JPH02232788A - Information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a read error to the utmost even in the case when a position relation of a mark reading part and a mark causes a shift to some extent by constituting this reader so that a territory for reading the mark expands along the relative moving direction of the mark reading part of a recording medium. CONSTITUTION:On the surface of the card, left and right vertical mark train mark columns and horizontal mark train mark columns are formed. When the card is inserted into a card reader/writer device, a sensor 7 detects it, a stepping motor 29 rotates forward and the card is taken in. When a card left vertical mark train read sensor 4 detects an index mark, the motor 29 is rotated forward until a prescribed number of pulses are counted. It is executed in order to correct a shift of the center of a mark such as the index mark, etc., and a mark detecting position of the read sensor. Subsequently, whether a first mark of the right exists or not is read and stored by a sensor 5, and the motor 29 is rotated forward, and thereafter, the pulse of one mark portion is counted and the motor is stopped. In the same way, read and storage of all write data of the vertical mark train are executed to 44-th marks of the left and the right.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an information reading device that reads information recorded on a recording medium such as a prepaid card. The present invention relates to an information reading device including a mark reading section for reading the mark on a recording medium while moving relative to the recording medium.

[Prior Art] Among this type of information reading devices, there are the following, for example, which are generally known in the past.

A predetermined mark for information recording is recorded at a predetermined position on a recording medium, and a mark reading unit, such as an optical reader, moves relative to the recording medium, and the amount of movement is determined by the predetermined amount. When it is determined that the mark recording position has been reached, a read command signal is issued, and the mark reading section reads each mark position only once based on the read command signal. Based on the reading result, it is determined whether a mark is recorded at the mark position.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] On the other hand, when writing marks on the recording medium, the writing position may deviate somewhat from the regular writing position,
Furthermore, even if the mark writing position is accurate, the recording medium may be curved or bent, and the positional relationship between the mark reading unit and the mark may be incorrect when reading the mark. There were many cases in which positional deviation occurred along the direction of relative movement.

As a result, at the time the reading command signal is issued, the mark reading section either has not yet reached the mark position or has already passed the mark position, resulting in a reading error.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides for a case where the positional relationship between the mark reading section and the mark is misaligned along the relative movement direction between the recording medium and the mark reading section when reading the mark for some reason. Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable information reading device that can prevent reading errors as much as possible.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention includes a smart reader for reading a predetermined mark for information recording while moving relative to the recording medium on which the mark is recorded. In the information reading device, a counting means for counting the amount of relative movement of the mark reading section with respect to the recording medium; and a counting means for counting the relative movement amount of the mark reading section with respect to the recording medium; reading command signal generating means for generating a reading command signal, the predetermined value being determined such that the reading command signal generating means generates the reading command signal a plurality of times per one mark position. Furthermore, the mark reading unit reads one mark position multiple times in response to a reading command signal, and compares the results with predetermined criteria to determine whether or not a mark is recorded at the mark position. It is characterized by including a determining means for determining whether or not.

[Operation] In the present invention, the amount of relative movement of the mark reading section with respect to the recording medium is counted by the function of the counting means, and a reading command signal is issued based on the counted value reaching a predetermined value. The reading section performs a reading operation based on the reading command signal.

The reading command signal is issued so that the mark reading section, which moves relative to the recording medium, reads one mark position a plurality of times while moving relative to each mark position. Furthermore, the mark reading section is 1
The results of reading each mark position a plurality of times are compared with a predetermined criterion, and it is determined whether a mark is recorded at the mark position.

In other words, when reading a mark, the mark reading unit reads each mark position multiple times while moving relatively, and compares the results of the multiple readings with a predetermined criterion to determine whether the mark is at that mark position. Since it is comprehensively determined whether or not the mark is recorded, the territory of the mark reading by the mark reading section is expanded along the direction of movement of the mark reading section relative to the recording medium,
Even if the positional relationship between the mark reading section and the mark is slightly misaligned along the relative movement direction, the misaligned mark can be read by expanding the reading territory, and reading errors can be prevented as much as possible. .

[Embodiments of the Invention] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall plan view showing the internal structure of a card reader/writer device, which is an example of an information reading/writing device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall side view showing the internal structure of the card reader/writer device 1. FIG.

The card reader/writer device 1 includes a card insertion/ejection port 11
The recorded information recorded on the card 150 (see FIG. 5, FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 60), which is an example of a recording medium inserted from the
It has a function of ejecting the card from the card insertion/ejection port 11 after writing to the card 50.

The card reader/writer device 1 has a card insertion/ejection port 11. DC motor (MCI) as a drive source
)61, Stepping motor (MS) 2 for card transport
9 Furthermore, various sensors and the like are provided.

When the card 150 is inserted from the card insertion/ejection port 11, the card insertion sensor (SWI) 7 first detects that the card has been inserted.

Then, the stepping motor (Ms) 29 rotates, and its rotational force is applied to the motor shaft 30, gear 31a, belt 33,
Gear 28, rotating shaft 22, gear 20, belt 21, gear 1
9. It is transmitted to the card feed roller 16 via the rotating shaft 15, and the card feed roller 16 rotates. This rotation of the card feed roller 16 causes the inserted card to be drawn rightward in the figure. As the card is pulled in, the left vertical mark row mark field 153 and the right vertical mark row mark are recorded on the card by the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4 and the right vertical mark row read sensor (SW3) 5. Column 154
(See Figure 5) Read the mark. In addition, in the figure, 3 is an upper mounting plate, 9 is a regulation roller, 8 is a biasing spring, 12.1
3 is a leaf spring.

Further, 6 is a lower mounting plate, and 14 is a clamping plate for clamping and mounting the leaf spring 12. Further, 26 is a pressure spring, which has the function of pushing up the support shafts 17, 24 of the guide rollers 25, 18, and presses the guide rollers 25, 18 against the corresponding card feed rollers 16, 23. It is configured.

The card taken in by the card feed roller 16 is read by the reader/writer mechanism 51. This reader/writer mechanism 51 is powered by a DC motor (Mo
) 61 is provided, and this DC motor (Mo) 61
The rotational force is transmitted to the head transport shaft 56 via the gears 59, 58, 57, and the head transport shaft 56 rotates. A spiral cut groove 56a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the head conveyance shaft 56. The head transport shaft 56 is inserted into a head transport shaft insertion hole (not shown) formed in the head transport member 80.
Insert it. In this state, a fixing plate 89 is provided on the upper surface of the head conveying member 80, and a horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70, which is an example of a mark reading section, and a thermal head 71, which is an example of an information writing section, are provided. Further, a drive bin 86 is inserted into the head conveyance member 80 from above so that the tip of the drive bin 86 bites into the helical notch 56a, and as the head conveyance shaft 56 rotates, the drive bin 86 is moved in the axial direction of the head transport shaft 56 along the spiral cut groove 56a, and the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 and the thermal head 71 are both moved in the axial direction of the head transport shaft 56. has been done. In the figure, reference numeral 67 denotes a guide shaft, which is inserted into the head transport member 80 and guides the movement of the head transport member 80 in the axial direction. In other words, the horizontal mark row read sensor (
SW4) 70 reads the marks in the horizontal mark column mark display field 155 (see Figure 5) written on the card while moving in the horizontal direction with respect to the card being conveyed, and the thermal head 71 is inserted. By moving horizontally to the card that has been displayed, the horizontal mark column mark display field 15
5 is configured to write horizontal mark row marks. In addition, 92 in the figure is a head position detection sensor (SW5), and is for detecting that the head conveyance member 80 has been conveyed to the shaft end of the head conveyance shaft 56 (the position shown in the figure).

The card taken in by the card feed roller 16 is
The card is further conveyed to the right in the figure by a card feed roller 23 rotated by a stepping motor (Mg) 29. Further, the card conveyed by the card feed roller 23 is further conveyed to the right in the figure and taken in by a card feed roller 40 provided at the end of the card conveyance. This card feed roller 40 is
The driving force of the stepping motor (Ms) 29 is transmitted through the gear 3lb, the belt 35, the gear 34, and the rotating shaft 39 to rotate the motor.

In the figure, 32 is a motor mounting plate for mounting the stepping motor (Ms) 29 on the mounting board 2 side. 46 is a relay terminal board, which is used to control the card reader/writer device 1. Reference numeral 45 indicates a cover plate 1, which forms the upper surface of the card conveyance path. Reference numeral 36 denotes a rear mounting plate, which is used to mount the card feed roller 40 on the mounting board 2 side while pivotally supporting the rotating shaft 39. Further, 38 is a cover plate. A guide roller 42 is freely rotatably provided below the card feed roller 40.
The second support shaft 41 is pressed toward the card feed roller 40 by a pressing spring 44.

Further, 47 is a wiring protection plate, which is used to prevent the flexible lead wire 106 (see FIG. 3) from coming into contact with the rotating shaft 22 and being damaged. Reference numeral 50 denotes a wiring escape hole, through which the flexible lead wire 88 is inserted when the head conveying member 80 is conveyed to the lowest end in FIG.
(See Figure 3).

3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the reader/writer mechanism 51, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the head transport mechanism 68 has been transported to the end of the transport stroke in the back direction. , FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the head transport mechanism is at an intermediate position in the transport direction.

In the figure, 54 is a platen, which is made up of a part of the attachment body 52 and is black in color.

150 is a card placed on the platen 54. The driving force of the DC motor (Mo) 61 consisting of a motor body 61a and a TG signal output section 61b is generated by gears 60, 59,
58 and 57 to the head transport shaft 56, and as the head transport shaft 56 rotates, the head transport mechanism 68
is transported from side to side. In the figure, 56a is a spiral cut groove, 66 and 67 are guide shafts, 70 is a horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4), 71 is a thermal head, 79 is a pressure contact spring, 89 is a fixing plate, and 80 is a head conveying member. , 88 is a flexible lead wire, 69 is a mounting base, 92 is a head position detection sensor (SW5), 93 is a mounting base, 105
is a metal plate, 73 is a head pressure contact lever, 91 is an engagement pin,
76 is an engaging concave surface, 106 is a flexible lead wire, 88
a is a terminal.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the head transport mechanism 68 has been transported to the end of the transport stroke in the back direction, that is, to the right in the figure, the engagement bin 91 engages with the engagement concave surface 76 as described above. , the engaging concave surface 76 is pushed upward, and the head pressure contact lever 73 is pushed upward against the restoring force of the pressure contact spring 79. In this state, the thermal head 71 and card 1
The contact with the card 150 is released, and the card 150 can be transported smoothly. In addition, a support piece 107 is provided protruding from the mounting body 52, and a support piece 107 is provided for the DC motor (Mo) 6.
1 is supported by this support piece 107.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the head transport mechanism 68 is located halfway in the transport direction, the engagement bin 9
1 and the engagement concave surface 76 is released. Then, the head pressure contact lever 73 is swung downward by the restoring force of the pressure contact spring 79, and the mounting base 69 is pressed downward so that the thermal head 71 comes into contact with the surface of the card 150. In this state, the head transport mechanism 68 is transported in the horizontal direction, so that the thermal head 71 prints a mark containing predetermined information on the surface of the card 150, and the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 prints a mark on the card 150. The device is configured to read marks written on the surface of the device.

FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining various mark rows on the front surface of the card 150. On the surface of the card 150,
Left vertical mark column mark field 153 and right vertical mark column mark field 1
54, a horizontal mark row mark field 155a and further a numerical value display field 1555 are formed. The horizontal mark row mark field 155a and the numerical value display field 155b constitute a horizontal mark row mark display field. A caution display field 156 is formed below the horizontal mark row mark display field 155 for displaying predetermined precautions to the card holder. Further, above the horizontal mark column mark display field 155, a date display field 151 for displaying the date on which the card 150 was released and an insertion direction display field 152 for indicating the direction in which the card is inserted into the machine are formed. .

At the top of the left vertical mark column mark column 153, there is an index mark I for determining the reference position for reading card information.
MV is written. Its index mark IMv 1
Forty-four mark fields are formed from L to L44 from the bottom.

On the other hand, in the right vertical mark column mark field 154, R, to R
, 4, a total of 44 mark fields are formed. L in the left vertical mark row mark field and R in the right vertical mark row mark field are arranged at positions separated by the same distance from the card edge 150a. Further, the horizontal mark column mark display field 155 is composed of 10 lines, and at the left end of each row, horizontal mark column index marks IM8, to IMN
+.

A mark field for writing is formed. As will be described later, the card edge 150a has a horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 that is connected to the IMH. The card edge 150b is used as a reference for transporting the card 150 so that it is at the center position, and the card edge 150b is used as a reference for transporting the card 150 so that the card edge 150b is placed in the center position of the horizontal mark row read sensor ( It is used as a reference for moving SW4) 70 to the last column of the horizontal mark column mark field 155a.

Figures 68 to 6C show the mark 15 after being issued with predetermined marks actually written in various mark rows.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing 0. FIG. 6A shows a card that has been issued and is still unused. When the card 150 in this state is inserted into the card reader/writer device 1, the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4 and the right vertical mark row read sensor (SW3) read the respective vertical mark row mark fields, and the next The horizontal mark row mark field is read by the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70. And then the sixth
As shown in Figure B, necessary predetermined information is written by the thermal head 71 in the second line of the horizontal mark column mark column.

Furthermore, when the card is inserted into the card reader/writer device 1 in order to use the card for the second time, after the predetermined written information is read in the same manner as described above, the necessary predetermined information is transferred to the horizontal mark row mark by the thermal head 71. It is written on the third line of the column.

FIG. 7 shows a card reader/writer device 1 according to the present invention.
It is a front view showing a state where it is incorporated into a pachinko game machine 220, which is an example of a game machine.

The front frame 221 of the pachinko game machine 220 has a door holding frame 2.
22 is provided, and for this door holding frame 222,
A glass door frame 223 and a front door plate 224 are attached to be openable and closable. The glass door frame 223 incorporates transparent glass and is configured to cover the front surface of a game board 233 on which pachinko balls are driven and games are played.

A card reader/writer device 1 according to the present invention is incorporated in the lower left corner of the pachinko game machine 220 in the drawing, and when a player inserts a card 150 from the card insertion/ejection port 11, the playable indicator 251 lights up. Or, if it blinks, you are ready to play. When a player operates a ball-striking operation handle 226 provided at the lower right corner of the pachinko game machine 220 in the figure, a ball-striking motor 227 is activated and a ball-striking rod 228 is intermittently oscillated. Then, the pachinko balls in the batted ball standby gutter 232 are supplied one by one to the batted ball firing position by the batted ball supply device 231, and one by one the pachinko balls are sent to the game board 23 by the intermittent swinging of the batting ball rod 228.
3 is configured to be driven into the game area 235 on the front side. A ball guiding rail 234a is provided on the front of the game board 233.
and a game area forming rail 234b are provided, and are configured to guide pachinko balls fired by the ball hitting rod 228 into the game area 235. In the figure, 230 is a firing ball sensor, which is fired by the ball rod 228,
It is configured to be able to detect the passage of pachinko balls guided by the ball launch rail 229. In addition, the repulsive force of the batting rod 228 is too weak, so that pachinko balls that flow down in the opposite direction on the batting ball guide rail 234a without reaching the gaming area 235 are returned to the batting ball waiting gutter 232 as foul balls. The foul ball sensor 236 is configured to detect the foul ball.

At approximately the center position of the game board 233, there is a variable winning ball device 23.
7 is provided, and its variable winning ball configuration IT2
A starting prize opening 238 is disposed below 37. Furthermore, a winning device 239 is arranged on the game board 233. If a pachinko ball hit in the gaming area 235 wins a prize in the prize entry device 239, a predetermined number of points (for example, 1
3 points) is added to the outstanding points and displayed on the outstanding points display 245. Furthermore, if a pachinko ball hit into the gaming area 235 wins in any of the starting winning holes 238, the variable winning ball device 237 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, once or twice), and during that time, the number of balls hit is variable. If a prize is won in the winning ball device and a prize is won in a specific winning hole (cell r shown in the figure) provided in the variable winning ball device 237, a specific gaming state is entered, and the variable winning ball device 237 opens and closes continuously, The condition is that the number of openings and closings reaches a predetermined number (for example, 18 times), or a predetermined number of pachinko balls (for example, 10) are won in the variable winning ball device that is continuously opened and closed, whichever comes first. Continuous opening and closing is performed until the condition is established.

If a pachinko ball wins in this variable winning ball device 237, a predetermined number of points (for example, 13
points) are added to the points held and displayed by the points indicator 245.

In the figure, reference numeral 241 denotes a winning ball collection gutter, which is configured to collect winning balls, guide them to the hit ball discharge gutter 243, and discharge re-varied balls from the hit ball ejection gutter 244 to the batted ball waiting gutter 232.

Further, an outro 240 is provided at a lower position of the game board 233, and out balls that are hit into the game area 235 and do not win in any winning opening or winning ball device are collected from this outro 240. The balls are guided to the hit ball discharge gutter 243 and discharged from the hit ball discharge port 244 into the batted ball standby 4J232. The winning balls collected by the entering prize ball collection gutter are detected by the winning ball sensor 242 and used for game control to be described later.

In the figure, reference numerals 246 and 247 indicate game effect lamps, which are turned on or blinked when the specific game state is established 5 to improve the game effect. Further, 248 is a speaker, which emits a sound effect when the specific game state is established, or emits an alarm sound when an abnormal situation occurs. 249 is a microcomputer for game control, and the variable prize winning ball system RI! 2 3 7, game effect lamps 246, 247, speaker 248, etc. Reference numeral 250 denotes a game end switch, and when the player presses the game end switch 250, the game ends, and the points obtained at that time are written on the card and sent from the card insertion/ejection port 11 to the player's side. It is configured so that it is discharged at 170 is a microcomputer for controlling the card reader/writer device. 20 again
0 is a microcomputer for controlling the pachinko game machine, the functions of which will be described later. Further, 225 is a lower decorative plate.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit including a microcomputer 170 for controlling a card reader/writer device and various devices connected to the microcomputer 170 for controlling the card reader/writer.

The control circuit uses a microcomputer 1 as a control center.
Including 70. The microcomputer 170 has a function of controlling the operation of the card reader/writer device 1 as described below. The microcomputer 170 is composed of, for example, several chips of LSI, and includes a CPU 17 that can execute control operations according to a predetermined procedure.
1 and the ROMI that stores the operating programs of the CPU 171.
72 and RAM that can write and read the necessary data.
1 7 3 are included. Furthermore, CF'UI7
1 and an external circuit, and an input/output circuit 174 for ensuring signal consistency between the 7N! When power is turned on 1. : CPU 1 7
1 1: A power-on reset circuit 175 that provides a reset pulse, a clock generation circuit 176 that provides a clock signal to the CPU 171, and a frequency division of the clock signal from the clock generation circuit 176 to periodically send an interrupt pulse to the CPU.
171 and the CPU 171.
and an address decode circuit 178 that decodes address data from the address decode circuit 178.

The CPU 171 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine in response to interrupt pulses periodically given from the pulse frequency dividing circuit 177. In addition, the address decode circuit 178 decodes address data from the CPU 171 and stores the data in the ROM 172, RAM 173, and input/output circuit 174.
Give a chip select signal to each.

In this embodiment, the ROM 172 is capable of rewriting its contents;
In other words, if the need arises, the CP stored therein
A programmable ROM 172 is used so that the program for U171 can be changed.

The CPU 17l provides control signals to the thermal head and the like described above in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 172 and in response to the input of each control signal described below.

First, the card 150 is inserted from the card insertion/ejection port 11, and the card insertion sensor (SWI) 7 detects the card, and its detection output is given to the microcomputer 170 via the detection circuit 179. Then, the microcomputer 170 outputs a control signal for driving the stepping motor, and the control signal is applied to the stepping motor 29 (Ms) via the motor drive circuit 186. As a result, the card 150 is conveyed as described above, and as the card 150 is conveyed, each mark written on the card 150 in the left vertical mark column mark column 153 and the right vertical mark column mark column 154 (see FIG. 5) is read by the left vertical mark row read sensor 4 (SW2) and the right vertical mark row read sensor 5 (SW3). These read signals are then given to the microcomputer 170 via detection circuits 180 and 181, respectively. Next, the microcomputer 170 outputs a control signal for driving the DC motor, and this control signal is given to the DC motor (Mo) 61 via the motor drive circuit 187, and as described above, the head stirring mechanism 68 (Figures 3 and 4)
(see figure). As the head transport mechanism 68 transports the head, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 detects the horizontal mark row mark field 155a of the card 150 (see FIG. 5).
The write information is read, and the read signal is given to the microcomputer 170 via the detection circuit 182. Next, when the head transport mechanism 68 is transported to the end of the transport stroke in the backward direction as described above, it is detected by the head position detection sensor (SW5) 92 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and the detection signal is is provided to the microcomputer 170 via the detection circuit 183. Further, the output signal from the TG signal output section 61b is given to the microcomputer 170 in a shaped form through a waveform shaping circuit 184. Furthermore, a write control signal for the thermal head is output from the microcomputer 170, and the write control signal is transmitted to each of the heating elements 71a to 71g of the thermal head 71 via a thermal head drive circuit 185.
given to.

As a result, the heating elements 718 to 7 of the thermal head 71
1g, only the heating elements that follow the write control signal from the microcomputer 170 selectively generate heat, and marks containing predetermined information are placed in the horizontal mark column 155a (see FIG. 5) of the card 150. written. The thermal head drive circuit 185, the detection circuit 182, and the micro combinator 17 for controlling the card reader/writer device.
0 controls the moving means, operates the information reading section to read the information recorded on the recording medium, and gives predetermined written information to the information writing section to write the information. A read/write iI1m means is configured to write predetermined information on the recording medium by causing the writing section to perform a writing operation. The microcomputer 170 for controlling the card reader/writer device and the microcomputer 200 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine are connected to each other so that they can exchange signals with each other.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit consisting of a pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer 200 and various devices connected to the microcomputer 200. In addition, microcomputer 2 for pachinko game machine control
Since the configuration of 00 is the same as that of the card reader/writer device control microcomputer 170, the explanation will be omitted here.

When the player presses the game end switch 250 (see FIG. 7), a detection signal from the game end switch 250 is given to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 209. When a pachinko ball is ejected by the ball rod 228 (see FIG. 7), it is detected by the ejected ball sensor 230, and the detection signal is provided to the microcomputer 200 via the pressure detection circuit 210. When a pachinko ball wins, it is detected by the winning ball sensor 242, and the detection signal is sent to the microcomputer 20 via the detection circuit 211.
given to 0. If the pachinko ball fired by the ball rod 228 becomes a foul ball, the foul ball sensor 2
36 and its detection signal is given to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 212.

Further, the microcomputer 200 outputs a control signal for driving the batted ball firing motor, and the control signal is applied to the batted ball firing motor 227 via the motor drive circuit 213. The microcomputer 200 outputs a control signal for lighting the game-enabled indicator, and the control signal is applied to the game-enabled indicator 251 via the lamp drive circuit 2]4. The microcomputer 200 outputs a control signal for displaying points, and the control signal is applied to the points display 245 via the 7-segment LED drive circuit 215.

The microcomputer 200 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine and the microcomputer 170 for controlling the card reader/writer device are connected to each other so that they can exchange signals with each other. Further, a game hall management host computer 216 installed in the game hall and a pachinko game machine control microcomputer 200 are connected to each other so that they can exchange signals with each other. The pachinko game machine control microcomputer 200 sends information regarding the operating status of the pachinko game machine machines and the income and expenditure of the machines to the game hall management host computer 216. For the computer 200, for example,
A forced stop command signal is sent to stop the ball hitting motor when a fraudulent act occurs, or a stop command signal is sent when a stop decision is made on the game hall management host computer 216 side.

Figures 10A and 10B. FIG. 10D is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10C is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 9.

Next, the first. The operations of the card reader/writer device 1 and the pachinko gaming machine 220 will be explained based on the OA diagram to FIG. 10D. First, in step S1, it is determined whether the licase insertion sensor (SWI) is turned on, and the
Wait until N.

Then, the player inserts the card into the card insertion/ejection slot 11 (7th
(see figure), a YES determination is made in step S1, and the process proceeds to step S2, where the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction to start taking in the card. Then, the process proceeds to step S3, where it is determined whether or not the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 has detected the index mark IMv of the card 150. If it is determined that the index mark IMv has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S4, where the stepping motors (M, ) is determined whether or not a predetermined number of pulses have been counted since the normal rotation, and if it is determined that the pulses have not been counted yet, a loop is formed in which the process returns to step S3.

During this loop, the left vertical mark row read sensor S
If W2 detects the index mark IMv of the card 150, a YES determination is made in step S3 and the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 does not detect the index mark IMv until a predetermined number of pulses are counted from the normal rotation of the stepping motor (M,) during the loop,
If YES is determined in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, in which the stepping motor M is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 8230, which will be described later, in which the stepping motor M is stopped.
, is reversed, the card is ejected, and the control ends. If a YES determination is made in step S4, either the insertion direction of the card 150 is wrong or nothing is recorded on the card 150. In other words, as shown in FIG. 14, which will be described later, the distance HD from the card edge to the left end of the left vertical mark row is greater than the distance D from the card edge to the right end of the right vertical mark row.
2, so if the card is inserted into the card reader/writer device 1 from the opposite direction, the vertical mark row will shift from the reading position of the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2, and the left vertical mark row read A situation arises in which the sensor SW2 does not detect any marks at all.

Similarly, when no mark is written on the card 150, no mark is detected by the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2. In order to detect such a state, the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction until the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 counts a predetermined number of pulses that can detect the index mark IMv with a margin. Lead sensor SW2
does not detect the index mark IMv,
A YES determination is made in step S4, and control is performed to eject out of the machine abnormal cards that have been inserted in the wrong direction or have no marks written at all.

Next, if YES is determined in step S3, the process proceeds to step S6, where it is determined whether a predetermined number of pulses have been counted since the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 detected the index mark ■Mv. The stepping motor (M,) continues normal rotation until a predetermined number of pulses are counted. If a predetermined number of pulses are counted, the process proceeds to step S7, and the stepping motor M. to stop. Left vertical mark row read sensor S
The reason why the stepping motor M is stopped only after W2 has counted a predetermined number of pulses after detecting the index mark IMv is that the center of the mark such as the index mark IMv and the left vertical mark row read sensor S
This is to correct the deviation from the mark detection position by a read sensor such as W2. In other words, when using an optical reading method, the mark needs to have a certain width so that the optical reading sensor can read it with sufficient margin. However, if the mark is given a width, a situation arises in which the reading sensor outputs a detection signal indicating that the mark has been detected before it has reached the center of the mark. This is because it is necessary to account for the deviation from the reference position of the index mark IMv, etc., and carry out control so that the reading sensor reaches the center of the mark by transporting the card an additional amount by that amount. In addition,
The reference position is the index mark IMv.
Alternatively, the edge of the card may be used as in step S190, which will be described later, or a timing mark written on the surface of the card 150 may be used.

Next, the process proceeds to step S8, where the right vertical mark row read sensor SW3 reads and stores the presence/absence status of the first mark on the right (R1) (see the fifth factor). At this point, the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4 has not yet reached the position of the first left mark (L1). In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the right vertical mark row read sensor (SW3) 5
This is because the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4 is shifted by one mark toward the card insertion/ejection port 11 side. The process then proceeds to step S9, in which the stepping motor M, is rotated in the normal direction, and the process proceeds to step S10, where the pulses for one mark are counted.When the counting is completed, the process proceeds to step S11, where the stepping motor M, is stopped, and in step S12, the pulses for one mark are counted. , the right vertical mark row read sensor SW3 reads and stores the presence/absence status of the second mark on the right (R2), and the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 reads the presence/absence status of the first left mark (L1). Read and store. Next, the processes of steps S9 to S12 are performed 4 times.
Repeat once, from the 3rd item on the right (R3) to the 43rd item on the right (R43)
) and from the second left (L2) to the 42nd left (L4)
2) Read and store the presence/absence status of the marks up to 2). Next, the process advances to step S177, where the stepping motor M is rotated in the forward direction, and the process proceeds to step 8178, where it is determined whether or not the pulses for one mark have been counted. Wait with the machine in forward rotation. Then, pulses for one mark are counted, and when the card is conveyed in the card receiving direction by one mark, a YES determination is made in step S178, the process proceeds to step S179, the stepping motor M is stopped, and step S180 Proceed to. Step 5
At step 180, the right vertical mark row read sensor SW3 reads and memorizes the presence or absence of the 44th mark on the right (R44), and the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 reads and memorizes the state of the 43rd mark on the left (L43). Reads and stores the state of Next, in step S181, the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction, and in step S182, it is determined whether or not the pulses for one mark have been counted, and the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction until the pulses for one mark have been counted. Wait in the turned position. The pulses for one mark are counted, and when the card is conveyed in the card receiving direction by one mark, a YES determination is made in step S182, and the process proceeds to step S183, where the stepping motor M is stopped and corrected. , proceed to step S184. Step S
184, the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2
The state of presence/absence of the mark (L44) is read and stored. This completes the reading and storing of all the write data in the vertical mark row.

Next, the process advances to step S185, and it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the data of the vertical mark row. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S1830, where the stepping motor M is reversed and the card is ejected. and control ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the data of the vertical mark row, the process proceeds to step S186, where the stepping motor M is reversed, and the process proceeds to step S187, where the stepping motor M is reversed until a predetermined number of pulses are counted. Wait in a closed state. This predetermined number of pulses means that the card edge 150a (see FIG. 5) is connected to the horizontal mark row read sensor S.
This pulse is necessary to transport the card until it passes the detection position by W4 and ends.

Then, the stepping motor Mg is reversed, the force is conveyed in the ejection direction, and when the card edge 150a has passed the detection position by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, a YES determination is made in step S187, and the process proceeds to step S188. Then, the process proceeds to step S189, where the stepping motor M is slowly rotated in the normal direction. Next step S190
The process proceeds to Step 3, where it is determined whether or not the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected the card edge 150a (see Figure j@5), and the stepping motor M is kept in normal rotation until it is detected. In this embodiment, the reading sensitivity of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is such that the card edge is detected when the card edge reaches 2/3 of the sensor surface and 273 of the sensor surface is occupied by the card area. It is set to do so. In addition, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW
4 is also set so that the mark can be read and judged when 2/3 of the sensor surface is occupied by the mark. However, this horizontal mark row read sensor S
The reading sensitivity of W4 is configured to be adjustable as appropriate. Then, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is connected to the card edge 15.
If 0a is detected, a YES determination is made in step S190, and the process proceeds to step S191, where it is determined whether a predetermined number of pulses have been counted, and the stepping motor M is adjusted until the predetermined number of pulses are counted. Wait in the turned position. This predetermined number of pulses corresponds to the distance M from the position where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 detects the card edge 150a to the center of IM, (see FIG. 5).
is the number of pulses required to send the card. In other words,
As explained in step S190, the position that serves as the reference for determining the transport distance when transporting the card so that the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is at the center of IM, is determined on the card edge 150a, Since the edge of the card is used as a positioning reference in this way, there is no need to provide reference marks (index marks or timing marks) on the card surface for positioning reference, and the card surface can be used for writing other necessary information. Can be used effectively. Then, when a predetermined number of pulses have been counted and the card has been transported a predetermined distance, and the center of the IM, has reached the detection position of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, a YES determination is made in step S191, and step Proceeding to S192, processing for stopping the stepping motor M is performed. Next, in step 8193, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is set to IM. , is detected. If the card is tampered with, the IM. , does not exist, a negative determination is made in step 8193 and the process proceeds to step S230, in which the stepping motors M,
is reversed to eject the card and the control ends. On the other hand, in step S193, the IM. If it is determined that I has been detected, the process advances to step S194, and the stabbing motor M is rotated in the normal direction to transport the card in the card receiving direction. Next, the process advances to step S195, where it is determined whether or not the number of pulses required to convey only one row of cards in the horizontal mark row mark display field 155 (see FIGS. 5 and 14) has been counted. Then, the stepping motor M is kept in normal rotation until the pulses for one row are counted. Then, when the pulses for one line have been counted and the card has been conveyed by one line, a YES determination is made in step S195, the process proceeds to step S196, the stepping motor M is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S197. In step S197, the horizontal mark array sensor S
A determination is made as to whether W4 has detected ■M, I2.

If no information is written in the second line of the horizontal mark column mark display field 155 (see FIGS. 5 and 14), a negative determination is made in step S197, and the process proceeds to step S8.
The process proceeds to step S231, where the stepping motor M is reversed to convey the card in the card ejection direction, and the process proceeds to step S232, where it is determined whether or not the pulses for one line have been counted, and the pulses for one line are counted. Wait with the stepping motor M in reverse rotation. Then, when the card has been conveyed in the card ejection direction by one line, a YES determination is made in step 8232, and step 823
3, the stepping motor M is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 8234 and subsequent steps to control the reading of the horizontal mark row.

On the other hand, if the predetermined information has already been written in the second line of the horizontal mark column mark display field 155 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 14), YES is determined in step 197 and the process proceeds to step S198. Go forward, stepping motor M,
In step S199, it is determined whether or not the pulses for one line have been counted, and the stepping motor M is kept in normal rotation until the pulses for one line have been counted. Then, when the pulses for one line are counted and the card has been conveyed by one line in the card receiving direction, a YES determination is made in step S199, the process proceeds to step S200, the stepping motor M is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S201. Advance, horizontal mark row read sensor S
W4 is IM. , is determined whether or not to detect it. If the predetermined information is not written in the third line of the horizontal mark column mark display field 155, No.
A determination is made and the process proceeds to step S231, but if the predetermined information has already been written in the third line of the horizontal mark column mark display field, a YES determination is made in step S201. If YES is determined in this step S201, from then on, step S198 is performed.
The process of step S201 is then repeated. The process then proceeds to step S225, where it is determined whether or not the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected IMHg.
If it is determined that the detection is not detected, the process proceeds to step 8231, but if it is detected, the process proceeds to step S226, in which the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction to transport the card in the card receiving direction, and in step S227, the card is transferred for one line. The stepping motor M is kept rotating in the normal direction until the pulses are counted. Then, with the card conveyed by one line, a YES determination is made in step S227,
In step S228, the stepping motor M is stopped, and in step S229, it is determined whether or not the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 or IM) 1+0 is detected. If it is determined that it is not detected, the step 8
Proceeding to 231, horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is set to IMH.
If it is determined that +O has been detected, the process proceeds to step 8230, where the stepping motor M is reversed to transport the card, and the control ends. That is, in steps S186 to S230, the structure mark row mark l1155
(See Fig. 5 and Fig. 14), searches for the first blank field in which no information has been written yet, and if that blank field is found, the card is transported by one line in the card ejection direction in steps S231 to S233. Then, the last row of the horizontal mark column in which predetermined information is written is searched.

Next, in step S234, the DC motor MO starts rotating, and then in step S235, the DC motor MO
starts counting the timing signal (TG signal) generated by the TG signal output section.

Is this timing signal count strictly a head? Counting is started when the position detection sensor SW5 is switched from OFF to ON. Through step S234, the head conveyance shaft 56 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) starts rotating,
The head transport mechanism 68 is first transported in the front direction.

Note that the pitch of the helical groove formed on the head conveyance shaft 56 is equal to 1 in the front direction and the back direction, as described above.
Since the ratio is 2:2, the amount of movement of the head transport shaft 68 in the front direction is 2 dat per rotation of the DC motor M, and the amount of movement of the head transport rock in the back direction is the amount of movement of the head transport shaft 68 in the front direction. It moves by Jdo t per rotation of M0. And ldot is a timing signal (TG
This corresponds to the distance that the head conveyor 168 moves in the front direction during one period of the signal). In other words, the generation cycle of the TG signal (timing signal) is such that when the DC motor MO rotates once, a sine waveform signal for two cycles is output as described above, and when the DC motor Mo rotates 1/2 The timing signal is output for one period, and the head transport mechanism 68 is transported in the front direction by ldot.

Next, the process advances to step 8236, where it is determined whether the count value of the timing signal has reached a(x-1)+bl. Here, a is a value obtained by converting the distance between the centers of marks into a count, and is 6 in this embodiment.

Further, b is a count conversion value of the distance from the count start position to the mark center of the first column, and is calculated in this embodiment (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C).

Furthermore, X is shown in Figures 11A and 11B. r*-IJ, rn-2J, ... "n-
19" is the number of rows of marks. In other words, rn-
IJ is the first column of marks (x-1), and rn-2J is the second column of marks (x-2).

As can be seen from FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, if the count value of the timing signal is N, this X becomes x-1 when 8≦N≦10, and 14≦N≦1.
When it is 6, it becomes x-2. In other words, if expressed as a general formula, b
When +61-1≦N≦b+6I+1, x-1+1 is obtained. In addition, they are 1-0, 1.2.3...18.

In step 8236, the count value N is a (
x-1) +b-1, and a(X-1)
If it is determined that the value has become +b-1, the process advances to step S237, and the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 performs the first reading of the X column. Then, the process proceeds to step 5238, and the reading result is determined in step 8237. If it is determined that there is a mark, the process proceeds to step 8239, where the determination counter is incremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S240, but if it is determined that there is no mark, the process proceeds to step S240. directly in step S24
Go to 0.

In step S240, the count value is a (X −1)
A determination is made as to whether or not the value has reached +b, and the system waits until the value has reached +b. Here, a, x, and b are the same as described in step 8236 above. Then, the count value is a(x-
1) If it is determined that +b has been reached, the process proceeds to step S241, where the horizontal mark array sensor SW4 performs a second reading of the mark in the X column, and the process proceeds to step S242.

In step S242, the reading result in step S241 is determined, and if it is determined that the second reading has a mark, the process proceeds to step 8243, and the determination counter is set to 1.
The value is incremented and the process proceeds to step S244. Further, if it is determined in step S242 that the second reading is without a mark, the process directly advances to step S244. In step S244, the count value is a (x-1)+b
A determination is made as to whether or not the value has reached +1, and the system waits until the value has reached +1.

If it is determined that the count value has reached a (x-1)+b+1, the process proceeds to step S245, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads the mark in the X column for the third time, and the process proceeds to step S246.

In step S246, the third reading result in step S245 is determined, and if it is determined that there is a mark, the process proceeds to step S247, where the determination counter is incremented by 1, and then the process proceeds to step S248. On the other hand, step S24
If it is determined in step 6 that the result of reading the mark for the third time is that there is no mark, the process directly advances to step 8248.

In step S248, it is determined whether the determination counter is "2" or more. If it is determined that it is "2" or more, the process advances to step S249, where it is determined that there is a mark in the X column, and step S251 However, if the determination counter is less than "2", the process advances to step S250 and X
It is determined that there is no mark in the column and the process advances to step S251.

That is, if one mark is read a total of three times in steps S237, S241, and S245, and it is determined that there is a mark two or more times out of the three reading results, then the total The final judgment is that there is a mark in the column, and if the number of judgments that there is a mark is less than 2 out of 3 judgments, that is, 1 or 0 times,
In total, a final determination is made in step S250 that there is no mark in the X column. A concrete illustration of this is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, which will be described later. In other words, FIG. 11A shows the relationship between the position of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 corresponding to the timing signal count value and the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display column, and the timing signal count value is changed by one count at a time. As the number of horizontal mark rows increases, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 moves in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. Then, when the timing signal count value is, for example, ■, the horizontal mark row read sensor S
W4 reads the mark in the rn-IJ column for the first time, and when the timing signal count value is ■, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads the mark in the rn-IJ column for the second time, and then reads the timing signal count value for the second time. The third reading is performed when is [stock]. If it is determined that there are two or more marks among the three reading results, a final determination is made that there are marks in the rn-IJ column as a total.

Next, the process proceeds to step S251, where the determination counter is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S252, where it is determined whether or not the count value has reached a certain number. is again the step 82
36, from the step 8236 to step S25
Perform reading judgment for marks up to 1. Step S252
In this embodiment, the "certain number" is "118", and when the count value reaches "118", for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the last row of marks to be read by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is The reading of the mark is completed, and there is no need to perform further mark reading judgment. Therefore, if it is determined in step S252 that the count value has reached a certain number (for example, rll8J), the process proceeds to step 8253, where the counting of the timing signal is finished, the reading is finished, and the process proceeds to step S254.

In step S254, it is determined whether or not the head position detection sensor SW5 is turned off, and the process waits until it is turned off. When the head conveyance mechanism 68 is conveyed to the end of the conveyance stroke in the front direction, the head position detection sensor SW5 is switched OFF, so step S is performed.
254, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step S255.
Then, the DC motor Mo is stopped and the head transport mechanism 6 is moved.
8 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step S256. In step S256, processing is performed to convert the data of the horizontal mark string into numerical values based on the data of the vertical mark string. That is, the reading format of the data of the horizontal mark string is recorded in the vertical mark string, and the data of the horizontal mark string is converted into numerical values according to the reading format. Next, the process advances to step S257, where it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the horizontal mark row due to tampering with the card, etc.
If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S230, where the stepping motor M is reversed to eject the card and the control is terminated; if it is determined that there is no abnormality, the card reception signal and the card are output in step S258. After outputting the recorded numerical value representing the points held to the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer, the card acceptance control ends. Thereafter, a game is played using the pachinko game machine, and the control of the pachinko game machine will be explained based on FIG. 10C.

First, in step S259, it is determined whether or not a card acceptance signal and a numerical value representing the points held have been input from the microcomputer for controlling the card league writer device, and the process waits until the input is received. If it is determined that there has been an input, the process proceeds to step S260, where the ball hitting motor is activated and a ball can be fired at any time if the ball hitting operation handle 226 (see FIG. 7) is operated. Next, the process advances to step S261, where the game-enabled indicator 251 (see FIG. 7) is turned on to display to the player the state in which the player can play, and the process advances to step S262, where the game-enabled indicator 251 (see FIG. A numerical value representing the player's points that have been received is displayed on the points display 245 (see FIG. 7).

Then, the process proceeds to step 8263, where it is determined whether or not there is a shot ball, and if it is determined that there is no shot ball, step S
The process proceeds to step S265, where it is determined whether or not there are winning balls, and if it is determined that there are no winning balls, the process proceeds to step S267,
It is determined whether there is a foul ball or not, and if it is determined that there is no foul ball, the process advances to step S269 and the points are
If it is determined that the number of points held has not reached "0" yet, the process proceeds to step S270, and it is determined whether or not a stoppage has been established. If it is determined that this is not true, the process proceeds to step S271, where it is determined whether or not the game end switch 250 (see FIG. 7) is turned on. A loop is formed that returns to step S260.

In the middle of this loop, the player presses the ball batting operation handle 2.
26 (see Fig. 7) to fire a pachinko ball, the fired ball sensor 230 detects the fired ball, a YES determination is made in step 8263, and the process advances to step S264, where the points are 1" is subtracted. Next, if the pachinko ball hit in the gaming area wins, the winning ball sensor 242 (see FIG. 7) detects the winning ball, and the pachinko ball is detected by the above-mentioned step S265.
After the determination of ES is made, the process proceeds to step S266, where a process of adding a predetermined number (for example, rl 3J ) to the existing points is performed. Next, if the firing force of the pachinko ball fired by the ball rod 228 is too weak and the fired ball becomes a foul ball, the foul ball sensor 236 detects the foul ball, and the answer is YES in step S267. After this determination is made, the process proceeds to step S268, where a process of adding "1" to the points held is performed. In other words, "1" is subtracted from the score when the ball passes the sensor 230, which is fired by the ball rod 228, and the ball is fouled without reaching the game area 235. If this happens, in step 8268 "1" is added to the points held to make it ± "0" so that the player will not be dissatisfied. Next, if the player's points become "0", step S2
69 makes a YES determination and the process proceeds to step S274, where the ball hitting motor is disabled and the player cannot fire a ball even if the player operates the ball hitting operation handle.

Next, the process proceeds to step S275, where the playable indicator 250 (see FIG. 7) is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S276, where a timer is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S277, and it is determined whether there is a winning ball. If there is not, the process proceeds to step S278, and it is determined whether or not there is a foul ball. If there is not, the process proceeds to step S279, and the timer is activated. A loop is formed in which it is determined whether or not the process has ended, and if it has not ended, the process returns to step S277.

During this loop, if the remaining balls still remaining in the gaming area 235 win, a YES determination is made in step S277 and the process proceeds to step S266. In other words, even if the ball hitting motor is disabled in step S274, there may still be pachinko balls remaining in the gaming area at that time, and if a prize is won with the remaining balls, the points will be 13'' is added, and based on this, the pachinko balls are fired again to control the game to be playable, so that the players will not be dissatisfied. If a foul ball occurs during the loop, a YES determination is made in step S278, and the process proceeds to step S268, where "1" is added to the points. In other words, after the ball hitting motor is disabled, the ball guiding rail 234a (see FIG. 7)
If a foul ball is generated that flows down in the opposite direction, an addition process of "1" is performed based on the foul ball,
The system is configured so that the game based on the point "1" can be resumed so that the player does not become dissatisfied. If the timer ends without any winning balls or foul balls occurring during the loop,
If YES is determined in step S279, the process proceeds to step S280, where a card write command signal and a numerical value representing the points acquired by the player are output to the card reader/writer device control microcomputer, and the control ends.

The timer is set to a time sufficient to determine all game results (winning or return to the out slot) using the remaining balls remaining in the gaming area after the ball hitting motor is disabled. .

Next, if it is determined in step S270 that the ball has been stopped, the process proceeds to step S272, where the ball hitting motor is disabled and the ball cannot be fired even if the player operates the ball hitting operation handle. The pachinko gaming machine microcomputer may make the decision to stop in step S271 by itself, or the pachinko gaming machine microcomputer may receive a stopping command signal from the gaming hall management host computer. , and may be configured to perform termination control based on this. Next, the process proceeds to step S273, where the playable indicator 250 (see FIG. 7) is turned off, and the process proceeds to step 8280, where a card write command signal and a numerical value displaying the player's points are sent to the card reader/writer device. Control is completed by outputting to the microcomputer.

When a game using a pachinko game machine is completed, control is performed to write the player's points, which have changed due to the pachinko game machine, on a card and discharge it to the player. The write and eject control of the card will be explained based on FIG. 10D.

First, in step S281, it is determined whether or not a write command and a numerical signal have been input from the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer, and the process waits until the input is received. If it is determined that there is an entry, step S28
Proceeding to step 2, a process is performed to convert the numerical value sent from the microcomputer for the pachinko game machine jIIJS into a mark string based on the data of the vertical mark string. Next, the process proceeds to step S283, in which the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction to transport the card in the card receiving direction, and step S284
As a result, the stepping motor M continues to rotate in the normal direction until the pulses for one row are counted.

Then, in a state where the pulses for one line are counted and the card is conveyed by one line in the card receiving direction, step S284
When a YES determination is made, the process proceeds to step S285, where the stepping motor M is stopped, and step S28
6 starts the rotation of the DC motor MO. Next, the process proceeds to step s287, where counting of timing signals generated from the DC outputter M is started. Strictly speaking, the start time of this count is when the head position detection sensor SW5 is OF.
This is performed from the moment F is switched to ON.

Next, the process advances to step 8288, where the IM, converted mark string, and numerical value are written based on the count value. The process then proceeds to step S289, where it is determined whether the count value has reached a certain value, and the process of step S288 is executed until the count value reaches the certain value. The fixed number determined in step S289 is rl43J in this embodiment. In other words, as shown in Figure 12B,
When the head transport mechanism is transported from the normal stop position of the thermal head to the last row of the horizontal mark row mark display field, the count value of the timing signal is rl 4 3J, and in the case of writing, the count value of the timing signal is rl 4 3J. 155b (5th
Since it is necessary to write a predetermined numerical value in the column (see FIG. 14 and FIG. 14), this is the count value necessary to transport the head transport mechanism to the last row of the horizontal mark row mark display field. When the count value reaches rl43J, the process advances to step S290, where the timing signal count is finished and the writing is finished. In this way, the updated numerical information is written each time the card is inserted, and this updated information is written horizontally on the card, so that it cannot be updated like the card reading format. Vertical mark column mark column 153.15 for missing information
4 (see FIGS. 5 and 14), that is, the writing was done in the vertical direction of the card. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, since the card is vertically long, a relatively large amount of information can be recorded in the vertical direction, but it takes time to write and read. On the other hand, while it is not possible to record as much information in the horizontal direction of the card, it does not take much time to write or read it, and new updated information can be written over many lines. Therefore, there is an advantage that a large number of times information can be written and updated. In this way, since types of information are written that take advantage of the respective advantages of vertical writing and horizontal writing, it is possible to record information by effectively utilizing a rectangular card.

Note that even if the counting of the timing signal ends in step S290 and the writing ends, the rotation of the DC motor Mo in step S286 continues, so the head transport mechanism continues to transport the head. When the head transport mechanism is transported to the end of the transport stroke in the front direction (rightward direction), the head transport mechanism is automatically transported in the back direction (leftward direction). Then, in a state where the head transport mechanism is being transported in the back direction, in step S291, the horizontal mark array sensor S
A determination is made as to whether W4 has detected a card edge;
Wait until card edge is detected. If it is determined that a card edge has been detected, the process advances to step S292, where the count value of the timing signal is reset and a new count is started. This step S292 or the step S235 constitutes a counting means that counts the amount of relative movement of the mark reading section with respect to the recording medium.

Next, the process proceeds to step 5293, and the step S292
The count value counted based on a'(x'
-1)+b' is determined, and the process waits until the count value becomes a'(x'-1)+b'. Here, a' is a value obtained by converting the distance between mark centers into a count, and is "3" in this embodiment. In the explanation of step S240, a is "6", but
a. L is a state in which the head transport mechanism is being transported in the back direction, and compared to the front direction, 1 count is 2 times.
Since it is conveyed by dots, it becomes a'-3. Also, X′
is the number of columns read by the horizontal mark column read sensor SW4,
There are 19 columns in total. b' is a value obtained by converting the distance from the count start position to the mark reading position in the first column (the last column when counting from the front direction), and is "31" in this example (see Fig. 13). ). As can be seen from Figure 13, if the count value is N, then 31≦
When N≦32, x=1, and when 34≦N≦35, x2/−2. In other words, if the relationship with count value X' is expressed by a general formula, b'+31≦N≦'b'+31
+1, it becomes x-i+1. However, 1-0.1, 2,
...18. Then, the count value is a' (x
If '-1)+b', step 8293 yields Y
After the determination of ES is made, the process proceeds to step S294, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 performs the first reading of the X' column, and the process proceeds to step S295, where the first reading result is determined, and the first reading result is If it is determined that there is a mark, the process proceeds to step S296, where the determination counter is incremented by one, and then the process proceeds to step S297. However, if it is determined that the first reading result is not marked, the process directly proceeds to step S297. Next, in step S297, it is determined whether the count value has reached a'(x'-1)+b'+1, and the process waits until it becomes a(X'-1)+b'+l.

Then, the count value is a'(x'-1) + b' +
If it becomes 1, the process proceeds to step S298, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 performs a second reading of the X'-th column, and the process proceeds to step S299, where the second reading result is determined. This step S298, step S294. Step 5237, step S241 or step S2
45 constitutes a reading command signal generating means for generating a reading command signal to the mark reading section based on the count value of the counting means reaching a predetermined value. Further, the "predetermined value" of the count value, which is a condition for the reading command signal generation means to generate a reading command signal, refers to the step 8236, step S240,
Step S244. This is the value shown in step 8293 and step S297.

Next, in step S299, the second reading result is determined, and if it is determined that the second reading result has a mark, the process advances to step S300, and after the determination counter is incremented by 1, the process advances to step S301, but 2 If the result of the second reading is determined to have no mark, directly step S3
Proceed to 01.

Then, in step S301, the determination counter is set to "1".
It is determined whether or not it is greater than or equal to "1", and if it is greater than or equal to "1", the process proceeds to step S302, and it is determined that there is a mark in the x' column.
If the determination counter is less than "1", that is, 0, the process advances to step 5303, where it is determined that there is no mark in the X' column, and the process advances to step S304. In other words, when the head transport mechanism is transported in the back direction, the thirteenth
As shown in the figure, one mark is read twice and if it is determined that there is a mark even in one of them, it is finally determined that there is a mark as a whole. Steps 8248 to S250 and Step 8
In steps 301 to 3303, the mark reading unit receives a reading command signal and reads one mark position multiple times, and compares the result with a predetermined criterion to determine whether a mark has been recorded at the mark position. A determining means is configured to determine whether or not the vehicle is present. The "predetermined criterion" that is compared for the judgment by the determining means is determined in step S248 when the head transport mechanism is being transported in the front direction, and is determined in step S248 when the head transport mechanism is being transported in the front direction. In this case, it is determined in step S301.

Next, the process proceeds to step S304, where the determination counter is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S305, where the conversion map? A determination is made as to whether reading of the last column of the queue has been completed. The final column of this conversion mark string is the mark string indicated by (n+1)-1 in FIG. 13. If it is determined that the last column has not been read yet, the process proceeds to step 8293, and steps 8293 to S3
The reading determination control for the mark 04 is repeatedly performed. If it is determined that reading of the last column of the conversion mark array has been completed, the process advances to step S306, where it is determined whether or not the count value has reached a certain value, and the process waits until it reaches the certain value. The fixed number determined in step S306 is "90" in this embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the head transport mechanism reaches IM (see FIG. 5) when the count value reaches "90". If it is determined in step S306 that the count value has become "90", the process advances to step S307, and the IM. is read and the process advances to step S308, where the counting of the timing signal is finished and the reading is finished.

Incidentally, at this point, the DC motor M continues to rotate.

Then, in step S309, it is determined whether or not the head position detection sensor SW5 is turned off, and the head position detection sensor SW5 is turned off.
will be waited until. When the head conveyance mechanism has been conveyed to the end of the conveyance stroke in the backward direction, a YES determination is made in step S309 and the process proceeds to step S310, where the DC motor MD is stopped and the data of the mark row read in step S311. is converted in the opposite direction, and the process proceeds to step S312. And step S31
In step 2, it is determined whether the written content and the read content match, and if they do not match, it is assumed that a writing error has occurred, so the process proceeds to step 8313, where error processing is performed. .

This error processing may include processing such as writing information again on the next line. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S312 that the written content and read content match, step S3
The process proceeds to step S3, where it is determined whether the written content is numerical value "0" information, and if it is determined No, the process proceeds to step S3.
15, the stepping motor M is reversely rotated to eject the card, and the Yoshikomi ejection control is completed. Further, if the determination of YES is made in step S314,
Since the point information recorded on the card is "0" and there is no need to eject it to the player, the process proceeds to step 3316, where the stepping motor MS is rotated in the normal direction to collect the card into the machine, and then the card is written. Emission control ends.

FIGS. 11A to 11C are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining the horizontal mark row and the position of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 corresponding to the count value of the timing signal.

As shown in FIG. 11A, horizontal mark row mark display field 15
The mark written in 5 has a size of 5 dots x 7 dat. Further, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is a 3do
The size is tX3dots. Then, when the count value of the timing signal is 0, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW
4 is IMM. It is located at the center position in the width direction (the part shown by the grid in the figure). Then, as shown by the arrow in the figure, each time the count value of the timing signal increases by one, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70
It moves dot by dot in the front direction (to the right). Then, the count value of the timing signal is, for example, 8, 9.
．． 10, horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 7
0 overlaps with the mark writing position in the horizontal mark row mark display field 155, and when the timing signal count value reaches the value of the circled number (for example, 8, 9, 10), the mark is written by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4. Perform reading. In this embodiment, each mark is read three times, and if it is determined that the mark is present two or more times, it is determined that there is a mark at that position. Note that the reading ends when the count value of the timing signal reaches 118, and reading is not performed for n-20 to row 24. This is because n-20 to n-24 are display marks written to allow the card holder to visually confirm the contents of the discount information.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a case where the mark position is shifted by ldat from the normal mark position in the sensor transfer direction (front direction).

When the timing signal count value is 0, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 is located at the position indicated by the grid in IMi+n. In this state, the transport mechanism moves, the horizontal mark array sensor moves in the front direction, and reading is started when the timing signal count value reaches "8". Then, as shown,
When the count value is "9" and "10", the entire reading surface of the horizontal mark row read sensor is located on the n-1 mark, and the mark reading signal is detected, but the timing signal If the count value of is "8",
One-third of the reading area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is n
Since it protrudes to the left from the -1 mark, depending on the setting of the reading accuracy of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, there is a possibility that a determination that there is no mark will be detected and output. However, even if it were determined that there was no mark, that is, a space, when the count value of this timing signal was "8", it would be detected at three locations where the timing signal count value was "8" to "10". 2 of the detection results
If it is determined that a mark is present in at least one location, it is determined that a mark is present in total as described above. In this way, accurate reading is possible even when the mark position is shifted by ldat.

Figure 11C shows that the actual mark position is lda in the opposite direction of the sensor movement direction (front direction) with respect to the regular mark position.
It is a figure showing the case where it deviates by t. In this case, ``Contrary to FIG. 11B, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 protrudes from the mark position when the count value of the timing signal is, for example, "10", that is, at the third detection, and in this case as well. If it is determined that a mark is present twice from the detection results of three times, it is determined that a mark is present as a total, so that accurate reading is possible.

As shown in the figure, the mark has a margin of 1 dot above the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, so even if the actual mark position deviates downward by 1 dot from the regular mark position, the horizontal mark Accurate readings by column read sensor 70 are obtained.

As explained above, when the reading sensor and the mark position overlap, the reading sensor detects the mark position multiple times, and the presence or absence of the mark is determined by comprehensively judging the multiple detection results. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a mark even if the mark position relative to the reading sensor is slightly shifted from the reading direction, which has the advantage of reducing reading errors.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between written content and the ON/OFF state of each heating element of the thermal head. As shown in the figure, a thermal head 71 having seven heating elements 71a to 71g moves to the right (front direction). Then, from the normal stopping position of the thermal head 71, move 22 dots in the front direction (
(to the right), the thermal head 71 is in
．． It comes to the leftmost position of (n+1). Start writing from there. Note that a horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 is located at a position 24 dots away from the thermal head 71 in the front direction (rightward direction). And IMn
If you want to write a mark at the mark position (n+1) as shown in Figure 12B, select only the heating elements numbered 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 out of the seven heating elements and turn them on. Then, only the selected heating element generates heat and information is written on the card surface. Next, when the count value of the timing signal is "23", all seven heating elements are made to generate heat. Next, when the timing signal count value is "24", only the 2, 3, and 4.5 heating elements are made to generate heat.

Furthermore, when the timing signal count value is "25",
Make all seven heating elements generate heat. Then, when the timing signal count value is "26", 2, 3.4, 5
．． Information is recorded on the card surface by selectively generating heat from only the heating elements No. 7. In this way, marks having the shapes shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C are written on the card surface.

Next, the count value of the timing signal is "27" or "
Since the period of 30J is between mark positions, all heating elements are kept in the OFF state during this period. Next, if you want to mark the mark position on the first line, set the timing signal count value to "31" in the same way as above.
The seven heating elements are made to selectively generate heat between "35" and "35", and a mark of a predetermined shape is written on the card surface.

When the timing signal is "36", all the heat generating elements are turned off because the mark position is located at the interval between the mark position of the first column and the mark position of the second column. Next, when it is desired to set the mark position in the second column as a space, all the heating elements are kept in the OFF state while the count value of the timing signal is from "37" to "41".

Next, a case will be described in which a predetermined numerical value for display is written in the numerical value display column 155b (see FIG. 5). First, if you want to print the number "4" in the 23rd column, heat elements 4 and 5 are selectively heated when the timing signal count value is rl33J, and the timing signal count value is rl34J.
When , the heating elements 3 and 5 are selectively made to generate heat, and when the count value is "135", the heating elements 2 and 5 are selectively made to generate heat. Furthermore, when the count value is rl36J, all the heating elements are made to generate heat, and the count value is rl36J.
At 137J, only the fifth heating element selectively generates heat. As a result, r4J is printed in the 23rd column. Next, when printing "2" in the 24th column, the heating element corresponding to the display of "1" when the timing signal count value is from rl39J to rl43J as shown in the figure is Printing is performed by selectively generating heat only. Note that the normal stopping position of the thermal head and (
The distance between the mark position of n+1)-24 and the right edge is 143d.
It is at. Then, the timing signal count value is rl
After writing the information at 43J, the writing ends.

FIG. 13 shows that, as explained in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the written information written by the thermal head is read and confirmed while moving the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 in the backward direction (to the left in the figure). FIG.

In the figure, 150b is the right edge of the card, and 54 is the platen. Then, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 moves in the back direction (to the left in the figure), and as shown in the figure, the right card edge 150b is located at a position of 2/3 of the reading area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, The horizontal mark row read sensor 70 detects the card edge 150b in a state where 2/3 of the reading area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is occupied by the card. In this state, as described above, a YES determination is made in step 8273, and the process proceeds to step S274, where the count of the timing signal is reset and a new count is started. At this position, the count value of the timing signal becomes "0". Since the pitch in the back direction of the helical cut groove 568 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the head conveying shaft 56 is twice the pitch in the front direction, the row of horizontal marks in the back direction is When transporting the read sensor 70, the count value of the timing signal increases by one, while the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 moves in the backward direction by two dots. As a result, the count values of the timing signals are r31J, r3
When the value is a circled number such as 2J, r34J, r35J, etc., the mark position and sensor completely overlap, and the number of times of overlap is 2 for one mark position.
times. In this embodiment, one mark is read twice, and if the mark is detected more than once, it is determined that there is a mark at that position (However, IMH (n+1
) can only be read once).

Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the reading sensor and the mark deviates to some extent, reading errors can be prevented as much as possible. Note that reading in the backward direction starts from the timing signal count value "31", that is, from (n+1)-19, and does not read from (n+1)-24 to (n+1)-20. Then, when the count value of the timing signal reaches "90", the final reading is performed, and the reading ends.

In this way, since the reading speed in the back direction is set to an integral multiple (twice in this embodiment) of the writing speed in the front direction, reading confirmation can be performed quickly while moving in the back direction, and speed changes are also reduced. Since it is an integer multiple, there is no inconvenience that the relationship between the timing signal and the reading position of the reading sensor becomes out of order, and accurate reading is possible. Note that only if an error is detected as a result of the reading confirmation associated with this movement in the backward direction, the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 is activated in response to an increase in the count value of the timing signal.
It may also be configured to move it toward the front by ot minutes and slowly and carefully check the reading again.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view of a main part of the card shown in FIG. 5. Among the reference numerals shown in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 5 have the same names, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

The relationship between the distance D from the card edge to the left side of the left vertical mark row mark field 153 and the distance D2 from the card edge 150b to the left side of the right vertical mark row mark field 154 is D,>D2. ing. As a result, the 10th
As explained in step S4 and step S5 in FIG. Therefore, since the marks in the right vertical mark row are not mistakenly recognized as IMY, there is an advantage that the processing time until error removal is shortened. Note that by adjusting the reading sensitivity of the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2,
If D',>D'2, the same effect can be achieved even if D,<D2 (a state in which a part of the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 is over the right vertical mark row). Here, D' is the distance from the card edge to the center of the mark in the left vertical mark row mark field, and D'2 is the distance from the card edge 150b to the center of the mark in the right vertical mark row mark field 154. It is.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing various shapes of the mark 300. In this figure, the marks shown in (■) to (X) are blank spaces formed in a part of the optical reading section, but adjust the reading sensitivity of the optical reading means such as the lead sensor 70. Then, such marks can also be read.

Note that, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, a mark portion that can be optically read is also formed in the upper direction by 1 dot with respect to the horizontal mark row read sensor 70. Even if the position is shifted downward by 1 dot with respect to the normal mark position, accurate reading is performed by the horizontal mark row read sensor 70.

In the above description, the width of the mark (5 dots in the example) is wider than the width of the mark reading section (3 dots in the example in the relative movement direction), but the present invention is not limited to this. , for example, may be as follows.

Make the width of both the mark reading section and the mark equal (for example, 3 dots), and adjust the reading sensitivity of the mark reading section so that the mark can be read as long as 273 on the reading surface covers the mark. However, if a judgment standard is set so that if a mark is found twice or more as a result of three readings, it will be determined that there is a mark at the mark position, and if the positional deviation in the relative movement direction is within ±ldot. No reading errors occur. As yet another example, the width of the mark reading section is set to 3 dots, the width of the mark is set to 2 dat, for example, the width of the mark reading section is configured to be wider than the width of the mark, and the reading sensitivity is set to 273 dots on the reading surface. Adjust the sensitivity so that the mark can be read if it is over the mark, and set the judgment criteria so that if the result of two readings shows that there is a mark at least once, then it is judged that there is a mark at the mark position. For example, if the position in the relative movement direction is within ±1 dot, no reading error will occur.

In other words, as explained above, after adjusting the sensitivity so that the mark can be read even if the entire reading surface of the mark reading section does not cover the mark, the width in the relative movement direction of the mark reading section and the relative movement of the mark are adjusted. The widths in the directions may be the same, or the width in the relative movement direction of the mark reading section may be larger than the width in the relative movement direction of the mark, and the relationship between the mark reading section and the width of the mark is not limited to the above embodiment.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, for example, FIGS. 11A to 11
As shown in Figure C, the width of the optical reading aid of the mark is l.
Although a mark that is an integral multiple of dat is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and may include a mark whose width is an odd length equal to or less than ldat, such as (4.5) dat.

[Effects of the Invention] In the present invention, the territory of mark reading by the mark reading section expands along the relative movement direction of the mark reading section with respect to the recording medium, so that the positional relationship between the mark reading section and the mark is adjusted in the relative movement direction. Even if some positional deviation occurs along the line, reading errors can be prevented as much as possible, and a highly reliable information reading device can be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of a card reader/writer device which is an example of an information reading/writing device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of the card reader/writer device. FIG. 3 is a front view of the reader/writer mechanism showing a state in which the head transport mechanism has been transported to the end of the transport stroke in the back direction. FIG. 4 is a front view of the reader/writer mechanism showing a state in which the head conveyance mechanism is located midway in the conveyance direction. FIG. 5 shows a card as an example of a recording medium used in the present invention, and is a front view showing various mark rows and mark columns formed on the card. Figures 6, 8 to 6C are front views showing cards with information actually written on them, and Figure 6A is the one issued.
FIG. 6B shows the product after one use, and FIG. 6C shows the product after two uses. FIG. 7 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine as an embodiment of the gaming machine incorporating the reader/writer device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the card reader/writer device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 7. 10A, 10B, and 10D are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10C is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 9. 11A to 11C are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between the position of the horizontal mark row read sensor corresponding to the timing signal count value and the mark position of the horizontal mark row mark display field, and FIG. indicates that the mark position in the horizontal mark column mark display field is at the normal position, and
Figure 1B shows a case where the position of the horizontal mark row mark display field is shifted by ldat in the sensor movement direction (front direction),
FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a case where the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display field is shifted by 1 dat in the opposite direction (backward direction) of the sensor movement direction. FIGS. 12A and 12B are operation explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of writing predetermined information into the horizontal mark row mark display field by the thermal head. Figure 13 shows a state in which the horizontal mark row read sensor is moving in the backward direction while checking the reading of the written mark. FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the relative relationship with the mark position of the mark column mark display column. FIG. 14 is an enlarged front view of a main part of a card which is an example of the recording medium shown in FIG. 5. FIG. (A) to (X) in FIG. 15 are diagrams each showing the types of marks recorded on the recording medium. In the figure, 70 is a horizontal mark row read sensor as an example of a mark reading section, 71 is a thermal head as an example of an information writing section, and 68
182 is a detection circuit, 185 is a thermal head drive circuit, 170 is a microcomputer for controlling the card reader/writer device, 56 is a head conveyance shaft, and 56a is a spiral cutter. 51 is a reader/writer mechanism, 29 is a stepping motor, 11 is a card insertion/ejection port, 300 is a mark, 1 is a card reader/writer device as an example of an information reading device, and 150 is a card as an example of a recording medium. Figure 5 Figure 7 (B) (C-) Figure I

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An information reading device comprising a mark reading unit for reading a mark on a recording medium while moving relative to the recording medium on which a predetermined mark for information recording is recorded, comprising: a counting means for counting the relative movement amount of the mark reading section; and a reading command signal for generating a reading command signal for the mark reading section based on the count value of the counting means reaching a predetermined value. generating means, the predetermined value is determined such that the reading command signal generating means generates the reading command signal a plurality of times for one mark position, and the mark reading section further comprises: The apparatus includes a determination means for determining whether or not a mark is recorded at the mark position by comparing the result of reading one mark position multiple times in response to a reading command signal with a predetermined determination criterion. An information reading device characterized by: