JP2001143047A - Information recording card and card discriminating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an information recording card from being altered. SOLUTION: In an information recording card, provided with a magnetic recording part 3 for recording information and punch parts 2a to 2f allowed to be physically deformed and inhibited to be restored after deformation and constituted so as to rewrite the information of the recording part 3 according to application frequency and deform at least one of plural punch parts 2a to 2f, punch patterns 10a to 10f arrayed on the basis of a prescribed rule are drawn on the card by paint and the array interval of the patterns 10a to 10f is drawn narrower than the width of the punch parts 2a to 2f. When at least one of the punch parts 2a to 2f is deformed, a part of the punch pattern corresponding to the deformed punch part out of plural punch patterns 10a to 10f is lost. Thus the deformation of the punch parts 2a to 2f can be discriminated, by discriminating a partial lack of the punch patterns 10a to 10f.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information recording card and a card discriminating device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some magnetic cards, such as prepaid cards, not only record data magnetically, but also display through-holes so that frequency information and the like of the magnetic card can be visually checked. I have. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a conventional magnetic card. The magnetic card has a magnetic recording section 3 and perforated sections 2a to 2f. Information recorded magnetically in the magnetic recording section 3 is rewritten according to the frequency of use of the magnetic card, and through holes are formed in the perforated sections 2a to 2f. Is opened. The information from the through hole is compared with the data recorded magnetically, and is used to check whether the information recorded in the magnetic recording unit 3 has been falsified.

Conventionally, optical means has been used to read information through a through hole to check for data tampering. Specifically, light is applied to a preset position of the through-hole, and whether or not the through-hole is opened is detected by detecting light transmission.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional optical means, the through-hole is closed with a resin or a piece of the through-hole (hole filling method), or the through-hole portion of the magnetic card is cut off. By attaching a cut piece of another magnetic card in the same shape (cutting method), the information itself can be easily tampered with the through hole. As a result, tampering of magnetically recorded data cannot be reliably prevented.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an information recording card capable of preventing alteration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a card discriminating apparatus capable of easily judging that a card has been falsified.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, an information recording card includes a recording unit for recording information, and a plurality of deformation units which are physically deformed and cannot be restored after being deformed. And information of the recording unit is rewritten according to the frequency of use, and at least one of the plurality of deformed parts is provided.
One is an information recording card to be deformed, on the information recording card, a plurality of patterns arranged according to a predetermined rule are drawn with paint, the interval at which the plurality of patterns are arranged is narrower than the width of the deformed portion, When at least one of the plurality of deformed portions is deformed, a part of the pattern corresponding to the deformed deformed portion among the plurality of patterns is missing.

[0008] The pattern includes a character, a symbol, a figure, or a combination thereof. The arrangement according to the predetermined rule is a rule of arranging patterns of the same shape in different directions, for example, arranging patterns of a triangular shape at different angles by 30 degrees, and different shapes of predetermined shapes. Rules for arranging in order, for example, rules for arranging in order of triangle, circle, square, and pentagon are included.

According to the present invention, since at least one of the plurality of deformed portions is deformed, a portion of the pattern corresponding to the deformed deformed portion among the plurality of patterns is lost. By doing so, it is possible to provide an information recording card that can easily determine that the deformed portion has been deformed. Further, since a plurality of patterns arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule are drawn with paint, a part of the pattern missing due to deformation of the deformed portion has a different shape depending on the deformed portion. As a result, an information recording card that can prevent alteration can be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an information recording card includes a recording unit for recording information, and a deforming unit that is physically deformed and cannot be restored after the deformation,
An information recording card in which the information in the recording unit is rewritten according to the frequency of use and the deformation unit is deformed. The information recording card has a plurality of patterns arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule drawn with paint, and Is characterized by including at least one of a plurality of patterns.

According to the present invention, a plurality of patterns arranged according to a predetermined rule are drawn with paint, and the deformed portion includes at least one of the plurality of patterns. Since the deformed portion is deformed so that at least one pattern is missing, the regularity in which the patterns are arranged is impaired at the deformed deformed portion. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information recording card capable of easily determining the deformation of the deformed portion. Further, since a plurality of patterns arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule are drawn with paint, the arrangement of the plurality of patterns included in the deformed portion differs depending on the deformed portion. As a result, an information recording card that can prevent alteration can be provided.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention,
A recording unit for recording information, and a deformed unit that is physically deformed and is not restored after deformation, and the information in the recorded unit is rewritten according to the frequency of use and the deformed portion is deformed. A recording card, wherein a pattern that changes from a recording unit to a deformed portion in accordance with a predetermined rule from a recording unit to a deformed portion is drawn with paint.

The pattern that changes according to a predetermined rule includes a pattern whose shape changes according to a predetermined rule or a pattern in which a plurality of arranged shapes are different according to a predetermined rule. For example, a pattern whose shape changes
Includes patterns whose width, density, and color change according to the distance from the recording unit. Further, the pattern in which a plurality of arranged shapes differ according to a predetermined rule includes a pattern in which different shapes are arranged in the order of, for example, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, and the like according to a distance from the recording unit.

According to the present invention, since the pattern that changes from the recording section to the deformed section in accordance with a predetermined rule is drawn with the paint between the recording section and the deformed section, the recording section and the deformed section are both painted. When the card is divided, the regularity of the pattern changing at the divided position is lost. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the fact that the card has been divided into the recording unit and the deformation unit, and to provide an information recording card that can prevent alteration.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
A recording unit for recording information, and a deformed unit that is physically deformed and is not restored after deformation, and the information in the recorded unit is rewritten according to the frequency of use and the deformed portion is deformed. A recording card, wherein a plurality of patterns arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule from the recording unit to the deformed portion are drawn with paint between the recording unit and the deformed portion.

According to the present invention, a plurality of patterns arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule from the recording section to the deformation section are drawn with paint between the recording section and the deformation section. When the card is divided into the division and the division, the regularity in which a plurality of patterns are arranged at the division location is lost.
Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the fact that the card has been divided into the recording unit and the deformation unit, and to provide an information recording card that can prevent alteration.

Preferably, the paint is a material that reflects or absorbs light other than visible light.

According to the present invention, since the paint is a material that reflects or absorbs light other than visible light, a pattern that cannot be seen by human eyes can be drawn. As a result,
Furthermore, an information recording card that is difficult to alter can be provided.

According to yet another aspect of the invention,
A card discriminating device for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a plurality of deformed sections that are physically deformed and are not restored after the deformation, and a usage frequency recorded in the recording section is determined. Information reading means for reading, drawing information reading means for reading drawing information drawn with paint on the plurality of deformed portions and the periphery of each, and drawing information read by the drawing information reading section are predetermined. A first comparing means for comparing with a pattern, and a usage frequency obtained from a deformed part corresponding to a pattern determined to be different from a predetermined pattern by the comparing means among the plurality of deformed parts and read by the information reading means. Second comparing means for comparing the usage frequency with the second usage frequency.

According to the present invention, the usage frequency obtained from the deformation portion corresponding to the pattern determined to be different from the predetermined pattern by the comparing means among the plurality of deformation portions, and the usage frequency read by the information reading means, Is compared, it is possible to provide a card discriminating apparatus capable of easily judging that the card has been falsified when both usage frequencies are different.

According to yet another aspect of the invention,
A card discriminating device for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a plurality of deformed sections that are physically deformed and are not restored after the deformation, and a usage frequency recorded in the recording section is determined. An information reading means for reading, a pattern reading means for reading a plurality of patterns painted with paint on the plurality of deformed portions and the periphery thereof, and a pattern read by the pattern reading means arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule. Determination means for determining whether or not the pattern has been read out of the plurality of deformed portions, and the number of usages obtained from the deformed portion corresponding to the pattern which is determined not to be arranged according to a predetermined rule and read by the information reading means. Second to compare with the used frequency
And comparing means.

According to the present invention, the number of usages obtained from the deformed portion corresponding to the pattern which is determined not to be arranged in accordance with the predetermined rule among the plurality of deformed portions and read by the information reading means. Since the usage frequency is compared with the usage frequency, it is possible to provide a card discriminating apparatus that can easily determine that the card has been falsified when both usage frequencies are different.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
A card discriminating device for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a deformed section which is physically deformed and is not restored after being deformed, for reading a usage frequency recorded in the recording section. Information reading means, a pattern reading means for reading a pattern drawn on the card with paint, and a judging means for judging whether or not the pattern read by the pattern reading means is deformed according to a predetermined rule. .

According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the read pattern is deformed according to a predetermined rule, so that the fact that the card has been deformed can be easily determined. As a result, it is possible to provide a card discriminating apparatus capable of easily judging that the card has been falsified.

According to yet another aspect of the invention,
A card discriminating device for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a deformed section which is physically deformed and is not restored after being deformed, for reading a usage frequency recorded in the recording section. Information reading means, a pattern reading means for reading a plurality of patterns drawn on the card with paint, and determining whether or not the plurality of patterns read by the pattern reading means are arranged according to a predetermined rule. Means.

According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not a plurality of read patterns are arranged according to a predetermined rule, so that the fact that a card has been deformed can be easily determined. As a result, it is possible to provide a card discriminating apparatus capable of easily judging that the card has been falsified.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding members, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a magnetic card according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic card 1 includes a magnetic recording unit 3, perforations 2a to 2f,
Perforated parts 2a to 2f are included. The magnetic recording unit 3 records data such as frequency.

The perforated portions 2a to 2f of the magnetic card 1 are superimposed on a part of each of the perforated portions 2a to 2f so that a perforated pattern 1
0a to 10f are drawn. Further, intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are drawn in an intermediate area 4 (see FIG. 2) between the magnetic recording section 3 and the perforated sections 2a to 2f of the magnetic card 1.

The perforated patterns 10a to 10f and the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are patterns drawn on the surface of the magnetic card 1 with paint such as ink. Such a pattern may be drawn on the front surface, the back surface, or both surfaces of the magnetic card 1. In the case of drawing on both sides, it is necessary to match the pattern drawn on both sides when the through hole is to be closed with a piece, and the modification is more difficult than in the case of drawing on one side.

The magnetic card shown in FIG. 1 is in an unused state, and no holes (through holes) are formed in the perforated portions 2a to 2f.
Holes are made in the perforated portions 2a to 2f according to the frequency used. The dotted lines surrounding the perforated portions 2a to 2f are given for explanation, and such dotted lines are not actually attached to the magnetic card 1. The perforated portions 2a to 2f are arranged so as not to overlap with each other, but may be arranged so as to overlap.

Further, when a through hole is formed in the perforated portion, the through hole cannot be accurately formed in the entire perforated portion due to the influence of a positioning error of the magnetic card and the like, and the magnetic card is positioned near the perforated portion. The center hole is shifted by an error and a through hole is formed.

Here, the intermediate region 4 and the peripheral portion 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the intermediate region 4. The intermediate region 4 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic recording unit 3 and is in contact with the perforations 2a to 2f, and is located between the magnetic recording unit 3 and the line 5 between the magnetic recording unit 3 and the perforations 2a to 2f. It refers to a certain area, and corresponds to the area shown by hatching in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the peripheral portion 6. The peripheral portion 6 refers to a region around the perforated portions 2a to 2f, and corresponds to a region hatched in FIG. Here, the shape of the peripheral portion 6 is rectangular, but the shape is not limited to this, and any region including the perforated portions 2a to 2f may be used.
It may have any shape, and may have a plurality of shapes. When the perforated portions 2a to 2f are arranged so as to overlap each other, the perforated portions themselves are peripheral portions of the adjacent perforated portions.

Returning to FIG. 1, the intermediate area 4 of the magnetic card 1
3 illustrate three intermediate patterns 11a to 11c.
The intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are patterns in which triangular, round, and square shapes are arranged from the magnetic recording unit 3 to the perforations 2a to 2f.

In the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c, a plurality of shapes are regularly arranged, and the shapes are arranged such that a circle is arranged after a square, a triangle is arranged after a circle, and a triangle is arranged after a triangle. Follow the rules for placing rectangles. The beginnings of the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are different from each other.

The positions where the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are drawn are not necessarily fixed to the positions shown in FIG. 1. If the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are between the magnetic recording section 3 and the perforated sections 2a to 2f, the intermediate area 4 May be drawn anywhere. Further, three intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are drawn, but the number is not limited to three, and one or more may be sufficient, and a plurality of them are preferable.

The perforated patterns 10a to 10f are drawn such that one part is included in the perforated parts 2a to 2f and the other part is included in the peripheral part 6. Drilling pattern 10
a and 10d are triangular, perforated patterns 10b and 10e are round, and perforated patterns 10c and 10f are quadrangular. Therefore, the perforation patterns 10a to 10f are formed by regularly arranging a plurality of shapes.

The intervals between the perforation patterns 10a to 10f are arranged to be smaller than the diameter of the perforations 2a to 2f. Therefore, when the through holes are formed in the perforated portions 2a to 2f, a part of any of the perforated patterns 10a to 10f is missing even if the position of the through hole is shifted due to an error.

The perforation patterns 10a to 10f and the perforations 2a to 2f are shown in a one-to-one correspondence.
It is not necessary to correspond to the pair, and the perforation pattern may be a pattern in which a plurality of shapes are regularly arranged.
2f and the perforation pattern may correspond to one to many.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a dividing line 20 for dividing the magnetic card 1 into a portion including the magnetic recording portion 3 and a portion including the perforated portions 2a to 2f. Referring to FIG.
Divides the magnetic card 1 into a portion including the magnetic recording portion 3 and a portion including the perforated portions 2a to 2f. Dividing line 20
Means that a person trying to alter the magnetic card 1
Is a line indicating the location where it would be cut. Further, by dividing the magnetic card 1 by the dividing line 20, the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are also divided. By dividing the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c, continuity of the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c is lost. Here, the continuity refers to a regular arrangement of the plurality of shapes because the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are patterns in which a plurality of shapes are regularly arranged.

The intermediate patterns 11a to 11a
By changing the arrangement of 11c, even if the magnetic card is cut at the dividing line 20 and another card having the same shape as the portion including the perforated portions 2a to 2f is attached, the continuity of the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c is maintained. It is lost at parting line 20. Therefore, by detecting the continuity of the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c using an image processing technique or the like, the fact that the card has been cut can be determined.

The continuity of the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c is detected, for example, by extracting the contours of the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c from an image obtained by capturing the intermediate area 4 with a CCD camera and obtaining the extracted contours. It is detected from the shape. Specifically, the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c
Is arranged after the square, the triangle is arranged after the circle, and the square is arranged after the triangle, so it is determined whether or not the arrangement of this shape is maintained. If the array of shapes is not maintained, it is determined that there is no continuity,
If it is maintained, it is determined that there is continuity.

The intermediate pattern 11 is provided for each magnetic card.
The positions and intervals of a to 11c are slightly shifted,
Different numbers make it more difficult to forge.

On the other hand, when the through holes are formed in the perforated portions 2a to 2f, a part of the perforated patterns 10a to 10f drawn in the perforated portions 2a to 2f having the through holes are missing. Since a part of the perforation patterns 10a to 10f is missing together with the through holes, the shapes of the perforation patterns 10a to 10f are different. A change in the shape of the perforation patterns 10a to 10f can be detected using an image processing technique or the like.
This makes it possible to detect which of the perforations 2a to 2f has a through hole.

The drilling patterns 10a to 10f are formed by regularly arranging a plurality of shapes.
The shapes of the perforation patterns 10a to 10f included in a to 2f are different. Therefore, the perforation patterns 10a to 10f drawn on the cut ends where the perforations are formed in the perforated portions 2a to 2f.
Will differ from piece to piece. For this reason, even if the through holes are closed by the cut ends, the probability of matching the original perforation patterns 10a to 10f is low. Also, even if the shape drawn on the piece matches,
Since the through-hole is circular, it is necessary to perform an operation of adjusting the direction in order to match the perforation patterns 10a to 10f, which is difficult.

Further, the perforated portions 2a to 2
When f is covered with resin, the perforation patterns 10a to 10f do not appear in the perforation portions 2a to 2f.
The shapes of 0a to 10f are not reproduced. Therefore, a difference in shape can be detected.

In this embodiment, perforation patterns 10a to 10f in which triangular, round and square shapes are regularly arranged.
Although the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c are drawn, the present invention is not limited to this, and an array of characters, graphics, symbols, or a combination thereof can be applied. Also,
Instead of repeating different shapes in a regular arrangement, the same shape may be arranged in different directions, for example, an arrangement in which triangles are rotated by 30 degrees.

The information drawn on the card surface in the present embodiment may be drawn with ink that reflects visible light, but when irradiated with ink that absorbs infrared light or infrared light of a predetermined wavelength, May be drawn with ink that is invisible to the naked eye, which causes the generation of the image. In this case, an infrared camera must be used to read the drawn patterns, characters, graphics, symbols, or a combination thereof, so that the card can be more effectively prevented from being altered.

Further, in the magnetic card according to the present embodiment, the through hole is formed in the perforated portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fuse may be electrically cut and the perforated pattern may be deformed.

Hereinafter, a modified example of this embodiment will be described. [First Modification] A first modification of the magnetic card 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
Are the perforated portions 2a to 2d of the magnetic card 1 in the first modified example.
It is an enlarged view of 2f and peripheral part 6. Referring to FIG. 5, triangles, round shapes, and square shapes are arranged in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in perforated portions 2 a to 2 f and peripheral portion 6.

The arrangement order is a predetermined order in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In the horizontal direction, in the direction from left to right, a circle is arranged after a rectangle, a triangle is arranged after a circle, and a rectangle is arranged after a triangle.
In the vertical direction, in the direction from top to bottom, a circle is arranged after a rectangle, a triangle is arranged after a circle, and a rectangle is arranged after a triangle.

Each of the triangular, round, and quadrangular patterns is drawn so as to be included in each of the perforations 2a to 2f. Therefore, when through holes are formed in the perforated portions 2a to 2f, a plurality of triangular, round, and square patterns are missing. As a result, the arrangement order of the triangular, round, and square patterns is lost at the through holes.

Further, since a plurality of patterns are drawn on a piece generated by drilling a through hole, a plurality of patterns drawn on the piece differ for each piece. Therefore, it is difficult to reproduce the pattern drawn on the peripheral portion 6 even if the through hole is closed by the cut end.

[Second Modification] Next, a second modification of the magnetic card 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the perforated portions 2a to 2f and the peripheral portion 6 of the magnetic card 1 in the second modified example. Referring to FIG. 6, perforated portions 2a to 2f
And a plurality of heart-shaped perforation patterns 10a to 10f are drawn on the peripheral portion 6 in different directions.

Heart-shaped perforation patterns 10a to 10f
Is drawn so that a part thereof is included in each of the perforated portions 2a to 2f. Therefore, the perforated portions 2a to 2f
When a through hole is drilled in the hole, a heart-shaped drilling pattern 10
Some of the shapes of a to 10f will be missing.

Also, heart-shaped perforation patterns 10a-1
Since 0f is drawn in different directions, the patterns drawn on the perforated portions 2a to 2f are different from each other. Thereby, even if it tries to cover a through-hole with the cut piece produced by drilling a through-hole, the perforation pattern 10a ~
It will be difficult to align the 10f shape to reproduce it.

Although the perforation patterns 10a to 10f are shown corresponding to the perforations 2a to 2f, it is not necessary to make them correspond to each other. And a plurality of perforation patterns may correspond.

[Third Modification] Next, a third modification of the magnetic card 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the perforated portions 2a to 2f and the peripheral portion 6 of the magnetic card 1 according to the third modified example. Referring to FIG. 7, perforated portions 2a to 2f
And “0”, “500”, “1000”,
Patterns 10a to 10f composed of characters "1500", "2000", and "2500" are drawn. The characters constituting the patterns 10a to 10f are partially drawn in the perforated portions 2a to 2f. Depending on the balance frequency of the magnetic card, through holes are made in the perforated portions 2a to 2f. For example, when the balance frequency is 1600, through holes are made in perforated portions 2e and 2f or perforated portion 2e. At this time, the information obtained from the through holes formed in the perforations 2a to 2f is "the balance frequency is 1500 or more".

Drilling patterns 10a to 10f consisting of characters
Is drawn so that a part thereof is included in each of the perforated portions 2a to 2f. Therefore, when a perforated portion is formed in each of the perforated portions 2a to 2f, the perforated patterns 10a to 1
A part of the shape of 0f will be missing.

Further, since the perforation patterns 10a to 10f have different characters, a part of the characters drawn on the perforations 2a to 2f is different. This allows
Perforated part 2 at a piece generated by drilling a through hole
Perforation patterns 10a to 10f even when trying to block a to 2f
It is difficult to align the characters so as to reproduce them.

[Fourth Modification] Next, a fourth modification of the magnetic card 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a magnetic card 1 according to a fourth modification. Referring to FIG. 8, three intermediate patterns 1 are provided in intermediate area 4 of the magnetic card.
2a to 12c are drawn. Intermediate patterns 12a-1
2c is drawn from the magnetic recording part 3 to the perforated parts 2a to 2f, and has a shape whose width changes in proportion to the distance from the magnetic recording part 3. Specifically, the intermediate pattern 12
Reference numerals a and 12c denote trapezoidal shapes whose width gradually decreases from the magnetic recording unit 3 toward the perforations 2a to 2f. On the other hand, the intermediate pattern 12b is
It has a trapezoidal shape whose width gradually increases toward a to 2f.

The positions at which the intermediate patterns 12a to 12c are drawn are not necessarily fixed to the positions shown in FIG. 8, but if the intermediate patterns 12a to 12c are located between the magnetic recording section 3 and the perforated sections 2a to 2f. May be drawn anywhere. Further, three intermediate patterns 12a to 12c are drawn, but the number is not limited to this, and one or more may be sufficient, and a plurality of them are preferable.

When the magnetic card 1 is divided into a portion including the magnetic recording portion 3 and a portion including the perforated portions 2a to 2f, the intermediate patterns 12a to 12c are divided. Intermediate pattern 12
When a to 12c are divided, the intermediate patterns 12a to 12c
The continuity of c is lost. Here, the continuity means a proportional relationship between the width of the intermediate patterns 12 a to 12 c and the distance from the magnetic recording unit 3.

The intermediate patterns 12a to 12a
By making the proportional relationship between the width of 12c and the distance from the magnetic recording unit 3 different, the magnetic card 1 is cut, and another card is cut into the same shape, and the portions including the perforated portions 2a to 2f are pasted. Even if attached, the intermediate patterns 12a-1
It is difficult to reproduce the continuity of 2c. Therefore,
The fact that the card has been cut can be easily determined,
Modification can be prevented.

The intermediate pattern 12 is provided for each magnetic card.
The positions and intervals of a to 12c are slightly shifted,
Different numbers make it more difficult to forge.

As described above, the magnetic card 1 according to the present embodiment makes it difficult to alter the magnetic card 1 by the filling method or the cutting method. Also, even if it is altered, it facilitates its detection.

Further, by drawing on the card surface with an ink that absorbs or reflects infrared rays that cannot be seen with the naked eye, or an ink containing a metal having magnetism, the alteration can be made more difficult. Further, the falsification can be similarly made difficult not only by ink but also by making a latent image by magnetism. Furthermore, since it can be manufactured by printing ink on the card surface, it is possible to provide a magnetic card that is easy to manufacture and has low manufacturing cost.

In the first embodiment, the shape of the perforated portion is round, but the shape is not limited to this, and it may be triangular, quadrangular, or polygonal. Although the magnetic card is deformed by making a through hole in the perforated portion, the deformation may be made by notching the end of the magnetic card instead of making a hole.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The magnetic card discriminating apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the magnetic card discriminating apparatus in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the magnetic card discriminating apparatus receives a magnetic card inserted by a user at a predetermined position, and discharges the magnetic card after the operation is completed. Card reader 110 that reads and rewrites information that has been read, and C that reads information drawn on the magnetic card.
A CD camera 111, an image processing unit 114 for processing images read by the CCD camera 111, a storage unit 115 for storing information drawn on the magnetic card 1, and a control unit for controlling these 112. The processing unit 116 pays out a product according to a user's instruction, and outputs the price information to the control unit 112.

The magnetic card discriminating process performed by the magnetic card discriminating apparatus will be described for the case where the magnetic card 1 described in the first embodiment is inserted. FIG.
0 is a flowchart showing a flow of a discriminating process performed by the magnetic card discriminating apparatus according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the discriminating process of the magnetic card discriminating apparatus includes a step S01 of detecting acceptance of magnetic card 1.
A step S02 of reading information drawn on the surface of the magnetic card 1, a step S03 of determining the continuity of information in the intermediate area 4 of the magnetic card 1, and a step S03 of determining the continuity of the information. Step S04 of reading magnetic information recorded in the memory and Step S05 of acquiring the position of a through hole
Step S06 of comparing the information obtained from the perforations 2a to 2f with the magnetic information, Step S07 of performing other processing such as paying out a product if the information matches, Step S08 of ejecting the magnetic card 1 Consists of

Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail. [Step S01] When the magnetic card 1 is inserted into the magnetic discrimination device by the user, the magnetic card insertion / ejection unit 113
Is a position where the magnetic card reader 110 can read the recorded information recorded in the magnetic recording unit 3 and a position where the CCD camera 111 can photograph the information drawn on the magnetic card 1. Position the magnetic card.

[Step S02] Information drawn on the card surface of the magnetic card 1 is read by the CCD camera 111. Here, it is assumed that the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c and the perforation patterns 10a to 10f shown in FIG. 1 are read as image information.

[Step S03] It is determined whether or not the magnetic card 1 has been disconnected in the intermediate area 4. This determination is performed by performing image processing on the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c located in the intermediate area 4 of the image information captured in step S02. The image processing includes the following methods. This is a method of extracting a contour from the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c as the image information captured in step S02 and determining the continuity of the contour. Here, in the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c, a circle is arranged after a rectangle, a triangle is arranged after a circle, and a rectangle is arranged after a triangle. judge. If the arrangement of the shapes is not maintained, it is determined that there is no continuity, and if it is maintained, it is determined that there is continuity.

The continuity is determined by the image processing unit 14. If it is determined that there is continuity, the process proceeds to step S04. If it is determined that there is no continuity, the process proceeds to step S08.

[Step S04] Magnetic Card Reader 11
At 0, the magnetic information recorded in the magnetic recording unit 3 is read.
The magnetic information includes remaining frequency information.

[Step S05] Of the perforated portions 2a to 2f, the perforated portion having a through hole is specified. The specification is performed by performing image processing on the perforation patterns 10a to 10b located in the peripheral portion 6 and the perforation portions 2a to 2f of the image information captured in step S02. For image processing, a pattern matching technique can be applied. For example, the punching pattern 10 previously drawn on the magnetic card is stored in the storage unit 115.
The shapes of “a” to “10b” are stored.
This is a method of calculating a difference from the intermediate patterns 11a to 11c captured in step 2. If the difference is 0, it is determined that the patterns match, and if the difference is not 0, it is determined that the patterns do not match.

Then, in the captured image information, the positions of the peripheral portions 6 corresponding to the perforated patterns 10a to 10b whose patterns do not match correspond to the perforated portions to specify the perforated portions where the through holes are formed.

[Step S06] The magnetic information read in step S04 is compared with the information obtained from the perforated portion having the through hole specified in step S05. The magnetic information includes remaining frequency information. With the information obtained from the perforated portion where the through hole is formed, since the perforated portion is formed with the through hole according to the residual frequency, the information obtained from the position of the perforated portion where the through hole is formed. Say. For example, in the case of a magnetic card having an unused frequency of 3000 degrees and six perforations, and a perforation in the perforations in order from the right every 500 degrees, a through hole is formed in the second perforation from the right. If left open, the remaining frequency is 1500
It is more than the frequency and less than or equal to 2000. In this case, there are cases where a through hole is formed in the first perforated portion from the right side and cases where no through hole is formed, and whether or not a through hole is formed in the first perforated portion from the right side. Regardless of
The balance frequency can be determined based on whether or not a through hole is formed in the second perforated portion from the right side.

Now, assuming that there is a through hole in the second perforated portion from the right side, if the magnetic information is 1600 degrees, the two information match. In this case, it is determined that the magnetic card has not been altered. If the magnetic information is 3000 degrees, the two information do not match. In this case, it is determined that the magnetic card has been altered. If the two information match, the process proceeds to step S07. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S07.
Proceed to 08.

[Step S07] Normal processing of using a magnetic card, such as paying out a product, is performed.

[Step S08] When a magnetic card is used, the magnetic card reader 110 writes the remaining frequency to the magnetic recording unit 3 and the punching unit 2 in accordance with the remaining frequency.
After performing a process of making a through hole in each of the magnetic cards 1a to 2f,
To discharge. When there is no use, the magnetic card 1 is ejected without performing any processing.

As described above, in the magnetic card discriminating apparatus according to the present embodiment, the presence or absence of continuity of the pattern drawn on the magnetic card, the presence or absence of continuity of the arrangement of a plurality of patterns, and By determining the pattern shape matching, it is determined whether or not the magnetic card has been cut. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify a magnetic card that has been altered by a filling method, a cutting method, or the like. Further, since a known image processing technique is used, the manufacturing cost of the apparatus can be reduced.

In the first or second embodiment,
Although the magnetic recording card has been described as an example of the information recording card, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes an information recording card having a semiconductor memory such as an IC card.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a magnetic card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an intermediate area 4 of the magnetic card 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a peripheral portion 6 of the magnetic card 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a dividing line 20 for dividing the magnetic card 1 according to the first embodiment into a portion including the magnetic recording portion 3 and a portion including the perforated portions 2a to 2f.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of perforated portions 2a to 2f and a peripheral portion 6 of a magnetic card 1 according to a first modified example.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of perforated portions 2a to 2f and a peripheral portion 6 of a magnetic card 1 according to a second modified example.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of perforated portions 2a to 2f and a peripheral portion 6 of a magnetic card 1 according to a third modified example.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a magnetic card 1 according to a fourth modification.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a magnetic card discrimination device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a discriminating process performed by a magnetic card discriminating apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a conventional magnetic card.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Magnetic card, 2a-2f punching part, 3 magnetic recording part, 4 intermediate area, 6 peripheral parts, 10a-10f punching pattern, 11a-11c, 12a-12c intermediate pattern, 100 magnetic card reader, 111 CCD camera, 112 control Unit, 113 magnetic card insertion / ejection unit,
114 image processing unit, 115 storage unit, 116 processing unit.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A recording section for recording information, and a plurality of deformed sections which are physically deformed and are not restored after being deformed, wherein the information in the recording section is rewritten according to the frequency of use. And an information recording card in which at least one of the plurality of deformed portions is deformed, wherein the information recording card is painted with a plurality of patterns arranged according to a predetermined rule, and the plurality of patterns are arranged. The interval is smaller than the width of the deformed portion, and when at least one of the plurality of deformed portions is deformed, a part of the pattern corresponding to the deformed deformed portion of the plurality of patterns is missing. Characteristic information recording card. 2. A recording section for recording information, and a deforming section which is physically deformed and is not restored after the deformation, wherein the information in the recording section is rewritten according to the frequency of use, and An information recording card in which a deformable portion is deformed, wherein the information recording card is painted with a plurality of patterns arranged according to a predetermined rule, and the deformable portion includes at least one of the plurality of patterns. An information recording card, characterized by being recorded. 3. A recording unit for recording information, and a deforming unit which is physically deformed and is not restored after the deformation, wherein the information in the recording unit is rewritten according to the frequency of use, and An information recording card in which a deformed portion is deformed, wherein a pattern that changes in accordance with a predetermined rule from the recording portion toward the deformed portion is painted with paint between the recording portion and the deformed portion. An information recording card, characterized in that: 4. A recording section for recording information, and a deforming section which is physically deformed and is not restored after the deformation, wherein the information in the recording section is rewritten according to the frequency of use, and An information recording card in which a deformed portion is deformed, wherein a plurality of patterns arranged according to a predetermined rule from the recording portion toward the deformed portion are drawn with paint between the recording portion and the deformed portion. Characterized by the fact that
Information recording card. 5. The information recording card according to claim 1, wherein the paint is a material that reflects or absorbs light other than visible light. 6. A card discriminating apparatus for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a plurality of deformed sections which are physically deformed and are not restored after the deformation, and Information reading means for reading the recorded frequency of use; drawing information reading means for reading drawing information drawn with paint on the plurality of deformed portions and the periphery thereof; read by the drawing information reading portion First comparing means for comparing the drawn information with a predetermined pattern; and a deforming part corresponding to a pattern determined to be different from the predetermined pattern by the comparing means among the plurality of deforming parts. And a second comparing means for comparing the used frequency read by the information reading means with the used frequency. 7. A card discriminating apparatus for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a plurality of deformed sections which are physically deformed and are not restored after being deformed. Information reading means for reading the recorded frequency of use; pattern reading means for reading a plurality of patterns drawn with paint on the plurality of deformed portions and the periphery thereof; and information read by the pattern reading means. Determining means for determining whether or not the patterns are arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule; and obtaining from a deformed portion corresponding to the pattern which is determined not to be arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule among the plurality of deformed portions. And a second comparing unit for comparing the used frequency read by the information reading unit with the used frequency. 8. A card discriminating apparatus for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a deformed section which is physically deformed and is not restored after being deformed, the card discriminating apparatus comprising: Information reading means for reading the usage frequency, a pattern reading means for reading a pattern drawn on the card with paint, and whether the pattern read by the pattern reading means is deformed in accordance with a predetermined rule. A card discriminating device, comprising: a judging means for judging whether or not the card is a card. 9. A card discriminating apparatus for discriminating a card having a recording section for recording information and a deformed section which is physically deformed and is not restored after being deformed, the card discriminating apparatus comprising: Information reading means for reading the usage frequency, pattern reading means for reading a plurality of patterns drawn on the card with paint, and a plurality of patterns read by the pattern reading means arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule. A card discriminating device comprising: a judging means for judging whether or not the card has been inserted.