Patent ID: 6729550
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: G06K,G06Q,H04M

Abstract:
A portable terminal apparatus having an integrated circuit (IC) card function and employing an IC card, the apparatus comprising:a storage unit for storing a first password necessary for utilizing a function of said IC card; a reception unit for receiving a second password before utilizing said function of said IC card; a comparison unit for comparing said first password with said second password; a card interface module for sending and receiving commands to and from said IC card; and a control unit arranged in said IC card for enabling utilization of said function of said IC card when said second password matches said first password by sending a temporary lock release command to said card interface module and for disabling utilization of said function of said IC card when said second password does not match said first password by sending a set lock command to said card interface module, wherein after said function of said IC card is enabled by sending said temporary lock release command, said function of said IC card is automatically disabled by sending said set lock command to said card interface module after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.