U.S. patent application number 15/959378 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-23 for data read-out device and information processing apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Takashi NISHIMACHI.
Application Number | 20180239933 15/959378 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52581747 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180239933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NISHIMACHI; Takashi |
August 23, 2018 |
DATA READ-OUT DEVICE AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS
Abstract
A card reader (data read-out device) causes an image display
section to display an image that indicates a predetermined portion
on a display surface of a display panel, as a portion where a
non-contact IC card (recording medium) is to be close. An antenna
for making communications with a non-contact IC card is arranged at
a portion located at the rear side of the predetermined portion on
a rear surface of the display panel. In a case where a user brings
a non-contact IC card close to the predetermined portion on the
display surface presented as an image, the card reader reads out
data from a non-contact IC card wirelessly by using an antenna. A
user can identify a portion where a recording medium is to be
brought close without turning his/her gaze away from the display
surface of the card reader. Therefore, it is possible to bring a
recording medium close to a proper position so as to enable reading
out data.
Inventors: |
NISHIMACHI; Takashi; (Sakai
City, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
52581747 |
Appl. No.: |
15/959378 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14475823 |
Sep 3, 2014 |
9977927 |
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15959378 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/18 20130101;
G06K 7/10009 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; G06F 1/183 20130101;
G06K 7/01 20130101; G06F 1/1607 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16; G06K 7/01 20060101
G06K007/01; G06F 1/18 20060101 G06F001/18; G06Q 20/18 20060101
G06Q020/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 3, 2013 |
JP |
2013-182419 |
Jul 24, 2014 |
JP |
2014-150979 |
Claims
1. A data processing device, comprising: a display unit including a
display surface; and a processing unit configured to process data
stored in a mobile device wirelessly, wherein the display unit
displays an image indicating a location which is on the display
surface and to which the mobile device is to be made close, and the
processing unit processes data stored in the mobile device being
close to the location.
2. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the
display unit displays an image indicating a timing at which the
mobile device is to be made close to the location.
3. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the
display unit displays an image instructing to remove the mobile
device from the location.
4. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the
display unit displays an image indicating a direction in which the
mobile device close to the location is to face.
5. The data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the
processing unit reads out data stored in the mobile device and
writes data to the mobile device.
6. A method for processing data stored in a mobile device,
comprising: displaying an image indicating a location which is on a
display surface and to which a mobile device is to be made close;
and processing data stored in the mobile device being close to the
location wirelessly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(a) on Patent Application No. 2013-182419 filed in
Japan on Sep. 3, 2013 and Patent Application No. 2014-150979 filed
in Japan on Jul. 24, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a data read-out device and
an information processing apparatus for reading out data recorded
in a recording medium such as a non-contact IC card by
wireless.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] It is known that IC (integrated circuit) cards having a
built-in IC chip to record data have been widely in use, and
non-contact IC cards which are read out data without contact have
also been widely in use. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2008-181371 discloses a card reader for reading out data recorded
in a non-contact IC card. The data read out from a non-contact IC
card are used in information processing such as a personal
authentication or payment. A card reader for a non-contact IC card
is included in an information processing apparatus, which provides
a service using a non-contact IC card, such as a terminal for
issuing a residency registration document after a personal
authentication by using a basic resident register card. Normally,
when a non-contact IC card is very close to a planar read-out
section of a card reader or a non-contact IC card is inserted into
a predetermined insertion opening of a card reader, the card reader
reads out data from a non-contact IC card. Some card readers
include a function that informs a user about the position of a
read-out section. For example, an image indicating the position of
a read-out section may be displayed on an image display section in
one card reader, or a read-out section may be illuminated in
another card reader.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Even though a conventional card reader has a function of
informing a user about the position of a read-out section, the user
has trouble finding the position of the read-out section. In
particular, with a card reader that causes an image display section
to display an image indicating the position of the read-out
section, the user has to turn his/her gaze away from the image
display section in order to find the read-out section, which makes
it inconvenient for the user to use such a conventional card
reader.
[0005] In view of these circumstances, an object of the present
invention is to provide a data read-out device and an information
processing apparatus that are possible to handle a recording medium
properly without making a user turning his/her gaze away from an
image display section.
[0006] A data read-out device according to the present invention
comprises: a read-out section for reading out data recorded in a
recording medium by wireless; an image display section having an
image display surface; and a control section causing the image
display section to display an image indicating a predetermined
portion on the image display surface to which the recording medium
is to be close, wherein the read-out section reads out data
recorded in the recording medium close to the predetermined
portion.
[0007] In the data read-out device according to the present
invention, the control section causes the image display section to
display an image indicating a timing at which the recording medium
is to be close to the predetermined portion.
[0008] In the data read-out device according to the present
invention, the control section causes the image display section to
display an image indicating the predetermined portion at a timing
in which the recording medium is to be close to the predetermined
portion.
[0009] In the data read-out device according to the present
invention, the control section causes the image display section to
display an image indicating an orientation of the recording medium
of when the recording medium is close to the predetermined
portion.
[0010] In the data read-out device according to the present
invention, the recording medium is a card, and the control section
causes the image display section to display an image of a card
located at the predetermined portion, as an image indicating the
predetermined portion.
[0011] In the data read-out device according to the present
invention, the control section causes the image display section to
display an image of the card at a timing in which the recording
medium is to be close to the predetermined portion.
[0012] In the data read-out device according to the present
invention, the control section causes the image display section to
display an image that indicates an outer appearance of the card
with an orientation of when the card is close to the predetermined
portion, as an image of the card.
[0013] In the data read-out device according to the present
invention, the image display section includes a display panel
having one surface configured as the image display surface, the
read-out section includes an antenna for reading out data from the
recording medium by wireless, and the antenna is arranged at a
portion located at the rear side of the predetermined portion on
another surface of the display panel.
[0014] An information processing apparatus according to the present
invention comprises: the data read-out device according to the
present invention; and an information processing section for
executing information processing using data read out from a
recording medium by the data read-out device.
[0015] According to the present invention, a user can identify a
portion to which a recording medium is to be brought close without
turning his/her gaze away from a display surface of a data read-out
device, and thus is possible to bring a recording medium close to a
proper position for reading out data. Accordingly, the convenience
of a data read-out device is improved, while the possibility of the
occurrence of an error operation in a data read-out device is
reduced. Thus, the present invention produces beneficial
effects.
[0016] The above and further objects and features of the invention
will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description
with accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an information
processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal function
configurations of a card reader and a copy machine constituting the
information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a display panel;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of a display panel;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the
outer appearance of a non-contact IC card;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of
processing executed by a card reader according to Embodiment 1;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
image indicating a location to which a non-contact IC card is to be
close;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
image for instructing a user to remove a non-contact IC card;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 7;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal function
configuration of the information processing apparatus according to
Embodiment 7;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of
processing executed by the information processing apparatus
according to Embodiment 7;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
menu screen according to Embodiment 7;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
menu screen according to Embodiment 7;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
image indicating a location to which a non-contact IC card is to be
close according to Embodiment 7;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 8;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
menu screen according to Embodiment 8;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating an image indicating
a location to which a non-contact IC card is to be close according
to Embodiment 8;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 9;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a
menu screen according to Embodiment 9; and
[0036] FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
image indicating a location to which a non-contact IC card is close
according to Embodiment 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention will specifically be described below
with reference to the drawings illustrating the embodiments
thereof.
Embodiment 1
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. In the
present embodiment, an example is described where a recording
medium is a non-contact IC card, a data read-out device according
to the present invention is a card reader, and the information
processing apparatus according to the present invention is
configured by a card reader and a copy machine. The card reader
includes an image display section 1 having a display surface 11 for
displaying an image. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the
internal function configurations of a card reader 2 and a copy
machine 4 constituting the information processing apparatus
according to Embodiment 1. The card reader 2 includes a reader
control section 21 that operates the control of the card reader 2,
a read-out section 3 that reads out data from a non-contact IC
card, and an operation section 22 that accepts an operation from a
user. The image display section 1, read-out section 3 and operation
section 22 are connected to the reader control section 21.
[0039] The image display section 1 includes a display panel 12 such
as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel or EL
(Electro-Luminescence) panel, and a display control section 13 that
causes the display panel 12 to display an image. The reader control
section 21 inputs a specified image signal to the image display
section 1, and the display control section 13 causes the display
panel 12 to display a specified image based on the input image
signal. The display panel 12 has one surface that is configured to
be a display surface 11, on which an image is displayed. The reader
control section 21 corresponds to the control section in the
present invention. The operation section 22 is configured by a
numeric keypad, touch panel or the like. The operation section 22
may be configured integrally with the image display section 1.
[0040] The read-out section 3 includes an antenna 31 for wireless
communications with a non-contact IC card, and a signal processing
unit 32. The antenna 31 is connected to the signal processing unit
32, and the signal processing unit 32 is connected to the reader
control section 21. The reader control section 21 controls an
operation of the signal processing unit 32. The signal processing
unit 32 controls transmission/reception of data using the antenna
31 and performs processing of the received data. By communications
with a non-contact IC card using the antenna 31, the signal
processing unit 32 reads out data recorded in a non-contact IC
card. The signal processing unit 32 inputs the read-out data to the
reader control section 21. The reader control section 21 reads out
data from a non-contact IC card wirelessly through the control of
the signal processing unit 32. The reader control section 21 and
the read-out section 3 correspond to the read-out section in the
present invention.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the display panel 12. In
a case where the display panel 12 is an LCD panel, the display
panel 12 includes a backlight. The antenna 31 is arranged at a rear
surface 14 of the display panel 12, opposite from the display
surface 11. FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the display panel
12. The antenna 31 is an electromagnetic induction coil antenna for
wireless communications with a non-contact IC card. The shape of
the antenna 31 is properly designed in advance based on the shape
of a non-contact IC card to be used, the frequency (for example,
13.56 MHz) of a radio wave to be used in communications and the
like. For example, the antenna 31 forms into the shape of a loop
antenna. The antenna 31 is arranged at a predetermined position of
the rear surface 14 of the display panel 12. For example, the
antenna 31 is adhered to the rear surface 14 of the display panel
12 with a double-sided tape. Moreover, the antenna 31 is connected
to the signal processing unit 32 with a signal line (not
illustrated).
[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the
outer appearance of a non-contact IC card. The appearance of a
non-contact IC card is made to be easily distinguishable between
back and front sides, left and right sides, and top and bottom
sides. The orientation of a non-contact IC card held by a user is
possible to be easily distinguished by the card's appearance. A
non-contact IC card has a built-in IC chip and antenna (not
illustrated), and records data such as a unique card number. For
example, the shape of the antenna 31 is made to conform to the
shape of a non-contact IC card.
[0043] The copy machine 4 includes a copy control section 41 that
controls the copy machine 4, a scanner section 42 and an image
forming section 43 that forms an image and records it on a
recording sheet. The scanner section 42 and the image forming
section 43 are connected to the copy control section 41. The reader
control section 21 is connected to the copy control section 41. The
reader control section 21 inputs the data read out from a
non-contact IC card to the copy control section 41. The copy
control section 41 performs information processing for a payment
using the input data and makes the scanner section 42 and the image
forming section 43 execute copying.
[0044] Next, the operation of the card reader 2 is described. FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing executed
by the card reader 2 according to Embodiment 1. When a user tries
to make a photocopy using the copy machine 4 by paying a copying
fee with a non-contact IC card carried by him/herself; the user
operates the operation section 22 to input an instruction for
payment. The card reader 2 accepts the input operation for a
payment instruction at the operation section 22 (S1), and the
reader control section 21 causes the image display section 1 to
display an image that indicates a predetermined portion on the
display surface 11 as a location to which a non-contact IC card is
to be brought close (S2).
[0045] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
image that indicates a location to which a non-contact IC card is
to be close. An image of a non-contact IC card is displayed at a
predetermined portion on the display surface 11, while an image
pointing the image of a non-contact IC card and an image of a text
"Please bring your card closer to here" for urging the user to
bring a non-contact IC card close to the display surface 11 are
displayed. The portion where the image of a non-contact IC card is
displayed on the display surface 11 is located at the front side of
the portion where the antenna 31 is disposed on the rear surface 14
of the display panel 12, and the portion is determined in advance
in accordance with the position of the antenna 31. In other words,
the antenna 31 is arranged at a portion, which is located at the
rear side of the portion where the image of a non-contact IC card
is displayed at S2, on the rear surface 14 of the display panel 12.
By displaying such an image, the card reader 2 urges the user to
bring a non-contact IC card close to a predetermined portion on the
display surface 11. The user who sights the image displayed on the
image display section 1 brings his/her non-contact IC card close to
the portion where the image of the non-contact IC card is displayed
on the display surface 11. Then, the user makes the non-contact IC
card either be in contact with the display surface 11 or be near
the display surface 11 without contact. In a case where a
non-contact IC card is close to the portion where the image of the
non-contact IC card is displayed at S2, the distance between the
non-contact IC card and the antenna 31 is made as short as
possible, which makes it easier for the read-out section 3 to
communicate with the non-contact IC card and to read out data.
[0046] Since the image of a non-contact IC card is displayed on the
display surface 11 in order to indicate a location to which a
non-contact IC card is brought close, it is easy for a user to find
a location to which a non-contact IC card is brought close. A user
who operates the card reader 2 can identify a location to which a
non-contact IC card is brought close without turning his/her gaze
away from the display surface 11. Thus, the user is possible to
easily bring a non-contact IC card to a proper position.
[0047] Next, the reader control section 21 controls the read-out
section 3 to communicate with a non-contact IC card, performs
read-out processing for data recorded in the non-contact IC card by
wireless, and determines whether data has actually been read out
from the non-contact IC card or not (S3). In a state where a user
has not brought a non-contact IC card close to a portion where the
image of a non-contact IC card is displayed on the display surface
11, data cannot be read out from the non-contact IC card. In a case
where data has not been read out from a non-contact IC card (S3:
NO), the reader control section 21 repeats processing of reading
out data from a non-contact IC card. In a case where data has
actually been read out from a non-contact IC card (S3: YES), the
reader control section 21 causes the image display section 1 to
display an image that instructs a user to remove the non-contact IC
card, which had been brought close to the display surface 11
(S4).
[0048] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
image for instructing a user to remove a non-contact IC card. An
image of a text that instructs a user to remove a non-contact IC
card from the display surface 11 is displayed. The user can
identify a timing of removing a non-contact IC card and estimate
the progress of processing. The reader control section 21 inputs
data read out from a non-contact IC card to the copy control
section 41 (S5), and terminates the data read-out processing. The
copy control section 41 performs information processing for a
payment using the input data and makes the scanner section 42 and
the image forming section 43 execute copying.
[0049] In the present embodiment, as described above in detail, the
card reader 2 shows an image that indicates a predetermined portion
on the display surface 11 as a location to which a non-contact IC
card is to be close, and reads out data from a non-contact IC card
brought close by wireless. The user can identify a location to
which a non-contact IC card is brought close without turning
his/her gaze away from the display surface 11 and thus can bring a
non-contact IC card close to a proper position for reading out
data. Thus, the convenience of the card reader 2 is improved, while
the possibility of the occurrence of an error operation in the card
reader 2 is reduced. Since the card reader 2 is configured to read
out data from a non-contact IC card which is close on the display
surface 11, the card reader 2 does not have to particularly include
a component for bringing a non-contact IC card close, apart from
the image display section 1. Additionally, the card reader 2 does
not have to particularly include a function that indicates a
location to which a non-contact IC card is to be close, apart from
the image display section 1. Thus, the number of necessary
components for configuring the card reader 2 is reduced, achieving
reduction in the cost and size of the card reader 2.
Embodiment 2
[0050] In Embodiment 2, a card reader 2 displays an image that
indicates a timing at which a user is to bring a non-contact IC
card close to a display surface 11. The card reader 2 normally does
not display an image that indicates a location to which a
non-contact IC card is to be close as shown in FIG. 7. The card
reader 2 executes processing similar to that shown in FIG. 6, and
causes the image display section 1 to display an image that
indicates a location to which a non-contact IC card is to be close
for the first time in the processing of S2. In this way, by
displaying an image of a non-contact IC card for the first time at
a timing when a user is to bring a non-contact IC card close to the
display surface 11, the card reader 2 indicates a timing at which
the user is to bring a non-contact IC card close to the display
surface 11. The card reader 2 may also display an image of a text,
which describes a timing at which a user is to bring a non-contact
IC card close to the display surface 11, such as "Now, please bring
your card closer", along with an image that indicates a location to
which a non-contact IC card is to be brought close. A user can
identify a timing of bringing a non-contact IC card close without
turning his/her gaze away from the display surface 11, which makes
it easier for the user to bring a non-contact IC card close to the
display surface 11 at a proper timing for reading out data.
Embodiment 3
[0051] In Embodiment 3, a card reader 2 displays an image that
shows an orientation of a non-contact IC card of when a user brings
the card close to a display surface 11. The card reader 2 executes
processing similar to that shown in FIG. 6, and causes an image
display section 1 to display an image that shows the outer
appearance of a non-contact IC card in detail, which is easily
distinguishable between back and front sides, left and right sides
and top and bottom sides, as an image that indicates a location to
which the non-contact IC card is to be close at S2. A user tends to
bring a non-contact IC card, which has the same orientation as that
of the displayed image, close to the display surface 11. In this
way, by displaying an image showing the outer appearance of a
non-contact IC card, the card reader 2 can indicate an orientation
of a non-contact IC card of when a user brings the card close to
the display surface 11. The card reader 2 may also display an image
that indicates an orientation of a non-contact IC card using a
figure such as an arrow along with an image that indicates a
location to which a non-contact IC card is to be brought close. The
card reader 2 may also display an image with a text describing an
orientation of a non-contact IC card such as "please bring your
card closer with the card facing yourself and place it in the right
direction" along with an image that indicates a location to which a
non-contact IC card is to be brought close. A user can identify an
orientation of when a non-contact IC card is brought close without
turning his/her gaze away from the display surface 11, therefore,
it is easy for the user to bring a non-contact IC card close to the
display surface 11 at a proper orientation for reading out data.
The card reader 2 is capable of reliably reading out data from a
non-contact IC card by designating a proper orientation of a
non-contact IC card for reading out data. Since the orientation of
a non-contact IC card is designated, it is not needed to configure
a read-out section 3 so as to enable reading out data from a
non-contact IC card with an arbitrary orientation, allowing the
read-out section 3 to have a simple configuration. It is thus
possible to reduce the cost for the card reader 2.
Embodiment 4
[0052] In Embodiments 1 to 3, an antenna 31 is arranged at a rear
surface 14 of a display panel 12. In the present embodiment,
however, the antenna 31 is arranged at another location where
communications with a non-contact IC card brought close to a
display surface 11 is possible. For example, the antenna 31 may be
arranged at the frame portion of an image display section 1.
Embodiment 5
[0053] In the present embodiment, a card reader 2 can read out data
not only from one kind of non-contact IC cards, but also from
multiple kinds of non-contact IC cards. A read-out section 3 is
configured to be capable of reading data from multiple kinds of
non-contact IC cards. In the present embodiment, the card reader 2
displays an image of different kinds of non-contact IC cards to be
close to a display surface 1 on the image display section 1 at S2.
The card reader 2 may display an image that indicates a location to
which a non-contact IC card is to be close without displaying an
image of a non-contact IC card.
Embodiment 6
[0054] In the present embodiment, the card reader 2 further
includes a function of writing data for a non-contact IC card. A
read-out section 3 has a function of writing data to a non-contact
IC card by wireless. A signal processing unit 32 performs
communications with a non-contact IC card using an antenna 31 to
write data in a non-contact IC card. A reader control section 21
controls an operation of the signal processing unit 32. For
example, a non-contact IC card may be a prepaid card, a copy
control section 41 executes payment processing, and the card reader
2 executes processing of writing an account balance after payment
into a non-contact IC card.
Embodiment 7
[0055] Embodiments 1 to 6 showed examples where the information
processing apparatus of the present invention is configured to
include the copy machine 4. Embodiment 7, however, shows an example
where the information processing apparatus is a terminal device
employed in a store (hereinafter also referred to as "store
terminal device"). FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an
example of an information processing apparatus 5 according to
Embodiment 7. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal
function configuration of the information processing apparatus 5
according to Embodiment 7. In the present embodiment, the
information processing apparatus 5 is configured with a store
terminal device including a card reader 2. The store terminal
device is a terminal device installed in a store such as a
convenience store or supermarket to provide various services in
accordance with operations of customers. For example, the store
terminal device may be a multimedia station or a photograph
printing terminal. The store terminal device executes information
processing for services such as reward points giving, issuance of
coupons, payment of fees, or photograph printing. The user of the
store terminal device is a customer of the store.
[0056] The card reader 2 includes a reader control section 21, a
read-out section 3, and a touch panel 23 accepting the operation of
the user. The image display section 1, read-out section 3 and touch
panel 23 are connected to the reader control section 21. The image
display section 1 includes a display panel 12 and a display control
section 13. One surface of the display panel 12 is formed as a
display surface 11, while the touch panel 23 is formed on top of
the display surface 11. The read-out section 3 includes an antenna
31 and a signal processing unit 32. The antenna is disposed in a
manner similar to that in Embodiments 1 to 6. Moreover, the
information processing apparatus 5 includes an information
processing section 51 which executes information processing
required for a store terminal device. The information processing
section 51 is connected to the reader control section 21. The
reader control section 21 inputs the data read from the non-contact
IC card to the information processing section 51, which executes
information processing using the input data.
[0057] Next, the processing performed by the information processing
apparatus 5 according to the present embodiment is described. As an
example, processing performed when the user makes a payment using a
non-contact IC card is described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart
illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the information
processing apparatus 5 according to Embodiment 7. The user operates
a touch panel 23 to input an instruction for payment of a fee.
Here, the image display section 1 displays a menu screen, which is
used by the user to input instructions. FIGS. 12 and 13 show
schematic views illustrating examples of a menu screen according to
Embodiment 7. As illustrated in FIG. 12, multiple buttons including
a button on which "Payment" is written are displayed on the display
surface 11, and the user operates the touch panel 23 so as to
designate the button of "Payment." In accordance with the
designation of a button, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the list of
payment recipients is displayed on the display surface 11, and the
user operates the touch panel 23 so as to designate a button on
which a specific recipient is written. The card reader 2 accepts at
the touch panel 23 the operation of inputting the instruction for
payment (S11).
[0058] The reader control section 21 causes the image display
section 1 to display an image indicating a predetermined portion to
which a non-contact IC card is close on the display surface 11
(S12). FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an
image indicating a location to which a non-contact IC card is to be
close according to Embodiment 7. As in Embodiments 1 to 6, the
image of a non-contact IC card is displayed at a position where
wireless communication between the non-contact IC card and antenna
31 is made possible when the non-contact IC card is placed over
that position. In the non-contact IC card, for example, an
identification number for identifying a user is recorded. The card
reader 2 waits to accept an instruction for canceling (S13). If the
operation of inputting an instruction for canceling is accepted at
the touch panel 23 (S13: YES), the reader control section 21
terminates the processing. If the instruction for cancelling is not
accepted (S13: NO), the reader control section 21 controls the
read-out section 3 to communicate with the non-contact IC card,
performs processing of reading out data recorded in the non-contact
IC card, and determines whether or not the data has actually been
read out (S14). There may be cases where data cannot be read out
from a non-contact IC card, such as where a non-contact IC card is
not recognized, or a non-contact IC card is invalid. If data has
not been read out from the non-contact IC card (S14: NO), the
reader control section 21 returns the processing to S12. If data
has been read out from the non-contact IC card (S14: YES), the
reader control section 21 determines whether or not the read-out
data is compliant with the card reader 2 (S15). If the data is not
compliant with the card reader 2 (S15: NO), the reader control
section 21 causes the image display section 1 to display an error
image indicating that the data is non-compliant (S16), and returns
the processing to S12. For example, data is regarded as
non-compliant when a non-contact IC card which is not compliant
with the card reader 2 is recognized. It is noted that the reader
control section 21 may terminate the processing at the time when
S16 is executed.
[0059] If the data read out from the non-contact IC card is
compliant with the card reader 2 (S15: YES), the reader control
section 21 inputs the data read out from the non-contact IC card to
the information processing section 51 (S17). For example, when the
identification number of the user is recorded in the non-contact IC
card, the identification number is read out from the non-contact IC
card and is input to the information processing section 51. The
information processing section 51 uses the input data to execute
information processing for payment of fees (S18). For example, the
information processing section 51 authenticates a user by the
identification number of the user, specifies online the amount of a
fee which is determined in advance to be paid by the user, and
performs processing of online payment of the fee. For another
example, the information processing apparatus 5 includes a printing
function, and the information processing section 51 performs
processing of issuing a bill to the user. After the information
processing is terminated, the information processing section 51
inputs the information indicating that the information processing
is terminated to the reader control section 21, which causes the
image display section 1 to display an image indicating that the
processing for fee payment is terminated, or an image instructing
to remove a non-contact IC card. The information processing
apparatus 5 terminates the processing here. It is also possible for
the information processing apparatus 5 to, in a similar manner,
read out data from the non-contact IC card and execute processing
other than payment of fees, as a store terminal device.
Embodiment 8
[0060] Embodiment 8 shows an example where the information
processing apparatus is a POS (Point of Sale) system terminal. FIG.
15 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an information
processing apparatus 5 according to Embodiment 8. In the present
embodiment, the information processing apparatus 5 is configured
with a POS system terminal including a card reader 2. FIG. 15
illustrates an example of a POS system terminal installed in a gas
station. It is noted that the information processing apparatus 5
may also be a POS system terminal having a function of a cash
register installed in a store such as a convenience store or a
super market. The POS system terminal is used to record reward
points into a non-contact IC card or to use reward points recorded
in a non-contact IC card. The user of the POS system terminal may
be a customer or a store staff. The internal function configuration
of the information processing apparatus 5 is similar to that in
Embodiment 7 illustrated in FIG. 10. The information processing
section 51 executes information processing required for the POS
system terminal.
[0061] The processing of the information processing apparatus 5
according to the present embodiment is described. As an example of
the processing, processing performed when the user puts gas in a
car using the reward points recorded in a non-contact IC card. The
procedure of processing executed by the information processing
apparatus 5 is similar to that in Embodiment 7 illustrated in FIG.
11. The image display section 1 displays a menu screen, while the
user inputs instructions for feeding gas and using reward points on
a menu screen. FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating an example
of a menu screen according to Embodiment 8. As illustrated in FIG.
16, multiple buttons for selecting the type of fuel and a button on
which "use points" is written are displayed on the display surface
11, and the user operates the touch panel 23 so as to designate a
button for selecting any one type of the fuel as well as the button
to "use points." At S11, the card reader 2 accepts an operation at
the touch panel 23.
[0062] At S12, the reader control section 21 causes the image
display section 1 to display an image indicating a predetermined
portion on the display surface 11 to which a non-contact IC card is
to be brought close. FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating an
image indicating a location to which a non-contact IC card is to be
close according to Embodiment 8. As in Embodiments 1 to 7, an image
of the non-contact IC card is displayed at a predetermined position
on the display surface 11. Reward points are recorded in the
non-contact IC card. At S14, the reader control section 21 reads
out data recorded in the non-contact IC card. The reward points are
read out from the non-contact IC card and input to the information
processing section 51. At S18, the information processing section
51 uses the input data to execute information processing for
feeding gas and using reward points. For example, the information
processing section 51 inputs data indicating the value of reward
points left, obtained by subtracting the value corresponding to the
amount of gas, to the reader control section 21, and the reader
control section 21 causes the read-out section 3 to record the
updated reward points in the non-contact IC card. For another
example, the information processing section 51 performs processing
of subtracting an amount according to the reward points from the
fee for gas and making a payment for the subtracted amount of the
fee. Likewise, the information processing apparatus 5 may execute
the processing of recording reward points according to the amount
of fed gas in the non-contact IC card. Furthermore, the information
processing apparatus 5 may also take a form of making a payment for
a gas fee using a non-contact IC card which is a debit card, credit
card, prepaid card or post-pay card.
Embodiment 9
[0063] Embodiment 9 shows an example where the information
processing apparatus is an ATM (Automated Teller Machine). FIG. 18
is a schematic view illustrating an example of an information
processing apparatus 5 according to Embodiment 9. In the present
embodiment, the information processing apparatus 5 is configured by
an ATM including a card reader 2. The ATM performs bank
transactions using a cash card formed of a non-contact IC card. The
internal function configuration of the information processing
apparatus 5 is similar to that in Embodiment 7 illustrated in FIG.
10. The information processing section 51 executes information
processing required for the ATM.
[0064] The processing performed by the information processing
apparatus 5 according to the present embodiment is described. The
procedure of processing executed by the information processing
apparatus 5 is similar to that in Embodiment 7 illustrated in FIG.
11. The image display section 1 displays a menu screen, which is
used by the user to input instructions for transactions. FIG. 19 is
a schematic view illustrating an example of a menu screen according
to Embodiment 9. As illustrated in FIG. 19, multiple buttons for
selecting transactions such as withdrawal, deposit and balance
inquiry are displayed on the display surface 11. The user operates
a button for selecting any one of the transactions. For example,
the user operates the touch panel 23 so as to designate the button
for "Balance Inquiry." At S11, the card reader 2 accepts the
operation at the touch panel 23.
[0065] At S12, the reader control section 21 causes the image
display section 1 to display an image indicating a predetermined
portion on the display surface 11 to which the non-contact IC card
is to be brought close. FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating an
example of an image indicating a location to which a non-contact IC
card is close according to Embodiment 9. As in Embodiments 1 to 8,
an image of a cash card formed of a non-contact IC card is
displayed at a predetermined position on the display surface 11. In
the non-contact IC card, for example, an account number is
recorded. At S14, the reader control section 21 reads out the data
recorded in the non-contact IC card. At S18, the information
processing section 51 uses the read-out data to execute information
processing for bank transactions. For example, the information
processing section 51 specifies an account balance based on the
account number, inputs the data indicating the balance to the
reader control section 21, which causes the image display section 1
to display an image indicating the balance by a numeric value.
Here, the information processing apparatus 5 may also cause the
image display section 1 to display an image for showing that the
non-contact IC card is recognized and for urging the user to
further input a PIN (Personal Identification Number), accepts the
input of the PIN, and performs information processing using the PIN
and data read out from the non-contact IC card. It is noted that
the information processing apparatus 5 may execute the processing
of bank transactions other than balance inquiry, such as withdrawal
or deposit, in a similar manner.
[0066] It is also possible for the information processing apparatus
5 to perform processing of handling money using a non-contact IC
card in a method other than the ones described in Embodiments 1 to
9 above. For example, the information processing apparatus 5 may be
a device for charging electronic money to a non-contact IC
card.
Embodiment 10
[0067] Embodiments 1 to 9 showed examples of performing money
handling processing using data read out from a non-contact IC card.
However, an information processing apparatus according to the
present embodiment executes another processing using data read out
from a non-contact IC card, such as a personal authentication. For
example, an information processing apparatus may be a device that
issues a certificate such as a residency registration document
after a personal authentication using a non-contact IC card such as
a basic resident register card. The information processing
apparatus may also be a general purpose computer, such as a PC
(personal computer), to which the card reader 2 is connected. The
card reader 2 is not only restricted to an apparatus for exclusive
use, but may be incorporated into a machine having functions other
than the card reader 2 functions such as a notebook PC or tablet
PC.
Embodiment 11
[0068] Embodiments 1 to 10 showed examples where a recording medium
is a non-contact IC card and a data read-out device according to
the present invention is a card reader 2. In the present
embodiment, however, a data read-out device reads out data without
contact from a recording medium other than a non-contact IC card.
For example, a recording medium is a mobile phone, and a data
read-out device reads out data by wireless from a mobile phone.
[0069] The configuration elements in various examples described in
Embodiments 1 to 11 may also be combined with each other.
[0070] As described above, a data read-out device (2) according to
the present invention that reads out data recorded in a recording
medium without contact via radio waves is characterized by
comprising an image display section (1) having a display surface
(11) for an image, control means (21) for displaying an image that
indicates a predetermined portion on the display surface (11) to
which a recording medium is close, and read-out means (3) for
reading out data recorded in a recording medium brought close to
the predetermined portion without contact via radio waves.
[0071] The data read-out device (2) according to the present
invention is characterized in that the control means (21) is
configured to cause the image display section (1) to display an
image that indicates a timing of bringing a recording medium close
to a predetermined portion.
[0072] The data read-out device (2) according to the present
invention is characterized in that the control means (21) is
configured to cause the image display section (1) to display an
image that indicates an orientation of the recording medium when it
is close to a predetermined portion.
[0073] The data read-out device (2) according to the present
invention is characterized in that the image display section (1)
includes a display panel (12) having one surface configured as the
display surface (11), and the read-out means (3) includes an
antenna (31) for reading out data from a recording medium without
contact via radio waves, and that the antenna (31) is arranged at a
portion, which is located at the rear side of the predetermined
portion, on another surface (14) of the display panel (12).
[0074] An information processing apparatus according to the present
invention is characterized by comprising: the data read-out device
(2) according to the present invention; and means for executing
information processing using data read out by the data read-out
device (2) from a recording medium.
[0075] In the present invention, a data read-out device (2)
includes an image display section (1), which displays an image that
indicates a predetermined portion on a display surface (11) as a
location to which a recording medium is to be close, and reads out
data by wireless from a recording medium brought close. An
information processing apparatus with the data read-out device (2)
executes processing using data read out from a recording medium,
such as payment or personal authentication. A user can identify a
location to which a recording medium is to be brought close without
turning his/her gaze away from the display surface (11) so that the
information processing apparatus can easily execute necessary
processing.
[0076] In the present invention, the data read-out device (2)
displays an image that indicates a timing at which a user is to
bring a recording medium close. A user can identify a timing of
bringing a recording medium close without turning his/her gaze away
from the display surface (11).
[0077] In the present invention, the data read-out device (2)
displays an image that indicates an orientation of a recording
medium, which is to be brought close to the display surface (11) by
a user. It is possible for the user to identify the orientation of
the recording medium of when bringing it close to the display
surface (11) without turning his/her gaze away from the display
surface (11). By specifying a proper orientation of a recording
medium for reading out data, the data read-out device (2) can
reliably read out data from a non-contact IC card.
[0078] In the present invention, the data read-out device (2) has
an antenna (31) for communicating with a recording medium by
wireless, and the antenna (31) is arranged at a portion, which is
located at the rear side of a predetermined portion of the display
surface (11) to which a recording medium is to be close, on a rear
surface (14) of a display panel (12). In a case where a recording
medium is close to the display surface (11), the distance between
the recording medium and the antenna (31) can be made as short as
possible so that it is easier to read out data from the recording
medium.
[0079] As this invention may be embodied in several forms without
departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof the
present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive,
since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that
fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such
metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by
the claims.
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