JP2019100730A - Card reader and control method for card reader - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a card reader with which, before re-recording magnetic data to a magnetic stripe of a loaded card, it is possible to determine the presence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence of foreign matter sticking to the magnetic stripe.SOLUTION: A card reader 1 comprises: a magnetic head 7 for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a rectangular card 2 conforming to JIS or ISO standards, and writing magnetic data to the magnetic stripe; a scanner 8 for acquiring an image of a surface on the side of the card 2 on which the magnetic stripe is formed; and a control unit 9 to which the output signal of the scanner 8 is inputted. The control unit 9 cuts out, from the image acquired by the scanner 8, a partial image corresponding to the magnetic data recorded position in the lateral direction of the card 2 defined by JIS or ISO standards, and determines the presence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence of foreign matter sticking to the magnetic stripe on the basis of the cut-out image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a card reader for reading magnetic data recorded on a card and recording magnetic data on the card. The present invention also relates to a method of controlling such a card reader.

  Conventionally, a card reader for reading magnetic data recorded on a card is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the card reader described in Patent Document 1, a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a card, a rewrite head for printing characters on an information display unit of the card, and a magnetic head to which an output signal of the magnetic head is input. And a deterioration detection unit. The magnetic deterioration detection unit can detect the strength of the magnetic force of the magnetic data recorded on the card based on the output signal of the magnetic head.

  If the card is used for a long time and the magnetic force of the magnetic data recorded on the card's magnetic stripe decreases, the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe may not be properly read by the magnetic head. Therefore, in the card reader described in Patent Document 1, when the amplitude of the output signal of the magnetic head detected by the magnetic deterioration detection unit is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the magnetic data is detected according to the amplitude of the output signal. The Rewrite Head prints letters on the card's information display that indicate that the magnet's magnetic force is low and it may be impossible to trade, or that the magnetic data's magnetic force is low and can not be traded. Alert the card holder.

JP, 2006-338404, A

  In recent years, in the market, there is a need to re-record magnetic data on a magnetic stripe of a card with a card reader when the magnetic force of the magnetic data of the card taken into the card reader is lowered. In this case, for example, it is possible to record magnetic data on the magnetic stripe by determining the necessity of recording the magnetic data based on the amplitude of the output signal of the magnetic head. However, for example, when the magnetic stripe is scratched or scraped, it is determined that the recording of the magnetic data is necessary based on the amplitude of the output signal of the magnetic head, and even if it is attempted to record the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe, Situations may arise where magnetic data can not be recorded properly on the magnetic stripe.

  Also, for example, when a seal or the like is attached to a portion of the card where the magnetic stripe is formed and foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe, the magnetic force of the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe is lowered. Although not, the amplitude of the output signal of the magnetic head may be reduced. Also in this case, even if it is determined that the recording of the magnetic data is necessary based on the amplitude of the output signal of the magnetic head and it is attempted to record the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe, the foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe Occasionally, magnetic data can not be recorded properly.

  If it is not possible to properly record magnetic data on the magnetic stripe despite trying to record magnetic data on the magnetic stripe again, the card may not be returned from the card reader as an abnormal card. . Also, although it is attempted to record magnetic data on the magnetic stripe again, if the magnetic data can not be properly recorded on the magnetic stripe, the continuity of the magnetic data is lost and the card can then be used. There is a risk of disappearing. Therefore, before recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe again, it is preferable to be able to determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe.

  Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a card reader capable of determining the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe before recording magnetic data on the read-in magnetic stripe of the card again. To provide. In addition, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe before recording the magnetic data again on the magnetic stripe of the card taken into the card reader. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method of a card reader.

  In order to solve the above problems, the card reader of the present invention reads the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe of a rectangular card specified by JIS standard or ISO standard and records the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe. And a controller for acquiring an image of the surface of the card on the side where the magnetic stripe is formed, and a controller to which an output signal of the scanner is input. From the acquired image, an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card specified in JIS standard or ISO standard is cut out, and based on the cut out image, presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and It is characterized in that the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe is determined.

  Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the control method of the card reader of the present invention reads the magnetic data recorded in the magnetic stripe of the rectangular card defined in JIS standard or ISO standard and the magnetic stripe to the magnetic stripe. A control method of a card reader comprising a magnetic head for recording data and a scanner for acquiring an image of the side of the card on which the magnetic stripe is formed, the image of the card being read by the scanner From the image acquired in the image acquisition step of acquiring the image and the image acquisition step, the image of the portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card specified in JIS standard or ISO standard Image abnormality determination that determines the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe based on the image Characterized in that it comprises a step.

  In the present invention, an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card defined by the JIS standard or the ISO standard is cut out from the image acquired by the scanner, and the magnetism is cut based on the cut out image. The presence or absence of damage to the stripe and the presence of foreign matter on the magnetic stripe are determined. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe before recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe of the card taken into the card reader again. .

  Further, in the present invention, an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card defined by the JIS standard or the ISO standard is cut out from the image acquired by the scanner and The presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe are determined. That is, in the present invention, based on the image of the magnetic stripe where the magnetic data is actually recorded, the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe, where the magnetic data is actually recorded, and the actual magnetic data It is determined whether foreign matter has adhered to the area to be recorded. Therefore, in the present invention, even if the magnetic stripe is damaged at the portion where the magnetic data is not recorded or the foreign matter is attached, there is no damage at the portion where the magnetic data is actually recorded, and It can be determined that no foreign matter adheres to the place where the magnetic data is actually recorded. Therefore, in the present invention, even if the magnetic stripe is damaged at a place where the magnetic data is not recorded or the foreign matter is attached, the magnetic data is read again to the magnetic stripe of the card taken into the card reader. It becomes possible to record.

  In the present invention, for example, the magnetic stripe can be visually confirmed, and the control unit creates a density histogram of the cut image in the short direction of the card and damages the magnetic stripe based on the density histogram. The presence or absence of foreign matter on the magnetic stripe is determined. Further, in the present invention, for example, the card is a concealed card in which the magnetic stripe can not be visually confirmed, and the control unit stores in advance an image of a portion of the card corresponding to the image cut out by the control unit. The control unit compares the image stored in the control unit with the clipped image to determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter on the magnetic stripe.

  In the present invention, the control method of the card reader includes, for example, a magnetic data reading step of reading magnetic data recorded in a magnetic stripe with a magnetic head, and a magnetic stripe to a magnetic stripe using magnetic data read in the magnetic data reading step. A data recording necessity determination step for determining whether or not data recording is necessary, and a magnetic data recording step for recording magnetic data on a magnetic stripe with a magnetic head, and the data recording necessity determination step determines the magnetic data for the magnetic stripe If it is determined that recording is necessary, the process proceeds to an image abnormality determination step, and if it is determined in the image abnormality determination step that there is no damage to the magnetic stripe and no foreign matter adheres to the magnetic stripe, the process proceeds to a magnetic data recording step. .

  In the present invention, the control method of the card reader determines whether or not there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data read step of reading the magnetic data recorded in the magnetic stripe with the magnetic head and the magnetic data read in the magnetic data read step. The magnetic data abnormality determination step is executed before the image abnormality determination step, and it is determined that there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data in the magnetic data abnormality determination step. And in the image abnormality determination step, an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card specified by JIS standard or ISO standard, and the abnormality of the magnetic data in the longitudinal direction of the card To cut out the image of the part determined to be present, and based on the cut out image, the magnetic stripe It is preferable to determine the presence or absence of adhesion of foreign matter to the presence and the magnetic stripe of the damage.

  According to this configuration, based on the read result of the magnetic data, only the image of the portion assumed to be highly likely to be damaged in the magnetic stripe or attached to the magnetic stripe is cut out, and the magnetic stripe is extracted. It is possible to determine the presence or absence of damage and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attachment to the magnetic stripe by eliminating the erroneous determination of the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attachment to the magnetic stripe. Also, with this configuration, only the image of the portion assumed to be highly likely to be damaged by the magnetic stripe or the adhesion of foreign matter to the magnetic stripe is cut out to determine whether the magnetic stripe is damaged or not. In order to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe, it is possible to speed up the process of determining the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe.

  Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a card reader according to the present invention includes a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a rectangular card and recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe; The scanner includes a scanner for acquiring an image of the side of the card on which the magnetic stripe is formed, and a control unit to which an output signal of the scanner is input. The magnetic stripe is formed in a strip along the longitudinal direction of the card The magnetic head includes a read core for reading magnetic data and a write core for recording magnetic data, the width of the read core is smaller than the width of the write core, and the control unit is a scanner. From the acquired image, while cutting out the image of the part corresponding to the arrangement position of the lead core in the short side direction of the card, based on the cut out image , And judging the presence or absence of adhesion of foreign matter to the presence and the magnetic stripe of the damage of the magnetic stripe.

  Further, in order to solve the above problems, the control method of the card reader of the present invention is a method for reading magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe of a rectangular card and recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe. A head and a scanner for acquiring an image of the side of the card on which the magnetic stripe is formed, the magnetic stripe is formed in a strip along the longitudinal direction of the card, and the magnetic head generates magnetic data. A card reader control method comprising a read core for reading and a write core for recording magnetic data, the width of the read core being narrower than the width of the write core, wherein an image of the card is acquired by a scanner From the image acquisition step to be performed and the image acquired in the image acquisition step, a portion corresponding to the position of With cut out an image, based on the cut-out image, characterized in that it comprises an abnormality determining step of determining the presence or absence of adhesion of foreign matter to the presence or absence of damage of the magnetic stripe and a magnetic stripe.

  In the present invention, an image of a portion corresponding to the arrangement position of the read core in the short direction of the card is cut out from the image acquired by the scanner, and based on the cut out image, presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the magnetic stripe The presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion is determined. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe before recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe of the card taken into the card reader again. .

  Further, in the present invention, an image of a portion corresponding to the arrangement position of the lead core in the short direction of the card is cut out from the image acquired by the scanner, and the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the magnetic stripe based on the cut out image. It is judged whether or not foreign matter has adhered to it. That is, in the present invention, based on the image of the magnetic stripe where the magnetic data is actually read, the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe where the magnetic data is actually read and whether the magnetic data is actually read The presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the location is determined. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if there is damage to a portion of the magnetic stripe where the magnetic data can not be read or foreign matter is attached, there is no damage to the portion where the magnetic data is actually read, and It can be determined that no foreign matter adheres to the portion where the magnetic data is actually read. Therefore, in the present invention, even if there is damage to the magnetic stripe where the magnetic data can not be read or foreign matter is attached, the magnetic stripe of the card's magnetic stripe actually taken into the card reader is actually read. It is possible to record magnetic data again at the point where the data is read.

  As described above, in the present invention, before magnetic data is recorded again on the magnetic stripe of the card taken into the card reader, it is determined whether the magnetic stripe is damaged or not, and whether the foreign material is adhered to the magnetic stripe. It will be possible.

It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of the card reader concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the card shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the magnetic head shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the output signal of the magnetic head shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a demodulation signal generated based on an output signal of the magnetic head shown in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the control method of the card reader shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the processing method of the image acquired by the scanner shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control method of the card reader concerning other embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of card reader)
FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of a card reader 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the card 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the configuration of the magnetic head 7 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an output signal of the magnetic head 7 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a demodulation signal generated based on the output signal of the magnetic head 7 shown in FIG.

  The card reader 1 of the present embodiment is a device for reading magnetic data recorded on the card 2, and is mounted and used in a predetermined upper device such as an ATM, for example. Inside the card reader 1 is formed a card transport path 4 in which the card 2 inserted from the card insertion slot 3 is transported. The card reader 1 includes a plurality of drive rollers 5 and a pad roller 6 for transporting the card 2 in the card transport path 4.

  The card 2 is a card defined by JIS standard or ISO standard. Specifically, the card 2 is a rectangular card defined by JIS X 6301 or ISO / IEC 7810, and is a card made of vinyl chloride having a thickness of about 0.7 to 0.8 mm. The card 2 is inserted from the card insertion slot 3 and conveyed in the card conveyance path 4 so that the longitudinal direction of the card 2 formed in a rectangular shape matches the conveyance direction of the card 2 in the card conveyance path 4 .

  The card 2 is a magnetic card defined by JIS X 6302-2, and a magnetic stripe 2b on which magnetic data is recorded is formed on one surface (front surface) 2a of the card 2. The magnetic stripe 2b is formed in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the card 2 formed in a rectangular shape. A predetermined pattern is printed on the front surface 2 a of the card 2. In the card reader 1 of the present embodiment, a card 2 on which a pattern is printed so that the magnetic stripe 2b is visible and a card 2 on which a pattern is printed so that the magnetic stripe 2b is not visible are used. That is, in the card reader 1, a normal magnetic card which can confirm the magnetic stripe 2b visually and a concealment card which can not confirm the magnetic stripe 2b visually are used. The card 2 may incorporate an IC chip.

  In JIS X 6302-2, the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card 2 is defined. Specifically, the recording position of the magnetic data in the short side direction of the card 2 is defined with reference to one end face 2 c in the short side direction of the card 2. More specifically, according to JIS X 6302-2, as shown in FIG. 2, the maximum distance L1 between the end on one end face 2c side of the recording position of the magnetic data and the one end face 2c and the opposite side of the recording position of the magnetic data A minimum distance L2 between the end of the frame and the end face 2c is defined. Further, in JIS X 6302-2, the minimum recording width H1 of magnetic data in the short direction of the card 2 is defined.

  JIS X 6302-2 also defines the recording position of magnetic data in the longitudinal direction of the card 2. Specifically, according to JIS X 6302-2, as shown in FIG. 2, a minimum distance L 3 between one end of the recording position of magnetic data in the longitudinal direction of the card 2 and one end face 2 d in the longitudinal direction of the card 2 A minimum distance L4 between the other end of the magnetic data recording position in the longitudinal direction and the other end face 2e in the longitudinal direction of the card 2 is defined.

  In the magnetic stripe 2 b of the card 2, magnetic data is recorded at the recording position of magnetic data in the short direction of the card 2 defined in the JIS standard in the short direction of the card 2. That is, assuming that the area defined by the maximum distance L1, the minimum distance L2 and the minimum recording width H1 in the short direction of the card 2 is the minimum recording area R1 of magnetic data, the short side of the card 2 is used as the magnetic stripe 2b. In the direction, the magnetic data is recorded at least in the minimum recording range R1 of the magnetic data.

  The drive roller 5 is disposed to face the card conveyance path 4 from one side of the card conveyance path 4, and the pad roller 6 is disposed to face the card conveyance path 4 from the other side of the card conveyance path 4. The driving roller 5 is connected to a motor via a power transmission mechanism such as a belt or a pulley. The pad roller 6 is disposed to face the drive roller 5. Further, the pad roller 6 is biased toward the drive roller 5. The card 2 is conveyed while being sandwiched between the drive roller 5 and the pad roller 6.

  In addition, the card reader 1 forms a magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 and a magnetic head 7 for reading the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 and recording the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b. The scanner 8 for acquiring the image of the surface on the side (i.e., the front surface 2a) and the control unit 9 for controlling the card reader 1 are provided.

  A magnetic gap G is formed at the tip of the magnetic head 7 (see FIG. 3). The magnetic head 7 is disposed such that the magnetic gap G faces the card transport path 4 from one side of the card transport path 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic head 7 includes a read core 13 for reading magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b and a write core 14 for recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b. The magnetic head 7 of this embodiment is a read / write integrated magnetic head in which the read core 13 and the write core 14 are integrated. The magnetic gap G is formed between the read core 13 and the write core 14 at the tip of the magnetic head 7.

  A direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the card 2 conveyed by the card conveyance path 4 and the thickness direction of the card 2 conveyed by the card conveyance path 4 (that is, the short direction of the card 2. Hereinafter, this direction In the “direction”, the center of the read core 13 and the center of the write core 14 coincide with each other. Further, the width in the left-right direction of the lead core 13 is narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the write core 14. That is, the magnetic head 7 of the present embodiment is a so-called wide write narrow read type magnetic head.

  The width in the left-right direction of the read core 13 is narrower than the minimum recording width H1 of the magnetic data, and the read width of magnetic data of the magnetic head 7 in the left-right direction (that is, the read width of the magnetic data of the read core 13) H2 is It is narrower than the minimum recording width H1 of the magnetic data (see FIG. 3). Also, the lead core 13 is disposed in the range defined by the maximum distance L1 and the minimum distance L2 in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the width in the left-right direction of the write core 14 is wider than the minimum recording width H1 of the magnetic data.

  A coil for reading magnetic data is wound around the read core 13, and a coil for recording magnetic data is wound around the write core 14. The magnetic head 7 is electrically connected to the control unit 9. Specifically, the coil wound around the lead core 13 and the coil wound around the light core 14 are electrically connected to the control unit 9. An output signal of the magnetic head 7 is input to the control unit 9.

  The scanner 8 is disposed to face the card transport path 4 from the same side as the magnetic head 7, and acquires an image of the front surface 2 a of the card 2. The width in the left-right direction of the scanner 8 is equal to or larger than the width (width in the short direction) of the card 2 in the left-right direction, and the scanner 8 acquires the entire image of the front surface 2 a of the card 2 It is possible. The scanner 8 is electrically connected to the control unit 9. An output signal of the scanner 8 is input to the control unit 9.

  As described above, the control unit 9 receives the output signal of the magnetic head 7. Specifically, a sinusoidal output signal output from the magnetic head 7 is input to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 includes an amplifier circuit that amplifies the output signal of the magnetic head 7, and amplifies the output signal of the magnetic head 7 as shown in FIG. 4A, for example. Further, the control unit 9 generates a rectangular wave demodulation signal based on the amplified output signal of the magnetic head 7. Specifically, the controller 9 generates a rectangular wave demodulation signal based on the amplified output signal of the magnetic head 7 and the threshold value set for the output signal. For example, the control unit 9 generates a demodulation signal as shown in FIG. 5 (A). The amplification circuit may be built in the magnetic head 7, and the output signal of the magnetic head 7 after amplification may be input to the control unit 9.

  Further, as described later, the control unit 9 generates an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the horizontal direction defined by the JIS standard from the image acquired by the scanner 8 (that is, the minimum recording range of the magnetic data). Based on the cut-out image, it is determined whether or not the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged (eg, scratched or scraped) and whether foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b. Further, the control unit 9 stores an image of the minimum recording range R1 of the concealed card used in the card reader 1. That is, in the control unit 9, an image of a portion of the concealed card corresponding to the image cut out by the control unit 9 is stored in advance. When a plurality of types of concealment cards are used in the card reader 1, an image of the minimum recording range R1 of each of the plurality of types of concealment cards is stored in the control unit 9.

(Control method of card reader)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a control method of the card reader 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a method of processing an image acquired by the scanner 8 shown in FIG.

  In the card reader 1, when the card 2 is inserted into the card insertion slot 3, the control unit 9 activates the driving roller 5 to take the card 2 into the card reader 1 (step S 1). Further, the control unit 9 reads the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 by the magnetic head 7 while rotating the driving roller 5 to convey the card 2 (magnetic data reading step, step S2). Further, the control unit 9 causes the scanner 8 to acquire an image of the front surface 2a of the card 2 while rotating the driving roller 5 to convey the card 2 (image acquisition step, step S3). In step S3, the control unit 9 acquires an entire image of the front surface 2a of the card 2.

  Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether the read result of the magnetic data read in step S2 is normal (step S4). That is, in step S4, the control unit 9 generates a demodulation signal based on the output signal of the magnetic data read in step S2, and whether or not the magnetic data is correctly demodulated based on the generated demodulation signal. Determine if In step S4, when it is determined that the reading result of the magnetic data is abnormal, the control unit 9 performs the determination of the reading result of the magnetic data N times which is a predetermined number of times (N is an integer of 2 or more). It is determined whether or not (step S5).

  In step S5, when it is determined that the determination of the read result of the magnetic data is not performed N times, the control unit 9 changes the threshold set for the output signal of the magnetic head 7 after amplification (step S6), return to step S4. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the read result of the magnetic data is determined N times, it is determined that the read of the magnetic data recorded on the card 2 can not be performed. The card 2 is rotated to convey the card 2, and the card 2 is ejected from the card reader 1 (step S7). When the process proceeds from step S5 to step S7, the host device on which the card reader 1 is mounted does not execute the predetermined process. For example, when the host device is an ATM, cash withdrawal processing and the like are not executed.

  Also, if it is determined in step S4 that the read result of the magnetic data is normal, the host device executes a predetermined process. For example, if the host device is an ATM, cash withdrawal processing or the like is executed. When it is determined in step S4 that the read result of the magnetic data is normal, the control unit 9 uses the magnetic data read in step S2 to read the magnetism of the card 2 taken into the card reader 1. It is determined whether or not it is necessary to record magnetic data on the stripe 2b (data recording necessity determination step, step S8).

  In step S8, the control unit 9 determines that the recording of the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b is necessary, for example, if the number of times the determination of the read result of the magnetic data is performed is equal to or more than a specified number. Alternatively, in step S8, the control unit 9 causes the output signal of the magnetic head 7 read in step S2 (specifically, the output signal of the magnetic head 7 after amplification) to be, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown, if there is a place where the amplitude is small (specifically, if there is a place where the amplitude is lower than a predetermined threshold), it is necessary to record magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b. judge. Alternatively, in step S8, the control unit 9 causes the arrow in FIG. 5B or the arrow in FIG. 5B to be displayed in the bit interval of the demodulation signal when it is determined in step S4 that the reading result of the magnetic data is abnormal. If there is an abnormal place as indicated by the arrow C), it is determined that the recording of the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b is necessary.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the recording of magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b is unnecessary, the process proceeds to step S7, where the control unit 9 ejects the card 2 from the card reader 1. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S8 that recording of magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b is necessary, the control unit 9 determines whether the card 2 is a concealment card based on the image acquired in step S3. Is determined (step S9).

  In step S9, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, control unit 9 creates density histogram h1 in the longitudinal direction of card 2, and determines the presence / absence of the boundary of magnetic stripe 2b based on density histogram h1. . In step S9, when it is determined that the boundary of the magnetic stripe 2b is present, the control unit 9 determines that the card 2 is a normal magnetic card which is not a concealment card, and the boundary of the magnetic stripe 2b is not present. If it is determined, it is determined that the card 2 is a concealment card.

  If it is determined in step S9 that the card 2 is not a concealment card, the control unit 9 generates an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left-right direction defined by JIS from the image acquired in step S3. (That is, an image of the minimum recording range R1 of magnetic data) is cut out, and based on the cut out image, it is judged whether or not the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged and foreign matter adheres to the magnetic stripe 2b (image abnormality judging step Step S10). That is, the control unit 9 determines whether or not there is damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and whether or not foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b by determining whether there is an abnormality in the cut out image.

  In step S10, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the control unit 9 creates a density histogram h2 in the short direction of the card 2 of the image of the minimum recording range R1 of the cut out magnetic data, and the density histogram Based on h2, the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe 2b are determined. Specifically, in the case where a foreign matter M such as a seal is attached to the portion of the front surface 2a of the card 2 where the magnetic stripe 2b is formed, or when a scratch C is present, the density histogram h2 Since the value of the predetermined part of the above becomes higher, the control unit 9 compares the value of the density histogram h2 with the predetermined threshold to determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter on the magnetic stripe 2b. .

  If it is determined in step S10 that there is no damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and no foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b (that is, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the clipped image), the control unit 9 The magnetic data is recorded by the magnetic head 7 on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 taken into 1 (magnetic data recording step, step S11). That is, when it is judged that the magnetic data can be appropriately recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b when the magnetic stripe 2b is not damaged and no foreign matter adheres to the magnetic stripe 2b, the control unit 9 controls the drive roller The magnetic data is recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b by the magnetic head 7 while the card 2 is being conveyed by rotating 5. In step S11, when magnetic data is recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b, the process proceeds to step S7, where the control unit 9 ejects the card 2 from the card reader 1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged or foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b (ie, it is determined that the extracted image is abnormal). Since it is determined that the magnetic data can not be properly recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b, the process proceeds to step S7, and the control unit 9 does not record the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b. Eject 2

  When it is determined in step S9 that the card 2 is a concealment card, the control unit 9 corresponds to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left-right direction defined by the JIS standard from the image acquired in step S3. While cutting out an image of a portion (that is, an image of the minimum recording range R1 of magnetic data), based on the cut out image, it is judged whether or not the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged and foreign particles adhere to the magnetic stripe 2b (image abnormality Determination step, step S12). In step S12, the control unit 9 compares the image of the minimum recording range R1 of the concealed card stored in the control unit 9 with the extracted image to determine whether or not the extracted image has an abnormality. Then, the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe 2b are determined.

  If it is determined in step S12 that there is no damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and no foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b (that is, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the clipped image), the process proceeds to step S11 to control The unit 9 records magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 taken into the card reader 1 with the magnetic head 7 and then proceeds to step S7 to eject the card 2 from the card reader 1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged or foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b (that is, if it is determined that the extracted image is abnormal), the step At S7, the controller 9 ejects the card 2 from the card reader 1 without recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b.

  That is, in the present embodiment, if it is determined in step S8 that the recording of magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b is necessary, after step S9, the process proceeds to step S10 or step S12 which is an image abnormality determination step. If it is determined in step S10 or step S12 that the magnetic stripe 2b is not damaged and no foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b, the process proceeds to step S11, which is a magnetic data recording step.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the magnetic data needs to be recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b, the image on the front surface 2a of the card 2 is again acquired by the scanner 8 before proceeding to step S9. Also good. In this case, in steps S10 and S12, the control unit 9 generates an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left and right direction defined by the JIS standard from the image acquired in the step after step S8. While cutting out, based on the cut out image, the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe 2b are determined. In this case, the step of acquiring an image of the front surface 2a of the card 2 after step S8 is an image acquisition step.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in this embodiment, from the image acquired by the scanner 8, an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left-right direction defined by the JIS standard (ie, the minimum recording range R1 of the magnetic data) While cutting out the image), the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe 2b are determined based on the cut out image. Therefore, in the present embodiment, before recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 taken into the card reader 1 again, it is determined whether or not the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged and foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b. It becomes possible.

  Further, in this embodiment, an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left and right direction defined by the JIS standard is cut out from the image acquired by the scanner 8 and the magnetic stripe 2b is formed based on the cut out image. It is judged whether there is damage or not and whether there is foreign matter adhering to the magnetic stripe 2b, to the presence or absence of damage to the portion of the magnetic stripe 2b where the magnetic data is actually recorded, and to the portion where the magnetic data is actually recorded. The presence or absence of foreign substance adhesion on Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged at the portion where the magnetic data is not recorded or the foreign matter is attached, there is no damage at the portion where the magnetic data is actually recorded, and It can be determined that no foreign matter adheres to the place where the magnetic data is actually recorded. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged at the portion where the magnetic data is not recorded or the foreign matter is attached, the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 taken into the card reader 1 is read. It is possible to record the data again.

(Modified example 1 of control method of card reader)
In the embodiment described above, the control unit 9 generates an image of a portion corresponding to the arrangement position of the read core 13 in the left-right direction (the short direction of the card 2) from the image acquired by the scanner 8 (ie, magnetic data of the magnetic head 7). While cutting out the image of the portion corresponding to the reading width H2, the existence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the existence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe 2b may be determined based on the cut-out image. That is, in steps S10 and S12, from the image acquired in step S3, an image of a portion corresponding to the arrangement position of the lead core 13 in the left and right direction is cut out, and based on the cut out image, presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b The presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe 2b may be determined.

  Even in this case, as in the embodiment described above, before recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 taken into the card reader 1 again, the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the magnetic stripe 2b It is possible to determine the presence or absence of foreign object adhesion. Also, in this case, it is determined whether the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged at the location where the magnetic data is actually read and whether foreign matter adheres to the location where the magnetic data is actually read. Even if there is damage to the magnetic stripe 2b where the magnetic data can not be read or foreign matter is attached, there is no damage to the location where the magnetic data is actually read, and the magnetic data is actually read. It can be determined that no foreign matter has adhered to the portion. Therefore, even if the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged at a place where the magnetic data can not be read or if foreign matter is attached, the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 taken in by the card reader 1 is actually magnetic. It is possible to record magnetic data again at the point where the data is read.

(Modification 2 of control method of card reader)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the card reader 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  In the embodiment described above, when it is determined in step S8 that recording of magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b is necessary, the control unit 9 determines whether there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data read in step S2 Alternatively, it may be determined (magnetic data abnormality determination step, step S15). In step S15, the control unit 9 determines, based on, for example, a sinusoidal output signal output from the magnetic head 7 whether or not there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data.

  Specifically, control unit 9 causes the amplitude of the output signal of magnetic head 7 (more specifically, the output signal of magnetic head 7 after amplification) to have an amplitude as shown in FIG. 4B, for example. If there is a portion that is reduced (if the amplitude is lower than a predetermined threshold), it is determined that there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data, and the output signal of the magnetic head 7 If there is no place where the amplitude is lower than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that there is no abnormal part in the magnetic data. The absolute value of the threshold set for the output signal of the magnetic head 7 in step S15 is smaller than the absolute value of the threshold set for the output signal of the magnetic head 7 in step S8.

  Alternatively, in step S15, the control unit 9 determines whether or not there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data based on the rectangular wave demodulation signal. Specifically, in step S15, the control unit 9 causes an arrow in FIG. 5B to indicate the bit interval of the demodulation signal when it is determined in step S4 that the reading result of the magnetic data is abnormal. If there is a value exceeding the specified value as shown, or if there is a value less than the specified value as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5C, it is determined that there is an abnormal part in the magnetic data, and in step S4. If there is no value exceeding the specified value or a value less than the specified value in the bit interval of the demodulation signal when it is determined that the read result of the magnetic data is abnormal, there is no abnormal part in the magnetic data judge.

  In this case, if it is determined in step S15 that there is no abnormal part in the magnetic data, the process proceeds to step S11, and the magnetic data is recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that there is an abnormal part in the magnetic data, the process proceeds to step S9, where the control unit 9 determines whether the card 2 is a concealment card. If it is determined in step S9 that the card 2 is not a concealment card, the process proceeds to step S10, and if it is determined in step S9 that the card 2 is a concealment card, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S10, the control unit 9 is an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left-right direction defined by the JIS standard (that is, an image of the minimum recording range R1 of the magnetic data) The image of the portion of the magnetic data determined to be abnormal in the longitudinal direction is cut out, and the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe 2b are determined based on the cut out image. For example, the control unit 9 creates a density histogram in the short direction of the card 2 of the clipped image, and based on the created density histogram, the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe 2b judge.

  Further, also in step S12, the control unit 9 is an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left and right direction defined by the JIS standard (that is, an image of the minimum recording range R1 of the magnetic data) While cutting out an image of a portion of the magnetic data in the longitudinal direction of the card 2 determined to be abnormal, based on the cut out image, it is judged whether or not the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged and foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b. Do. In step S12, the control unit 9 compares the image of the concealed card stored in the control unit 9 with the clipped image to determine whether the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged or not, and whether or not foreign particles are attached to the magnetic stripe 2b. Do.

  In this modification, based on the read result of the magnetic data, only the image of a portion assumed to be highly likely to be damaged in the magnetic stripe 2b or attached to the magnetic stripe 2b is cut out, It is possible to determine the presence or absence of damage to the stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe 2b. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter attachment to the magnetic stripe 2b by eliminating the erroneous determination of the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter on the magnetic stripe 2b. It becomes possible.

  Further, in this modification, only the image of the portion assumed to be highly likely to be damaged by the magnetic stripe 2b or the adhesion of foreign matter to the magnetic stripe 2b is cut out, and the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and In order to determine the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe 2b, it is possible to speed up the process of determining the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe 2b.

  In this modification, when it is determined in step S8 that the magnetic data needs to be recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b, the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 is processed before proceeding to step S15. It may be read again by the magnetic head 7. In this case, in step S15, the control unit 9 determines whether or not there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data read in the step after step S8.

  Further, in this modification, when it is determined in step S15 that there is an abnormal part in the magnetic data, the image of the front surface 2a of the card 2 is again acquired by the scanner 8 before proceeding to step S9. You may. In this case, in steps S10 and S12, from the image acquired in the step after step S15, the control unit 9 is an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left and right direction defined by the JIS standard. And cutting out an image of a portion of the magnetic data determined to be abnormal in the longitudinal direction of the card 2, and based on the cut out image, presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe 2b and foreign matter to the magnetic stripe 2b Determine the presence or absence of adhesion.

(Other embodiments)
The embodiment described above is an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the embodiment described above, a magnetic stripe defined by JIS X 6302-2, JIS X 6302-6, or ISO / IEC 7811 may be formed on the back surface of the card 2 in addition to or in place of the magnetic stripe 2 b. . In this case, the card reader 1 reads the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card 2 and records the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe, and the image on the back of the card 2 Equipped with a scanner for acquiring.

  Further, in this case, the control unit 9 specifies in JIS X 6302-2, JIS X 6302-6 or ISO / IEC 7811 from the image acquired by the scanner for acquiring the image on the back surface of the card 2 in steps S10 and S12. While cutting out the image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the left-right direction (the short direction of the card 2), the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe on the back of the card 2 and the magnetic stripe The presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion on

  In the embodiment described above, in step S9, the control unit 9 may determine whether the card 2 is a concealment card by an image processing method other than the image processing method using the density histogram h1. In the embodiment described above, in step S10, the control unit 9 determines whether the magnetic stripe 2b is damaged or not and whether foreign matter is attached to the magnetic stripe 2b by an image processing method other than the image processing method using the density histogram h2. You may judge.

  In the embodiment described above, a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe 2b and a magnetic head for recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe 2b may be separately provided. In the embodiment described above, the width in the left-right direction of the scanner 8 may be narrower than the width in the short-side direction of the card 2. Even in this case, the width in the left-right direction of the scanner 8 is wider than the width of the magnetic stripe 2b in the short side direction of the card 2, and the magnetic stripe 2b of the card 2 is formed by the scanner 8. It is possible to acquire an image of a part.

1 card reader 2 card 2a front surface (surface on which magnetic stripe is formed)
2b magnetic stripe 7 magnetic head 8 scanner 9 control unit 13 read core 14 write core h2 density histogram S2 magnetic data reading step S3 image acquisition step S8 data recording necessity determination step S10, S12 image abnormality determination step S11 magnetic data recording step S15 magnetic data Abnormality determination step

Claims (8)

A magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a rectangular card defined by JIS standard or ISO standard and recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe, and the magnetic stripe of the card A scanner for acquiring an image of the side on which the image is formed, and a control unit to which an output signal of the scanner is input,
The control unit cuts out an image of a portion corresponding to the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card specified by the JIS standard or the ISO standard from the image acquired by the scanner, and based on the cut image A card reader characterized by determining the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe. A magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a rectangular card and recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe, and a surface of the card on the side where the magnetic stripe is formed A scanner for acquiring an image, and a control unit to which an output signal of the scanner is input;
The magnetic stripe is formed in a strip along the longitudinal direction of the card,
The magnetic head includes a read core for reading magnetic data and a write core for recording magnetic data.
The width of the read core is smaller than the width of the write core,
The control unit cuts out an image of a portion corresponding to the arrangement position of the lead core in the short direction of the card from the image acquired by the scanner, and the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe based on the cut out image And a card reader characterized by determining presence or absence of foreign matter adhering to the magnetic stripe. The magnetic stripe can be visually confirmed.
The control unit creates a density histogram in the short direction of the card of the clipped image, and determines the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe based on the density histogram. The card reader according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The card is a concealment card in which the magnetic stripe can not be visually confirmed;
In the control unit, an image of a portion of the card corresponding to the image cut out by the control unit is stored in advance,
The control unit compares the image stored in the control unit with the clipped image to determine the presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and the presence or absence of foreign matter attached to the magnetic stripe. The card reader according to claim 1 or 2. A magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a rectangular card defined by JIS standard or ISO standard and recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe, and the magnetic stripe of the card And a scanner for acquiring an image of the side on which the
The image acquisition step of acquiring the image of the card by the scanner, and the image acquired in the image acquisition step correspond to the recording position of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card defined by JIS standard or ISO standard Control of a card reader comprising: cutting out an image of a portion; and an image abnormality judging step of judging presence or absence of damage to the magnetic stripe and adhesion of foreign matter to the magnetic stripe based on the clipped image. Method. The magnetic data reading step of reading the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe by the magnetic head, and the magnetic data read in the magnetic data reading step are used to determine the necessity of recording the magnetic data on the magnetic stripe. And a magnetic data recording step of recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe by the magnetic head.
If it is determined in the data recording necessity determining step that the magnetic data needs to be recorded on the magnetic stripe, the process proceeds to the image abnormality determining step, and in the image abnormality determining step, the magnetic stripe is not damaged and is not damaged. 6. The control method of the card reader according to claim 5, wherein if it is determined that foreign matter is not attached to the magnetic stripe, the process proceeds to the magnetic data recording step. A magnetic data reading step of reading magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe with the magnetic head, and a magnetic data abnormality determination to determine whether or not there is an abnormal portion in the magnetic data read in the magnetic data reading step Equipped with steps,
The magnetic data abnormality determination step is executed before the image abnormality determination step.
If it is determined in the magnetic data abnormality determining step that there is an abnormal part in the magnetic data, recording of the magnetic data in the short direction of the card specified in JIS standard or ISO standard in the image abnormality determining step While cutting out an image of a portion of the magnetic data corresponding to the position and determined to be abnormal in the magnetic data in the longitudinal direction of the card, the magnetic stripe is damaged based on the cut out image. 7. The control method of the card reader according to claim 5, wherein the presence or absence and the presence or absence of foreign matter adhesion to the magnetic stripe are determined. A magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a rectangular card and recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe, and a surface of the card on the side where the magnetic stripe is formed And a scanner for acquiring an image, wherein the magnetic stripe is formed in a strip along the longitudinal direction of the card, the magnetic head has a read core for reading magnetic data, and a write for recording magnetic data. A control method of a card reader, comprising: a core, wherein a width of the read core is narrower than a width of the write core,
The image acquisition step of acquiring the image of the card by the scanner, and the image of the portion corresponding to the arrangement position of the lead core in the short direction of the card are cut out from the image acquired in the image acquisition step A control method of a card reader comprising an image abnormality judging step of judging presence / absence of damage of said magnetic stripe and presence / absence of foreign matter attached to said magnetic stripe based on an image.

Images