JP4665461B2 - Credit card processing apparatus, POS terminal, POS system, program, and credit card processing control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a credit card processing apparatus, a POS terminal, a POS system, a program, and a credit card processing control method that perform a settlement process using a credit card.

  Conventionally, when a checkout process is performed using a credit card, magnetic data stored in the magnetic stripe portion of the credit card is read by an MSR (magnetic stripe reader), and the magnetic data is transmitted to a card company (inquiry server). Credit inquiry (inquiry as to whether or not the card has been reported as lost or stolen) is performed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-250548

  However, if the magnetic data is not normally read by the MSR for some reason, the operator who performs the checkout process manually inputs the card number of the credit card into the POS terminal (keyboard input), and based on this card number. To make a credit inquiry. In addition, when an operator makes a card payment at a store where an imprinter (CAT (Credit Authorization Terminal)) is not installed, or at a store where a CAT is installed, the CAT is a card due to a magnetic defect or the like. This is a device used to acquire card information when it is not recognized. It is also called a voucher.) The embossed part (irregular part) of the credit card is copied onto a copy paper in the same way as a carbon copy, and a printed copy is made. Give the customer a copy of the store copy from paper and request a signature. Then, the signed copy paper is sent to the card company and stored as evidence when the credit card is illegally used.

At this time, the following problems occur.
(1) The processing takes time due to an input mistake when inputting the card number of the credit card or an imprinter operation that is not familiar to the user, which causes the customer to wait and reduces the work efficiency. In addition, the work load on the operator is large.
(2) Since copy paper is required, the management cost required for storage and the cost of the copy paper itself are incurred.
(3) Since the operator is not accustomed to the operation of the imprinter, copying mistakes are likely to occur. For this reason, duplication of the embossed part becomes insufficient, and there is a possibility that it cannot be used as evidence (crime proof record) at the time of fraud detection.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a credit card processing device, a POS terminal, a POS system, a program, and a credit card processing control method that can reliably acquire credit card information without reducing work efficiency. To do.

The credit card processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a magnetic data reading unit that reads magnetic data of a credit card, an image reading unit that reads an image on the surface of the credit card, and an image data storage unit that stores image data read by the image reading unit. And a reading discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not the reading by the magnetic data reading unit has been performed normally, and an OCR based on the image data when the reading discriminating unit has determined that the reading of the magnetic data has not been performed normally. Card number extraction means for extracting a card number of a credit card by processing, card inquiry means for making a credit card credit inquiry based on the card number extracted by the card number extraction means, and a forward direction in which the credit card is inserted And carrying in the reverse direction of the forward direction Means and includes a guide means for guiding the direction of insertion of the credit card to the normal card transportation direction, the magnetic data reading unit, magnetic data of the credit card when the credit card is conveyed in the forward direction of the insertion direction If the reading discriminating unit determines that the magnetic data has not been read normally, the magnetic card is read again when the credit card is transported in the reverse direction. After the credit card abuts the guide means and is guided in the forward direction, which is the normal card transport direction, the image data on the surface of the credit card is read when transported in the reverse direction. If it is determined that both readings have not been performed normally, the image data of the credit card is used. And extracts the serial card number.

The credit card processing control method of the present invention includes a magnetic data reading means for reading the magnetic data of the credit card, an image reading means for reading the surface image of the credit card, an image data storage means for storing the image data of the surface image, and a credit card. Card inquiry means for making credit inquiry, conveyance means for conveying the credit card in the forward direction and the reverse direction of the forward direction, guide means for guiding the insertion direction of the credit card in a normal card conveyance direction , control A credit card processing control method in a credit card processing apparatus, wherein the control means determines whether reading by the magnetic data reading means has been performed normally, and reading of the magnetic data is normal If it is determined that it has not been performed, the image data is subjected to OCR processing. And a step of performing a credit card credit inquiry by the card inquiry means based on the extracted card number, and the control means performs the magnetic data reading by the magnetic data reading means. If it is determined that the reading has not been performed normally, the magnetic data in the reverse direction is read again, and if it is determined that the reading of the magnetic data has not been performed normally twice, the credit The card number is extracted from the image data on the surface of the credit card read when the card is brought into contact with the guide means and guided in the forward direction which is the normal card transport direction and then transported in the reverse direction of the forward direction. , Credit inquiry is performed.

  According to these configurations, when the magnetic data is not read normally, the card number is extracted by performing the OCR process on the reading result of the surface image of the credit card, and thus the card information is acquired quickly and reliably. be able to. Further, since it is not necessary to manually input the card number by the operator, there is no input mistake and no need to operate the imprinter, so that the operator's work load can be reduced and the work efficiency can be improved. In addition, it is determined whether or not the magnetic data has been read normally. If the reading is performed normally, a credit inquiry based on the conventional magnetic data can be executed. do not need. Therefore, it is possible to perform the credit card settlement process more quickly. Furthermore, by reading the image on the surface of the credit card and storing the image data, this can be used as evidence when unauthorized use is detected.

  In this case, a printing unit for printing the image data on the receipt paper may be further provided.

  In this case, it is preferable that the control unit further executes a printing step of printing the image data on the receipt paper.

  According to these configurations, since the copy paper is not required by printing the image data of the front image of the credit card on the receipt paper, the management cost for storing the copy paper and the paper cost can be reduced. .

  In this case, it is preferable that the printing unit prints the credit card settlement amount and the credit card user's signature column together with the image data.

  In this case, in the printing step, it is preferable to print the payment amount of the credit card and the credit card user's signature column together with the image data.

  According to these configurations, in order to print the credit card settlement amount and the credit card user's signature column together with the image data, the credit card surface image, the settlement amount, and the user's The signature can be confirmed at a glance. Therefore, by storing the receipt paper, it can be used as powerful evidence in the case of unauthorized use.

  In these cases, when the magnetic data reading means determines that the magnetic data has not been read normally by the read determining means, the magnetic data reading means reads the magnetic data again, and the card number extracting means reads the magnetic data. When reading is not performed normally twice consecutively, it is preferable to extract the card number of the credit card.

  In these cases, when it is determined that the magnetic data reading means has not been read normally, the magnetic data is read again, and the magnetic data is read normally twice consecutively. If not, it is preferable to extract the credit card number and make a credit inquiry.

  According to these configurations, when it is determined that the magnetic data has not been read normally, the magnetic data is read again, so that the work efficiency can be improved. In other words, magnetic data can be read normally even if it fails once, but it fails twice consecutively instead of extracting the card number by OCR processing as soon as it fails. In this case, by shifting to the OCR process, the opportunity to perform the OCR process can be reduced as much as possible, and as a result, the settlement process time can be shortened.

  In these cases, display means for simultaneously displaying the image data and the card number on the display screen may be further provided.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the control means further executes a step of simultaneously displaying the image data and the card number on the display screen.

  According to these configurations, the image data of the credit card surface image and the card number are simultaneously displayed on the display screen, so that whether or not the operator has correctly extracted the card number (the OCR process is performed correctly). Or not) can be confirmed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a credit inquiry based on an incorrect card number.

  A POS terminal according to the present invention includes any one of the credit card processing apparatuses described above and a POS terminal computer that is connected to the credit card processing apparatus and performs a checkout process based on input of product information by an operator. It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a POS terminal that can reliably acquire credit card information and can perform a quick and safe checkout process.

  A POS system according to the present invention includes the POS terminal described above, and a POS server connected to the POS terminal via a network and performing overall control of the POS terminal.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a POS system that can surely acquire credit card information and perform quick and safe settlement processing.

  A program of the present invention is for realizing each means of the credit card processing apparatus according to any one of the above, and is characterized by being readable by a computer.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program for realizing a credit card processing device that can reliably acquire credit card information without reducing work efficiency.

The credit card processing device of the present invention is
Magnetic data reading means for reading the magnetic data of the credit card;
Image reading means for reading an image of the surface of the credit card;
Image data storage means for storing image data read by the image reading means;
A reading discriminating unit for discriminating whether the reading by the magnetic data reading unit has been normally performed;
Printing means for printing out the image data and the signature field with a receipt when the reading determining means determines that the magnetic data has not been read normally. And

  According to this configuration, even if the magnetic data of the credit card cannot be read accurately, the scanned image data and the signature column are printed on a receipt, and the customer's signature is taken, so that fraudulent acts such as forgery can be performed. You can keep the evidence to prevent.

  According to the credit card processing device, the POS terminal, the POS system, the program, and the credit card processing control method of the present invention, when the reading of the magnetic data of the credit card is not performed normally, the reading result of the surface image of the credit card is obtained. Since the card number is extracted by performing the OCR process, the card information of the credit card can be surely acquired without reducing the work efficiency.

  Hereinafter, a credit card processing device, a POS terminal, a POS system, a program, and a credit card processing control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present invention, when the magnetic data of the credit card is not normally read, the card number is extracted by performing the OCR process on the read result of the surface image of the credit card, so that the card information is acquired quickly and reliably. It is something that can be done. In addition, this eliminates the need for the operator to manually enter the card number, eliminating the need for input errors and the need to operate the imprinter (voucher), thereby reducing the operator's workload and improving work efficiency. The effect that it can be made.

  Therefore, hereinafter, a POS terminal used in a store such as a restaurant or a retail store, and a composite processing device applied thereto (function as a credit card processing device including credit card image reading and magnetic data reading, check image) A function as a check processing device including reading, reading of magnetic data and printing on a check, and a device having a function as a receipt printing device) will be described as an example. In addition, a POS system including the POS terminal will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the POS terminal 5 of the present invention includes a POS terminal computer 60 that receives merchandise information and calculates a settlement amount, a credit card C, a check (slip) S, and a receipt R. The composite processing apparatus 10 performs various processes relating to printing.

  The POS terminal computer 60 includes a main body case 61, a keyboard 62 for inputting product information such as a product code and an amount of money, input product information and an amount of money, image data on the surface of the credit card C read by the composite processing apparatus 10, etc. And a cash drawer 64 in which money (cash) is stored, and is connected to the POS server 70 via the network 75.

  The POS server 70 is connected to a plurality of POS terminals 5 (only three are shown), and performs batch management of product information and inventory information input to the POS terminal 5. Specifically, the product information input to the POS terminal 5 is acquired, and based on this, information related to the product name and price is extracted from a price list (PLU list) stored in advance. Then, product data used for printing on a receipt R (to be described later) and displaying the display screen 63 is generated from the extracted information and transmitted to the POS terminal 5. The POS terminal 5 generates print data to be printed on the receipt R based on the product data transmitted from the POS server 70, transmits the print data to the composite processing apparatus 10, and displays display data to be displayed on the display screen 63. Generate.

  The POS terminal computer 60 is connected via a network (Internet) 75 to an inquiry server 80 that performs credit inquiry of the credit card C and a settlement processing server 90 that authenticates the validity of the check S. The inquiry server 80 is operated by a card company or a clearing house (an organization that contracts with a plurality of card companies and conducts a credit check and a credit check), and reads the magnetic data and card of the credit card C read by the composite processing device 10. Based on the card information such as the number, a credit check is performed to determine whether a loss report or theft report has been issued, and the result of the credit check is returned to the POS terminal computer 60. Further, the settlement processing server 90 determines the validity of the check S based on the information regarding the MICR code of the check S read by the composite processing apparatus 10 and returns the determination result to the POS terminal computer 60.

  On the other hand, the composite processing apparatus 10 is connected to the POS terminal computer 60 via a connector (not shown), and various kinds of operations such as image reading of the credit card C and magnetic data reading, image reading of the check S, magnetic data reading and printing, etc. It is configured so that processing can be performed by one unit. Therefore, the POS terminal 5 that can perform a series of processing of the credit card C and the check S can be realized only by connecting the composite processing apparatus 10 to the POS terminal computer 60.

  The composite processing apparatus 10 includes a back side housing unit 11 including a receipt storage unit 30 that stores the receipt paper R wound in a roll shape, a receipt printing unit 140 that performs printing on the receipt paper R, and the like. It is provided on the front side of the casing unit 11 and covers the front side casing unit 12 that defines the check conveyance path 21 between the rear side casing unit 11 and the upper surface side of the rear casing unit 11. And an upper surface cover 13 that accommodates a credit card image reading unit 40 that reads a surface image of the credit card C, a credit card magnetic data reading unit 50 that reads a magnetic stripe portion of the credit card C, and the like. Yes.

  The front-side housing unit 12 includes a front-side cover 12a that is separated from the back-side housing unit 11 via a check conveyance path 21, and a front-side side portion 12b that holds the front-side cover 12a in a single-supported state. The check S can be inserted from the check insertion opening 21a opened at the lower part of the front cover 12a.

  A check insertion slot 21a into which the check S is inserted, and a check magnetic data reader (MICR) 110 that reads a magnetic code (MICR code) printed in advance on the check S with magnetic ink. In addition to a check image reading unit 120 that reads images on the front and back surfaces of the check S, a check printing unit 130 that prints the payment amount and store information on the check S, a check discharge port 21b from which the check S is discharged, a plurality of unillustrated A conveyance roller is provided, and the check S is subjected to various processes while being conveyed to each part by these conveyance rollers.

  Further, the upper lid portion 13 includes a credit card image reading unit 40 (image reading sensor) that reads a surface image of the credit card C, and a credit card magnetic data reading unit 50 (MSR) that reads a magnetic stripe portion of the credit card C. In addition, a plurality of transport rollers 43, 45, and 46 (see FIG. 3) are provided, and the credit card C is subjected to various processes while being transported to each unit by the transport rollers 43, 45, and 46. These transport rollers 43, 45, and 46 are configured to be transportable back and forth (rotatable forward and backward), and image reading by the credit card image reading unit 40 is performed at the time of rearward transport (at the time of leftward transport in FIG. 3). . The details of the image reading process and the magnetic data reading process of the credit card C will be described later.

  Next, each member around the receipt conveyance path 35 will be described with reference to FIG. The receipt R is accommodated in the receipt accommodating portion 30 in a wound state, and the receipt R fed out from the receipt accommodating portion 30 is formed between the back side housing portion 11 and the upper surface lid portion 13. It is sent out toward the receipt discharge port 35a along the receipt transport path 35.

  A thermal print head 33 and a platen roller 32 that presses the thermal print head 33 face the receipt conveyance path 35, and printing on the receipt R is performed by the thermal print head 33 along with the conveyance by the platen roller 32. The printed receipt paper R is cut into an appropriate length by an auto cutter 34 disposed above the thermal print head 33 and the platen roller 32, and is discharged from a receipt discharge port 35a. The auto cutter 34 has a fixed blade 34a disposed on one side of the receipt transport path 35 and a movable blade 34b disposed on the other side of the receipt transport path 35 and at a position corresponding to the fixed blade 34a. The movable blade 34b moves in the direction A in the figure toward the receipt conveyance path 35, whereby the receipt R is sandwiched between the fixed blade 34a and cut.

  On the other hand, a frame 51 constituting a main skeleton is provided at the lower part of the upper surface lid body portion 13, and the frame 51 is rotated with respect to a fixing portion 53 provided in the back side housing portion 11 via a hinge portion 52. It is configured to be movable. Further, the upper surface lid 13 is configured to be openable / closable with respect to the receipt storage unit 30. When the receipt R is exchanged, the receipt paper R in a state where the upper surface lid 13 is opened and wound. Are loaded into and loaded into the receipt storage unit 30.

  Subsequently, each member around the credit card image reading unit 40 and the credit card magnetic data reading unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the credit card image reading unit 40 and the credit card magnetic data reading unit 50 are provided between the upper surface cover 13 a and the receipt storage unit 30, and the credit card is read by an operator who operates the POS terminal 5. When C is inserted from the card insertion slot 41a, image reading and magnetic data reading are performed.

  A table 13b that guides the insertion of the credit card C is formed on the front side of the card insertion slot 41a, and the operator inserts the credit card C along the table 13b. In addition, the upper surface cover 13a adjacent to the card insertion slot 41a is provided with an LED display unit 16 for notifying information relating to the image reading operation and magnetic data reading operation of the credit card C.

  The LED display unit 16 includes a card state LED 16a that is lit based on the state of the credit card C, and a transport state LED 16b that is lit based on the transport state of the credit card C. The former is detection of insertion or ejection of the credit card C. Lights up according to the result and the reading state of the surface image data and magnetic data of the credit card C, and the latter lights up when there is a transport error of the credit card C.

  The credit card image reading unit 40 and the credit card magnetic data reading unit 50 are mainly configured by a scanner head 44 and a magnetic head 58, respectively. The magnetic head 58, The scanner heads 44 are arranged in this order. After the credit card C is inserted, the magnetic data is read by the forward feeding of the plurality of transport rollers 43, 45, 46, and after being transported to a predetermined position, the credit card C is transported in the reverse direction of the transport rollers 43, 45, 46. Image reading is performed by feeding.

  The plurality of transport rollers 43, 45, 46 are arranged on the upper surface side of the card transport path 41, and the first transport roller 43 a and the second transport roller 46 a driven by the motor 90 (see FIG. 6), and the card transport path 41. The credit card C, which is composed of a first pressing roller 43b, a pressing roller 45, and a second pressing roller 46b, arranged on the lower surface side, is conveyed to the magnetic head 58 by the first feeding roller 43a and the first pressing roller 43b. Then, it is sent between the scanner head 44 and the pressing roller 45. The second feed roller 46 a and the second pressing roller 46 b are disposed on the downstream side of the scanner head 44.

  The magnetic head 58 is for reading magnetic data information magnetically recorded on the back surface (lower surface) of the credit card C, and is provided at a position corresponding to the magnetic stripe portion provided on the credit card C. Note that a magnetic head 58 may also be arranged on the upper surface side of the card transport path 41 so that magnetic data of a plurality of standard credit cards C can be read. Although details will be described later, the magnetic data read by the magnetic head 58 is transmitted to an inquiry server 80 operated by a card company to make a credit inquiry.

  The scanner head 44 irradiates light on the upper surface of the credit card C transported through the card transport path 41 in a state where it is pressed against the reading surface 44a of the scanner head 44 by the pressing roller 45 with a pressing force according to the card thickness. The light reflected on the credit card C is received by the reading surface 44a, thereby reading characters, images, and embossed portions printed on the surface of the credit card C. On the reading surface 44a side, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (not shown) are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction (direction perpendicular to the card carrying direction), and each photoelectric conversion element generates an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received. . Although details will be described later, the image data read by the scanner head 44 is subjected to OCR processing as necessary, and card information such as a card number is extracted based on the data of the embossed portion. If the reading of the magnetic head 58 is not normally performed, credit introduction is performed based on the card number.

  The first pressing roller 43b, the pressing roller 45, and the second pressing roller 46b are rotatably supported by an internal cover 42 disposed between the card transport path 41 and the receipt storage unit 30, and the internal cover 42 is The guide wall 54, 54 (see FIG. 5), which is erected from the upper surface lid 13 substantially perpendicular to the card conveying direction, is rotatably attached via the hinge 55. The hinge portion 55 is provided on the back side of the inner cover 42, and the front side of the inner cover 42 facing upward is directed toward the front side of the composite processing apparatus 10 in a state where the upper surface lid body portion 13 is opened. Withdrawn, various members of the card transport path 41 can be maintained from the front side of the combined processing apparatus 10.

  Moreover, the guide walls 54 and 54 to which the inner cover 42 is attached serve as guide members for guiding the insertion direction of the credit card C inserted into the card transport path 41 as shown in FIG. For example, when the credit card C is inserted slightly obliquely with respect to the card conveyance direction, the card C is abutted against either one of the guide walls 54 and 54 while being conveyed by the first feeding roller 43a and the second feeding roller 46a. By being guided in contact, the insertion direction of the credit card C is bent, and the transport direction of the credit card C is aligned with the card transport direction. Thereby, even if the insertion direction has a little angle with respect to the normal card conveyance direction, the credit card C is guided by the guide walls 54 and 54 and conveyed while correcting the conveyance direction.

  This correction of the transport direction is carried forward by the first feed roller 43a and the second feed roller 46a from the card insertion port 41a toward the overhanging opening 41b, and the credit card C completely passes through the scanner head 44. It is done in between. Then, after the credit card C has completely passed through the scanner head 44, the credit card C is conveyed in the reverse direction to the reading surface 44a of the scanner head 44, and image reading is performed. Thereby, the scanner head 44 can read the surface image of the credit card C with the orientation of the credit card C always aligned.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a card detector 48 is provided in the vicinity of the card insertion opening 41 a of the card transport path 41. The card detector 48 is a sensor that detects the insertion of the credit card C, and the first feed roller 43a and the second feed roller 46a are driven based on the output of the card detector 48. That is, the card feeding operation in the card transport path 41 is started by the insertion of the credit card C as a trigger.

  Next, the control configuration of the composite processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the combined processing apparatus 10 includes a card detector 48 that detects insertion of a credit card C, a plurality of transport rollers 43, 45, 46 disposed in the vicinity of the card transport path 41, and a plurality of these. Among these transport rollers, a motor 90 for driving the feed rollers 43a and 46a, a credit card magnetic data reading unit 50 having a magnetic head 58 for reading magnetic data of the credit card C, and a credit card C having a scanner head 44. A credit card image reading unit 40 for reading the front surface image, a check magnetic data reading unit 110 for reading the MICR code of the check S, a check image reading unit 120 for reading the images on the front and back surfaces of the check S, and the surface of the check S and Check printing unit 130 that prints the payment amount and store information on the back, and payment information on the receipt R, A receipt print unit 140 that prints image data read by the scanner head 44 (see FIG. 9), and a card information extraction unit that has the OCR 151 and extracts the card number of the credit card C from the image data read by the scanner head 44 150, a memory 160 that stores magnetic data read by the magnetic head 58, image data read by the scanner head 44, a card number extracted by the OCR 151, and a controller 170 that controls each of the above components. Has been.

  When the insertion of the credit card C is detected by the card detector 48, the controller 170 drives the transport rollers 43 a and 46 a by the motor 90 and starts transporting the credit card C. When the credit card C is transported to the position facing the magnetic head 58 by the forward rotation of the transport rollers 43a and 46a, after the magnetic data is read by the magnetic head 58, the credit card C completely passes through the scanner head 44. Then, the conveyance rollers 43a and 46a are rotated in the reverse direction to convey the credit card C in the reverse feed direction.

  When the control unit 170 causes the credit card C to face the scanner head 44 by carrying in the reverse feed direction, the controller 170 reads the surface image of the credit card C, and the magnetic data is normally read in the above process. If not, the sheet is further conveyed in the reverse feed direction and the magnetic data is read again. If the magnetic data is not normally read twice in succession, the card number is extracted from the image data read by the scanner head 44 by the OCR 151. The read image data, magnetic data, and OCR processing result are temporarily stored in the memory 160, and then the image data, magnetic data, or OCR processing result is appropriately transmitted to the POS terminal computer 60. When payment information is transmitted from the POS terminal computer 60 after the credit inquiry, the temporarily stored image data, data for printing the store information, and data for printing the signature column are added, and the receipt is received. Printing is performed on the receipt R by the printing unit 140 (see FIG. 9). The addition of these data can also be performed by a POS terminal computer 60 described later. In this case, print data (print file) for printing each piece of information (data) shown in FIG. 9 is transmitted from the POS terminal computer 60, and printing is performed by the receipt printing unit 140 based on the print data.

  On the other hand, the POS terminal computer 60 has a keyboard 62 for inputting product information, a display screen 63 for displaying image data transmitted from the composite processing apparatus 10 and card information as an OCR processing result, and transmission from the composite processing apparatus 10. The memory 66 temporarily stores the magnetic data and the image data, and a control unit 67 that controls the entire POS terminal computer 60.

  When the image data on the credit card surface is transmitted from the composite processing apparatus 10, the control unit 67 displays this on the display screen 63 so that the operator can confirm the image reading result. When the OCR processing result (card information) is transmitted from the composite processing apparatus 10, the card information is displayed on the display screen 63 together with the image data so that the operator can compare the OCR processing result with the image data. (See FIG. 10). Here, when there is an error in the OCR processing result, the operator can correct it with the keyboard 62.

  Further, when the magnetic data read by the composite processing apparatus 10 is transmitted, the control unit 67 temporarily stores it in the memory 66 and transmits it to the inquiry server 80 to make a credit inquiry. Also, when the card number extracted by the composite processing apparatus 10 is transmitted (when the magnetic data is not read normally), it is temporarily stored in the memory 66 and operated by the card company or the clearing house. To the inquiry server 80 to make a credit inquiry. Further, the control unit 67 transmits the image data temporarily stored in the memory 66 to the POS server 70 after the settlement process regardless of whether or not the magnetic data is normally read. The POS server 70 stores this in the database 71 and uses it as evidence when the credit card C is illegally used.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the control processing in the composite processing apparatus 10 and the POS terminal computer 60 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the composite processing apparatus 10, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the POS terminal computer 60.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the composite processing apparatus 10 receives a read command, which is a read start instruction for the credit card C, from the POS terminal computer 60 (S11: Yes), and detects card insertion by the card detector 48 (S12). : Yes), the motor 90 is rotated forward to carry the credit card C in the forward direction, and the magnetic data (MS: magnet stripe) is read by the magnetic head 58 (S13). Further, after the magnetic data is read, the credit card C is conveyed in the forward direction to a position where it completely passes through the scanner head 44.

  Subsequently, the read magnetic data is decoded (S14), and it is determined whether or not the magnetic data is normally read (S15). When the magnetic data is normally read (S15: Yes), the motor 90 is fed back and the image of the credit card surface is read by the scanner head 44 (S16). On the other hand, when the magnetic data is not read normally (S15: No), the motor 90 is reversely fed, the image of the credit card surface is read by the scanner head 44, and the magnetic data is read again after the image is read. Reading is performed (S17). Then, the read magnetic data is decoded (S18), and it is determined whether or not the second magnetic data has been read normally (S19).

  If the magnetic data is not read normally (S19: No), the image data read by the scanner head 44 is subjected to character recognition processing by the OCR 151 (S20), and the card information (card number, card expiration date). , Information about names, etc.). Thereafter, the read image data, the MS read NG status notifying that the reading of the magnetic data has failed, and the OCR processing result (card information) are transmitted to the host (POS terminal computer 60) (S21). In this case, the transmission of the MS read NG status can be omitted as an indication that the transmission of the OCR processing result has failed to read the magnetic data. On the other hand, when the second reading of the magnetic data is normally performed (S19: Yes), the decoded data of the magnetic data (hereinafter referred to as “MS decoded data”), the image data read by the scanner head 44, and Is transmitted to the POS terminal computer 60 (S22).

  Thereafter, when a receipt printing command is received from the POS terminal computer 60 (S23: Yes), the receipt printing unit 140 performs receipt printing (S25). In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, on the receipt R, the store information printed with fixed contents and fixed arrangement irrespective of the payment contents, the payment information indicating the payment result including the payment amount of the credit card C, the scanner head 44 The image data based on the surface image of the credit card C read in step S1 and the signature column where the signature is made by the customer are printed.

  If a card use cancel command for prohibiting the use of the credit card C is received from the POS terminal computer 60 based on the result of the credit inquiry (S23: No, S24: Yes), the settlement process is stopped.

  Next, the control processing of the POS terminal computer 60 will be described with reference to FIG. When the operator finishes inputting the merchandise information and makes a payment with the credit card C (or presses the total key for instructing the end of the merchandise information input, the insertion of the credit card C, the insertion of the check S, or the cash drawer 64 When an MS decode data and image data are received from the composite processing apparatus 10 after transmitting a read command for instructing the reading of the credit card C (S32: Yes; FIG. 7S22), the magnetic data is transmitted to the inquiry server 80, and a credit inquiry is performed (S37).

  On the other hand, in the case of (S32: No), when the MS reading NG status, the OCR processing result (card information) and the image data are received from the composite processing apparatus 10 (S33; refer to FIG. 7 S21), the OCR processing result and The image data is displayed on the display screen 63 (S34). Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the image data of the credit card C is displayed in the upper part of the display screen 63, and the card information (card number, card expiration date, name) as the OCR processing result is displayed in the lower part of the display screen 63. indicate. Thus, by displaying the image data of the credit card surface image and the card information on the display screen 63 at the same time, the operator can check whether or not the card number is correctly extracted (whether or not the OCR processing is correctly performed). Or) can be confirmed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a credit inquiry based on an incorrect card number.

  If the OCR processing result and the content of the image data are different (S35: No), the card information is corrected by the operator's keyboard 62 input (S36), and a key for instructing that the correction is completed Credit inquiry is performed by operation (S37). If the OCR processing result and the content of the image data are the same and the OCR processing is normally performed (S35: Yes), the credit inquiry is performed by a key operation for instructing the content OK of the OCR processing result by the operator. (S37).

  If the card can be used by sending the inquiry result from the inquiry server 80 (S38: Yes), a receipt printing command for printing the payment result (including print data such as payment information and image data). Is transmitted to the composite processing apparatus 10 (S39; see S23 in FIG. 7), and the image data is transmitted to the POS server 70 and registered (stored) in the database 71. On the other hand, when the card cannot be used (S38: No), a card unavailable message indicating that fact is displayed on the display screen 63 (S41), notifying the operator that the use of the credit card C is prohibited, and combining A card use cancel command is transmitted to the processing apparatus 10 (S42; see FIG. 7 S24).

  As described above, according to the credit card processing device, the POS terminal, the POS system, the program, and the credit card processing control method of the present invention, when the magnetic data is not normally read by the magnetic head 58, the credit card Since the card number is extracted by performing OCR processing on the reading result of the C surface image, the card information can be acquired quickly and reliably. In addition, since the operator does not need to manually enter the card number, input errors are eliminated and the imprinter is not required to be operated, thereby reducing the work load and improving the work efficiency and customer satisfaction. it can. Further, it is determined whether or not the magnetic data has been read normally. If the reading has been performed normally, the credit inquiry based on the conventional magnetic data can be executed. Do not need. Therefore, it is possible to perform the credit card settlement process more quickly. Furthermore, by reading the image on the surface of the credit card C and storing the image data, this can be used as evidence when unauthorized use is detected.

  Also, the image data of the surface image of the credit card C, the settlement information, etc. can be printed on the receipt R by the receipt printing unit 140, and this can be replaced with the copy paper when the imprinter is used. Management costs as well as paper costs can be reduced.

  In addition to the payment amount of the credit card, the image data and the signature column are printed on the receipt R, so that the surface image of the credit card, the payment amount, and the user's signature (signature) are printed from the receipt paper after the signature. Can be confirmed at a glance. Therefore, by storing this receipt paper at a card company or the like, it can be used as powerful evidence in the case of unauthorized use. Furthermore, in this case, not the OCR processing result but the processed image data itself is printed on the receipt R, so that the reliability can be further improved.

  In addition, even when the magnetic data is not read normally, the magnetic data is read again, so that the work efficiency can be improved. In other words, even if it fails once, the magnetic data can be normally read the second time, but if it fails once, the card number is not extracted by OCR processing immediately, but fails twice in succession. In this case, by shifting to the OCR process, the opportunity to perform the OCR process can be reduced as much as possible, and as a result, the settlement process time can be shortened.

  In the above example, when the magnetic data is not read normally twice consecutively, the composite processing apparatus 10 performs OCR processing on the image data and extracts card information (card number). The OCR process may be performed on the POS terminal computer 60 side. That is, in this case, after reading the second magnetic data in the composite processing apparatus 10 (S19: No in FIG. 7), the image data and the MS reading NG status are not performed without performing the OCR processing (S20) of the image data. Transmit to the POS terminal computer 60. When the POS terminal computer 60 receives the image data and the MS reading NG status in a process corresponding to (FIG. 8S33), the POS terminal computer 60 performs OCR processing based on the image data, and then displays the OCR processing result on the display screen 63. As described above, by performing the OCR process on the POS terminal computer 60 side, it is not necessary to transmit the OCR process result from the composite processing apparatus 10, and therefore the amount of data to be transmitted can be reduced. Further, the high-performance CPU of the POS terminal computer 60 can quickly perform OCR processing control.

  In the above example, the image data is printed on the receipt R regardless of whether or not the magnetic data is normally read. However, when the magnetic data is normally read. The printing of the image data may be omitted (the magnetic data is more reliable than the OCR processing result, so it may not be necessary to print the image data).

  It is also possible to provide each function (each unit) in the composite processing apparatus 10 or the POS terminal computer 60 shown in the above example as a program. Further, by storing the program in a storage medium (not shown) and installing the program in a personal computer or the like, the credit card processing control method of the present invention can be realized in addition to the POS system 1 shown in the present embodiment. As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  Further, each function of the composite processing apparatus 10 may be incorporated in the POS terminal computer 60 and configured as one apparatus. Further, the check processing function and the receipt printing function can be omitted from the composite processing apparatus 10 and can be made independent as a credit card processing apparatus.

  Further, the system configuration, the device configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, for example, without depending on the above-described embodiment.

  For example, if the magnetic stripe cannot be read in step S19 in FIG. 7 (No in S19), the image data is printed on the receipt together with the signature field as shown in FIG. 9 instead of the OCR process in S20. The customer can sign in the signature box and the store can save the signed receipt and leave it as a voucher.

  Of course, the card is not limited to a credit card as long as it has a magnetic stripe.

1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the compound processing apparatus containing the function of the credit card processing apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the compound processing apparatus concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the upper surface lid part of the compound processing apparatus concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the card conveyance path upper surface side of the compound processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a control block diagram of the POS terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the compound processing apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the POS terminal computer of this invention. It is a figure which shows the receipt printing example which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display screen which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 POS system 5 POS terminal 10 Composite processing apparatus 40 Credit card image reading part 44 Scanner head 50 Credit card magnetic data reading part 58 Magnetic head 60 POS terminal computer 63 Display screen 70 POS server 71 Database 75 Network 80 Reference server 90 Settlement processing server 140 Receipt Print Unit 150 Card Information Extraction Unit 151 OCR
160 Memory C Credit card R Receipt S Check

Claims (12)

Magnetic data reading means for reading the magnetic data of the credit card;
Image reading means for reading an image of the surface of the credit card;
Image data storage means for storing image data read by the image reading means;
A reading discriminating unit for discriminating whether the reading by the magnetic data reading unit has been normally performed;
A card number extracting means for extracting the card number of the credit card by OCR processing based on the image data when the reading determining means determines that the reading of the magnetic data has not been performed normally;
Based on the card number extracted by the card number extraction means, card inquiry means for performing credit inquiry of the credit card;
Transport means for transporting the credit card in a forward direction in which the credit card is inserted and in a reverse direction of the forward direction;
Guide means for guiding the insertion direction of the credit card in a normal card conveying direction;
With
The magnetic data reading means reads the magnetic data of the credit card when the credit card is transported in the forward direction of the insertion direction, and the magnetic data is not normally read by the reading determination means. If determined, when the credit card is transported in the reverse direction, the magnetic data is read again,
When the credit card is conveyed in the reverse direction after the credit card is in contact with the guide means and guided in the normal direction, the image data on the surface of the credit card. Read
The card number extraction unit extracts the card number from the image data of the credit card when it is determined that reading of the magnetic data has not been normally performed twice. . The credit card processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints the image data on receipt paper.   3. The credit card processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing unit prints a settlement amount of the credit card and a signature column of the credit card user together with the image data. 4. The credit card processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for simultaneously displaying the image data and the card number on a display screen. 5. The credit card processing device according to claim 1, and a POS terminal computer connected to the credit card processing device and performing a checkout process based on input of merchandise information by an operator. POS terminal.   6. A POS system comprising: the POS terminal according to claim 5; and a POS server connected to the POS terminal via a network and performing overall control of the POS terminal.   A computer-readable program for realizing each means of the credit card processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Magnetic data reading means for reading the magnetic data of the credit card,
Image reading means for reading a surface image of the credit card;
Image data storage means for storing image data of the surface image;
A card inquiry means for making a credit inquiry of the credit card;
A transport means for transporting the credit card in a forward direction in which the credit card is inserted and in a reverse direction of the forward direction;
Guide means for guiding the insertion direction of the credit card in a normal card conveying direction, control means,
A credit card processing control method in a credit card processing apparatus comprising:
The control means is
Determining whether the reading by the magnetic data reading means has been normally performed;
If it is determined that reading of the magnetic data has not been performed normally, a step of extracting the credit card by performing OCR processing on the image data;
Performing credit inquiry of the credit card by the card inquiry means based on the extracted card number, and
When the control means determines that the magnetic data reading by the magnetic data reading means has not been performed normally, the control means again when the credit card is transported in the reverse direction of the forward direction. When the data is read and it is determined that the magnetic data has not been read normally twice, the credit card is brought into contact with the guide means and is guided in the forward direction, which is a normal card transport direction. A credit card processing control method comprising: extracting the card number from image data on the surface of the credit card read when transported in the reverse direction of the forward direction, and performing the credit inquiry.   9. The credit card processing control method according to claim 8, wherein the control means further executes a printing step of printing the image data on receipt paper. 10. The credit card processing control method according to claim 9, wherein in the printing step, a settlement amount of the credit card and a signature column of the credit card user are printed together with the image data.   9. The credit card processing control method according to claim 8, wherein the control means further executes a step of simultaneously displaying the image data and the card number on a display screen. Magnetic data reading means for reading the magnetic data of the credit card;
Image reading means for reading an image of the surface of the credit card;
A transport means for transporting the credit card in a forward direction in which the credit card is inserted and in a reverse direction of the forward direction;
Guide means for guiding the insertion direction of the credit card in a normal card conveying direction;
Image data storage means for storing image data read by the image reading means;
A reading discriminating unit for discriminating whether the reading by the magnetic data reading unit has been normally performed;
A printing unit that prints out the image data and the signature field with a receipt when it is determined by the reading determination unit that the reading of the magnetic data has not been normally performed twice. A credit card processing device.

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