JP6023409B2 - Card reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a card reader that reads magnetic data recorded on a card and / or records magnetic data on a card.

  Conventionally, as an object detection device for detecting the presence / absence of an object to be detected, a core formed of a magnetic material, a detection coil wound around the center of the core, and a pair wound around both ends of the core There is known a so-called differential type object detection device provided with an exciting coil (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the object detection device described in Patent Document 1, when there is no object to be detected in the detectable region of this object detection device, the density of the magnetic lines generated by one of the excitation coils and the magnetic lines generated by the other of the excitation coils So that the direction of the magnetic lines of force generated by one of the exciting coils is opposite to the direction of the magnetic line of lines generated by the other of the exciting coils (that is, the exciting coil). The excitation coil is excited so that the magnetic field generated by one of the two and the magnetic field generated by the other of the excitation coils can be balanced.

  Therefore, in this object detection device, when the detected object enters the detectable region, the balance between the magnetic field generated by one of the excitation coils and the magnetic field generated by the other of the excitation coils is lost due to the influence. A voltage is generated between both ends of the detection coil. In the object detection device described in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not the value of the voltage generated between both ends of the detection coil exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby detecting the object detection area in the object detection device. Whether or not there is an object is detected.

  Conventionally, card readers that read magnetic data recorded on a card or record magnetic data on a card have been widely used. In an industry such as a financial institution where a card reader is used, so-called skimming, in which a criminal attaches a magnetic head to the card insertion portion of the card reader and illegally acquires the magnetic data of the card with this magnetic head, has been a big problem. It has become. Therefore, a card reader having a disturbing magnetic field generator for preventing reading of magnetic data by a skimming magnetic head (hereinafter referred to as “skimming magnetic head”) has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2). reference).

  In the card reader described in Patent Document 2, when a card is inserted, the disturbing magnetic field generator is driven for a predetermined time to generate a disturbing magnetic field. For this reason, even when the skimming magnetic head is attached to the card insertion portion, it is possible to prevent the skimming magnetic head from properly reading the magnetic data and prevent illegal acquisition of the magnetic data.

JP 2003-255053 A Japanese Patent No. 3936496

  If the object detection device described in Patent Document 1 is attached to the card insertion portion of the card reader, it is possible to detect that the skimming magnetic head is attached to the card insertion portion using the object detection device. Since the object detection device described in Patent Document 1 is a so-called differential detection device, if the distance between the skimming magnetic head and the object detection device is constant, the temperature around the object detection device varies. Even so, the amount of change in the value of the voltage generated at both ends of the detection coil of the object detection device is small. Therefore, if the object detection device described in Patent Document 1 is attached to the card insertion portion of the card reader, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not the skimming magnetic head is attached to the card insertion portion.

  On the other hand, skimming by criminals is becoming more and more sophisticated year by year, and a card reader capable of effectively preventing skimming is required in the market. However, even in the object detection device described in Patent Document 1, if the ambient temperature fluctuates, the resistance value of the detection coil fluctuates, so the distance between the skimming magnetic head and the object detection device is constant. The voltage value generated at both ends of the detection coil at a certain time fluctuates. Therefore, it may be difficult to detect the skimming magnetic head attached to the card insertion portion with higher accuracy by the object detection device described in Patent Document 1, and as a result, skimming is effectively prevented. Can be difficult.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a card reader that can effectively prevent skimming.

In order to solve the above problems, a card reader according to the present invention is an insertion into which a card is inserted in a card reader having a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on the card and / or recording magnetic data on the card. A card insertion part in which a mouth is formed, a foreign object detection device for detecting that a foreign object has been attached to the front side of the card insertion part, and an ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device disposed in the vicinity of the foreign object detection device a temperature sensor, and a control unit for controlling the card reader, foreign object detection device includes a core formed of a magnetic material, an excitation coil and a detection coil wound around the core, the temperature sensor , near the land Rutotomoni is mounted on the relay board terminal end of the end portion and detection coils of the excitation coil is connected is mounted, the relay board, the terminal is connected Is implemented, a control section is configured to continuously monitor the output signal from the temperature sensor, when the ambient temperature of the foreign matter detecting device measured by the temperature sensor is less and more than a predetermined lower limit value predetermined upper limit value Executes a temperature correction process according to the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured by the temperature sensor during the foreign object detection process to determine whether or not a foreign object has been attached to the front side of the card insertion part, and measured by the temperature sensor when the ambient temperature of the foreign matter detecting apparatus that is is less than or lower limit value exceeds the upper limit value, an abnormality is caused in the foreign matter detecting apparatus, and executes error processing.

  In the present invention, for example, as a temperature correction process, the control unit sets a threshold value to be compared with an output value from the foreign object detection device in order to determine whether or not a foreign object is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit. Correction is performed according to the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured in step (b). In the present invention, for example, the control unit outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the host device on which the card reader is mounted as abnormality processing.

  In the card reader of the present invention, the control unit attaches foreign matter to the front side of the card insertion portion when the ambient temperature of the foreign matter detection device measured by the temperature sensor is not more than a predetermined upper limit value and not less than a predetermined lower limit value. Temperature correction processing is executed in accordance with the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured by the temperature sensor during the foreign object detection processing for determining whether or not it has been performed. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device fluctuates, for example, the threshold value compared with the output value from the foreign object detection device to determine whether or not a foreign object is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit By performing a predetermined temperature correction process such as correction according to the ambient temperature of the device, it is detected with higher accuracy by the foreign object detection device that a magnetic head for skimming as a foreign object is attached to the front side of the card insertion part. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, in the present invention, skimming can be effectively prevented.

  Further, in the card reader of the present invention, the control unit assumes that the foreign object detection device has an abnormality when the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the upper limit value or less than the lower limit value. Abnormal processing is being executed. Therefore, to prevent the foreign object detection device from functioning properly, for example, when a criminal heats the foreign object detection device using a dryer or the like and the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device exceeds the upper limit, When the foreign object detection device is cooled using a cold spray or the like and the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device becomes lower than the lower limit value, for example, an abnormality occurrence signal is output to a host device on which the card reader is mounted. Abnormal processing is executed. Therefore, according to the present invention, when a criminal performs an illegal act against the foreign object detection device, it is possible to perform a predetermined measure such as stopping the transaction of the card reader, and as a result, skimming can be effectively performed. It becomes possible to prevent.

In the present invention, since the end of the excitation coil and the end of the detection coil are connected to the terminals mounted on the relay board, the relay board and the main body board of the card reader are connected to a signal such as a lead wire. If they are connected by wires, the exciting coil and the detecting coil can be electrically connected to the main body substrate. Therefore, in order to electrically connect the excitation coil and detection coil to the main board, the excitation coil and detection coil are excited compared to the case where the main board is directly connected by a signal line. It is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the signal line in the vicinity of the coil for detection and the coil for detection, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the foreign substance detection accuracy of the foreign substance detection mechanism from being lowered due to the fluctuation of the signal line. Further, since the temperature sensor is mounted on the relay board, it is not necessary to separately provide a temperature sensor board, and the configuration of the card reader can be simplified. Furthermore, in the present invention, the control unit continuously monitors the output signal from the temperature sensor. When the temperature sensor is destroyed by a criminal, no signal is output from the temperature sensor. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect that the temperature sensor has been destroyed by the criminal. In addition, by detecting that the temperature sensor has been destroyed, it is possible to estimate that the foreign object detection device disposed in the vicinity of the temperature sensor has been destroyed. Accordingly, skimming can be effectively prevented by executing abnormality processing such as outputting an abnormality occurrence signal to the host device when no signal is output from the temperature sensor. In the present invention, “disposed in the vicinity of the foreign object detection device” means that the object is not in contact with the foreign object detection device, but is disposed within a range in which the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device can be appropriately detected. means.

  In the present invention, the foreign object detection device is, for example, a metal sensor for detecting that a foreign object including a metal material is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion. In this case, it becomes possible to detect whether or not the temperature of the excitation coil of the metal sensor exceeds an allowable value using the temperature sensor. Therefore, when the temperature of the exciting coil is measured by the temperature sensor and the temperature of the exciting coil exceeds the allowable value, the value of the voltage applied to the exciting coil is prevented in order to prevent disconnection of the exciting coil. It is possible to take predetermined measures such as lowering the voltage or stopping the application of voltage to the exciting coil. As a result, for example, it is not necessary to take separate countermeasures against abnormal heating of the exciting coil such as connecting a fuse to the exciting coil.

  In this invention, it is preferable that a card insertion part is provided with the hollow-shaped protrusion part which protrudes toward the front of a card insertion part, and a metal sensor and a relay board | substrate are arrange | positioned inside the protrusion part. If comprised in this way, since a metal sensor and a relay board | substrate will be arrange | positioned inside the protrusion part which becomes a dead space easily, it will become possible to reduce a card reader.

In order to solve the above problems, the card reader of the present invention is a card reader provided with a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on the card and / or recording magnetic data on the card. A card insertion portion formed with an insertion slot, a magnetic field generation device that is arranged on the front side of the card insertion portion and generates a magnetic field, and a temperature sensor that is arranged in the vicinity of the magnetic field generation device and measures the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generation device , and a control unit for controlling the card reader, the magnetic field generator includes a core formed of a magnetic material, an excitation coil and a detection coil wound around the core, the temperature sensor, exciting is mounted on the relay board terminal is mounted to the ends of the end and detecting coil of the coil is connected Rutotomoni, the relay substrate is mounted in the vicinity of the land terminal is connected If control section is configured to continuously monitor the output signal from the temperature sensor, the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator which is measured by the temperature sensor is above and the predetermined lower limit value or less than a predetermined upper limit value, the temperature sensor If the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the upper limit value or less than the lower limit value, the magnetic field generator is abnormal. It is characterized in that an abnormal process is executed.

  In the present invention, for example, the magnetic field generation device is a metal sensor for detecting that a foreign object including a metal material is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit, and the control unit performs the card correction unit as a temperature correction process. The threshold value compared with the output value from the metal sensor to determine whether or not a foreign object is attached to the front side of the metal sensor is corrected according to the ambient temperature of the metal sensor measured by the temperature sensor. In the present invention, for example, the control unit outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the host device on which the card reader is mounted as abnormality processing.

  In the card reader of the present invention, when the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator measured by the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the predetermined upper limit value and equal to or higher than the predetermined lower limit value, the control unit A temperature correction process according to the ambient temperature is executed. Therefore, for example, when the magnetic field generator is a metal sensor for detecting that a foreign object including a metal material is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion, even if the ambient temperature of the metal sensor fluctuates, In order to determine whether or not a foreign object has been attached to the front side of the card insertion unit, a predetermined temperature correction process is performed such as correcting a threshold value to be compared with the output value from the metal sensor according to the ambient temperature of the metal sensor. Thus, it is possible to detect with higher accuracy by the metal sensor that the magnetic head for skimming as a foreign object is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion. Therefore, in the present invention, skimming can be effectively prevented when the magnetic field generator is a metal sensor.

  Further, for example, when the magnetic field generator is a disturbing magnetic field generator that generates a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading of magnetic data of the card by a skimming magnetic head attached to the front side of the card insertion portion, Even if the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator fluctuates, a predetermined temperature correction process such as correcting the voltage value applied to the excitation coil of the disturbing magnetic field generator according to the ambient temperature of the disturbing magnetic field generator is performed. It is possible to generate an effective disturbing magnetic field toward the skimming magnetic head. Therefore, in the present invention, skimming can be effectively prevented even when the magnetic field generator is a disturbing magnetic field generator.

  Further, in the card reader of the present invention, the control unit, when the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the upper limit value or less than the lower limit value, the magnetic field generator has an abnormality, Abnormal processing is being executed. Therefore, for example, when the magnetic field generation device is a metal sensor for detecting that a foreign object including a metal material is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion, the magnetic field generation device may not function properly, for example, When a criminal heats the magnetic field generator using a dryer or the like and the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator exceeds the upper limit, or when the criminal cools the magnetic field generator using a cold spray or the like, When the ambient temperature of the generating device becomes lower than the lower limit value, abnormality processing such as outputting an abnormality occurrence signal to the host device on which the card reader is mounted is executed. Therefore, in the present invention, when a criminal performs an illegal act on the magnetic field generation device, it is possible to perform a predetermined measure such as stopping the transaction of the card reader. As a result, the magnetic field generation device In the case of a metal sensor, skimming can be effectively prevented.

  Further, for example, when the magnetic field generator is a disturbing magnetic field generator that generates a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading of the magnetic data of the card by the skimming magnetic head attached to the front side of the card insertion portion, the disturbing magnetic field is generated. For example, when a criminal heats the magnetic field generator using a dryer or the like and the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator exceeds the upper limit value in an attempt to short-circuit the excitation coil of the device, the card reader is mounted. Abnormal processing such as outputting an abnormality occurrence signal to the apparatus is executed. Therefore, in the present invention, when a criminal performs an illegal act on the magnetic field generation device, it is possible to perform a predetermined measure such as stopping the transaction of the card reader. As a result, the magnetic field generation device Even with the disturbing magnetic field generator, skimming can be effectively prevented.

In the present invention, since the end of the excitation coil and the end of the detection coil are connected to the terminals mounted on the relay board, the relay board and the main body board of the card reader are connected to a signal such as a lead wire. If they are connected by wires, the exciting coil and the detecting coil can be electrically connected to the main body substrate. Therefore, in order to electrically connect the excitation coil and detection coil to the main board, the excitation coil and detection coil are excited compared to the case where the main board is directly connected by a signal line. It is possible to suppress the fluctuation of the signal line in the vicinity of the coil for detection and the coil for detection. Further, since the temperature sensor is mounted on the relay board, it is not necessary to separately provide a temperature sensor board, and the configuration of the card reader can be simplified. In the present invention, “disposed in the vicinity of the magnetic field generator” means that the magnetic field generator is not in contact with the magnetic field generator, but is disposed within a range where the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator can be detected appropriately. means.

  As described above, the card reader of the present invention can effectively prevent skimming.

It is a perspective view of the card reader concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front side of the card reader shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the structure relevant to the control part of a card reader shown in FIG. 1, and a control part. It is a schematic plan view for demonstrating the structure of the front side of the card reader shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the metal sensor shown in FIG. It is a top view of the metal sensor and relay board | substrate shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the ambient temperature of the metal sensor shown in FIG. 5, and the voltage value which generate | occur | produces in the both ends of the coil for a detection. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the foreign material detection process in the card reader shown in FIG.

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

(Schematic configuration of card reader)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card reader 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front side of the card reader 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a configuration related to the control unit 13 and the control unit 13 of the card reader 1 shown in FIG.

  The card reader 1 of the present embodiment is a device for reading magnetic data recorded on the card 2 and / or recording magnetic data on the card 2, and is mounted on a predetermined host device such as an ATM. used. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the card reader 1 includes a card insertion portion 4 in which an insertion port 3 into which a card 2 is inserted is formed, and a main body in which a card conveyance path 5 in which the card 2 is conveyed is formed. Part 6. A magnetic head 7 for reading magnetic data and / or recording magnetic data, and a driving roller 8 and a pad roller 9 for conveying the card 2 are arranged inside the main body 6.

  In this embodiment, the card 2 is conveyed in the X direction shown in FIG. Specifically, the card 2 is inserted in the X1 direction, and the card 2 is ejected in the X2 direction. Further, the Z direction in FIG. 1 or the like substantially orthogonal to the X direction is the thickness direction of the card 2 inserted into the card reader 1, and the Y direction in FIG. 1 or the like substantially orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction is It is the width direction (short width direction) of the card 2 inserted into the card reader 1. In the following description, the X1 direction side is the “back (back)” side, the X2 direction side is the “front” side, the Y1 direction side is the “right” side, the Y2 direction side is the “left” side, and the Z1 direction side is The “upper” side and the Z2 direction side are the “lower” side.

  The card 2 is, for example, a rectangular vinyl chloride card having a thickness of about 0.7 to 0.8 mm. On the back surface (lower surface) of the card 2, a magnetic stripe 2a (see FIG. 4) on which magnetic data is recorded is formed. The card 2 may be a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card having a thickness of about 0.18 to 0.36 mm, or may be a paper card having a predetermined thickness.

  The card insertion part 4 is attached to the front end surface of the main body part 6. The detailed configuration of the card insertion unit 4 will be described later.

  The magnetic head 7 is arranged so that the gap portion faces the card transport path 5 from below. Further, the magnetic head 7 is disposed at a position where it can contact the magnetic stripe 2 a of the card 2. A counter roller 10 is disposed above the magnetic head 7 and faces the magnetic head 7 in the vertical direction. The drive roller 8 is disposed so as to face the card transport path 5 from below. The pad roller 9 faces the driving roller 8 on the upper side of the driving roller 8 and is urged toward the driving roller 8.

  Further, the card reader 1 includes a control unit 13 (see FIG. 3) that controls the card reader 1. The control unit 13 includes electronic components such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM mounted on the main board 14 of the card reader 1 and circuit patterns formed on the main board 14. The control unit 13 is connected to a control unit (upper control unit) 18 of a host device on which the card reader 1 is mounted.

(Configuration of card insertion part)
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the configuration of the front side of the card reader 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the metal sensor 21 shown in FIG. 6 is a plan view of the metal sensor 21 and the relay substrate 23 shown in FIG.

  The card insertion part 4 includes a fixing part 4a fixed to the main body part 6 and a protruding part 4b protruding from the fixing part 4a toward the front side. The protruding portion 4b is not formed in the entire left and right direction of the card insertion portion 4. Specifically, the protruding portion 4b is formed in a predetermined range from the left end to the right end side of the card insertion portion 4, and there is no portion protruding to the front side from the fixed portion 4a on the right side of the protruding portion 4b. It is a notch 4c.

  The protrusion 4b is formed in a hollow shape. Moreover, the protrusion part 4b is provided with the upper side protrusion part 4d and the lower side protrusion part 4e which are arrange | positioned so that the insertion port 3 may be pinched | interposed in an up-down direction. A metal sensor 21 serving as a foreign matter detection device for detecting that a foreign matter is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion 4 inside the lower protruding portion 4e disposed below the insertion slot 3, and a temperature A relay board 23 on which the sensor 22 is mounted is disposed. In addition, a card detector (not shown) for detecting that the card 2 has been inserted into the insertion slot 3 is disposed on the protruding portion 4b. Note that the metal sensor 21 of the present embodiment is also a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the notch 4 c is formed at a position where the magnetic head 7 is disposed in the left-right direction. That is, the notch 4c is formed at a location where the magnetic stripe 2a of the card 2 passes. In this embodiment, the front end of the card 2 discharged by the drive roller 8 and the pad roller 9 is on the front side of the back end surface 4f of the notch 4c, but is on the back side of the front end surface of the protruding portion 4b. That is, the front end side of the card 2 discharged by the drive roller 8 and the pad roller 9 is exposed to the notch 4c. When the card 2 is ejected from the card reader 1, the user grasps the front end side of the card 2 exposed at the notch 4 c and pulls out the card 2 from the card reader 1. The protrusion 4b of this embodiment is provided to form a notch 4c for picking up the card 2 when the card 2 is pulled out from the card reader 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the metal sensor 21 includes a core 25 formed of a magnetic material, and a pair of exciting coils 26 and 27 and a detection coil 28 wound around the central axis CL of the core 25. I have. On the relay substrate 23, five terminals 29 (see FIG. 6) to which the ends of the excitation coils 26 and 27 and the detection coil 28 are fixed by soldering are mounted.

  The core 25 is formed in a thin plate shape whose thickness direction is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The core 25 includes a central core portion 25a disposed substantially at the center in the axial direction of the central axis CL, and a pair of shaft end core portions disposed on both ends of the central core portion 25a in the axial direction of the central axis CL. 25b, and a flange portion 25c disposed between the central core portion 25a and the shaft end core portion 25b. The width of the central core portion 25a is wider than the width of the shaft end core portion 25b. Further, the width of the flange portion 25c is wider than the width of the central core portion 25a. The core 25 is disposed so that the axial direction of the central axis CL substantially coincides with the left-right direction.

  The exciting coils 26 and 27 are wound around each of the pair of shaft end core portions 25b. The detection coil 28 is wound around the central core portion 25a. One ends of the exciting coils 26 and 27 are connected to two terminals 29 of the five terminals 29 mounted on the relay substrate 23. The other end portions of the exciting coils 26 and 27 are connected to one common terminal 29. Each of both ends of the detection coil 28 is connected to each of the remaining two terminals 29.

  One end of the exciting coils 26 and 27 is connected to a variable resistor 33 mounted on the main board 14 via a terminal 29, a circuit pattern of the relay board 23, and a cable 32 such as a lead wire (FIG. 3). FIG. 5). The variable resistor 33 is connected to the AC power source 34. The other ends of the exciting coils 26 and 27 are connected to the ground pattern of the main board 14 via the terminals 29, the circuit pattern of the relay board 23, and the cable 32 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Both ends of the detection coil 28 are connected to the voltage detection circuit of the main board 14 via the terminal 29, the circuit pattern of the relay board 23, and the cable 32 (see FIG. 3).

  The metal sensor 21 has a function of detecting a change in the magnetic field generated by the excitation coils 26 and 27 with the detection coil 28 and detecting that a foreign material including a metal material is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion 4. Plays. Specifically, the metal sensor 21 has a function of detecting that the skimming magnetic head 45 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion 4. Therefore, the metal sensor 21 is arranged such that the magnetic force line ML1 representing the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 26 or the magnetic force line ML2 representing the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 27 passes through the mounting position of the skimming magnetic head 45. . Specifically, since it is assumed that the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the notch 4c, the metal sensor 21 is disposed such that the magnetic force line ML1 or the magnetic force line ML2 passes through the notch 4c.

  The exciting coils 26 and 27 are magnetic field lines ML1 representing the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 26 when the skimming magnetic head 45 is not present in the detectable region of the metal sensor 21 (the region through which the magnetic force lines ML1 and ML2 pass). And the density of the magnetic force line ML2 representing the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 27, and the direction of the magnetic force line ML1 and the direction of the magnetic force line ML2 are reversed. That is, the variable resistor 33 is adjusted so that the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 26 and the magnetic field generated by the exciting coil 27 can be balanced when the skimming magnetic head 45 is not in the detectable region of the metal sensor 21. Has been.

  For this reason, when there is no skimming magnetic head 45 in the detectable region of the metal sensor 21, theoretically, no voltage is generated between both ends of the detection coil 28. On the other hand, when the skimming magnetic head 45 is installed in the detectable region of the metal sensor 21, the balance between the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 26 and the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil 27 is lost due to the influence, and detection is performed. A voltage is generated between both ends of the coil 28. As described above, the metal sensor 21 detects the skimming magnetic head 45 by detecting the voltage generated between both ends of the detection coil 28.

  The temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the relay substrate 23 as described above. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the relay board 23 in the vicinity of the land 36 to which the terminal 29 is connected, and the temperature sensor 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the metal sensor 21. ing. The temperature sensor 22 has a function of measuring the ambient temperature of the metal sensor 21 and is disposed within a range in which the ambient temperature of the metal sensor 21 can be appropriately detected. For example, the distance between the metal sensor 21 and the temperature sensor 22 is about 1 mm to 10 mm. In this embodiment, the distance between the metal sensor 21 and the temperature sensor 22 is about 5 mm. The temperature sensor 22 is connected to the temperature detection circuit of the main board 14 via a circuit pattern of the relay board 23 and a cable 37 such as a lead wire (see FIG. 3).

(Foreign matter detection processing in card reader)
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 shown in FIG. 5 and the voltage value V generated at both ends of the detection coil 28. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining foreign object detection processing in the card reader 1 shown in FIG.

  In the card reader 1 configured as described above, when the card 2 is not inserted in the card reader 1, the card transport path 5 is closed by a shutter member (not shown) and the card to the card reader 1 is closed. 2 cannot be inserted. In this state, when the card detector disposed in the card insertion unit 4 detects that the card 2 has been inserted into the insertion slot 3, the card transport path 5 is opened and the card is inserted into the card reader 1. 2 is taken in and a predetermined process for the card 2 is executed.

  Further, when the card 2 is not inserted, the control unit 13 obtains a voltage value (that is, an output value of the metal sensor 21) V generated at both ends of the detection coil 28 continuously at a predetermined time interval. At the same time, the acquired voltage value V is compared with a predetermined threshold value. Further, based on the result of this comparison, the control unit 13 determines whether or not a foreign matter such as the skimming magnetic head 45 has been attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4 and executes a predetermined process.

  Here, when the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 fluctuates, the resistance value of the detection coil 28 fluctuates. Therefore, the voltage value V generated at both ends of the detection coil 28 is a foreign matter such as the skimming magnetic head 45. Even if the distance between the metal sensor 21 and the metal sensor 21 is constant, it varies depending on the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the voltage value V is the smallest when the ambient temperature T is the temperature T0, and the voltage value V increases as the ambient temperature T increases and as the ambient temperature T decreases. As described above, when the ambient temperature of the card reader 1 varies and the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 varies, the voltage value V varies. Therefore, if the threshold value to be compared with the voltage value V is constant, the control is performed. The unit 13 cannot appropriately determine whether or not the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the threshold corresponding to the ambient temperature T on a one-to-one basis according to the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 is stored in a table, for example, in a storage unit such as a ROM constituting the control unit 13. ing. In addition, the control unit 13 of the present embodiment is configured to detect the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22 during the foreign object detection process for determining whether or not the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4. A temperature correction process for correcting a threshold value to be compared with the voltage value V is executed according to the ambient temperature T.

  Further, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 on the specifications that the metal sensor 21 functions properly is the temperature T1, and the ambient temperature of the metal sensor 21 on the specifications that the metal sensor 21 functions properly The lower limit value of T is the temperature T2. Here, in the environment where the card reader 1 is used, the ambient temperature T generally does not exceed the temperature T1 or lower than the temperature T2. For this reason, when the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22 exceeds the temperature T1 or less than the temperature T2, the metal sensor 21 does not function properly. It is presumed that a criminal act such as a person heating the metal sensor 21 using a dryer or the like or cooling the metal sensor 21 using a cold spray or the like.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 13 assumes that the metal sensor 21 has an abnormality when the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22 exceeds the temperature T1 or less than the temperature T2. Execute abnormal processing. Hereinafter, the foreign object detection process of the card reader 1 including the above-described temperature correction process and abnormality process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, T0 in FIG. 7 is 25 ° C., T1 is 60 ° C., and T2 is −25 ° C.

  When the card 2 is not inserted in the card reader 1, the control unit 13 continuously acquires the voltage value V generated at both ends of the detection coil 28 at a predetermined time interval (step S1). Thereafter, the control unit 13 acquires the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 22 (step S2), and the ambient temperature T is equal to or lower than the temperature T1 and equal to or higher than the temperature T2. Whether or not (step S3).

  In step S3, when the ambient temperature T is equal to or lower than the temperature T1 and equal to or higher than the temperature T2, the control unit 13 acquires a threshold value corresponding to the ambient temperature T from the storage unit of the control unit 13 (step S4). It is determined whether or not the voltage value V acquired in S1 exceeds a threshold value (step S5). In step S5, when the voltage value V is equal to or less than the threshold value, the foreign matter detection process is terminated, assuming that the skimming magnetic head 45 is not attached to the front side of the card insertion portion 4.

  On the other hand, if the voltage value V exceeds the threshold value in step S5, the control unit 13 executes the abnormality process assuming that the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4 (step S5). S6). Specifically, the control unit 13 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the host control unit 18. That is, the control unit 13 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to a host device on which the card reader 1 is mounted.

  The host control unit 18 that has received the abnormality occurrence signal generates, for example, an alarm in order to prevent skimming. The host control unit 18 that has received the abnormality occurrence signal outputs, for example, a predetermined control command to the control unit 13 to prevent skimming, and the control unit 13 that has received the control command is disposed in the card insertion unit 4. The card reader prevents the card 2 from being inserted into the card reader 1 even if the card detector detects that the card 2 has been inserted into the insertion slot 3. 1 is controlled.

  In step S3, if the ambient temperature T is higher than the temperature T1 or lower than the temperature T2, it is estimated that there has been a criminal act as described above. The unit 13 executes abnormality processing. Note that the control unit 13 of this embodiment continuously monitors the output signal from the temperature sensor 22.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the metal sensor 21, and the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22 is equal to or lower than the temperature T1 and equal to or higher than the temperature T2. In this case, the control unit 13 determines the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22 during the foreign object detection process for determining whether or not the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4. Accordingly, the threshold value to be compared with the voltage value V is corrected. Therefore, even if the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 changes and the voltage value V changes, the metal sensor 21 can detect with high accuracy that the magnetic head 45 for skimming is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion 4. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, in this embodiment, skimming can be effectively prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22 exceeds the temperature T1 or is lower than the temperature T2, the control unit 13 has a criminal act by a criminal. As described above, an abnormality occurrence signal is output to the host control unit 18. Further, the host control unit 18 executes predetermined processing such as generating an alarm. Therefore, in this embodiment, skimming can be effectively prevented.

  In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 22 is disposed in the vicinity of the metal sensor 21. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the temperature of the excitation coils 26 and 27 of the metal sensor 21 exceeds the allowable value using the temperature sensor 22. Further, based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 22, when the temperature of the excitation coils 26 and 27 exceeds the allowable value, the excitation coils 26 and 27 are prevented from being disconnected in order to prevent the excitation coils 26 and 27 from being disconnected. It is possible to take predetermined measures such as lowering the value of the voltage applied to 27 or stopping the application of the voltage to the exciting coils 26 and 27. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, it is not necessary to take a measure against abnormal heating of the exciting coils 26 and 27 such as connecting a fuse to the exciting coils 26 and 27. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent a decrease in detection accuracy of the metal sensor 21 due to fuses connected to the excitation coils 26 and 27.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 13 continuously monitors the output signal from the temperature sensor 22. When the temperature sensor 22 is destroyed by a criminal, no signal is output from the temperature sensor 22. In this embodiment, the control unit 13 continuously monitors the output signal from the temperature sensor 22, thereby It is possible to detect that the temperature sensor 22 has been destroyed by a person. Further, by detecting that the temperature sensor 22 has been destroyed, it is possible to estimate that the metal sensor 21 disposed in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 22 has been destroyed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the signal is not output from the temperature sensor 22, the control unit 13 executes the abnormality process, so that skimming can be effectively prevented.

  In this embodiment, the end portions of the excitation coils 26 and 27 and the end portion of the detection coil 28 are connected to the terminal 29, and the terminal 29 is mounted on the relay substrate 23. Therefore, if the relay board 23, the main board 14 and the cable 32 are connected, the exciting coils 26 and 27 and the detection coil 28 are electrically connected to the main board 14. Therefore, in order to electrically connect the excitation coils 26 and 27 and the detection coil 28 to the main body substrate 14, the excitation coils 26 and 27 and the detection coil 28 and the main body substrate 14 are directly connected by the cable 32. In this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the wobbling of the cable 32 in the vicinity of the excitation coils 26 and 27 and the detection coil 28 as compared with the case where the cable is used. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the foreign matter detection accuracy of the metal sensor 21 due to the influence of the wobbling of the cable 32.

  In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the relay substrate 23, and the temperature sensor 22 is not directly attached to the metal sensor 21. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter detection accuracy of the metal sensor 21 from being lowered due to the influence of the temperature sensor 22.

  In this embodiment, the metal sensor 21 and the relay board 23 are disposed inside the protruding portion 4 b of the card insertion portion 4. That is, in this embodiment, the metal sensor 21 and the relay substrate 23 are arranged inside the protruding portion 4b that is likely to become a dead space. Therefore, in this embodiment, the card reader 1 can be reduced in size. In the present embodiment, since the temperature sensor 22 is mounted on the relay substrate 23, it is not necessary to provide a separate substrate for the temperature sensor 22. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the card reader 1 can be simplified.

(Other embodiments)
The above-described embodiments and modifications are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the form mentioned above, the metal sensor 21 is arrange | positioned inside the protrusion part 4b as a foreign material detection apparatus for detecting that the foreign material was attached to the front side of the card insertion part 4. FIG. In addition to this, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit may be disposed inside the protruding portion 4b as a foreign object detection device. In this case, the light is emitted from the light emitting unit toward the position where the skimming magnetic head 45 is assumed to be attached, and the light reflected by the skimming magnetic head 45 is incident on the light receiving unit. An optical sensor is arranged. Therefore, when the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4, the light emitted from the light emitting unit is reflected by the skimming magnetic head 45 and then enters the light receiving unit. In this case, for example, as described in JP-A-2007-265189, the light emitting unit emits invisible light such as infrared light.

  Further, a capacitance sensor that detects that a foreign object is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion 4 based on a change in electrostatic capacitance may be disposed inside the protruding portion 4b as a foreign object detection device.

  If the ambient temperature of the optical sensor or the capacitance sensor varies, the output value from the optical sensor or the capacitance sensor also varies. Even in this case, the temperature correction processing similar to the above-described embodiment (that is, , Correction of the threshold value based on the ambient temperature of the optical sensor or the capacitance sensor) is executed by the control unit 13 to indicate that the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4. It is possible to detect with higher accuracy by using a capacitance sensor, and as a result, skimming can be effectively prevented.

  In the embodiment described above, the metal sensor 21 functions to detect that a foreign object including a metal material is attached to the front surface side of the card insertion portion 4. In addition to this, for example, the metal sensor 21 is used as a disturbing magnetic field generating device that generates a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading of magnetic data of the card 2 by the skimming magnetic head 45 attached to the front side of the card insertion portion 4. It may fulfill the function. In this case, the metal sensor 21 excites the exciting coils 26 and 27 to generate a disturbing magnetic field.

  In this case, the card 2 is placed in the card insertion portion 4 in a standby state in which the card 2 is not inserted and the metal sensor 21 is not detecting a metal member such as the skimming magnetic head 45. When the card detector detects that the card 2 is inserted into the insertion slot 3, the metal sensor 21 is inserted from the insertion slot 3, for example, and the card 2 taken into the card reader 1 is discharged. Until it is done, it generates a disturbing magnetic field. Alternatively, the metal sensor 21 is inserted between the insertion port 3 and until the card 2 taken into the card reader 1 is discharged, and while the card 2 is being transported, Generate a magnetic field. Only when the metal sensor 21 detects the skimming magnetic head 45 or the like, the metal sensor 21 may generate a disturbing magnetic field.

  When the metal sensor 21 functions as a disturbing magnetic field generator, even if the voltage value applied to the exciting coils 26 and 27 is constant, the interference generated by the metal sensor 21 when the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 fluctuates. The strength of the magnetic field varies. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 13 executes a temperature correction process for correcting the voltage value applied to the excitation coils 26 and 27 according to the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22. Thus, it is possible to generate an effective disturbing magnetic field toward the skimming magnetic head 45. Therefore, even when the metal sensor 21 functions as a disturbing magnetic field generator, skimming can be effectively prevented by executing the temperature correction process.

  Even if the metal sensor 21 functions only as a disturbing magnetic field generator, for example, a criminal may heat the metal sensor 21 using a dryer or the like in an attempt to short-circuit the exciting coils 26 and 27. is there. However, even in this case, when the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 exceeds the temperature T1, the control unit 13 performs abnormality processing such as outputting an abnormality occurrence signal to the host control unit 18, When a criminal performs a criminal act on the metal sensor 21, it becomes possible to perform predetermined measures such as stopping the transaction of the card reader 1, and as a result, skimming can be effectively prevented. It becomes possible.

  In the embodiment described above, the control unit 13 is measured by the temperature sensor 22 as a temperature correction process in the foreign object detection process for determining whether or not the skimming magnetic head 45 is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit 4. The threshold value to be compared with the voltage value V is corrected according to the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21. In addition to this, for example, the control unit 13 is generated at both ends of the detection coil 28 according to the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 measured by the temperature sensor 22 as a temperature correction process in the foreign object detection process. The amplification factor (gain) of the voltage value V may be corrected.

  In the embodiment described above, the control unit 13 outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the upper control unit 18 in step S6. In addition to this, for example, the controller 13 may execute an abnormality process such as maintaining the closed state of the card transport path 5 without outputting an abnormality occurrence signal to the host controller 18 in step S6. good.

  In the above-described form, the threshold corresponding to the ambient temperature T in a one-to-one correspondence with the ambient temperature T of the metal sensor 21 is tabulated and stored in the storage unit of the control unit 13. A threshold is acquired from the means. In addition to this, for example, a predetermined mathematical formula is stored in the storage unit of the control unit 13, and from the ambient temperature T acquired in step S 2 and the mathematical formula stored in the storage unit of the control unit 13, in step S 4, The control unit 13 may calculate and acquire a threshold value.

  In the embodiment described above, the metal sensor 21 includes the excitation coils 26 and 27 and the detection coil 28. In addition to this, for example, the metal sensor 21 may include a coil for both excitation and detection. Further, when the metal sensor 21 functions only as a disturbing magnetic field generator, the metal sensor 21 may not include the detection coil 28.

  In the embodiment described above, the protruding portion 4b is formed in a predetermined range from the left end to the right end side of the card insertion portion 4, and there is no portion where the right side of the protruding portion 4b protrudes forward from the fixed portion 4a. It is a notch 4c. In addition to this, for example, the protrusion 4b has a first protrusion formed in a predetermined range from the left end of the card insertion portion 4 toward the right end side, and a predetermined protrusion from the right end of the card insertion portion 4 toward the left end side. Even if it is comprised by the 2nd protrusion part formed in the range, and between the 1st protrusion part and the 2nd protrusion part is the notch part 4c in which the part which protrudes from the fixing | fixed part 4a to the front side does not exist good.

  In the embodiment described above, the card reader 1 is a card transport type card reader that includes the drive roller 8 and the pad roller 9. However, the card reader to which the configuration of the present invention is applied allows the user to manually move the card 2. However, a manual card reader that reads and records magnetic data may be used. For example, a card reader to which the configuration of the present invention is applied is a so-called dip type card reader that reads and records magnetic data when the card 2 is inserted into the card reader or when the card 2 is pulled out from the card reader. There may be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Card reader 2 Card 3 Insertion slot 4 Card insertion part 4b Protrusion part 7 Magnetic head 13 Control part 21 Metal sensor (foreign substance detection apparatus, magnetic field generator)
22 Temperature sensor 23 Relay board 25 Core 26, 27 Excitation coil 28 Detection coil 29 Terminal 45 Skimming magnetic head (foreign matter)
T Ambient temperature V Voltage value (output value)

Claims (8)

In a card reader comprising a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a card and / or recording magnetic data on the card,
A card insertion portion in which an insertion slot for inserting the card is formed, a foreign matter detection device for detecting that a foreign matter is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion, and a foreign matter detection device. A temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device, and a control unit that controls the card reader,
The foreign object detection device includes a core formed of a magnetic material, an excitation coil and a detection coil wound around the core,
The temperature sensor is Rutotomoni is mounted on the relay board terminal end of the end portion and the detecting coil of said exciting coil is connected is mounted, of the relay board, the land in which the terminal is connected Implemented in the vicinity,
The control unit continuously monitors the output signal from the temperature sensor, and the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured by the temperature sensor is not more than a predetermined upper limit value and not less than a predetermined lower limit value. Performing a temperature correction process according to the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured by the temperature sensor during the foreign object detection process for determining whether or not the foreign object is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit, When the ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the upper limit value or less than the lower limit value, an abnormality process is performed on the assumption that an abnormality has occurred in the foreign object detection device. Card reader.   The control unit, as the temperature correction process, sets a threshold value to be compared with an output value from the foreign object detection device in order to determine whether or not the foreign object is attached to the front surface side of the card insertion unit. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein the correction is made in accordance with an ambient temperature of the foreign object detection device measured in step 1.   3. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the host device on which the card reader is mounted as the abnormality process.   The said foreign material detection apparatus is a metal sensor for detecting that the said foreign material containing a metal material was attached to the front side of the said card insertion part, The Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Card reader. The card insertion portion includes a hollow protrusion protruding toward the front of the card insertion portion,
The card reader according to claim 4, wherein the metal sensor and the relay substrate are disposed inside the protruding portion. In a card reader comprising a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a card and / or recording magnetic data on the card,
A card insertion portion in which an insertion slot for inserting the card is formed; a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field disposed on the front side of the card insertion portion; and a magnetic field generator disposed near the magnetic field generator A temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature, and a control unit that controls the card reader,
The magnetic field generator includes a core formed of a magnetic material, an excitation coil and a detection coil wound around the core,
The temperature sensor is Rutotomoni is mounted on the relay board terminal end of the end portion and the detecting coil of said exciting coil is connected is mounted, of the relay board, the land in which the terminal is connected Implemented in the vicinity,
The control unit continuously monitors the output signal from the temperature sensor, and the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator measured by the temperature sensor is not more than a predetermined upper limit value and not less than a predetermined lower limit value. Performing a temperature correction process according to the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator measured by the temperature sensor, and the ambient temperature of the magnetic field generator measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the upper limit value or less than the lower limit value If it is, the card reader is characterized by executing an abnormality process on the assumption that an abnormality has occurred in the magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator is a metal sensor for detecting that a foreign material including a metal material is attached to the front side of the card insertion portion,
In the temperature correction process, the control unit sets a threshold value to be compared with an output value from the metal sensor to determine whether or not the foreign object is attached to the front side of the card insertion unit. The card reader according to claim 6, wherein the correction is made according to an ambient temperature of the metal sensor to be measured. Wherein the control unit is configured as an abnormal processing, the card reader according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the host device the card reader is mounted.

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