(19)
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`(12)
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`Europäisches Patentamt
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`European Patent Office
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`Office européen des brevets
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`*EP001600885A1*
`EP 1 600 885 A1
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`(11)
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`EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
`published in accordance with Art. 158(3) EPC
`
`(43) Date of publication:
`30.11.2005 Bulletin 2005/48
`
`(21) Application number: 04714472.0
`
`(22) Date of filing: 25.02.2004
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`(84) Designated Contracting States:
`AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR
`HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR
`Designated Extension States:
`AL LT LV MK
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`(30) Priority: 25.02.2003 JP 2003046656
`25.02.2003 JP 2003046657
`19.11.2003 JP 2003389004
`28.11.2003 JP 2003398333
`19.01.2004 JP 2004009995
`03.02.2004 JP 2004026216
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`(71) Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
`Tokyo 162-8001 (JP)
`
`(51) Int Cl.7: G06K 17/00, H04M 1/00
`
`(86) International application number:
`PCT/JP2004/002207
`
`(87) International publication number:
`WO 2004/077345 (10.09.2004 Gazette 2004/37)
`
`(72) Inventors:
`• NISHIKAWA, S., c/o Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
`Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8001 (JP)
`• HAGINIWA, T., c/o Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
`Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8001 (JP)
`• SAITOU, Hiroo, c/o Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
`Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8001 (JP)
`• SUZUKI, Naohisa,
`c/o Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
`Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8001 (JP)
`
`(74) Representative: Müller-Boré & Partner
`Patentanwälte
`Grafinger Strasse 2
`81671 München (DE)
`
`(54)
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`SIM READER/WRITER AND MOBILE PHONE
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`(57)
`A SIM reader/writer 1 can be removably loaded
`with a SIM 2. The SIM reader/writer 1 has a case 1a, a
`controlling IC chip 3 placed in the case 1a, a USB/
`ISO7816 conversion IC chip 10, and an coil antenna 11a
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`for noncontact communication placed in the case 1a.
`The case 1a is provided with a liquid crystal display 4,
`a fingerprint sensor 5 and a short-distance communica-
`tion means 11b.
`
`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
`
`EP1 600 885A1
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`Page 1 of 54
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`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1014
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`EP 1 600 885 A1
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`Description
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`TECHNICAL FIELD
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`[0001] The present invention relates to a SIM reader/writer provided with a detachable SIM having contact and non-
`contact interfaces and capable of displaying data held by the SIM on a display, and to a cellular phone.
`[0002] First, the SIM reader/writer is used for authenticating access rights to a personal computer (PC) or the like.
`Secondly, the SIM reader/writer is used for noncontact gate management in transportation facilities and for payment
`in noncontact shopping. Thirdly, the SIM reader/writer capable of displaying information is used for a medium required
`to display information, such as a recording medium for recording and displaying transactions, a commutation commuter
`pass, a train ticket and an admission ticket for admission to facilities.
`[0003] A technical field related with the present invention is a field of manufacture and use of SIM reader/writers and
`SIMs or a field of handling and use of commuter passes and tickets, train tickets and admission tickets.
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`BACKGROUND ART
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`[0004] Recently, a dual interface IC card having both contact specified in ISO 7816-2 and ISO 7816-3 and USB
`contact (universal serial bus contact) has been developed (Patent document 1).
`[0005] An IC card provided with a USB interface can be easily connected to USB-oriented devices, such as personal
`computers. Interest in using such an IC card as a personnel ID card that can be used as a network access ID card has
`grown in recent years.
`[0006] An ID module with a built-in IC chip for gaining access to a network-called an e-token-is used. This ID module
`is provided with a USB contact interface that can be connected to the USB connector of a personal computer (PC) for
`plug-and-play without requiring troublesome operations and is used in a system protected by network security. In some
`cases, this ID module is called a dongle that can be connected to the strap of a cellular phone or a key holder and can
`be conveniently carried about.
`[0007] A cellular phone is provided with a small security ID module called a USIM card, such as a SIM or a UIM. The
`security ID module is used in Japan in combination with the most advanced cellular phone.
`[0008] The UIM (user identity module) is a small IC card recording subscriber information and issued by a cellular
`phone company. The UIM is combined with a cellular phone to identify the user and to provide services.
`[0009] The UIM was developed through the function extension of the SIM (subscriber identity module) similar in
`function to the UIM. The UIM is capable of recording private information, such as a telephone directory, and personal
`identification information for credit payment in addition to subscriber information.
`[0010] Based on the SIM, the UIM is called, in some cases, a USIM (universal SIM). While the SIM is intended to
`use GSM cellular phone services, the UIM is intended to be used in combination with a cdma 2000 cellular phone of
`the USA to receive international roaming service.
`[0011] The SIM or the UIM based on the conventional techniques can be easily manufactured and issued.
`[0012] The key holder type ID module and the IC card mentioned in Patent Document 1 do not have any noncontact
`communication function. Therefore, the key holder type ID module and the IC card cannot be used for operating a
`ticket gate or a gate in a noncontact control mode and are not convenient for use.
`[0013] The applicant of the present invention patent application previously proposed a SIM holder with a USB con-
`nector provided with a contact interface specified in ISO 7816 and a noncontact interface specified in ISO 14443 in
`Patent Document 2.
`[0014] The applicant of the present invention patent application previously proposed an IC module, a SIM holder
`and a SIM each provided with three interfaces, namely, contact interface specified in ISO 7816, a noncontact interface
`specified in ISO 14443 and a USB contact interface.
`
`Patent Document 1: JP 2002-525720 A
`Patent Document 1: JP 2002-284825 A
`Patent Document 1: JP 2002-300072 A
`
`[0015] The key holder type ID module is formed by packaging an IC chip in a resin package by injection molding or
`the like. Therefore, the key holder type IC module cannot be fabricated and issued by a method by which the conven-
`tional IC cards and SIMs are fabricated and issued.
`[0016] The SIM holders proposed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are not provided with any display and hence cannot
`visually display information recorded in the SIM.
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`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
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`EP 1 600 885 A1
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`[0017] The present invention has been made through research on ways to improve the convenience of the key holder
`type ID module by combining the IC chip of the SIM with contact and noncontact interfaces to provide the key holder
`type ID module with noncontact communication function, and by combining a coil antenna and a display with a reader/
`writer to be used in combination with the SIM to provide the reader/writer with a short-distance communication function
`and a fingerprint sensing function.
`[0018]
`In this specification, the term SIM will be used to signify generally small IC cards including UIMs and SIMs.
`[0019] The present invention provides a SIM reader/writer, capable of being removably loaded with a SIM, including:
`a case; a terminal plate placed in the case so as to be connected to the SIM; a coil antenna place in the case and
`connected to the terminal plate; a controlling IC chip placed in the case and connected to the terminal plate; and a
`display embedded on an outside surface of the case and controlled by the controlling IC chip.
`[0020] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a fingerprint sensor placed in
`the case and connected to the controlling IC chip.
`[0021] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a short-distance communication
`means placed in the case and connected to the controlling IC chip.
`[0022] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a USB connector placed on the
`case, and an IC chip placed in the case, having a USB/contact type IC card communication interface converting function
`and connected to the USB connector.
`[0023] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the SIM has contact and
`noncontact interfaces.
`[0024] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the SIM can be loaded with
`multiple applications.
`[0025] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the short-distance commu-
`nication means is of the Bluetooth system.
`[0026] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by an infrared communication con-
`nected to the controlling IC chip and placed in the case.
`[0027] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that a wiring board holding the
`terminal plate is placed in the case and 50% or above of the overall length of the coil antenna does not overlap the
`wiring board in a plane.
`[0028] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the width of a space between
`the inner side of a part of the coil antenna not overlapping the wiring board in a plane and the outer side of the wiring
`board is in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 mm.
`[0029] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the gap between a plane
`containing the coil antenna and a plane containing the wiring board has a size in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 mm.
`[0030] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a USB connector placed on the
`case, and an IC chip having a USB/contact type IC card communication interface converting function, placed in the
`case and connected to the USB connector.
`[0031] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by cushiony members attached to
`a surface, opposite a surface provided with the display, of the case.
`[0032] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that cushiony members are made
`of rubber.
`[0033] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that cushiony members are made
`of a polyurethane resin.
`[0034] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the display is a liquid crystal
`display.
`[0035] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a USB connector placed in the
`case, and an IC chip having a USB/contact type IC card communication interface converting function, placed in the
`case and connected to the USB connector.
`[0036] The present invention provides a cellular phone capable of being removably loaded with a SIM, including: a
`case; a terminal plate placed in the case and connected to the SIM; a coil antenna placed in the case and connected
`to the terminal plate; a controlling IC chip placed in the case and connected to the terminal plate; and a display placed
`on a surface of the case and controlled by the controlling IC chip.
`[0037] The cellular phone according to the present invention is characterized by a cushiony member attached to a
`surface of the case, opposite the surface provided with the display.
`[0038] The cellular phone according to the present invention is characterized in that the case has two parts, the case
`can be folded in two such that the inside surfaces of the two parts are opposed to each other, and the display is in the
`inside surface of one of the two parts.
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`EP 1 600 885 A1
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`[0039] The cellular phone according to the present invention is characterized in that a cushiony member is attached
`to one of the outer surfaces of the case folded in two, and an auxiliary display connected to the controlling IC chip is
`placed on the other of the outer surfaces.
`[0040] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that a secondary battery for driving
`the display is placed in the case, and the secondary battery can be charged through a USB connector by an external
`power source.
`[0041] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the secondary battery is a
`lithium ion battery.
`[0042] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a noncontact communication
`inhibiting means placed in the case.
`[0043] The SIM reader/recorder according to the present invention is characterized in that the noncontact commu-
`nication inhibiting means is provided with a switching circuit interconnecting the terminal plate and the coil antenna.
`[0044] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the noncontact communica-
`tion inhibiting means includes a relay, a photorelay or a solid-state relay.
`[0045] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the noncontact communica-
`tion inhibiting means is provided with a variable-capacitance diode for changing the resonance frequency of the coil
`antenna.
`[0046] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the noncontact communica-
`tion inhibiting means is provided with a digital potentiometer or a variable resistor for changing the Q of the coil antenna.
`[0047] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the switching circuit is oper-
`ated by a mechanical switch.
`[0048] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the mechanical switch is a
`push switch, and noncontact communication is possible while the push switch is closed.
`[0049] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized in that the mechanical switch is a
`slide switch, and a noncontact communication mode is set alternately in an on state and an off state every time the
`slide switch is operated.
`[0050] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a fingerprint sensor placed in
`the case and connected to the controlling IC chip.
`[0051] The SIM reader/writer according to the present invention is characterized by a USB connector placed on the
`case, and an IC chip placed in the case, connected to the USB connector and having a USB/contact type IC card
`communication interface converting function.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a SIM reader/writer (hereinafter, referred to as "SIM R/W") in a first embodiment
`according to the present invention;
`Figs. 2(A) and 2(B) are a perspective view and a schematic side elevation, respectively, of the SIM reader/writer
`in the first embodiment;
`Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the SIM reader/writer in the first embodiment and a SIM, showing a contact terminal
`plate attached to the back surface of the SIM;
`Fig. 4 is a plan view of the SIM shown in Fig. 3;
`Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the SIM reader/writer in the first embodiment and the SIM, showing the front surface,
`opposite the back surface to which the contact terminal plate is attached, of the SIM;
`Fig. 6 is a plan view of the SIM reader/writer in the first embodiment, showing the back surface of the SIM reader/
`writer;
`Figs. 7(A) and 7(B) are plan views of the SIM;
`Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a SIM reader/writer with a liquid crystal display in a second embodiment according to
`the present invention;
`Figs. 9(A) and 9(B) are a perspective view and a schematic side elevation, respectively, of the SIM reader/writer
`in the second embodiment;
`Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the SIM reader/writer in the second embodiment and a SIM, showing the interior
`of the SIM reader/writer and a contact terminal plate attached to the back surface of the SIM;
`Fig. 11 is a plan view of the SIM reader/writer shown in Fig. 10;
`Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the SIM reader/writer in the second embodiment and the SIM, showing the interior
`of the SIM reader/writer and the front surface, opposite the back surface to which the contact terminal plate is
`attached, of the SIM;
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`EP 1 600 885 A1
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`Fig. 13 is a plan view of the SIM reader/writer in the second embodiment, showing the back surface of the SIM
`reader/writer;
`Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a UIM adapter in a third embodiment according to the present invention;
`Fig. 15 is a plan view of a coil antenna;
`Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken on the line A-A in Fig. 15;
`Fig. 17 is a full view of a UIM adapter in an example;
`Fig. 18 is a plan view of a wiring board and a coil antenna included in the UIM adapter in the third embodiment;
`Fig. 19 is a plan view of a coil antenna in a comparative example;
`Figs. 20(A) and 20(B) are perspective views of SIM holders in comparative examples;
`Fig. 21 is a plan view of a cellular phone in an example of a noncontact communication device in a fourth embod-
`iment according to the present invention;
`Fig. 22 is a plan view of a foldable cellular phone capable of being folded in two in another example of the noncontact
`communication device in the fourth embodiment;
`Figs. 23(A) and 23(B) are plan views of the folded foldable noncontact communication device;
`Figs. 24(A), 24(B) and 24(C) are a perspective view, a side elevation and a plan view, respectively, of a SIM reader/
`writer in a third example of the noncontact communication device;
`Fig. 25 is a plan view of the noncontact communication device shown in Fig. 21, showing a back surface opposite
`a front surface having a display function;
`Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the noncontact communication device shown in Fig. 24, showing a back surface
`opposite a front surface having a display function;
`Fig. 27 is a plan view of a SIM;
`Fig. 28 is a perspective view of assistance in explaining a mode of using a noncontact communication device to
`operate a ticket gate;
`Fig. 29 is a block diagram of a UIM reader/writer in a fifth embodiment according to the present invention;
`Fig. 30 is a perspective view showing the interior configuration of the UIM reader/writer in the fifth embodiment;
`Fig. 31 is a plan view of the UIM reader/writer in the fifth embodiment;
`Fig. 32 is a block diagram of a control circuit included in a secondary battery charging/discharging unit;
`Fig. 33 is a pictorial view of an image displayed by a liquid crystal display;
`Figs. 34(A) and 34(B) are a perspective view and a side elevation, respectively, of a SIM reader/writer with a liquid
`crystal display;
`Fig. 35 is a plan view of a portable device in Example 6-1 of a portable device in a sixth embodiment according to
`the present invention;
`Fig. 36 is a plan view of a portable device in Example 6-2 of the portable device in the sixth embodiment;
`Fig. 37 is a plan view of a portable device in Example 6-3 of the portable device in the sixth embodiment;
`Fig. 38 is a plan view of a portable device in Example 6-4 of the portable device in the sixth embodiment;
`Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a portable device;
`Fig. 40 is a block diagram of the portable device in Example 6-1; and
`Fig. 41 is a block diagram of the portable devices in Example 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4.
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`First Embodiment
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`[0053] A SIM reader/writer 1 in the first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with refer-
`ence to Figs. 1 to 7. Hereinafter, the term "reader/writer" will be abbreviated to "R/W". Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the
`SIM R/W 1, Figs. 2(A) and 2(B) are a perspective view and a schematic side elevation, respectively, of the SIM R/W
`1, Figs. 3 to 6 are views showing the interior configuration of the SIM R/W 1, and Figs. 7(A) and 7(B) are plan views
`of a SIM 2.
`[0054] Referring to Figs. 1 to 7, the SIM 2 can be removably inserted into the SIM R/W 1 of the present invention.
`The SIM R/W 1 includes a case 1a, a R/W terminal plate 12 placed in the case 1a to which the SIM 2 is connected, a
`coil antenna 11a placed in the case 1 and connected to the R/W terminal plate 12, and a controlling IC chip 3 placed
`in the case 1a.
`[0055] A liquid crystal display 4 is attached to the case 1a. The liquid crystal display 4 is controlled by the controlling
`IC chip 3. A USB connector 20 is attached to the case 1a so as to project from the case 1a. The case 1a is provided
`with a fingerprint sensor 5 connected to the controlling IC chip 3, and a chip antenna (short-distance communication
`means) 11b for Bluetooth communication.
`[0056] The controlling IC chip 3 has, in addition to a CPU and a storage device, a driver 31 specified in ISO 7816,
`a liquid crystal display driver 32, a Bluetooth driver 33, a fingerprint sensor driver 34 and fingerprint image processing
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`EP 1 600 885 A1
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`software 35. All of those components of the controlling IC chip 3 do not necessarily need to be formed in a single IC chip.
`[0057] A signal sent out by the SIM 2 is transmitted via the R/W terminal plate 12 and a relay 8 to the controlling IC
`chip 3. Signals applied to a USB port 25 are transmitted vie a USB hub 6, a USB/ISO7816 conversion IC 10 and the
`relay 8 to the controlling IC chip 3.
`[0058] The R/W terminal plate 12 has eight terminals to be connected to the eight terminals of the contact terminal
`plate of the SIM 2, respectively. Reserve terminals C4 and C8 of the R/W terminal plate 12 are to be connected to the
`coil antenna 11a placed in the case 1a of the SIM R/W 1. The coil antenna 11a serves for noncontact communication
`conforming to ISO 14443.
`[0059] Preferably, the SIM R/W 1 is provided with a battery (secondary battery) 7 as a power supply for driving the
`fingerprint sensor 5, the liquid crystal display 4 and the controlling IC chip 3. The battery 7 is placed in the case 1a.
`Preferably, the battery 7 is a thin lithium ion battery.
`[0060] The case 1a is provided with switch buttons 41, 42 and 43. The switch button 41 is operated to close or open
`a power switch, the switch button 42 is operated to select a Bluetooth communication mode, and the switch button 43
`is operated to select a desired displayed function and a desired operation.
`[0061] When the USB connector 20 of the SIM R/W 1 is connected to the USB port of an external device, such as
`a personal computer (PC), the battery 7 cannot be connected to the circuits of the SIM R/W 1. When the SIM R/W 1
`is connected to an external device, the CPU of the controlling IC chip 3 does not operate, the liquid crystal display 4
`does not display any image and the fingerprint sensor 5 does not function even if the switch button 41 is operated to
`close the power switch.
`[0062] The liquid crystal display 4 displays images only in a state where the SIM R/W 1 is not connected to the PC
`and the switch button 41 is operated to close the power switch.
`[0063]
`In a state where the switch button 41 has been operated to close the power switch, the relay 8 connects the
`CPU of the controlling IC chip 3 to the R/W terminal plate 12. In a USB drive mode, in which the USB connector 20 is
`inserted into the USB port of the PC, the relay 8 connects the CPU of the controlling IC chip 3 to the USB port 25.
`[0064]
`If the power switch is opened during communication in a communication mode conforming ISO 14443 through
`the coil antenna 11a or the USB connector 20 is inserted in the USB port 25 of the PC, hardware resetting takes place
`and the SIM 2 returns ATR (answer to reset). Thus noncontact communication is forcibly interrupted.
`[0065] As mentioned above, the SIM R/W 1 is provided with a chip antenna (short-distance communication means)
`11b. Preferably, the short-distance communication means is used for Bluetooth communication. The short-distance
`communication means may be used for infrared communication.
`[0066] High-directivity infrared communication is used for communication between the SIM R/W 1 and an external
`device mainly when the SIM R/W 1 and the external device spaced from the SIM R/W 1 can be linearly interconnected.
`Bluetooth communication is possible even if the SIM R/W 1 and the external device are not linearly interconnected.
`[0067] Noncontact communication conforming ISO 14443 is possible only when the distance between the SIM R/W
`and an outside terminal device is between about 10 and about 20 cm. The short-distance communication means
`ensures communication between the SIM R/W and an outside terminal device which are spaced apart by about 10 m.
`[0068] Therefore, payment of a large amount of money can be achieved by the Bluetooth and successive circulation
`of an electronic value can be achieved by the Bluetooth. Account settlement between a plurality of terminals can be
`instantly completed by the Bluetooth.
`[0069] The short-distance communication means includes the Bluetooth chip antenna 11b for Bluetooth communi-
`cation. The Bluetooth chip antenna 11b and a Bluetooth driver 33 included in the controlling IC chip 3 exchange signals
`by Bluetooth communication. The Bluetooth driver 33 is a transmitter-receiver module. The transmitter-receiver module
`may be formed in a single chip. Small antennas of a length on the order of 8 mm as a Bluetooth chip antenna 11b are
`developed and marketed by many companies.
`[0070] The infrared communication means includes an infrared driver and an infrared transmitter-receiver instead
`of the Bluetooth driver of the controlling IC chip 3 and the chip antenna.
`[0071] The infrared transmitter-receiver has an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver, a filter and such. The infrared
`transmitter-receiver can communicate with an external electronic device of the same configuration to exchange data
`with the external electronic device.
`[0072]
`Information stored in SIM 2 is processed by the controlling IC chip 3, the processed information is converted
`into light signals through photoelectric conversion by the infrared emitter of the infrared transmitter-receiver, and the
`light signals are sent to the external electronic device. Light signals received from the external electronic device by the
`infrared receiver are converted into electric signals through photoelectric conversion and the electric signals are sent
`through the controlling IC chip 3 to the SIM 2.
`[0073] The SIM R/W 1 is provided with the fingerprint sensor 5 on the case 1a. Fingerprint data (biometric data) on
`the finger print of a special user authorized to use the PC or the SIM R/W 1 is stored in the SIM 2. The operation of
`the SIM R/W 1 is inhibited or the further operation of the SIM 2 is inhibited unless the SIM 2 approves data provided
`by the fingerprint sensor 5.
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`[0074] The fingerprint sensor 5 may be either of a flat type fingerprint sensor against which the fingertip is pressed
`and a sweep type fingerprint sensor having a surface to be rubbed with the fingertip. It is desirable to form the SIM R/
`W 1 in a small size when the fingerprint sensor 5 is of the sweep type because the sweep type fingerprint sensor has
`a small area.
`[0075] Preferably, the fingerprint sensor 5 is an electrostatic condenser type fingerprint sensor. The flat type finger-
`print sensor 5 provides an electric signal representing the arrangement of irregularities in a fingertip. The flat type
`fingerprint sensor 5 is provided with many line sensors capable of generating electric signals representing irregularities
`in a fingertip. When a fingertip is pressed against the flat type fingerprint sensor 5, the fingerprint sensor 5 reads a
`fingerprint.
`[0076] The sweep type fingerprint sensor 5 has a sensing surface of a width of several millimeters. When the sensing
`surface is rubbed with a fingertip, the sweep type fingerprint sensor 5 is able to recognize the features of a fingerprint.
`Even if the sensing surface is rubbed at an irregular sweeping speed and at an irregular pressure, the sweep type
`fingerprint sensor 5 having a correcting function provides a fingerprint in a correct pattern. The SIM R/W 1 of the present
`invention may employ a Finger Chip (FCD4B14, commercially available from ATMEL).
`[0077] Fingerprint data provided by the fingerprint sensor 5 is given to a fingerprint image processor 35 to calculate
`parameters of the fingerprint. The parameters characterize features of the fingerprint and relations between the fea-
`tures. For example, features are breakages in lines of the fingerprint (end points) and bifurcations, and relations are
`curvatures of lines of the fingerprint and the number of ridges crossing lines connecting feature points.
`[0078] The calculated parameters are compared with user's fingerprint feature data obtained by processing the image
`of user's fingerprint and stored in the fingerprint template 2c of the SIM 2 to determine whether or not the user operating
`the SIM R/W 1 is an authorized person. Since the amount of fingerprint data on a fingerprint image is excessively large,
`fingerprint data on a fingerprint image processed by image processing is stored.
`[0079] A fingerprint collating engine 2d collates the received fingerprint parameters with the fingerprint data stored
`in the fingerprint template 2c. The SIM R/W-1 or the SIM 2 is able to proceed to the next operation when the fingerprint
`data obtained by the fingerprint sensor 5 coincides with the fingerprint data on the registered authorized user stored
`in the fingerprint template 2c.
`[0080] Fingerprints of about ten fingers of a plurality of persons can be easily registered on the fingerprint template
`2c. Fingerprint collation can be achieved in a short time by a fingerprint collator on the market.
`[0081] When the USB connector 20 of the SIM R/W 1 is connected to the USB port of an external device, such as
`a PC, the fingerprint sensor 5 is connected to the PC by a relay 9 and the USB hub 6.
`[0082] When the SIM R/W 1 is not connected to a PC or the like and is powered by the battery, the relay 9 connects
`the fingerprint sensor 5 to the controlling IC chip 3.
`[0083] The case 1a of the SIM R/W 1 may be formed in any shape, provided that the SIM R/W 1 is easy to carry.
`Preferably, the case 1a is formed such that the USB connector 20 can be inserted into the USB port 25 and the SIM
`2 can be inserted into the case 1a in the same direction as shown in Fig. 2.
`[0084] As shown in Fig. 2(A), the liquid crystal display 4 of the SIM R/W 1 is embedded in the outside surface of the
`1a. The USB connector 20 projects from the left end of the case 1a. An insertion opening 15 is formed in the right end
`of the case 1a. The SIM 2 is inserted through the insertion opening 15 into the case 1a.
`[0085] A step 16 is formed in a right end part of the case 1a on a level below that of the liquid crystal display 4 so
`as to extend rightward from the insertion opening 15. The SIM 2 can be easily inserted through the insertion opening
`15 into the case 1a by placing the SIM 2 on the step 16 and pushing the SIM 2 into the case 1a. The switch buttons
`41, 42 and 43 are arranged in a part between the liquid crystal display 4 and the insertion opening 15 of the case 1a.
`Indicated at 14 is a pilot LED lamp for indicating that components of the SIM R/W 1 are connected to the battery.
`[0086] When a strap or the like is passed through a key holding hole 17 and is tied to the SIM R/W 1 the SIM 2 is
`prevented from being carelessly dropped while the SIM R/W 1 is being carried about.
`[0087] Pieces of information held by the SIM 2 can be successively displayed by the liquid crystal display 4 by
`operating the switch button 43.
`[0088] The contents of displayed information are dependent on application software loaded into the SIM 2. If the
`SIM 2 is loaded with electronic money 2a, the contents of displayed information are the balance of the bank, a list of
`payment and such. If the SIM 2 is loaded with an electronic ticket 2b, the contents of displayed information are the
`date and place of use, the beginning time, the number of the reserved seat and such. If the SIM 2 is used as a commuter
`ticket, the contents of displayed information are the section for which the commuter ticket is valid, the term of validity,
`user's name and such.
`[0089] Preferably, the SIM 2 can be loaded with a plurality of applications.
`[0090] The liquid crystal display 4 may be a reflection color liquid crystal display capable of displaying color images
`by a dot matrix system. The liquid crystal display 4 is capable of graphic display. The liquid crystal display 4 has a
`thickness between about 1.0 and about 1.5 mm. The liquid crystal display 4 has a screen of a width between 20 and
`30 mm and a length between about 50 and about 70 mm.
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`5
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`10
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`EP 1 600 885 A1
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`[0091] A thin