JP4585674B2 - CAT terminal - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technology for preventing magnetic card data from being illegally obtained or using illegal cards in a CAT terminal for performing authentication processing on a magnetic card such as a credit card.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When paying with a credit card in a store or the like, a CAT terminal provided in the store is used.
[0003]
The CAT terminal reads the card data magnetically recorded on the inserted credit card and transmits it to a predetermined center to authenticate whether or not the card can be used.
[0004]
FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of a conventional CAT terminal 10 used for such a purpose.
[0005]
The CAT terminal 10 draws the magnetic card 1 inserted from a card insertion slot 11 provided on the surface of a housing (not shown) into the inside and transports it along a predetermined transport path 12. The magnetic change of the magnetic recording surface of the magnetic card 1 is detected by the magnetic head 13 and the detection signal is input to the demodulation circuit 14 to demodulate the card data magnetically recorded on the magnetic card 1.
[0006]
The processing unit 15 that has received the demodulated card data transmits information including the card data to a predetermined center (not shown) via the line interface 16 and the communication line 5 and receives authentication.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional CAT terminal 10 configured as described above, there is a possibility that the card data of the magnetic card 1 may be illegally acquired by unauthorized access to the output line of the magnetic head 13 or the output line of the demodulation circuit 14. .
[0008]
Further, there is a possibility that an unauthorized card created by writing the illegally acquired card data to another magnetic card is used.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a CAT terminal that solves this problem and can prevent card data from being illegally obtained or use of an illegal card.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a CAT terminal according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A magnetic card is received into the housing from the card insertion slot, card data magnetically recorded on the magnetic card is reproduced using a magnetic head, and information including the card data is transmitted to a predetermined center via a communication line. In the CAT terminal that receives authentication,
A demodulating means provided in a case of the magnetic head for demodulating the card data in response to an output signal of the magnetic head body;
An encryption unit provided in a case of the magnetic head and encrypting the card data demodulated by the demodulation unit and outputting the encrypted card data to the outside of the case;
Decoding means for decoding data output to the outside of the magnetic head case;
An embossed character sensor that detects image data of a character string that is displayed as uneven by embossing on the surface of the magnetic card received in the housing;
Based on the image data detected by the embossing character sensor, character recognition means for obtaining a character data string corresponding to the character string displayed in the unevenness by the embossing;
Determining means for determining whether or not a data string in a predetermined bit range of the card data decoded by the decoding means and the character data string obtained by the character recognition means match;
Only when it is determined by the determination means that the data string in the predetermined bit range of the card data matches the character data string, communication for authentication is performed with respect to the predetermined center.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of a CAT terminal 20 embodying the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows its internal configuration.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, a card insertion slot 22 for inserting a magnetic card 1 such as a credit card is provided on the front side of the casing 21 of the CAT terminal 20. A plurality of keys 23 including a numeric keypad, a display 24, and a paper discharge port 25 of a printer 52 described later are provided.
[0014]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic card 1 inserted through the card insertion slot 22 is transported substantially horizontally inside the casing 21 inside the casing 21. The transport path 26 is formed.
[0015]
Sensors 27 and 28 for detecting the edge of the magnetic card are provided at the front end and the rear end of the transport path 26.
[0016]
In addition, the transport path 26 is provided with a plurality of sets of rollers 29 and 30 for transporting the magnetic card along the transport path 26 with the magnetic card sandwiched from both sides, for example, a lower roller 29 (upper roller 30). May be coupled to rotate in the same direction by a belt (not shown) or the like, and at least one of the rollers 29 is coupled to a rotational drive device 31 including a motor.
[0017]
A magnetic head 35 is disposed at a position where the magnetic recording band of the magnetic card passes in an intermediate portion of the transport path 26. In the magnetic head 35, a body portion in which a coil 35b is wound around a core 35a having a gap is housed in a metal case 35c for magnetic shielding, and the gap of the core 35a exposed on the surface of the case 35c. The magnetic change of the magnetic recording band of the magnetic card 1 is detected at the portion, and a signal corresponding to the magnetic change is output from the coil 35b.
[0018]
A signal output from the coil 35 b of the magnetic head 35 is input to the demodulation circuit 37. The demodulation circuit 37 demodulates the card data magnetically recorded on the magnetic card 1 from the signal output from the coil 35 b of the magnetic head 35.
[0019]
The demodulation of the card data corresponds to a data recording method for the magnetic card 1. For example, when the recording method is a general MFM method (also referred to as F2F method), the main body of the magnetic head 35 is used. The card signal is demodulated by amplifying the output signal from (core 35a, coil 35b) and determining whether the half cycle period of the signal is close to the reference period or twice the reference period.
[0020]
The data demodulated by the demodulation circuit 37 is input to the encryption circuit 38. The encryption circuit 38 encrypts the data demodulated by the demodulation circuit 37 with a predetermined encryption function and key data. This encryption is, for example, an exclusive OR operation process with the key data for the encryption target data, a bit position replacement process specified by the key data for the encryption target data, or a key data for the encryption target data. This is done by a combination of shift processing of the number of bits.
[0021]
The demodulating circuit 37 and the encryption circuit 38 are housed in a case 35c of the magnetic head 35 together with the main body of the magnetic head 35, and a synthetic resin is filled in a gap inside the case 35c. The encrypted data is output to the outside of the case 35c.
[0022]
Although not shown, power can be supplied to the demodulation circuit 37 and the encryption circuit 38 from the outside of the case 35c.
[0023]
Therefore, even if the data output to the outside from the case 35c is illegally obtained, the encryption function and key data of the internal encryption circuit 38 are not known, so the card data recorded on the magnetic card 1 can be easily obtained. I can't know.
[0024]
The transport path 26 is provided with an embossed character sensor 40 for acquiring image data of characters (including numbers and symbols) displayed on the surface of the magnetic card 1 by unevenness by embossing.
[0025]
The embossed character sensor 40 may be either a non-contact type or a contact type.
However, among non-contact types, if the embossed part is imaged from the front with a CCD element or the like and the image data is to be detected, there is a risk that the card is not determined to be correct due to dirt on the embossed part or blurring of ink. It is necessary to optically detect irregularities due to embossing.
[0026]
For example, like the embossed character sensor 40 of FIG. 3, a projector 41 that irradiates light on the surface of the magnetic card 1, and a lens 42 that collects light reflected from the projector 41 onto a flat portion of the magnetic card 1; The light receiver 43 that receives the light collected by the condenser lens 42 is used as a set of sensor elements, and a plurality of sensor elements are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the magnetic card 1. When the light is radiated on the flat portion of the magnetic card 1, the light collected by the lens 42 is received by the light receiver 43, and the light from the light projector 41 irradiates the protruding portion 2 by the embossing of the magnetic card 1. If so, the light collected by the lens 42 deviates from the light receiving surface of the light receiver 43, and the light reception signal of each light receiver 43 is binarized and output as image data.
[0027]
Further, as a contact type, for example, like an embossed character sensor 40 shown in FIG. 4, a pin-shaped support is supported so that it can move up and down (or rotate) under its own weight or biased downward by a spring. Whether or not a plurality of contacts 44 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the magnetic card 1 and the contact 44 is in contact with the flat surface of the magnetic card 1 for each contact 44. A determination device (not shown) for determining whether the lower end is on the protruding portion 2 of the magnetic card 1 embossed is provided, and the output of these determination devices is output as image data.
[0028]
As this determination device, a switch connected to the contact 44 and opened and closed by its vertical movement (or rotation), a pressure sensor that is pressed by the upper end of the contact 44 and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressing force, A light projecting / receiving element that switches from a light shielding state to a light receiving state depending on the height or inclination of the contact 44 can be used.
[0029]
Outputs of the sensors 27 and 28, the encryption circuit 38, and the embossed character sensor 40 are input to the processing unit 45.
[0030]
The processing unit 45 is constituted by a one-chip microprocessor, and when its function is blocked, as shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance control means 46, the decoding means 47, the character recognition means 48, the determination means 49 and authentication processing means 50 are provided.
[0031]
A plurality of keys 23, a display 24, a line interface 51, and a printer 52 are connected to the processing unit 45, and an input from the key 23 is made with a predetermined center via the line interface 51 and the communication line 5. Information such as information and card data is exchanged, the input information of the key 23 and information related to communication with the center are displayed on the display 24, and the paper on which the settlement result is printed is output from the printer 52.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the processing unit 45. The operation of the CAT terminal 20 will be described below based on this flowchart.
[0033]
When the magnetic card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 22 and the leading end is detected by the sensor 27, the conveyance control means 46 drives the rotation driving device 31 so that each roller 29 rotates in the drawing direction, and the magnetic The card 1 is transported to the back side along the transport path 26 (S1, S2).
[0034]
When the magnetic card 1 is started to be transported, the character recognition unit 48 starts acquiring image data from the embossed character sensor 40, and the decryption unit 47 acquires data from the encryption circuit 38. Start (S3).
[0035]
And if the front-end | tip of the magnetic card 1 is detected by the sensor 28, the conveyance control means 46 will stop the rotation drive device 31, and will stop conveyance of the magnetic card 1 temporarily (S4, S5).
[0036]
Here, based on the acquired image data, the character recognition means 48 obtains character data of characters displayed with irregularities on the surface of the magnetic card 1 by embossing (S6). Note that this character recognition process may be performed while the magnetic card 1 is being drawn.
[0037]
Further, the decrypting means 47 decrypts the obtained encrypted data to obtain the card data recorded on the magnetic card 1 (S7). This decryption process may be performed while the magnetic card 1 is being pulled in.
[0038]
Then, the determination unit 49 collates the character data sequence obtained by the character recognition unit 48 with the card data obtained by the decoding unit 47, and determines whether the data sequence in the predetermined bit range of the card data matches the character data sequence. It is determined whether or not (S8).
[0039]
In general, in a magnetic card on which a character string is displayed by embossing, a character data string corresponding to the character string is included in the magnetic recording data. Therefore, the magnetic card can be used by performing the above determination. Whether it is a card or not can be determined.
[0040]
Here, if the data string in the predetermined bit range of the card data matches the character data string, it is assumed that the magnetic card 1 is a correct card, and the authentication processing means 50 performs processing such as card data authentication and payment (the above-mentioned (Including communication with the center), the magnetic card 1 is returned by the transport control means 46 (S9, S10).
[0041]
If the data string in the predetermined range of the card data does not match the character data string, it is assumed that the magnetic card 1 has been created illegally, and the magnetic card is returned without performing the authentication process.
[0042]
If the data string in the predetermined range of the card data does not match the character data string, the data determination is performed by repeating the reading of the card data and the acquisition of the image data of the embossed characters up to a predetermined number of times (S2 to S8). When the data matches, the magnetic card 1 is processed as a correct card, and when the data does not match a predetermined number of times, the magnetic card 1 is returned as an illegally created card. Good.
[0043]
Thus, in the CAT terminal 20 of the embodiment, the demodulation circuit 37 and the encryption circuit 38 are accommodated in the case 35 c of the magnetic head 35, so that the card data of the magnetic card 1 is output from the output line of the magnetic head 35. The character data string of the character string displayed with unevenness by the magnetic card 1 embossing is determined to match the data string at the predetermined bit position of the card data, and only when they match Since the authentication process with the center is performed, it is possible to reliably prevent the use of an unauthorized card into which the illegally acquired card data is written.
[0044]
Further, as described above, since the processing unit 45 including the decoding means 47 for inputting / outputting card data and the judging means 49 is constituted by a single processor, the card data of the magnetic card 1 is stored. There is no risk of unauthorized acquisition from the processing unit 45, and the security against unauthorized acquisition of card data is further increased.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the CAT terminal of claim 1 of the present invention is
A magnetic card is received into the housing from the card insertion slot, card data magnetically recorded on the magnetic card is reproduced using a magnetic head, and information including the card data is transmitted to a predetermined center via a communication line. In the CAT terminal that receives authentication,
A demodulating means provided in a case of the magnetic head for demodulating the card data in response to an output signal of the magnetic head body;
An encryption unit provided in a case of the magnetic head and encrypting the card data demodulated by the demodulation unit and outputting the encrypted card data to the outside of the case;
Decoding means for decoding data output to the outside of the magnetic head case;
An embossed character sensor that detects image data of a character string that is displayed as uneven by embossing on the surface of the magnetic card received in the housing;
Based on the image data detected by the embossing character sensor, character recognition means for obtaining a character data string corresponding to the character string displayed in the unevenness by the embossing;
Determining means for determining whether or not a data string in a predetermined bit range of the card data decoded by the decoding means and the character data string obtained by the character recognition means match;
Only when it is determined by the determination means that the data string in the predetermined bit range of the card data matches the character data string, communication for authentication is performed with respect to the predetermined center.
[0046]
As described above, since the demodulating means and the encrypting means are accommodated in the case of the magnetic head, there is no possibility that the card data of the magnetic card is illegally acquired from the output line of the magnetic head, and the embossing of the magnetic card is performed. Since it is judged that the character data string of the character string displayed with irregularities by processing and the data string of the predetermined bit position of the card data match, and authentication processing is performed with the center only when they match, it is illegal Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the use of an unauthorized card in which the card data acquired is written.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an outline of a configuration example of a main part of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another configuration example of the main part of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the main part of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Magnetic card | curd 2 Protrusion part by embossing 5 Communication line 20 CAT terminal 21 Case 22 Card insertion slot 23 Key 24 Display 25 Discharge outlet 26 Transport path 27, 28 Sensor 29, 30 Roller 31 Rotation drive 35 Magnetic head 35a Core 35b Coil 35c Case 37 Demodulation circuit 38 Encryption circuit 40 Embossed character sensor 41 Emitter 42 Lens 43 Light receiver 44 Contact 45 Processing unit 46 Transport control means 47 Decoding means 48 Character recognition means 49 Determination means 50 Authentication processing means 51 Line interface 52 Printer

Claims (1)

A magnetic card is received into the housing from the card insertion slot, card data magnetically recorded on the magnetic card is reproduced using a magnetic head, and information including the card data is transmitted to a predetermined center via a communication line. In the CAT terminal that receives authentication,
A demodulating means provided in a case of the magnetic head for demodulating the card data in response to an output signal of the magnetic head body;
An encryption unit provided in a case of the magnetic head and encrypting the card data demodulated by the demodulation unit and outputting the encrypted card data to the outside of the case;
Decoding means for decoding data output to the outside of the magnetic head case;
An embossed character sensor that detects image data of a character string that is displayed as uneven by embossing on the surface of the magnetic card received in the housing;
Based on the image data detected by the embossing character sensor, character recognition means for obtaining a character data string corresponding to the character string displayed in the unevenness by the embossing;
Determining means for determining whether or not a data string in a predetermined bit range of the card data decoded by the decoding means and the character data string obtained by the character recognition means match;
Only when it is determined by the determination means that the data string in the predetermined bit range of the card data matches the character data string, communication for authentication is performed with respect to the predetermined center. CAT terminal characterized by.

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