JP2000268307A - Prepaid card system, reading and writing apparatus, and method for updating variable information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prepaid card system or the like capable of preventing a forgery of a copy or the like. SOLUTION: The reading and writing apparatus obtains characteristic data for two pieces of variable information in a variable region EA1 of an inserted prepaid card 6 in which concave and convex features are provided. When variable information updated according to the amount of consumed money is recorded onto the card, one of the two pieces of variable information in the variable region EA1, which was not recorded and updated at the previous use of the card, is recorded and updated. Then, characteristic data of the two pieces of the variable information in the variable region EA1 is obtained, and allowed to be contained in the variable information to be recorded in a variable region EA2 and recorded. After completing the recording of the variable information into the variable regions EA1, EA2, the characteristic data of the two pieces of the variable information in the variable region EA1 is obtained, and determined whether or not to coincide with the respective characteristic data contained in the variable information in the variable region EA2. Thus, it is discriminated whether or not the characteristic data obtained for the variable information which has not been recorded and updated coincides with those obtained when the card was inserted.

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, there is a possibility that a fraudulent card is forged, for example, by copying variable information of a 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 results of the checks are appropriate, but records the variable information after the check is properly completed. If the card to be processed is replaced with another card (for example, a card on which variable information such as balance information is not recorded) before updating, the variable information is recorded on the replaced card. 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 amount of consumption, in the prepaid card system, wherein the prepaid card has irregularities as an area for storing the variable information. Having a first magnetic storage area and a second storage area, wherein the reading device has two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the inserted prepaid card, respectively. Acquiring and storing the feature data, the acquired feature data includes the feature data included in the variable information stored in the second storage area. Determine match or not, if they do not match, 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 updating unit for recording and updating, and after completion of the recording and updating of the variable information by the first updating unit, the characteristic data of each variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area is recorded in the second storage area. Second updating means for recording and updating the variable information to be included in the variable information to be recorded; and a second updating means for recording and updating the variable information in the first and second storage areas of the prepaid card.
The characteristic data is obtained for each of the two pieces of variable information, and it is determined whether or not the variable data matches the characteristic data included in the variable information stored in the second storage area. It is determined whether or not the characteristic data obtained for the record updated one of the two pieces of variable information matches the data stored at the time of card insertion stored by the reading check means.
Update checking means for performing predetermined error processing when the compared feature data do not match.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, only one of the variable information in the first magnetic storage area is recorded and updated, so that the other variable information is discharged after the card is inserted. Until the record is not updated, it does not change. For this reason, immediately before the record update, even if the processing target card is replaced with, for example, a card in which variable information or the like is not stored, a card in which a part of the variable information is cut and pasted, etc., after the record update of the variable information, By comparing the feature data of the variable information that is not recorded or updated with the data at the time of inserting the card, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a card. In addition, since the first magnetic storage area is provided with, for example, irregularities at random, the characteristic data obtained for the variable information in this area is unique data for each card. By using such data for collation, the security of the system can be improved.

[0008] The recording device is provided with a first prepaid card.
The first recording means for recording two pieces of variable information in the magnetic storage area, and the characteristic data of each of the two pieces of variable information recorded by the first recording means are to be obtained and recorded in the second storage area. And second recording means for recording the information in the variable information, wherein the first updating means of the reading device, when the prepaid card is unused,
When updating the variable information according to the consumption amount, the information processing apparatus may further include means for recording and updating one of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area.

[0009] The unevenness in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card may be generated by an uneven roller having an uneven surface when manufacturing the prepaid card. Further, 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.

A reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities and a second storage area as areas for storing variable information including money information. A reading device that updates the variable information in accordance with the amount of money consumed for the prepaid card having the characteristic data for the two variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area of the inserted prepaid card. It is determined whether or not the acquired feature data matches the feature data included in the variable information stored in the second storage area. If not, the use of the card is prohibited. And reading the variable information updated in accordance with the consumption amount on the prepaid card, of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area. A first updating unit for the variable information of the person who has not been recorded updated records updated when over de used, the first
After the update of the variable information by the updating unit is completed, the characteristic data of each variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area is included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area, and the second update is performed. Updating means for acquiring characteristic data for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area after completion of recording and updating of the variable information in the first and second storage areas of the prepaid card; To determine whether or not it matches the characteristic data included in the variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area, and obtain the characteristic data obtained for the one of the two variable information that has not been updated in the first magnetic storage area. Is determined by the reading check means as to whether or not it matches the one stored at the time of card insertion. If not match, and an update check unit for performing a predetermined error process.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, only one of the variable information in the first magnetic storage area is recorded and updated, so that the other variable information is discharged after the card is inserted. Until the record is not updated, it does not change. For this reason, immediately before the record update, even if the processing target card is replaced with, for example, a card in which variable information or the like is not stored, a card in which a part of the variable information is cut and pasted, etc., after the record update of the variable information, By comparing the feature data of the variable information that is not recorded or updated with the data at the time of inserting the card, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a card. In addition, since the first magnetic storage area is provided with, for example, irregularities at random, the characteristic data obtained for the variable information in this area is unique data for each card. By using such data for collation, security can be improved.

[0012] The characteristic data may be acquired based on a recording position of the variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card.

Further, in the variable information updating method according to a third aspect of the present invention, as the area for storing variable information including 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 in accordance with a consumption amount, wherein the two information stored in a first magnetic storage area of a prepaid card inserted in the reading device are provided. A step of acquiring and retaining the characteristic data for each of the variable information; and a step of recording 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 when the previous card was used, and after the variable information has been recorded and updated by the first update step, the variable information is stored in the first magnetic storage area. A second updating step of recording and updating feature data of each variable information included in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area; After the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information in the first and second update steps, characteristic data is obtained for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area, and the variable information stored in the second storage area is obtained. A determination is made as to whether or not the data matches the included feature data, and the feature data obtained for the one of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area that has not been updated is held by the holding step. An update check step of determining whether or not the data coincides with the data at the time of insertion of the card, and performing a predetermined error process if the compared characteristic data does not match in any of the determinations.

According to such a configuration, each time the card is used, only one of the variable information in the first magnetic storage area is recorded and updated, so that the other variable information is discharged after the card is inserted. Until the record is not updated, it does not change. For this reason, immediately before the record update, even if the processing target card is replaced with, for example, a card in which variable information or the like is not stored, a card in which a part of the variable information is cut and pasted, etc., after the record update of the variable information, By comparing the feature data of the variable information that is not recorded or updated with the data at the time of inserting the card, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a card. In addition, since the first magnetic storage area is provided with, for example, irregularities at random, the characteristic data obtained for the variable information in this area is unique data for each card. By using such data for collation, security can be improved.

[0015] The characteristic data may be acquired based on a recording position of the variable information in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card.

[0016]

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. As shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card system according to an embodiment of the present invention
It includes a recording device 2, a reading device 3, a relay device 4, a center 5, and the like. Of these, 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 to cover the variable area EA1 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 section 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 according to an instruction from the control section 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. 5 (B), the control unit 23 transmits a predetermined characteristic area La via the card recording unit 21.
(For example, from the end position of the variable information Da to the variable area EA1
A), the magnetic waveform acquired at the central position
The feature data Ra quantized by a D converter or the like, and the feature data Rb obtained by quantizing a magnetic waveform acquired in a predetermined feature region Lb (for example, a portion from the center position of the variable region EA1 to the start position of the variable information Db). , The variable region E
A2 is recorded in the variable information to be recorded.

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 section 33 reads the fixed information stored in the fixed area EB of the inserted prepaid card 6 and reads the variable information stored in the variable areas EA1 and EA2. Perform processing. In this reading check process, the control unit 33
Quantizes the magnetic waveforms read from the characteristic areas La and Lb corresponding to the two pieces of variable information Da and Db stored in the variable area EA1, as shown in FIG.
a and Rb are acquired and stored in the storage unit 35. Then, it is checked whether the acquired feature data Ra and Rb match each feature data included in the variable information stored in the variable area EA2, and if they do not match, a predetermined error process is performed. . As described above, the variable information Da corresponds to the characteristic region La (for example, a portion from the end position of the variable information Da to the center position of the variable region EA1), and the variable information Db corresponds to the characteristic region Lb (for example, The portion from the center position of the variable area EA1 to the start position of the variable information Db) corresponds.

In addition, the control unit 33 performs another predetermined check on the card for which the result of the read check is appropriate, for example, whether the balance is equal to or less than the face value, whether the card ID corresponds to the card ID of the unauthorized card, and the like. I do. If the result of these predetermined checks is also appropriate, the use of the card is permitted, and the variable information D read from the variable area EA1 of the card in response to, for example, a consumption notification from a vending machine (not shown).
The balance information and the like in the variable information last updated among a and Db are updated. For example, when the card is used for the first time, the balance information indicated by the variable information Da and Db indicates the same amount, so that either balance information may be updated.

In response to an external instruction to eject the prepaid card 6, the control unit 33 records and updates the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 of the card based on the updated balance information and the like. An encryption check process is performed to confirm that the record 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. In this determination, when it is determined that the card has been used for the second time or later, the control unit 33 determines which one of the two variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 has not been updated during the previous use. Is rewritten. After rewriting the variable information, the control unit 33 sets the prepaid card 6
The characteristic data corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1 is acquired, and is recorded while being included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2.

After the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2, the control section 33 acquires again the characteristic data Ra and Rb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the variable area EA1. Then, the acquired feature data Ra and Rb
Of the variable information of the variable area EA2, the characteristic data obtained for the variable information that has not been recorded and updated is obtained at the time of the read check process. It is checked whether the two feature data match the corresponding one. If the compared data does not match in at least one of these determinations, 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 changed.
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, as shown in FIG. 8B, the characteristic data Ra obtained for the characteristic region La corresponding to the variable information Da not rewritten this time and the characteristic data Ra obtained for the characteristic region Lb corresponding to the variable information Db rewritten this time. Rb is recorded in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2. Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the control unit 33
The characteristic data Ra and Rb are acquired again for the variable information Da and Db of the variable area EA1, and these are obtained as the variable data EA2.
In addition to checking whether each piece of feature data included in the variable information matches the feature information, the feature data Ra obtained for the variable information Da not recorded and updated is obtained at the time of the read check process and stored in the storage unit 35. It is checked whether or not it matches the characteristic data Ra.

If it is determined that the inserted card has been used for the first time, the controller 33 sets the variable area EA
The predetermined variable information Da of the variable information Da and Db in 1 is rewritten. Then, the characteristic data Ra acquired for the characteristic region La corresponding to the variable information Da rewritten this time and the characteristic data Rb acquired for the characteristic region Lb corresponding to the variable information Db not rewritten this time
Is recorded in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2.

After completing the recording and updating of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2, the control unit 33 sets the variable area E
Characteristic regions La and L corresponding to variable information Da and Db of A1
The characteristic data Ra and Rb are acquired for b. And
Whether the acquired characteristic data Ra and Rb match each characteristic data included in the variable information of the variable area EA2 is checked, and the characteristic data Rb acquired for the variable information Db that has not been recorded and updated is It is checked whether or not it matches the feature data Rb obtained at the time of the reading check process and stored in the storage unit 35.

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

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

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

In the present system, when a predetermined sheet for punching out a card is coated with a magnetic material in the manufacturing process of the prepaid card 6, the prepaid card is formed by using a roller or the like having irregularities randomly provided on the surface. A predetermined area (area corresponding to the variable area EA1) of No. 6 is coated with uneven magnetic material spots. 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. Also, due to the error in the recording start position that occurs 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 are substantially different for each card use. Become. Therefore, in the variable area EA1 in which the output waveform is different for each card, as the recording start position of the variable information changes, the characteristic areas La,
Since the position of Lb also fluctuates, the characteristic data Ra, which are obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform acquired for the characteristic regions La, Lb,
Rb also becomes unique data for each card and for each use. Therefore, the security of the system can be improved by performing the characteristic data collation check when the card is inserted, after updating the variable information, and the like.

Further, in this system, each time the card is used, only one of the variable information Da and Db is updated. Therefore, the other variable information is not updated until the card is inserted and then discharged. does not change. Then, after the reading device 3 records and updates one of the variable information, the non-updated variable information is compared with the one when the card is inserted and the one after the variable information is recorded and updated, and they match. Check whether or not. Thus, even if the processing target card is replaced with, for example, a card in which variable information or the like is not stored, a card in which a portion including one of the variable information is cut and pasted, or the like, the illegal act can be easily detected. .

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 out the variable information (balance information, etc.) from the storage unit 25 and stores the variable information
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 region L corresponding to the variable information Da, Db
feature data R obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveforms at a and Lb
a and Rb are acquired (step S13), and the characteristic data Ra and Rb are included in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 and recorded in the variable area EA2 (step S1).
4). 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 performs a reading check process shown in FIG. 12 on the variable information Da and Db stored in the variable area EA1 having the unevenness (Step S22).

In the reading check process, the control unit 33
Are the variable information Da and D stored in the variable area EA1.
characteristic data R for characteristic regions La and Lb corresponding to
a and Rb are acquired and stored in the storage unit 35 (step S
31). Next, the control unit 33 transmits the acquired feature data Ra
It is determined whether or not Rb and Rb match each feature data included in the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 (step S32). If it is determined in step S32 that the compared data does not match, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined error process (step S3).
3). If it is determined that the compared data match, the flow returns to the main processing shown in FIG.

When the reading check processing is completed, the control unit 33 updates the variable information read from the prepaid card 6 according to the consumption amount and the like (step S23). Then, in response to, for example, a request from the user to discharge the prepaid card 6, whether the use of the card being processed is the first time,
Or it is determined whether it is the second time or later (step S2).
4) In the case of the first time, the first encryption check processing is performed, and in the case of the second and subsequent times, the second encryption check processing is performed.

In step S24, for example, if it is determined that the card has been used for the first time, the control unit 33
The first encryption check process shown in FIG. 13 is performed (step S25). 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 S41). After rewriting the variable information Da, the control unit 33 acquires the characteristic data Ra and Rb for the characteristic regions La and Lb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the variable region EA1 (Step S42), and obtains these characteristic data Ra and Rb. Is recorded in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 (step S43).

After the update of the recording of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 is completed, the control unit 33 checks whether the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 has been correctly recorded. In the area EA1, characteristic data Ra and Rb are obtained for characteristic areas La and Lb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db, respectively (Step S).
44). Then, it is determined whether each of the acquired feature data Ra and Rb matches each feature data included in the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 (step S45), and the compared data matches. In this case, the characteristic data Rb for the variable information Db that has not been rewritten
Is determined to match with the feature data Rb obtained in step S31 in the reading check process (step S46). In any of these determinations, when it is determined that the compared data does not match, the control unit 3
3 performs a predetermined error process (step S47). 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. 14 (step S26). In the second encryption check process, the control unit 33 determines that the variable area EA having the unevenness is provided.
1 of the two variable information Da and Db, the variable information which has not been updated last time is rewritten (step S5).
1). After rewriting the variable information Da, the control unit 33 acquires the characteristic data Ra and Rb for the characteristic regions La and Lb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db in the variable region EA1 (step S52), and obtains these characteristic data Ra and Rb.
Is recorded in the variable information to be recorded in the variable area EA2 (step S53).

After the update of the recording of the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 is completed, the control unit 33 checks whether the variable information in the variable areas EA1 and EA2 has been correctly recorded. In the area EA1, characteristic data Ra and Rb are obtained for characteristic areas La and Lb corresponding to the variable information Da and Db, respectively (Step S).
54). Then, it is determined whether or not each of the acquired feature data Ra and Rb matches each feature data included in the variable information stored in the variable area EA2 (step S55), and the compared data matches. In this case, it is determined whether or not the characteristic data acquired for the variable information that has not been rewritten matches the corresponding characteristic data acquired in step S31 in the reading check process (step S56). When it is determined in any of these determinations 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.

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 S27), and
Sales information including information such as D, consumption amount, date of use, etc. is generated and stored (step S28), 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, each 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 provided with the unevenness, and obtains the characteristic for each variable information. Data Ra and Rb
Is recorded in the variable information of the variable area EA2. Then, after recording and updating of the variable information, characteristic data is obtained for the variable information of the variable area EA1 provided with the unevenness,
It is checked whether it matches the feature data included in the variable information in the variable area EA2, and the feature data obtained for the variable information Da and Db that has not been updated is obtained and stored when the card is inserted. Check if it matches what you were doing. Thereby, when recording and updating the variable information of a card inserted into the reading device 3 for the purpose of forging a prepaid card, the processing target card is replaced with a card having no variable information or the like, In the case where the card is replaced with a card or the like in which a portion including one of the above is cut and pasted, the illegal act can be easily detected.

The variable area EA of the prepaid card 6
The method of determining which one of the variable information Da and Db has been updated when the previous card was used is arbitrary. For example, when the reading device 3 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 this information is recorded. May be determined based on

The characteristic regions La and Lb for acquiring the characteristic data Ra and Rb are not limited to the above description, and may be any regions determined based on the recording positions of the variable information Da and Db. In the above description, the characteristic data Ra and Rb are data obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform obtained in each of the characteristic regions La and Lb. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is based on the recording position of each of the variable information Da and Db. Any data may be used as long as it is unique data, and the method of determination is arbitrary.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in the prepaid card 6, the variable information and the fixed information may be stored in 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.

The variable area EA of the prepaid card 6
The method of providing the irregularities on 1 is not limited to the above and is optional.
For example, the prepaid card coated with a magnetic material and having the surface flattened by a normal roller may be provided with the unevenness using a roller having an uneven surface. Further, at the time of manufacturing a prepaid card, a process of forming irregularities after punching into a card type may be performed.

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.

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

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Each time the card is used, only one of the variable information in the first magnetic storage area is recorded and updated.
The record remains unchanged from the time the card is inserted until it is ejected. For this reason, immediately before the record update, even if the processing target card is replaced with, for example, a card in which variable information or the like is not stored, a card in which a part of the variable information is cut and pasted, etc., after the record update of the variable information, By comparing the feature data of the variable information that is not recorded or updated with the data at the time of inserting the card, it is possible to easily detect an improper act such as replacement of a card.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram 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 in FIG. 6 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 illustrating a process of issuing a prepaid card by the recording device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing for a prepaid card by the reading device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a reading check process by the reading device of FIG. 6;

13 is a flowchart showing a first encryption check process by the reading device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a second encryption check process by the reading device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a storage area of a prepaid card.

[Explanation of symbols]

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

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G11B 5/84 G07F 7/08 C F-term (Reference) 3E044 AA06 BA06 CA05 DA01 DA03 DA10 DB02 DC01 DC05 DD02 DE01 DE02 5B058 CA31 KA32 YA06 5D006 DA01 DA04 FA09 5D091 AA12 BB06 HH01 HH02 JJ21 5D112 AA28 KK05

Claims (7)

[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;
Wherein the reading device acquires and stores characteristic data for each of two pieces of variable information stored in the first magnetic storage region of the inserted prepaid card, and acquires the acquired characteristic data. Determines whether the data matches the characteristic data included in the variable information stored in the second storage area. If the data does not match, the reading check means prohibits the use of the card. When recording the updated variable information 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 recorded and updated. 1 updating means, and after completion of recording and updating of the variable information by the first updating means, the characteristic data of each variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area is stored in the second storage area. Second update means for recording and updating the variable information to be recorded in the variable information to be recorded in the first magnetic storage area after the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information in the first and second storage areas of the prepaid card. For each of the variable information in the first magnetic storage area, determining whether or not the data matches the characteristic data included in the variable information stored in the second storage area. It is determined whether or not the characteristic data obtained for the one whose record has not been updated matches the data stored at the time of card insertion stored by the reading check means. If they do not match,
A prepaid card system, comprising: update check means for performing predetermined error processing. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is a first payment card.
The first recording means for recording two pieces of variable information in the magnetic storage area, and the characteristic data of each of the two pieces of variable information recorded by the first recording means are to be obtained and recorded in the second storage area. And a second recording unit for recording the variable information in the variable information. The first updating unit of the reading device records the variable information updated according to a consumption amount when the prepaid card is unused. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for recording and updating one of the two pieces of variable information in the first magnetic storage area. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the unevenness in the first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card is caused when the prepaid card is manufactured.
The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein the prepaid card system is generated by an uneven roller having an uneven surface. 4. The apparatus 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. 5. A prepaid card having a first magnetic storage area provided with irregularities and a second storage area as areas for storing variable information including money amount information.
A reading device for updating said variable information in accordance with a consumption amount, wherein characteristic data is obtained and stored for two variable information stored in a first magnetic storage area of an inserted prepaid card. Determining whether the obtained characteristic data matches the characteristic data included in the variable information stored in the second storage area, and if not, read check means for prohibiting use of the card; When the variable information updated in accordance with the amount of money is recorded on the prepaid card, the variable information of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area that has not been updated when the previous card was used is recorded. A first updating unit for updating, and after completion of recording and updating of the variable information by the first updating unit, a characteristic data of each variable information stored in the first magnetic storage area. Updating means for recording and updating the variable information to be recorded in the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area; and, after completing the recording and updating of the variable information in the first and second storage areas of the prepaid card, the first magnetic means. Characteristic data is obtained for each of two pieces of variable information in the storage area, and it is determined whether or not the two pieces of variable information match the characteristic data included in the variable information stored in the second storage area. It is determined whether or not the characteristic data acquired for the one of the two variable information in the storage area that has not been updated is identical to the one stored at the time of card insertion stored by the reading check means. A reading checker that performs predetermined error processing when the compared feature data does not match. 6. The reading apparatus according to claim 5, 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. 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.
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 two information stored in a first magnetic storage area of the prepaid card inserted in the reading device are provided. A holding step of acquiring and holding the characteristic data for each of the variable information; 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 step of recording and updating the variable information that has not been recorded and updated when the card was used last time; and after the completion of the updating of the variable information by the first updating step, the variable information is stored in the first magnetic storage area. Second updating step of recording and updating the variable information to be recorded in the second storage area by including the characteristic data of each variable information After the completion of the recording and updating of the variable information in the first and second updating steps, characteristic data is obtained for each of the two variable information in the first magnetic storage area, and the variable information stored in the second storage area is obtained. It is determined whether or not the data coincides with the characteristic data included in the first magnetic storage area, and the characteristic data obtained for the one of the two pieces of variable information in the first magnetic storage area that has not been updated is held by the holding step. An update check step of performing a predetermined error process if the compared feature data does not match in any of the determinations. Variable information update method.