JP2000030132A - Pre-paid card system, recording device, reading device, ticket issuing machine and illegal card detecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the use of an illegal card due to forgery such as a copy by reading a first track, detecting the overlapped part of fixed information and variable information, generating waveform information based on a magnetic waveform and judging whether or not the waveform information substantially coincides with waveform information included in the variable information recorded in a second track. SOLUTION: A pre-paid card is inserted into a card insertion port for its use. Then, magnetic information as of a track T1 of the inserted pre-paid card is read, and the overlapped area of variable information and fixed information is detected (S21). A magnetic waveform read from the detected overlapped area is quantized (S22) and is compared with waveform information in the variable information recorded in a track T2 of the pre-paid card and whether or not they substantially coincide with each other is judged (S23). When the compared information does not coincide in the judgment, the card is recognized as an illegal card and prescribed error processing is executed (S41).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prepaid card system, a recording device, a reading device, a ticket issuing machine, and a method for detecting an unauthorized card, which prevents use of an unauthorized card due to forgery of copying or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A prepaid card system has been realized in which a prepaid card storing money amount information having a monetary value is used to pay for a rental of a game medium or the like. The prepaid card system includes, for example, a recording device installed at a card issuer, a ticket issuing machine installed at each store, a reading device, and the like. The recording device records (encodes) initial information including a card ID, a face value, and the like on the prepaid card. The prepaid card on which the initial information is recorded is sold to each store from the card issuer, for example.

In each store, for example, a prepaid card purchased from a card issuer is stored in a ticket issuing machine. The ticketing machine is
In response to a prepaid card purchase request from the user, the prepaid card stored therein is taken out, and predetermined information such as a ticketing date is recorded and a ticket is issued. The issued prepaid card is used by a user, for example, in a reading device at a store. The reading device confirms that the inserted prepaid card is a usable card by performing a balance check, for example, and indicates the balance recorded on the prepaid card according to the payment amount (consumption amount). Record and update balance information and discharge.

[0004]

The information recorded on the prepaid card includes fixed information (card ID, denomination, etc.) which is recorded by a recording device and is not updated thereafter, and the prepaid card. And variable information (balance information and the like) that is recorded and updated by a reading device or the like every time. In such a system as described above, in order to illegally increase the balance of the prepaid card, there is a possibility that fraudulent acts such as dead copy of variable information of another prepaid card having a large balance to a prepaid card having a small balance may be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and has a prepaid card system, a recording device, a reading device, a ticket issuing machine, and an unauthorized card detection method capable of preventing use of an unauthorized card due to forgery of copying or the like. The purpose is to provide.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a prepaid card system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises fixed information which is recorded at the time of issuance and is not updated thereafter, and is updated every time the prepaid card is used. A variable information, a prepaid card having first and second tracks respectively recorded thereon, a recording device for recording and issuing the fixed information on the prepaid card, A reading device for recording and updating the variable information in the prepaid card, wherein the recording device comprises: a first fixed recording means for recording the fixed information on the first track of the prepaid card; A first variable recording unit for recording the variable information on the first track; a first fixed recording unit; After the recording of the fixed information and the variable information by the recording means is completed, the first track is read, a magnetic waveform at an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information is extracted, and waveform information based on the magnetic waveform is extracted. Generating means for generating; second fixed recording means for recording fixed information on the second track; and second variable means for recording the variable information including the waveform information by the generating means on the second track. Recording means, wherein the reading device reads the first track of the prepaid card to be processed, detects an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information, and extracts a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion. Extracting means; waveform information generating means for generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform extracted by the extracting means; and waveform information generating means for generating the waveform information. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the waveform information substantially matches the waveform information included in the variable information recorded on the second track of the prepaid card; and information compared by the discriminating means. If it is determined that they do not match, the prepaid card is identified as a fraudulent card, and the means for prohibiting use is determined to match the information compared by the determining means. And magnetically reads the first track, detects an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the updated variable information, extracts a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion, and generates a waveform based on the magnetic waveform. Updating means for generating information and including the variable information in the variable information recorded and updated in the second track.

According to such a configuration, the prepaid card has the first and second tracks in which both fixed information and variable information are stored respectively. Of these, the variable information is information that is rewritten each time the prepaid card is used, and its recording start position does not become the same position every time it is rewritten due to an error in the dimensions of each card, etc. Occurs. The recording start position of the variable information is
It often overlaps with an area of fixed information recorded in advance by a recording device. Since the error of the recording position generated at the start of the recording of the variable information cannot be manipulated artificially, the waveform generated by combining the waveforms of the variable information and the fixed information in the overlapping area is a unique waveform that differs for each prepaid card. That is, the waveform information generated based on the magnetic waveform also has a unique value which differs for each prepaid card. Therefore, in order to fraudulently increase the balance, if a card on which data of another prepaid card is fraudulently copied is used in one of the first and second tracks, Since it is determined that the waveform information acquired from the overlapping portion in the first track and the waveform information included in the variable information in the second track do not match, it is possible to easily detect that the card is an unauthorized card.

[0008] The first and second fixed recording means of the recording device, the fixed in the predetermined area of the first and second tracks of the prepaid card with a magnetic force higher than the magnetic force used by the reading device The information processing apparatus may further include means for recording information.

[0009] The prepaid card further includes an I
A C chip may be provided, and the variable information may be stored in the IC memory, and the information stored in the IC memory may be used in actual payment.

[0010] The prepaid card system may be a system for settling payment for lending pachinko balls or metal, which is a game medium in a pachinko parlor.

A recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: fixed information that is recorded at the time of issuance and is not updated thereafter;
In a prepaid card system using a prepaid card having first and second tracks in which both variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are recorded, a recording device for issuing the prepaid card is used. A first fixed recording means for recording the fixed information on the first track; a first variable recording means for recording the variable information on the first track;
After the recording of the fixed information and the variable information by the fixed recording means and the first variable recording means is completed, the first track is read, and a magnetic waveform at an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information is extracted. Generating means for generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform; second fixed recording means for recording fixed information on the second track; and the variable information including the waveform information by the generating means. And second variable recording means for recording on two tracks.

[0012] The first and second fixed recording means are provided in a predetermined area of the first and second tracks of the prepaid card with a magnetic force higher than a magnetic force used in a reading device for updating the variable information. Recording means for recording the fixed information and issuing the prepaid card may be provided.

[0013] The prepaid card further includes an I
A C chip may be provided, and the variable information may be stored in the IC memory, and the information stored in the IC memory may be used in actual payment.

[0014] The prepaid card issued by the recording device may be a card for paying for a pachinko ball or metal loan as a game medium in a pachinko parlor.

A reading device according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: fixed information that is recorded at the time of issuance and is not updated thereafter;
A reading device for processing a prepaid card in a prepaid card system using a prepaid card having first and second tracks in which both variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are recorded. Extracting means for magnetically reading the first track of the prepaid card, detecting an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information, and extracting a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion when the prepaid card is used. Waveform information generating means for generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform extracted by the extracting means; and the waveform information generated by the waveform information generating means is recorded on the second track of the prepaid card. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not it substantially matches the waveform information included in the variable information When, if the information compared by the determining means is determined not to match, and identifying the prepaid card as invalid card, and means for inhibiting use,
If it is determined that the compared information matches, the variable information in the first track is recorded and updated, the first track is magnetically read, and the fixed information and the updated variable information are updated. Generating means for detecting an overlapping portion with the information, extracting a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion, and generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform, and generating information on the variable information recorded on the second track by the generating means. Updating means for including the generated waveform information.

According to such a configuration, the prepaid card has the first and second tracks in which both the fixed information and the variable information are respectively stored. Of these, the variable information is information that is rewritten each time the prepaid card is used, and its recording start position does not become the same position every time it is rewritten due to an error in the dimensions of each card, etc. Occurs. The recording start position of the variable information is
It often overlaps with an area of fixed information recorded in advance by a recording device. Since the error in the recording position that occurs at the start of the recording of the variable information cannot be manipulated artificially, the waveform generated by combining the waveforms of the variable information and the fixed information in the overlapping area is a unique waveform that differs for each prepaid card. That is, the waveform information generated based on the magnetic waveform also has a unique value which differs for each prepaid card. Therefore, in the case where a card in which data of another prepaid card is illegally copied is used in one of the first and second tracks in order to illegally increase the balance, the reading device performs the first operation. Since the waveform information acquired from the overlapping portion in the track No. and the waveform information included in the variable information in the second track do not match,
An unauthorized card can be easily detected.

The above prepaid card further includes an I
A C chip may be provided, and the variable information may be stored in the IC memory, and the information stored in the IC memory may be used in actual payment.

[0018] The prepaid card processed by the reading apparatus may be a card for paying for a loan of a pachinko ball or metal as a game medium in a pachinko parlor.

A ticket issuing machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: fixed information that is recorded at the time of issuance and is not updated thereafter;
A ticketing machine for issuing a prepaid card in a prepaid card system using a prepaid card having first and second tracks on which both variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are recorded. Storing means for storing a prepaid card to be issued, taking out the prepaid card stored in the storing means, magnetically reading the first track of the prepaid card, and reading the fixed information and the variable information Extracting means for detecting an overlapping portion of the magnetic field and extracting a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion; waveform information generating means for generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform extracted by the extracting means; Before the recorded waveform information is recorded on the second track of the prepaid card. Discriminating means for discriminating whether the matched waveform information and substantially included in the variable information, if the information compared by the determining means is determined not to match,
Means for identifying the prepaid card as an unauthorized card and prohibiting ticket issuance.

The above prepaid card further includes an I
A C chip may be provided, and the variable information may be stored in the IC memory, and the information stored in the IC memory may be used in actual payment.

[0021] The prepaid card issued by the ticketing machine may be a card for paying for a pachinko ball or metal loan as a game medium in a pachinko parlor.

Further, in the fraudulent card detection method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, both the fixed information which is recorded at the time of issuance and is not updated thereafter and the variable information which is updated each time a prepaid card is used are recorded. A prepaid card having first and second tracks to be recorded, a recording device that records and issues the fixed information on the prepaid card, and a reading device that is arranged in each store and records and updates the variable information in the prepaid card A first fixed recording step of recording the fixed information on the first track of the prepaid card in the recording device; and A first variable recording step of recording the variable information, the first fixed recording step, and the first variable recording step After the recording of the fixed information and the variable information is completed, the first track is read, a magnetic waveform at an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information is extracted, and waveform information based on the magnetic waveform is generated. A generation step; a second fixed recording step of recording fixed information on the second track; and a second variable recording step of recording the variable information including the waveform information obtained by the generation step on the second track. And when the prepaid card is used, the reading device magnetically reads the first track of the prepaid card, detects an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information, and generates a magnetic waveform at the overlapping portion. An extraction step of extracting
A waveform information generating step of generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform extracted by the extracting step; and the waveform information generated by the waveform information generating step is recorded on the second track of the prepaid card. A determining step of determining whether or not the waveform information included in the variable information substantially matches; and if it is determined that the information compared by the determining step does not match,
If it is determined that the information compared in the prohibition step of identifying the prepaid card as an unauthorized card and prohibiting use thereof and the discrimination step match, the variable information in the first track is recorded and updated, and One track is magnetically read, an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the updated variable information is detected, a magnetic waveform at the overlapping portion is extracted, and waveform information based on the magnetic waveform is generated. And updating the variable information to be recorded and updated in the second track.

According to such a configuration, the prepaid card has the first and second tracks in which both the fixed information and the variable information are respectively stored. Of these, the variable information is information that is rewritten each time the prepaid card is used, and its recording start position does not become the same position every time it is rewritten due to an error in the dimensions of each card, etc. Occurs. The recording start position of the variable information is
It often overlaps with an area of fixed information recorded in advance by a recording device. Since the error of the recording position generated at the start of the recording of the variable information cannot be manipulated artificially, the waveform generated by combining the waveforms of the variable information and the fixed information in the overlapping area is a unique waveform that differs for each prepaid card. That is, the waveform information generated based on the magnetic waveform also has a unique value that differs for each prepaid card. Therefore, in the case where a card in which data of another prepaid card is illegally copied is used in one of the first and second tracks in order to illegally increase the balance, the reading device performs the first operation. Since the waveform information acquired from the overlapping portion in the track No. and the waveform information included in the variable information in the second track do not match,
An unauthorized card can be easily detected.

In the first and second fixed recording steps, the fixed information is recorded in a predetermined area of the first and second tracks of the prepaid card with a magnetic force higher than a magnetic force used in the reading device. May be provided.

The above-mentioned prepaid card further includes an I
A C chip may be provided, and the variable information may be stored in the IC memory, and the information stored in the IC memory may be used in actual payment.

[0026] The prepaid card may be a card for paying for a pachinko ball or metal loan as a game medium in a pachinko parlor.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A prepaid card system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This prepaid card, as shown in FIG.
It includes a recording device 1, a ticket issuing machine 2, a reading device 3, a relay device 4, a center 5, and the like. The recording device 1 and the center 5 are installed at the card issuer, and the ticket issuing machine 2, the reading device 3, and the relay device 4 are installed at each store.

As shown in FIG. 2, the prepaid card 6 used in the present system includes two tracks T1,
It has T2. In each of the tracks T1 and T2, both fixed information which is recorded by the recording device 1 at the time of card issuance and is not updated thereafter in the reading device 3 or the like, and variable information which is updated every time the prepaid card 6 is used are stored. Be recorded.

The recording device 1 is a device for recording and issuing fixed information such as a card ID and a bill amount on a prepaid card 6 at a card issuer. The recording device 1
As shown in FIG. 3, the card recording unit 11 and the control unit 13
And a storage unit 15.

The card recording section 11 includes a magnetic head and the like, and records data on the prepaid card 6 according to an instruction from the control section 13. The control unit 13 includes the card recording unit 1
1, fixed information is recorded on a track T1. In recording the fixed information, the control unit 13 uses a high coercive force that enables data to be rewritten by a magnetic force higher than the magnetic force used by the reading device 3 and the like to read and write data. Next, the control unit 13 controls the track T1 on which the fixed information is recorded.
The variable information is recorded in the
A predetermined area where the variable information and the fixed information overlap (hereinafter referred to as an overlap area) is detected, and the magnetic waveform read in the overlap area is quantized to acquire waveform information.

As a method of detecting the overlapping area, for example,
In the fixed information, ETX (end of end) indicating the end of data is used.
text), post information "0" is recorded continuously,
In the variable information, STX (start
The pre-information “1” is recorded continuously before the “text of text”, and when the track T1 is read, a portion that cannot be normally read between the fixed information ETX and the variable information STX,
That is, a method is used in which a portion that cannot be read in any of the post information “0” and the pre-information “1” is detected as an overlapping area.

Next, the control unit 13 records the fixed information on the track T2 using the high coercive force similarly to the track T1. After the recording is completed, the control unit 13 records the variable information including the waveform information on the track T2, and issues the prepaid card 6. The storage unit 15 stores fixed information for recording on the prepaid card 6 and the like.

The ticketing machine 2 stores a prepaid card 6 on which fixed information is recorded by the recording device 1, takes out the prepaid card 6 stored therein in response to a purchase request from a user, and performs a predetermined ticketing process. And discharge.

The reading device 3 is connected to, for example, a vending machine (not shown) for renting out game media and the like, accepts the prepaid card 6 on which the ticketing process has been performed by the ticketing machine 2, and allows the vending machine to use the user. This is an apparatus for updating variable information including balance information recorded on the prepaid card 6 in accordance with the value of the game medium lent to. As shown in FIG. 4, the reading device 3 includes a data reading unit 31, a control unit 33, a storage unit 35, and a communication unit 37.

The data reading section 31 has a magnetic head and the like, and reads / writes data stored in the prepaid card 6 inserted into a card insertion slot (not shown) according to an instruction from the control section 33.

The control unit 33 reads magnetic information from the inserted track T1 of the prepaid card 6 via the data reading / reading unit 31, and detects an overlapping area between the variable information and the fixed information. Next, the control unit 33 determines whether the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read from the detected overlapping area matches the waveform information in the variable information recorded on the track T2 of the inserted prepaid card 6. It is determined whether or not.

In this determination, if the compared information does not match, the control unit 33 recognizes the card as a fraudulent card and executes a predetermined error process. When the compared information matches, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined check in addition to the check on the overlapping area. The predetermined check includes, for example, checking whether the balance of the variable information recorded on the track T1 or T2 is equal to or less than the face value of the fixed information recorded on the track T1 or T2. If an error is detected, predetermined error processing is performed.

The control unit 33 confirms that the balance in the variable information of the prepaid card 6 for which all the above checks have been completed normally is not 0 yen, and changes the variable amount of the tracks T1 and T2 according to the consumption amount and the like. Record and update information. In updating the record of the variable information, the control unit 33
First, record and update the variable information on the track T1, verify the track T1, and detect a new overlapping area caused by the record update of the variable information. Next, the control unit 33
The magnetic waveform read in the detected overlapping area is quantized, the acquired new waveform information is included in variable information to be recorded on the track T2, and is recorded and updated on the track T2. In addition, the control unit 33 generates sales information indicating a consumption amount, a use date, and the like, and accumulates and stores the sales information in the storage unit 35. Further, the control unit 33 transmits the sales information stored in the storage unit 35 to the relay device 4 at a predetermined timing via the communication unit 37.

The storage unit 35 stores sales information and the like generated by the control unit 33 when the prepaid card 6 is used. The communication unit 37 controls communication between the reading device 3 and the relay device 4.

The relay device 4 collects and aggregates sales information and the like in each reading device 3 in the store, and transmits the collected information to the center 5 at a predetermined timing. The center 5 includes a computer or the like for controlling the entire system, and stores and manages sales information and the like received from the relay device 4 of each store.

In the present system, both fixed information and variable information are stored in each of two tracks provided on the prepaid card 6. The variable information is information that is rewritten each time the prepaid card 6 is used.
The recording start position does not become the same position every time rewriting occurs due to an error in the size of each card, and the recording start position is slightly shifted. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the recording start position of the variable information often overlaps with the area of the fixed information recorded in the recording device 1 in advance. In addition, since the fixed information is recorded with a high coercive force that cannot be rewritten by the reading device 3, at the recording start position of the variable information, as shown in FIG. Overlap,
There is a part (overlapping area) where data cannot be read normally. Since the error of the recording position generated at the start of the recording of the variable information cannot be manually operated, the waveform generated by combining the waveforms of the variable information and the fixed information in the overlapping area is a unique waveform that differs for each prepaid card 6. That is, the waveform information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform also has a unique value which differs for each prepaid card 6.

In such a prepaid card 6, for example, variable information including balance information equivalent to 1000 yen is stored in the track T1 (or T2), and variable information including balance information equivalent to 3000 yen is stored in the track T1 (or T2). Is a dead copy. Balance information is track T
1, when the variable information of the track T1 is dead-copied, the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read from the overlapping area of the fixed information and the copied variable information in the track T1 is , Does not match the waveform information recorded on the track T2. In addition, since the balance information exists in the track T2, the track T
2 is dead copied, the track T1
The information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read from the overlapping area of the fixed information and the variable information in the track T2
Does not match the waveform information in the copied variable information. Accordingly, the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform in the overlapping area of the track T1 is compared with the waveform information in the variable information of the track T2, thereby obtaining the track T1.
An unauthorized card in which one of T1 and T2 has been rewritten by copying or the like can be easily detected.

Next, the operation of the recording device 1 and the reading device 3, which are characteristic portions of the present system, will be described. First, the operation of the recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The recording device 1 takes out the prepaid card 6 stored in a storage unit (not shown) in response to, for example, an instruction to issue the prepaid card 6 from the outside, and stores the fixed information (card ID, bill amount, issuance date, etc.) in the track T1. Is recorded (encoded) using a high coercive force that enables data to be rewritten by a magnetic force higher than the magnetic force used by the reading device 3 for reading and writing data (step S11).

Next, the recording device 1 records variable information (balance, etc.) on the track T1 on which the fixed information is recorded (step S12). After the recording is completed, the recording device 1
In step 1, verification is performed to detect an overlapping area where variable information and fixed information overlap (step S13), and the magnetic waveform read in the overlapping area is quantized to generate waveform information (step S14).

Next, the recording device 1 records the fixed information on the track T2 with a high coercive force (step S15). After the recording is completed, the recording device 1 records the variable information including the waveform information generated in step S14 on the track T2 (step S16). The prepaid card 6 issued in this way is supplied to each store, and the ticketing machine 2 in the store is provided.
And provided to the user in response to a purchase request.

Next, the operation of the reading device 3 when the user uses the prepaid card 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. For example, the user inserts the prepaid card 6 into the card slot of the reading device 3 in order to use it. In response to this, the reading device 3 reads the magnetic information on the track T1 of the inserted prepaid card 6 via the data reading unit 31, and detects an area (overlap area) where the variable information and the fixed information overlap (step S1). S21). Next, the reading device 3 quantizes the magnetic waveform read from the detected overlapping area (step S2).
2) It is compared with the waveform information in the variable information recorded on the track T2 of the prepaid card 6 to determine whether or not they substantially match (step S23).

In this determination, when the compared information does not match, the reading device 3 recognizes the card as an unauthorized card and executes a predetermined error process (step S4).
1). If the compared information matches, the reading device 3
Performs a predetermined check other than the check on the overlapping area (step S24). This predetermined check includes, for example, checking whether or not the balance in the variable information recorded on the track T1 or T2 is equal to or less than the face value in the fixed information recorded on the track T1 or T2. Is detected, a predetermined error process similar to the above is performed (step S41).

The reading device 3 checks that the balance in the variable information is not 0 yen for the prepaid card 6 for which all the above checks have been completed normally (step S25), and for example, consumption from a vending machine (not shown). In order to record and update the variable information in the tracks T1 and T2 of the prepaid card 6 in response to the
Is updated (step S26), verification is performed, and a new overlapping area generated by updating the recording of the variable information is detected (step S27). Next, the reading device 3 records the new waveform information acquired by quantizing the magnetic waveform read in the detected overlapping area into the variable information to be recorded on the track T2 and records the new waveform information on the track T2 (step S28, S29).

If it is determined in step S25 that the balance is 0 yen, the reading device 3 ejects the prepaid card 6 (step S31), and ends the processing.
After updating the record of the variable information in the track T2 in step S29, the reading device 3 generates sales information including the amount of consumption, the date of use, and the like, stores the generated sales information in the storage unit 35 (step S30), and a vending machine (not shown). The prepaid card 6 is ejected in response to a request to eject the prepaid card 6 from the server (step S31), and the process is terminated.

In this way, the reading device 3 detects the overlapping area of the fixed information and the variable information in the track T1 of the inserted prepaid card 6, and quantizes the magnetic waveform in the area to obtain the information. It is determined whether the waveform information substantially matches the waveform information in the variable information stored in the track T2 of the card, and if not, the use of the prepaid card 6 is not permitted. As described above, the magnetic waveform in which the waveform of the fixed information and the waveform of the variable information detected in the overlapping area of the track T1 of the prepaid card 6 have different waveforms according to each prepaid card 6. Accordingly, for example, in order to illegally increase the balance of the prepaid card 6, the tracks T1, T
In the case where the variable information including the balance information among the variable information recorded in the second information is illegally rewritten, the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read from the overlapping area of the track T1 in the reading device 3 is: Since the information does not match the waveform information in the variable information in the track T2, the illegality can be easily detected.

Also, in the ticket issuing machine 2, prior to recording predetermined ticketing information including ticketing date information and the like on the prepaid card 6 to be issued, the overlapping area in the truck T1 is similar to the reading device 3 described above. It may be configured to check that the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read out from the TPC coincides with the waveform information in the variable information recorded on the track T2, and detect an unauthorized card.

Also, this prepaid card system,
The prepaid card is not limited to a system used for paying for a game medium or the like, and can be applied to various uses.

The prepaid card is not limited to a magnetic card, but may be an IC card. In this case, the IC card has a magnetic area in addition to the IC chip for storing the variable information and the like in the memory, and the magnetic field in the overlapping part of the arbitrary information recorded in the magnetic area in the same manner as described above. Obtaining magnetic information from the waveform, and using that magnetic information,
The prepaid card may be checked.

The present invention may be applied to a pachinko system. In this case, the game medium is a pachinko ball or metal, the store is a pachinko parlor, or the like, and the prepaid card is a prepaid card for a pachinko system. The reading device and a vending machine (not shown) are connected to a pachinko machine, and the vending machine includes a lending button for receiving a supply of pachinko balls or metal. When the lending button is pressed, a predetermined amount of pachinko balls or metal is supplied, and a consumption request for a predetermined amount is transmitted to a reading device connected to the vending machine, and the reading device is inserted, for example. The amount information of the prepaid card for pachinko is updated according to the consumption request.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The prepaid card has first and second tracks in which both fixed information and variable information are respectively stored. Of these, the variable information is information that is rewritten each time the prepaid card is used, and its recording start position does not become the same position every time it is rewritten due to an error in the dimensions of each card, etc. Occurs. In addition, the recording start position of the variable information often overlaps with the area of the fixed information recorded in advance by the recording device. Since the error of the recording position generated at the start of the recording of the variable information cannot be manipulated artificially, the waveform generated by combining the waveforms of the variable information and the fixed information in the overlapping area is a unique waveform that differs for each prepaid card. That is, the waveform information generated based on the magnetic waveform also has a unique value which differs for each prepaid card.

Therefore, in order to illegally increase the balance,
In the case where a card in which data of another prepaid card has been illegally copied is used in one of the first and second tracks, in the reading device, the waveform information acquired from the overlapping portion in the first track is used. Since the waveform information included in the variable information in the second track does not match, it is possible to easily detect that the card is an unauthorized card.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a prepaid card system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a structure of a storage area of a prepaid card used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a recording device used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a reading device used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a recording start position of variable information recorded by the reading device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a magnetic waveform in an overlapping area of fixed information and variable information recorded on a prepaid card.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the reading device of FIG. 4;

[Description of Signs] 1 Recording device 2 Ticketing machine 3 Reading device 4 Relay device 5 Center 6 Prepaid card 11 Card recording unit 13 Control unit 15 Storage unit 31 Data reading unit 33 Control unit 35 Storage unit 37 Communication unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takayuki Kamada 3-3-3 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo NTT Data Communications Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3E044 AA02 AA05 AA06 BA06 DD01 5B058 CA31 KA32 YA06

Claims (13)

[Claims] A prepaid card having first and second tracks on which both fixed information recorded at the time of issuance and not updated thereafter and variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are recorded. A prepaid card system comprising: a recording device that records and issues the fixed information on the prepaid card; and a reading device that is arranged in each store and records and updates the variable information in the prepaid card. A first fixed recording means for recording the fixed information on the first track of the prepaid card, and a first fixed recording means for recording the variable information on the first track.
Variable recording means, the first fixed recording means and the first
After the recording of the fixed information and the variable information by the variable recording means is completed, the first track is read, a magnetic waveform at an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information is extracted, and a waveform based on the magnetic waveform is extracted. Generating means for generating information, second fixed recording means for recording fixed information on the second track, and second variable recording means for recording the variable information including the waveform information by the generating means on the second track. Wherein the reading device reads the first track of the prepaid card to be processed, detects an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information, and outputs a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion. Extracting means for extracting; waveform information generating means for generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform extracted by the extracting means; The discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the obtained waveform information substantially matches the waveform information included in the variable information recorded on the second track of the prepaid card was compared with the discriminating means. If it is determined that the information does not match,
When the prepaid card is identified as a fraudulent card, and the means for prohibiting use is determined to match the information compared by the determining means, the variable information in the first track is recorded and updated and the first track is updated. Magnetically reads the track, detects an overlap between the fixed information and the updated variable information, extracts a magnetic waveform at the overlap, generates waveform information based on the magnetic waveform, And updating means to be included in the variable information to be recorded and updated in the track of the prepaid card system. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second fixed recording means include a magnetic force higher than a magnetic force used by said reading device in a predetermined area of said first and second tracks of said prepaid card. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for recording the fixed information. 3. A prepaid card having first and second tracks on which both fixed information recorded at the time of issuance and not updated thereafter and variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are respectively recorded. In a prepaid card system to be used, a recording device for issuing the prepaid card, a first fixed recording means for recording the fixed information on the first track, and the variable information on the first track A first variable recording unit for recording; after the fixed information and the variable information are recorded by the first fixed recording unit and the first variable recording unit, the first track is read, and the fixed information is read. Generating means for extracting a magnetic waveform at an overlapping portion of the second track and the variable information, and generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform; A second fixed recording means for recording information, and a second variable recording means for recording the variable information including the waveform information by the generating means on the second track. . 4. The first and second fixed recording means have a magnetic force higher than a magnetic force used in a reading device for updating the variable information in a predetermined area of the first and second tracks of the prepaid card. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising recording means for recording the fixed information with a magnetic force and issuing the prepaid card. 5. A prepaid card having first and second tracks on which both fixed information recorded at the time of issuance and not updated thereafter and variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are respectively recorded. What is claimed is: 1. A reading device for processing a prepaid card in a prepaid card system to be used, wherein when using the prepaid card, the first track of the prepaid card is magnetically read and the fixed information and the variable information are read. Extracting means for detecting an overlapping portion and extracting a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion; waveform information generating means for generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform extracted by the extracting means; The variable information recorded on the second track of the prepaid card. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the information substantially coincides with the waveform information included in the prepaid card. Prohibiting means, when it is determined that the information compared by the determining means coincides, the variable information in the first track is recorded and updated, and the first track is magnetically read, and the fixed information and the fixed information are read. Generating means for detecting an overlapped portion with the updated variable information, extracting a magnetic waveform at the overlapped portion, and generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform; and the variable information recorded on the second track Updating means for including the waveform information generated by the generating means. 6. A prepaid card having first and second tracks on which both fixed information recorded at the time of issuance and not updated thereafter and variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are respectively recorded. A ticketing machine for issuing a prepaid card in a prepaid card system to be used, comprising: storage means for storing a prepaid card to be issued, and taking out the prepaid card stored in the storage means, Extracting means for magnetically reading the first track, detecting an overlapping portion between the fixed information and the variable information, and extracting a magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion, based on the magnetic waveform extracted by the extracting means Waveform information generating means for generating waveform information; and the waveform generated by the waveform information generating means Determining means for determining whether or not information substantially matches waveform information included in the variable information recorded on the second track of the prepaid card; and information compared by the determining means does not match. Means for identifying the prepaid card as a fraudulent card and prohibiting ticket issuance. 7. A prepaid card having first and second tracks on which both fixed information recorded at the time of issuance and not updated thereafter and variable information updated each time the prepaid card is used are recorded. An unauthorized card detection method in a system comprising: a recording device that records and issues the fixed information on the prepaid card; and a reading device that is arranged in each store and records and updates the variable information in the prepaid card. In the recording device, a first fixed recording step of recording the fixed information on the first track of the prepaid card; a first variable recording step of recording the variable information on the first track; After the recording of the fixed information and the variable information by the first fixed recording step and the first variable recording step is completed, Reading the serial first track, to extract magnetic waveforms in the overlap portion between the said fixed information variable information,
A generating step of generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform; a second fixed recording step of recording fixed information on the second track; and the variable information including the waveform information obtained by the generating step is stored in the second track. A second variable recording step of recording on a track; and when the prepaid card is used, the reading device magnetically reads the first track of the prepaid card and overlaps the fixed information and the variable information. Detecting the magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion, extracting the magnetic waveform in the overlapping portion, generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform extracted in the extracting step, generating waveform information, and generating the waveform information in the waveform information generating step Waveform information is included in the variable information recorded on the second track of the prepaid card. A discriminating step for discriminating whether or not the information substantially matches the present waveform information; and when it is determined that the compared information does not match in the discriminating step, the prepaid card is identified as a fraudulent card, and use is prohibited. When it is determined that the information compared in the prohibition step and the determination step match, the variable information in the first track is recorded and updated, and the first track is magnetically read, and the fixed information and the updated Detecting an overlapping portion with the variable information, extracting a magnetic waveform at the overlapping portion, generating waveform information based on the magnetic waveform, and including the information in the variable information recorded and updated on the second track. A fraudulent card detection method, comprising: 8. The first and second fixed recording steps are performed in a predetermined area of the first and second tracks of the prepaid card with a magnetic force higher than a magnetic force used in the reading device. The unauthorized card detection method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of recording the unauthorized card. 9. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein said prepaid card system is a system for settling payment for lending pachinko balls or metal which is a game medium in a pachinko parlor. . 10. The prepaid card issued by the recording device is a card for paying for a pachinko ball or metal loan as a game medium in a pachinko parlor. Recording device. 11. The reading method according to claim 5, wherein the prepaid card processed by the reading device is a card for paying for a pachinko ball or metal loan as a game medium in a pachinko parlor. apparatus. 12. The ticket issuance according to claim 6, wherein the prepaid card issued by the ticketing machine is a card for paying for a pachinko ball or metal loan as a game medium in a pachinko parlor. Machine. 13. The fraudulent card detection method according to claim 7, wherein the prepaid card is a card for paying for a pachinko ball or metal loan as a game medium in a pachinko parlor.