO standard (step 12).
00). In this step 1200, the ID data indicating the information type stored in the IC card 10
Card 10 to connector 3305, reader / writer 33
08 and so on. These operations are performed by the ROM 33
It is performed according to the ISO standard by the program stored in 10. The program stored in the ROM 3310 is, for example, a format exchange (step 1210) for matching the data input / output format with the IC card to the protocol of the IC card, an IC card activation procedure (step 1220), This is a data read / write procedure (step 1230).

Next, the CPU 3315 executes storage confirmation of electronic currency information (step 1300). In this step 1300, the ID data read from the IC card 10 as described above and the IC card check data storage unit 33.
The contents of 16 are compared (step 1310), and it is checked whether the electronic card information is stored in the IC card 10 (step 1320). When it is confirmed that the electronic currency information is stored in the IC card 10, the IC card reader / writer 33 according to the embodiment of the present invention reads R
The electronic wallet processing main program stored in the OM 3313 becomes operable (step 1400). Also,
If it is confirmed that electronic currency information is not stored,
In the IC card reader / writer 33, the electronic wallet processing main program becomes inoperable (step 1410).

The operation described above is automatically performed by the IC card reader / writer 33 regardless of the operation of the personal computer 32.

On the other hand, the personal computer 32 reads the electronic wallet processing subprogram (step 200
0) Then, when it becomes necessary to interact with the IC card 10,
An access request to the IC card 10 is issued to the IC card reader / writer 33 through the PCMCIA interface 3317 (2100). According to this request, I
First, the C card reader / writer 33 detects the IC card 10
The ID data previously read is sent to the personal computer 32 (step 1500), and if electronic currency information is stored, the fact is sent to the personal computer 32 (step 1600).

When the modem section 332 is provided as described with reference to FIG. 3, the CPU 3315 may be configured by connecting the communication interface circuit and the modem circuit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the electronic wallet IC card 10. Here, the electronic wallet IC card 10 will be described. In FIG. 6, 10
3 is a contact portion with the outside, 104 is a CPU, 105 is an EEPROM, and 106 is a ROM.

The IC card 10 in which the electronic currency for the electronic wallet is stored has a contact portion 10 with the outside for exchanging signals, power supplies, clocks, reset signals and the like with the outside.
3 and a CPU 104 that controls the operation of the IC card 10.
And a ROM 106 in which a program for the CPU 104 is stored, and a rewritable memory such as an EEPROM 105 for holding data such as electronic currency.

In the above description, the CPU 104 controls the protocol for inputting / outputting data according to the ISO standard.
Processing such as encryption is performed according to the electronic wallet program stored in the ROM 106. In addition, the amount of money for use as an electronic wallet, history information used, etc.
It is stored in the PROM 105. The CPU 104
The IC card reader / writer activates and becomes operable by being supplied with power, a clock, and a reset signal. After that, the CPU 3 is supplied with power and a clock.
The processing is executed in response to the instruction of 315.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the personal computer main body 320 to which the card reader / writer 33 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention is connected, which will be described below. In FIG. 7, 324 is C
PU, 235 is RAM, 326 is a display driver, 327 is a power supply circuit, 328 is a PCMCIA interface, 329 is a hard disk memory,
Other reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the personal computer 32 includes a hard disk memory 32 in a main body 320.
9, a CPU 324, a PCMCIA interface 328, a RAM 325, and a display driver 32.
6 and a power supply circuit 327.
The hard disk memory 329 stores electronic wallet subprograms for accessing electronic currency and currency information stored in the IC card 10, as well as word processing software, drawing software, spreadsheet software, and the like.

The basic electronic wallet operation of the card reader / writer according to the embodiment of the present invention constructed as described above is performed by the electronic wallet in the ROM 3313 stored in the main body 330 of the IC card reader / writer 33. It is performed by accessing the electronic currency in the IC card 10 by the main program of.

The advantage of doing this is that, in general, a personal computer which can easily access the program source has a function of accessing electronic currency information in the IC card 10 rather than a dedicated device. By containing the function, it is possible to increase the security against unauthorized access and manipulation from the outside. Therefore, the subprogram provided in the personal computer 32 is limited to only the function of providing the IC card reader / writer 33 with auxiliary information such as the transfer destination of money and the transfer amount.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the operation of electronic currency transfer (money transfer) processing in the personal computer 32 using the IC card / reader according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is an apparatus configuration diagram illustrating a transfer display screen between the personal computer 32 and another personal computer, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation thereof. In the state shown in FIG. 11, the OS software of the personal computer 32 is started up and the hard disk memory 3
29 shows the state in which the electronic wallet subprogram stored in 29 has been started up.

When the CPU 324 starts up the electronic wallet subprogram, the CPU 324 displays the illustrated display contents on the home screen by the display area 2600 and the operation area 2700 of the display 323 shown in FIG. 11 (step 1710).

In this embodiment, the operation area 270 is used.
The operation key 0 is operated by the cursor controlled by the mouse 322a, and the operation confirmation and the operation state are displayed in the display area 2600. of course,
The personal computer 32 according to the present invention is a mouse 3
Operation instructions may be given via the keyboard 322 instead of 22a.
23 may be provided, and each operation key in the operation area 2700 may be touched with a finger. In addition, operation area 2
Keyboard 32 without displaying 700 on the display screen
You may make it operate by two.

The display area 2600 described above includes an area 2610 for displaying whether the IC card 10 of the personal computer is the payer side or the payee side, a date area 2620, and
An operation display area 2630 showing the current operation status and a plurality of IC cards 10 connected to the personal computer.
Card selection area 2640 indicating the selection status of the card. The operation area 2700 includes a ten-key 2710 for inputting a telephone number and an amount of money, a card selection key 2720 for selecting a plurality of IC cards connected to a personal computer, and a currency selection key 2730 for selecting a currency in the IC card 10. And the transfer key 27 for starting the transfer process.
40, a balance key 2750 for instructing confirmation of the balance of the IC card 10, a lock key 2760 for confirming or operating the locked state of the IC card, a history key 2770 for instructing the history of the IC card, and a personal computer 32.
Voice telephone function or data communication function or telephone line O
A telephone / communication key 2780 for switching FFs, an OK key 2901 for instructing a decision, a cancel key 2902 for canceling execution or input contents, and a pair of screen scroll keys 2903 are provided.

The illustrated personal computer 32 issues an operation instruction to the CPU 3315 of the IC card reader / writer via an operation key provided in the operation area 2700, and under the control of the CPU 3315, the IC card 1
It is possible to indirectly instruct the CPU 104 of 0.

In FIG. 12, first, when the CPU 324 of the personal computer 32 starts up the electronic wallet subprogram, it issues an access request to the IC card reader / writer (step 1720) and the display area 2600 shown in FIG. Display 323 of the home screen display screen in which the operation area 2700 is displayed.
(Step 1730).

On the other hand, the IC card reader / writer uses the PC card slot 32 of the personal computer 32 in advance.
1 and the IC card 10 is mounted as shown in FIG.
The electronic wallet processing main program is made operable by the same operation as.

Upon receipt of the access request, the IC card reader / writer sends the personal computer 32 the ID data of the IC card 10 and the presence / absence of storage of electronic currency information.

The personal computer 32 becomes operable by taking in the ID data of the IC card 10 and the presence / absence of storage of electronic currency information, which are the above information, and confirms a card selection instruction (step 1740) and a currency selection instruction ( Step 1750), check / display balance (step 176)
The operation instruction of 0) becomes possible. Transfer processing relating to withdrawal and receipt of electronic currency between the IC cards 10 (step 1800)
Cannot perform the procedure unless the locked state of the IC card 10 is unlocked. Therefore, in the operation, the lock state can be confirmed by pressing the lock key 2760 in the operation area 2700.

CPU 324 of personal computer 32
Is based on the information from the IC card reader / writer,
If the IC card 10 is in the unlocked state, the procedure of the transfer process (step 1800) is accepted, and if the IC card 10 is in the locked state, the screen for inputting the personal identification number is displayed and the personal identification number is accepted. Upon receiving the personal identification number, the CPU 324 inquires of the personal identification number received by the CPU 3315 of the IC card reader / writer, and compares the personal identification number input by the CPU 3315 with the personal identification number registered in the IC card 10 ( CPU 3315 based on step 1795)
If the permission is obtained, the procedure of the transfer process (step 1800) is accepted.

Next, the transfer processing of step 1800 described above will be explained by taking the operation of taking in and out of electronic currency between the IC card 10 connected to the personal computer 32 and another IC card 10 using the telephone line as a line.

First, the telephone / communication key 2780 is pressed to call the other party's personal computer 32 or an IC card telephone having the same function as the present personal computer 32 to enable voice communication. The illustrated personal computer 32 is connected to an ordinary telephone or handset (not shown) and a branch, and can be switched by the telephone communication key 2780. Of course, a voice telephone may be provided in the personal computer 32.

Next, after making a decision by meeting the other party, the receiving side and the paying side on the telephone, according to the meeting, selection between the paying side and the receiving side (step 182).
0), amount input / display (step 1830), transfer destination input / display (step 1840), and confirmation of input contents (step 1850). Then call /
When the communication key 2780 is pressed to switch the voice call to the data communication and the transfer key 2740 is pressed, the transfer process (step 1855) is executed, the telephone line is disconnected (step 1860), and the transfer process ends (step 1855). 1900). The telephone / communication key 2780 may be performed before the process of selecting the paying side and the receiving side (step 1820).

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the personal computer 32 is explained as being connected to the voice telephone, but the above-mentioned embodiment is not limited to the voice telephone, and the communication with the other party can be obtained. Means of, for example,
A communication mail may be displayed on the display screen to communicate with the other party. Further, when withdrawing electronic currency from a bank, the personal computer 32 can directly access the host computer of the bank to automatically make a deposit / withdrawal.

The above description of the operation has been described with reference to the withdrawal of electronic currency between the IC cards 10 connected via the telephone line. However, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the two IC card readers / writers are personalized. Computer 32
By connecting to the IC card, the electronic currency can be transferred between the two IC cards in the same manner as in the above case.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a PCMCIA type IC card reader / writer incorporating an electronic wallet function according to another embodiment of the present invention. The PCMCIA type IC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 5 has the same function as, and the reference numerals in the figure are the same as those in FIG.

The PCMCIA type IC card reader / writer shown in FIG. 8 has a function of accessing the electronic money information in the IC card, which is contained in a dedicated device, in order to secure the security against unauthorized access and operation from the outside. This is a further advancement.

That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the IC card 10 is supplied with power and a clock.
A control circuit 3306 for activating the CPU, a clock generation circuit 3307, a reader / writer circuit 3308 for reading and writing data from the IC card 10,
Reader / writer control circuit 3309 for controlling the operation of the reader / writer 3308, an IC compliant with the ISO standard
ROM 3310 in which a program for controlling the basic operation of the card is stored by CPU 3315, data waveform shaping & extracting circuit 3311 for performing waveform shaping and data extraction of data read from IC card 10, reader / writer circuit I / O port 3312 for data input / output between 3308 and CPU 3315, CPU 331
R stores the electronic wallet processing main program 5 for processing the electronic currency stored in the IC card 10.
An OM 3313, a RAM 3314 used by the CPU 3315 for data processing, an IC card check data storage unit 3316 storing ID data for checking whether the information stored in the IC card 10 is electronic currency information, 1-chip control LS for CPU 3315 integrated into a single chip for electronic wallet function
It is configured as I331.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, this makes it possible to further enhance safety. It is obvious that the one-chip LSI described above may include other circuits such as a PCMCIA standard interface circuit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an IC card reader / writer incorporating an electronic wallet function according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is RS232
The personal computer is provided with an interface conforming to the C standard. In FIG. 9, 33
Reference numeral 17 'is an RS232C standard data interface circuit, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 is RS23.
5C is different from that described with reference to FIG. 5 only in that it is configured with an external data interface circuit 3317 ′ conforming to the 2C standard, has the same function as that in FIG. 5, and performs the same processing. Is something that can be done.

In the case of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9, the built-in function may be configured in the one-chip control LSI as in the case described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show magnetic disk cassette type card readers / card readers according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.
It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a writer and a personal computer. These embodiments are provided with an interface conforming to a magnetic disk cassette standardized to 3.5 inches and connected to a personal computer.

In FIG. 13, the personal computer 5
000 is a CPU3 (not shown) similar to that described in FIG.
24, a RAM 235, a display driver 326, a power supply circuit 327, a hard disk memory 329, and the like, a display 323, a CDROM device 5100 as an auxiliary storage device, and a magnetic disk cassette device 5200 standardized to 3.5 inches. It is an integrated personal computer housed in one housing. 510
1 is a CD pull-out table, 5102 is a CD eject button, 5201 is a magnetic disk cassette insertion slot, 5
202 is the eject button of the magnetic disk cassette, 5
Reference numeral 300 is a magnetic disk cassette type card reader / writer, and 10 is an IC card.

The card reader / writer 5300 is an interface 33 of the PCMCIA standard described with reference to FIG.
5, and has a configuration similar to that of FIG. 5 except that an interface and a thin battery compatible with the magnetic disk cassette standard are adopted instead of the power generation unit 3318. The interface includes a conversion circuit that converts an electric signal into a magnetic signal, and a read / write head 5310 that includes a coil that inputs and outputs the magnetic signal converted by the conversion circuit.

The card reader / writer 5300 has the same external appearance as a standardized magnetic disk cassette, and when mounted on the magnetic disk cassette device 5200, a read / write head (not shown) of the magnetic disk cassette device 5200 is provided. The read / write head 5310 is provided at a position corresponding to, that is, in the drawing, at the front part of the upper surface of the card reader / writer 5300, and the IC card insertion port 331 is provided at the rear (in the drawing). In the illustrated embodiment, the IC card insertion opening 331 has a large notch shape to facilitate the insertion and removal of the IC card. Also, on the bottom of the card reader / writer 5300,
A recess (not shown) is provided to escape the disk rotation mechanism of the magnetic disk cassette of the magnetic disk cassette device 5200.

Next, the magnetic disk cassette type card reader / writer will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14 showing the magnetic disk cassette type card reader / writer according to the fourth embodiment.

A card reader / writer 5301 according to the fourth embodiment has the same structure as the card reader / writer 5300 except for a shutter 5320 (similar to the shutter mechanism of a magnetic disk cassette) that covers the read / write head 5310. ing.

The card reader / writer 5301 is loaded with the IC card 10 in the IC card insertion slot 331 and the magnetic disk cassette insertion slot 5201. In the illustrated embodiment, the IC card 10 is mounted so that the insertion direction of the IC card 10 and the longitudinal direction of the IC card 10 coincide with each other in order to improve the operability of inserting and removing the IC card 10. By mounting the IC card 10 so that its insertion direction and the lateral direction of the IC card 10 are aligned,
It is possible to prevent the rear end portion of the card 10 from being exposed from the card reader / writer 5301, and improve the mounting efficiency of the card reader / writer 5301 to make it compact.

When the card reader / writer 5301 is inserted into the insertion slot 5201 of the magnetic disk cassette, the shutter 5 is operated by a mechanism similar to that of a normal magnetic disk cassette.
320 is opened, the read / write head 5310 is exposed, and the read / write head 5310 is mounted in the magnetic disk cassette device 5200. FIG.
4 shows a card reader / writer 530 in which the shutter 5320 is opened and the read / write head 5310 is exposed.
1 is shown, the shutter 5320 has an opening window 5321 similar to a normal magnetic disk cassette, and by sliding the shutter 5320, the opening window 5321 moves to the center and the read / write head 5310. Expose.

Now, the personal computer 5000 is
An electronic wallet subprogram stored in the hard disk memory 329 is programmed to access electronic currency information to the magnetic disk cassette device 5200. When the magnetic disk cassette device 5200 is activated by the access, the card reader / writer 530
1 sends a signal for reading / writing at a predetermined position to the magnetic disk cassette device 5200 via the read / write head 5310. As a result, the electric signals of the IC card 10 and the card reader / writer 5301 are converted into magnetic signals by the conversion circuit, and the magnetic signals are placed close to the read / write head 5310 and the read / write head of the magnetic disk cassette device 5200. In order to connect to the personal computer 5000. The signal from the personal computer 5000 is transmitted in the opposite direction.

Although the above-described embodiment has been described as having an interface conforming to a magnetic disc cassette, an interface conforming to an optical disc cassette or other similar device, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-276081. The disclosed publicly known technique can also be utilized.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a personal computer is used in the electronic currency system,
When processing the data in the IC card 10, another IC
It is suitable for use as an interface between a personal computer and an IC card when making payment with an electronic currency using a card, and I
It is possible to read data such as electronic currency, history, and personal information recorded in the memory in the C card with a device such as a personal computer, or to use for writing and updating data.

[0099]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a personal computer is used in an electronic currency system to make a payment in electronic currency with another electronic currency card, It is possible to provide a reader / writer for an electronic currency card and a personal computer equipped with the reader / writer, which are suitable for use for making an interface with an electronic currency card, and an electronic currency card. An electronic currency card reader / writer that can be used to read data such as electronic currency, history, and personal information recorded in the internal memory with a device such as a personal computer, or to write / update data. Providing a personal computer equipped with the reader and the reader / writer Kill.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic currency system to which a PC type card reader / writer according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a PC card reader / writer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a PC card reader / writer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a PC card reader / writer according to the second embodiment is inserted into a personal computer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an IC card reader / writer having an electronic wallet function according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram for explaining a connection state with a personal computer that can use the IC card reader / writer. .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of an IC card for an electronic wallet.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a personal computer main body to which the card reader / writer 33 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention is connected.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an IC card reader / writer having a built-in electronic wallet function according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an IC card reader / writer incorporating an electronic wallet function according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of an IC card reader / writer having a built-in electronic wallet function and a personal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a device configuration diagram illustrating a transfer display screen between a personal computer equipped with an IC card reader / writer having an electronic wallet function according to an embodiment of the present invention and another personal computer.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer operation between a personal computer equipped with an IC card reader / writer having an electronic wallet function according to an embodiment of the present invention and another personal computer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing appearances of a magnetic disk cassette type card reader / writer and a personal computer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a magnetic disk cassette type card reader / writer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Bank Branch System 2 Distribution System 3 End User System 4 Vending Machine System 5 Bank Computer Center 6 Electronic Currency Issuing Organization 7 Public Communication Network 10 IC Card 11 External IC Card Reader / Writer 12 Counter Terminal 13 Internal Communication Line 14 Cash Automatic deposit payment machine 15 Electronic safe 16 Electronic currency transaction control terminal 17 Relay computer 21 Electronic currency POS terminal 22 POS terminal 23 Store controller 24 Center device 25 Information control system 26 Workstation 31 Electronic wallet 32 Personal computer 33 PC card type card reader / Writer 41 Built-in IC card reader / writer 42 Vending machine 51 Accounting system host 52 External system 53 External control terminal 103 External contact 104 C PU 105 EEPROM 106 ROM 320 Computer main body 321 PCMCIA interface slot (PC
Card slot) 322 Keyboard 323 Display 324 CPU 235 RAM 326 Display driver 327 Power supply circuit 328 PCMCIA interface 329 Hard disk memory 330 PC card unit (IC card reader / writer main unit) 331 IC card insertion port 332 Modem unit 333 Modular jack 3303 IC card insertion slot 3304 Loading / unloading circuit 3305 Connector 3306 IC card activation control circuit 3307 Clock generation circuit 3308 Reader / writer circuit 3309 Reader / writer control circuit 3310 ROM 3311 Data waveform shaping & extraction circuit 3312 I / O port 3313 Main Program ROM 3314 RAM 3315 CPU 3316 IC card chain Data storage unit 3317 Interface circuit compliant with PCMCIA standard 3318 Power generation circuit 5000 Personal computer 5100 CDROM device 5200 Magnetic disk cassette device 5300 Magnetic air disk cassette type card reader /
Writer 5310 read / write head

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Reference number within the agency FI Technical display location // G07G 1/12 321 G07F 7/08 G (72) Inventor Shigeyuki Ito Totsuka, Yokohama, Kanagawa 292, Yoshida-cho, Tokyo, Hitachi, Ltd. Multimedia system development headquarters (72) Inventor, Hiroki Kitagawa 1-280, Higashi-Kengikubo, Kokubunji, Tokyo (72) In-house, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Takao Osawa, Kokubunji, Tokyo 1-280, Higashi-Kengokubo, Ichi, Hitachi, Ltd. Design Research Center

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. Writing at least digital information,
In an electronic currency card reader / writer for a personal computer used together with an electronic currency card having a readable integrated circuit, the card reader / writer has a built-in controller for reading / writing the electronic currency card. Characteristic electronic currency card reader / writer. 2. Writing at least digital information,
In an electronic currency card reader / writer of a personal computer used with an electronic currency card having a readable integrated circuit, a read / write means for reading and writing digital information in the electronic currency card, and the read / write means. A means for detecting that a program for handling electronic currency in the electronic currency card is stored on the basis of the information read from the write means, and an electronic device in the electronic currency card that operates based on the output of the detecting means. An electronic currency card reader / writer comprising: electronic currency processing means for accessing a currency program; and data input / output means for inputting / outputting the electronic currency processing means and external digital information. 3. Writing at least digital information,
In an electronic currency card reader / writer of a personal computer used with an electronic currency card having a readable integrated circuit, a read / write means for reading and writing digital information in the electronic currency card, and the read / write means. A means for detecting that a program for handling electronic currency in the electronic currency card is stored on the basis of the information read from the write means, and an electronic device in the electronic currency card that operates based on the output of the detecting means. An electronic currency processing means for accessing a currency program and a data input / output means for inputting / outputting the electronic currency processing means and external digital information are provided, and each means is built in a one-chip control LSI. A reader / writer for an electronic currency card, which is configured by: 4. The electronic currency card reader / writer according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a mechanism for incorporating the input / output means into an information device for transmitting digital information. 5. A mechanism for incorporating the information device,
The electronic currency card reader / writer according to claim 4, which is a connector portion for connecting a PC card to a memory card slot. 6. A mechanism for incorporating the information device,
5. The electronic currency card reader / writer according to claim 4, comprising an electric signal / magnetic signal conversion circuit unit and a magnetic head which are connected to the magnetic disk cassette device. 7. The electronic currency card reader / writer according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the information device is a modem or a personal computer. 8. When the modem or personal computer is connected via a communication line to a device equipped with an electronic currency card for storing electronic currency, the electronic currency cards can exchange electronic currency with each other. 8. An electronic currency card reader / reader according to claim 7, wherein
lighter. 9. An electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between an electronic currency card used in an electronic currency system and a personal computer having a memory slot, wherein the memory slot has an input / output means. An input / output mechanism section to be connected, a card insertion slot for inserting an electronic currency card, and a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted in the card insertion slot,
An electronic currency card reader / writer, comprising: a control unit for reading and writing the electronic currency card. 10. An electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between an electronic currency card having a built-in integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information and a personal computer having a memory slot. A read / write means for reading and writing digital information in the electronic currency card, and a program for handling electronic currency in the IC card based on the information read from the read / write means. And a digital currency processing means that operates based on the output of the detection means to access the electronic currency program in the electronic currency card, and that inputs and outputs the electronic currency processing means and external digital information. Data input / output means and input / output mechanism part connected to the input / output means of the memory slot And a card insertion slot for inserting an electronic currency card, and a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted in the card insertion slot. . 11. An electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between an electronic currency card having an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information, and a personal computer having a memory slot. A read / write means for reading and writing digital information in the electronic currency card, and a program for handling electronic currency in the IC card based on the information read from the read / write means. And a digital currency processing means that operates based on the output of the detection means to access the electronic currency program in the electronic currency card, and that inputs and outputs the electronic currency processing means and external digital information. Data input / output means and input / output mechanism part connected to the input / output means of the memory slot And a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted into the card insertion slot, and the electronic currency card inserted into the card insertion slot. Built-in electronic currency card reader /
lighter. 12. The electronic device according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the input / output mechanism unit connected to the input / output unit of the memory slot is a connector unit for connecting a PC card to the memory card slot. A reader / writer for currency cards. 13. The input / output mechanism unit connected to the input / output unit of the memory slot is an electric signal / magnetic signal conversion circuit unit and a magnetic head connected to a magnetic disk cassette device. Claim 9, 10 or 1
The electronic currency card reader / writer described in 1. 14. The electronic currency card reader / writer according to claim 9, further comprising communication means. 15. A personal computer comprising a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, a storage unit and a memory slot, the personal computer being attached to the memory slot,
An electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between at least an electronic currency card having a built-in integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information and the personal computer, wherein the electronic currency card reader / writer is An input / output mechanism section connected to the input / output means of the memory slot, a card insertion slot for inserting an electronic currency card, and a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted in the card insertion slot, A personal computer having a control unit for reading and writing an electronic currency card. 16. A personal computer comprising a control unit, a display unit, an input unit, a storage unit and a memory slot, the personal computer being attached to the memory slot,
An electronic currency card reader / writer for interfacing between at least an electronic currency card having an integrated circuit capable of writing and reading digital information and the personal computer is provided, and the electronic currency card reader / writer is an electronic currency card. A read / write means for reading and writing digital information in the currency card, and a program for handling electronic currency in the electronic currency card based on the information read from the read / write means are stored. Detecting means, electronic currency processing means which operates based on the output of the detecting means, and which accesses an electronic currency program in an electronic currency card, and the digital currency input / output by the electronic currency processing means and the outside. Data input / output means to perform and input / output connected to the input / output means of the memory slot The personal computer includes a structure section, a card insertion slot into which an electronic currency card is inserted, and a connector section electrically connected to the electronic currency card inserted into the card insertion slot. A personal computer characterized in that a stored electronic currency subprogram is read to access the electronic currency processing means. 17. The personal computer according to claim 15, wherein the input / output mechanism unit connected to the input / output unit of the memory slot is a connector unit for connecting a PC card to the memory card slot. 18. The input / output mechanism section connected to the input / output means of the memory slot is a conversion circuit section for electric signals and magnetic signals connected to a magnetic disk cassette device and a magnetic head. The personal computer according to claim 15 or 16. 19. The personal computer according to claim 15, further comprising communication means. 20. The memory slot is vertically arranged so that an electronic currency card reader / writer having a built-in modem and an electronic currency card reader / writer can be inserted vertically.
20. The personal computer according to claim 19, wherein each of the electronic currency card readers / writers, each of which has a built-in modem, is provided with a modem offset to the upper side so that the lower side is flat. 21. Storage means for storing a control program for basic operation of an electronic currency card, and storage means for storing an electronic wallet processing main program for processing electronic currency for encryption of an electronic currency card and electronic money transfer processing. The electronic currency card reader / writer according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: