JPH02183888A - Charge card device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily execute a parameter setting operation without fail by using a card for registration, to which the information of a peculiar number for collation is stored, and executing initial setting for the parameter of measuring function by a parameter setting means. CONSTITUTION:A charge card device is equipped with a card reader part 2 to read the respective information of a card 7 for registration and a card 8, parameter setting means to set the parameter of the measuring function, storage part 4, control part 5 and data deletion part 6. The control part 5 respectively compares the peculiar number and issue number read from the card 8 with the peculiar number for collation and issue number which are already stored to the storage part 4. Then, when the former is coincident and the latter is dicordant, amount information read at such a time are added to the amount information of the storage part 4 and a data deleting signal is outputted. Then, the data deletion part 6 deletes the information which is stored to the card. Thus, the initialization can be easily executed for the parameter of the measuring function.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a charge card device for using water, gas, electricity, etc. using a prepaid card.

<Conventional technology> Conventionally, in single-family houses and apartment complexes, in order to manage the charges for water, gas, electricity, etc., the amount information stored on a prepaid card is read and stored. There is a rate card device that is configured to reduce the stored amount according to the usage amount of water, etc., and to stop the supply of water, etc. when the stored amount reaches O.

<Problems to be solved by the invention> Generally, in such conventional fare card devices,
Initial settings for the parameters of the metering function, such as the presence or absence of sewage in the case of water use, and the rate system, are performed by operating the date switch, etc., using the setting parameters stored in the control unit of the device. It was. Therefore, opening and closing the case of the device and setting the date switch take time and effort, and there are problems in that setting errors occur.

Additionally, information stored on a card is generally easily copied, and there is a risk that the copied card may be used fraudulently.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a charge card device that allows easy initial setting of parameters for the weighing function and prevents the use of a copied card. The purpose is to

Means for Solving the Problems> The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and provides a prepaid card and a fee card that controls a controlled device based on information supplied from the card. The device comprises a registration card that stores at least information on a unique number for verification, a card reader section that reads a card that stores information on at least the unique number, issue number, and amount, and is activated when the registration card is inserted. a parameter setting means that can select and set parameters for setting the weighing function; a storage unit that stores information such as the unique number for verification, the issue number, the amount, and the set parameters; and the unique number for verification and the unique number. Furthermore, the issued number already stored and the newly read issued number are compared, and if both unique numbers match and the issued numbers do not match, the amount information stored in the above card is read as above. a control unit that outputs a data deletion signal that adds to the amount information stored in the storage unit and deletes the information stored on the card;
The toll cart device is characterized by comprising a data erasing section that erases information stored in the card based on a data erasing signal from the control section.

Function> This invention is configured as described above, and the card reader section reads the inserted registration card or card.
Each information at least the unique number for verification or the unique number 1 issue number and amount are read.

The parameter setting means is activated by inserting the registration card, and selects and sets parameters for setting the metering function.

The storage unit stores information such as a unique verification number, an issue number, an amount, and set parameters.

The control unit compares the unique number 1 issue number and the verification unique number 2 issue number stored in the storage unit, and if both the unique numbers match and the two issue numbers do not match, the controller stores the issue number in the card. The amount information stored in the storage section is added to the amount information stored in the storage section, and a data deletion signal is output.

The data erasing section receives the data erasing signal and erases information stored on the card.

<Example> First, the present invention will be explained in detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the charge card device 1 according to the present invention includes a card reader section 2 for reading each information on a registration card 7 and a card 8, a parameter setting means 3 for setting parameters for a metering function, and a parameter setting means 3 for setting parameters for a metering function. A storage unit 4 that stores information, a control unit 5 that compares and adds each piece of information, and outputs a data erasure signal, and a data erasure unit 6 that erases information stored in the card 8.
The controlled section 10 is controlled by the control section 5 to open and close supply pipes such as water supply.

This invention will be specifically explained below.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an embodiment of the charge card device according to the present invention. In addition, in the example, a case will be described in which the device is used for water supply.

The charge card device 1 shown in FIG. 2 is installed in a residence, and the resident inserts a card 8 purchased from a card issuing machine to use water.
A card insertion slot 20 for inserting the registration card 7 and the card 8, and a card reader section 2. A push button switch 21 for operating the data erasing unit 6 and other operations, and a card insertion display 22 for instructing insertion and removal of a card. A card extraction display 23, a numerical display 24 that displays the amount of money (in the example, the usable amount of water corresponding to that amount), and a part graph display that displays the amount of water that can be used when the amount remaining is getting low. 25, a warning indicator light 26 that lights up when the usable remaining amount is below a predetermined value or when there is an abnormality in the fare card device l, and a card error/voltage indicator that indicates a voltage drop in the power battery and a card error. A drop indicator 27 is provided. Additionally, a card reader section 2, a storage section 4, a control section 5, and a data erasing section 6 are built into the case, and are operated by a battery (not shown) that serves as a power source for all of them. It is configured.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of this fee card device 1. As shown in FIG. In the figure, a registration card 7 is a card owned by a water utility or a condominium manager/management company, and is a dedicated card for initializing the parameters of the metering function of the rate card device 1. This is a prepaid card that is purchased as needed.

In the embodiment, the registration card 7 includes information such as a unique number for identifying the water supply entity, parameters with relatively variable ranges such as the rate system and remaining amount alarm value, a unique number for verification, and parameters for setting. Furthermore, identification information as the registration card 7 is stored on the magnetic stripe. The card 8 has the above-mentioned unique number, consecutive issue numbers in the order of issue of the card 8, prepaid amount, pulse unit, parameters for checking the presence of sewage, and identification information as the card 8 on its magnetic stripe. remembered. and,
The storage of these magnetic information on the card 7.8 is performed by the card issuing machine 9.

The card reader section 2 is a manually inserted card reader configured to be able to read the magnetic information on the cards 7 and 8. Then, the registration card 7 and the cart 8 are inserted into the card insertion slot 2.
0, the unique number for verification, the parameter for setting, the unique number 1 issue number, the amount, and the parameter for verification stored therein are read and the information is transmitted via the control unit 5. It is formed so as to be stored in the storage unit 4.

The storage unit 4 stores an initially set unique number for verification.

Relatively fixed setting parameters such as each parameter, cumulative balance of issue number amount that has already been read, CPU program and pulse unit, existence of sewage, water pipe diameter, type of pulse generator 13, etc. RAM and R to store
It is composed of OM.

The control section 5 is composed of a CPU (central processing unit) that controls each section of the apparatus. Then, the unique number 1 issue number read from the card 8 and the verification unique number 1 issue number already stored in the storage unit 4 are compared, and if the former matches and the latter does not match, then The amount information read in is added to the amount information in the storage section 4, and a data erasing signal is output to the data erasing section 6. In addition, the pulse signal from the pulse generator 13 of the controlled device 10 is received, and the water usage fee corresponding to the pulse number data and setting parameters is subtracted, and the latest remaining amount is calculated based on the usage amount corresponding to that amount. The numerical display 24 shows the amount of water that can be converted into the amount of water available.
Output to. Furthermore, the remaining amount value becomes 0 and the cutoff valve 12
A signal to close is output.

The data erasing section 6 is configured to erase magnetic information stored on the card 8 in response to a data erasing signal from the control section 5. In the embodiment, the data is erased when the card 8 is removed from the card insertion slot 20.

The pushbutton switch 21 is a switch for operations such as turning on the power of the card reader section 2 and the data erasing section 6, initializing parameters, and determining addition of the purchase amount.

The card insertion indicator 22 is first activated by the push button switch 21.
When is pressed and the device becomes operational, the card 7.8 is configured to blink to indicate that it is possible to insert the card. Further, the card extraction indicator 23 is configured to indicate completion of reading the card 8 and blink for a predetermined period of time.

The numerical display 24 shows the usable amount of water (
The unit is m'') and is displayed as a 4-digit numerical value.

The bar graph display 25 consists of 10 parallel bar segments, and displays a time limit during initial settings, and lights up when the remaining amount of water that can be used at the stored remaining amount value is 2rn' or less. The number of bar segments is displayed in proportion to the remaining amount.

The warning indicator 26 is configured to light up when the usable remaining amount of water water at the stored remaining amount value falls below a predetermined remaining amount alarm value set in the registration card 7. .

The card error/voltage drop indicator 27 consists of two display segments, and each display segment lights up to indicate a voltage drop when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value. In the embodiment, the card insertion slot 20 is closed at this time, and a signal for closing the cutoff valve 12 is output. In addition, if the unique number read from the inserted card 8 does not match the stored verification unique number, and if the read issue number matches the already stored number, the card 8 is updated. If not, two display segments are configured to flash simultaneously to indicate a card error.

The controlled device 10 includes a cutoff valve 12 and a pulse generator 13 and is installed in a water supply pipe.

The cutoff valve 12 is a solenoid valve and is controlled by the control unit 5 to open and close the pipeline, and the pulse generator 13 is configured to generate a pulse signal corresponding to the amount of water used and supply it to the control unit 5. ing.

Next, the operation of the thus configured charge card device will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 5 of the charge card device 1 controls the cutoff valve 12 . of the controlled device 10 . It is electrically connected to the pulse generator 13, and first,
The device verification unique number and parameter initial settings are W.
1! The procedure is as follows using the card 7.

In step 1, it is determined whether the pushbutton switch 21 has been pressed, and if the determination is YES, the card reader section 2. The power of the data erasing unit 6 is turned on and the process proceeds to step 2.
If so, repeat step 1.

In step 2, it is determined whether the registration card 7 or card 8 has been inserted into the card reader section 2. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step 3, and if YES, the process proceeds to step 4. In step 3, it is determined whether a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the pushbutton switch 21 was pressed. If NO, the process returns to step 2; if YES, the card reader section 2. The power to the data erasing unit 6 is turned off and the process returns to step 1.

In step 4, it is determined whether or not the inserted card is the registration card 7. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step 5, and if NO, the process proceeds to step 11.

In step 5, the verification unique number and setting parameters stored in the registration card 7 are read and stored in the storage section 4. Subsequently, in step 6, the first combination of each stored parameter is displayed. This combination consists of a combination of parameters such as, for example, the pulse unit corresponding to the amount of water used is 50 u = 1 pulse, or 10042 = 1 pulse, and whether sewage is present or not. The first combination above is a pulse unit of 50 u/P with no sewage setting and numeric display 2.
4 is displayed as r5-OJ, and at the same time bar graph display 2
5 and 10 bar segments are illuminated, and one bar segment is extinguished every second. Next, in step 7, it is determined whether the pushbutton switch 21 has been pressed. If YES, the process proceeds to step 8; if NO, the process proceeds to step 9. In step 8, step 7
By operating the pushbutton switch 21 at , the next combination of parameters is displayed. This second combination, for example, pulse unit 501t/P with sewage is displayed as r5-IJ, and the subsequent third and fourth combinations are each pulse unit 1
00J2/P・No sewage is rl 0-OJ pulse unit 1
00j2/P・Sewage available is displayed as ``rl O-1''. Then, each time a new parameter combination is displayed, 10 bar segments of the bar graph display 25 light up, and 1
The lights go out one by one every second. When the pushbutton switch 21 in step 7 is pressed again following the parameter display in step 8, the process goes to step 8 again and the third combination of parameters rl 0-OJ is displayed, and the bar graph display 25 displays 10 Then, each time the pushbutton switch 21 is pressed, the next parameter combination and 10 bar segments are displayed, and after the fourth combination, the display returns to the first combination. .

In step 9, it is determined whether 10 seconds have elapsed since the pushbutton switch 7 was operated in step 7, and if YES (
If the bar graph display 25 is completely turned off (at this time, the display on the numerical display 24 blinks in the embodiment), the process proceeds to step 10, and if NO, the process returns to step 7. In step 10, the contents of the parameters displayed on the numerical display 24 at that time are set as the pulse unit and the presence or absence of sewage, and are stored in the storage unit 4. That is, in the processing of steps 6 to 10, when a desired combination of parameters is displayed on the numerical display, if the combination is left as is for 10 seconds or more, the displayed parameters are set as the weighing function parameters.

This completes the initial setting of the charge card device 1, turns off the power to the card reader section 26 and the data erasing section 6, and returns to step 1. Then, the registration card 7 is removed. Note that the processing in steps 5 to 10 above corresponds to the parameter setting means of the present invention.

Next, the operation of the fee card device 1 after the initial setting will be explained.

Similarly to the above, steps 1, 2, and 3.4 are followed, and if the inserted card is card 8, step 11 is reached. In step 11, the unique number recorded on the card 8 is read, and the unique number is compared with the unique number for verification. If the two match, the process proceeds to step 12, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step 19. In step 12, the parameters recorded on card 8 are read, and the parameters are compared with the set parameters. If they match, proceed to step 13; if they do not match, proceed to step 19. . In step 13, the issue number stored in the card 8 is read, and the issue number is compared with the issue number already stored (initial state is 0). If the two do not match, the process proceeds to step 14, and a match is made. Notogi goes to step 19, card 8 in step 14
Then, it is determined whether the data that has been sold is in the correct format or not, and if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step 15, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step 19. In step 15, the amount information stored in the card 8 is read, the usable water amount (purchased amount) corresponding to the amount is determined, and the amount is displayed on the numerical display 24.

Subsequently, in step 16, it is determined whether the pushbutton switch 21 has been pressed. This pushbutton operation is for determining the amount currently displayed on the numerical display 24, and when the pushbutton switch 21 is pressed, the card extraction display 23 blinks for a predetermined period of time.

If the determination is YES, proceed to step 17 and NO.
If so, proceed to step 20. In step 17, the control unit 5 outputs a data erasure signal and determines whether the card 8 has been removed. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step 2I; if NO, the process proceeds to step 18.

In step 21, all the storage information stored in the card 8 is erased due to the completion of the extraction operation in step 17.

Next, in step 22, the amount of water purchased in step 15 is added to the remaining amount of water (0 in the initial state) corresponding to the balance of the amount stored in the storage unit 4, and the total value is determined as the amount of water that can be used. The amount is displayed on the numerical display 24, and the read issue number is stored in the storage section 4. When step 22 is completed, the card reader section 2. The data erasing unit 6 is powered off and the process returns to step 1.

On the other hand, in step 20, it is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the amount of purchased water was displayed. If this determination is YES, the process returns to step 1. That is, this is a case where it is determined that no additional purchase is required using the card 8, and the card 8 is returned to the user in the state at the time of purchase. If the determination is NO, the process returns to step 16.

Further, in step 18, it is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the push button switch 21 was operated in step 16. If this determination is YES, the process advances to step 19 to display a card error, and if the determination is NO, the process returns to step 17. Then, in step 19, the card error/voltage drop indicator 27 is blinked to display a card error, and when the card 8 is removed, the card error display disappears and the process returns to step 1.

Next, the operation of the rate card device 1 when using water will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Steps 31 and 32 are incidental to the operation when installing the fare card device 1, and in step 31, the controlled device 10
The cutoff valve 12 is closed, and then in step 32 it is determined whether or not the verification unique number has been stored in the storage unit 4. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step 33, and when this determination is NO, step 32 is repeated.

In step 33, the remaining amount of usable water water (0 at the time of installation) is displayed on the numerical display 24, and then in step 34, a pulse signal from the pulse generator 13 of the controlled device 10 is sent to the control unit 5 manually. Determine whether or not it has been done. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step 35, and if YES, the process proceeds to step 39. In step 35, it is determined whether or not the card 8 has been inserted into the card reader section 2. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step 36, and if the determination is NO, the process returns to step 33.

In step 36, steps 11 to 17 in FIG.
Then, the process corresponding to steps 21 and 22 is performed, and the new usable water amount is displayed on the numerical display 24.

Subsequently, in step 37, it is determined whether the usable amount is greater than 0. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step 38, and if NO, the process returns to step 33. In step 38, the shutoff valve 12 is opened, the water pipe is made usable, and the process returns to step 33.

On the other hand, in step 39, the control unit 5 subtracts the amount of water water corresponding to each pulse of human power, and displays the remaining amount on the numerical display 24. Next, in step 40, it is determined whether the remaining amount is 0 or not, and if the determination is NO, proceed to step 41, and YE
If S, proceed to step 43. In step 41, it is determined whether the remaining amount is less than or equal to the set remaining amount alarm value. If the determination is YES, proceed to step 42, and if NO, return to step 33. . In step 42, the warning indicator 26 lights up to display a warning, and the process returns to step 33. On the other hand, when step 43 is reached, the cutoff valve 12 is closed and the process returns to step 33. Then, through steps 33 and 34, a new card 8 is inserted in step 35, and the process advances to step 36 to execute the above-described processing.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments thereof may be modified without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. For example, it goes without saying that the amount information stored on the card may be usable water amount information converted in accordance with the amount.

Furthermore, the unique number can be freely set in nine selected combinations as long as it specifies the range of use of the card, such as by individual, by residence, by housing complex, by business entity, by region, etc.

Further, the charge card device may be provided with a function to detect a disconnection of the connection line with the controlled device, and the cutoff valve may be closed at the same time as the disconnection is displayed.

In addition, the dedicated checker shows the number of cards inserted during a certain period, the amount purchased by the card, the amount of water used, the remaining amount, etc.
It may be provided with an external communication function for sending integrated values etc. Furthermore, it may be provided with an NCU communication function for sending integrated values in response to wide-area automatic meter reading.

<Effects of the Invention> The charge card device according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, and since the parameters of the metering function are initialized by the parameter setting means using the registration card, the parameter setting operation is extremely simple. can be carried out accurately. Therefore, it is possible to prevent operational errors caused by operating the conventional date switch, and since there is no operating part such as a switch, it is possible to prevent setting deviations due to mischief or the like.

Additionally, if a card has been used several times, its memory information will be erased and it will no longer be possible to reuse it, and the card's unique number will be zeroed.
It is possible to check the issued number and disable the acceptance of a copied card, thereby preventing inappropriate use of the card.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of the invention, Fig. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the fare card device of the invention, Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration, and Fig. 4 is the same. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the initial setting and operation of parameters, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation when using water. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Fare cart device, 2... Card reader section, 3... Parameter setting means, 4... Storage section, 5... Control section, 6... Data erasing section, 7... Registration card, 8... Card, 10... Controlled device. Patent applicant: Aichi Watch Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A charge card device that controls a controlled device based on a prepaid charge card and information supplied from the card, the registration card storing at least information of a unique number for verification, and a card reader section that reads a card that stores information such as at least a unique number, an issue number, and an amount; a parameter setting means that is activated when the registration card is inserted and is capable of selecting and setting parameters for setting a weighing function; and the verification. A storage unit that stores each information such as a unique number for verification, an issue number, an amount, and set parameters, and compares the unique number for verification with the unique number, and further compares the already stored issue number and the newly read issue. When the unique numbers match and the issued numbers do not match, the amount information stored in the card is added to the amount information stored in the storage section, and the amount information stored in the card is added to the amount information stored in the storage section. a control section that outputs a data erasure signal for erasing information stored in the card; and a data erasure section that erases information stored in the card based on the data erasure signal from the control section. charge card device.