JP2000259917A - Prepaid card system, reading and writing device and variable information updating method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prepaid card system for preventing the use of a prepaid card forged by copy or the like. SOLUTION: At the time of recording variable information updated according to the amount of spent money in a prepaid card 6, a reading/writing device updates the variable information of a variable area EA1 in which projecting and recessing parts are formed, and obtains the featured data of the new updated variable information, and includes the featured data in variable information to be recorded in a variable area EA2, and enciphers and records the variable information by using the obtained featured data as a key. After the completion of the recording-update of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2, the reading/writing device obtains the featured data of the variable information of the variable area EA1 again, and checks whether or not the variable information of the variable area EA2 can be decoded, and checks whether or not the obtained featured data are made coincident with the featured data included in the variable information when the variable information can be decoded.

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 reading apparatus and a variable information updating method for preventing use of a forged prepaid card.

[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), on each prepaid card, fixed information such as a card ID and a face value, and variable information such as a balance. A prepaid card on which variable information and fixed information are recorded is sold to each store from, for example, a card issuer.

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 purchase request from a user, a pre-paid card stored therein is subjected to a predetermined ticket issuing process to issue a ticket.
The issued prepaid card is used by a user, for example, in a reading device at a store. The reading device performs a predetermined check on the inserted prepaid card, and if the check result is appropriate, permits the use of the card. Then, the variable information including the balance information stored in the prepaid card is recorded and updated according to the consumption amount and the like, and is discharged.

[0004]

However, in such a system as described above, for example, variable information of an unused prepaid card is dead-copied to another card (for example, a card whose balance is exhausted) and an unauthorized card is deleted. There is a possibility that fraudulent acts of forging and attempting to use again may be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a prepaid card system, a reading device, and a variable information updating method capable of preventing unauthorized use of a prepaid card forged by illegal copying of data. 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: a recording device for recording variable information including amount information on a prepaid card; A reading device that updates the variable information stored in the prepaid card issued by the recording device in accordance with the amount of consumption, in the prepaid card system, wherein the prepaid card has irregularities as an area for storing the variable information. A first magnetic storage area and a second storage area, wherein the reading device acquires variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the inserted prepaid card. It is determined whether the variable information stored in the second storage area can be decrypted using the data as a key. Reading check means for prohibiting use of the card, and when the variable information updated in accordance with the consumption amount is recorded on the prepaid card, the characteristic data acquired for the variable information is used as a key in the second storage area. Updating means for encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded; acquiring the characteristic data of the variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card after completing the recording and updating of the variable information; Update check means for determining whether or not the variable information stored in the second storage area can be decrypted as a key, and performing a predetermined error process when decryption is not possible;
It is characterized by the following.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, it is checked whether the variable information in the second storage area can be decrypted using the characteristic data as a key. If the variable information in the second storage area cannot be decrypted using the key (characteristic data), that is, if the result of the check is not appropriate, the use of the prepaid card is not permitted. For this reason, for example, even if an unauthorized card forged by dead copy of an unused prepaid card is inserted into the reading device, the variable information in the second storage area is decoded by the characteristic data of the unauthorized card itself. Can not use fraudulent cards. That is, it is possible to prevent the use of the illegally copied dead card. The first magnetic storage area is provided with, for example, irregularities at random, and characteristic data obtained for variable information recorded and updated in this area is unique data for each card and each use. By using this characteristic data as an encryption key and performing collation using such characteristic data, security can be further improved.

[0008] The recording apparatus may include first recording means for recording variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and characteristic data obtained by the variable information recorded by the first recording means as a key. And second recording means for encrypting and recording variable information to be recorded in the second storage area.

It is preferable that the characteristic data is obtained based on a recording position of the variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card.

A reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities and a second storage area as areas for storing variable information including money information. A reading device that updates the variable information in accordance with the amount of money consumed for the prepaid card having, and acquires characteristic data for the variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the inserted prepaid card; Determining whether variable information stored in the second storage area can be decrypted using the characteristic data as a key, and if decryption is not possible, reading check means for prohibiting use of the card; When the variable information updated in accordance with the amount is recorded on the prepaid card, the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area is used as a key with the characteristic data obtained for the variable information as a key. Updating means for encrypting and recording and updating the variable information, and after completing the recording and updating of the variable information, obtains characteristic data for the variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and uses the obtained characteristic data as a key to obtain the second data. Update checking means for judging whether or not the variable information stored in the second storage area can be decoded, and performing predetermined error processing when decoding cannot be performed.

In the above-mentioned reading apparatus, the characteristic data may be obtained based on a recording position of the variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card.

Further, in the variable information updating method according to a third aspect of the present invention, as the area for storing variable information including money amount information, a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities, and a second storage area. For a prepaid card having an area and
A variable information updating method in a prepaid card system including a reading device that updates the variable information according to a consumption amount, wherein the reading device records the variable information updated according to the consumption amount on the prepaid card. An updating step of encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area using the characteristic data obtained for the variable information as a key; and after completing the update of the variable information, updating the prepaid card. Acquiring characteristic data for the variable information in the first magnetic storage area and determining whether or not the variable information stored in the second storage area can be decrypted using the acquired characteristic data as a key; And an update check step of performing a predetermined error process when decoding cannot be performed.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, it is checked whether the variable information in the second storage area can be decrypted using the characteristic data as a key. If the variable information in the second storage area cannot be decrypted using the key (characteristic data), that is, if the result of the check is not appropriate, the use of the prepaid card is not permitted. For this reason, for example, even if an unauthorized card forged by dead copy of an unused prepaid card is inserted into the reading device, the variable information in the second storage area is decoded by the characteristic data of the unauthorized card itself. Can not use fraudulent cards. That is, it is possible to prevent the use of the illegally copied dead card. The first magnetic storage area is provided with, for example, irregularities at random, and characteristic data obtained for variable information recorded and updated in this area is unique data for each card and each use. Since this feature data is used as an encryption key, and such feature data is used for collation, security can be further improved.

In the variable information updating method, the characteristic data may be obtained based on a recording position of the variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card.

[0015]

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. (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card system according to a first embodiment includes a magnetic coating device 1, a recording device 2, a reading device 3, a relay device 4, a center 5, and the like. Among them, the reading device 3 and the relay device 4
Are installed in each store.

As shown in FIG. 2, the prepaid card 6 used in the present system has a variable area for storing variable information (balance, date of use, etc.) which is recorded and updated every time the prepaid card 6 is used. It has an EA and a fixed area EB for storing fixed information (card ID, face value, etc.) that is not updated or recorded. The variable area EA includes two variable areas EA1 and EA2. Details of recording data in these storage areas will be described later.

The magnetic coating apparatus 1 is disposed, for example, in a factory for manufacturing the prepaid card 6 and coats a predetermined sheet with a magnetic material. The sheet coated with the magnetic material by the magnetic coating device 1 is punched out by a device of a predetermined size (a prepaid card type) by another device in a manufacturing plant, for example, and supplied to the recording device 2. You. The magnetic coating apparatus 1 includes an application unit that applies a magnetic material to a predetermined sheet for generating the prepaid card 6, and a roller that applies irregularities (paint spots) to the sheet to which the magnetic material is applied. On the surface of the roller, irregularities are provided at random so that a coating spot of the magnetic material is generated in a predetermined area of the sheet. By coating the sheet with a magnetic material by the magnetic coating apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. It should be noted that the area on the card where the uneven coating spots are formed is set so as to cover the variable area EA shown in FIG.

The recording device 2 is a device for recording variable information (initial value) and fixed information on the prepaid card 6 at the card issuer. The recording device 2 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), a card recording unit 21, a control unit 23, and a storage unit 25 are provided.

The card recording unit 21 includes a transport mechanism for transporting the card, a card reader / writer, and the like, and records predetermined data on the prepaid card 6 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 23.

The control section 23 records variable information in two variable areas of the prepaid card 6 via the card recording section 21. At this time, the variable information is divided into the variable areas EA1.
And EA2 may be recorded, or part or all of the variable information may be overlapped and recorded in the variable areas EA1 and EA2.
First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 23 records predetermined variable information Da in the variable area EA1 provided with uneven coating spots.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 23 stores the start position of the variable information Da from the end of the card into the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 via the card recording unit 21. The variable information including the characteristic data Ra obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform obtained in the parts up to (hereinafter, the characteristic portion La) is encrypted using the characteristic data Ra as a key and recorded in the variable area EA2.

The control unit 23 records the fixed information including the card ID and the amount of money in the fixed area EB of the prepaid card 6 via the card recording unit 21. Further, the control unit 23 controls the entire recording device 2.

The storage unit 25 stores fixed information, variable information, and the like to be recorded on the prepaid card 6 to be issued.

The reading device 3 is connected to, for example, a vending machine (not shown) for renting out game media, receives the inserted prepaid card 6, and pays for the game media lent to the user by the vending machine. Is an apparatus for recording and updating variable information (amount information, etc.) recorded on the prepaid card 6 in accordance with the above. The reading device 3 includes a data reading unit 31, a control unit 33, and a storage unit 35, as shown in FIG.
And a communication unit 37.

The data reading unit 31 takes in the prepaid card 6 inserted into a card insertion slot (not shown),
In accordance with an instruction from the control unit 33, the data reading / writing of the data recorded on the prepaid card 6 is performed.

The control unit 33 reads the fixed information stored in the fixed area EB of the inserted prepaid card 6, and checks the variable information stored in the variable areas EA1 and EA2. Perform processing. In this decryption check process, the control unit 33
Is the inserted prepaid card 6 as shown in FIG.
, The variable information D stored in the variable area EA1
a corresponding to the characteristic information La (variable information Da from the end of the card)
Of the variable region E using the feature data Ra obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read from the portion up to the start position of the variable region E as a key.
Attempt to decode the variable information stored in A2. Then, when the decoding is successful, the feature data Ra included in the variable information of the decoded variable area EA2 is further obtained,
It is checked whether the feature data Ra used as the key matches.

The control unit 33 determines whether the result of the decoding check is incorrect (that is, if the decoding is not successful, and even if the decoding is successful, the characteristic data Ra do not match. ), Predetermined error processing is performed.

The control unit 33 performs another predetermined check on the card for which the result of the decryption check is appropriate, for example, whether the balance is equal to or less than the face value and whether the card ID corresponds to the card ID of the unauthorized card. If the result of the check is also appropriate, the use of the card is permitted, and for example, in response to a consumption notification from a vending machine (not shown), the variable area E of the card is
The balance information and the like of the variable information Da read from A1 are updated.

Then, in response to an instruction to eject the prepaid card 6 from the outside, the control unit 33 controls the variable areas EA1 and EA2 of the card based on the updated new variable information.
Of the variable information, and an encryption check process for confirming that the update of the variable information has been correctly performed.

In this encryption check processing, the control unit 33
Rewrites the variable information Da of the prepaid card 6 to be processed. Next, the characteristic data Ra for the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 is acquired, the acquired characteristic data Ra is included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2, and the characteristic data Ra of the variable information Da is used as a key in the variable area EA2. The variable information to be recorded is encrypted and recorded.

After the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2, the control unit 33 checks the characteristic data Ra corresponding to the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 in order to confirm that the variable information has been correctly recorded. And attempts to decrypt the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 using the obtained characteristic data Ra as a key. The control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process when the decoding is not successful.
If the decoding is successful, the control unit 33 further checks whether or not the acquired feature data Ra matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2. Performs a predetermined error process.

The control unit 33 discharges the prepaid card 6 for which the result of the above-mentioned encryption check is proper from a discharge port (not shown), and generates sales information including information on the card ID, consumption amount, date of use, and the like. , Stored and stored in the storage unit 35,
The information is transmitted to the relay device 4 at a predetermined timing (for example, reception of an information request from the relay device 4).

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, when a predetermined sheet for punching a card is coated with a magnetic material in the manufacturing process of the prepaid card 6, the prepaid card 6 is formed by using a roller or the like having irregularities on its surface. Is applied to the predetermined area (the area corresponding to the variable area EA1) of the magnetic material having irregularities. In this manner, when information is recorded in the variable area EA1 of the prepaid card 6 provided with irregularities and the recorded magnetic information is read, for example, as shown in FIG. Changes randomly according to the unevenness in the variable area EA1. Therefore, the magnetic waveform acquired from the variable area EA1 is a random waveform different for each card.

The start position of the variable information Da recorded on each card is substantially different every time the card is used due to an error in the recording start position generated when the variable information is recorded on the prepaid card 6. Therefore, in the variable area EA1 in which the output waveform varies from card to card, the position of the characteristic portion La also varies as the recording start position of the variable information varies, so that the characteristic data Ra obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform acquired for the characteristic portion La Is unique data for each card and for each use. Therefore, the security of the system can be improved by performing the characteristic data collation check when the card is inserted, after updating the variable information, and the like.
Further, in this system, every time the card is used, it is checked whether the variable information of the variable area EA2 can be decrypted using the characteristic data Ra as a key, and the characteristic data Ra included in the decrypted variable information and the acquired characteristic data Ra Is checked to see if they match. Then, the use of the prepaid card is permitted only when the result of each check is appropriate. For this reason, for example, even if an unauthorized card forged by dead copy of an unused prepaid card is inserted into the reading device, the variable information of the variable area EA2 can be decoded with the characteristic data Ra of the unauthorized card itself. Cannot use fraudulent cards. That is, it is possible to prevent the use of the illegally copied dead card.

Next, the operation of the recording device 2 and the reading device 3 which are main parts of the present system will be described. First, the operation of the recording device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The control unit 23 of the recording device 2 takes out the prepaid card 6 stored in the storage unit (not shown) in response to, for example, an external issuance instruction of the prepaid card 6, and outputs the fixed information (card face) stored in the storage unit 25. (Amount, card ID, etc.) and read the prepaid card 6 to be issued.
Is recorded via the card recording unit 21 in the fixed area EB (step S11).

Next, the control section 23 reads the variable information (balance information, etc.) from the storage section 25 and stores the variable area E
The data to be recorded in A1 is set as variable information Da via a card recording unit 21 in a variable area EA having irregularities.
1 (step S12). Next, the control unit 23
Acquires the characteristic data Ra obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform in the characteristic portion La corresponding to the variable information Da from the variable region EA1 having the unevenness (step S13), and converts the characteristic data Ra into the variable region EA2. In the variable area to be recorded in the variable area EA2, and the encrypted data is recorded in the variable area EA2 (step S14). Thereby, the prepaid card 6 on which the fixed information and the variable information are recorded is issued. The issued prepaid card 6 is supplied to each store, stored in a ticketing machine (not shown) in the store,
Sold to users.

Next, the operation of the reading device 3 for processing the prepaid card 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The control unit 33 of the reading device 3 takes in the inserted prepaid card 6 and reads the fixed information stored in the fixed area EB of the prepaid card 6 via the data reading unit 31 (step S21). Next, the control unit 33 performs a decryption check process shown in FIG. 11 on the inserted prepaid card 6 (step S2).
2).

In this decryption check processing, the control unit 33
Attempts to decode the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 by using the characteristic data Ra acquired for the characteristic section La corresponding to the variable information Da stored in the variable area EA1 provided with irregularities as a key. (Step S3
1). Next, the control unit 33 determines whether or not decoding of the variable information has been successful (step S32). Step S3
If it is determined in Step 2 that decoding of the variable information has not been successful, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (Step S34). When it is determined that the decoding has been successful, the control unit 33 transmits the characteristic portion L corresponding to the variable information Da.
It is determined whether or not the feature data Ra acquired for a matches the feature data included in the decoded variable information (step S33). In step S33,
When it is determined that the compared data does not match, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (Step S34).
If it is determined that the compared data match, the flow returns to the main processing shown in FIG.

When the decryption check processing is completed, the control unit 33 updates the variable information read from the prepaid card 6 according to the amount of consumption and the like (step S23). Then, for example, in response to a request from the user to discharge the prepaid card 6, an encryption check process shown in FIG. 12 is performed (step S24).

In this encryption check processing, the control unit 33
Rewrites the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness (step S40). Variable information D
After rewriting a, the control unit 33 acquires the characteristic data Ra of the characteristic part La corresponding to the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness (Step S).
41). Next, the control unit 33 includes the feature data Ra corresponding to the variable information Da acquired in step S41 in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 (step S4).
2). Next, the control unit 33 encrypts and updates the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 using the characteristic data Ra corresponding to the variable information Da as a key (step S4).
3).

After the recording and updating of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 are completed, the control unit 33 checks whether the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 has been correctly recorded. The characteristic data Ra corresponding to the variable information Da in the area EA1 is obtained again (step S44), and the decryption of the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 is attempted using the obtained characteristic data Ra as a key (step S45). Then, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the decoding of the variable information in Step S45 is successful (Step S46).

If the control unit 33 determines that the decoding has not been successful, it performs a predetermined error process (step S4).
8). On the other hand, if it is determined that the decryption was successful,
It is determined whether or not the feature data Ra acquired in step S44 matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2 (step S4).
7). If it is determined in step S47 that the compared data does not match, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (step S48). If it is determined that the compared data match, the flow returns to the main processing shown in FIG.

When the encryption check processing is completed, the control unit 33 discharges the prepaid card 6 from a discharge port (not shown) (step S25), and checks the card ID, consumption amount,
Sales information including information such as the date of use is generated and stored (step S26), and the process ends. The sales information stored and stored in the storage unit 35 of the reading device 3 is transmitted to the relay device 4 at a predetermined timing.

As described above, in this system, each time a card is used, it is checked whether the variable information of the variable area EA2 can be decrypted by using the characteristic data Ra different for each card as a key, and included in the decrypted variable information. Feature data Ra
And whether the acquired feature data Ra matches or not is checked. Then, the use of the prepaid card is permitted only when the result of each check is appropriate. For this reason, for example, even if an unauthorized card forged by dead copy of an unused prepaid card is inserted into the reading device 3, the variable information in the variable area EA2 is decoded by the characteristic data Ra of the unauthorized card itself. Can not use fraudulent cards. That is, it is possible to prevent the use of the illegally copied dead card. In addition, the security of the system can be enhanced by checking the characteristic data, which is unique data for each card and each use, when the card is inserted or after updating the variable information.

In the above description, when the recording device 2 and the reading device 3 encrypt the variable information using the characteristic data Ra, the variable information includes the characteristic data Ra.
By not including the feature data Ra in the variable information, the encryption process can be simplified and speeded up. In the above description, in the decryption check processing and the encryption check processing, the reading device 3 attempts to decrypt the variable information using the characteristic data Ra, and when the variable information is decrypted, further acquires the acquired characteristic. The data Ra and the characteristic data Ra included in the decoded variable information were collated. However, prevention of unauthorized use of the card is sufficiently achieved by judging whether or not the variable information can be decrypted by using the acquired characteristic data Ra and permitting the use of the prepaid card only when the decryption can be performed. If it is, there is no need to collate the feature data Ra.

In the above description, the characteristic data Ra is
The data obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform obtained for the characteristic portion La which is a portion from the end of the card to the start position of the variable information Da is data obtained by quantization, but is not limited to this, and is determined based on the storage position of the variable information. Any unique data may be used, and the determination method is arbitrary. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, in the prepaid card 6, the variable information and the fixed information may be stored on the same track. In this case as well, predetermined data corresponding to the recording position of the variable information Da may be processed as the characteristic data in the same manner as described above.

Further, the prepaid card may be realized as a card provided with a magnetic storage unit and an IC chip.
In this case, a variable area EA1 having irregularities may be provided in the magnetic storage unit, and variable information to be stored in the variable area EA2 may be stored in the memory of the IC chip.

The card used in this system is
A no-value card that does not store the amount information may be used. In this case, for example, the amount information of each user is managed by a center or the like, and when the card is used, the center or the like is accessed by using information (card ID or the like) stored in the card that can identify the user as a key, A process of extracting a predetermined amount of money from the corresponding user's amount information may be performed.

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.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Each time the card is used, it is checked whether the variable information in the second storage area can be decrypted using the characteristic data as a key. If the variable information in the second storage area cannot be decrypted using the key (characteristic data), that is, if the result of the check is not appropriate, the use of the prepaid card is not permitted. For this reason, for example, even if an unauthorized card forged by dead copy of an unused prepaid card is inserted into the reading device, the variable information in the second storage area is decoded by the characteristic data of the unauthorized card itself. Can not use fraudulent cards. That is, it is possible to prevent the use of the illegally copied dead card.

The first magnetic storage area is provided with, for example, irregularities at random, and the characteristic data obtained for the variable information recorded and updated in this area is unique for each card and each use. . By using this feature data for collation, encryption, and the like, security can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating irregularities in a predetermined area of the prepaid card when manufacturing the prepaid card.

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

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the recording device of FIG. 4 records variable information on a prepaid card.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a reading device used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the reading device of FIG. 6 checks variable information of an inserted prepaid card.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the amplitude (or modulation) of a magnetic signal obtained when magnetic information recorded in a variable area EA1 of a prepaid card is read.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a decryption check process performed on a prepaid card inserted into the reading device of FIG. 6;

12 is a flowchart showing a cipher check process performed when recording and updating variable information of a prepaid card inserted into the reading apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a storage area of a prepaid card.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 magnetic coating device 2 recording device 3 reading device 4 relay device 5 center 6 prepaid card 21 card recording unit 23 control unit 25 storage unit 31 data reading unit 33 control unit 35 storage unit 37 communication unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A recording device for recording and issuing variable information including amount information on a prepaid card, and a reading device for updating the variable information stored on the prepaid card issued by the recording device in accordance with a consumption amount. A prepaid card comprising: a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities as an area for storing variable information;
The reading device is stored in the second storage region using, as a key, the characteristic data obtained for the variable information stored in the first magnetic storage region of the inserted prepaid card. Determining whether or not the variable information that can be decrypted can be decrypted, and if decryption cannot be performed, reading check means for prohibiting the use of the card; and recording the variable information updated according to the consumption amount on the prepaid card. Updating means for encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area by using the characteristic data acquired for the variable information as a key; and Characteristic data of the variable information in the first magnetic storage area, and using the acquired characteristic data as a key,
Update check means for determining whether or not the variable information stored in the storage area can be decoded, and performing a predetermined error process when the variable information cannot be decoded, comprising: a prepaid card; system. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is a first payment card.
First recording means for recording variable information in a magnetic storage area of
A second recording unit that encrypts and records the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, using the characteristic data obtained for the variable information recorded by the first recording unit as a key. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein 3. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic data is obtained based on a recording position of the variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card. . 4. A prepaid card having a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities and a second storage area as an area for storing variable information including money amount information.
A reading device that updates the variable information according to a consumption amount, wherein characteristic data is obtained for variable information stored in a first magnetic storage area of an inserted prepaid card, and the characteristic data is used as a key, Determining whether the variable information stored in the second storage area can be decoded,
Reading decryption means for prohibiting the use of the card when decryption is not possible; and storing the variable information updated in accordance with the consumption amount in the prepaid card, using the characteristic data obtained for the variable information as a key, Updating means for encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area; and acquiring characteristic data for the variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card after the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information; Using the acquired feature data as a key, the second
A reading checker for determining whether or not the variable information stored in the storage area can be decoded, and performing a predetermined error process if the variable information cannot be decoded. 5. The reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the characteristic data is obtained based on a recording position of the variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card. 6. A prepaid card having a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities and a second storage area as an area for storing variable information including money information.
A variable information updating method in a prepaid card system including a reading device that updates the variable information according to a consumption amount, wherein the reading device records the variable information updated according to the consumption amount on the prepaid card. Then, using the characteristic data obtained for the variable information as a key, the second
An update step of encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the storage area, and after completing the update of the variable information, acquiring characteristic data for the variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card; An update check step of determining whether variable information stored in the second storage area can be decrypted using the acquired feature data as a key, and performing a predetermined error process if decryption is not possible; A variable information updating method, comprising: