Abstract: A renewal apparatus for an IC card, which utilizes biometrics information to perform individual authentication, prevents the divulgence of biometrics data during renewal, while rigorously confirming the identity of the individual. A control unit confirms the identity of the individual in biometrics authentication by the biometrics authentication functions of an old IC card, and confirmation of the identity of the individual is performed rigorously using the IC card with biometrics authentication functions. If confirmation of the identity of the individual is satisfactory, the biometrics data obtained in the biometrics authentication is registered in a new IC card. The renewal can be performed with only a single image capture operation, and divulgence of biometrics information is prevented.

Abstract: A renewal apparatus for an IC card, which utilizes biometrics information to perform individual authentication, prevents the divulgence of biometrics data during renewal, while rigorously confirming the identity of the individual. A control unit confirms the identity of the individual in biometrics authentication by the biometrics authentication functions of an old IC card, and confirmation of the identity of the individual is performed rigorously using the IC card with biometrics authentication functions. If confirmation of the identity of the individual is satisfactory, the biometrics data obtained in the biometrics authentication is registered in a new IC card. The renewal can be performed with only a single image capture operation, and divulgence of biometrics information is prevented.

Abstract: An automated transaction device verifies individual data of storage media against input individual data, and performs automated transaction. In order to prevent degradation of service to a user even when biometric authentication is not successful, a control unit of an automated transaction device, even when biometrics authentication is unsuccessful, effects a transition to a conventional transaction based on password authentication using an IC card. Transactions are possible even when there are changes in the physical condition of the user, while maintaining the authentication accuracy of biometric authentication, contributing to improved service to the user.

Abstract: An automated transaction device verifies individual data on storage media against input individual data and performs automated transactions. An automated transaction device has biometrics authentication functions realized in a biometrics unit. A control unit of the device detects abnormal in the biometrics unit at the start of a transaction, and upon detecting an error, effects a transition to a conventional transaction based on password authentication using an IC card. Even when an abnormal occurs in the biometrics unit, a transaction based on conventional authentication is possible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ceramic member for a medical implant which exhibits improved binding with the bone without detracting from the excellent mechanical properties inherent to the ceramic material. The ceramic member for a medical implant has a surface layer having a roughened surface. When attention is paid to one type of crystal phase of the crystal phases of the ceramics constituting the surface layer, difference between the content in % by mass of this crystal phase of interest in the surface layer and the content in % by mass of this crystal phase of interest deep in the ceramic member is within 10%.

Abstract: Free machining steel for use in machine structures capable of stably and reliably providing excellent machinability (chip disposability and tool life) and mechanical characteristics (transverse direction toughness) comparable, in a Pb free state, with existent Pb-added steels the machining steel being manufactured so as to contain 0.0005 to 0.02 mass % of Mg and provide a distribution index F1 for the sulfide particles defined by the following equation (1) of 0.4 to 0.65 or a distribution index for the sulfide particles defined by the following equation (2) of 1 to 2.5: F1=X1/(A/n)½  (1), or F2=&sgr;F/X2  (2) as described in the specification.

Abstract: Free machining steel for use in machine structures capable of stably and reliably providing excellent machinability (chip disposability and tool life) and mechanical characteristics (transverse direction toughness) comparable, in a Pb free state, with existent Pb-added steels the machining steel being manufactured so as to contain 0.0005 to 0.02 mass % of Mg and provide a distribution index F1 for the sulfide particles defined by the following equation (1) of 0.4 to 0.65 or a distribution index for the sulfide particles defined by the following equation (2) of 1 to 2.