JP2000009411A - Method for detecting position of magnetic information recording area - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively, simply detect the position of a magnetic information recording region by collating a magnetic output read by a magnetic sensor with a preset magnetic output change. SOLUTION: When an allowable displacement amount of a magnetic information recording region 3 is expressed as ±α and a magnetic output corresponding to the amount is expressed as x%, the state that the output falls within the range of x% to 100% of a maximum magnetic output can be detected that the region 3 is disposed in an allowable position (its displacement amount is ±αor less) of a magnetic recording medium 1. The position of the region 3 is detected by utilizing that an amplitude of the output read by a magnetic sensor H is changed according to a relative position between the region 3 and the sensor H. Thus, even in the case that the region 3 is covered with a concealing layer or the like so that the region 3 is impossible to be optically sensed or optical characteristics of the region 3 are very near at those of a circumference, the position of the region 3 can be effectively detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area provided on a magnetic recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, magnetic recording media such as prepaid cards and credit cards are provided with a magnetic information recording area for the purpose of recording desired information and preventing forgery. It is configured to record various magnetic information. The magnetic information recording area includes a magnetic layer formed in a stripe shape at a predetermined position of the magnetic recording medium, a predetermined area of the magnetic layer provided on the entire surface of the magnetic recording medium, and a magnetic bar provided at a predetermined position of the magnetic recording medium. Codes and the like.

The writing and reading of magnetic information to and from a magnetic recording medium having such a magnetic information recording area is performed by a predetermined device. It is required to be manufactured with an area.

[0004]

However, at the stage of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium, for example, in a multi-faced state, or
In the individual state after punching or cutting, it is not possible to accurately and easily inspect the magnetic information recording area on the magnetic recording medium, or to accurately detect the position of the magnetic information recording area for positioning in the manufacturing process. It was difficult. That is,
When a magnetic information recording area such as a magnetic stripe can be optically detected (visible), the position of the magnetic information recording area can be detected by a method such as an optical sensor or length measurement.
However, the optical characteristics (contrast, absorbance, reflectance, transmittance, etc.) of a magnetic information recording area such as a magnetic stripe,
Due to the configuration of the magnetic recording medium, it is difficult to optically detect the position of the magnetic information recording area when the optical characteristics of the magnetic recording medium are very close to those of the base (other area). In the state where the magnetic information recording area such as the magnetic stripe is hidden by the hiding layer,
It is impossible to optically detect the position of the magnetic information recording area.

There is also a method of detecting the position of the magnetic information recording area using radiation or the like, but it has not been put to practical use in terms of safety and cost.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide a method for reliably and easily detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area of a magnetic recording medium. I do.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area of a magnetic recording medium, comprising the steps of: positioning at least one magnetic sensor on a magnetic recording medium; The magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor is compared with a magnetic output change set in advance from the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic information recording area to detect the position of the magnetic information recording area. The configuration was adopted.

Further, the present invention is configured such that the magnetic sensor comprises one magnetic sensor whose reading width is substantially the same as the width of the magnetic information recording area.

Further, the present invention has a structure in which two or more magnetic sensors are arranged on both outer sides in the width direction of the magnetic information recording area with an interval larger than the width.

[0010] The present invention also provides the magnetic information recording apparatus, wherein two or more magnetic sensors are arranged inside the magnetic information recording area in the width direction such that the read width ends of at least one magnetic sensor coincide with both ends of the width. It was configured to be arranged.

Further, according to the present invention, two or more magnetic sensors may be arranged so that at least one magnetic sensor reading portion extends over both ends of the magnetic information recording area in the width direction. The configuration was adopted.

In the present invention as described above, the fact that the magnitude of the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor changes depending on the relative position between the magnetic information recording area and the magnetic sensor is used. A desired positional relationship is set in advance as a change in the magnetic output, and the position of the magnetic information recording area is detected by comparing the magnitude of the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor with the change in the magnetic output.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card-shaped magnetic recording medium for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic recording medium 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a substrate 2, a magnetic information recording region 3 formed on the substrate 2, and a concealing layer 4 formed so as to cover the magnetic information recording region 3. I have.

The substrate 2 constituting the magnetic recording medium 1 is made of nylon, cellulose diacetate, cellulose triacetate, vinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester in consideration of heat resistance, strength, rigidity and the like required for the substrate. It can be composed of a composite material alone or in combination of materials appropriately selected from materials such as resins such as polyimide, polycarbonate, biodegradable resins, metals such as copper and aluminum, paper, and impregnated paper. The thickness of such a substrate 2 is 0.005 mm to
It can be about 5 mm.

In the illustrated example, the magnetic information recording area 3 comprises a magnetic layer provided in a stripe shape along the direction in which the magnetic head relatively scans (the direction of arrow A). Such a magnetic layer usually contains magnetic particles and a resin binder.
As the magnetic particles, for example, γ-Fe ₂ O ₃ , Co-coated γ-Fe ₂ O ₃ , Fe ₃ O ₄ , Fe, Fe-Cr, Fe
-Co, Co-Cr, Co-Ni, Ba ferrite, S
Magnetic particles such as r ferrite and CrO ₂ can be used. As the resin binder (or ink vehicle), butyral resin, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer resin, urethane resin, polyester resin, cellulose resin, acrylic resin, styrene / maleic acid copolymer resin, etc. are used. If necessary, a rubber-based resin such as a nitrile rubber or a urethane elastomer is added. Further, in consideration of heat resistance, a resin having a high glass transition temperature (Tg) such as polyamide, polyimide, or polyethersulfone, or a system in which Tg increases by a curing reaction can be used. If necessary, a pigment such as a surfactant, a silane coupling agent, a plasticizer, a wax, a silicone oil, or carbon is added to a dispersion of the magnetic particles in the resin or the ink vehicle as described above. You may. Further, the magnetic layer can also be formed by a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, a plating method, or the like, using the above magnetic material itself.

The concealing layer 4 is provided to make it difficult to recognize the magnetic information recording area 3 of the magnetic recording medium 1 or to enhance the effect of protecting and decorating the magnetic recording medium 1. The concealing layer 4 is made of a cellulose derivative such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose nitrate, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, or cellulose acetate; a styrene resin such as polystyrene or poly-α-methylstyrene; or a styrene copolymer resin; polymethacrylic acid. Acrylic resin or methacrylic resin such as methyl, polyethyl methacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate or copolymer resin; rosin, rosin modified maleic resin, rosin modified phenol resin, rosin ester resin such as polymerized rosin Adding various pigments to binders such as polyvinyl acetate resin, coumarone resin, vinyl toluene resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin and butyral resin according to the color to be colored; If necessary, add a plasticizer, a stabilizer, a wax, a grease, a drying agent, a drying aid, a curing agent, a thickener, and a dispersing agent, and then sufficiently knead the mixture with a solvent or a diluent. Alternatively, it can be formed by a coating method such as a gravure method, a roll method, a knife edge method, and an offset method or a printing method using ink.

Next, a method for detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area according to the present invention will be described using the above-described magnetic recording medium 1 as an example. First Embodiment FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of a method for detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, a magnetic sensor H having a reading width W is disposed at a position at a predetermined distance L from the reference end B. The read width W of the magnetic sensor H is equal to the width S of the magnetic information recording area 3 of the magnetic recording medium 1, and the read width W from the reference end B to the magnetic sensor H
Is set to an optimal distance (position) from the side 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1 to the magnetic information recording area 3.

The edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1
Is moved in the direction of the arrow a while making coincident with the reference end B, so that the magnetic sensor H is scanned over the magnetic recording medium 1. At this time, the distance from the edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1 to the magnetic information recording area 3 is L, and the magnetic information recording area 3
Is at the optimum position, the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor H is the maximum magnetic output that the magnetic sensor H can read. On the other hand, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is not located at the optimum position, for example, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is displaced in the direction of arrow b in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic output decreases when the displacement amount increases and the magnetic output becomes 0% when the displacement amount becomes S (= W).

Therefore, the allowable displacement of the magnetic information recording area 3 is ± α, and the magnetic output corresponding to this displacement is x%
Then, the state where the magnetic output is within the range of x% to 100% of the maximum magnetic output is detected as the magnetic information recording area 3 being within the allowable position of the magnetic recording medium 1 (the displacement amount is ± α or less). can do.

The present embodiment can be applied to various magnetic recording media by using a magnetic sensor H having a reading width corresponding to the width of the target magnetic information recording area 3.

As the magnetic sensor H, an inductive magnetic head, a magnetoresistive (MR) magnetic head or the like can be used.

The present invention utilizes the fact that the magnitude of the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor H changes according to the relative position between the magnetic information recording area 3 and the magnetic sensor H as described above. Is detected, the magnetic information recording area 3 is covered with a concealing layer or the like and cannot be detected optically, or the optical characteristics (contrast, absorbance, reflectance, transmittance, etc.) of the magnetic information recording area 3 Is very close to the surrounding optical characteristics, the position of the magnetic information recording area 3 can be reliably detected. Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a second embodiment of the method for detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, two magnetic sensors H1 and H2 are arranged at an interval G larger than the width S of the magnetic information recording area 3, and the center of the interval between these magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is a reference end. The position is a predetermined distance L from B. The reading width of each magnetic sensor H1, H2 is W, and the reference end B
Is set to an optimal distance (position) from the edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1 to the center of the magnetic information recording area 3 from the center of the arrangement position of each of the magnetic sensors H1 and H2. Therefore, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is located at the optimum position, the distance from the end in the width direction of the magnetic information recording area 3 to the reading part of the magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is (G-
S) / 2. In the illustrated example, each magnetic sensor H1,
It is assumed that the read width W of H2 is smaller than the width S of the magnetic information recording area 3.

The edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1
Are moved in the direction of the arrow a while matching with the reference end B, thereby scanning the magnetic recording medium 1 with the magnetic sensors H1 and H2. At this time, when the distance from the edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1 to the center of the magnetic information recording area 3 is L and the magnetic information recording area 3 is at the optimum position, the magnetic sensors H1, H2 read the magnetic information. The output is 0%. on the other hand,
When the magnetic information recording area 3 is not at the optimal position, for example,
When it is displaced in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 4, the magnetic output changes according to the amount of displacement. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the displacement amount of the magnetic information recording area 3 is [(GS) / 2].
Is exceeded, a part of the magnetic sensor H1 scans over the magnetic information recording area 3 to generate a magnetic output, and the magnetic output increases as the displacement increases. And
The displacement amount of the magnetic information recording area 3 is [W + (GS) / 2]
, The entire reading portion of the magnetic sensor H1 scans over the magnetic information recording area 3, and the magnetic output becomes maximum (100%). When the displacement of the magnetic information recording area 3 further increases and exceeds [S + (GS) / 2], a part of the magnetic sensor H1 comes off the magnetic information recording area 3 and the magnetic sensor H reads. The magnetic output gradually decreases as the displacement increases, and the displacement becomes [S +
W + (GS) / 2], the magnetic output is 0%.

Therefore, the allowable displacement of the magnetic information recording area 3 is ± α, and the magnetic output corresponding to this displacement is x%
When the magnetic output is within the range of 0% to x% of the maximum magnetic output, the magnetic information recording area 3 is set in the magnetic recording medium 1
(The displacement amount is ± α or less).

In this embodiment, by setting the position of the magnetic sensor H1 and / or the magnetic sensor H2 in accordance with the width of the target magnetic information recording area 3, the present invention can be applied to various magnetic recording media. it can.

As the magnetic sensors H1 and H2, an inductive magnetic head, a magnetoresistive (MR) magnetic head, or the like can be used. Also, as a magnetic sensor,
One magnetic head incorporating two magnetic heads can also be used. Furthermore, when separate magnetic sensors are provided as the magnetic sensors H1 and H2, the scanning direction (FIG. 4)
(In the direction of arrow a)).

According to the present invention, as described above, the magnetic sensors H1,
The position of the magnetic information recording area 3 is detected by utilizing the fact that the magnitude of the magnetic output read by H2 changes depending on the relative positions of the magnetic information recording area 3 and the magnetic sensors H1 and H2. 3 is covered with a concealing layer or the like and cannot be detected optically, or optical characteristics of magnetic information recording area 3 (contrast, absorbance, reflectance, transmittance, etc.)
Is very close to the surrounding optical characteristics, the position of the magnetic information recording area 3 can be reliably detected. Third Embodiment FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the magnetic information recording area position detecting method according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, the magnetic sensor H1 is disposed at a position a predetermined distance L from the reference end B, and the magnetic sensor H2 is disposed at a predetermined distance (L +
It is arranged at the position of S). The read width W of each of the magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is smaller than the width S of the magnetic information recording area 3 of the magnetic recording medium 1, and the distance L from the reference end B to the magnetic sensor H1 is equal to the magnetic recording medium. Edge 1 of 1
The distance (position) from “a” to the magnetic information recording area 3 is set to be optimal.

Then, the edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1
Are moved in the direction of the arrow a while making them coincide with the reference end B, whereby the magnetic sensors H1 and H2 are scanned over the magnetic recording medium 1. When the distance from the edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1 to the magnetic information recording area 3 is L and the magnetic information recording area 3 is at the optimum position, the magnetic sensor H1 and the magnetic sensor H2 each have a read width end. The magnetic information recording area 3 is scanned on the magnetic information recording area 3 in a state where the both ends are aligned with each other in the width direction. Therefore, the magnetic sensor H
The magnetic output read by H1 and H2 is the maximum magnetic output that can be read by each magnetic sensor. On the other hand, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is not at the optimum position, for example, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is displaced in the direction of the arrow b in FIG. , Depending on the amount of displacement. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is displaced in the direction of the arrow b in FIG.
As a result, the magnetic output of the magnetic sensor H2 decreases. When the displacement amount of the magnetic information recording area 3 further increases and the displacement amount exceeds [S−W], a part of the magnetic sensor H1 comes off the magnetic information recording area 3 and the magnetic sensor H1 Magnetic output also decreases. When the displacement becomes W, the magnetic output of the magnetic sensor H2 becomes 0%, and when the displacement becomes S, the magnetic output of the magnetic sensor H1 becomes 0%.

Therefore, the allowable displacement of the magnetic information recording area 3 is ± α, and the magnetic output corresponding to this displacement is x%
Then, the state where the magnetic output is within the range of x% to 100% of the maximum magnetic output is detected as the magnetic information recording area 3 being within the allowable position of the magnetic recording medium 1 (the displacement amount is ± α or less). can do.

In the present embodiment, the position of the magnetic sensor H1 and / or the magnetic sensor H2 is set according to the width of the target magnetic information recording area 3, so that the present invention can be applied to various magnetic recording media. it can.

As the magnetic sensors H1 and H2, an inductive magnetic head, a magnetoresistive (MR) magnetic head, or the like can be used. Also, as a magnetic sensor,
One magnetic head incorporating two magnetic heads can also be used. Further, in the case where separate magnetic sensors are provided as the magnetic sensors H1 and H2, the read width W of each of the magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is different from the magnetic information recording area 3.
Is smaller than half the width S of the scanning direction (arrow a in FIG. 6).
In the same direction).

According to the present invention, as described above, the magnetic sensors H1,
The position of the magnetic information recording area 3 is detected by utilizing the fact that the magnitude of the magnetic output read by H2 changes depending on the relative positions of the magnetic information recording area 3 and the magnetic sensors H1 and H2. 3 is covered with a concealing layer or the like and cannot be detected optically, or optical characteristics of magnetic information recording area 3 (contrast, absorbance, reflectance, transmittance, etc.)
Is very close to the surrounding optical characteristics, the position of the magnetic information recording area 3 can be reliably detected. Fourth Embodiment FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the method for detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area according to the present invention. In FIG. 8, two magnetic sensors H1 and H2 are arranged at an interval G smaller than the width S of the magnetic information recording area 3, and the center of the arrangement interval between these magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is used as a reference. The position is a predetermined distance L from the end B.
The read width of each of the magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is W, and the distance L from the reference end B to the center of the position where each of the magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is disposed is defined by the distance from the edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1 to the magnetic information recording area 3 Is set to the optimal distance (position) to the center of. Therefore, the read width of each of the magnetic sensors H1 and H2 is set at the end of the magnetic information recording area 3 in the width direction [(S
−G) / 2]. In the example shown,
The read width W of each magnetic sensor H1, H2 is smaller than the width S of the magnetic information recording area 3, and
1, the half of the read width W of H2 is set so as to straddle the magnetic information recording area 3.

The edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1
Are moved in the direction of the arrow a while matching with the reference end B, thereby scanning the magnetic recording medium 1 with the magnetic sensors H1 and H2. At this time, when the distance from the edge 1a of the magnetic recording medium 1 to the center of the magnetic information recording area 3 is L and the magnetic information recording area 3 is at the optimum position, the magnetic sensors H1, H2 read the magnetic information. The output is 50% of the maximum magnetic output readable from the magnetic information recording area 3. On the other hand, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is not located at the optimum position, for example, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is displaced in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 8, the magnetic output changes according to the amount of displacement. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the magnetic information recording area 3 is displaced, the magnetic sensor H
2, the magnetic output of the magnetic sensor H1 increases. If the displacement of the magnetic information recording area 3 exceeds [W / 2], the magnetic sensor H2 scans off the magnetic information recording area 3 and the magnetic output becomes zero.
%. At this time, the entire reading width of the magnetic sensor H1 scans over the magnetic information recording area 3, and the magnetic output becomes maximum (100%). When the displacement further increases and becomes [G + W / 2], a part of the magnetic sensor H1 comes off the magnetic information recording area 3, the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor H1 gradually decreases, and the displacement becomes [ S
+ W / 2], the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor H1 is 0%.

Therefore, the allowable displacement amount of the magnetic information recording area 3 is set to ± α, and the magnetic sensor H1 corresponding to this displacement amount
The magnetic output as _1% x a, when the magnetic output of the magnetic sensor H2 and _2% x, a state in which the magnetic output of the magnetic sensor H1, H2 is within the range of x _2% ~x _1% of the maximum magnetic output, It can be detected that the magnetic information recording area 3 is within the allowable position of the magnetic recording medium 1 (the amount of displacement is ± α or less).

In the present embodiment, the position of the magnetic sensor H1 and / or the magnetic sensor H2 is set according to the width of the target magnetic information recording area 3, so that the present invention can be applied to various magnetic recording media. it can.

As the magnetic sensors H1 and H2, an inductive magnetic head, a magnetoresistive (MR) magnetic head, or the like can be used. Also, as a magnetic sensor,
One magnetic head incorporating two magnetic heads can also be used. Further, when separate magnetic sensors are provided as the magnetic sensors H1 and H2, the scanning direction (FIG. 8)
(In the direction of arrow a)).

According to the present invention, as described above, the magnetic sensors H1,
The position of the magnetic information recording area 3 is detected by utilizing the fact that the magnitude of the magnetic output read by H2 changes depending on the relative positions of the magnetic information recording area 3 and the magnetic sensors H1 and H2. 3 is covered with a concealing layer or the like and cannot be detected optically, or optical characteristics of magnetic information recording area 3 (contrast, absorbance, reflectance, transmittance, etc.)
Is very close to the surrounding optical characteristics, the position of the magnetic information recording area 3 can be reliably detected.

In each of the above embodiments, the magnetic information recording area 3 is a magnetic layer formed in a stripe shape at a predetermined position on the magnetic recording medium, but is not limited to this. For example, of the magnetic layer provided on the entire surface of the magnetic recording medium, a region where magnetic information is recorded may be a magnetic information recording region 3,
Alternatively, the magnetic information recording area 3 may be a magnetic barcode provided at a predetermined position on the magnetic recording medium.

When the magnetic information recording area 3 is made of a magnetic barcode as described above, the magnetic barcode is printed in a desired pattern shape by screen printing or the like using a magnetic paint containing magnetic particles and a resin binder. Laser beam irradiation, electron beam irradiation, discharge breakdown,
It may have a concave portion formed by routing (engraving) or the like. When the magnetic information recording area 3 is formed of such a magnetic barcode, a magnetic head wound with two coils is usually used as a magnetic sensor, and a constant current is applied to one of the coils of the magnetic head. An induced current or voltage induced when the head scans over the magnetic information recording area 3 is detected by the other coil. The induced current is generated according to a change in the magnetic flux of the magnetic head.

In each of the above embodiments, the card-shaped magnetic recording medium has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to magnetic recording media of other shapes, magnetic recording media in a multi-layered state in a manufacturing stage, and the like. It is.

[0042]

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific examples. Example 1 First, a card substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate and having a thickness of 250 μm was prepared as a substrate.

Next, a predetermined width of 10
A magnetic information recording area was formed by forming a stripe-shaped magnetic layer having a thickness of 1 mm. This magnetic layer contains Ba ferrite magnetic powder, has a coercive force of 2500 Oersted and a thickness of 10 μm. Further, a protective layer (thickness: 3 μm) made of a polyurethane resin coating was formed on the entire surface so as to cover the magnetic layer.

Next, the card substrate was punched into a JIS II card size to produce a card-shaped magnetic recording medium as shown in FIG. Note that a plurality of types of magnetic recording media having different positions of the magnetic information recording area were manufactured by variously changing the punching position in the card short side direction at the time of punching.

In the magnetic information recording area of the above magnetic recording medium, FM with a track width of 10 mm and a write density of 200 bpi
The modulation data was recorded. This magnetic information recording has a write width of 1 so that recording can be performed over the entire width (10 mm) of the magnetic layer in a magnetic recording medium in which the position of the magnetic information recording area is different.
This was performed using a 5 mm magnetic head.

Next, two inductive magnetic heads (same performance) are placed so as to have a positional relationship as shown in FIG.
A reading device provided with was prepared. Each dimension shown in FIG. 4 was set as follows.

Magnetic head read width W: 5 mm Magnetic head arrangement interval G: 10.6 mm Magnetic information recording area width S: 10 mm Distance between magnetic information recording area and magnetic head (GS) /
2: 0.3 mm Distance L from the reference end to the center of the arrangement position of each magnetic head L: 15.3 mm Then, for each magnetic recording medium having a different position of the above magnetic information recording area, the above reading device is used. A reading was taken. As a result, the magnetic recording medium in which the distance from the long side of the card to the center of the magnetic information recording area has the optimum value (15.3 mm (same as the distance L)), and the magnetic information recording from the optimum value In the case of the magnetic recording medium in which the displacement amount of the area was within the range of ± 0.3 mm, no magnetic output was obtained with the two magnetic heads.

On the other hand, in a magnetic recording medium in which the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value is in the range of ± 0.3 mm to ± 5.3 mm, the magnetic head in the displacement direction produces a magnetic output proportional to the displacement. Obtained. No magnetic output was obtained with the other magnetic head. From this, it was confirmed that the displacement amount and the displacement direction of the magnetic information recording area can be detected by measuring the magnetic output.

Further, in a magnetic recording medium in which the amount of displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value is within the range of ± 5.3 mm to ± 10.3 mm, the magnetic information reading area has a larger width than the magnetic head. The recording area was completely covered, and the highest magnetic output was obtained.

Next, when the maximum magnetic output is set to 100% and the slice level of the magnetic output is set to 10%, the magnetic recording medium corresponding to this slice level has a width corresponding to the read width of the magnetic head in the displacement direction. Thus, the magnetic information recording area took 0.5 mm. Therefore, by setting the above-mentioned slice level and passing a magnetic recording medium whose magnetic output is equal to or lower than the slice level, the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value is ± 0.8.
The magnetic recording medium within the range of mm could be determined. (Example 2) In the same manner as in Example 1, a plurality of types of magnetic recording media having different positions of the magnetic information recording area (position in the card short side direction) were manufactured, and each magnetic recording medium was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1. Magnetic information was recorded.

Next, two inductive magnetic heads (same performance) are provided so as to have a positional relationship as shown in FIG.
A reading device provided with was prepared. Each dimension shown in FIG. 6 was set as follows.

The read width W of the magnetic head: 4 mm The spacing G of the magnetic head: 2 mm The width S of the magnetic information recording area: 10 mm The distance L from the reference end to the magnetic head H1: 12 mm The magnetism from the reference end Distance L to head H2: 22 mm
(L + 10 mm) Next, the magnetic recording medium was read by the reading device. As a result, in a magnetic recording medium in which the distance from the long side of the card to the end of the magnetic information recording area is an optimum value (12 mm (same as the above distance L)), the reading width of the two magnetic heads As a result, the magnetic information recording area was completely covered, and the two magnetic heads obtained the highest magnetic output.

On the other hand, in a magnetic recording medium in which the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value is within a range of ± 4.0 mm,
In the magnetic head in the direction opposite to the displacement direction, the magnetic information recording area started to come off, and the magnetic output decreased in proportion to the displacement amount. In the other magnetic head, the highest magnetic output was continuously obtained. From this, it was confirmed that it is possible to detect the displacement amount and the displacement direction of the magnetic information recording area by measuring the magnetic output.

Further, when the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value exceeds ± 6.0 mm, the magnetic head, which has obtained the highest magnetic output up to that time, decreases in magnetic output in proportion to the displacement. Was seen.

Next, when the maximum magnetic output is set to 100% and the slice level of the magnetic output is set to 87.5%, the magnetic recording medium having a magnetic output of 87.5% to 100% has an optimum value. ± 0.5 of the magnetic information recording area
mm. Therefore, by rejecting a magnetic recording medium whose magnetic output is lower than the slice level (87.5%), a magnetic recording medium whose displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value exceeds ± 0.5 mm is excluded. I was able to. Example 3 First, a magnetic paint having the following composition was prepared.

Composition of magnetic coating material : Permalloy powder: 41 parts by weight Polyurethane resin: 7 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone: 25 parts by weight Toluene: 25 parts by weight Isocyanate-based curing agent: 2 parts by weight Polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of 250 μm as a substrate A magnetic substrate is prepared by applying a gravure coat on the card substrate, and the magnetic paint is applied to the card substrate to a thickness of 14 μm.
m of the magnetic layer was formed. In the formation of the magnetic layer, a magnetic orientation treatment was performed using a counter magnet or a solenoid, followed by drying and solidification.

Next, in a predetermined region of the magnetic layer, the wavelength λ =
Using a Nd: YAG laser beam having an output of 1.06 μm and an output of 12 W, a plurality of minute concave portions were formed. The recesses are arranged along the scanning direction of the magnetic head, and the depth of the recesses is about 4 μm.
The width of the concave portion (width of the convex portion generated between the concave portions) was 80 μm, and the length of the concave portion (the direction perpendicular to the magnetic head scanning direction) was constant at 10 mm. Thus, a stripe-shaped magnetic information recording area having a width of 10 mm was formed.

Further, a protective layer (thickness: 3 μm) made of a polyurethane resin was formed on the magnetic layer in the same manner as in Example 1.

Next, the card substrate was punched into a JIS II card size to produce a card-shaped magnetic recording medium as shown in FIG. Note that a plurality of types of magnetic recording media having different positions of the magnetic information recording area were manufactured by variously changing the punching position in the card short side direction at the time of punching.

Next, a reading device having two magnetic heads (same performance) wound with two coils was manufactured so as to have a positional relationship as shown in FIG. Each dimension shown in FIG. 8 was set as follows.

Magnetic head read width W: 5 mm Magnetic head arrangement interval G: 5 mm Magnetic information recording area width S: 10 mm Distance L from the reference end to the center of the arrangement position of each magnetic head: 12 mm Next, the magnetic recording medium was read by the reading device while applying a reproduction bias current of 30 mA DC. As a result, the distance from the long side of the card to the center of the magnetic information recording area is optimal (12 mm (the above distance L
)), The same magnetic output was obtained with two magnetic heads.

On the other hand, in a magnetic recording medium in which the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value is within a range of ± 2.5 mm,
In the magnetic head in the displacement direction, the magnetic output increased in proportion to the displacement amount. In the magnetic head in the direction opposite to the displacement direction, the magnetic output decreased in proportion to the displacement amount. From this, it was confirmed that it is possible to detect the displacement amount and the displacement direction of the magnetic information recording area by measuring the magnetic output.

Further, in the magnetic recording medium in which the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value was within the range of ± 2.5 mm to ± 7.5 mm, the highest magnetic output was obtained with the magnetic head in the displacement direction. This maximum magnetic output was twice the magnetic output when the above displacement amount = 0. Also, no magnetic output was obtained with the magnetic head opposite to the displacement direction.

Further, when the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value exceeds ± 7.5 mm, the magnetic output of the magnetic head that has obtained the highest magnetic output is reduced, and the displacement is ± 12. With a magnetic recording medium exceeding 5 mm, no magnetic output was obtained.

Next, when the maximum magnetic output is set to 100%, the magnetic output when the displacement is 0 is set to 50%, and the slice levels of the magnetic output are set to 40% and 60%, In a magnetic recording medium having an output of 40% to 60%, the displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value is ± 0.5.
mm. Therefore, by rejecting a magnetic recording medium whose magnetic output deviates from the slice level (40% to 60%), a magnetic recording medium whose displacement of the magnetic information recording area from the optimum value exceeds ± 0.5 mm is excluded. We were able to.

[0066]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the fact that the magnitude of the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor changes depending on the relative position between the magnetic information recording area and the magnetic sensor is used, and at least one is used. The magnetic sensors are relatively scanned in the recording direction on the magnetic recording medium, and the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor is compared with a predetermined magnetic output change from a desired positional relationship between the magnetic information recording area and the magnetic sensor. As a result, since the position of the magnetic information recording area is detected, even when the magnetic information recording area cannot be optically detected, the position of the magnetic information recording area is reliably, safely, and easily detected. It is also possible to incorporate it into an existing magnetic recording medium reading device or magnetic recording medium processing machine. Further, by setting a predetermined magnetic output range in the above magnetic output change, it is possible to detect whether or not the magnetic information recording area is within the allowable position of the magnetic recording medium, and further, it is possible to detect the magnetic output range. The position detection accuracy can be arbitrarily set by changing the set width. Further, it is also possible to detect the amount of displacement from the position of the optimal magnetic information recording area from the magnitude of the magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card-shaped magnetic recording medium for describing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relationship between a magnetic output and a displacement amount of a magnetic information recording area in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a magnetic output and a displacement amount of a magnetic information recording area in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a magnetic output and a displacement amount of a magnetic information recording area in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between a magnetic output and a displacement amount of a magnetic information recording area in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Magnetic recording medium 2 ... Substrate 3 ... Magnetic information recording area 4 ... Hiding layer H, H1, H2 ... Magnetic sensor

Claims (5)

[Claims] In a method for detecting a position of a magnetic information recording area of a magnetic recording medium, at least one magnetic sensor is relatively scanned on the magnetic recording medium, and a magnetic output read by the magnetic sensor is previously stored in the magnetic sensor. A magnetic information recording area position detecting method comprising: detecting a position of a magnetic information recording area by comparing a magnetic output change set based on a positional relationship between the magnetic information recording area and a magnetic information recording area. 2. The position detection of a magnetic information recording area according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensor comprises one magnetic sensor having a reading width substantially equal to a width of the magnetic information recording area. Method. 3. The magnetic information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein two or more magnetic sensors are arranged on both outer sides in the width direction of the magnetic information recording area with an interval larger than the width. How to detect the position of the area. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein two or more magnetic sensors are arranged inside the width direction of the magnetic information recording area so that the read width ends of at least one magnetic sensor coincide with both ends of the width. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the position of the magnetic information recording area is detected. 5. A magnetic sensor according to claim 1, wherein two or more magnetic sensors are arranged so that at least one magnetic sensor reading portion straddles both ends of the magnetic information recording area in the width direction thereof. Item 3. The method for detecting the position of a magnetic information recording area according to Item 1.