HK1117626A - Optical payment transceiver and system using the same - Google Patents

Description

Optical payment transceiver and application system thereof

This application is a divisional application entitled "optical payment transceiver and its application system" filed on 3/16/2001 and having an application number of 200510068952.8.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an optical payment transceiver and an optical settlement system using the same, and more particularly, to a system for settling fees for various transactions through a portable terminal in which payment information is contained on the portable terminal on which the optical payment transceiver is mounted.

Background

Recently, various cards, which are easy to use and carry, are more widely used than cash. These cards are classified into credit cards, cash cards, direct payment cards, prepaid cards, transportation cards, etc. according to the way of settlement. For example, various cards are often used in general or department stores to bill for purchases of goods. At the same time, these cards are also used to pay for gas at a gas station or for eating at a restaurant. Recently, cards are used for the payment of traffic for taxis, subways or buses. In addition, the card is used for electronic commerce transactions or Automated Teller Machines (ATM)/CDs. Also, card affiliated department stores continue to increase and card settlement items become different. However, these cards are still not effectively used in toll gates, tunnel gates, vending machines, and self-service stations (kiosk) for unmanned vending.

Fig. 1 illustrates a general credit card settlement system showing payment for goods purchased in a store.

In fig. 1, a purchaser gives his or her own credit card 11 to a seller. The credit card 11 is a magnetic card engraved with a unique number and a user name. The seller inserts the credit card into the magnetic card reader of the credit card inquiry machine 12 so that the credit card information is recognized through the magnetic card reader. Then, the credit card inquiry machine 12 transmits the recognized credit card information to the VAN (value added network) company server 13, and thus, transmits a request for approval. The credit card inquiry machine 12 and the VAN company server 13 are connected via a dedicated line. The VAN company server 13 applies for approval of the corresponding card company server 14 according to the received approval request. The card company server 14, which receives the approval application from the VAN company server 13, confirms whether the corresponding credit card is blacklisted, how the credit card holder's credit status is, how the credit line of the credit card is, etc., and then transmits the approval result to the VAN company server 13. The VAN company server 13, which receives the approval result from the card company server 14, notifies the approval result to the credit card inquiry machine 12 in the department store that received the initial approval application. The seller of the department store confirms the result of the approval and then notifies the purchaser of the confirmed approval result. In the case where the credit card is certified as normal according to the approval result, the seller gives the purchaser a bill for sale and then accepts the signature of the purchaser. Thus, payment settlement using such a credit card is completed.

Fig. 2 illustrates a credit card settlement system in general electronic commerce, which includes an online shopping mall (cyber shopping mall) system 23 for providing products or services, and a client terminal 22 which enters the shopping mall system 23 through the internet in order to purchase goods or services. The credit card settlement system further includes a payment gateway company server 24, a VAN company server 25, and a card company server 26, which are involved in payment for a product such as goods or services.

In fig. 2, a customer accesses an online shopping mall system 23 using a computer (i.e., a terminal 22 that can access the internet) to complete shopping. If the customer finds an item that he or she wishes to purchase, he or she communicates the purchase intent to the shopping mall system 23. The customer inputs information of the owned credit card 21, i.e., the customer's name, card number, password, effective date, etc., on a screen provided by the shopping mall system 23. The shopping mall system 23 transmits the card information provided by the customer to the payment gateway company server 24. The payment gateway company server 24 requests approval to transmit the card information to the card company server 26 or the VAN company server 25, then confirms the result of the approval, and transmits the result of the approval to the shopping mall system 23 where the transaction is generated. If the shopping mall system 23 is notified that normal settlement processing has been performed from the payment gateway company server 24, the goods purchased by the corresponding customer are provided to the user to complete the transaction.

Meanwhile, electronic money is used as a new payment means in addition to cash or cards. The electronic money may be classified into network type electronic money, IC card type electronic money, and small amount electronic money using a phone number. The network type electronic money adopts a method of storing actual monetary value in a special database in a network and transmits required value on line at a required time, which cannot be used in an off-line state. As an example, IC card type electronic money is expressed by a Mondex card. When goods or services are purchased on the internet after the department store registration is processed with respect to the corresponding electronic money, a method of inputting a telephone number (e.g., a portable telephone number) instead of payment information (e.g., credit card information) is employed using a small amount of electronic money of the telephone number, thereby allowing a telephone number inputter to purchase his or her desired goods or services and to credit the spent money into his or her telephone charge bill for the next month.

Disclosure of Invention

In addition, the above-mentioned credit card holder must always hold it in order to pay a fee. If the credit card is lost, it may be improperly used. Meanwhile, personal credit information of a credit card holder may be inappropriately exposed through the use of a credit card. Meanwhile, a credit card may be easily copied illegally when the credit card is handed over to a seller's inquiry for the credit card. For this reason, disputes between card-holders and card companies often occur. However, all responsibility is taken by the card-holder.

Meanwhile, in the case where the credit card is a magnetic card, such a credit card may be easily read by an unauthorized person and damaged due to careless use and handling. Meanwhile, since it is necessary to determine the use of valid data, a new credit card should be reissued every three or five years even for members having a normal credit status. Therefore, the commercial cost increases. At the same time, the card is typically retained in the wallet. Thus, in the event that a card is lost, it cannot be recognized that the card has been lost until the card is used again or the wallet is found to be lost. Thus, illegal use is made worse by theft or loss. In addition, since the existing magnetic card can contain only a small amount of information, it cannot be used in different application fields. In addition, because the card issuance responsibilities for each card, such as an entry card, security card, service card, etc., are different, an individual wishing to accept different services offered by different card issuance authorities must own several cards.

Meanwhile, since the number of owned cards increases and the cards are frequently used, loss or theft of the cards often occurs, which increases the burden of suspending transactions by credit cards. Meanwhile, if the card-holder is registered as a poor credit status because the card transaction amount is not paid, it is necessary to suspend such card transaction. To suspend such card transactions, the card company server maintains blacklist (B/L) information with respect to poor credit status cards, and checks whether the card transaction should be suspended if a card transaction approval request is received from the card transaction department store. In addition, a card reader installed at an entrance of a bus or a subway downloads B/L information from a card company server through a line, and compares the input card information with the stored B/L information during the use of the card in the bus or subway, thereby checking whether the card is blacklisted.

However, the above card transaction suspension method has a difficulty in that a large amount of information is stored in each card company server or card reader, which makes the system difficult to operate. In addition, as the amount of information to be processed increases, the time to check the B/L card becomes longer, and thus, the reaction time of the card company server or the card reader becomes later, which may cause complaints or dissatisfaction due to poor service.

To solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a card issuance system that enables a card applicant to use a portable device, such as a wireless communication terminal including a cellular phone, a PCS, a portable mobile phone, a PDA, an IMT-2000 device, etc., as an alternative card, instead of inputting card information to a magnetic card.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new settlement system for optically transmitting and receiving card information to pay a fee and settling the fee payment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a settlement system in which an optical transmitter containing card information is leased and bills for all purchase amounts can be settled.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a card information receiving combination device for use in a credit card inquiry machine which receives optically transmitted card information, thus completing a successful transaction, wherein the existing credit card inquiry machine is used as it is without purchasing a credit card inquiry machine connected to an optical receiver which receives optically transmitted card information.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an authentication system to enhance the reliability of user authentication in the above-described settlement system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable device which has a large information storage capacity and thus provides various services, not limited to bank payment or financial transactions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable device including information of different cards, thereby enhancing user convenience, in which a user holds a single portable device instead of a plurality of cards.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an optical payment transceiver which is made easy to handle, contains payment information, and transmits the stored payment information through infrared communication according to the manipulation of a user's button, thereby settling payment securely.

Brief description of the drawings

The above objects and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical credit card settlement system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a credit card settlement system in general e-commerce;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an optical settlement system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a card issuance system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the card issuance operation of the system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a card issuance system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the card issuance operation of the system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an optical payment unit of the present invention;

fig. 9 is a schematic view showing an external appearance of an optical payment unit manufactured in the shape of a portable telephone;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an optical payment unit shaped as a key fob;

fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a portable terminal battery pack comprising an optical transceiver according to the present invention;

fig. 12 is a block diagram of a light transmission circuit included in the battery pack;

fig. 13A is a front end bottom view of the connection state between the optical transceiver plug device and the portable telephone device;

fig. 13B is a rear view of the connection state between the optical transceiver plug device and the portable telephone device;

fig. 14 is a detailed configuration diagram of an optical transceiver plug device;

FIG. 15A is a block diagram of a credit card inquiry machine incorporating an optical receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15B is an external view of the credit card inquiry machine of FIG. 15A incorporating an optical receiver;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a credit card inquiry machine with an externally mounted optical receiver connected to the credit card inquiry machine by a cable in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17A is a block diagram of an adapter in a credit card inquiry machine in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17B is a block diagram of the magnetic interface card of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 17C is a state of connection between the adapter of FIG. 17A and a credit card inquiry machine;

FIG. 18A is a block diagram of an adapter having a card reader in a credit card inquiry machine of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18B is a state of connection between the adapter of FIG. 18A and a credit card inquiry machine;

FIG. 19A is a block diagram of a mobile optical repeater of the present invention;

FIG. 19B is a block diagram of the basic apparatus of the mobile optical repeater of the present invention;

fig. 19C is a connection state of the mobile optical repeater of fig. 19A;

fig. 19D is a connection state of the mobile optical repeater base unit of fig. 19B;

fig. 20A to 20D respectively show clip-type (clip-type) optical repeaters;

FIG. 21 illustrates an adapter type optical repeater base unit;

fig. 22 is a block diagram for explaining a card information encryption method according to the present invention;

fig. 23A to 23C respectively show a structure of storing several kinds of payment information;

FIG. 24 illustrates the communication process between optical payment transceivers;

fig. 25 and fig. 26A and 26B illustrate communication protocols applied to a settlement method using optical payment according to the present invention, respectively;

fig. 27 is a flowchart for explaining a security enhancing method in a settlement system using card information included in a portable terminal according to the present invention;

fig. 28 is a configuration diagram of a business system using the optical payment transceiver of the present invention;

fig. 29 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of light settlement in the general commerce system with respect to fig. 28;

fig. 30 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the case where the settlement system of fig. 28 is applied to a counter-calculation type restaurant;

fig. 31 is a schematic diagram of a settlement system employing optical payment using a telephone number as an ID (identifier);

fig. 32 is a schematic diagram of a data flow of a settlement system employing optical payment using a telephone number as an ID (identifier);

fig. 33 is a configuration diagram of a charge settlement system for a toll booth employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

fig. 34 is an operation flowchart for explaining toll booth charge settlement with respect to vehicles passing through a toll booth entrance;

FIG. 35 is an operation flowchart for explaining toll booth charge settlement with respect to vehicles passing through a toll booth exit;

fig. 36 is a configuration diagram of a drive-thru ordering system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

fig. 37 is a configuration diagram of an optical payment settlement system in the system of fig. 36;

FIG. 38 shows a display state for an order detail display panel in the system of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for explaining an order/settlement operation in the system of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a configuration diagram of a gas station charging system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a flow chart illustrating a calculation operation in the gasoline station charging system of FIG. 40;

fig. 42 is a configuration diagram of a department store settlement system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

fig. 43 is a configuration diagram of an unattended vending system using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a detailed block diagram of the vending system of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a flowchart for explaining a payment settlement operation in the unattended vending system of FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is a configuration diagram of a kiosk payment system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a detailed block diagram of the kiosk payment system of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining a payment operation of the payment system of FIG. 46;

fig. 49A is a block diagram of a vending system using a mobile collection device using a PDA;

FIG. 49B shows an example of a PDA used in the system of FIG. 49A;

FIG. 50A is a block diagram of a mobile collection device using memory banks;

FIG. 50B illustrates the connection state of the memory bank of FIG. 50A;

FIG. 51A is a block diagram of a vending system employing a powerline modem connection device;

fig. 51B shows a connection state of a vending machine applied to the system of fig. 51A in a building;

fig. 52A is a block diagram of a transmission terminal integrated with a mobile communication modem;

fig. 52B shows an appearance of a transmission terminal integrated with the mobile communication modem of fig. 52A;

FIG. 53A is a block diagram of a vending system using a portable telephone connection device;

fig. 53B shows an example in which a portable telephone is connected to a vending system;

FIG. 54A is a block diagram of an Internet accessible device;

fig. 54B shows an external connection state with respect to a PC;

figure 55A is a block diagram of a dial-up VAN accessible device;

fig. 55B illustrates an external connection state of the dial-up VAN accessible device of fig. 55A;

fig. 56 is a configuration diagram of an automatic bus/taxi charging system using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

fig. 57 is a detailed block diagram of an RF terminal for bus tolling;

fig. 58 is a configuration diagram of a subway automatic charging system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

fig. 59 is a detailed block diagram of an RF terminal for subway charging;

fig. 60 is a schematic diagram of an optical payment batch settlement system using a phone number as an ID;

fig. 61 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an electronic commerce system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a flowchart for explaining a settlement operation in the electronic commerce system of FIG. 61;

fig. 63 is a configuration diagram of another embodiment of an electronic commerce system using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

FIG. 64 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the calculation in the electronic commerce system of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is a flowchart in the case where the electronic commerce system of FIG. 61 is applied to a department store;

fig. 66 is a schematic view for explaining an authentication system according to the present invention;

fig. 67A and 67B are schematic views for explaining processing for initially registering user face data in a portable terminal, respectively;

fig. 68A is a schematic diagram for explaining a user authentication process in a portable terminal containing face data;

fig. 68B is a flowchart for explaining a user authentication process in the portable terminal containing face data;

fig. 69 illustrates a card information change service system provided in the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

fig. 70 is a flowchart of the card information change service system provided in the optical payment settlement system of the present invention in fig. 69;

FIG. 71 illustrates the card transaction suspension system of the present invention;

FIG. 72 is a flowchart for explaining a card B/L registration method in the system of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a flowchart for explaining a card transaction suspension method in the system of FIG. 71;

fig. 74 is a configuration diagram of a card loss service system provided in the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

FIG. 75 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the card loss service system of FIG. 74;

fig. 76 is a diagram showing in detail a configuration using a wireless transmission system provided in the optical payment settlement system of the present invention;

fig. 77 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the operation of fig. 76 using the wireless transmission system;

fig. 78 is a block diagram of a settlement system using the rental-type optical payment unit of the present invention;

fig. 79 is a flowchart for explaining the leasing process of the optical transmitter;

fig. 80 is a flowchart for explaining settlement processing in the system of fig. 78;

fig. 81 is a flowchart for explaining return processing of the optical transmitter;

fig. 82 is a flowchart for explaining the non-return processing of the optical transmitter;

fig. 83 is a diagram of an optical transceiver ingress/egress security system configuration using the present invention;

fig. 84 and 85 are flowcharts for explaining the entrance/exit control process in the system of fig. 83, respectively;

FIG. 86 is a configuration diagram of a real-time value transferable electronic money system of the invention;

fig. 87 shows a configuration of a display screen when electronic money is extracted in the ATM;

FIG. 88 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when electronic money is extracted in the ATM;

fig. 89 shows a configuration of a display screen when electronic money is exchanged between portable terminals;

fig. 90 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when electronic money is exchanged between portable terminals;

fig. 91 shows a configuration of a display screen in the case of electronic money payment using a portable terminal; and

fig. 92 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the case of electronic money payment using the portable terminal.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, there is provided a card issuance method including the steps of: (a) receiving a card issuance application; (b) verifying an issuance qualification according to the received card issuance application; (c) if the issuance qualification is met, encrypting the card information; (d) transmitting the encrypted card information to the applicant-specified portable terminal to be stored therein; and (e) if the encrypted card information has been completely stored, checking a normal operation state and approving the portable terminal storing the card information to be used as a substitute card.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, there is also provided a card issuance system including: a card company server receiving a card issuance application, checking issuance qualification, encrypting card information if the issuance qualification is satisfied, and encrypting the card information and transmitting the encrypted card information to the applicant-specified portable terminal; and the portable terminal receiving and storing the transmitted card information and displaying the received card information on a screen so as to inform a card issuing applicant of: the card has been issued.

To achieve the above object of the present invention, there is also provided an optical payment transmitter for use in an optical transceiver apparatus for paying a fee, the optical payment transmitter comprising: a memory for storing user card information; an optical transceiver for optically transmitting and receiving card information; a button for controlling an optical payment operation; a controller for optically transmitting card information according to a user button operation so as to complete settlement; and a display for displaying the optical payment operation state, wherein the optical payment transmitter is constructed as a small portable device.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, there is also provided an optical payment receiver for use in a credit card inquiry machine for receiving card information transmitted from a portable terminal and performing a settlement operation, the optical payment receiver comprising: and a light receiving unit for receiving the card information as a light signal and completing settlement according to the received card information.

To achieve the above object of the present invention, there is also provided an optical payment system for paying a fee using an optical signal, the optical payment system including: a mobile optical repeater for receiving an optical signal including card information from a user terminal, temporarily storing the corresponding card information, and outputting the stored card information once; and an optical relay base for receiving the card information from the mobile optical relay and transmitting the received card information to the credit card inquiry machine.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, there is also provided an optical settlement system for use in a business system, the optical settlement system comprising: an optical payment transmitter for optically transmitting card information; and an optical payment receiver for optically receiving the transmitted card information; a credit card inquiry machine for transmitting the received card information and requesting transaction approval; and a settlement management server for notifying the approval result to the credit card inquiry machine according to the received approval request.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an optical payment settlement system of the present invention, which includes a card issuance system and a card transaction settlement system. The card issuing system issues a card according to a method of inputting credit card information to a portable terminal of a card applicant by optically transmitting and receiving data to and from the card issuing terminal of a card company by connecting an optical transceiver to the card issuing terminal, a method of inputting card information in a battery pack of the portable terminal, or a method of downloading card information to the portable terminal through a wired or wireless network. The card issuance system includes a card issuance applicant 31, a card company 36 that issues cards, and a relay 37 that transmits issued card information to a portable terminal owned by the applicant 31 using the above-described method. Of course, the card company 36 may directly perform the function of the repeater 37. A communication network 38 of a mobile communication company to which the portable terminal has subscribed is connected between the repeater 37 and the applicant 31 to transmit the card information to the portable terminal owned by the applicant 31 by Radio Frequency (RF) transmission and reception methods. A telephone network (x.25) is connected between the card company 36 and the repeater 37. The settlement system includes a portable terminal 31 for optically transmitting and receiving issued credit status information, a credit inquiry terminal 33 installed in a card transaction department store, a customer credit information signal transmitted using an optical receiver 32 connected to receive the credit status information, and a settlement authority 36 such as a card company for completing credit transaction confirmation and transaction approval. Settlement authority 36 is a bank or card company. The transaction approval request is made via a VAN (value added network) company 35. The repeater 34 is selectively connected between the credit inquiry terminal 33 of the card transaction user and the VAN company 35.

First, a card issuance system that issues payment information such as a credit card, a payment card, electronic money, a gift certificate, and the like, which is contained in a personal portable information device such as a portable phone or a PDA, is described below.

Fig. 4 illustrates a card issuance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 4 includes a card applicant 41, and a card company 42 for performing qualification tests and identification of authorized individuals and issuing cards therefrom. The repeater 44 transmits the information of the issued card to the portable terminal designated by the card applicant via the mobile communication network. Meanwhile, the system of fig. 4 includes a mobile communication company 42 that authenticates that the card issuing applicant 41 is the same person as the portable terminal owner, and a mobile communication agent 45 that sells portable terminals and recommends predetermined portable terminals. The card issuance operation of the system of fig. 4 having the above structure is described in detail below with reference to fig. 5.

At the mobile carrier agent 45, the card applicant 41 purchases portable terminals such as a portable phone and a PDA that can be used as an optical payment unit (step 51). The car used in the embodiments is a mobile communication terminal in the form of a portable telephone or PDA, combined with an optical transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving card information. The mobile carrier agency 45 transmits the received card issuance application to the card company 42 via a card broker (card receiver) 46. The card company 42 confirms whether the card applicant is the same person as the person who is filled in the card issuance application, and checks the card issuance qualification (step 52). In the case where an individual who proves to have lost the card issuance qualification submits a card issuance application in the verification result of step 52, the card issuance application is returned to the card broker 46 or the card applicant 41 or the card issuance is rejected. In the case where the card issuance application has passed the card issuance verification, the supervisor inputs the card application information, fills in the card issuance application in the server of the card company 42, and then lets the server generate a card number by the card number generation program (step 53). The card company 42 requests the computer server in the mobile communication company 43 to confirm whether the portable terminal storing the resident number of the card issuing applicant and the card information is owned by the card applicant, via the dedicated line which has been established according to the contract (step 54). In the confirmation result of step 54, if the resident number does not match between the owner of the portable terminal and the card applicant, a card issuance application is returned. If it is confirmed that the card applicant 41 owns the portable terminal, the server of the card company 42 encrypts the credit card information including the generated card number and transmits the encrypted credit card information together with the portable terminal number to the repeater 44 via a dedicated line (step 55). The repeater 44 receives the encrypted card information and the portable terminal number. The repeater 44 calls the portable terminal having the same number as the receiving portable terminal number through the mobile communication network and transmits the credit card information in a connected state in which the repeater 44 is connected to the portable terminal (step 56). The portable terminal stores the received credit card information in a storage area that the user cannot enter, and displays a message on the screen regarding the user's confirmation (step 57). A message "lovely mr. jinman, congratulating your card reservation is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal. Your credit line is one million dollars ". In this way, the user can confirm his or her own name, credit line, etc., and check whether an error message is entered (step 58). Once confirmed, if the received information is not normally input, the portable terminal returns to step 56 so that the repeater 44 can retransmit the card information to complete the operations of steps 56-58 again.

Here, the above card issuance system is referred to as a push system (push system). According to the propulsion system, if the card applicant satisfies the card issuance qualification, the specified portable terminal is called at the time of submitting the card issuance application and stores therein the card information transmitted by the card company, and then notifies the card applicant that the card has been issued regardless of the connection of the card applicant with the card company. However, the card may be issued when the user can enter the state of the repeater via the internet. In brief, in a state of receiving card information from the card company 42, the repeater 44 transmits a card issuance notification to the portable terminal via the mobile communication network. The customer who issued the notification via the portable terminal confirmation card operates the keypad on the portable terminal to access the repeater 44 and the wireless internet. In the wireless internet connection state, the repeater 44 transmits a message requesting personal identification data to the client. The client receiving the message requesting the personal identification data operates the keypad on the portable terminal and transfers the personal identification data to the repeater 44. The repeater 44 receiving the personal identification data determines whether the connected client is an authorized individual. If the customer is an authorized individual, the repeater 44 transfers the credit card information to the portable terminal. The portable terminal stores the received credit card information in a memory contained therein, displays a message of "normal reception" on a screen, and ends its operation, so that the user can confirm normal input. Meanwhile, if the customer is not an authorized person, the repeater 44 causes the portable terminal device to display a message "you are not an authorized person, card message cannot be issued" on the screen, and ends its operation. As in this case, the card can be issued when the user can enter a state of the card company server via the internet. In the case of card issuance via the internet, the card applicant is not notified of the card issuance after the card issuance, but the card applicant is asked about the card reception intention, and the card is issued to the card applicant only when the card applicant becomes aware of the card reception.

Further, a detachable IC card is mounted on the portable terminal for downloading and storing a card message using methods such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), and a User Identity Module (UIM).

In addition, the card applicant can access the card company and directly input card information to the portable terminal. This is called a keyboard system. Fig. 6 shows a card issuance system using a keyboard system.

Fig. 6 illustrates a card issuance system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 6 includes a portable terminal 61 having an optical transceiver 62 connected thereto, which receives issued card information and functions as an optical payment unit. Wherein the card issuance terminal 64 connected to the optical transceiver 63 inputs the issued card information to the portable terminal 61 owned by the card applicant. The portable terminal 61 is connected to the card issuance terminal 64 by wire or wireless. The system of figure 6 includes a computer network 65 and a host computer 66 of a card issuing-related banking authority. The operation of card issuance with the system of fig. 6 configured above will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 7.

The card applicant accesses the card issuing company, holds his or her own portable terminal in person, fills in the card issuance application form and submits it to the company (step 71). The card issuer enters the filled contents of the submitted application form in the computer via the card issuance terminal 64 (step 72). The content stored in the computer is transmitted to the host computer via the computer network 65. At the same time, the card issuer identifies whether the card applicant is the same person as the person who filled the written information in the card issuance application form, via an identification card such as a residence card, passport, and driver's license (step 73). After the identification, the card issuer converts the card issuance terminal 64 into the input mode (step 74), and then confirms whether the number of the portable terminal 61 as the input object is identical to the submitted portable terminal (step 75). In this case, if the number of the portable terminal 61 is identical to the submitted portable terminal, the portable terminal is identified by inquiring or calling the mobile carrier. Then, the submitted portable terminal 61 shifts to the card input mode (step 76). If the card issuance terminal 64 and the portable terminal 61 are switched to the input mode through steps 74 and 76, the optical transceiver 62 connected to the portable terminal 61 and the optical transceiver 63 connected to the card issuance terminal 64 are positioned facing each other so that people can optically transmit and receive information to and from each other. Of course, the card issuance terminal 64 and the portable terminal 61 may be directly connected by a cable, thereby transmitting and receiving card information. The card issuer presses a predetermined input button on the keypad of the card issuance terminal 64, thereby transferring the personal card information, name and other information required by the bank authority (step 77). Here, the transmitted information is input to the host computer 66 via the computer network 65 and the portable terminal 61, and is then recorded therein. The portable terminal 61 receives the information transmitted from the optical transceiver 63 of the card issuance terminal 64 via the optical transceiver 62 and records the received information therein (step 78). When the card information is completely input, the optical transceiver is positioned to face the optical transceiver 63 in the normal operation state confirmation mode of the card issuance terminal 64, and then a predetermined button is pressed to confirm the operation state (step 79). If the confirmation is normal, the person's card information is finally approved for entry (step 80).

Unlike optical transmission and reception, the portable terminal may be connected to the card issuance terminal by a cable through an external communication port provided in the portable terminal so that card information can be stored on the portable terminal. Different information, not only card information, can be stored in the portable terminal by means of the previously described optical payment apparatus. That is, prize information in the form of an existing ticket or coupon and corresponding service card information are stored and then transmitted through the optical transceiver.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of an optical payment unit of the present invention. The optical payment unit of fig. 8 includes an optical transmitter 81 that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal, an optical receiver 82 that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal, and a memory 83 that stores various information including input card information. The controller 84 stores the input information and controls the corresponding components so that the stored information can be used as payment information. The optical transmitter 81 is connected to a modulator 85 for modulating a signal to be transmitted, and the optical receiver 82 is connected to a demodulator 86 for demodulating a received signal. The interfaces 87 and 88 perform an interface operation between the modulator 85 and the controller 84, and an interface operation between the demodulator 86 and the controller 84, respectively.

The optical payment unit of the present invention is not limited to a portable terminal in which an optical transceiver is connected and which is a mobile communication terminal, but is applied to a key fob, a watch, an electronic notebook, a PDA, etc., and it can constitute various Mobile Units (MUs) that can be selectively used according to the user's needs.

Fig. 9 shows an outer surface of an optical payment unit constructed in a portable phone shape. An optical transceiver 121 for optically transmitting and receiving card information is connected to the portable telephone shown in fig. 9. Meanwhile, a button for controlling an optical transmission operation of card information is additionally provided in the keyboard 124. Of course, existing keys on the keyboard may be used. In the case of the optical payment unit in the shape of a portable phone, a button 122 for commanding a light transmission operation of a traffic card function is provided at an appropriate position of the portable phone. The optical payment operation is displayed on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 123. Meanwhile, a signature mark 125 for showing a card membership signature is attached to a position which is not easily worn during use of the portable telephone and which can satisfy a signature confirmation requirement as in the case of using a magnetic card.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an optical payment unit constructed in the shape of a key fob. Fig. 10 shows a key fob internal configuration including an infrared receiver 91A for receiving credit card information of an infrared signal and converting the infrared signal into an electric signal, and an infrared decoder 92A for converting the converted electric signal into a UART standard signal. The UART section 93 converts the UART standard serial electric signal into an 8-bit parallel signal. Meanwhile, the key fob-shaped optical payment unit includes a memory 95 storing received credit card information, a small amount button 96 for commanding an optical transfer payment operation, and a credit button 97. The display 98 is formed of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and displays an operation state. Meanwhile, the key fob optical payment unit includes a CPU94 for transmitting credit information of an infrared signal and completing a control operation to be settled according to a button operation of a user, an infrared decoder 92B for changing a UART standard electric signal into an infrared standard signal, and an infrared light emitting part 91B for converting and transmitting the electric signal into an infrared signal. The optical payment unit 90 having the above configured key chain shape is constructed as a small key ring that is conveniently held by hand. Here, a ring 99 is provided to facilitate combination with other keys.

When the user presses a small amount button 96 for credit processing or a credit button 97 for small currency transaction, the CPU94 receiving the button input reads credit card information from the memory 95 storing payment information. The UART section 93 converts the credit card information read by the CPU94 into a UART standard signal of a serial model, and transmits the converted result to the infrared decoder 92B. The infrared decoder 92B converts the UART standard serial signal into an infrared standard signal, and transmits the converted result through the infrared light emitting section 91B. The infrared credit card information is transmitted to a credit card inquiry terminal, which is a Base Unit (BU) in which an optical transceiver is connected for settlement. Typically, the base unit responds to credit information received in the infrared signal if the credit information is received normally. The infrared signal is received by the infrared receiver 91A of the optical payment unit 90 and converted into an electric signal. The infrared decoder 92A changes the converted electric signal into a UART standard signal. The UART section 93 converts the UART standard signal into an 8-bit unit parallel signal and transmits the result of the conversion to the CPU 94. The CPU94 completes the communication operation according to the protocol determined by the internal program and controls the display 98 to display thereon the success or failure of the communication.

Here, additional buttons for completing the credit transaction and the small-amount transaction are provided so that respective different operations are completed during the small-amount money transaction and the large-amount transaction. First, in the case of a small settlement such as a traffic fee, no password input is required. Thus, simple settlement can be completed by only one tap of the small money button 96. However, in the case of large-amount settlement, the settlement is usually completed through confirmation of a password. Thus, in case of pressing the credit button 97, a password is requested from a credit card inquiry machine (not shown) at the receiving end, and then the user inputs the password using a keypad, in which a Personal Identification Number (PIN) is provided, at the receiving end, thereby completing a business transaction.

In the case where a password input device (such as a keyboard) is installed for large settlement requiring password input, the production cost increases and the volume of the device increases. Thus, the present invention integrates the tone recognition module of the portable phone keypad in the above-mentioned optical payment unit, so that a password can be input using the portable phone keypad. That is, in the case of large settlement, the tone recognition module is located in close proximity to the speaker of the portable telephone. In this state, the password is pressed using the cellular phone key. Then, the speaker of the portable telephone outputs a corresponding dial tone signal for the corresponding number of the pressed button. The tone identification module then receives a respective tone signal for the respective password and identifies the password from the received tone signal. If the large settlement button is pressed in this state, the CPU94 transmits the password recognized in the external tone recognition module. Here, since the transmitted password is not stored in the optical payment unit but is externally output, exposure of the password is not considered even in the case where the optical payment unit is lost or stolen.

Most of the people own portable phones can be used as the above-described optical payment unit. In this case the optical transmission circuit is preferably integrated and incorporated into the portable telephone circuit. However, designing and constructing a new portable telephone with integrated optical transmission circuitry takes too much time and requires too much cost. In this way, the optical transmitter is incorporated into a battery of a portable terminal (e.g., a portable telephone), and thus currently available portable terminals are used as they are while performing the function of an optical payment settlement system.

Fig. 11 illustrates the outer surface of a battery pack for a portable terminal including an optical transceiver according to the present invention.

The portable terminal 100 is a terminal that is carried by a user and is movable, and includes a portable phone, a wireless internet communication terminal, and a PDA. The pack type battery 101 includes a rechargeable battery 105 for supplying power to the portable terminal 100, a charging circuit, and a charging connector 107. Meanwhile, the battery 101 includes an optical transmitter so that an optical payment credit transaction can be performed like a credit card. The optical transmitter is integrated into the battery 101, and includes an optical transmission circuit 102 for generating an optical signal, a light emitting part 103 for emitting the optical signal from the optical transmission circuit 102 to the outside, and a settlement switch 104 for approving settlement of optical payment based on the emitted optical signal.

The optical transmission circuit 102 is incorporated in the battery pack 101 using an internal void. The light emitting part 103 is connected in the vicinity of the charging connector 107. Of course, the light emitting part 103 may be connected at an appropriate position of the battery pack 101 so that light transmission is easily accomplished. In the case where the light member 103 is attached to the periphery of the charging connector 107, as in this embodiment, the light member 103 should be fixed in such a manner that it does not protrude from the outer surface of the battery pack. Meanwhile, the settlement switch 104 is fixed to the rear surface of the battery pack 101 without protrusion in order to prevent an undesired settlement light signal from being emitted due to external contact.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a light transmission circuit included in the battery pack 101.

The power supply circuit 111 is a circuit that supplies power to the light transmission unit, wherein the power is obtained from a rechargeable battery in a battery pack. The memory 113 stores user credit processing information, and the optical transmitter 114 converts the credit transaction information into an optical signal to be transmitted to the outside. The controller 112 transfers information from the memory 113 to the optical transmitter 114 and controls the operation of the circuit 112.

If the user presses the settlement switch 104 connected in the battery pack 101, the power supply circuit 111 supplies power to the entire part of the light transmission circuit 102. Then, the controller 112 reads information from the memory 113 and transfers the read information to the optical transmitter 114. The optical transmitter 114 converts the received information into an optical signal such as an infrared signal. That is, received digital information is converted into an optical signal using light intensity. In case of requiring a longer transmission distance, an additional modulation/demodulation unit may be used to increase the communication distance. The converted optical signal is emitted to the outside through the light emitting part 103. Here, an IC chip such as an IC card may be used as the memory 113. The IC chip has a single unique identification number, thereby preventing personal information from being leaked due to illegal copying of the IC chip.

As another example, the optical transmission circuit 102 may be integrated in the portable terminal 100 instead of the battery pack 101. In this case, the connection means needs to connect the light transmission circuit 102 integrated in the portable terminal 100 to the light emitting part 103 and the settlement switch, both of which are fixed in the battery pack 101. Such a connection means is formed by using a power terminal that supplies power to the portable terminal 100 or other terminals.

Fig. 13A is a front end bottom view of a connection state between the optical transceiver plug device and the portable telephone device, and fig. 13B is a rear view of the connection state between the optical transceiver plug device and the portable telephone device. Fig. 14 is a detailed configuration diagram of the optical transceiver plug device.

As shown in fig. 14, the optical transceiver plug device includes an electric circuit 131 provided in a housing 130, and an optical transceiver 132 for optically transmitting and receiving data. A connection cable 133 is formed on one side of the circuit 131 to connect the plug 134. The plug 134 is connected to an external communication port provided at the bottom of the portable telephone shown in fig. 13A and 13B. Meanwhile, the optical transceiver plug device includes an optical transmitting and receiving window 135 formed on one surface of the housing 130, thereby forming an entrance portion and an exit portion of the optical signal transmitted and received on the optical transceiver 132. As shown in fig. 13B, the optical transceiver plug device is connected such that the light transmission and reception window 135 faces the rear surface of the portable telephone. In this way, the user connects the plug device to the portable telephone without changing the basic design and structure of the portable telephone, and then conveniently performs the light transmitting and receiving functions in a state where the user is opposite to the portable telephone.

A conventional credit card inquiry machine adopts a method of receiving information for reception via a magnetic card or a contact type IC card and processing the information. For this reason, the conventional credit card inquiry machine cannot receive the infrared credit information transmitted from the optical payment unit of the present invention. In this way, the optical receiver is integrated into the credit card inquiry machine, and is therefore able to receive infrared credit information directly in the credit card inquiry machine. The optical receiver is described below with reference to fig. 15A and 15B.

Fig. 15A is a block diagram of a credit card inquiry machine incorporating an optical receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 15B shows an outer surface of the credit card inquiry machine incorporating the optical receiver of fig. 15A.

The credit card interrogator 140 shown in fig. 15A includes an infrared receiver 141A for converting an infrared signal into an electric signal, and a decoder 142A for converting the electric signal into a UART (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter receiver) standard signal according to the conversion of the infrared signal. The UART section 143 converts the input serial electric signal into an 8-bit parallel signal and then transfers the generated signal to the CPU 144. The CPU144 controls the entire operation. Further, the credit card interrogator 140 includes a decoder 142B for changing the UART standard electric signal into an infrared signal, and an infrared light emitting part 141B for emitting the infrared signal. The keypad 145 receives the user key input and then transfers it to the CPU 144. The display 146 is formed of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and displays an operation state. Meanwhile, the credit card interrogator 140 integrated with the optical receiver has an outer surface as shown in fig. 15B.

Even in the case of optical payment settlement, the credit card inquiry machine 140 integrated with an optical receiver performs the same operation as the settlement process using a magnetic card. First, if the customer expresses an intention for a credit transaction using an optical payment unit (not shown), a credit transaction pattern is input using predetermined function keys on the keypad 145. The CPU144 that receives the key input requests a card input via the display 146. Generally, the card inserted according to the card input request is read by the card reader 147, so that card information stored in the magnetic part of the card is input. Here, in the case where the customer expresses the intention of credit transaction using the optical payment unit, a credit transaction button (fig. 10A) in the optical payment unit is pressed, so that the card information is transmitted in the form of infrared rays. An infrared receiver 141 integrated in the credit card interrogator 140 detects the infrared card information and converts the result of the detection into an electric signal to be transmitted to an infrared decoder 142A. The infrared decoder 142A decodes the card information into a UART standard signal to be transmitted to the UART section 143. The UART section 143 converts the received UART standard card information signal into an 8-bit parallel signal to be transmitted to the CPU 144. Thus, the CPU144 receives the card information and causes the settlement to be completed. Some services are now implemented that were not possible in the past. That is, a coupon (coupon) proposed for an existing available service may be transmitted to the optical payment unit in an electrical mode, thereby providing a new service.

The above-described type of optical receiver integration requires additional space and interface units to be provided in the credit card interrogation unit. Thus, such an optical receiver integration type is not easily applicable to credit card interrogators that are already constructed or available in the market. In fig. 16, a credit card inquiry machine is shown with an externally mounted optical receiver connected to an external communication port of the credit card inquiry machine for receiving credit information transmitted in the form of optical signals.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a credit card inquiry machine with an externally mounted optical receiver connected to the credit card inquiry machine by a cable in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The externally installed optical receiver 150 shown in fig. 16 receives the light-transmitted credit information, converts the received credit information into a signal form that can be recognized by the credit card inquiry machine 155, and transmits the result of the conversion to the credit card inquiry machine 155. Here, an externally mounted optical receiver 150 is connected to a credit card interrogator 155 through a cable. The operation of the optical payment settlement in fig. 16 is the same as that of the credit card inquiry machine 140 integrated with an optical receiver shown in fig. 15A and 15B.

However, even in the case where the optical receiver is externally installed, the program stored in the credit card inquiry machine should be modified. Thus, as shown in fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C, considering that corresponding existing credit card interrogators have the same size card reader slot, an adapter that can fit into the slot is constructed.

Fig. 17A is a block diagram of an adapter in a credit card inquiry machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, fig. 17B is a block diagram of a magnetic interface card of fig. 17A, and fig. 17C is a connection state between the adapter of fig. 17A and the credit card inquiry machine.

Fig. 17A shows adapter 160 including an infrared receiver 161A and an infrared transmitter 161B for receiving and transmitting infrared signals, respectively. An infrared decoder 162A connected to the infrared receiver 161A decodes the received card information into a UART standard signal. An infrared encoder 162B connected to the infrared transmitter 161B encodes the UART standard signal into an infrared signal. The adapter 160 of fig. 17A further includes a UART section 163 for converting the decoded UART standard signal into an 8-bit parallel signal or converting the parallel signal transmitted from the controller 164 into a serial mode signal; and a controller 164 applying a pulse signal through a transformation algorithm prepared in the transmission mode so as to change an electric signal regarding the card information into an electromagnetic signal of the ISO-7811 type. A driver 165 connected to the controller 164 adjusts the impedance voltage according to the pulse signal applied from the controller 164. The current signal, which alternately controls the impedance voltage, is applied to a coil integrated in magnetic interface card 166, thereby producing a change in magnetic flux. As shown in fig. 17B, the magnetic interface card 166 is formed so that a coil is wound at a predetermined position of the ferromagnetic core. The resulting magnetic flux change brings about an exchange effect like exchanging a magnetic card in the card reader 147. Accordingly, the card reader 147 in the card credit card inquiry machine 155 obtains credit information through a credit card reading process, and then transmits the read credit information through the VAN network 157. The adapter having the above configuration is used as shown in fig. 17C, in which the magnetic interface card 166 and the adapter 160 are connected to each other by a cable 167 in a state where the magnetic interface card 166 is inserted into the card reader 147 of the credit card inquiry machine 155.

However, in the case of the above-described adapter, a magnetic interface card is to be inserted and removed each time settlement is performed by the optical payment unit and the magnetic card. Thus, in fig. 18A and 18B, an adapter is shown which can be arranged beside a magnetic card without taking out a magnetic interface card.

Fig. 18A is a block diagram of an adapter having a card reader in a credit card inquiry machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 18B is a connection state between the adapter of fig. 18A and the credit card inquiry machine. The configuration of the adapter 170 shown in fig. 18A is the same as the adapter 160 shown in fig. 17A. The adaptor 170 of fig. 18A will include a card reader 173 for reading a magnetic card connected to the UART section 174. In the case of using the adapter 170 having the above configuration, two types of settlement using an optical payment unit or a magnetic card may be processed in the case where the magnetic interface card 177 has been inserted into the card reader 147.

First, if the customer expresses the intention of credit processing using the optical payment unit, a credit transaction pattern is input using a predetermined function key on the credit card inquiry machine 155. Credit card inquiry machine 155 requests card input via display 146. The customer presses a credit transaction button predetermined in a portable terminal such as a portable phone or PDA possessed as an optical payment unit, so that credit information is transmitted in the form of infrared rays. An adapter 170, connected by cable to a magnetic interface card 177 inserted into a card reader 147 in a credit card interrogator 155, receives credit information via an infrared receiver 171A.

Meanwhile, if the customer expresses the intention of the credit transaction using the magnetic card, the credit transaction mode is inputted using a predetermined function key on the credit card inquiry machine 155. Credit card inquiry machine 155 requests card input via display 146. The user inputs card information stored on the magnetic portion of the card via a card reader 173 connected to the adapter 170. The card information inputted through the card reader 173 is converted into an 8-bit parallel signal through the UART section 174 and transmitted to the CPU 175. The CPU 175 applies an alternating current signal to the I/F converter 176 in order to change the card information transmitted from the UART section 174 into an electromagnetic change of the ISO-7811 type. The I/F converter 176 converts the applied alternating current signal to an impedance voltage suitable for the magnetic interface card 177 inserted into the slot of the credit card interrogator 155 and transmits the modified impedance voltage. When an alternating current signal transmitted through the I/F converter 176 is applied to the coil, the magnetic interface card 177 generates a magnetic flux change in the core. The resulting flux change produces an effect like the exchange effect of a magnetic card. Of course, card information read via card reader 173 connected to adapter 170 may be communicated directly to credit card interrogator 155.

Meanwhile, the above optical payment unit can perform settlement using infrared communication only in the case where the card inquiry machine is close to the user. That is, the current infrared communication distance is limited to about one meter. This makes it inconvenient to use an optical payment unit for settlement at gas stations, department stores where card interrogators are installed in a limited number of places, and restaurants with several compartments. Thus, fig. 19A to 19D illustrate a mobile repeater in which user credit information can be received at the user's current location, the credit information is temporarily stored, and the subsequently stored credit information is used only once for settlement.

Fig. 19A is a block diagram of a mobile optical repeater of the present invention. Fig. 19B is a block diagram of the basic apparatus of the mobile optical repeater of the present invention. Fig. 19C is a connection state of the mobile optical repeater of fig. 19A. Fig. 19D shows a connection state of the mobile optical repeater base unit shown in fig. 19B. The mobile optical repeater 180 is mobile, receives user credit information in an optical signal from a user terminal, temporarily stores it, and transfers the stored credit information to the optical repeater base unit 190 or a credit card interrogator connected to an optical receiver only once.

The optical repeater base unit 190 is connected to a credit card inquiry machine through a cable or via an adapter, receives credit information, and the mobile optical repeater 180 transmits the received credit information to the credit inquiry machine 155 so as to inquire the user's credibility. Here, the optical repeater base unit 190 transmits the credit information of the user through the optical signal transmitted from the mobile optical repeater 180, or receives the credit information of the user from the mobile optical repeater 180 in a state where the optical repeater base unit 190 is connected to the mobile optical repeater 180 through the connector for transmission.

In the mobile optical repeater 180, the infrared receiver 181A receives credit information in the form of infrared information from the portable terminal and converts it into an electric signal. The CPU 184 temporarily stores the received credit information in the memory 185 and controls the operation of the LED 186 and indicates that the credit information has been normally received. Upon recognizing the display of the LED 186, the optical repeater 180 is located on an optical repeater base unit 190 connected to the credit card inquiry machine 155, and then presses the data transfer button 187. Here, the optical repeater 180 is connected to the optical repeater base unit 190 as shown in fig. 19C, or connected thereto in the form of an infrared signal as shown in fig. 19D. In the case of the connector connection of fig. 19C, the CPU 184 of the optical repeater 180 transmits the credit information stored in the memory 185 to the optical repeater base unit 190 through the transmission port 188. In the case of the infrared signal connection as shown in fig. 19D, the CPU 184 in the optical repeater 180 converts the credit information stored in the memory 185 into an infrared signal via the infrared transmitter 181B, and transmits the result of the conversion to the optical repeater base unit 190. The CPU 184 receives the credit information and then deletes the corresponding credit information from the memory 185.

In the optical repeater base unit 190, the receiving port 194 is connected to the transmitting port 188 of the optical repeater 180, receives credit information transmitted in the UART standard signal form and outputs the received credit information to the CPU 195. The infrared receiver 191A receives credit information transmitted in the form of an infrared signal from the infrared transmitter 181B of the optical repeater 180 and converts the received credit information into an electric signal. The CPU 195 transmits the credit information received through the receiving port 194 or the infrared receiver 191A to the credit card inquiry machine 155 connected through a cable.

Also, as shown in fig. 20A to 20D, the above-described optical repeater 180 may be constructed so as to be easily used in the case where a clip (clip) is connected to the optical repeater, so that a note (slip) may be presented at a distance away from the counter as in a restaurant for settlement. Referring to fig. 20A, notes arranged on the cover of the settlement are presented to the user using the clip 196 of the optical repeater 180. Thus, the user may check the amount at the desk and pay for the cost optically. Fig. 20B shows a side shape of the clip type optical repeater. The clip type optical repeater is normally connected to a charging unit and is equipped on a counter. As shown in fig. 20C, the charging unit 197 is configured in the form of a clip-type optical repeater that is easily mounted, and the batteries accommodated in the optical repeater 180 are charged through the charging connection portion 198, and they can be used all the time. Fig. 20D shows a side shape of the clip-type optical repeater mounted in the charging unit.

Optical repeater base unit 190 may be constructed in the form of an adapter to connect to an existing credit card inquiry machine without any functional change, and its outer surface is like the adapter type credit card inquiry machine shown in fig. 17A and 17B. This adapter type optical relay base is shown in fig. 21. Referring to fig. 21, an I/F card 201 is inserted into a slot of a credit card inquiry machine 200. The optical payment unit of the present invention transmits card information of an infrared signal, wherein the card information needs to be encrypted for card security.

Fig. 22 is a block diagram for explaining a card information encryption method of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 22, the card number is formed of a set of actual card numbers and an authentication number assigned by the card company. The card number thus formed has about 40 bytes. The repeater 210 receives the card number and executes a compression algorithm set in the compressor 211 to compress the card number information. Here, the compressor 211 uses the compression table 212 and converts the received card information into card information that can be stored in the portable terminal 215. The compressed card information is about 20 bytes. The thus converted card information is paired with the card ID assigned from the card ID assigner 213 to be transmitted to the portable terminal 215. Here, the card ID is information for discriminating the type of the card and the corresponding card information.

The portable terminal 215 receives the card information including the card ID from the repeater 210. The storage index section 216 of the portable terminal 215 registers the card ID included in the transferred card information as an index, and stores the card information in the memory 217. The storage index section 216 also stores in the screen display memory 218 a card name corresponding to the card information stored in the memory 217 so as to allow the user to confirm the card type he or she selected. Thus, when the user selects one card, the corresponding card name stored in the screen display memory 218 is displayed on the screen, so that the user can confirm the selected card. Here, the storage index section 216 has an index memory as shown in fig. 23A. The index memory includes a total length ← storing an index, card information ID ← selected by the user among various card information, and index information → representing a card information actual storage position. As shown in fig. 23b, a card ID ← for identifying one kind of payment information is paired with actual card information ↓ heelcorresponding to the card ID, and there are several pairs stored in the card information of the memory 217. As shown in fig. 23c, a card ID ← for identifying payment information, and text or label (logo) data ≈ for displaying an actual card type are stored in the screen display memory 218. The screen tag may be a tag of the card company or its partner. The card IDs stored in the memory 217 and the screen display memory 218 have the same value, respectively.

The following describes a procedure for transmitting and receiving card information in a state where the card information is encoded and stored in the portable terminal 215 as above.

Fig. 24 illustrates the communication process between optical payment transceivers.

In fig. 24, if optical payment settlement is selected by the user, an optical payment receiver (as illustrated by Base Unit (BU) 235) requests a corresponding optical payment transmitter (as illustrated by Mobile Unit (MU) 230) to transmit a signal. MU230 transmits the index data stored in the index memory according to the signal request from BU 235. Here, the index data is an address for indicating a card information storage unit stored in the card information memory 217. BU235 receives the index data, compares the received index data to a pre-stored index analysis table, and creates a key in the received index data that proves to be a valid index. BU235 sends the created key to MU230 along with a memory access command. The MU230 extracts the key from the key signal, reads the card information stored in the card information memory 217, and encrypts the read card information again using the extracted key. The thus encrypted card information is transferred to BU 235. BU235 decodes the received card information using the possessed key and then restores the decoded card information to card information according to a predetermined compression table.

The infrared data transmission method is a protocol for a one-to-N transmission in which the identification protocol is complicated between communication stations, so that it takes 2-3 seconds only in the case of mutual identification between communication stations having a basic protocol link hierarchy, which causes a time delay. A one-to-N transmission protocol cannot be applied to the field of payment, where information transfer time is important due to the above time delay. Thus, the new communication protocol is used for one-to-one communication.

Fig. 25 and fig. 26A and 26B illustrate communication protocols applied using the optical payment settlement method of the present invention, respectively. BU235 transmits a pilot signal for finding out whether there is any corresponding station (1) in communication within the communication distance. The pilot signal includes an ECC (error correction code) value (e.g., BCC (block check character)) for guaranteeing communication data is trouble-free, and its own ID (BU-ID) value for guaranteeing one-to-one communication. At the same time, BU 230 checks whether there is a button input (step 251). If there is a button input, the MU230 confirms whether the pilot signal is received from BU235 and an error is generated (step 252). The MU230 that receives the pilot signal confirms whether the pilot signal is received at a predetermined reception waiting time after receiving the input button, and transmits the received pilot signal without any distortion according to the ECC value included in the reception data. If the acknowledgment pilot signal has been received without any error within a predetermined time, the ID value (BU-ID) of BU235 included in the received data is extracted to ensure that the entire next communication is trouble-free, and its own ID value (MU-ID) is created and stored (step 253). The MU230 calculates an index value indicating a value indicating its own communication preparation state and a memory card information value, an ID value (MU-ID) indicating its own body, an ID value (BU-ID) of the BU235 that sent the communication request, and an ECC value (2) for ensuring that the entire data to be transferred is trouble-free (step 254). Depending on the received ECC value included in the received data, BU235 that received the ECC value confirms whether the received communication wait signal indicates a number transmitted without any distortion (2). BU235 uses its own ID value (BU-ID) included in the received data to confirm whether there is a response according to his or her request for communication. If there is a complete match, BU235 retains the ID value (MU-ID) of MU230 included in the communication wait signal to ensure that the entire communication is trouble-free. By using a predetermined index value, BU235 decrypts the index value to point to the credit information value included in the received communication-waiting signal shown in (2) of fig. 25, and then extracts the value pointing to the desired credit information. BU235 creates a key to be used during communication and transmits with the ID value (MU-ID) of MU230 (3). According to the reception ECC value included in the reception data, the MU230 that received the key confirms whether the received key and the command signal are transmitted without any deformation (step 255). If so, the MU230 uses the MU-ID value included in the received data to communicate based on his or her request to confirm whether a response exists (step 256). If the MU-ID value is not equal to the MU230 ID, the MU230 receives at a predetermined wait time (step 257). If the matching MU-ID value is not received even if the reception wait time has elapsed the predetermined time, the MU230 returns to step 251, completing step 251-257 again. If both match, BU235 retains the ID value (MU-ID) of MU230 included in the communication wait signal to ensure that the entire communication is trouble-free. By using a predetermined index table, BU235 decrypts the index value pointing to the credit information value included in the reception communication wait signal shown in (2) of fig. 25, and then extracts the value pointing to the desired credit information. If the received MU-ID value is equal to the ID of the MU230, the MU230 reads data from the storage device according to the retransmitted command and then encrypts the read data with the key (step 258). The encrypted data is transmitted to BU235 (4) (step 259). The BU235 that received the encrypted data confirms whether the received encrypted data is transferred without deformation according to an ECC value included in the received data. BU235 uses its own ID value (BU-ID) included in the received data to confirm whether there is a response according to his or her request communication. If both match, BU235 sends the corresponding data to the back-end processor and the communication is complete. BU235 sends the updated data signal to MU230 (5) along with a store command if the data to be updated exists. Here, the update data corresponds to departure information of the subway or the toll booth payment system. The MU230 confirms whether the received update data and command signals have been transmitted without any deformation from the received BCC values included in the data (step 260). The MU230 uses its own ID value included in the received data to communicate upon his or her request to confirm whether a response exists (step 261). If it is confirmed that there is no ID value of his or her own in the received data, the MU230 waits for reception at a predetermined time (step 262). If no matching MU-ID value is received even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the MU230 returns to step 251 to complete step 251 and 262. If it is confirmed that his or her own ID value exists in the received data, the MU230 stores the corresponding update data and transmits an acknowledgement signal (ACK) (6) according to the corresponding update data (step 263). The MU230 then waits for approximately three seconds (step 264) and completes the process. Communication is accomplished through these processes.

As described above, card information is stored in a portable terminal instead of a magnetic type card, such as a credit card, a prepaid card, and a bank card. In this case, if the card information is stored in the portable terminal without any modification, illegal copying with respect to the card may be considered. In particular, in the case where card information is directly input in the memory of the portable terminal, an individual who develops the portable terminal may illegally copy the portable terminal memory using a specific device. Thus, a card issuance authority (such as a card company or a bank) desires to prevent card information from being stored in the portable terminal in the same form as that stored in a magnetic card. However, in banking transactions performed by several laymen, the encryption system using the personal asymmetric key requires a long calculation time, which makes customers more inconvenient than current systems. Also, because entering a symmetric key is the same as in the case of using a symmetric key in many POS terminals, key protection may be more difficult.

In view of the above, a new type of IC card system has been developed, which is not widely used due to the installation cost of the infrastructure. Thus, the present invention uses the current system as usual, and uses a user-specified password as an encryption algorithm key for added security, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 27.

Fig. 27 is a flowchart for explaining a security enhancing method in a settlement system using a portable terminal including card information according to the present invention.

The customer fills out the application form to use his or her own portable terminal as a card and submits it to the corresponding bank authority. In this case, the application form is additionally filled with the password of the card (step 241). The bank authority verifies the application and then, after receiving the application, encrypts card information, such as the card number and validity period, using the password requested by the customer as a key (step 242). The encryption method uses an algorithm of a symmetric key model, which cannot be solved without knowing the password of the card owner. Therefore, although the internal card information is read from the portable terminal, the read card information cannot be legally used. Here, only the card information part can be encrypted. The encrypted card information is input at the portable terminal. For security, the customer who accesses the corresponding bank authority inputs information through the interface unit located at the lower end of the portable terminal. Information can be input in the portable terminal by using the wireless network according to a user's selection. If the financial information is completely input in the portable terminal after the credit approval, the customer selects a password at the settlement mode, which matches the password filled in at the card issuance application. Here, in the case where the password is encrypted in the form of an irreversible function, security can be further improved. When the card issued through the above process is used instead of the portable terminal, the customer operates the keypad of the portable terminal to input a settlement password and selects a settlement mode (step 243). In the settlement mode, the customer selects the card type to be used and presses the transfer key. Accordingly, the card information and the password stored in the portable terminal are transmitted in the form of an infrared signal (step 244). An optical receiver connected to the contract store POS terminal receives card information and a password from the customer portable terminal, and transmits the received result to the contract store POS terminal. Here, the distance between the portable terminal and the optical receiver is a short distance of about one meter or less. Since linearity is obtained using light, it is impossible to illegally record the information. The POS terminal runs a decoding algorithm without separately retaining the key and decodes the card information by using the received password (step 245). Thereafter, approval of the credit transaction is determined in the card company computer through the VAN company as in the existing banking transaction system (step 246). If the received password is incorrect, the received and decoded card information is also incorrect. Thus, the credit transaction cannot be approved. When the customer wants to know his or her own card information in the portable settlement mode, he or she selects the card information confirmation menu. Then, the decoding program is run on the portable terminal, whereby information such as card information and validity period is displayed on the screen.

The optical payment settlement system can be applied to various fields. For example, the optical payment system may be used in most of the places where payment is done, such as general commerce, toll booths, subways, city buses, tunnels, gas stations, e-commerce, department stores, and the like. Embodiments of the optical payment settlement system are described in more detail below.

Fig. 28 is a configuration diagram of a business system using the optical payment transceiver of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 28 includes an optical payment transmitter 10 formed of a user's portable telephone for optically transmitting credit card information, and an optical payment receiver 20 or 21 installed at a contract shop for optically receiving the transmitted credit card information. The system of fig. 28 includes: a credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 for transmitting the received credit card information and requesting a process approval; the VAN company server 40 applies for approval according to the received approval request, and notifies the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 of approval or disapproval. Here, the optical payment receiver 20 or 21 is connected to the credit card inquiry machine 30 (see fig. 15A and 15B) by a cable, is constructed in the form of an adapter in which a card reader is mounted and connected to the credit card inquiry machine 30 (see fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C), or may be integrated into the credit card inquiry machine 31 (see fig. 14). The operation of optical settlement in the general business system of fig. 28 with the above-described configuration is described in detail below with reference to fig. 29.

Fig. 29 is a flowchart for explaining an optical settlement operation in the general commerce system according to fig. 28. The customer purchases an item (step 271). In the case where the user pays for the goods, a settlement method is selected (step 272). If the settlement is completed optically, the customer transmits the credit card information to an optical receiver integrated in or connected to the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 (step 273). That is, the customer makes the portable terminal serving as the optical payment unit 10 face the optical payment receiver 20 or 21, and then presses a predetermined button to transmit an optical signal indicating the start of processing. Here, the optical signal indicating the start of the transaction is transmitted together with credit information including the name of the customer and the credit card number. The optical payment receiver 20 or 21 receives an optical signal containing credit information and transmits the received optical signal to the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31. The client confirms whether the credit information is normally received (step 274). If not, the user again transmits credit information (step 273). If the credit information has been normally received, a normal message is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal (step 275). Meanwhile, in case of using other settlement units instead of using light, the employee employs the other settlement units of the customer to complete the settlement process (step 276). The credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 checks the inputted credit information (step 277). That is, the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 transmits the inputted credit information to the VAN company server 40 to request approval of the transaction. The VAN company server 40 applies for approval of the corresponding card company 50 according to the received approval request. The card company that receives the approval application checks the credit status and transmits the result of the approval to the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31. In the event that the approval application is denied, the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 again completes the following steps including step 276 enabling the transaction using other settlement units. In the case of accepting the approval application, the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 prints a sales transaction receipt and receives a settlement signature from the customer, and then provides the purchased goods to the customer (step 278).

Fig. 30 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the case where the settlement system of fig. 28 is applied to a counter-counting type restaurant.

The user having a meal at the restaurant selects a settlement method at the counter when paying the price of the food (step 281). Here, the customer decides whether the optical payment settlement will be completed (step 282). In the case of optical payment settlement, the user makes the optical receiver, to which the portable terminal 10 as an optical payment unit is connected, face the optical receiver 20 or 21, and transmits card information stored in the portable terminal 10 in the form of an optical signal to complete settlement (step 283). The optical receiver 20 or 21 is connected to a counter-mounted credit card inquiry machine 30 via a cable or an adapter, or is integrated in a credit card inquiry machine 31. The optical receiver 20 or 21 receives card information transmitted in the form of an optical signal from the optical transmitter of the portable terminal 10 as an optical payment transmitter, and transmits a response signal according to the received card information. The portable terminal 10 as an optical payment transmitter receives the response signal transmitted from the optical payment receiver 20 or 21 at the end of the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 and judges whether the transmitted card information has been normally received (step 284). If the card information is not normally received, a message indicating abnormal reception is displayed on the display of the portable terminal 10, and the following steps including step 283 are repeatedly completed to retransmit the card information. If the card information has been normally received, a message indicating the normal reception is displayed on the display of the portable terminal 10 (step 285). The optical payment receiver 20 or 21 converts the received photoplethysmograph information into a form recognizable at the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31, and transmits the result of the conversion. If the user settlement method is not optical payment settlement at step 282, other settlement units are employed to complete the settlement process (step 286). For example, if the settlement method is a method using a magnetic credit card, the card reader of the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 or the card reader mounted on the optical receiver adapter 21 reads a magnetic part on the card to receive card information. Credit card interrogation machine 30 or 31 determines credit information from the card information transmitted from optical payment receiver 20 or 21 or entered via the card reader (step 287). That is, the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 requests approval of the card company through the VAN company server 40. The card company server 50 transmits approval or disapproval of the transaction to the credit card inquiry machine 30 or 31 through the VAN company server 40 according to the requested card information. In the case of credit confirmation, if approval of the transaction is not accepted, the following steps including step 286 are repeatedly completed. If approval is accepted, the employee prints the sales draft from the credit card interrogator 30 or 31 and accepts the customer signature thereon, completing the settlement in its entirety (step 288).

If card information is transmitted using only the portable telephone in the above settlement system, only the signature of the purchaser on the deal sheet becomes the subject identification unit of the transaction behavior according to the general case of the present credit transaction. In particular, whenever a transaction related to a transportation charge or a transaction is performed with a relatively small amount of cash, if the user should sign a receipt, the execution time of the entire transaction is delayed. In this way, the portable telephone number can be used to identify the business participant.

Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram of a settlement system using optical payment using a phone number as an ID (identification), and fig. 32 is a schematic diagram of data flow in the settlement system using optical payment using a phone number as an ID (identification).

When credit information is stored in a portable terminal such as a portable telephone or a PDA, the credit information corresponds to a telephone number assigned to the terminal on a one-to-one basis and is stored in the terminal. If a button input is made by a user for optical payment settlement, the portable terminal (MU)10 transmits a phone number and stored credit information in the form of an infrared signal. An optical receiver (BU)20 that receives the telephone number extracts credit information and the telephone number from the received optical signal. The optical receiver (BU)20 transmits the extracted credit information and phone number to the credit card inquiry machine 30. The credit card inquiry machine 30 transmits the received credit information for external authentication and retains the phone number. The card company 50 receives the credit information and approves the item of the transaction. If the item of the transaction has been approved, the credit card inquiry machine 30 prints out the purchased item and the reserved telephone number on a receipt. Thus, the transaction body is represented as a telephone number on the receipt.

In an optical payment settlement system using a phone number as an ID, an individual who completes a transaction using a portable terminal selects a mobile communication company of his or her own predetermined terminal instead of a card company as a transaction authority in order to complete a transaction action, and in the case of a vending machine or a traffic fare-related transaction action, a batch settlement system is employed without passing through an existing online approval system, thereby differently selecting a credit transaction authority.

A phone number that can be used as an ID has been stored in the portable terminal, and the phone number is used on a one-to-one relationship basis with respect to the portable terminal. If the user selects a mobile communication company as a credit transaction management agency, which is a batch settlement system, in the case of a vending machine or a traffic fee-related transaction behavior, and performs a button operation for optical payment settlement, the portable terminal transmits a contained phone number and an authentication key in an infrared form. If it is recognized that the transmitted telephone number is a special number input by the user at a predetermined time in the communication network, the recognized authentication key is used, and the optical receiver receiving the telephone number and the authentication key recognizes the authentication key using the decoding key, and approves the item of the transaction and retains it.

Fig. 33 is a configuration diagram of a toll booth settlement system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. Fig. 33 shows a system including controllers 100 and 300 installed at an entrance side and an exit side of a tollgate, respectively, and a business office computer 200. The entrance controller 100 includes a vehicle approach detector 102, a vehicle departure detector 103, a vehicle classifier 106, an invoker 105, a vehicle lane controller 101. The ingress controller 100 also includes a bi-directional optical transceiver 104 capable of performing transmit and receive operations. The egress controller 300 includes a vehicle lane controller 301, a vehicle detector 302, a fixed value ticket identifier 303, a receipt issuing machine 304, and a ticket handler 305. The egress controller 300 also includes a bi-directional optical transceiver 306 capable of performing transmit and receive operations. The operation of the toll booth settlement with the above-configured toll booth system is described in detail below with reference to fig. 34 and 35.

If the vehicle arrives at an entryway out of the toll booth, the driver or passenger causes the portable optical payment transmitter to face the optical transceiver 104 located on one side of the entryway and then presses the transfer button. The card information stored at the optical payment transmitter is transmitted in the form of an optical signal. The optical transceiver 104 receives the card information transmitted from the optical payment transmitter. The optical transceiver 104 checks the signal format of the received card information. In a normal case where the signal format is such that a predetermined protocol is satisfied, the card information is transmitted to the vehicle lane controller 101. If the vehicle approach detector 102 detects the approach of the vehicle (step 321), the vehicle lane controller 101 adds 1 to the number of the waiting vehicle (step 322). Then, the vehicle lane controller 101 confirms whether the approaching vehicle is the optical payment information transmission vehicle (step 323). If the approaching vehicle is an optical payment information transfer vehicle, the vehicle lane controller 101 transmits the entrance-related approach information in the form of an optical signal via the optical transceiver 104 (step 324). The portable terminal as an optical payment transmitter records the entrance proximity information transmitted from the optical transceiver 104 in the memory. The entrance approach information includes current toll booth information, time information, and vehicle type information. The vehicle types are classified by the vehicle classifier 106. If the approaching vehicle is not an optical payment information transfer vehicle, the vehicle lane controller 101 transmits entrance approach information to the invoice machine 105, causing the invoice machine to issue a ticket containing the entrance approach information (step 325). If the above process is completed, the vehicle lane controller 101 displays a signal for approval of the passage of the vehicle and notifies the passenger of the passage approval (step 326). If the vehicle exit detector 103 detects that the vehicle exits (step 327), the vehicle lane controller 101 subtracts 1 from the number of waiting vehicles (step 328). The vehicle lane controller 101 transmits each vehicle entrance approach information to the corresponding business office computer 200.

If the arrival at the toll booth has been reached by a vehicle leaving the toll booth, the driver or passenger faces the portable payment transmitter to the optical transceiver 306 located in the toll booth entryway and then presses the transfer button. The card information stored at the optical payment transmitter is transmitted in the form of an optical signal, and the entrance proximity information stored at the memory is transmitted in the form of an optical signal. The optical transceiver 306 receives the card information and the entrance proximity information transmitted from the optical payment transmitter. The optical transceiver 306 examines the signal format of the information transmitted from the optical payment transmitter. In the case where the signal format is normal, the optical transceiver 306 transmits the received information to the vehicle lane controller 301. If the vehicle approach detector 302 detects that a vehicle approaches (step 331), the vehicle lane controller 301 adds 1 to the number of waiting vehicles (step 332). Then, the vehicle lane controller 301 confirms whether the approaching vehicle is the optical payment information delivery vehicle (step 333). If the approaching vehicle is the optical payment information transmitting vehicle, the vehicle lane controller 301 calculates as many passing fees as corresponding passing intervals according to the transmitted information, and assesses the passing fee in relation to the card information (step 334). The vehicle lane controller 301 records the transaction item in the memory of the optical transceiver 306 and simultaneously transmits the transaction item to the optical payment transmitter so that the accumulated settlement amount is stored (step 335). The transaction items are transmitted to the business office computer 200 and then recorded therein. Meanwhile, if the approaching vehicle is not the optical payment information transfer vehicle, the ticket processor 305 receives the ticket issued at the leaving toll booth from the driver and assesses a toll booth passage fee in cash or a fixed value ticket (step 336). In the case of paying the toll station passage fee with a fixed-amount ticket, the corresponding fee is settled through the fixed-amount ticket recognizer 303, and then the difference is recorded and displayed thereon and returned. After the fees are levied through the above process, a receipt is issued through the receipt issuing machine 304. If the pass fee is settled, the vehicle lane controller 301 displays a pass approval (step 337). If the vehicle detector 302 detects that a vehicle is approaching (step 338), the vehicle lane controller 301 subtracts 1 from the number of waiting vehicles (step 339).

Through each point in time, the office computer 200 checks whether the transaction items recorded with respect to approaching and departing vehicles are consistent with the transaction items of the optical transceivers 104 and 306 connected to the toll booth. If the two recorded transaction items are consistent with each other, the office computer 200 clears the records of the optical transceivers 104 and 306 and transmits the transaction items to a collection server (not shown). Here, the collection server is a central server for centrally controlling the respective office computers connected to each other. Only when the two coincide, the collection server checks whether the transaction details recorded at the office computer 200 coincide with the collected data, and transmits the collected data to the card company server in the form of a package. The office computer 200 is then cleared of recorded data.

Fig. 36 is a configuration diagram of a drive-thru ordering system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 36 further includes an optical receiver 344 connected in place on an order item display panel 343 of the existing system for receiving card information in the form of an optical signal. Here, the passenger in the car uses an optical payment unit such as a portable telephone containing a credit card, to which an optical transmitter that transmits card information in the form of an optical signal is connected.

Fig. 37 is a configuration diagram of an optical payment settlement system of the system of fig. 36. The system shown in fig. 37 includes: a portable telephone 10 which contains card information and transmits the card information in the form of an optical signal as an optical payment unit; an optical receiver 344 connected to the order item display board 343 for receiving card information using an optical signal; and a card interrogator or POS (point of sale) terminal 60 connected to the optical receiver 344 for receiving the transmitted card information and confirming transaction approval. It is possible to use any portable product as the optical payment unit in addition to the portable telephone 10. Here, the order item display panel 343 and the optical receiver 344 of the connection card interrogator or the POS terminal 60 are installed in a department store. The optical receiver 344 and the card interrogator 60 are connected to each other by a cable or adapter. The system of fig. 37 includes a VAN company server 40 which transmits card information requesting transaction approval to a card company server 50 as a settlement management authority and transmits the result of approval or disapproval to a card inquiry machine or a POS terminal 60.

The operation of the optical payment settlement system having the above-configured drive-thru ordering system is described in detail below with reference to fig. 38 and 39 and fig. 36.

The customer stops the vehicle at the order recipient 340A (step 371). Then, the customer views the menu panel 341 installed at the order receiving place 340A and orders the goods to be purchased in a state where the customer drives the vehicle (step 372). The clerk receiving the order enters an order receipt in POS 60. The input data is output to a screen which can be seen by a clerk selecting a commodity so that the clerk takes out an ordered commodity paid to the customer. If the order is completed, the customer determines whether the optical payment settlement has made the payment for the goods (step 373). In the case of performing the optical payment settlement, the customer identifies the order items item by paying the settlement amount, which are displayed on the order item display panel 343 installed at the order reception place 340A (step 374), thereby completing the optical payment settlement. Here, the customer can settle the payment without opening the window. As shown in fig. 38, the order item display panel 343 indicates the commodity name, the quantity, the money amount, and the total. Meanwhile, the optical receiver 344 is connected at an appropriate place of the order item display panel 343, for example, at the upper right thereof. In this way, the customer identifies the order items by paying the settlement amount, they are displayed on the order item display panel 343, and the optical transmitter connected to the portable telephone 10 as the optical payment unit is made to face the optical receiver 344, whereby the card information contained in the portable telephone 10 is transmitted in the form of an optical signal and the optical payment settlement is completed. The optical receiver 344 connected to the order item display panel 343 optically receives the optical signal card information transmitted from the portable telephone 10 as the customer optical payment unit. The optical receiver 344 converts the received optical signal card information into a format that can be recognized by the card interrogator or the POS terminal 60 and transmits the converted result. The card inquiry machine or POS terminal 60 requests card company approval through the VAN company server 40 according to the card information transmitted from the optical receiver 344. The card company server 50 transmits a transaction approval or disapproval result according to the requested card information to the card inquiry machine or POS terminal 60 that requests transaction approval through the VAN company server 40. During the waiting for approval, the customer drives the vehicle and moves to the goods extraction site 340B (step 375). At step 373, if the customer settlement method is not the optical payment settlement, the user drives the vehicle immediately after ordering the goods and moves to the goods withdrawal place 340B (step 376). When the vehicle is parked at the goods withdrawal place (step 340B), it is checked whether the settlement of the credit card in the case of the optical payment settlement is approved (step 377). After the card settlement has been approved in the check result of step 377, the customer receives the ordered goods and a card receipt from the clerk (step 378) and then departs (step 381). If the card settlement is not approved or the settlement method is not an optical payment settlement, the settlement is made in cash as is conventional (step 379). After settlement with cash, the user receives the ordered goods from the clerk (step 380) and then leaves (step 381).

As described above, in the case where the drive-thru ordering system employs the optical payment settlement system, the payment information is transmitted while the order is transmitted, thus completing the settlement of all the goods payment, thereby significantly increasing the sales volume per unit time.

Fig. 40 is a configuration diagram of a gas station charging system using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 40 includes a mobile optical repeater 180 and an optical repeater base unit 190, where the portable mobile optical repeater 180, held by the fueling operator, receives payment information, and the fueling operator causes the optical repeater 180 to connect to the optical repeater base unit 190 to input the payment information to the card interrogator or POS terminal 60 and cause the transaction approval and settlement to be completed. The operation of the optical payment system having the above-configured gas station charging system is described below with reference to fig. 41.

At the filling station, the operator notifies the user that the fuel is completely filled and asks him or her the settlement method. After filling, the customer selects a settlement method (step 391). The operator determines whether the settlement method desired by the customer is an optical payment settlement method (step 392). In the case where the user wishes to pay optically, the operator inputs the settlement amount to the mobile optical repeater 180 and provides the settlement amount input to the mobile optical repeater 180 to the customer (step 393). With the portable telephone 10 as his or her own optical payment unit, the customer confirms the amount of settlement displayed on the mobile optical repeater 180 provided by the operator while the customer is in the car, and transmits the credit information to the mobile optical repeater 180 (step 394). The mobile optical repeater 180 determines whether the optical signal has successfully arrived from the cellular phone (step 395). If the optical signal normally arrives at the mobile optical repeater, the credit information included in the optical signal is temporarily stored in the mobile optical repeater 180. In the case where the optical signal does not arrive normally, or the arriving optical signal is not normal so that the credit information cannot be read normally, the operator requests the credit information to be retransmitted to the mobile optical repeater. Here, the optical receiver is naturally connected to the portable telephone 10 as an optical payment unit, and thus the mobile optical repeater 180 requests the credit information to be automatically retransmitted to the portable telephone 10 through the automatic optical communication between the portable telephone 10 and the mobile optical repeater 180. After receiving the credit information, the operator takes the mobile optical repeater 180 to the optical repeater base unit 190 to transmit the credit information to the optical repeater base unit 190 (step 396). This method can be embodied in two major ways. In a first aspect, the mobile optical repeater 180 is installed such that the connector of the mobile optical repeater 180 contacts the connector of the optical repeater base unit 190. In a second aspect, mobile optical repeater 180 transmits an optical signal including credit information to an optical receiver of optical repeater base unit 190. Here, the mobile optical repeater 180 transmits the corresponding credit information to the optical repeater base unit 190 only once. In step 392, in the event that the customer wishes to pay in cash or other method rather than optically, the settlement process proceeds according to the customer's desired settlement method (step 397). That is, the customer gives his or her own magnetic card to the operator, and then the operator processes the settlement using a credit card interrogator installed at the settlement place or a card reader of the POS terminal 60. In the case where the magnetic interface card is connected to the mobile optical repeater 180 held by the operator, the magnetic credit card is read using the magnetic interface card without using the credit card interrogator or the card reader of the POS terminal 60, and then the read card information is temporarily stored in the optical repeater base unit 190. The optical repeater base unit 190, which receives the credit information from the mobile optical repeater 180, transmits the corresponding credit information to the credit card inquiry machine or POS terminal 60. The credit card inquiry machine or POS terminal 60 transmits credit information to the VAN or card company 40 or 50 to confirm whether the transaction is approved (step 398). If the transaction from the VAN or the card company 40 or 50 is approved, the optical repeater base unit 190 prints out the transaction item using a printer and outputs the printed result, and the operator gives the printed receipt to the corresponding customer so that he or she checks the transaction item (step 399). If the VAN or card company does not approve the transaction due to poor credit or over credit, the optical repeater base unit 190 outputs an error signal and causes another settlement unit to complete the settlement as in step 397.

Here, in the case where the optical receiver is installed in the credit card inquiry machine or the POS terminal 60, the mobile optical repeater 180 directly transmits the credit information of the customer in the form of an optical signal to the credit card inquiry machine or the POS terminal 60, which does not serve as the optical repeater base unit 190, thereby completing the optical settlement.

Meanwhile, in the case of issuing a bonus card to allocate bonus points according to the amount of fuel filled and paying a commodity fee according to accumulated points, a card number is included in a portable phone to be transmitted in the form of an optical signal. The POS terminal 60 transmits the points to the corresponding oil refinery 70 according to the input bonus card number and the filled fuel amount. The oil refinery company 70 accumulates a newly generated point for the points accumulated in the corresponding card number and transfers the accumulated points to the POS terminal 60 again, thereby allowing the customer to recognize how many points in total are his or her own bonus points.

In the case where the optical payment settlement method is used in the above-described gas station levying charge system, the customer can settle the instantaneously generated costs without moving to the credit card inquiry machine or the POS terminal 60, and without handing over the credit card to the operator.

Fig. 42 is a configuration diagram of a department store settlement system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. The department store settlement system shown in fig. 42 is configured to be practically the same as the gas station levying charge system shown in fig. 40. However, the POS terminal 60 is not directly connected to the VAN company 40 but is connected to the VAN company 40 through the department store server 80.

During the purchase of goods, the user transmits payment information in the form of an optical signal to the mobile optical repeater 180 held by department store personnel and the resulting settlement of the fee is completed. The department store clerk transmits the payment information received in the optical repeater 180 to the credit card interrogator or POS terminal 60 via an optical receiver integrated in or externally mounted to the credit card interrogator or POS terminal 60 or to the credit card interrogator or POS terminal 60 via the optical repeater base unit 190. The credit card inquiry machine or POS terminal 60 transmits the transmitted credit card information to the VAN or card company 40 or 50 through the department store server 80, thereby recognizing approval or disapproval of the transaction. If the VAN or the card company 40 or 50 approves the transaction, the optical repeater base unit 190 prints the transaction item using a printer and outputs the printed result, and the department store clerk hands over the printed receipt to the corresponding customer so that he or she checks the transaction item. Here, in the case where the payment information is card information of a department store issuance card, the department store server 80 itself determines the transaction approval or disapproval in consideration of personal credit information, installation approval or disapproval, and a settlement amount.

As described above, the optical settlement system including the mobile optical repeater and the optical repeater base unit can be applied to a customer form calculation restaurant. In this case, the clerk uses a clip type mobile optical repeater as shown in fig. 20.

Meanwhile, the present invention may be applied to a vending machine installed in a building or unattended on the street, thereby enabling a user to use the vending machine even without coins or small cash.

Fig. 43 is a configuration diagram of an unattended vending machine system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 43 includes a portable terminal (MU)410, a vending machine 420 including an optical transceiver 421 to receive optical payment information of the portable terminal 410. The vending machine 420 also includes a controller 422 for controlling the product vending operations and a logger 423 for logging the items sold. Fig. 44 shows a detailed configuration of the vending machine 420. The system of fig. 43 includes a totalization means 412 for totalizing sales items recorded in a recorder 423 of a vending machine 420 which are placed dispersedly at mutually different places, and a delivery terminal 414 for delivering the totalized sales items to a VAN company 416 or a card company 418 for a batch approval process. The operation of the expense settlement of the unattended vending system having the above configuration is described below with reference to fig. 45.

The user pays a fee for the purchased product (step 431). In the case of a coffee vending machine, the customer pays for the desired beverage type. In the case of cash payment, the user inputs a corresponding amount of cash into the cash inlet 424 of the vending machine 420. In the case of optical payment, the card information is optically transmitted through the portable terminal 40. The optical transceiver 421 of the vending machine 420 receives an optical signal including card information and transmits the received optical signal to the controller 422. The controller 422 checks whether the payment is an optical payment settlement (step 432). In case of optical payment settlement, it is checked whether the received corresponding card information is valid information (step 433). Whether the card information is valid is confirmed by its own authority without going through the card company 418. That is, the controller 422 stores the registered poor transaction card information, i.e., the card information corresponding to the blacklist and simply confirms whether the received card information is included in the previously registered poor transaction card information, thereby identifying the validity of the card. With such a simple identification, each vending machine does not need to install a special dedicated line to complete the credit card information inquiry and the transaction approval of the card company 418 or the VAN company 416, thereby making the installation cost low. And the poor business or black list is periodically updated, thereby ensuring the safety of the transaction. Of course, the black list is registered in the corresponding portable terminal 410, so that the payment information does not need to be transmitted with light at the portable terminal 410, in which case it is not necessary to identify whether the card information is valid. The registration of poor sellers is described below. If the payment at step 432 is not an optical payment settlement, a determination is made as to whether a monetary amount greater than the corresponding price for the purchased product is entered into the cash entry (step 434). If the corresponding card information is valid information in step 433 or the amount of money input is greater than the corresponding product price in step 434, the controller 422 displays a product withdrawal approval signal on the product selector 426 (step 435). The user selects the desired product displayed on the product selector 426 that is approved for extraction. The controller 422 ships the selected product (step 436). For example, in the case where the user selects a cup of "cappuccino", the controller 422 controls the driving of the coffee motor driver 429A, the sugar motor driver 429B and the milk motor driver 429C, and delivers a cup of cappuccino in which coffee, sugar and milk are mixed, through the cup outlet 428. In the case of cash payment, the controller 422 calculates change and outputs a corresponding amount of money through the money-tender 427. If the customer cancels the purchased product through the redemption requester 427, the controller 422 redeems the input money through the redemption requester 427. If the customer receives the shipped product, the controller 422 checks again whether the payment is an optical payment settlement (step 437). In the case of optical payment, the sales item is recorded in the recorder 423 (step 438).

At the same time, the operator of the vending machine 420 brings the integration apparatus 412 to the location where the vending machine 420 is installed at intervals to collect the total sales details. That is, the sales details recorded in the recorder 423 are downloaded to the integration apparatus 412 via the optical transceiver 421 of the vending machine 420. The operator collects all sales details from the vending machines distributed in different locations and then causes the integration device 412 to connect to the terminal 414 for delivery and then to the server of the VAN company 416 for bulk approval. The server of the VAN company 416 transmits the batch approval request sales details to the server of the corresponding card company 418. The integrating means 412 and the transmitting terminal 414 are described below.

Fig. 46 is a configuration diagram of a kiosk fee payment system employing the optical payment settlement system of the present invention.

The portable terminal 410 is a portable phone or a portable personal device containing card information such as a credit card, a prepaid card, and a direct payment card, and is capable of transmitting the card information of a user in the form of an optical signal.

The kiosk 440 receives the optical signal from the portable terminal 410, extracts card information from the received optical signal, and issues a document required by the user. The kiosk 440 stores the transaction details and then transmits the stored transaction details to the integration server 450 via a phone call connection in accordance with the operator's operation. The integration server 450 transmits the integrated transaction details to the card company 418 in a package.

If the transaction details of the kiosk are received, the server 418 of the card company 418 sends the corresponding transaction amount to the account of the operator of the designated kiosk and charges the card user for the transaction amount.

FIG. 47 is a detailed block diagram of the kiosk 440 of FIG. 46, illustrating an example of issuance of a document. The document issuing system shown in fig. 47 includes an input section 444 for inputting personal information required for document issuing; a display 445 for displaying screen information thereon, thereby enabling the user to confirm his or her desired information; and a charge processor 446 for processing charges for issuing documents. The fee processor 446 includes a coin/bill recognizer 447 for recognizing an input coin amount or bill, a display 448 for displaying the sum of recognized amounts, and a coin/bill collecting cassette 449 for collecting the input coins or bills. The fee processor 446 further includes an optical receiver 441 for receiving an optical signal including card information from the portable terminal 410 as an optical payment unit; and a transaction details storage 443 for storing transaction details. The document issuing system of fig. 47 further includes a host computer 451 (having contents contained in an issuable document), a controller 442 for controlling the overall operation of each part, and a document printer 452 for printing a document desired by a user and issuing it under the control of the controller 442. The collected material printer 453 prints the transaction details and issues it to the user as a receipt. The operation of charging of the self-service automated document issuing system having the above-described configuration is described in detail below with reference to fig. 48.

The controller 442 displays a menu including possible services that may be provided on the display 445, thereby allowing the customer to select his or her desired service (step 461). The user sees the menu content displayed on the display 445 and selects the service he or she desires. If a service is selected via the input section 444, the controller 442 displays the fee on the display 445 so that the customer pays the corresponding fee (step 462). Here, the controller 442 confirms whether the optical payment settlement is displayed on the display 445 (step 463). The user confirms the amount displayed on the display 445 and then pays using his or her desired settlement method. In the case of optical payment settlement, the customer makes the portable terminal 410 serving as an optical payment unit face the optical receiver 441 in the fee processor 446, and then transmits the card information in the form of an optical signal (step 464). The optical receiver 441 in the fee processor 446 extracts card information from the received optical signal and transmits the extracted result to the controller 442. The controller 442 confirms whether the received corresponding card information is valid information (step 465). If the card information is not valid information, the controller 442 notifies the customer that the card information is not valid information and lets the customer pay in cash (step 466). If the card information is valid, the controller 442 displays a normal indication on the display 445 and receives the desired personal information, such as identification, via the input port 444 (step 467). The controller 442 stores the transaction details in the transaction details storage unit 443 (step 468). Here, the transaction details include service items, fees, release dates, and the like. If the payment at step 463 is not an optical payment settlement, the customer pays in cash (step 466). In the case where the fee has been paid with optical payment or cash, the controller 442 loads necessary information from the host computer 441 according to the input information, prints the document through the document printer 452 and issues the printed document to the customer (step 469).

As described above, the transaction details collected in the transaction details storage unit 443 are transmitted to the integration server 450 at a certain point of time. That is, the stored transaction details are communicated by operation of the kiosk 440 operator. The integration server 450 compares the transmitted transaction details with the contents of the transaction details storage unit 443 and transmits the transaction details to the card company 418 in the form of a package only when the two transaction details are identical to each other, and then clears all the transaction details of the transaction details storage unit 443. Here, the kiosks are distributed in different locations and connected via a computer network. Thus, the host computer 451 that fully manages the kiosks functions as the integration server 450. The card company that receives the transaction details sends the money amount to the bank account of the predetermined self-service station 440 operator according to the corresponding transaction details, and sends the bill to the user.

In the case where the credit settlement cannot be completed in real time, such as in a vending machine or a kiosk, a mobile collecting device is required in which collected credit information is fully calculated, thus enabling the customer to move to a place where the settlement of credit payment is possible. The present invention provides a mobile acquisition device using a PDA or a memory bank.

Fig. 49A is a block diagram of a vending system using a mobile collection device using a PDA. FIG. 49B shows an example of a PDA employed in the system of FIG. 49A.

An optical payment receiver 471 installed in the vending system monitors the vending machine controller 470 via an intermediate frequency (I/F) section 477. Whenever a transaction item appears in the monitoring results, the CPU 475 detects the transaction item and records it in the internal memory 476. Meanwhile, the PDA illustrated in fig. 49B includes an infrared (Ir) transceiver 481 connected and communicates with an optical payment transceiver 471 in the vending system using infrared rays. The operator of the vending system operates a menu key on the PDA480 to activate the transaction detail collecting program, and then directs the Ir transceiver 481 to the collecting object machine, and then transmits the collecting command in the form of infrared rays. The received acquisition command is converted into a signal that can be recognized by the CPU 475 through the Ir converter 473 and the UART 474, thereby controlling the CPU 475. The CPU 475 reads the transaction detail data recorded in the internal memory 476 in accordance with the acquisition command, and outputs the read result to the Ir transceiver 472 via the UART 474 and the Ir converter 473. Ir transceiver 472 transmits incoming transaction specific data in the form of infrared light. The Ir transceiver 481 of the PDA480 receives the infrared signal of the transaction details transmitted from the optical payment receiver 471 of the vending system. The received transaction details are passed through the Ir converter 482 and UART 483 to the CPU 484 and recorded in the internal memory 485. The CPU 485 checks whether the data is successfully received and displays the result of the check on the LCD 486, thereby letting the operator monitor the acquisition state. If the transaction details are aggregated in the PDA480, the aggregated transaction details are transmitted to the PC via the Ir port or serial port 487, to the central acquisition center using the transmission sales management software, or to the central acquisition device using a separate communication unit (e.g., cellular phone, base unit, etc.).

Fig. 50A is a block diagram of a mobile acquisition device using a memory bank. Fig. 50B illustrates a connection state of the memory group of fig. 50A.

An optical payment receiver 471 installed in the vending system monitors the vending machine controller 470 via an intermediate frequency (I/F) section 477. Whenever a transaction item occurs in the monitored results, the CPU 475 detects the transaction item and records it in the internal memory 476. The memory bank 488 for collecting transaction details is a non-volatile memory NV-RAM and, as shown in fig. 50B, is connected to the UART 474 in the optical payment receiver 471 via a memory connector 479. To integrate the transaction details, the operator of the vending system inserts the memory bank 488 into the memory connector 479. The UART 474, which detects the connection state of the memory bank 488, notifies the CPU 475 of the memory bank connection state. The CPU 475 reads the transaction details recorded in the memory 476 according to the notification of the UART 474, and records the read result in the memory bank 488 connected through the UART 474. If the transaction details are integrated in the memory bank 488, the operator separates the memory bank 488 from the optical payment receiver 471 and transfers the memory bank 488 to the corresponding settlement authority (card company or bank).

In the case of the mobile acquisition device described above, the administrator at the system installation integrates the transaction details and acquires the integrated PDA or memory bank, which is then handed directly to the settlement authority. Thus, the present invention provides a transmission terminal capable of transmitting collected transaction detail data via a modem.

FIG. 51A is a block diagram of a vending system employing a power line modem connection. Fig. 51B shows a connection state of the vending machine applied to the system of fig. 51A in the building.

When each device included in the vending system is installed at each floor of a building having several floors, the power line of the building provides a closed circuit. That is, as shown in fig. 51B, the power line modem 495 is connected to a power source to be connected to a power line of each of the vending machines 490(1), …, 490(N) installed at each floor. In this way, the sales information generated in the vending machines 490(1), …, 490(N) installed at each floor is temporarily stored in the internal memory of the optical payment receiver (BU)491 installed in the corresponding vending machines 490(1), …, 490 (N). The stored sales information is modulated in the converter 492 to be transmitted over the power line and loaded to the power line 494 when passing through the power line mixer 493. Here, the power line mixer 493 confirms whether transmission through the power line mixer exists. When no transmission is present, a power line is used. Therefore, there is no mixing or collision during transmission. Meanwhile, the vending machines 490(1), …, 490(N) installed at other floors load the sales information to the power line through the same process as above. A power line modem 495 connected to a separate power supply typically monitors whether information is loaded in the power line. When information is identified in the results of the monitoring, the splitter 496 of the power line modem 495 starts operating and transmits sales information to the central server via the modem 497 through the telephone line 498 or the antenna 499. Thus, the vending machine 490(1), …, 490(N) sales information is transmitted to the central server in real time or using a packet processing method.

Fig. 52A is a block diagram of a transmission terminal integrated with a mobile communication modem. Fig. 52B shows an outer surface of a transmission terminal into which the mobile communication modem of fig. 52A is integrated. The terminal is configured to wirelessly transmit the transaction detail data collected via the connection to the collecting means shown in fig. 49A, 49B, 50A and 50B.

The administrator who handles the transaction details in the package operates the keyboard 505 of the transmission terminal 500 shown in fig. 52B, and sets the transmission terminal to the account mode. The administrator causes the transmission terminal 500 to be set to an account mode of a nearby location of the collector as an account object, and completes communication between the transmission terminal and the collector. The administrator can connect the transfer terminal 500 and the collector through the port connection via the serial interface unit 501. The transmitting terminal 500 receives the collected transaction details from a collector (not shown) as an account object in the form of an infrared signal of a package through an infrared interface unit 502. In the case of connection through a port, the transmission terminal 500 receives transaction detail data through the serial interface unit 501. The microprocessor 503 temporarily stores the transaction detail data input through the infrared interface unit 502 or the serial interface unit 501 in the internal memory 504. The microprocessor 503 then wirelessly transmits the stored transaction detail data to a central server (not shown) via the transceiver 507. The microprocessor 503 displays the transmission result on the display 506, thereby allowing the administrator to recognize the communication service status.

In case of the above-mentioned power line modem connection device or mobile communication modem combined terminal, the system should be reconfigured. Thus, a portable telephone connection device is provided that enables transaction-specific data to be transmitted via the most and most widely owned portable telephones.

Fig. 53A is a block diagram of a vending system using a portable telephone connection device. Fig. 53B shows an example of connection of the portable telephone to the automatic vending system.

As shown in fig. 53B, a vending machine controller 470 is installed in the front panel of the vending machine, and a portable telephone connection device 510 is installed below the vending machine controller 470. In the portable telephone connecting apparatus 510, a cable connector 515 is provided, which is connected to an external connection port 517 of a portable telephone 518 via a cable 516. When the portable telephone 517 is connected to the cable connection 515 of the portable telephone connection apparatus 510, the CPU 512 is notified of the portable telephone connection through the UART 514. CPU 512 monitors vending machine controller 470 via I/F section 511. If a transaction item is detected, the CPU 512 receives the transaction details and stores them in the memory 513. If the CPU 512 is notified of the portable phone connection through the UART 514, the CPU 512 makes a phone call through the portable phone 518 through a preset connection number and transfers the transaction detail data stored in the memory 513. If the transaction detail data is successfully transferred to the calling party, the CPU 512 deletes the record contents stored in the memory 513. Here, the set phone number is a number that can be connected to a central server of a corresponding settlement managing agency such as a card company or a bank.

In addition, when the portable telephone is used as described above, the present invention cannot be applied to a vending machine installed outside a service area. Thus, the present invention provides an internet connection device that is capable of communicating transaction details over the internet without regional restrictions.

Fig. 54A is a block diagram of an internet accessible device. Fig. 54B shows an external connection state with respect to the PC. Referring to fig. 54B, the internet connection device 520 is connected to the internet-accessible PC526 by a cable. The internet connection device 520 includes a memory connector 521 that can be connected to the PDA480 or memory bank 488, which is a mobile acquisition device; and an infrared I/F section 522 that receives the collected transaction detail data via infrared communication.

The administrator connects the PC 26 to the connection device 520 through a cable. The mobile acquisition apparatus shown in fig. 49A, 49B, 50A, and 50B has a memory connector 521. The memory connector 521 identifies the transaction detail data collected by the memory 488 installed in the mobile collection device, and transmits the identified transaction detail data to the CPU524 through the UART 523. The connection device 520 is capable of receiving transaction specific data via infrared communication without a connection to a mobile acquisition device. That is, the infrared I/F section 522 in the connection device 520 recognizes the transaction detail data in the form of infrared rays, and transmits the recognized result to the CPU524 via the UART 523. The CPU524 transfers the received data to the PC526 connected to the serial port 525 via the UART 523. In the case where the PC526 enters the central server 527 of the corresponding settlement authority via the internet, the PC526 transmits the transaction detail data transmitted from the connection device 520 to the central server 527. After transmitting the transaction details data, if the data is successfully transmitted, the CPU524 transmits a command to delete the recorded content from the memory 488 of the connected mobile acquisition device. The memory capacity is not occupied much because the memory record content is cleared each time the collected transaction detail data is normally transmitted to the central server 527.

In the case of a location where the internet is not provided, dial-up VAN connection means are provided so that transaction detail data can be transmitted via a telephone line.

Fig. 55A is a block diagram of a dial-up VAN accessible device. Fig. 55B illustrates an external connection state of the dial-up VAN accessible device of fig. 55A. Referring to fig. 55B, a telephone line is connected to one side of the connection means 530 constructed in a box form, and a plurality of connection holes are provided at the other side of the connection means 530 in order to connect a plurality of memory banks each serving as a mobile acquisition means. Meanwhile, one LED is provided corresponding to each connection hole so that the current process state can be checked through each memory group.

The administrator connects the memory group 488 in the mobile connection apparatus to be processed to each connection hole of the connection apparatus 530 to which the telephone line is connected. Transaction detail data collected from vending machines respectively installed at different places is recorded in each memory bank 488. The CPU 532 transmits data to the modem 533 via the UART 531 and loads it to a telephone line, and then transmits to the central server 527. After the transfer of the transaction detail data, if the data is successfully transferred, the CPU 532 deletes the recorded contents of the processed memory group 488.

When the above-described transmission terminal is used, the optical payment settlement method of the present invention can be applied to an automatic bus or taxi fee collection system.

Fig. 56 is a configuration diagram of an automatic bus/taxi fee collection system using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 56 includes a portable terminal (MU)540 as an optical payment unit and an RF terminal 550 for collecting fees. The RF terminal 550 includes an optical transceiver 551 for receiving and transmitting optical payment information, a controller for controlling an operation of collecting fees, and a recorder 553 for recording details of collecting fees. The recorders 553 are separately constructed in groups. The detailed structure of the RF terminal 550 is shown in fig. 57. The fig. 56 system includes a transmitting terminal 542 connected to a recorder 553 for transmitting the acquisition details to a card company server 548 through a VAN company server 546. Here, the transmission terminal 542 uses an internet connection device or a dial-up VAN connection device shown in fig. 54 or fig. 55.

A customer riding a bus or taxi pays a fee. In case of optical payment, the user uses the portable terminal 540 as an optical payment unit and transmits optical payment information to the optical transceiver 551 of the RF terminal 550. The optical transceiver 551 receives optical payment information transmitted from the portable terminal 540 of the customer who gets on a bus or a taxi and transmits the received optical payment information to the controller 552. In case of the existing plastic card or IC card (e.g., transportation card) payment without the optical payment method, the customer contacts the corresponding card to the RF card communication module 554 to transmit the card information in the form of radio frequency. The RF card communication module 554 receives the transmitted RF card information and transmits the received card information to the controller 552. The controller 552 checks whether the received card information is valid. If the card information is RF card information, the controller 552 checks a blacklist (B/L) stored in the B/L data storage module 555 and checks whether the card information is valid. If the card information is valid, the controller 552 displays the levying fee and the balance of the card on the display 557 via the user interface module 556. Meanwhile, in case of optical payment, the controller 552 does not need to separately check the blacklist. In the case of the optical payment settlement system, the portable terminal, which is the corresponding optical payment unit, checks the blacklist. In the optical payment settlement system, the controller 552 displays the levying fee and the accumulated amount on the display 557 through the user interface module 556. In addition, the controller records the particulars of the collection such as the corresponding card information and the amount of money in the recorder 553.

In order to read the above-recorded information, the administrator accesses the place where the transmission terminal 542 is installed and separates the recorder 553 from the RF terminal 550, thereby connecting the separated recorder to the transmission terminal 542. The transmission terminal 542 reads the levying details from the connected recorder 553 and transmits the read result to the VAN company server 546. The VAN company server 546 transmits the received levy details to the corresponding card company server 548.

Meanwhile, in the case of a subway, a toll station or a self-service station, a system central server is provided, which functions as a collecting device or a transmitting terminal without using an additional collecting device or transmitting terminal. The case of using a central server is described below.

Fig. 58 is a configuration diagram of an automatic subway fare collection system using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 58 includes a portable terminal (MU)560 as an optical payment unit and an RF terminal 570 installed at a subway entrance. The RF terminal 570 includes an optical transceiver 571 for transmitting and receiving optical payment information, a controller 572 for controlling the operation of levying subway fares, and a recorder 573 for recording the levying details. The detailed structure of the RF terminal 570 is shown in fig. 59. The system of fig. 58 also includes an acquisition server 562 for acquiring the levying details of the recorder 573 arranged at each subway station and transmitting it all at once to the card company server 564. Here, the acquisition server 562 is a central server for connecting each subway station and centrally controlling them. Also, since the cost differs for each subway section, information on entering the subway station is input to the portable terminal 560 using the bi-directional optical transceiver 571 so that an accurate cost can be levied upon leaving the subway station.

RF terminals 570 provided at the entrance and exit of the subway station are connected to the subway station central server through terminal computer communication modules 576. To ride a subway train, the passenger uses the portable terminal 560 integrated with the card information to transmit the optical card information to the optical transceiver 571 of the RF terminal 570. The optical transceiver 571 then transmits the received card information to the controller 572. The controller 572 confirms whether the received card information is valid data of a predetermined protocol. If it is valid data, the controller 572 transmits the off-site information and the time information to the portable terminal 560 through the optical transceiver 571. The portable terminal 560 receives the outbound information transmitted from the optical transceiver 571 and temporarily stores it therein. The controller 572 controls the entrance and exit opening system to allow passengers to pass through the entrance and exit opening system and take a subway train. When the passenger takes a subway train and arrives at a desired destination, he or she uses the portable terminal 560 that has stored the departure information, and performs the departure process. Here, the departure information is transmitted to the optical transceiver 571 of the RF terminal 570 provided in the entrance and exit opening system of the arrival station together with the card information. The optical transceiver 571 receives the outbound information and the card information transmitted from the portable terminal 560 and transmits them to the controller 572. The controller 572 checks whether the received card information is valid data of a predetermined protocol. If it is valid data, the controller 572 calculates the charge from leaving the station to arriving at the station and displays the calculated amount and/or the accumulated amount of use on the display 578 via the user interface module 577. Meanwhile, the controller 572 records the particulars of the collection such as the card information, the transaction data, the fee, and the accumulated amount on the recorder 573.

At intervals, the central server 562 as an acquisition server acquires transaction details recorded in the recorder 573 of the RF terminal 570 installed at each subway station. The central server 562 checks whether the collected transaction details match the transaction details recorded in the recorder 573. Then, if the two match, the central server 562 transmits the transaction details to the card company 564 and requests approval of settlement of the used amount, followed by clearing the contents of the record by the recorder 573.

Of course, the passenger may use a subway ticket as another payment ticket or use a transportation card such as a plastic card or an IC card to contact the RF card communication module 574 to settle the payment.

The following describes a case where a telephone number is used as an ID of a batch settlement system in a vending machine, a bus, or a subway.

Fig. 60 is a schematic diagram of an optical payment batch settlement system using a phone number as an ID.

The user of the portable terminal 890 having the integrated optical payment function selects a corresponding mobile carrier as a credit transaction authority for performing a transaction action for requesting batch settlement. The user selects the mobile carrier 898 as a credit transaction authority for the optical menu of the portable terminal 890, and then transmits the phone number and the authentication key registered in the portable terminal 890 in the form of infrared rays by means of the operation of the button. An optical receiver 892 installed at a vending machine, a bus, or a subway station receives the telephone number and the authentication key from the portable terminal 890. The optical receiver 892 confirms the received authentication key using the decoding key and confirms whether the received phone number is a fixed number input while participating in the communication network using the confirmed authentication key. If the telephone number is confirmed to be a fixed number, the optical receiver 892 approves the transaction activity and then employs a self-authentication procedure to retain the transaction details. The optical receiver 892 transmits the transaction amount in the form of infrared light to the portable terminal 890. The portable terminal 890 accumulates the transferred transaction amount and retains the accumulated result in a memory that can be controlled by the mobile carrier 898. The portable terminal 890 may continue to conduct credit transaction activities within the limit determined by the mobile carrier 898. At the same time, the operator transmits the stored transaction details to the collection center 896. The collecting center 896 aggregates the collected sales data and converts the aggregated sales data into purchase data for the mobile carrier 898, and then transmits the result of the conversion to the mobile carrier 898. The mobile carrier 898 settles the purchase data according to the periodic interval of payment, and pays the credit sale debt to the collection center 896. If the payment of the debt comes from the mobile carrier 898, the collecting center 896 pays the credit sale debt to each affiliated shop to be settled. The mobile carrier 898 charges credit sales debt collected for a predetermined period in addition to the communication charges, and sends a bill to the user on the date that the user determines settlement. Since the user pays the billing fee, the optical payment settlement credit purchase is completed by using the phone number as the ID.

Meanwhile, since the number of individuals using the internet is sharply increased, commercial use of the internet, i.e., electronic commerce, is becoming rapid and widespread. A settlement system used in electronic commerce requires a user to input card information, such as a user name, a card number, a password, and a valid date, on a browser provided in an online shopping mall. The present invention is applied to electronic commerce so that settlement transactions can be completed without inputting card information every time.

Fig. 61 is a configuration diagram of an electronic commerce system using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 61 includes: a mobile unit 581 serving as an optical payment unit having an optical transmitter for optically transmitting preset personal credit information; an optical receiver 582, connected to an internet connection terminal computer (PC)583 to complete an electronic commerce transaction, for receiving optically transmitted personal credit information and inputting the received credit information to the PC 583; and a payment gateway 585 connected to the shopping mall 584 for completing settlement processing. Optical receiver 582 onlyPayment information transmitted in the form of infrared rays (Ir) is received, and the received payment information is transmitted to an electronic commerce settlement program. Of course, the infrared-transmitted payment information and the magnetic card information of the exchange method (swaping method) may be selectively received by using an optical receiver including a card reader. Meanwhile, if the optical relay base unit is connected to the PC 583 and uses an optical relay in which an optical receiver is connected, infrared payment information and magnetic card information of the exchange method transmitted through the mobile optical relay can be selectively received. Here, the payment gateway 585 is an optical payment (zoom)^TM) A dedicated gateway and may be operated by the shopping mall 584 or a separate service company. The VAN company 586 and the card company 587 are connected to an optical payment specific gateway 585. In the system of fig. 61 having the above-described configuration, the optical payment operation in the electronic commerce is specifically described through fig. 62.

The customer enters the shopping mall 584 and searches for products through a computer 583 connected to the internet. The customer then determines to purchase the item and draws up a purchase order. Then, the user selects a settlement method for settlement of the on-screen debt and clicks the selected settlement method (step 591). The shopping mall system 584 checks whether the user's selected settlement method is an optical payment settlement method (step 592). If the customer determines to pay by one of the other settlement methods, rather than optical payment, the settlement process uses the determined settlement method (step 593). In addition to optical payment, there are settlement methods of electronic money, MS cards, and the like. If the payment is optical payment settlement, the user uses the portable terminal 581 as an optical payment unit, and transfers the card information to the optical transmitter 582 connected to the computer 583 (step 594). Since the optical payment has been described above, a detailed description is omitted here. The user inputs a password known only to him or her and presses a settlement button, and then transmits card information to be settled to the optical receiver 582 connected to the internet connection computer 583 by using an optical communication method, particularly, an infrared communication method. The optical receiver 582 receives the transmitted card information and converts it into a form that can be processed in the computer 583 for input to the computer 583. The computer 583 transmits the input card information to the shopping mall system 584. The shopping mall system 584 transmits the received card information to an optical payment-dedicated gateway 585. The optical payment-dedicated gateway 585 that received the card information completes the decoding and authentication of the received card information (step 595). The optical payment-dedicated gateway 585 checks whether the optical payment settlement is authenticated by the authentication server (step 596). If authenticated, the optical payment specific gateway 585 requests approval from the VAN company 586 or directly from the card company 587. If not, the settlement process is completed by other payment methods (step 593). The optical payment specific gateway 585 checks the authentication result (step 597) and transmits the check result to the shopping mall 584 generated by the transaction. When the optical payment specific gateway 585 informs the shopping mall 584 that the transaction is normally approved, it informs the user browser that the transaction is normally approved (step 598). The corresponding customer then purchases the product for delivery within the determined delivery date. If the optical payment specific gateway 585 notifies the shopping mall 584 that the transaction is not approved due to poor confidence, over-limit or illegal use, no approval of the transaction, it notifies the user browser that the transaction is not approved (step 599).

As described above, the optical settlement system of the present invention can be applied to electronic payment over wireless internet as well as wired internet.

Fig. 63 is a configuration diagram of an electronic commerce system based on a wireless internet in which the optical payment settlement system of the present invention is employed. The system shown in fig. 63 is configured in the same configuration as that of fig. 61. However, the system of fig. 63 is configured such that settlement between the optical payment portable terminal 601 and the shopping mall system 602 is completed via the wireless internet protocol. An optical payment operation based on wireless internet electronic commerce of the system of fig. 63 having the above structure is described below with reference to fig. 64.

In wireless internet-based electronic commerce, a customer uses a terminal such as an internet-connectable cellular phone or PDA as an optical payment unit. The optical payment unit uses a portable phone terminal installed with a micro-browser, which is a commercially available software program such as WAP/UP, ME, etc. The customer enters a shopping mall 602 of the wireless internet through a wireless internet connectable terminal 601 serving as an optical payment unit. The customer selects a desired commodity or service to purchase according to a menu provided from the shopping mall 602 and then selects optical payment settlement as a settlement method. The customer uses an optical transmitter in the terminal 601 as an optical payment unit and transmits card information contained in the terminal in an optical form (step 611). Here, the client inputs a password to the terminal 601. If the password is correct, the customer may access the card information. If not, the customer cannot use the contained card information. When the customer inputs a password to the terminal 601 and then presses a transfer button on the menu, card information contained in the terminal 601 is encoded and then transferred to the shopping mall server 602 currently connected to the wireless internet. The shopping mall server 602 confirms the transmitted card information. If the transmitted card information is normally received, the shopping mall server 602 transmits a reception message to the client's terminal, and if not normally received, the shopping mall server 602 retransmits a request message to the client's terminal 601 and displays the retransmission request message on the client's terminal screen, thereby allowing the user to check whether the card message has been normally transmitted (step 612). If the card message is not normally transmitted, the customer operates the terminal 601 again and retransmits the card information (step 613). If it is checked in step 611 that the card information has been normally received, the shopping mall server 602 transmits the encoded card information to the optical payment-dedicated gateway 604 (step 614). Here, the optical payment-dedicated gateway 604 is a separate existing payment gateway server in order to decode only data that has been stored in the terminal and then encoded and transmitted, except for payment information processed with a general key-in method. The reason for providing the optical payment proprietary gateway 604 is because the optically transmitted data is encoded and therefore cannot be deciphered in the generic payment gateway server 603, compared to the generic payment gateway 603. The optical payment proprietary gateway 604 receives settlement information transmitted through the shopping mall system 602 and decodes it into the state before the initial encoding. The optical payment private gateway 604 then goes through an authentication process to request approval of the bank 606 or the card company 608 as a settlement authority (step 615). Here, a private network 605 or 607 of x.25 is connected between the optical payment private gateway 604 and the corresponding settlement authority 606 or 608. The optical payment private gateway server 604 checks whether the corresponding settlement authority, such as the bank 606 or the card company 608, has approved (step 616). If approved, the optical payment gateway server 604 notifies the shopping mall 602 that payment has been completed and notifies the customer that settlement has been completed (step 617). If the check at step 616 is no approval, the optical payment gateway server 604 notifies the user via the shopping mall 602 that the settlement has been denied, thereby allowing the user to use other settlement methods (step 618).

Fig. 65 is an operation flowchart in the case where the electronic commerce system of fig. 61 is applied to a department store. In department stores connected to the internet, a system employing the method of fig. 65 transmits optical payment information in real time via an e-commerce optical receiver 582 connected to a PC 583 for processing different settlement approval items.

The customer confirms the purchase and selects a checkout method at the department store counter (step 621). The system checks whether the customer's selected settlement method is an optical payment settlement (step 622). If the settlement method of the customer is optical payment settlement, the customer uses the portable terminal 581 as an optical payment unit and transfers the card information to the electronic commerce optical receiver 582 of the connection PC 583 in the department store (step 623). The card information includes a password and a settlement command. If the customer's settlement method is not an optical payment settlement, the customer completes the settlement process using cash or other payment methods such as a magnetic card (step 624). The PC 583 functions as a Web-POS, and encodes the received card information and transfers it to the optical payment-dedicated gateway 585 so as to request approval. The optical payment private gateway 585 decodes the card information received via the internet into a state that was originally encoded before, and proceeds to an authentication process (step 625). The optical payment private gateway 585 checks whether the optical payment settlement is authenticated by the authentication server (step 626). If the optical payment settlement is authenticated, the optical payment private gateway 585 requests approval from the VAN company 586 or directly from the card company 587. If not, other payment methods are used to complete the settlement process (step 624). The optical payment private gateway 585 checks if it has been approved (step 627). If it has been normally approved, the optical payment-dedicated gateway 585 notifies the browser of the Web-POS583 connected via the internet, that the approval has been normally completed (step 628). If normal approval has been notified, the shopping mall hands over the product purchased by the customer to the customer. If the transaction has not been approved due to poor credibility, overruns, and illegal use, the optical payment specific gateway 585 notifies the browser of the Web-POS583 that the transaction has not been approved (step 629).

An authentication unit is required in order to prevent illegal use of payment information in the optical payment business. As shown in fig. 66, the optical payment unit, the affiliated department store, and the card company in the present invention each include an authentication unit. Also, when all of these authentication units are combined with each other, the card information can be used as effective payment information. The user 631 purchases a service or goods at an affiliated department store and inputs his or her own control password to the optical payment unit in order to pay for the purchased service or goods, which can prevent other people from entering. The optical payment receivers installed in the affiliated department stores 632 analyze the received signals and confirm the agreed index table and communicate with each other, thereby controlling access to the service. The affiliated department store 632 adds the affiliated department store ID assigned to the credit card inquiry machine 633 installed in the affiliated department store to the credit information, and then transmits the credit information added with the affiliated department store ID to the card company 634 and has an approval request right assigned to the affiliated department store 632. The card company 634 compares the card number transmitted through the credit card inquiry machine 633 and the VAN network with the authentication number transmitted together with the card number, thereby determining whether the card is a card issued by the card company 634 and thus has an approval authority. An optical payment private gateway 635 existing between the card company 634 and the affiliated department store 632 includes a self-authentication form having authentication authority for optical payment settlement.

A portable terminal as an optical payment unit in which a password for authentication of a user may be exposed to others. Thus, the password is combined with biometric information of the user, such as iris, face, footprint, voice, etc. User authentication in this embodiment uses a password and face recognition data as described below.

Fig. 67A and 67B are schematic diagrams for describing a process of initially registering user face data in the portable terminal, respectively. The portable terminal 641 shown in fig. 67A is connected to a camera 642 for taking a picture of the user. The portable terminal 641 contains a program for extracting face data from a user image photographed and obtained by the camera 642 and storing the extracted face data, and then comparing the stored face data with face data of an individual using the portable terminal.

In fig. 67B, the user operates a menu on a portable terminal 641, such as a portable phone and a PDA, and sets the portable terminal 641 in a password input mode. In the password input mode, the user inputs a password for accessing his or her own payment information to the portable terminal 641 (step 641). After inputting the password, the user re-inputs the password to the portable terminal 641 (step 641). The portable terminal 641 automatically proceeds to the face data input mode if the two sequentially input passwords match each other. In the face data input mode, the user approaches his or her own face to the camera 642 connected to the portable terminal 641 and selects a confirm button (step 643). If the confirm button is selected, the portable terminal 641 photographs the face of the user via the camera 642 and then displays the photographed face on the screen together with a completion indication (step 644). If the photograph is not satisfactory, the user presses the cancel button and completes the face data input process again.

The user authentication in the case of the portable terminal 641 in which face data has been input through the above process is described below.

Fig. 68A is a schematic diagram for explaining a user authentication process in the portable terminal 641 containing face data. Fig. 68B is a flowchart for explaining the user authentication process in the portable terminal containing face data.

The user selects the settlement mode in the portable terminal 641 and then presses the confirm button in order to access his or her own payment information (step 651). If the portable terminal 641 is selected in the settlement mode, as shown in fig. 68A, a message for requesting the user to input a password on the screen is displayed. Here, the user inputs a password. Then, the portable terminal 641 displays a message on the screen to request the user to bring his or her face close to the camera 642 for face recognition. Then, the user brings his or her face close to the camera 642 and then presses the confirm button. If the confirm button is pressed, the portable terminal 641 drives the camera 642 and the driver to photograph the face of the user (step 652). When photographing of the user's face is completed, the photographed face data is analyzed and compared with the initially registered user face data (step 653). Here, if the probability error of the comparison is in the range of about 30%, the taken face data is treated the same as the previously registered face data. The reason for this is that the data extracted from the face shape has some errors according to the age or condition of the user. In this way, a situation in which the user is not recognized as the above-mentioned person although he or she is the above-mentioned person is avoided. If the authentication of the person is completed through the above process, the access to the payment information contained in the portable terminal 641 is completed. In the case of an error of about 30%, the procedure is completed again from the initial menu selection step. Then, in the case where the face data does not match three or more times, the payment message is automatically stopped and a report that the corresponding portable terminal is lost is submitted.

Additional services for the optical payment settlement system of the present invention, such as alteration of card information, termination/stop/loss of card, and transaction suspension, are described below.

Fig. 69 shows a card information change service system provided in the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. Fig. 70 is a flowchart of the card information change service system of fig. 69 provided in the optical payment settlement system of the present invention.

If a change of the reason for the change of the card information, such as an address, a password, a contact address, and a change of an account receipt place, occurs, the card member 661 requests the change of the card information by telephone, through the wired or wireless internet, or by directly accessing the corresponding card company 663 or the repeater 662 (step 671). The repeater 662 that has received the card information change application requests data confirming that the applicant is the card member 661 himself or herself, and confirms the contents of the card information to be changed and the card company of the card to be changed. The repeater 662 applies for a card information change by the agent of the card member 661 through a dedicated line to the card company 663 (step 672). Here, the repeater 662 transmits authentication data required for identifying the individual such as a password part, a resident number, and the last details of sales approval to the card company 663 together with the card information change application. The card company 663 checks whether the received application is an application made by the above-mentioned individual using the authentication data of the person transmitted from the repeater 662. When a card member 661 applies for a change of card information to a corresponding card company, the card company 663 receives authentication data of the person from the card member 661. If it has been checked that the applicant is a supervisor, the card company 663 compares the card information in the member computerized chart registered in the card company server 663 with the card information to be changed (step 673). In the comparison result of step 673, if the two card information coincide with each other, the card company 663 notifies the repeater 662 that there is no changed content in the card information. The repeater 662 transmits the notification content of the card company 663 to the card member 661 in the form of wireless data format. In the comparison result of step 673, if the two card information do not coincide with each other, the card company 663 changes the card information contents on the member computer recording chart according to the request of the member (step 674). When the card information change is completed, the card company 663 notifies the repeater 662 that the card information has completed the change. The repeater 662 transmits a message of "card information change complete" to the card substitute portable phone of the corresponding card member according to the notification of the card company (step 675). The card information change completion message is displayed on its screen by the card carried by the card member instead of the portable telephone, and the user is notified that the card information has been changed (step 676). Thus, when another person tries to change the card information illegally, the card holder can confirm the illegal card information change.

Meanwhile, in the case where the card holder is registered as poor credibility due to theft or loss of the card, or the card is used for arrears, the card transaction needs to be suspended. In this case, there are two existing methods for checking card transaction suspension. One method is to manage blacklist (B/L) information by suspending their transactions with a card company server as needed in case of needing to suspend card transactions and checking whether to suspend cards if a card transaction approval request is received from an affiliated department store. Another method is to download blacklist (B/L) information in the form of a package from a card company through a wire line and store the downloaded B/L information in a card reader installed at a subway ticket gate or a bus ticket gate during subway or bus use, and then compare the input card information with the stored B/L information. In these methods, it takes a long time to check the B/L and burdens the subway or bus card reader to store the B/L data. In this way, in the case where the transaction card needs to be suspended, the card company transmits transaction suspension information to the portable phone serving as the optical payment unit in a wireless data format using a mobile communication method and registers the transaction suspension information to the portable terminal, thereby preventing the portable phone from being used as the optical payment unit. This process is shown in fig. 71.

Figure 71 shows the card transaction suspension system of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 71 includes a card member 681, a card company 682, a repeater 683, and a mobile communication network 684. The card member 681 purchases a portable wireless communication terminal (such as a portable phone and a PDA) for financial settlement, and participates as a card member in the card company. Card company 682 includes companies that each issue direct payment cards, prepaid cards, credit cards, and electronic money. The repeater 683 is a company that provides card information and other financial information to the card member 681 according to the protocol of the card member 681, wherein the repeater 683 contracts with the card company 682 and other financial management institutions. The mobile communication network 684 is used for transmitting data from the repeater 683 to a specific wired or wireless communication terminal designated by the repeater 683 through a dedicated line by means of a contract between the mobile communication company and the repeater 683. The operation of registering B/L data in this system for registering transaction suspension of a card having a transaction suspension cause in a terminal carried by a card member and suspending the transaction is described in detail below with reference to fig. 72 and 73.

FIG. 72 is a flowchart for explaining a card B/L registration method in the system of FIG. 71. Fig. 73 is a flowchart for explaining a card transaction suspension method in the system of fig. 71.

If the customer applies for the card to be revoked or stopped (step 691), or an individual of poor credit called a B/L individual is registered in the result of credit evaluation by the card company 682 (step 692), it is judged whether the card is a card contained in a portable telephone or PDA (step 693). If the card is a card included in the portable terminal as a result of the judgment in step 693, the card company 682 determines the telephone number of the portable terminal having the included card (step 694), and card suspend information is transmitted to the repeater 683 through a dedicated line (step 695). The repeater 683 accesses the corresponding portable terminal 681 through the confirmed phone number via the mobile communication network 684, and transmits transaction suspension information (step 696). Here, the transaction suspension information is transmitted in a wireless data format. The corresponding portable terminal 681 receives the transaction suspension information and registers the card information stored in the memory contained therein or in the detachable IC card with the B/L data (step 697). The portable terminal 681 that receives the transaction suspension information transmits a response signal to the card company 682 so that the card company 682 can determine whether the transaction suspension information is normally input. The card company 682 judges whether the transaction suspension information is normally input in the portable terminal 681 (step 698), and if the transaction suspension information is not normally input, the card company 682 repeatedly completes the steps from step 695 so that the card transaction suspension information is retransmitted. Meanwhile, if the card is not a portable card in the judgment result of step 693, the card company 682 processes in the same manner as the existing card (step 698). That is, the card transaction suspension information is registered in the card company approval server.

Referring to fig. 73, a method for suspending a transaction during card substitute use registered as B/L data on the portable terminal 681 will be described in detail.

When the card substitute portable terminal 681 holder presses the credit card use button of the portable terminal 681 and transmits credit information in order to pay a service fee (step 701), the controller of the portable terminal 681 confirms whether the card is registered as a B/L card (step 702). If the card is registered as the B/L data, the controller of the portable terminal 681 rejects the transaction by displaying an error message on the display screen of the portable terminal 681 (step 704) and completes the procedure. If the card is not registered as B/L data as a result of step 702, the portable terminal 681 transfers the contained card information to the card information receiving section (step 703), and completes the procedure.

With the above transaction suspension method, in a small amount cash transaction completed without approval of a transaction exchange, that is, during use of a credit card with a portable terminal, traffic transactions in various facilities (such as toll roads, buses, subways, and parking lots), vending machines, and small amount money electronic commerce, B/L check is completed in the card-replacement portable terminal. Therefore, the processing speed of the card instead of the portable terminal is faster than the case where the B/L data is downloaded from the card company in the form of packets, one by one, compared in the card reader through a wire line, and the operation cost of the former system is cheaper than that of the latter.

Fig. 74 is a configuration diagram of a card loss service system provided in the optical payment settlement system according to the present invention. Fig. 75 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the card loss service system of fig. 74.

If the card member has lost the card by mistake or carelessness, or has forgotten the kind or number of the card he or she owns, but realizes that the card has been lost (step 721), the card member announces the card loss to the repeater 712 (step 722). The relay 712 gathers the material, i.e., a portion of the password, the resident number (residual number), and the details of the recent approval to confirm that the announced individual is the actual card owner of the lost card. The repeater 712 extracts the card number whose effective date is not expired in all the card numbers issued to the corresponding card members based on the resident number among the collected materials. The relay 712 transmits information indicating that the card has been lost and authentication information of the person to the card company 713 via a dedicated line, except for the cards of which the card members have not been lost among the extracted card numbers (step 723). The card company 713 confirms the authentication information of the person among the received information, thereby confirming that the card holder is the true card owner. In this case, the card company 713 records the transaction suspension due to the card loss in the computer database 714 and transmits the recorded information to the repeater 712 (step 724). The repeater 712 transmits the transaction suspension information received from the card company 713 to the wireless terminal 711 designated by the card member in a wireless data format (step 725). The wireless terminal 711 displays the suspended completion due to the lost transaction on the display screen and causes the card member to see that the card loss is declared and processed (step 726). If the displayed content is not correct, the card member goes to the card company 713 or the repeater 712 (step 727).

In this way, if the card transaction suspension is completed due to the card loss, the payment information transmission of the lost portable terminal is stopped. Meanwhile, the communication function of the portable terminal may be stopped by the carrier, thereby causing the portable terminal to be disabled.

In addition, illegal use of the card, which occurs before the card is declared lost or stolen, is not easily accepted by the card company, although the card member applies for help, which causes disputes. In order to prevent such disputes in advance, a method is proposed in the present invention for transmitting transaction details to a user portable terminal by using different payment information contained in the portable terminal.

Fig. 76 is a configuration diagram of application details of a wireless transmission system provided using the optical payment settlement system of the present invention. Fig. 77 is a flowchart for explaining application-specific operation of the wireless transmission system of fig. 76.

The customer purchases goods or services at the affiliated department store (step 741) and transmits payment information for optical settlement. The card inquiry machine 732 then sends a request for approval to the card company 733. The card company 733 checks the remaining limit of the card approved for request and transaction suspension. If it is normal, an approved signal is transmitted to the card interrogator 732 (step 742). Meanwhile, the card company 733 confirms whether the member who requests approval of the card number is a member who applies for wireless reception approval details (step 743). If the member who confirms the card number is not the member who applies for receiving approval details, the procedure is completed. If the member of the confirmation card number is the member who applied for receiving the approval details and the approval is the first generated approval after the approval of the application, the confirmation card number is the owner of the wireless data transceiver 731 such as a cellular phone, a PDA, and a BP, and the card member wishes to receive the approval details through the wireless data transceiver via a private line connected to the mobile communication company 755 (step 744). If it is confirmed that the card member is the owner of the mobile data transceiver 731, the card company 733 transmits the approved details such as the sales occurrence time, the sales volume, the affiliated department store name, and the card number part to the repeater 734 through a dedicated line (step 745). The repeater 734 uses the communication network 736 of the mobile communication company 735 and transmits the approval details transmitted from the card company 733 by e-mail or by wireless transmission. The wireless data transceiver 731, which is designated by the card member to receive the details of approval, receives and records the approval details through e-mail, wireless data transfer method, or WAP (step 747), and displays the approval details on the screen to receive confirmation from the card member (step 748). If the approved details are communicated to his or her radio data transceiver 731, although he or she is not using the card, the card member asks the repeater 734 or card company 733 that the sale is an illegal sale and requests appropriate action be taken (step 749). If such a complaint (apeal) is made, the repeater 734 immediately transmits the complaint information to the card company 733. The card company 733 starts investigating the complaints received (step 750).

In addition, the present invention provides a system for leasing an optical payment unit and settling all purchase related amounts. It is more effective if the rental service of the optical payment unit is applied to a service of a business district such as a theme park.

Fig. 78 is a block diagram of a settlement system using the rental-type optical payment unit of the present invention. The system shown in fig. 78 includes an optical transmitter 750, a counter terminal 754 for registering lease and return of the optical transmitter 750, a calculation terminal 760 for inputting transaction amount, in which an optical receiver 762 is installed, and a host computer 752 for confirming the inherent number and transaction amount input from the calculation terminal 760 and completing settlement of the transaction amount. Here, the optical transmitter 750 uses an IC chip in which a fixed number is registered, and converts an inherent number registered in the IC chip into an optical signal and then transmits the optical signal. Also, the optical transmitter 750 is constructed in a portable size so that a user conveniently carries it. Computing terminal 760 is located at a computing station of a restaurant or kiosk that sells food or merchandise and is coupled to optical receiver 762. The counter terminal 754 is installed at an entrance and an exit of a game casino or the like or at a predetermined place of the game casino, and is connected to an optical receiver 756 and a card reader 758 to confirm credit card information. The operation of the settlement system using the rental-type optical payment unit of fig. 77 having the above configuration is described in detail below with reference to fig. 79 to 82.

If the user wishes to use the optical settlement system of the present invention when or after the user enters a game casino such as a theme park or zoo, the user goes to a rental counter of the rental optical transmitter 750 located at an entrance and exit or a park and requests rental of the optical transmitter 750 (step 761). The user can select the settlement method he or she desires, one of which is a prepaid type in which a predetermined amount of money is placed in advance, and a credit card type using a credit card as the settlement method (step 762). If the user selects the prepaid settlement method, the user previously sets the amount to be consumed and the deposit of the optical transmitter 750 (step 763). A counter clerk selects one of the different optical transmitters 750 held, and then transmits a unique number registered in an IC chip integrated in the optical transmitter 750 to an optical receiver 756 connected to a counter terminal 754. The optical receiver 756 receives the inherent number transmitted from the optical transmitter 750 and outputs it to the counter terminal 754 (step 764). The clerk enters the user's pre-placed and consumable amount into the inherent number of optical transmitter 750 with the keypad, which is entered into counter terminal 764 (step 765). Then, the corresponding optical transmitter 750 becomes an enabled state that can be used by the user, and is input to the host computer 752 with a key input value. The clerk confirms the status of available use via the counter terminal 754 and then leases the optical transmitter 750 to the user (step 766).

If the user selects the credit card settlement method at step 762, the carried credit card is provided to the clerk at the counter (step 767). The clerk places the credit card into a card reader 758 connected to the counter terminal 754 and registers the user's credit card information with the counter terminal 754 (step 768). Then, in the same manner as the prepaid settlement method, the inherent number of the optical transmitter 750 to be leased to the user is inputted to the counter terminal 754 (step 769), and the inherent number is matched with the credit card information (step 770). Then, the corresponding optical transmitter 750 becomes available state, and the state value is input to the host computer 752. The clerk then confirms the input and leases the optical transmitter 750 to the user (step 766).

Fig. 80 is a flowchart for explaining the settlement processing of the system of fig. 78.

When the user rents optical transmitter 750 and then wishes to go to a restaurant or purchase merchandise, the restaurant or department clerk enters the transaction amount into computing terminal 760 (step 771). Then, the user transmits the carried inherent number of the optical transmitter 750 to the optical receiver 762 connected to the calculation terminal 760, so that the inherent number is input to the calculation terminal 760 (step 772). The host computer 752 receives the money transaction amount and the inherent number of the optical transmitter 750 from the calculation terminal 760, and checks the settlement method (step 773). If the settlement method is of the prepaid type, the host computer 752 subtracts the transaction amount from the amount of money available, and settles the transaction amount of money (step 774). The host computer 752 outputs the remaining amount of money that can be used to the computing terminal 760, and the computing terminal 760 displays the remaining amount of money that can be used and simultaneously outputs a receipt (step 775). If the settlement method is a credit card type, the host computer 752 accumulates the money transaction amount and settles the accumulated money amount (step 776). The host computer 752 outputs the current total monetary transaction amount to the computing terminal 760, which displays the total monetary transaction amount and also outputs a receipt (step 777).

Fig. 81 is a flowchart for explaining the return processing of the optical transmitter 750. When the user leasing optical transmitter 750 leaves the theme park, the leased optical transmitter 750 is returned. The clerk at the rental and return counter receives the user's optical transmitter and then transmits the inherent number of optical transmitter 750 to optical receiver 756 connected to counter terminal 754 to input the return status (step 781). Then, a settlement method is selected (step 782). In the case of the prepaid settlement method, the host computer 752 checks the amount of money remaining in the corresponding unique number based on the input return signal, and then outputs the result of the check to the counter terminal 754 (step 783). The clerk returns the confirmed remaining money amount and the guarantee money of the optical transmitter 750 to the user, and transmits a return completion signal to the host computer 752 (step 784). The host computer 752 adjusts the return database according to the return complete signal (step 785). Meanwhile, in the case of the credit card type, the return process is much simpler than the prepaid type. The host computer 752 outputs the total transaction money amount corresponding to the unique number to the counter terminal 754 according to the input return signal (step 786), and the counter terminal 754 automatically outputs a credit card bill corresponding to the total transaction amount (step 787). The return status of the optical transmitter 750 is represented on the card bill (step 750). Here, the host computer 752 immediately adjusts the return database (step 785).

Fig. 82 is a flowchart for explaining the unreturned process of the optical transmitter 750. When all participants are away and the predetermined time has elapsed, the host computer 752 compares the rental database with the return database for the rented optical transmitter 750 and confirms that the list of optical transmitters 750 has not been returned (step 791). Then, the settlement method is checked (step 792). In case of the prepaid type, the host computer 752 confirms the remaining amount of money of the inherent number of the optical transmitter 750 which is not returned (step 793), and registers the corresponding inherent number in the prepaid type loss database (step 794). Then, when the unreturned optical transmitter 750 is returned (step 795), the remaining amount of money registered in the prepaid loss database is returned (step 796), and the return database is adjusted (step 797). In the case of the credit card type, the host computer 752 confirms the last transaction amount for which the inherent number is not returned (step 798), adds the amount of the optical transmitter 750 to the confirmed transaction amount, and adjusts the credit card bill (step 799). The host computer 752 then registers the corresponding inherent number in the credit card type loss database (step 800). If the lost optical transmitter 750 is returned (step 801), only the payment amount for the optical transmitter 750 is returned (step 802), and the return database is adjusted (step 797). To reduce non-return of the optical transmitter 750, a method may be used in which a predetermined amount of fine should be paid in the non-return case according to a contract with the rental user.

The above leasing principle can be extended to foreign use and domestic use. Although such a system implementing the optical payment settlement method is not specifically described, it can be understood by those skilled in the art according to the present invention.

Meanwhile, although the above embodiments have been described with reference to only a financial transaction system, the present invention may also be applied to a system requiring entrance and exit security management, such as a company or government office. Conventional entrance and exit security systems mainly use contactless type RF-ID cards. Conventional contactless RF-ID cards rely on imported components and the maximum data size that can be stored is limited to 96 bits. Conventional contactless RF-ID cards require a separate device for issuing the card. In addition, in order to enter and exit different offices that control the entrance and exit of people, people should additionally carry as many cards as the number of the entering and exiting offices. Thus, the present invention inputs personal identification information including a name, an employee number, a department of service into a personal portable terminal such as a portable phone and a PDA including an optical transceiver. A portable terminal containing personal identification information is used as a personal identification unit which replaces cards used for entrance and exit security systems.

Fig. 83 is a schematic diagram of an entry/exit security system using optical transceivers according to the present invention. The system shown in fig. 83 includes an optical transceiver 800 as a personal identification unit and an entrance/exit optical receiver 810 connected to the entrance/exit, the optical receiver 810 for receiving an inherent ID optically transmitted from the optical transceiver 800. The inherent ID is personal identification information. The controller 820 is connected to the optical receiver 810, and adds necessary information of the entrance/exit door identification information to the received inherent ID, thereby transmitting the added result to the central controller 822. The central controller 822 includes a control database in which inherent IDs about permitted visitors are registered. The operation of the control inlet/outlet in the system of fig. 83 having the above configuration is described below via fig. 84 and 85.

The user's entrance/exit information should be input to the central controller 822 in order to enter and exit the entrance/exit door. In this process, the optical transceiver 800 is directed to an optical receiver 824 connected to a central controller 822, which then optically transmits the inherent ID input in the optical transceiver 800. The optical receiver 824 receives the inherent ID transmitted from the optical transceiver 800 and transmits it to the central controller 822. The central controller 822 registers the transmitted inherent ID in the database.

In the state where the inherent ID has been registered, the visitor operates a menu on the portable terminal 800 as a personal identification unit and selects an entrance/exit mode (step 811). After selecting the entry/exit mode, the visitor operates the keypad on the portable terminal 800 to input a password according to a request for password input (step 812). If the password is input, the portable terminal 800 is converted into an entrance/exit information transfer mode. If the visitor presses the transmit button in the entry/exit information transmission mode (step 813), the entry/exit information is optically transmitted through the optical transceiver of the portable terminal 800. If the optically transmitted entry/exit information is information registered in the database of the central controller 822, the entry/exit door is opened and access is allowed (step 814). If the password is incorrect or the entry/exit information does not coincide with the pre-registered information, the steps from step 811 are restarted.

Meanwhile, if the entrance/exit information is received (step 821), the optical receiver 810 installed at the entrance/exit gate decodes the received information and then transmits the decoded result to the controller 820 (step 822). The controller 820 adds necessary information including the entrance/exit identification information to the received information so that it can be recognized whether the received information is information transmitted from which entrance/exit gate, and transmits the added result to the central controller 822 (step 823). The central controller 822 searches the database and determines whether the received information is personal information permitted for entry/exit registered in the database (step 824). If the user is an unregistered individual, the central controller 822 takes no action on the input information so that the entrance/exit door does not open. If the user is a registered person and is allowed to enter or exit, the central controller 822 transmits an entrance/exit opening signal to the controller 820 corresponding to the entrance/exit door to which the entrance/exit information is transmitted (step 825). The controller 820, which receives the entrance/exit opening signal, opens the entrance/exit door by an electric operation (step 826).

A portable terminal incorporating an optical transceiver is added with a function of storing or transferring an actual monetary value, thereby allowing the portable terminal to give and take out monetary values through a cash input and output machine (ATM) or other personal portable terminal in real time. Further, when the user pays the money for the transaction at a general department store, it is preferable that the monetary value be transferred from the own portable terminal to the seller's portable terminal or the card reader connected to the optical transceiver in real time.

Fig. 86 is a configuration diagram of an electronic money system that can transmit real-time values of the present invention. The user of the portable terminal 830A connected to the optical transceiver receives a predetermined amount of money in the form of electronic money from the cash register 840A connected to the optical receiver 842. The user transfers the electronic money received in the portable terminal 830A to another cash register 840B or another personal portable terminal 830B, or a card reader 860 connected to an optical receiver 862 in a department store.

First, a case of extracting electronic money from the cash register 840A is described.

Fig. 87 shows a configuration of a display screen when electronic money is withdrawn from a cash dispenser 840A (such as an ATM). Fig. 88 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when electronic money is withdrawn from the cash dispenser 840A (such as an ATM).

The user selects the cash register 840A on the menu screen (a) of fig. 87 of the personal portable terminal (step 851). Then, a message requesting a password as shown in screen (b) of fig. 87 is displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 830A. If the user inputs a password, the portable terminal 830A checks whether the input password is a correct password (step 852). If the inputted password is correct, the portable terminal 830A displays a message for selecting the extracted type on the screen (a) of fig. 87. As shown in a screen (c) of fig. 87, the user selects a desired withdrawal type of cash and electronic money, such as wireless settlement (zoop) money. The portable terminal 830A checks the extraction type selected by the user (step 853). Here, if the user selects the cash type, cash is withdrawn in the same process as the existing ATM using method. That is, if cash is selected, the portable terminal 830A transmits payment information to the ATM840A (step 854). The ATM840A coupled to the optical receiver 842 receives payment information via the optical receiver 842. The ATM840A that receives the payment information displays a request for withdrawal of the money amount on the screen. The user enters the required amount of money according to the instructions of the ATM840A (step 855), and waits until the approval process is completed (step 856). Here, the ATM840A displays the input money amount of the user on the screen so that the user confirms the displayed contents and displays the operation in the processing. The ATM840A pays the corresponding monetary amount in cash after approval of the process and causes the user to withdraw cash (step 857). If the user selects electronic money at step 853, ATM840A asks how much the user wishes to receive. The user manually enters the desired amount of currency at the ATM840A (step 858) and waits. The ATM840A displays the message being processed on the screen and then displays a transfer preparation completion message on the screen. Then, the user presses the "execute" button in the money reception selection displayed on the menu of the portable terminal 830A shown in the screen (d) of fig. 87. The portable terminal 830A checks whether the money transfer execution button is pressed (step 859). When the "execute" button is pressed, as much money as the input money amount input from the ATM840A is transferred to the portable terminal 830A. Here, the receiving in progress, the reception completion, and the amount of transferred money are sequentially displayed on the screen of the portable terminal 830A. The user confirms the amount of money received after the transfer of the monetary value from ATM840A (step 860). Here, if the received money is correct, the transfer of the monetary value is completed. If the received currency is incorrect, its transfer resumes from the original step.

The electronic money exchange between the portable terminals is described below.

Fig. 89 shows a configuration of a display screen when electronic money is exchanged between portable terminals. Fig. 90 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when electronic money is exchanged between portable terminals.

As shown in screen (a) of fig. 89, the provider and the receiver select cash transmission and cash reception on the menu screen of the portable terminal 830A or 830B, respectively (step 891A or step 891B). Then, the portable terminal 830A or 830B displays a screen so that a transferable object can be selected in the portable terminal and the ATM machine like the "zoop" settlement phone on the screen (B) of fig. 89. Both the provider and the receiver use the portable terminal to select a transferable object (step 892A or step 892B). If the transferable object is selected, the corresponding portable terminal 830A or 830B displays a screen (c) to ask for a password as shown in fig. 89. If both the provider and the receiver input the corresponding password, the portable terminal 830A or 830B checks whether the input password is correct (step 893A or step 893B). If the entered password is correct, the provider enters the amount of money to be transferred (step 894A). Here, the receiver waits for reception of money (step 894B), and the portable terminal 830A displays reception wait on the screen (d) as shown in fig. 89. If the amount of money to be sent out is input, the provider portable terminal 830A displays on the screen so that money transfer execution is selected. If the money transfer execution is selected, the provider portable terminal 830A transfers the electronic money to the receiver portable terminal 830B while waiting for reception (step 895A). Here, the receiver portable terminal 830B receives the transferred electronic money (step 895B). During transmission and reception, each of the provider portable terminal 830A and the receiver portable terminal 830B displays a screen indicating the transmission and reception state as shown in the screen (e) of fig. 89. The provider portable terminal 830A and the receiver portable terminal 830B check the transmission and reception completion, respectively (step 896A and step 896B). If the transmission and reception are completed, the transmitted and received money is displayed and the amount of money is confirmed (step 897A and step 897B). In this case, the remaining money is displayed together. In this state, the ok button is pressed to abort the electronic money exchange.

Electronic money payment using a portable terminal in general commerce is described below.

Fig. 91 is a configuration diagram showing a display screen of an electronic money payment situation using the portable terminal. Fig. 92 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electronic money payment case using the portable terminal.

When the user who owns the portable terminal 830A containing electronic money purchases goods or services at a department store and then wants to pay for transaction money using electronic money, the user selects cash transfer on a menu as shown in a screen (a) of fig. 91 (step 901). If cash transfer is selected, the portable terminal 830A displays a challenge password on the screen as shown in screen (b) of fig. 91. When the user inputs the password, the portable terminal 830A checks whether the password is correct (step 902). If the password is correct, the portable terminal 830A displays a query transfer object on the screen as shown in screen (c) of fig. 91 and checks the selected transfer object (step 903). Here, the user selects POS as the transfer object. If the transfer object is a POS, the portable terminal 830A displays a request for transferring money and the current amount of money as shown in screen (d) of FIG. 91. The user inputs the transferred money at the portable terminal 830A (step 904). If the transferred money is input, the portable terminal 830A displays on the screen an inquiry as shown in screen (e) of FIG. 91 as to whether or not the money transfer is performed, and checks whether or not the money transfer is performed (step 905). If the user presses the execution button, the portable terminal 830A transfers the electronic money amount to the optical receiver 862 of the credit card inquiry machine 860 connected to the corresponding business district, and displays that the transfer is in progress on the screen (f) as shown in fig. 91. If the transfer is completed, the portable terminal 830A displays the transferred money as shown in screen (f) of fig. 91, and confirms the transferred money (step 906). If the user selects cash confirmation, the remaining amount of money after payment is displayed on the screen in order to confirm the transferred money.

Industrial applications

As described above, the optical payment transceiver and the optical settlement system using the same of the present invention contain credit information in a portable terminal to which the optical transceiver is connected, and transmit the credit information in the form of infrared rays. Thus, a simple and secure transaction system can be realized. In the case of a large number of credit transactions requiring a password, the receiver receives the password and uses it. Thus, there is no risk of leakage of personal payment information. Furthermore, because the optical receiver is connected to a credit information interrogator and credit information transmitted in the form of infrared rays is transmitted to the interrogator, there is no need to provide a credit card to a clerk when a credit card transaction can be conducted. Therefore, illegal use of credit card information can be fundamentally prevented. Also, settlement can be performed at a location remote from the credit card inquiry machine by means of the movable repeater and the device. In the case of a vending machine incapable of real-time settlement with a credit card, payment information is stored and collected at a predetermined point of time to be processed in a packet form. Therefore, a credit transaction environment can be constructed even when the card is not used. Thus, the present invention minimizes inconvenience of a user carrying a card or cash, and can prevent risks due to loss, theft, and damage of the card. In addition, the present invention is applied to most of the occasions where financial transactions are completed, such as general commerce, driving quick purchase ordering systems, restaurants, gas stations, department stores, electronic commerce, vending machines, subway or bus fare collection systems, toll station charging systems, payment of self-service stations, and electronic money, and provides convenience to users, thereby accelerating current transactions. Further, the present invention can be applied to an entrance/exit security system requiring personal identification and financial transactions. In addition, the password and the biometric data are combined when identifying whether or not the person is the principal, so that the payment information contained in the portable terminal is accessed. In this way, access to the personal payment information by unauthorized individuals is fundamentally prevented, thus enhancing security. In addition, in terms of card transaction suspension, the card reader downloads the blacklist in the form of a package from the card company and compares the input credit information with the stored blacklist. If the inputted card information is on the blacklist, the optical payment operation is not performed in the portable terminal. Therefore, the present invention is faster in the blacklist processing speed and cheaper in the system operation cost. In addition, the cost for issuing plastic cards may continue to be reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (106)

1. A battery pack for use in a portable terminal includes an optical transmitter for storing user card information and transmitting an optical signal associated with the card information.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the optical transmitter comprises:

an optical transmitter circuit mounted in the battery for generating an optical signal;

a light emitting part for emitting an optical signal outward from an external optical transmitter circuit; and

and a settlement switch for approving and settling the optical payment by the transmitted optical signal.

3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein the optical transmitter circuit is included in a portable terminal combined with a battery.

4. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein the optical transmitter circuit comprises:

a power supply circuit for supplying power to the optical transmitter;

a memory for storing user card information;

an optical transmitter unit that transmits card information as an optical signal; and

a controller for controlling information to be transferred to the memory of the optical transmitter unit and completely controlling the optical transmitter circuit.

5. An optical payment receiver for a credit card inquiry machine to settle card information transmitted from a portable terminal, comprising:

an optical receiver for receiving card information as an optical signal and settling the received card information;

a card reader;

an adapter for receiving card information; and

a magnetic interface card connected to the adapter through a cable in a state that a credit card is inserted into the card reader, and converting card information into a magnetic signal in the same form as that exchanged in the card reader and then transmitting it to a body of a credit card inquiry machine;

wherein card information is received through the optical receiver or the adapter.

6. An optical payment receiver as claimed in claim 5, wherein the optical payment receiver is incorporated in the credit card inquiry machine.

7. The optical payment receiver of claim 5, wherein the optical receiver is connected to the credit card inquiry machine by a cable.

8. An optical payment receiver as claimed in claim 7, wherein the optical receiver receives card information in the form of an infrared signal, converts it into a signal in a form that can be recognized in the credit card inquiry machine, and transmits the result of the conversion to the credit card inquiry machine via a cable.

9. The optical payment receiver of claim 5, wherein the adapter comprises:

an infrared receiving part and an infrared transmitting part for receiving and transmitting card information in the form of infrared rays, respectively;

an infrared decoder connected to the infrared receiving part for decoding the received card information into UART standard signal;

an infrared encoder connected to the infrared transmitting part for encoding the received card information into an infrared signal;

a UART section for converting the decoded UART standard signal into a parallel signal of a predetermined bit cell and converting the parallel signal of the UART standard signal form into a serial form;

a controller that applies an alternating signal to change an electric signal related to the card information into an electromagnetic signal according to a conversion algorithm formulated in the transmission mode; and

an I/F converter for adjusting an impedance voltage according to the alternating signal applied from the controller and applying the adjusted impedance voltage to the magnetic interface card.

10. The optical payment receiver of claim 5, wherein the magnetic interface card is constructed in the form of a coil wound at a predetermined position of a core for generating the change of magnetic flux by an alternating signal applied to the coil from the I/F converter.

11. An optical payment receiver as claimed in claim 10, wherein the adapter further comprises a card reader for directly reading the magnetic card in a state where the magnetic interface card is inserted into the card reader.

12. An optical payment system for payment using optical signals, the optical payment system comprising:

a mobile optical repeater for receiving an optical signal including card information from a user terminal, temporarily storing the corresponding card information, and outputting the stored card information at one time; and

an optical relay base unit for receiving the card information from the mobile optical relay and transmitting the received card information to a credit card inquiry machine.

13. An optical payment system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said mobile optical repeater comprises:

an infrared receiving part and an infrared transmitting part for receiving and transmitting card information in the form of infrared rays, respectively;

a memory storing the received card information;

a button for controlling data transfer;

a transfer port connected to the optical repeater base unit through a connector for transferring the card information stored in the memory to the optical repeater base unit, an

And a controller for controlling the card information to be transmitted to the optical repeater base unit through one of the infrared transmitting part and the transmission port according to a connection state with the optical repeater base unit when the button is operated.

14. An optical payment system as recited in claim 13, wherein said controller deletes transmitted card information from the memory.

15. The optical payment system of claim 13, wherein the optical repeater base unit comprises:

a receiving port connected to the mobile optical repeater through a connector for receiving the transmitted card information;

an infrared receiving section for receiving the card information transmitted from the mobile optical repeater in the form of infrared rays; and

a controller for controlling the received card information to be transmitted to the credit card inquiry machine.

16. An optical payment system as defined in claim 15, wherein the optical repeater base unit is connected to a credit card interrogator by a cable.

17. An optical payment system as set forth in claim 13, wherein said mobile optical repeater is made in the form of a clip.

18. An optical payment system as set forth in claim 13, wherein said optical repeater base unit is made in the form of an adapter.

19. A security enforcement method for enforcing security in an optical payment settlement system using a portable terminal, the security enforcement method comprising the steps of:

(a) encrypting the card information by using a password of the user;

(b) inputting the encrypted card information and the settlement password to the portable terminal;

(c) inputting a password to the portable terminal during the transaction and the selection of the settlement mode;

(d) in the settlement mode, card information and an inputted password are transmitted to the portable terminal in the form of an optical signal;

(e) receiving card information and a password in the form of an optical signal, and decoding the card information using the received password; and

(f) the decoded card information is used to complete the settlement operation.

20. A security enhancing method as recited in claim 19, wherein only part of the card information is encrypted in the step (a).

21. The security enhancing method of claim 19, further comprising the step (g): if a card information confirmation menu is selected in the settlement mode of the step (d), card information including a card number and a valid date is displayed on a screen of the portable terminal according to the operation of the decoding program.

22. An optical settlement system for use in a commerce system, the optical settlement system comprising:

an optical payment transmitter for transmitting the card information in an optical form and receiving a response signal, confirming whether the card information is normally received, and displaying a message indicating whether the card information is normally received on a screen;

an optical payment receiver for receiving the transmitted card information in an optical form and outputting a response signal related to the received card information;

a credit card inquiry machine for transmitting the received card information and requesting transaction approval; and

and a settlement managing agency server for notifying the credit card inquiry machine of an approval result related to the received approval request.

23. The optical settlement system of claim 22 wherein said optical payment transmitter is a portable terminal connected to an optical transceiver.

24. The optical settlement system of claim 22, wherein the optical payment receiver is connected to a credit card inquiry machine through a cable.

25. The optical settlement system of claim 24, wherein the optical payment receiver is an optical receiver of an adapter type in which a card reader is installed.

26. The optical settlement system of claim 22, wherein said optical payment receiver is incorporated in a credit card inquiry machine.

27. The optical settlement system of claim 22, wherein the optical payment transmitter transmits information including a customer name and a card number in the form of an infrared signal, and a signal indicating the start of a transaction when a user operates a predetermined key button.

28. The optical settlement system of claim 27, wherein the optical payment receiver receives the card information transmitted in the form of infrared rays, and converts the card information of infrared rays into information that can be recognized in the credit card inquiry machine and then transmits it to the credit card inquiry machine.

29. The optical settlement system of claim 28, wherein said credit card inquiry machine transmits the received card information to the settlement managing agency server to receive approval from the settlement managing server to complete the transaction.

30. The optical settlement system of claim 23, wherein the optical payment transmitter stores a phone number assigned to the corresponding portable terminal and matched with the card information, and transmits the phone number and the stored card information in the form of infrared rays when a key button is operated in order to complete the optical payment settlement.

31. The optical settlement system of claim 30, wherein the optical payment receiver extracts card information and a phone number from the received infrared signal and transmits the extracted card information and phone number to a credit card inquiry machine.

32. The optical settlement system of claim 31, wherein the credit card inquiry machine retains the received phone number, transmits card information to the settlement authority server when the transaction details are approved, and prints the purchase details and the stored phone number on a receipt, thereby representing the transaction object with the phone number.

33. The optical settlement system of claim 22, wherein if the user selects the optical payment settlement, the optical payment transmitter transmits index data indicating a storage location of the card information, extracts an encryption key and a memory access command from the encryption key signal transmitted by the optical payment receiver, reads the stored card information according to the memory access command, and transmits the card information encrypted with the encryption key.

34. The optical settlement system of claim 33, wherein the optical payment receiver confirms whether the received index data is valid, generates an encryption key and then transmits it to the optical payment transmitter together with the memory access command, decodes the received card information using the stored encryption key, and restores the decoded result to the original card information according to a predetermined compression table.

35. The optical settlement system of claim 22, wherein the settlement authority server transmits approval details including a sale occurrence time, a sale amount, a affiliated store name, and a partial card number to the wireless data receiver if the card of the approval request is a card of a member who requests wireless reception of the approval details.

36. The optical settlement system of claim 35, wherein the settlement authority server transmits the approved details via at least one of an e-mail, a Short Message System (SMS), and a WAP wireless transmission method.

37. The optical settlement system of claim 36, wherein if the request for approval is the first request after having applied for the wireless transmission of the approval details, the settlement authority server confirms that the owner of the designated wireless data receiver is a card member, and if the owner of the wireless data receiver is a card member, transmits the approval details.

38. A system for settling toll stations, comprising:

an entrance controller for receiving card information from an approaching vehicle, transmitting entrance approach information, and recording transaction details, wherein an optical transceiver is installed at a proper position of an entrance and exit passage;

an exit controller for receiving card information and entrance approach information from an approaching vehicle, calculating a toll booth fee and settling the calculated toll booth fee, and recording transaction details, wherein an optical transceiver is installed at a proper position of an entrance and exit passage.

A business office computer for receiving and recording the transaction details from the entrance controller and the exit controller, comparing the transaction details recorded in the entrance controller and the exit controller at each predetermined time point, and if the two transaction details coincide with each other, transmitting the corresponding transaction details to the collecting server, and clearing the transaction details recorded in the entrance controller and the exit controller;

a portable terminal for optically transmitting the card information to the optical transceiver at the portal access passage, receiving the portal proximity information, optically transmitting the card information and the portal proximity information to the optical transceiver at the portal access passage, and receiving the transaction details in order to pay the toll booth fee; and

the collecting server is used for carrying out central control on each business department computer which is connected with each other, collecting the received transaction details, comparing the transaction details recorded in the business department computers, applying for approving the collected transaction details in a bag form if the two transaction details are consistent with each other, and clearing the transaction details recorded in the business department computers.

39. The optical settlement system of claim 38, wherein said entrance controller comprises:

a vehicle approach detector for detecting an approaching vehicle;

an optical transceiver for checking a signal format of the received card information, transmitting the card information to the vehicle lane controller if the signal format satisfies a predetermined protocol, and optically transmitting the received entrance proximity information.

An invoice machine for issuing an invoice containing inlet proximity information; and

the vehicle lane controller is configured to confirm whether the detected vehicle is a vehicle performing optical payment information transmission, and to transmit the entrance proximity information to one of the optical transceiver and the invoicing machine.

40. The optical settlement system of claim 39, wherein the entrance proximity information includes information on a current toll booth, time information, and vehicle type information.

41. The optical settlement system of claim 38, wherein said exit controller comprises:

a vehicle detector for detecting the approach of a vehicle;

an optical transceiver for checking a signal format of the received card information and entrance proximity information, transmitting the information to a vehicle lane controller if the checked signal format is normal, and recording and transmitting received toll booth fare collection details; and

the vehicle lane controller confirms whether the checked vehicle is a vehicle for optical payment information transmission, calculates a toll booth fee for a corresponding traffic interval according to entrance proximity information if the vehicle is a vehicle for optical payment information transmission, assesses a fee associated with the card information, and transmits the assessment details to the optical transceiver.

42. A method for settling a transaction using a portable terminal at a drive-through ordering department store, an optical settlement system comprising the steps of:

(a) confirming the order item after the order, and transferring card information stored in the portable terminal;

(b) receiving card information transmitted in the form of an optical signal and requesting transaction approval;

(c) moving the vehicle to a product recipient in a department store during the approval request; and

(d) if the transaction has been approved, the ordered product and card receipt are received, and the ordered product is settled in cash and the checked product is received.

43. A system for accounting transactions in drive-thru order department stores, the optical accounting system comprising:

an optical payment unit storing card information for transmitting the card information in the form of an optical signal;

the ordering detail display is used for displaying the ordering details and the quantity of the products ordered by the customers, and an optical receiver is arranged in the ordering detail display and used for receiving the optical signal card information;

request means, connected to the optical receiver, for requesting approval of a transaction of the received card information; and

a server for transmitting the transaction approval request and the approval result between the transaction approval requesting device and the card company server.

44. The optical settlement system of claim 43, wherein said optical payment unit is a portable communication terminal such as a portable phone and PDA or a portable article.

45. The optical settlement system of claim 43, wherein said transaction approval requesting means is a POS (Point of sale) or a card inquiry machine.

46. A settlement system located at a place where a distance between a customer and a credit card inquiry machine is considerable, comprising:

an optical payment unit for transmitting card information in the form of an optical signal;

a mobile optical repeater for displaying the amount of money for settlement, receiving and temporarily storing the transmitted card information, and transmitting the stored card information to the optical repeater base unit at a time; and

the optical repeater base unit receives card information from the mobile optical repeater and transmits the received card information to a credit card inquiry machine or POS.

47. The optical settlement system of claim 46, wherein the mobile optical repeater is structured so that a clerk can easily carry it, wherein the mobile optical repeater is connected to the optical repeater base unit through a connector or through optical communication.

48. The optical settlement system of claim 47, wherein the mobile optical repeater transmits the card information directly to the credit card inquiry machine or POS through an optical receiver installed in the credit card inquiry machine or POS.

49. An unattended vending system, comprising:

an optical payment unit for transmitting card information in the form of an optical signal;

a vending machine including optical transceivers, respectively distributed at different places, for receiving card information and recording detailed data of a product being sold;

a collecting device for collecting details of the sale by an operator of the vending machine, in which case the operator arrives at the place where the vending machine is installed at intervals; and

a transmitting terminal for transmitting the sales details collected in the collecting means and requesting approval of the transaction details in the form of a package.

50. The optical settlement system of claim 49, wherein said vending machine comprises:

a vending controller for performing overall control so as to complete the vending of the product; and

an optical payment receiver for monitoring the vending controller, recording the vending of the product whenever vending occurs, performing infrared communication using the acquisition device, and transmitting the recorded vending details if an acquisition command is received.

51. The optical settlement system of claim 50, wherein said acquisition device is a PDA.

52. The optical settlement system of claim 51, wherein said PDA comprises:

an Ir transceiver for performing infrared communication;

a memory for recording detailed data of sales;

a controller for controlling detailed data of sales received from the Ir transceiver to be recorded and collected, and controlling the collected sales details to be transmitted in the form of a packet;

the display is used for displaying the acquisition state under the control of the controller; and

a serial port for communicating the collected sales details under control of the controller.

53. The optical settlement system of claim 50, wherein said acquisition device is a bank of memory.

54. The optical settlement system of claim 53, wherein said memory group is a non-volatile memory (NV-RAM) connected to the vending machine through a connector.

55. The optical settlement system of claim 49, wherein said transmission terminal is a power line modem connection device.

56. The optical settlement system of claim 55, wherein said vending machine comprises:

a converter for modulating the recorded sales details; and

a power line mixer for loading the modulated sales details on the power line and transmitting the loaded results.

57. The optical settlement system of claim 56, wherein said power line modem connection means is connected to a power terminal for monitoring whether information is loaded to the power line and transmitting the information by wire or wirelessly if the information is recognized.

58. The optical settlement system of claim 49, wherein said transmission terminal comprises:

a keyboard for setting a settlement mode;

an Ir interface for performing infrared communication by using a collecting device and receiving the collected sales details;

the serial interface is connected to the acquisition device through a port and used for receiving the sales details;

a memory for temporarily storing sales details;

a transmission/reception section for wirelessly transmitting sales details; and

a display for displaying the transmission result, which is used for monitoring the communication state; and

a microprocessor for controlling each component and requesting approval of the collected sales details in a settlement mode in the form of a package.

59. The optical settlement system of claim 49, wherein said transmission terminal is a portable telephone connection device.

60. The optical settlement system of claim 59, wherein said portable telephone connection means comprises:

an I/F section for monitoring the vending machine and detecting generation of sales details;

a memory for receiving and storing details of the sale upon detection of the details of the sale;

a cable connector for connecting the portable telephone external connection port through a cable;

a UART section for detecting whether the portable telephone is connected and informing the controller to: the portable telephone is connected; and

the controller controls the sales details stored in the memory to be transferred by calling a preset connection number through the portable phone when the portable phone is connected, and controls the records stored in the memory to be deleted.

61. The optical settlement system of claim 49, wherein said transmission terminal is an Internet connection device.

62. The optical settlement system of claim 61, wherein said internet connection means comprises:

a memory connector for receiving sales details collected in the collection means;

an infrared I/F part which completes infrared communication by using a collecting device and receives the collected sales details;

a serial port for connecting an internet connection PC; and

a controller for controlling the sales details to be transmitted through the serial port.

63. The optical settlement system of claim 49, wherein said transmission terminal is a dial-up VAN connection device.

64. The optical settlement system of claim 63, wherein said dial-up VAN connection means comprises a modem for loading the collected sales details on a telephone line and transmitting the result of the loading.

65. An optical settlement system for a kiosk, the optical settlement system comprising:

a portable terminal for transmitting card information in the form of an optical signal;

a self-service station including an optical receiver for receiving the optical signal, extracting card information from the received optical signal, issuing a document required by the user and storing transaction details;

a collection server for collecting transaction details stored in the self-service station and requesting approval of the collected transaction details in the form of a package; and

and a card company server for paying the money amount related to the transaction details transmitted from the collecting server to a designated self-service station operator and collecting the paid money amount to the card user.

66. The optical settlement system of claim 65, wherein said acquisition server compares the acquired transaction details with transaction details stored in the self-service station, transmits the transaction details in a package if the two transaction details are consistent with each other, and clears all transaction details stored in the self-service station.

67. The optical settlement system of claim 66, wherein said collection server is a host computer for collectively managing kiosks disposed in a plurality of locations via a computer network.

68. A settlement method for paying a fee from a kiosk, the settlement method comprising the steps of:

(a) displaying the kind of the service and displaying the fee if the kind of the service is selected;

(b) confirming whether the optical payment settlement is completed according to the displayed fee, and receiving an optical signal if the settlement is the optical payment settlement;

(c) extracting card information from the received optical signal and confirming whether the extracted card information is valid;

(d) notifying the user of payment by means of other settlement unit if the card information is not valid in the confirmation result, and receiving the required personal information if the card information is valid;

(e) sending out corresponding bills according to the input information; and

(f) if the document has been issued, transaction details are stored including service type, cost, date of issue.

69. An optical settlement system for automatically levying bus/taxi fees, comprising:

a portable terminal for transmitting card information in the form of an optical signal;

an RF terminal including an optical transceiver for receiving the optical signal, extracting card information from the received optical signal, levying a charge, and recording details of the levying; and

and a transmitting terminal connected to the RF terminal for transmitting and settling the recorded levying details in a packet form.

70. The optical settlement system of claim 69, wherein said RF terminal comprises:

an optical transceiver for receiving card information in the form of an optical signal from a portable terminal of a customer;

a recorder for recording the details of the fee levying;

a controller for confirming whether the received card information is valid, levying a charge if the card information is valid, and recording the levying details in the recorder; and

a display for displaying the assessed fee and the accumulated money amount under the control of the controller.

71. The optical settlement system of claim 70, wherein said recorder is a memory of a detachable group type.

72. An automatic subway fee collection system, comprising:

and a portable terminal for transmitting the card information in the form of an optical signal and receiving and temporarily storing the leaving station information.

An RF terminal including an optical transceiver for receiving the optical signal and transmitting departure information, levying a subway fare related to the card information and recording levying details; and

and an acquisition server for acquiring the acquisition details recorded in the RF terminal and transmitting the acquired collection details to the card company server in the form of a package.

73. The optical settlement system of claim 72, wherein the portable terminal transmits card information to an departing station RF terminal in the form of an optical signal, receives the departing station information from the RF terminal, and transmits the departing station information and the card information to an arriving station RF terminal in the form of an optical signal.

74. The optical settlement system of claim 73, wherein said RF terminal comprises:

an optical transceiver for receiving the card information and the departure station information and the card information and transmitting the departure station information in the form of an optical signal;

a controller for controlling the departure station information to be transmitted from the optical transceiver when the received card information is valid, the departure station information including information on a current subway station and time information, and calculating a fee based on the received departure station information so as to collect the fee;

a display for displaying the collected money amount and accumulated amount, an

A recorder for recording the details of the collection including card information, transaction date, fees, and accumulated monetary amount.

75. The optical settlement system of claim 72, wherein said acquisition server is a central server for centrally controlling each subway station, for acquiring the particulars of the collection recorded in the RF terminal installed at each subway station at each point of time, comparing the acquired particulars of the collection with the particulars of the collection recorded in the RF terminal, requesting approval of the particulars of the collection in the form of a package only when the two particulars of the collection coincide with each other, and clearing all the recorded contents from the RF terminal.

76. A packet processing settlement system comprising:

a portable terminal for transmitting the registered phone number and the authentication key in the form of an optical signal during completion of the transaction, and accumulating the received transaction money amount to retain the accumulated result;

an optical receiver for receiving the optical signal telephone number and the authentication key transmitted from the portable terminal, retaining the approved transaction details and transmitting the transaction money amount to the portable terminal;

an acquisition center for acquiring transaction details retained in the optical receiver and paying a settled money amount for the corresponding member department store; and

and a mobile communication company server for paying the collected transaction details to the collection center and adding the amount of money for settlement to the communication charge bill.

77. The optical settlement system of claim 76, wherein the portable terminal retains the accumulated amount of transaction money in a memory that can be controlled by the mobile carrier server so that credit transactions using phone numbers are completed within a range determined by the mobile carrier.

78. The optical settlement system of claim 76, wherein the optical receiver confirms the received authentication key using a predetermined decoding key, and approves the transaction details through a self-authentication procedure if the received phone number is an inherent number input while participating in the optical settlement system.

79. An optical settlement system for payment in electronic commerce, the optical settlement system comprising:

a portable terminal for transmitting card information in the form of an optical signal;

an optical receiver for receiving the optically transmitted card information;

a computer connected to the optical receiver for receiving card information and performing electronic commerce after connecting to the internet; and

and the payment gateway is connected to the shopping square system and is used for receiving the card information and completing settlement processing.

80. The optical settlement system of claim 79, wherein the portable terminal is connected to a shopping mall system via wireless internet communication to complete electronic commerce.

81. The optical settlement system of claim 79, wherein the payment gateway is an optical payment-dedicated gateway.

82. The optical settlement system of claim 81, wherein the optical payment-dedicated gateway completes a decoding and authentication process according to card information received from the shopping mall system, confirms whether the optical payment settlement is authenticated, requests approval of the optical payment settlement to the settlement authority server if the optical payment settlement has been authenticated, and transmits the result to the shopping mall system.

83. The optical settlement system of claim 80, wherein the portable terminal can access the card information only through a user authenticated as the person himself.

84. The optical settlement system of claim 83, wherein the portable terminal encrypts card information and transmits the encrypted card information.

85. The optical settlement system of claim 84, wherein the payment gateway employs an optical payment-dedicated gateway to decode the encrypted card information and complete an authentication process for settlement processing.

86. The optical settlement system of claim 79, wherein the computer is connected to the optical receiver and is a web-POS accessible to the Internet, and the payment gateway is a POS gateway connected to the web-POS for receiving the card information and completing the settlement process.

87. The optical settlement system of claim 84, wherein the authentication of the principal is accomplished by combining a password with a biometric identification of the principal.

88. The optical settlement system of claim 87, wherein the biometric identifier is at least one of an iris, a face, a footprint, and a voice.

89. The optical settlement system of claim 88, wherein the portable terminal is connected to a camera which extracts face data from a captured user image and stores the extracted face data for authentication of oneself.

90. The optical settlement system of claim 89, wherein if the password input in the settlement mode is identical to a predetermined password, the portable terminal extracts face data from the captured image and compares the extracted face data with pre-registered face data, employing the face data to authenticate the user as himself within an allowable error.

91. The optical settlement system of claim 90, wherein the portable terminal automatically suspends card information in order to complete the declaration of loss if the face data is inconsistent with the face data registered in advance a predetermined number of times.

92. An optical payment settlement system comprising:

an optical transmitter for optically transmitting the corresponding inherent number;

a counter terminal in which an optical receiver for receiving an inherent number of the optical transmitter is connected, for registering a rental and return status with respect to the inherent number thus received;

a calculation terminal in which an optical receiver for receiving the inherent number of the optical transmitter is connected, for inputting the used money amount to the received inherent number; and

a host computer for receiving and registering rental and return information from the optical transmitter of the counter terminal, confirming the inherent number and the amount of money used input from the computing terminal, and settling the amount of money.

93. The optical settlement system of claim 92, wherein the lease of the optical transmitter is a user-selected method according to a pre-payment method in which cash is deposited in advance, and a credit card method in which a transaction amount is settled using a credit card and is returned upon leaving.

94. The optical settlement system of claim 93, wherein if the payment method is an advance payment method, the counter terminal inputs the deposited money amount to the inherent number received from the optical transmitter.

95. The optical settlement system of claim 93, wherein said counter terminal has a card reader for registering the credit card information of the optical transmitter user, which inputs the registered credit card information to the inherent number.

96. The optical settlement system of claim 93, wherein if the settlement method is an advance payment method, the calculation terminal subtracts the used money amount from the remaining money amount, thereby displaying a current remaining amount, and if the settlement method is a credit card payment method, adds the current used money amount to the remaining money amount, thereby displaying a total used money amount.

97. The optical settlement system of claim 93, wherein said host computer receives rental status information from the counter terminal and updates a rental database if the optical transmitter is rented.

98. The optical settlement system of claim 97, wherein said host computer receives the return status information from the counter terminal and updates a return database if the optical transmitter is returned.

99. The optical settlement system of claim 98, wherein said host computer registers the corresponding inherent number in a loss database if the optical transmitter is not returned, and updates a return database when the remaining amount of money is returned if the optical transmitter is returned later.

100. An entry/exit safety system comprising:

a portable terminal that stores an inherent ID as personal identification information and transmits the inherent ID in the form of an optical signal;

an entrance/exit control optical receiver fixed to the entrance/exit door for receiving the inherent ID optically transmitted from the portable terminal;

a controller connected to the optical receiver for adding the entrance/exit door identification information to the received inherent ID and transmitting the result of the addition to the central control device; and

the central control apparatus includes a control database in which an inherent number of an individual is allowed to enter with respect to an entrance/exit, for allowing the individual to enter and exit the door when an inherent ID of information transmitted from the controller is an ID registered in the control database.

101. A method of withdrawing a predetermined money amount from a cash withdrawal machine (ATM) using a portable terminal, the cash withdrawal method comprising the steps of:

(a) inputting a password to the portable terminal and selecting an extraction state;

(b) transmitting the card information stored in the portable terminal to the ATM as an optical signal if the extraction state has been selected; and

(c) if cash withdrawal has been selected, an amount of money associated with the card information received from the ATM and desired to be withdrawn in cash is paid, and if electronic money has been selected, a monetary value identical to the amount of money is input from the ATM to the portable terminal.

102. A currency extraction method as claimed in claim 101, further comprising step (d): the transferred electronic money is exchanged with other portable terminals.

103. A currency extraction method as claimed in claim 102, wherein the step (d) comprises the steps of:

(d1) selecting objects in cash transmission and reception, and portable terminals of payers and recipients, and inputting passwords;

(d2) inputting the money amount to be transferred to the payer portable terminal and causing the receiver portable terminal to wait for receiving the information if the input password is normal;

(d3) selecting to perform money transfer in a payer portable terminal, and to transfer and receive electronic money on the receiver portable terminal; and

(d4) it is checked whether the transmission and reception are completed, and if the transmission and reception have been completed, the amount of money transmitted and received and the amount of remaining money are displayed.

104. An optical settlement system for use in an electronic money system, comprising:

a portable terminal for transmitting the card information and extracting the money amount in the form of an optical signal, and receiving the money amount transmitted from the ATM; and

the ATM connected to the optical transceiver receives the card information and the withdrawal amount, and pays the money amount associated with the received card information in cash if the user selects cash withdrawal, and transfers the money amount to the portable terminal to transfer money if the user selects electronic money.

105. The optical settlement system of claim 104, wherein the portable terminal exchanges money with other portable terminals.

106. The optical settlement system of claim 105, wherein if a portable terminal of a transfer object and an amount of money to be transferred are input, and execution of money transfer is selected, the portable terminal transfers as much electronic money as the corresponding amount of money to the portable terminal as the transfer object, and displays the transferred amount of money and the remaining money.