JP3103321B2 - Prepaid cards and card readers - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prepaid card which can easily prevent forgery by cutting the card, and a card reader for the prepaid card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In today's society, prepaid cards, which are so-called prepaid cards, are, for example, public telephones, various transportation means such as trains, various amusement facilities such as pachinko parlors and amusement parks, and various stores such as department stores and supermarkets. , Etc. are widely used.

[0003] Such a prepaid card usually includes
An information recording unit made of a magnetic tape is provided for recording usage information such as the remaining number of usable times of the prepaid card and the available balance. Then, when the prepaid card is inserted into a card reader built in a machine such as a public telephone, the usage information of the prepaid card is read by the card reader, and the usable amount is determined. After use, the card reader rewrites the usage information in the information recording unit to the latest usage information in accordance with the usage amount of the prepaid card. In addition, since the prepaid card user cannot confirm the usage information only by magnetic recording, when the prepaid card usage information is processed by the card reader, the latest usage information is stamped or perforated on the prepaid card. .

[0004]

However, for such a magnetic recording type prepaid card, the latest usage information of the prepaid card recorded in the information recording section is, for example, 10 times if the remaining number of uses is true. 10 where there is nothing
Tampering magnetic information illegally, such as zero times,
Someone has attempted to forge prepaid cards. In order to prevent counterfeiting of the prepaid card, the prepaid card administrator has tried to prevent counterfeiting of the prepaid card by encrypting magnetic information or confirming a hole formed in the prepaid card at the time of use. However, those who attempt to forge the prepaid card read the encrypted information, manipulate it, falsify it, paste tape etc. into the perforation made in the prepaid card and restore it, at first glance Since such prepaid cards are forged as if they were new, such a method has not been effective enough.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a prepaid card and a card reader which can easily prevent forgery.

[0006]

The prepaid card according to the first aspect of the present invention is a prepaid card composed of an IC card for recording usage information such as the balance and the number of usable times;
The prepaid card has a cut-out portion composed of a plurality of unit blocks, which are virtually divided and configured, and a base portion that remains to the end; the use amount of the prepaid card is limited to the IC card in a stepwise manner. A plurality of limiting circuits, and a part of the limiting circuits are arranged so as to pass through the unit block corresponding to the usage amount of the prepaid card;
Each time the unit block is cut and separated, the usage amount of the prepaid card is limited stepwise.

[0007] In this prepaid card, the used portion is cut off from the prepaid card, so that it is easy to see the usage status by looking at the outer shape of the prepaid card. Also, since unnecessary unit blocks are cut off, even if an attempt is made to restore the prepaid card, it is not easy to attach tape to the perforations, and it is almost impossible to restore the prepaid card. Forgery is prevented. Further, since the size of the card is reduced in accordance with the amount of use and only the base portion is finally left, there is no fear of loss or the like, and the storage in a wallet or the like is excellent. Moreover, although the prepaid card uses an IC card, the circuit of the IC card is physically destroyed according to the amount of the prepaid card used, so that the circuit is restored and recorded more than when the magnetic system is used. Rewriting of information becomes more difficult, that is, forgery of the prepaid card is more reliably prevented.

In the prepaid card according to the present invention, when the unnecessary unit block is sequentially cut off from one side of the cutout portion of the prepaid card which is not in contact with the base portion, the prepaid card after the cutout is removed. On the cutting part of the card,
Since the identification portion composed of irregularities according to the usage amount of the prepaid card is formed, even if the person has insufficient eyesight, by touching the identification portion provided on the cut portion of the prepaid card, the tactile sense of the prepaid card Use information can be determined.

In the prepaid card according to the third aspect, when the unnecessary unit block is sequentially cut off from one side of the cutout portion of the prepaid card which is not in contact with the base portion, the prepaid card after the cutout is removed. The shape of the cut portion of the card is formed differently each time.
For this reason, even if an attempt is made to forge the prepaid card using the cutout portion or the base portion, it is possible to prevent forgery of the prepaid card by connecting the unit blocks or the unit block and the base portion.

[0010] Card reader according to claim 4, wherein a card reader for the prepaid card according to claim 1; reads the usage information recorded in the prepaid card, the reading means And cutting means for cutting and separating unnecessary unit blocks.

When the prepaid card according to the present invention is inserted into the card reader, the use information of the prepaid card is read by the reading means, and unnecessary unit blocks are cut and separated. Prevent counterfeiting of prepaid cards.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention , there is provided a card reader comprising:
Rewriting means is provided for rewriting the information recorded on the card to the latest usage information. By this rewriting means, the latest usage information is always written on the prepaid card, and forgery of the prepaid card Help prevent.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the card reader, when the unit is cut by the cutting means, an identification portion having irregularities for identifying a used amount by cutting the unit block is formed. If the prepaid card according to the present invention is processed, an identification portion composed of irregularities is formed at a cut portion of the prepaid card, so that even a prepaid card user with insufficient eyesight can touch this identification portion. Thereby, the usage information of the prepaid card can be determined by touch.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the card reader, the cutting means cuts the unit block so that the cutting line has a different shape each time, so that the cut portion or the base portion of the prepaid card processed by the card reader. Can prevent forgery of the prepaid card by connecting the unit blocks or connecting the unit block and the base unit.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the basics of the present invention
The first and second reference technologies will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prepaid card A according to the first reference technology . This prepaid card A has a cutout section 1 and a base section 5 that are virtually divided and configured. The excision unit 1 includes n unit blocks 3 virtually divided by n virtual lines 2. Further, the information recording unit 4 is continuously provided in the n unit blocks 3. However, it is not always necessary to provide the information recording section 4 continuously, and FIG.
As shown in (b), each unit block 3 may be provided individually. The cutting portion 1 is sequentially cut from one side not in contact with the base portion 5 in accordance with the amount of the prepaid card A used. For example, in FIG. 1A, by sequentially cutting from the imaginary line 2a, the unit block 3a is sequentially cut.
The shape of the imaginary line 2 may be various methods other than the linear shape illustrated in FIG. 1, which will be described later.

The prepaid card A is not necessarily cut at the virtual line 2 but may be cut in the middle of the unit block 3. For example, when the prepaid card A is cut in the middle of the unit block 3a, the unit block 3
a information recording unit 4a provided in the unit block 3a
Since it is destroyed along with the cutting and cannot be reused, forgery using the cut portion can be prevented.

According to the structure of the prepaid card A, since the unnecessary unit block 3 is cut off every time the prepaid card A is used, the size of the prepaid card A is reduced according to the usage amount. In other words, the usage status of the prepaid card A can be known at a glance, which is useful for preventing the prepaid card A from being misused. In addition, since unnecessary cutting portions 3 are sequentially cut off and collected, forgery of the prepaid card A based on the cutting portions 3 cannot be performed, which helps to prevent forgery. Furthermore, even if the resection portion 3 is restored by any method, the labor of restoring the information recording portion 4 must be performed. For this reason, forgery of the prepaid card A can be prevented, which is very preferable. . Then, even if the information recording unit 4 is forged, it is necessary to finally rewrite the information in the information recording unit 4 to make the whole proper, but this operation is also very difficult, As a result, forgery of the prepaid card A can be prevented, which is very good.

In other words, if the prepaid card A of the first reference technology is configured as described above, forgery can be easily prevented by simply cutting the prepaid card A, which is very preferable.

As shown in FIG. 2, the prepaid card A is, for example, a prepaid card A built in a machine X for a pay phone, a vending machine, and a pachinko ball vending machine.
Inserted into the card reader Ra for use.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the card reader Ra. The card reader Ra inserts the prepaid card A and processes the processed prepaid card A.
An insertion slot 71 also serving as a return slot, a reading device 72 as means for reading information recorded in the information recording section 4 provided in the unit block 3 of the prepaid card A, and an information read by the reading device 72. On the basis of this, an information processing device 73 that determines the authenticity of the prepaid card A and determines the balance of the prepaid card A and the number of times the card can be used, and a cutting device 74 that is a means for removing unnecessary unit blocks 3 A collection unit 75 for collecting the cut unit blocks; and a transport device 76 for transporting the prepaid card A in the card reader Ra. further,
When the information processing device 73 determines that the prepaid card A is a counterfeit product, the information processing device 73 includes a warning device 77 that issues a warning to a prepaid card administrator. As the cutting device 74,
A mechanical method such as a cutter or an optical method such as a laser is conceivable. Further, as the transfer device 76, a conveyor 78 or the like may be used.

A method of processing the prepaid card A by the card reader Ra will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the prepaid card A set in the insertion slot 71 is sent to the reading device 72 by the conveyor 78. The reading device 72 reads the usage information of the information recording unit 4 of the prepaid card A, and sends this information to the information processing device 73. If the information processing device 73 determines that the information is appropriate, then the information processing device 73 determines that the usage information of the prepaid card A has become 0, or the user returns the prepaid card A (not shown). When the apparatus is operated, the prepaid card A is transferred to the conveyor 78.
To the cutting device 74. The cutting unit 74 cuts the unnecessary unit block 3 of the prepaid card A and collects it in the collecting unit 75. The remaining portion A '
It is returned from the conveyor 78 to the insertion slot 71 again, discharged from the card reader Ra, and returned to the user.

The information recording section 4 of the prepaid card A
If the information of the prepaid card A is not appropriate, the prepaid card A is warned by the warning device 77 with the prepaid card A taken as it is.

As described above, this card reader Ra is
By cutting the prepaid card A according to the usage amount, the usage amount of the prepaid card A can be understood at a glance. Further, since the card reader Ra collects the cut unit blocks, it is possible to prevent a malicious third party from using this part to forge the prepaid card A. As described above, the card reader Ra is preferable because it contributes to preventing forgery of the prepaid card A.

Next, the prepaid card A of the first reference technology
Will be described with reference to FIG. 4 using a prepaid card B for 2000 yen as an example.

FIG. 4A shows the state of the prepaid card B before the start of use. As shown in the figure, the prepaid card B has a cut portion 11 and a base portion 15 that are virtually divided and configured.
Having. The resection unit 11 includes four unit blocks 13a to 13 virtually divided by virtual lines 12a to 12d.
3d is provided in units of 500 yen, and the information recording unit 14a is continuously provided in the unit blocks 13a to 13d.
To 14d are provided. Each information recording unit 14a-
14d, as shown, "2000 yen""1500yen"
Information of “1000 yen” and “500 yen” is recorded in advance. Although the information recording units 14a to 14d are provided continuously in FIG. 4, they may be provided individually.

FIG. 4B shows that the prepaid card B is
This is the state when 00 yen is used. This prepaid card B is used by being inserted into the above-described card reader Ra shown in FIG. First, the reader 72 of the card reader Ra reads information recorded in the information recording sections 14a to 14d of the inserted prepaid card B, sends this information to the information processing device 73, and the information processing device 73 Then, the authenticity of the prepaid card B is determined. In this case, the information recording units 14a to 14d
It is determined whether or not the information is reduced by 500 yen in order from the information recording unit 14a. If it is determined that the prepaid card B is appropriate, the cutting device 74 cuts the prepaid card B along the virtual line 12b, and the unnecessary unit block 13 is cut.
Cut off a and 13b. The cut portion b 'is collected by the collection unit 75 of the card reader Ra. Then, the remaining portion B 'is returned to the user. Incidentally, at this stage, if the information processing device 73 determines that the information is not appropriate, the inserted prepaid card B is determined to be a counterfeit product, and the warning device 77 warns the prepaid card administrator. As described above, forgery can be easily determined by recording the usage information in the information recording unit 14 in advance, and since the cut portion b 'is collected, forgery using the cut portion b' can be prevented, which is preferable. is there.

The information recording sections 14c, 1
4d, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), "1000 yen", "50"
"0 yen" is recorded. As a method of determining the usage balance of the prepaid card B ', a card reader R
The information processing device 73 of a may adopt the highest balance information among the remaining information as the latest usage information. In this case, the prepaid card B '
Is determined to be "1000 yen".

FIG. 4C shows the prepaid card B '.
This is the case where all of the balances are used. Also in this case, FIG.
As in (b), the reader 7 of the card reader Ra
After the use information is read by the information processing device 2 and the authenticity is determined by the information processing device 73, if the prepaid card B 'can be a counterfeit product, the cutting device 74 cuts the virtual line 12d, and the prepaid card B' is replaced with b ''. And the base part 15.
Since the cut portion b "is collected by the collecting portion 75 of the card reader Ra, forgery using the cut portion b" can be prevented. Considering that the base unit 15 has no use value, the prepaid card B ′ may be collected without cutting.

Next, the information recording section 4 of the prepaid card A
Of recording methods other than those described above and how to use them 250
This will be described with reference to FIG. 5 using a prepaid card C for 0 yen as an example.

FIG. 5A shows the state of the prepaid card C before the start of use. As shown in the drawing, the prepaid card C has a cutout section 21, a base section 25, and virtual lines 22a to 22a.
e, five unit blocks 23a virtually divided by
To 23e, and information recording units 24a to 24e. The unit blocks 23a to 23e have a unit of 500 yen, and the information recording units 24a to 24e are individually provided in the unit blocks 23a to 23e. As shown, each of the information recording units 24a to 24e has "500 yen".
Is recorded in advance. Although the information recording sections 24a to 24e are provided individually in FIG. 5, they may be provided continuously.

FIG. 5 (b) shows that the prepaid card C
This shows the state when 00 yen is used. Prepaid card C
Is inserted into the card reader Ra shown in FIG. 3 and used. The processing of the prepaid card C is the same as that of the prepaid card B, except that the information processing device 73 determines the appropriateness of the information. That is, the appropriateness determination in the case of the prepaid card C is to determine whether or not "500 yen" is recorded equally in each of the information recording units 24a to 24e. Then, if appropriate, the prepaid card C is cut along the virtual line 22b, and the unnecessary unit blocks 23a and 23b are cut off. The processing of the cut part c ', that is, the cut unit blocks 23a and 23b is the same as that described above, and the remaining part C' is returned to the user. Needless to say, the alarm device 77 is activated when a counterfeit product is determined.

The information recording sections 24c to 24e of the remaining portion C '
As shown in FIG. 5 (b), information of "500 yen" is recorded in advance in each. Then, as a method of determining the usage balance of the prepaid card C ′, the information processing device 73
However, the sum of the amounts recorded in the remaining information recording units 24c to 24e may be totaled, and the total amount may be adopted. In this case, the prepaid card C '
Is determined to be "1500 yen".

FIG. 5C shows the prepaid card C '.
This is the case where all of the balances are used. Also in this case, FIG.
As in (b), the reader 7 of the card reader Ra
After the use information is read by the information processing device 2 and the information processing device 73 determines the authenticity, if it is not a counterfeit product, the cutting device 74 cuts the virtual card 22e along the virtual line 22e, and the prepaid card C ′ is c ″ and the base 25 The processing of the cut part c ″ is also the same as in the case described above.

The effects of the prepaid cards B and C processed as described above are the same as those of the prepaid card A described above.

(Second Reference Technology ) Next, a description will be given of a prepaid card D provided with an information recording section 4 'which is updated and recorded with the latest usage information every time it is used.

The structure of the prepaid card D is the same as that of the prepaid card A shown in FIG. However, the information recording unit 4 is provided with an information recording unit 4 ′ in which the latest usage information of the entire prepaid card D can be updated and recorded. The method of using the prepaid card D is the same as that of the prepaid card A, but the card reader Rb for the prepaid card D also includes the information rewriting device 79. Then, the information in the information recording unit 4 'is updated and recorded to the latest use information by the information rewriting device 79.

When the prepaid card D is configured in this manner, as in the case of the prepaid card A, the production and use of a forged card can be prevented by simply cutting the prepaid card D, which is very preferable. Further, since the latest use information is always recorded in the remaining portion every time the card is used, when attempting to forge the prepaid card D, all the latest use information recorded in the information recording section 4 'is also forged. Although this must be rewritten, this operation is very difficult, and as a result, contributes to preventing forgery of the prepaid card D.

The same usage method as that of the prepaid card A described with reference to FIG. 2 can be applied to the use of the prepaid card D.

A schematic diagram of the structure of the card reader Rb for the prepaid card D is as shown in FIG. In this card reader Rb, in addition to the same configuration as the card reader Ra for the prepaid card A shown in FIG. 3, the latest use information is updated and recorded in the information recording unit 4 'provided in the prepaid card D. Rewriting device 79, which is a rewriting means, is provided.

The outline of the processing of the prepaid card D by the card reader Rb is as follows. First, the prepaid card D set in the insertion slot 71 is inserted into the conveyor 7.
8 to the reading device 72. Reading device 7
At 2, the usage information of the information recording unit 4 'of the prepaid card D is read, and this information is sent to the information processing device 73. If the information processing device 73 determines that this information is appropriate, then the information processing device 73 determines that the usage information of the prepaid card D has become 0, or the user returns the prepaid card D (not shown). When you operate the device,
The prepaid card D is sent to the cutting device 74 by the conveyor 78. The cutting unit 74 cuts the unnecessary unit block 3 of the prepaid card D and collects it in the collecting unit 75. The remaining portion D ′ is sent to the information rewriting device 79 on the conveyor 78. Here, the latest usage information is updated and recorded in the information recording unit 4 '. Then, the prepaid card D 'on which the latest usage information is recorded is returned to the insertion slot 71 again by the conveyor 78, discharged from the card reader Rb, and returned to the user.

Here, the information is read first, then cut, and finally, the information is updated and recorded. However, after the information is read, the information is updated and recorded, and then the disconnection may be performed. If the information in the information recording section 4 'is not appropriate, the prepaid card D is left as it is, and the warning device 77 issues a warning to the prepaid card manager.

The information rewriting device 79 is provided for the information processing device 7.
2 may be used. In this case, reading of the usage information recorded in the information recording unit 4 ′ and updating and recording the usage information to the latest one are performed almost simultaneously,
Thereafter, the unnecessary unit block 3 is cut off.

Thus, this card reader Rb
Not only the same effect as in the case of the card reader Ra can be expected, but also the latest usage information is always recorded on the prepaid card D. This leads to prevention of forgery of the prepaid card D, which is very suitable.

A specific method of using the prepaid card D according to the second reference technology will be described with reference to FIG. 7 using the prepaid card D for 2000 yen as an example.

FIG. 7A shows the start of use of the prepaid card E. As shown in the figure, the prepaid card E is provided with a cutting section 31, a base section 35, four unit blocks 33a to 33d divided by virtual lines 32a to 32d, and information recording sections 34a to 34d. Unit block 3
Each of 3a to 33d has a unit of 500 yen, and the information recording units 34a to 34d are continuously provided in the unit blocks 33a to 33d. In addition, each information recording section 34a-
34d records usage information at the start of use of the entire prepaid card E, that is, information of "remaining 2,000 yen". Although the information recording sections 34a to 34d are provided continuously in FIG. 7, they may be provided separately.

Next, 1000 of this prepaid card E
FIG. 7B shows a state in which a circle is used. The prepaid card E is used by being inserted into the card reader Rb shown in FIG. 6, and its processing is as described above. In addition,
The appropriateness of the information in the case of the prepaid card E is to determine whether or not "the remaining 2,000 yen" is recorded in each of the information recording units 34a to 34e. And
If it is appropriate, the prepaid card E is cut by the cutting device 74 along the virtual line 32b. The processing of the cut portion e 'is the same as that of the above-described card reader Rb. If it is determined that the product is counterfeit, the alarm device 77 is activated.

Before the remaining portion E ′ is returned to the user, new information is updated and recorded by the information rewriting section 79. In this case, the information of "1000 yen remaining" is recorded in the information recording units 34c and 34d.

Incidentally, in this case, the latest use information is written in the remaining portion E 'after the cut portion e' is cut, but the latest use information of the prepaid card E is first stored in the information recording sections 34a to 34d. That is, the remaining portion e 'may be cut off after the information of "1000 yen remaining" is entered. In this case, since information of "the remaining 1000 yen" is recorded in the remaining portion e ', even if a forgery is attempted using this remaining portion e', the information of the entire counterfeit product is not consistent, and as a result, Forgery using this portion can be prevented, which is more preferable.

FIG. 7 (c) shows a case where the balance of the prepaid card E 'has been used up. In this case as well, the processing is performed by the card reader Rb as in FIG. 7B.
That is, after the usage information is read by the reading device 72 and the authenticity is determined by the information processing device 73, if it is not a counterfeit product, the cutting device 74 cuts the virtual line 32d, and the prepaid card E ′ is replaced with e ″. And the base portion 35. Since the cut portion e "is collected by the card reader Rb, forgery using the cut portion e" can be prevented. Also, the base portion 35 has no use value. In consideration of this, the entire prepaid card E 'may be collected without being cut, and the cut portion e "may be used to prevent the cut portion e" from being misused for counterfeiting of the prepaid card E.
Then, the information of “this card has been used” may be written and then collected.

Next, the information recording section 4 'of the prepaid card D
About other recording methods and how to use them
This will be described with reference to FIG. 8 using a prepaid card F for a yen as an example.

FIG. 8A shows the start of use of the prepaid card F. As shown, the prepaid card F is provided with a cutting unit 41, a base unit 45, five unit blocks 43a to 43e divided by virtual lines 42a to 42e, and information recording units 44a to 44e. Unit block 4
Each of 3a to 43d has a unit of 500 yen, and the information recording units 44a to 44d are continuously provided in the unit blocks 43a to 43d. In addition, each information recording unit 44a-
In 44d, use information at the start of use of the entire prepaid card F, that is, one latest use information of "remaining 2500 yen" is written over the entire information recording units 44a to 44e.

Next, 1000 of this prepaid card F
FIG. 8B shows a state in which a circle is used. The use of the prepaid card F is the same as that of the prepaid card E. In this case, however, only one piece of information, "remaining 1500 yen", is entered as the latest use information over the remaining information recording sections, that is, the entire information recording sections 44c to 44e as shown. The information may be entered before or after the unnecessary unit block is removed. With such a configuration, forgery using the cut-out portion f ′ can be prevented, which is very preferable.

FIG. 8C shows a case where the balance of the prepaid card F 'has been used up. In this case as well, as in FIG. 8B, after the record is read by the card reader Rb and authenticity is determined, if it is not a counterfeit product, the prepaid card F is cut by the cutting device 74 along the virtual line 42e. Is divided into f ″ and the base portion 45. The processing of the cut portion f ″ is the same as in the case of the card reader Rb.

The effects of the prepaid cards E and F processed as described above are the same as those of the prepaid card D described above.

[0055] (real施例) Hereinafter, there will be described embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment,
In order to ensure the prevention of counterfeiting of prepaid cards in the first and second reference technology, but using the IC card is difficult information operation from further outside than the magnetic tape in the information recording unit. The prepaid card G using this IC card will be described with reference to FIG. However, this prepaid card G is basically
It can be processed by the card readers Ra and Rb described above.
In the case of, the reading device 72
The information is read, and the information rewriting means 79 reads the IC card.
The information of the code 56 is rewritten.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the prepaid card G has a cut portion 51 and a base portion 55 which are virtually divided. The resection part 51 has n virtual lines 5
2 is composed of n unit blocks 53 virtually divided by 2. In addition, the cutting portion 51 is sequentially cut from one side not in contact with the base portion 55 in accordance with the usage amount of the prepaid card G. The base unit 55 is provided with an IC card 56, and the IC card 56 includes
A limiting circuit 57 is provided for limiting the amount of use of the prepaid card G step by step. A part of the limiting circuit 57 is arranged so as to pass through each of the unit blocks 53a to 53n.

When this prepaid card G is used, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the unit block 53 is sequentially cut off by cutting the virtual line 52 according to the used amount. By removing the unit block 53,
The limiting circuit 57 passing through that portion is also cut off. Then, it is set so that the use of the information corresponding to the limiting circuit 57 is prohibited when the limiting circuit 57 is disconnected.

For example, in FIG.
3a includes "use limit 100 times" and unit block 53b.
It is assumed that information such as "use limit 95 times" is recorded in the file. When the prepaid card G is used five times, it is cut by the virtual line 52a, and the unit block 53a is cut off. Then, the restriction circuit 57a in this part is cut off, and the use of the information of "use limit 100 times" is prohibited.
At this time, the "use limit 95 times" of the unit block 53b
Is the largest number of information that has not been destroyed, it may be adopted as the latest usage information of the IC card 56.

With this configuration, each time the unit block 53 is cut and separated, the usage amount of the prepaid card G is gradually limited.

Since the prepaid card G uses the IC memory 56, it is necessary to rewrite the IC memory 56 in order to forge the prepaid card G.
However, the task is more difficult than rewriting magnetic information, and as a result, it can be said that forgery of the prepaid card G having the above-described configuration is impossible. In addition, since it is almost impossible to reproduce the destroyed limiting circuit 57, it can be said that this also greatly contributes to the prevention of forgery of the prepaid card G.

As the cutting method of the various prepaid cards shown in the first and second reference techniques and the examples, various forms can be considered as shown in FIGS. For example, in (a) and (b), since the cutting line is a straight line, cutting can be easily performed. In the case of (c) to (f), the insertion direction of the remaining portion after cutting is easy to understand.
In the case of (g), the width and length of the prepaid card do not change even after the use is started, so that the prepaid card is easy to hold, and since the cut portion is small, the collection amount is small. In the case of (h), the cut is made from the corner of the prepaid card, so that the cut is easy. In the same manner as in (g), the cut portion is small, so that the collection amount is small. It should be noted that these forms are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, it is preferable that the latest usage information be stamped on the remaining portion after the excision because the latest status of the card can be understood.

Further, when cutting, as shown in FIG. 11, by cutting so as to provide an identification portion 61 made of some unevenness, even a person with insufficient visual acuity can touch this identification portion 61. The latest usage status of the prepaid card after the disconnection is known.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, if the cutting means is configured so that the shape of the cut portion changes every time,
Contributes to preventing forgery. First, although not shown here,
The cutting device 74 of the card reader is provided with a shape indicating device for giving an instruction of the cutting shape, a plurality of cutting shape patterns are stored in advance in the shape indicating device, and the cutting shape is randomly determined by a random number instruction from the shape indicating device. Give instructions. When the first cut is made as shown in FIG. 12A and the next cut is made as shown in FIG. 12B, the cutout 81 shown in FIG. 12A and the base 82 shown in FIG.
Therefore, even if a forgery is attempted using these two as shown in FIG. 12C, a beautiful single prepaid card cannot be obtained. Similarly, the base part 82 and the resection part 8
The combination of 3 is also impossible as shown in FIG. That is, forging the prepaid card can be easily prevented by using the cutting means in this way, which is very suitable.

[0064]

As is clear from the above description, the following effects are obtained. Since the prepaid card according to the first aspect is used while sequentially removing unnecessary unit blocks according to the usage amount, the usage amount of the prepaid card can be easily determined by looking at the size of the prepaid card. Therefore, misuse of the prepaid card can be prevented.
In addition, since the information recording section provided in the unit block is also cut off by cutting the unit block,
Contributes to preventing forged prepaid cards. Furthermore, since the base portion remains even after the excision, there is no decrease in the housing property. Further, since the configuration is such that an IC card is used and its circuits are sequentially cut off, restoring the IC card becomes more difficult, and as a result, forgery of the prepaid card can be prevented, which is preferable.

In the prepaid card according to the second aspect of the present invention, since an identification portion made of irregularities is formed in a cut portion of the prepaid card, even if a person having insufficient visual acuity uses this prepaid card, the prepaid card can be tactilely sensed. It is very preferable because the use situation can be easily understood.

In the prepaid card according to the third aspect, the shape of the cut portion of the prepaid card after being cut is formed in a different shape each time, so that the forged using the cut portion or the base portion of the prepaid card is used. Try
It is possible to prevent counterfeiting of the prepaid card by connecting the unit blocks or the unit block and the base unit.

The card reader according to the fourth aspect can process the prepaid card according to any one of the first to third aspects with a simple configuration in which a cutting means is provided for an existing card reader. Becomes

The card reader according to the fifth aspect always records the latest usage information when processing the prepaid card according to any one of the first to third aspects, which further helps to prevent forgery of the prepaid card. .

In the card reader according to the sixth aspect, when the prepaid card according to any one of the first to third aspects is processed, an identification portion based on unevenness is provided on the prepaid card, so that even a person who does not have sufficient eyesight. The use state can be recognized by touch, which is very preferable.

In the card reader according to the seventh aspect, when processing the prepaid card according to any one of the first to third aspects, the shape of the cutting line changes each time the prepaid card is cut, so that the cut portions can be separated from each other. Or it becomes difficult to forge one prepaid card by combining the resection part and the base part,
As a result, it is useful for preventing forgery of the prepaid card, which is preferable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prepaid card according to a first reference technology;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of using the prepaid card.

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of the card reader for the prepaid card.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a specific example of a prepaid card of the first reference technology ;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another specific example of the prepaid card of the first reference technology ;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of a card reader for a prepaid card according to a second reference technology ;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a specific example of a prepaid card of the second reference technology ;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another specific example of the prepaid card of the second reference technology .

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a prepaid card according to an embodiment of the present invention .

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of types of cutting lines.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a prepaid card provided with an identification unit.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example in which the type of cutting line of a prepaid card is changed for each cutting.

[Explanation of symbols]

A, B, C, D, E, F, G Prepaid card 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 Cutting part 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Virtual line 3, 13, 23, 33, 43 , 53 unit block 4, 14, 24, 34, 44 information recording unit 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 base unit 56 IC card 57 limiting circuit 61 identification unit 81, 83 cutting unit 82, 84 base unit Ra, Rb card reader X machine 71 insertion slot 72 reading device 73 information processing device 74 cutting device 75 collection unit 76 transport device 77 alarm device 78 conveyor 79 information rewriting device

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-8-132774 (JP, A) JP-A-10-111918 (JP, A) JP-A 1-263095 (JP, A) JP-A 10-108 27230 (JP, A) JP-A-10-124463 (JP, A) JP-A-8-25863 (JP, A) JP-B 5-57636 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06K 19/00-19/077 G06K 17/00 G07F 7/08 B42D 15/02 A63F 7/02

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A prepaid card comprising an IC card for recording usage information such as a balance and the number of usable times, wherein the prepaid card is a virtually divided and configured cutting unit comprising a plurality of unit blocks; A plurality of limiting circuits for limiting the amount of use of the prepaid card in the IC card in a stepwise manner; A prepaid card, wherein the prepaid card is arranged so as to pass through the unit block corresponding to (i), and each time the unit block is cut and separated, the usage amount of the prepaid card is gradually limited. 2. When the unnecessary unit block is sequentially cut off from one side of the cutout portion of the prepaid card which is not in contact with the base portion, the cut portion of the cut prepaid card is prepaid. 2. The prepaid card according to claim 1, wherein an identification portion having irregularities corresponding to the amount of use of the card is formed. 3. When the unnecessary unit block is sequentially cut from one side of the cut portion of the prepaid card which is not in contact with the base portion, the shape of the cut portion of the cut prepaid card is changed. The prepaid card according to claim 1, wherein the card is formed in a different shape each time. 4. A card reader for the prepaid card of the any one of claims 1 to 3, reads the usage information recorded in the prepaid card, becomes a reading means, unnecessary A card reader, comprising: cutting means for cutting and separating a unit block. 5. providing the rewriting means for rewriting the information recorded in the I C card to the latest available information, the card reader according to claim 4, wherein. 6. The card reader according to claim 4, wherein said cutting means forms an identification portion having irregularities for identifying a usage amount by cutting the cut portion when the unit block is cut. 7. The card reader according to claim 4, wherein the cutting means cuts the unit block so that a cutting line has a different shape each time.