JP2000259918A - 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 forgery such as copy. SOLUTION: At the time of updating variable information according to the spent sum of money, a reading/writing device recording-updates the variable information of the two variable information of a variable area EA1 in which projecting and recessing parts are formed which is not updated at the time of the previous card use, and obtains the featured data of the two variable information of the variable area EA1, and includes the featured data of the variable information which is not updated in variable information to be recorded in a variable area EA2, and enciphers and recording-updates the variable information by using the featured data of the updated variable information as a key. Afterwards, the reading/writing device obtains the featured data of the two variable information of the variable area EA1, and decodes the variable information of the variable area EA2 by using the featured data of the recording-updated variable information as a key, and checks whether or not the featured data of the variable information which is not updated are made coincident with the feature data which are included in the decoded variable information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a prepaid card system for preventing forgery of a prepaid card, a reading apparatus, and a variable information updating method.

[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, forgery processing of the card may be performed, for example, by copying the variable information of the prepaid card to another card. For example, the reading device performs various checks on the inserted card, and records and updates the variable information when the check results are proper. However, after the check is properly completed, the reading device records the variable information. Before updating, replace the card to be processed with another card (for example,
If the card is replaced with a card on which variable information such as balance information is not recorded, the variable information is recorded on another card that has been replaced. Thus, for example, a card with a large balance is inserted, and after a check at the time of insertion is completed, the card is replaced with a card in which variable information is not stored, and data of the card with a high balance is recorded, thereby forging a card. There is a risk that.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a prepaid card system, a reading device, and a variable information updating method which can prevent forgery of a prepaid card due to unauthorized copying of data. Aim.

[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 consumption amount. A first magnetic storage area and a second storage area, wherein the reading device is configured to read and write the two variable information of the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the inserted prepaid card. The characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has been recorded and updated at the time of the previous use of the prepaid card is stored in the second storage area as a key. The variable information is decoded, and it is determined whether or not the feature data obtained for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated last time matches the feature data included in the decoded variable information. If not, a reading check means for prohibiting the use of the card,
When the variable information updated according to the consumption amount is recorded on the prepaid card, of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area, the variable information that has not been updated when the previous card was used is used. A first update unit for recording and updating, and the characteristic data acquired for the variable information that has not been updated by the first update unit are included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card; Using the feature data obtained for the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating unit as a key,
Second updating means for encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card after the completion of the update of the variable information. Each of the characteristic data is obtained, the variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted using the characteristic data of the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating means as a key, and the first information is decrypted. It is determined whether or not the feature data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the updating unit matches the feature data included in the decoded variable information. If not, a predetermined error process is performed. Update checking means.

With this configuration, each time the card is used, only one of the two pieces of variable information is recorded and updated. For this reason, if the processing target card is replaced immediately before recording, even if one variable information is recorded on that card, the other variable information to be recorded does not exist. No proper feature data exists in the variable information in. Therefore, after updating the recording of one of the variable information, by comparing the characteristic data of the variable information that is not recorded, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a 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 one of the feature data as an encryption key and collating the other, security can be further improved.

[0008] The recording device is provided with a first prepaid card.
The first storage means for recording two pieces of variable information in the magnetic storage area of the second type, and the characteristic data obtained for one of the two pieces of variable information among the two pieces of variable information recorded by the first storage means are stored in the second storage section A second recording unit for encrypting and recording the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, using the characteristic data acquired for the other variable information as a key, while including the variable information in the variable information to be recorded in the area. May be
When the prepaid card to be processed is unused, the reading check means of the reading device acquires one of the two pieces of variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card. The variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted using the obtained characteristic data as a key, and the characteristic data obtained for the other variable information is included in the decrypted variable information. It may be provided with means for judging whether or not it matches, and when not matching, means for prohibiting use of the card, the first updating means of the reading device, when the prepaid card to be processed is unused, When the variable information updated according to the consumption amount is recorded, a unit for recording and updating one of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area may be provided. It said second updating means of the reading apparatus, when a prepaid card to be processed is not used,
The feature data acquired for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and the variable data that has been updated by the first updating unit is included. Means for encrypting variable information to be recorded in the second storage area by using the characteristic data obtained for the information as a key, and updating and updating the information. When the card is unused, after the recording and updating of the variable information is completed, the characteristic data is obtained for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the recording and updating are performed by the first updating means. The variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted using the characteristic data of the other variable information as a key, and the first update procedure is performed. Determining whether or not the feature data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated is the same as the feature data included in the decoded variable information. If the feature data does not match, a predetermined error process is performed. May be provided.

A prepaid card system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a recording device for recording and issuing variable information including amount information on a prepaid card, and a recording device for storing the prepaid card issued by the recording device. A reading device for updating the variable information according to the consumption amount, wherein the prepaid card has a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities as an area for storing the variable information; And a second storage area, wherein the reading device uses two pieces of characteristic data respectively acquired for two pieces of variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the inserted prepaid card, and encrypts the encrypted data. Is generated, and the generated encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the second storage area. And determining whether the characteristic data acquired for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated during the previous use of the prepaid card matches the characteristic data included in the variable information in the second storage area. If the compared encrypted data does not match, or if the compared characteristic data does not match,
Reading check means for prohibiting the use of the card, and, when the variable information updated according to the consumption amount is recorded on the prepaid card, of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area, A first updating unit for recording and updating the variable information that has not been updated, and a second storage unit of the prepaid card for storing the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has not been updated by the first updating unit. In addition to the variable information to be recorded in the area, encrypted data is generated using two pieces of feature data obtained for the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area, and the generated encrypted data is stored in the first magnetic storage area. Second updating means for adding and updating the variable information to be recorded in the storage area of the second storage area, and after completion of the update of the variable information, the first updating means of the prepaid card. Characteristic data for each of the two pieces of variable information in the memory area, generating encrypted data using the obtained two pieces of characteristic data, and generating the encrypted data using the variable information stored in the second storage area. It is determined whether or not it matches the encrypted data assigned to the variable information, and the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating means is included in the variable information in the second storage area. Update checking means for judging whether or not the data coincides with the characteristic data and performing predetermined error processing when the compared encrypted data does not match or when the compared characteristic data does not match.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, only one of the two pieces of variable information is recorded and updated. For this reason, if the processing target card is replaced immediately before recording, even if one variable information is recorded on that card, the other variable information to be recorded does not exist. No proper feature data exists in the variable information in. Therefore, by using the characteristic data of the variable information that is not recorded after the record update of one variable information for collation, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a 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 such feature data is used for matching, a more secure system can be realized.

[0011] The recording device may be a first prepaid card.
The first recording means for recording two pieces of variable information in the magnetic storage area, and the characteristic data for each of the two pieces of variable information recorded by the first recording means are obtained.
One of the two feature data is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and encrypted data is generated using the two feature data, and the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area is generated. And a second recording means for adding and recording, wherein the reading check means of the reading device, when the prepaid card to be processed is unused,
Encrypted data is generated using two pieces of characteristic data obtained for the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the generated encrypted data is stored in the second storage area. It is determined whether or not the data matches the encrypted data attached to the variable information, and one of the two feature data matches the feature data included in the variable information in the second storage area. If the compared encrypted data does not match, or if the compared feature data does not match,
The first updating means of the reading device may include means for prohibiting use of a card, and when the prepaid card to be processed is unused, when the variable information updated according to the consumption amount is recorded. May further comprise means for recording and updating one of the two pieces of variable information in the first magnetic storage area, wherein the second updating means of the reading device is configured such that the prepaid card to be processed is unused. If the first
The feature data obtained for the variable information that has not been updated by the updating means is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area are included. Means for generating cryptographic data using the two characteristic data respectively obtained for the above, and adding and updating the generated cryptographic data to variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, When the prepaid card to be processed is not used, the update check means of the reading device reads the characteristic data for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card after the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information. The acquired encrypted data is generated using the acquired two pieces of characteristic data, and the generated encrypted data is stored in the second storage area. It is determined whether or not the variable information matches the encrypted data added to the variable information, and the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit is added to the variable information in the second storage area. Means may be provided for judging whether or not the included feature data matches, and performing predetermined error processing when the compared encrypted data does not match or when the compared feature data does not match.

In the prepaid card system according to the first and second aspects, 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.

The reading apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a first magnetic storage area having irregularities and a second storage area are provided as areas for storing variable information including amount information. A reading device that updates the variable information in accordance with the amount of money spent on the prepaid card having the prepaid card of the prepaid card. The characteristic data is acquired for the variable information that has been recorded and updated at the time of the previous use of the card, the variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted using the characteristic data as a key, and It is determined whether or not the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that did not match the characteristic data included in the decoded variable information. A reading check means for prohibiting the use,
When the variable information updated according to the consumption amount is recorded on the prepaid card, of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area, the variable information that has not been updated when the previous card was used is used. First update means for recording and updating, and the characteristic data obtained for the variable information not recorded and updated by the first update means are included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card. A second update unit that encrypts and updates the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area using the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has been recorded and updated by the first update unit as a key; After the completion of the recording and updating of the information, the characteristic data is acquired for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the first updating is performed. Decrypting the variable information stored in the second storage area using the characteristic data of the variable information recorded and updated by the means as a key, and changing the variable information not recorded and updated by the first updating means; Update checking means for judging whether or not the feature data of the information matches the feature data included in the decoded variable information, and performing a predetermined error process if the feature data does not match, is provided.

The reading apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a first magnetic storage area having irregularities and a second storage area are provided as areas for storing variable information including money information. A reading device that updates the variable information according to the amount of money consumed for the prepaid card having:
And generating whether the generated encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the second storage area. It is determined whether or not the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated during the previous use of the card matches the characteristic data included in the variable information in the second storage area. If the data does not match, or if the compared characteristic data does not match, the reading check means for prohibiting the use of the card and the variable information updated according to the consumption amount are recorded on the prepaid card. A first updating means for recording and updating the variable information of the two variable information in the one magnetic storage area which has not been recorded and updated when the card was used last time; The feature data obtained for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating means is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and is stored in the first magnetic storage area. Encryption data is generated using the two pieces of characteristic data acquired for each of the two pieces of variable information, and the generated encryption data is added to the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and the second is updated. Updating means, after completion of recording and updating of the variable information, acquiring characteristic data for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and generating encrypted data using the acquired two characteristic data. And determining whether the encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the second storage area. In addition, it is determined whether or not the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit matches the characteristic data included in the variable information in the second storage area. Update checking means for performing predetermined error processing when the data does not match or when the compared feature data does not match.

In the reading apparatus according to the third and fourth aspects, 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 fifth aspect of the present invention, as the area for storing the variable information including the 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. A first update step of recording and updating the variable information that has not been recorded and updated during the previous use of the card, out of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area; The feature data acquired for the variable information that has not been included is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and the variable data that has been acquired and updated in the first update step is acquired. Using the feature data
A second update step of encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and, after the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information, with respect to the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card. Acquiring the characteristic data, decrypting the variable information stored in the second storage area using the characteristic data of the variable information recorded and updated in the first updating step as a key, and It is determined whether or not the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated in the updating step matches the characteristic data included in the decoded variable information. If not, a predetermined error process is performed. Update check step.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, only one of the two pieces of variable information is recorded and updated. For this reason, if the processing target card is replaced immediately before recording, even if one variable information is recorded on that card, the other variable information to be recorded does not exist. No proper feature data exists in the variable information in. Therefore, after updating the recording of one of the variable information, by comparing the characteristic data of the variable information that is not recorded, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a 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 one of the feature data as an encryption key and collating the other, security can be further improved.

Further, in the variable information updating method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, as the area for storing the variable information including the money amount information, a first magnetic storage area having irregularities and a second storage area are provided. 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. A first update step of recording and updating the variable information that has not been recorded and updated during the previous use of the card, out of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area; The feature data acquired for the variable information that did not exist is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and the characteristic data acquired for the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area, respectively. It is possible to generate encrypted data using the data and record the generated encrypted data in the second storage area. Second updating step, after completion of recording and updating the variable information to be recorded updated by applying the information to obtain the feature data respectively for the two variable information in the first magnetic memory area of the prepaid card, and obtains 2
Generating encrypted data using the two feature data, determining whether the generated encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the second storage area, The characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated in the first updating step is the second characteristic information.
Feature data included in the variable information in the storage area of
An update check step of determining whether or not they match and performing a predetermined error process when the compared encrypted data does not match or when the compared feature data does not match;
Is provided.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, only one of the two variable information is recorded and updated. For this reason, if the processing target card is replaced immediately before recording, even if one variable information is recorded on that card, the other variable information to be recorded does not exist. No proper feature data exists in the variable information in. Therefore, by using the characteristic data of the variable information that is not recorded after the record update of one variable information for collation, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a 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 such feature data is used for matching, a more secure system can be realized.

In the variable information updating method according to the fifth and sixth aspects, 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.

[0021]

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.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 23 first records two blocks (hereinafter referred to as variable information Da and Db) of predetermined variable information in the variable area EA1 in which uneven coating spots are provided. . Each of the variable information Da and Db is alternately updated each time the prepaid card 6 is processed by the reading device 3 described later.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control section 23 adds, via the card recording section 21, the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 to the end position of the variable information Db in the variable area EA1. The variable information, including the characteristic data Rb obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform acquired in the portion from the card edge to the card edge (hereinafter, the characteristic portion Lb), is transferred from the end of the card to the start position of the variable information Da (hereinafter, the characteristic portion Lb). The characteristic data Ra obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform acquired in the section La) is encrypted using the key 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 and the like, 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
Determines whether the inserted prepaid card 6 has been used for the first time or for the second time or later. The method of checking whether the use of the card is the first time or the second time or later is optional. For example, the reading device 3 reads a predetermined area of the card (nothing is recorded on an unused card), and when nothing is stored there, it is determined that the use is the first time and the predetermined code is recorded. You may make it.

When the card has been used for the second time or later, the control unit 33 determines which of the two pieces of variable information Da and Db stored in the variable area EA1 has been updated when the card was used last time. The variable information is specified, and the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 is decoded using the characteristic data obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read from the characteristic section corresponding to the variable information as a key. In addition, as described above,
The variable information Da corresponds to a characteristic portion La (portion from the end of the card to the start position of the variable information Da), and the variable information Db corresponds to the characteristic portion Lb (portion from the end position of the variable information Db to the end of the card). Corresponds. Next, the control unit 33 includes, in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2, the characteristic data obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform read from the characteristic unit corresponding to the variable information which has not been updated last time. It is checked whether or not it matches the existing feature data. If not, a predetermined error process is performed.

For example, when the prepaid card 6 is used for the second time or later and the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 is used.
If the last updated one of the variable information Da and the variable information Db is the variable information Da, the control unit 33, as shown in FIG.
Characteristic data Ra acquired for the characteristic portion La corresponding to
Is used to decrypt the variable information stored in the variable area EA2, and the characteristic data included in the decrypted variable information matches the characteristic data Rb obtained for the characteristic part Lb corresponding to the variable information Db. Check whether or not.

When the inserted card is used for the first time, the control unit 33 serves as a key for decoding the variable information stored in the variable area EA2, for example, a characteristic unit corresponding to the variable information Da. Using the characteristic data Ra acquired for La and comparing the characteristic data included in the variable information in the decoded variable area EA2 with, for example, the characteristic part L corresponding to the variable information Db.
The feature data Rb acquired for b is used.

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 check result 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), a variable area E of the card is used.
Of the variable information Da and Db read from A1, the balance information and the like of the previously updated one are updated. Note that, for example, when the card is used for the first time, the amounts indicated by the balance information of the variable information Da and Db are the same, and either may be updated.

Then, in response to an external instruction to eject the prepaid card 6, 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
Determines whether the prepaid card 6 to be processed is used for the first time or for the second time or later. Then, when the use is performed for the second time or later, the control unit 33 rewrites the variable information of the two variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 that has not been updated in the previous use. After rewriting the variable information, the control unit 3
3 acquires the characteristic data Ra and Rb for the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1, and includes the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information which has not been rewritten this time among the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2. The variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 is encrypted and recorded using the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information rewritten this time as a key.

After the recording and updating of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 are completed, the control unit 33 checks the variable information in the variable area EA1 corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in order to confirm that the variable information has been correctly recorded. The data Ra and Rb are acquired, and the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 is decrypted using the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information rewritten this time as a key. Next, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the feature data corresponding to the variable information not rewritten this time in the prepaid card 6 matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2. Is checked, and if they do not match, predetermined error processing is performed.

For example, when the prepaid card 6 is used for the second time or later and the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 is used.
When the last updated one of the variable information Db and Db is the variable information Da, the control unit 33 rewrites the variable information Db without rewriting the variable information Da as shown in FIG. Then, the characteristic data Ra and Rb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db are obtained from the variable area EA1, and as shown in FIG. 8B, the characteristic data Ra obtained for the variable information Da not rewritten this time is converted into the variable area EA2. The variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 is encrypted and recorded using the characteristic data Rb acquired for the rewritten variable information Db as a key. Next, the control unit 3
3 decrypts the variable information recorded in the variable area EA2 using the characteristic data Rb acquired for the variable information Db rewritten this time as a key, for a verify check, as shown in FIG. 8C. . Then, it is checked whether or not the feature data Ra acquired for the variable information Da which has not been rewritten this time matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2.

When the inserted card is used for the first time, the control unit 33 rewrites predetermined variable information Da among the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1. Then, the variable information Db not rewritten this time
Is included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2, and the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 is encrypted using the characteristic data Ra acquired for the variable information Da rewritten this time as a key. To update the record. After completing the update of the recording of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2, the control unit 33 checks the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information Da and Db from the variable area EA1 in order to confirm that the variable information has been correctly recorded. Ra, Rb
To get. Then, the variable information Da rewritten this time
The characteristic data Ra is obtained for the characteristic portion La corresponding to the variable information EA2, the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 is decrypted using the characteristic data Ra as a key, and the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information Db not rewritten this time is obtained. It is checked whether or not Rb matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2. If not, a predetermined error process is performed.

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, the consumption amount, the 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 of the reading devices 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 the unevenness and the recorded magnetic information is read, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the amplitude (or modulation) of the magnetic signal 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.
In addition, due to the error of the recording start position generated when the variable information is recorded on the prepaid card 6, the start position and the end position of the variable information Da and Db recorded on each card differ substantially every time the card is used. . Therefore, in the variable area EA1 in which the output waveform varies from card to card, the positions of the characteristic portions La and Lb also vary as the recording start position of the variable information varies, so that the magnetic waveform acquired for the characteristic portions La and Lb is quantized. The characteristic data Ra, Rb
The data is unique for each card and for each use. Therefore, this feature data collation check is performed when the card is inserted.
By performing this after updating the variable information, the security of the system can be improved.

In this system, each time the card is used, only one of the variable information Da and Db is updated. For this reason, immediately before the update, if the processing target card is replaced with, for example, a card in which variable information or the like is not stored, even if one of the variable information of the card is recorded, the other should be recorded Does not exist, it means that proper feature data does not exist in the variable area EA2, and an error is detected in the verify check.
This makes it possible to easily detect fraudulent acts that attempt to forge a prepaid card by replacing a 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 instruction to issue the prepaid card 6 from outside.
The fixed information (e.g., face value, card ID, etc.) stored in the storage unit 25 is read out and recorded in the fixed area EB of the prepaid card 6 to be issued via the card recording unit 21 (step S11).

Next, the control unit 23 reads the variable information (balance information and the like) from the storage unit 25, and reads the variable area E
Data to be recorded in A1 is two blocks of variable information Da,
Db is recorded in the variable area EA1 provided with irregularities via the card recording unit 21 (step S12).
Next, the control unit 23 controls the variable region E having the unevenness.
From A1, the characteristic part La corresponding to the variable information Da, Db,
Feature data Ra and R obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform in Lb
b (step S13), and the characteristic data Rb
Is included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2, the feature data Ra is encrypted using the key, and 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, and sold to the user.

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 determines whether the inserted prepaid card 6 has been used for the first time (ie, whether it is an unused card) or whether it has been used for the second time or later. (Step S22) In the first time, the first decryption check processing is performed, and in the second and subsequent times, the second decryption check processing is performed.

In step S22, for example, when it is determined that the card has been used for the first time, the control unit 33
A first decryption check process shown in FIG. 12 is performed (step S23). In the first decryption check process, the control unit 3
3 selects, for example, predetermined variable information Da from among the variable information Da and Db stored in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness, and selects the characteristic portion L corresponding to the variable information Da.
The variable information stored in the variable area EA2 is decrypted using the characteristic data Ra acquired for a as a key (step S31). Next, the control unit 33 converts the characteristic data Rb acquired for the characteristic unit Lb corresponding to the variable information Db into:
It is determined whether or not it matches the characteristic data included in the variable information decoded in step S31 (step S3).
2). If it is determined in step S32 that the compared data does not match, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (step S33). If it is determined that the compared data match, the flow returns to the main processing shown in FIG.

In step S22, for example,
If it is determined that the card has been used for the second time or later, the control unit 33 performs a second decryption check process shown in FIG. 13 (step S24). In the second decryption check processing, the control unit 33 controls the variable area EA provided with irregularities.
1 among the two variable information Da and Db stored in
The variable information rewritten when the card was used last time is specified, and the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 is decrypted using the characteristic data obtained for the characteristic section corresponding to the variable information as a key. (Step S4
1). Next, the control unit 33 sets the two variable information Da and Db
Of the characteristic data acquired for the characteristic part corresponding to the variable information which was not rewritten last time,
It is determined whether or not it matches the characteristic data included in the variable information decoded in 41 (step S42). If it is determined in step S42 that the compared data does not match, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (step S43). If it is determined that the compared data match, the flow returns to the main processing shown in FIG.

When the first or second decryption check process is completed, the control unit 33 updates the variable information read from the prepaid card 6 according to the consumption amount or the like (step S25). Then, for example, in response to a request from the user to eject the prepaid card 6, it is determined whether the card being processed is the first use or the second or later use (step S26). Performs a first encryption check process, and performs a second encryption check process for the second and subsequent times.

In step S26, for example, when it is determined that the use of the card is the first time, the control unit 33
The first encryption check process shown in FIG. 14 is performed (step S27). In the first encryption check process, the control unit 3
3 is, for example, a predetermined variable information Da of the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness.
Is rewritten (step S50). After rewriting the variable information Da, the control unit 33 sets the characteristic portion L corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness.
Characteristic data Ra and Rb for a and Lb are obtained (step S51). Next, the control unit 33 determines in step S
The variable information D obtained in step 52 and not rewritten this time
The feature data Rb corresponding to b is included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 (step S52). 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 rewritten this time as a key (step S53).

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 and Rb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the area EA1 are obtained (step S54), and the characteristic data Ra corresponding to the variable information Da rewritten this time is stored in the variable area EA2 as a key. The variable information is decoded (step S55). Next, the control unit 33 determines in step S
The variable information D obtained at 54 and not rewritten this time
It is determined whether or not the feature data Rb corresponding to b matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2 (step S56). Step S
In 56, when it is determined that the compared data does not match, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (Step S57). If it is determined that the compared data match, the flow returns to the main processing shown in FIG.

In step S26, for example,
If it is determined that the card has been used for the second time or later, the control unit 33 performs a second encryption check process shown in FIG. 15 (step S28). In the second encryption check process, the control unit 33 rewrites the last variable information that has not been updated among the two variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 (step S60). After the rewriting of the variable information, the control unit 33 acquires the characteristic data Ra and Rb for the characteristic parts La and Lb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness (step S61). Next, the control unit 33 determines in step S
The feature data corresponding to the variable information that has not been rewritten this time and acquired in 61 is included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 (step S62). Next, the control unit 33
Encrypts and updates the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 using the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information rewritten this time as a key (step S63).

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 variable information Da in the variable area EA1 provided with irregularities to confirm that the variable information has been correctly recorded. , And Db (step S64), and decrypts the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 using the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information which has been rewritten this time as a key. (Step S65). Next, the control unit 33
Indicates that the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information which has not been rewritten this time and which has been acquired in step S64 is the variable area EA2
Then, it is determined whether or not it matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in (step S66). If it is determined in step S66 that the compared data does not match, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (step S67). If it is determined that the compared data match, the flow returns to the main processing shown in FIG.

When the first or second encryption check processing is completed, the control unit 33 discharges the prepaid card 6 from a discharge port (not shown) (step S29), and
Sales information including information such as D, consumption amount, date of use, etc. is generated and stored (step S30), 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.

In this way, every time the prepaid card 6 is used, the reading device 3 rewrites one of the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness, and the variable information which is not rewritten. The feature data of
The information is recorded while being included in the variable information of the variable area EA2. And
At the time of verification, characteristic data is obtained for the variable information of the variable area EA1 that has not been rewritten, and the variable area EA1 is acquired.
It is checked whether it matches the feature data included in the variable information of No. 2. Thereby, when recording and updating the variable information including the balance information for the card inserted into the reading apparatus 3, for example, the card to be processed is stored with the variable information for the purpose of forging a prepaid card. If the card is replaced with a non-existent card or the like, even if one of the variable information is recorded on the card, the other variable information to be recorded does not exist. And the fraudulent act can be easily detected. 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.

(Second Embodiment) When recording and updating the variable information on the prepaid card 6, the variable information Da and Db stored in the variable area EA1 provided with the unevenness are rewritten by the previous use. Characteristic data Ra acquired for the characteristic part corresponding to the variable information Da or Db
Alternatively, Rb is included in variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2, and predetermined encrypted data generated using both the characteristic data Ra and Rb is further added to the variable information and recorded. You may. A system in this case will be described below as a second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the prepaid card system according to the second embodiment includes a recording device 7, a reading device 8, a magnetic coating device 1 having the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and a relay device. 4 and a center 5.
This system is different from the first embodiment in that the recording device 7 and the reading device 8 record variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 of the prepaid card 6 by a process different from the process shown in the first embodiment. It is almost the same as the form. Therefore, hereinafter, the functions and configurations of the recording device 7 and the reading device 8 will be described focusing on portions different from the first embodiment.

First, the recording device 7 will be described. The recording device 7 includes, as shown in FIG.
The control unit 73 includes a control unit 73 and a storage unit 75.

The card recording section 71 includes a transport mechanism for transporting the card, a card reader / writer, and the like, and records predetermined data on the prepaid card 6 according to an instruction from the control section 73.

The control unit 73 records variable information in two variable areas of the prepaid card 6 via the card recording unit 71. 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.
As shown in FIG. 18A, the control unit 73 first records two blocks (hereinafter, variable information Da and Db) of predetermined variable information in the variable area EA1 provided with uneven coating spots. . Each time the variable information Da and Db are processed by the reading device 8 described later, the prepaid card 6 is processed.
Only one of them is updated alternately.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18B, the control section 73 adds the characteristic information for the variable information Db in the variable area EA1 to the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 via the card recording section 71. Feature data Rb obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform acquired in Lb is included. Then, encryption data generated by using the characteristic data Ra and the characteristic data Rb obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform acquired by the characteristic part La for the variable information Da is added, and the resultant data is recorded in the variable area EA2. The method of generating the encrypted data is arbitrary. For example, the characteristic data Ra and Rb may be logically operated, or a hash function may be used.

The control unit 73 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 71. The control unit 73 controls the entire recording device 7. The storage unit 75
It stores fixed information, variable information, and the like for recording on the prepaid card 6 to be issued.

Next, the reading device 8 will be described. The reading device 8 includes, as shown in FIG.
The control unit 83 includes a control unit 83, a storage unit 85, and a communication unit 87.

The data reading unit 81 takes in the prepaid card 6 inserted into the card insertion slot (not shown),
In accordance with an instruction from the control unit 83, reading / writing of data recorded on the prepaid card 6 is performed.

The control unit 83 reads the fixed information stored in the fixed area EB of the inserted prepaid card 6 and decodes the variable information stored in the variable areas EA1 and EA2. Perform processing. In this decryption check processing, the control unit 83
Determines whether the inserted prepaid card 6 has been used for the first time or for the second time or later. Then, when the use is performed for the second time or later, 2 stored in the variable area EA1 provided with the unevenness.
La corresponding to two pieces of variable information Da and Db, respectively.
And Lb from the characteristic data Ra and Rb, and generates predetermined encrypted data using the characteristic data Ra and Rb.
The method of generating the encrypted data is the same as the method of generating the above-described recording device 7.

Next, the control unit 83 determines whether or not the generated encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the variable area EA2, and furthermore, the unevenness is provided. Of the two pieces of variable information Da and Db of the variable area EA1 that are present, the feature data of the characteristic portion corresponding to the variable information that was not updated when the card was used last time is included in the variable information of the variable area EA2. It is determined whether or not it matches the included feature data. When the compared encrypted data does not match, or when the compared feature data does not match, the control unit 83 performs a predetermined error process.

For example, when the prepaid card 6 has been used for the second time or later, the variable area EA1 having unevenness is provided.
In the case where the previously updated one of the variable information Da and Db is the variable information Da, the control unit 83 obtains the characteristic parts La and Lb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db, as shown in FIG. Predetermined encrypted data is generated using the characteristic data Ra and Rb, and it is checked whether or not the encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the variable area EA2. Further, the control unit 83 determines whether the characteristic data Rb acquired for the characteristic part Lb corresponding to the variable information Db not updated in the previous use of the card matches the characteristic data included in the variable information in the variable area EA2. Check if not.

When the inserted card is used for the first time, the encrypted data is checked in the same manner as described above.
For checking the characteristic data, for example, the variable information D
characteristic data R acquired for the characteristic portion Lb corresponding to
b is used as data to be compared with the feature data included in the variable information in the variable area EA2.

The control unit 83 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 or the card ID corresponds to the card ID of the unauthorized card. If the check result 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), a variable area E of the card is used.
Of the variable information Da and Db read from A1, the balance information and the like of the previously updated one are updated. For example, when the card is used for the first time, the balance information of the variable information Da and the balance information of the Db are the same, and any of them may be updated.

The control unit 83 records and updates the updated new variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 of the card and records and updates the variable information in response to an instruction to eject the prepaid card 6 from the outside. Performs an encryption check process to confirm that has been performed correctly. In this encryption check process, the control unit 83 determines whether the prepaid card 6 to be processed is used for the first time or for the second time or later. Then, when the use is performed for the second time or later, the control unit 83 determines which of the two pieces of variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 provided with the unevenness has not been updated during the previous use. rewrite. After rewriting the variable information, the control unit 83 acquires the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1, and records the characteristic data corresponding to the variable information not rewritten this time in the variable area EA2. In addition to the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2, predetermined encrypted data is generated using the two pieces of characteristic data Ra and Rb acquired for the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1. And record.

After the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2, the control section 83 checks the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 provided with irregularities in order to confirm that the variable information has been correctly recorded. Then, encrypted data is generated by using the characteristic data Ra and Rb acquired for Db and Db, and it is checked whether or not the encrypted data matches the encrypted data assigned to the variable information in the variable area EA2. Further, the control unit 83 checks whether or not the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has not been rewritten this time matches the characteristic data included in the variable information in the variable area EA2. In these checks, if the compared encrypted data does not match, or if the compared characteristic data does not match, predetermined error processing is performed.

For example, when the prepaid card 6 has been used for the second time or later and the variable information Da in the variable area EA1 has been used.
When the last updated one of the variable information Db and Db is the variable information Da, the control unit 83 rewrites the variable information Db without rewriting the variable information Da as shown in FIG.
Then, as shown in FIG. 21B, the characteristic data Ra for the variable information Da not rewritten this time is stored in the variable region E.
In addition to the variable information to be recorded in A2, predetermined encrypted data is generated from the characteristic data Rb and the characteristic data Ra,
The variable information is recorded by being added to the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2. Next, the control unit 83, as shown in FIG.
For the verification check, encryption data is generated using the characteristic data Ra and Rb obtained for the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness, and the encryption added to the variable information in the variable area EA2. Check if it matches the data. Further, the control unit 83 checks whether or not the feature data Ra corresponding to the variable information Da that has not been rewritten this time matches the feature data included in the variable information in the variable area EA2.

When the inserted card is used for the first time, the control section 83 rewrites predetermined variable information Da among the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1. Then, the variable information Db not rewritten this time
Is included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2, and predetermined encrypted data is generated using the characteristic data Ra and the characteristic data Rb.
Is added to the variable information to be recorded and recorded.

After the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2, the control section 83 checks the characteristic data Ra to confirm that the variable information has been correctly recorded.
And Rb are obtained again, and encrypted data is generated using them. It is checked whether the encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the variable area EA2. Further, the control unit 83 checks whether or not the feature data Rb corresponding to the variable information Db that has not been rewritten this time matches the feature data included in the variable information decoded in the variable area EA2. . In these checks, if the compared encrypted data does not match, or if the compared characteristic data does not match, predetermined error processing is performed.

The control unit 83 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 85,
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 85 stores sales information and the like generated by the control unit 83 when the prepaid card 6 is used. The communication unit 87 controls communication between the reading device 8 and the relay device 4.

As described above, also in this system, the first
As in the embodiment, the variable region E having the unevenness is provided.
In A1, only one of the variable information Da and Db is updated every time the card is used. Therefore, just before the update,
When the processing target card is replaced with a card or the like in which variable information or the like is not stored, for example, even if one variable information of the card is recorded, the other variable information to be recorded does not exist. This means that proper feature data does not exist in the variable information of the variable area EA2. Therefore, after updating one of the variable information, by comparing the characteristic data of the variable information that is not updated,
It is possible to easily detect fraudulent acts that attempt to forge a prepaid card by replacing a card.

In the first and second embodiments, the variable information Da, D of the variable area EA1 of the prepaid card 6 is set.
In b, the method of determining which one has been updated when the card was used last time is arbitrary. For example, when the reading device records and updates the variable information, information indicating which variable information (Da or Db) has been updated is recorded in a predetermined storage area (not shown) of the prepaid card 6, and based on this information. May be determined.

In the recording apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, of the characteristic data Ra and Rb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db of the variable area EA1, the variable area EA2
The feature data included in the variable information may be the feature data Rb.

In the above description, the characteristic data Ra is
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 quantized to obtain data, and the characteristic data Rb is a portion from the end position of the variable information Db to the card edge. Although the data obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform obtained for a certain characteristic portion Lb is used as the data, the present invention is not limited to this. Any unique data determined based on the storage position of the variable information may be used. It is. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, in the prepaid card 6, the variable information and the fixed information may be stored on the same track. In this case as well, the predetermined data corresponding to the recording positions of the variable information Da and Db may be processed as the characteristic data in the same manner as described above.

Further, the prepaid card may be realized as a card having 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.

This prepaid card system is
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.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Each time the card is used, only one of the two pieces of variable information is recorded and updated. For this reason, if the processing target card is replaced immediately before recording, even if one variable information is recorded on that card, the other variable information to be recorded does not exist. No proper feature data exists in the variable information in. Therefore, after updating the recording of one of the variable information, by comparing the characteristic data of the variable information that is not recorded, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a 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 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 a process in which the reading device of FIG. 5 records and updates variable information of a prepaid card.

FIG. 9 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. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the recording apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading device of FIG. 6;

12 is a flowchart showing a first decryption check process when it is determined that the prepaid card inserted into the reading device of FIG. 6 is used for the first time.

13 is a flowchart showing a second decryption check process when it is determined that the prepaid card inserted into the reading apparatus of FIG. 6 is used for the second time or later.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a first encryption check process when it is determined that use of the variable information of a prepaid card inserted in the reading apparatus of FIG. 6 is the first time when the variable information is recorded and updated.

15 is a flowchart showing a second encryption check process when it is determined that the use of the prepaid card inserted into the reading device of FIG. 6 is performed for the second time or later when recording and updating the variable information. .

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a prepaid card system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the recording device of FIG. 16 records variable information on a prepaid card.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a reading device used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the reading device of FIG. 19 checks variable information of an inserted prepaid card.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a process in which the reading device of FIG. 19 records and updates variable information of a prepaid card.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a storage area of a prepaid card.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Magnetic coating device 2, 7 Recording device 3, 8 Reading device 4 Relay device 5 Center 6 Prepaid card 11, 71 Card recording unit 13, 73 Control unit 15, 75 Storage unit 31, 81 Data reading unit 33, 83 Control unit 35 , 85 Storage unit 37, 87 Communication unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3E044 AA06 BA06 CA05 DA01 DA03 DA10 DB02 DC01 DD02 DE01 DE02 5B058 CA31 KA32 KA35 YA06

Claims (10)

[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, wherein, of the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage region of the inserted prepaid card, the recording / renewal was performed at the time of the previous use of the prepaid card. Using the characteristic data acquired for the variable information as a key, the variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted, and the characteristic data acquired for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated last time is the decryption information. Determining whether or not the feature data is included in the converted variable information; if not, reading check means for prohibiting the use of the card; and the variable information updated in accordance with the amount of money consumed by the prepaid card. When recording in the first magnetic storage area, the variable information that has not been updated in the previous use of the card is recorded and updated. A first updating unit, and including, in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, the characteristic data acquired for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit; A second updating unit that encrypts and updates the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area by using the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has been recorded and updated by the updating unit as a key; After the completion of the above, the characteristic data is acquired for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the characteristic data of the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating means is used as a key to obtain the second characteristic information. The variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted, and the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit is decoded. Update check means for determining whether or not the data matches the characteristic data included in the decoded variable information, and performing a predetermined error process if the data does not match. Card system. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording unit records two variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the first variable recording unit records the two variable information among the two variable information recorded by the first recording unit. The feature data acquired for one of the variable information is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area,
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 other variable information as a key, and the reading check unit of the reading device includes: When the prepaid card to be processed is not used, the characteristic data acquired for one of the two pieces of variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card is used as a key and the second characteristic information is used as a key. Decoding the variable information stored in the storage area, and determine whether the feature data obtained for the other variable information matches the feature data included in the decoded variable information, Means for prohibiting the use of the card if the two do not match, wherein the first updating means of the reading device sets the consumption amount if the prepaid card to be processed is unused. Means for recording and updating one of the two pieces of variable information in the first magnetic storage area when the variable information that has been updated in the first time is recorded. When the prepaid card is not used, the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating means is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, Means for encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, using the characteristic data obtained for the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating means as a key, The update check means, when the prepaid card to be processed is unused, stores the variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card after the completion of the record update of the variable information. The characteristic data is obtained for each of the two pieces of variable information, and the variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted by using the characteristic data of the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating unit as a key. With
It is determined whether or not the feature data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit matches the feature data included in the decoded variable information. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing processing. 3. 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 the consumption amount. A prepaid card system comprising: a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities as an area for storing variable information;
The reading device generates encrypted data using two characteristic data obtained respectively for two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage region of the inserted prepaid card. Then, it is determined whether or not the generated encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the second storage area, and whether or not the record has not been updated during the previous use of the prepaid card. It is determined whether or not the feature data obtained for the other variable information matches the feature data included in the variable information in the second storage area, and if the compared encrypted data does not match, or If the feature data does not match, read check means for prohibiting the use of the card and record the variable information updated according to the consumption amount on the prepaid card , The 2 in the first magnetic memory area
A first updating unit for recording and updating the variable information that has not been recorded and updated when the card was used last time, and a characteristic acquired for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit. The data is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and the encrypted data is converted using the two characteristic data obtained for the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area. A second updating unit that generates and adds the generated encrypted data to the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area and records and updates the variable information; Characteristic data is obtained for each of two pieces of variable information in the magnetic storage area, and encrypted data is generated using the obtained two pieces of characteristic data. ,
It is determined whether or not the variable information stored in the second storage area matches the encrypted data added to the variable information. The characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit is determined. It is determined whether or not the data matches the feature data included in the variable information in the second storage area. If the compared encrypted data does not match, or if the compared feature data does not match, a predetermined error process is performed. And a renewal check means for performing a prepaid card system. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording means records two variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card; and the two variable information recorded by the first recording means. Acquiring data, including one of the acquired two feature data in variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and generating encrypted data using the two feature data; A second recording unit for adding the variable information to be recorded in the storage area and recording the variable information. The reading check unit of the reading device, when the prepaid card to be processed is unused, The encrypted data is generated using the two characteristic data obtained for the two pieces of variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area, and the generated encrypted data is stored in the second storage area. To determine whether or not it matches the encrypted data assigned to the variable information stored in the second storage area, and determine whether one of the two characteristic data is the same as the characteristic data included in the variable information in the second storage area. A means for prohibiting the use of a card when the compared encrypted data does not match, or when the compared characteristic data does not match, wherein the first updating means of the reading device comprises: Means for, when the prepaid card to be processed is unused, recording and updating one of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area when recording the variable information updated according to the consumption amount. The second updating means of the reading device, when the prepaid card to be processed is not used, the variable information which has not been recorded and updated by the first updating means. The acquired characteristic data is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and encrypted using the two characteristic data respectively acquired for the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area. Means for generating data, adding the generated encrypted data to the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and updating and recording the information. The update check means of the reading device is configured such that the prepaid card to be processed is If not used, after completion of the recording and updating of the variable information, the characteristic data is obtained for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the encrypted data is obtained using the obtained two characteristic data. It is determined whether the generated encrypted data matches the encrypted data assigned to the variable information stored in the second storage area. At the same time, it is determined whether or not the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit matches the characteristic data included in the variable information in the second storage area. The prepaid card system according to claim 3, further comprising: means for performing a predetermined error process when the data does not match or when the compared feature data does not match. 5. The method 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. The prepaid card system as described. 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 reading device for updating said variable information according to a consumption amount, wherein said variable information is recorded at the time of previous use of said prepaid card among two variable information stored in a first magnetic storage area of said inserted prepaid card. The characteristic data is acquired for the updated variable information, and the second
Decodes the variable information stored in the storage area, and determines whether the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated last time matches the characteristic data included in the decoded variable information. A read check means for prohibiting the use of the card if the two do not match; and when the variable information updated in accordance with the consumption amount is recorded on the prepaid card, a check is made in the first magnetic storage area. A first updating unit for recording and updating the variable information that has not been recorded and updated when the card was used last time, and a characteristic acquired for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit. The data is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating means is included. Second updating means for encrypting and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area by using the characteristic data obtained for the key as a key, and after completing the update of the variable information, the first updating means of the prepaid card. The characteristic data is obtained for each of the two pieces of variable information in the magnetic storage area, and the variable information stored in the second storage area is used as a key by using the characteristic data of the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating means as a key. Is determined, and it is determined whether or not the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit matches the characteristic data included in the decoded variable information. If not, an update checking means for performing a predetermined error process. 7. 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.
What is claimed is: 1. A reading apparatus for updating said variable information according to a consumption amount, wherein said variable information is encrypted using two characteristic data obtained respectively for two variable information stored in a first magnetic storage area of an inserted prepaid card. Generating data, determining whether the generated encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the second storage area, and recording the data when the prepaid card was used last time; It is determined whether or not the feature data obtained for the variable information that has not been updated matches the feature data included in the variable information in the second storage area, and if the compared encrypted data does not match, or If the compared feature data do not match, read check means for prohibiting use of the card; First recording means for recording and updating, of the two pieces of variable information in the first magnetic storage area, the variable information that has not been recorded and updated when the card was used last time; The feature data obtained for the variable information that has not been updated by the means is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and the two pieces of information stored in the first magnetic storage area are included. Second updating means for generating encrypted data using the two pieces of characteristic data acquired for the variable information, adding the generated encrypted data to the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and updating the recorded information; After the recording and updating of the variable information is completed, the characteristic data is acquired for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the acquired characteristic data is acquired. Generating encrypted data using the two feature data, determining whether the encrypted data matches the encrypted data added to the variable information stored in the second storage area, Determining whether or not the feature data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated by the first updating unit matches the feature data included in the variable information in the second storage area;
A reading checker that performs predetermined error processing when the compared encrypted data does not match or when the compared feature data does not match. 8. The reading apparatus according to claim 6, 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. 9. 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. A first updating step of recording and updating, of the two pieces of variable information in the first magnetic storage area, a variable information that has not been recorded and updated during the previous use of the card; and a recording and updating step performed by the first updating step. The feature data acquired for the variable information that has not been included is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and the variable data that has been acquired and updated in the first update step is acquired. The variable information to be recorded in the second storage area is encrypted and recorded and updated using the characteristic data as a key. An update step, and after the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information, the characteristic data is acquired for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card, and the variable information recorded and updated by the first updating step is obtained. The variable information stored in the second storage area is decrypted by using the characteristic data of (i) as a key, and the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated in the first update step is decrypted. An update check step of determining whether or not the feature data included in the variable information matches, and performing a predetermined error process if the match does not occur. 10. A first magnetic storage area having projections and depressions as an area for storing variable information including amount information,
A prepaid card having a second storage area, the variable information updating method in a prepaid card system including a reading device that updates the variable information according to the consumption amount, wherein the reading device according to the consumption amount When recording the updated variable information on the prepaid card, the first variable information of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area which is not updated when the previous card was used is recorded and updated. An update step, wherein the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated in the first update step is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area of the prepaid card, and Generating encrypted data using the characteristic data obtained for each of the two pieces of variable information in the storage area; A second updating step of adding the generated encrypted data to the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area and recording and updating the same; and after completing the recording and updating of the variable information, a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card. , Characteristic data is obtained for each of the two pieces of variable information, and encrypted data is generated using the obtained two characteristic data.
It is determined whether or not the variable data stored in the second storage area matches the encrypted data added to the variable information, and the characteristic data of the variable information that has not been recorded and updated in the first update step is determined. It is determined whether or not the data matches the feature data included in the variable information in the second storage area. If the compared encrypted data does not match, or if the compared feature data does not match, a predetermined error process is performed. An update check step of performing the following, and a variable information update method, comprising: