Patent ID: 7188777

Claim:
A three-way data transfer system, in which an IC module into which an IC card function unit and a card reading and writing apparatus function unit are integrated intermediates, for transferring data between an external card reading and writing apparatus connected to the IC card function unit via a wireless communication interface and an information terminal connected to the IC module via a wired communication interface, wherein the IC card operates in a wired communication mode in which the card reading and writing apparatus function unit is initiated in response to activation of an internal power supply to transact with the information processing terminal, and operates in a wireless communication mode in which the IC card function unit is initiated in response to detection of a carrier wave from the external card reading and writing apparatus to transact with the external card reading and writing apparatus; the IC card, which is in the wired communication mode, is temporarily switched to the wireless communication mode by an activate command, and is returned to the wired communication mode by an inactivate command; and the IC card, which is in the wireless communication mode, is temporarily switched to the wired communication mode by a second activate command from the external card reading and writing apparatus, and is returned to the wireless communication mode by a second inactivate command.