JPH02301462A - Information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To record variable information in a relatively short variable information recording area to minimize the generation of a dead space by providing the variable information recording area along a relatively short first edge and a fixed information recording area along a second edge longer than the first edge on an information recording medium. CONSTITUTION:On the top surface of a card 150, a recording area to be recorded with variable information the content of which changes subsequent to the use of the card to be updated to new information is provided in a mark indication field 155, and a fixed information recording area recorded with fixed information the content of which is not varied is formed in mark fields 153, 154. By inserting the card 150 into a card reader/writer 1, the vertical mark string mark fields are read by a left vertical mark string read sensor 4 and a right vertical mark string read sensor 5, and the horizontal mark string mark field is read by a horizontal mark string read sensor 70. Required predetermined information is written on the second line of the horizontal mark string mark field by a thermal head 71. Furthermore, by inserting the card to the card reader/writer 1 for the second use of the card, written information is similarly read, and required information is written on the third line.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] The present invention is applicable to, for example, magnetic recording and thermal printing.

Regarding an information recording medium on which predetermined information is recorded by a method such as dot impact or thermal transfer, specifically, it has an outer periphery of a predetermined shape, predetermined information is recorded, and an information reading section is used to read the recorded information. The present invention relates to an information recording medium on which the recorded predetermined information is read by moving relative to the medium.

[Prior Art] This type of information recording medium, which has been generally known in the past, includes information content such as remaining usable time as it is used, such as a telephone card or an orange card. In some cases, the variable type information changes and the changing information is updated to the changed information. In addition, in this type of information recording medium, it is necessary to update the contents so that they do not change with use, such as security information, expiration date information, and usable company information (usable time report) to prevent constitutional changes to the recorded information. Fixed type information that was not available was also recorded as necessary.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] On the other hand, this type of information recording medium has a relatively short first side and a second side that is longer than the first side, such as a rectangular type. It was common to have a configuration that included

For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, a fixed information recording area 604 for recording the fixed information and a variable information recording area 606 for recording the variable information.
It is conceivable to form them in the direction along the second side 602. In addition, in the figure, 606a is a recording area in which information before the variable type information is updated is written;
b is a recording area in which the first update information of the variable information is written, and 606C is the second update information of the variable information.
A recording area 606d in which the third update information is written is an area in which the third update information of the variable information is written. However, in the case of an information recording medium in which information is written vertically as shown in FIG. In addition, since the information writing unit such as the write head moves relatively along the variable information recording area in which the next updated information is recorded, the relative movement along the relatively long second side 602 is Must be done twice,
It has the disadvantage that it takes time to move back and forth. Therefore, it is conceivable to make the variable information as compact as possible, shorten the variable information recording area 606 as shown in FIG. 21B, and shorten the relative movement distance during the information update described above.

However, in the case of such a configuration, as can be seen from FIG. 21B, a new drawback arises in that a wasteful dead space S where no information is recorded is created on the recording medium.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21C, in the case of an information recording medium in which information is written horizontally, a relatively short variable information recording area 606 is formed along a relatively small first side 600.
Since the variable type information is updated and recorded, it is possible to shorten the relative movement distance when updating the information described above without wasting space. However, the fixed type information recording area 604 in which the fixed type information is recorded must also fit within the relatively short first side 600, which has the disadvantage that the fixed type information recording capacity is restricted. occurs.

In short, conventionally, the demand for shortening the update time of variable information and the demand for increasing the storage capacity of fixed information have contradictory characteristics, and information recording media that satisfy both of these demands have been found to be It didn't exist.

In view of these circumstances, the present invention has been developed to meet the demands for shortening the update time of variable information and increasing the storage capacity for fixed information, while being able to prevent as much as possible the generation of wasteful dead space where information cannot be recorded. The purpose is to provide an information recording medium that can satisfy both of the following requirements.

[Means for Solving the Problems] This invention has an outer periphery having a predetermined shape and predetermined information is recorded thereon, and the recorded predetermined information is read by moving relative to an information reading section for reading the recorded information. An information recording medium from which information is read, comprising: a relatively short first side formed by a part of the outer periphery; and a first side longer than the first side formed by a part of the outer periphery. a variable information recording area for recording variable information whose contents change with use and are updated with new information after the change in the direction along the first side; The fixed information recording area includes a fixed information recording area in which fixed information that does not change and does not need to be updated is recorded in a direction along the second side.

[Operation] The information recording medium according to the present invention is configured of a first side with a relatively short outer periphery and a second side that is longer than the first side, and is used to record variable information that is updated. A recording area is formed in the direction along the first side, and a fixed information recording area in which fixed information that does not need to be updated is recorded is a second side.
It is formed in the direction along the side. In other words, since the information recording medium has a variable information recording area along a relatively short first side and a fixed information recording area along a second side that is longer than the first side, updating is necessary. The variable type information is recorded in a relatively short variable type information recording area to prevent the occurrence of dead space as much as possible, and the fixed type information is recorded in a relatively long fixed type information recording area.

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

1 to 3 are diagrams showing a card dispensing device 301 for dispensing a card 150, which is an example of an information recording medium according to the present invention. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing a vending machine reader/writer device (line printer) 330 that writes predetermined information on the card 150 sent out from the card sending device. These card sending devices 30
1 and vending machine reader/writer device (line printer) 3
30 is arranged so that the card 150 sent out from the card sending device 301 is automatically inserted into the card receiving slot of the vending machine reader/writer device 330, and both devices are installed integrally. ing.

Next, the structure and operation of the card dispensing device 301 will be explained based on FIGS. 1 to 3. The card dispensing device 301 is provided with a dispensing motor 302 as a drive source. A drive gear 303 is attached to the drive shaft of the delivery motor 302, and the rotational force of the drive gear 303 is transmitted to a transmission gear 304 and a transmission gear 305 via a belt 306. When the transmission gear 304 is driven and rotated, a delivery roller 307 (see FIG. 3) that is provided integrally with the transmission gear 304 is rotated.
rotates. Further, as the transmission gear 305 rotates, a drive disk 309 (see FIG. 3), which is provided integrally with the transmission gear 305, rotates. On the other hand, as the transmission gear 305 rotates, the transmission gear 305
A delivery roller 308, which is provided integrally with the feed roller 308, rotates.

Next, the card feeding device 301 includes a solenoid 317.
is provided. A state in which the solenoid 317 is not energized is shown in FIG. The lever 315 rotates around the rotation shaft 326. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the transmission roller 31 provided at the other end of the lever 315
6 is swung downward, and the driving disk 309 and the driven disk 31
The outer circumferential edge of the transmission roller 316 is brought into pressure contact with both outer circumferential edges of the transfer roller 316 (see FIG. 3).

Then, the driving force of the driving disk 309 is transferred to the transmission roller 31.
6 to the driven disk 310, and the rotational force of the driven disk 310 is transmitted to the driven roller 3 via the belt 312.
11. A delivery roller 313 is provided eccentrically by a predetermined amount with respect to the rotating shaft 326 of the driven roller 311, and as the driven roller 311 rotates, the delivery roller 313 rotates while reciprocating up and down. It is configured as follows.

In the figure, 320 is a card shortage detector, and a predetermined number of cards 150 can be stored above this card shortage detector 320. When the stock of cards 150 runs out or decreases, a card shortage detection signal is derived from the card shortage detector 320, indicating that the stock of cards has run out (or that cards should be replenished). will be done.

In the figure, 321 is a regulating member for preventing two cards from being fed. 322 is a guide roller, 323 is a through hole, 324 is a card detector, and 325 is a control board.

Next, the operation will be explained. When a card feed command signal is derived based on manual operation or the like, the feed motor 302 starts rotating based on the command signal, and the card 150 is detected by the card detector 324 for a certain amount of time. After confirmation, solenoid 317 is energized.

The reason why it is confirmed that the card 150 is not detected by the card detector 324 for a certain period of time is that the card detector 324
This is to prevent the solenoid 317 from being energized and sending out one more card 150 even though there is a card 150 remaining on the upper side of the card 4, resulting in a total of two cards being sent out. After confirming with the card detector 324 that no card is being sent out for a certain period of time, the solenoid 317 is energized to start card feeding. And solenoid 317
When energized, the clutch mechanism 314 consisting of the lever 315° rotating shaft 326 and the transmission roller 316 is switched, and the driving force of the delivery motor 302 is transmitted to the delivery roller 313, as described above. Then, the feed roller 313 rotates while moving up and down, and the feed roller 313 rotates while moving up and down.
When the card 150 moves upward, only one card 150 is pulled out and conveyed to the left in the figure. This delivery roller 313
The reason why is eccentric with respect to the rotating shaft 326 is to move the feed roller 313 up and down to pull out the cards 150 one by one to the left in the figure, thereby preventing two cards 150 from being fed.

Next, the card 150 fed out by the feeding roller 313 is transferred to the regulating member 321 while being conveyed by the feeding roller 308.
The two cards are prevented from being fed by the card, and the card is further sent out to the left in the figure by the rotational force of the delivery roller 307 while being held between the delivery roller 307 and the guide roller 322.

Then, the through hole 323 of the card detector 324 is closed by the card 150 that has been transported. This card detector 324 is composed of, for example, a light emitter and a light receiver, and is configured such that the light emitted from the light emitter and passing through the through hole 323 is received by the light receiver. It is detected that the card has been conveyed based on the fact that the light receiver stops receiving light as the light is blocked. Based on the card detection signal from the card detector 324, the solenoid 317 is de-energized, the transmission roller 316 is separated from the outer periphery of the driven disk 310 and the driving disk 309 (see FIG. 2), and the driven roller 311 The transmission of the driving force to is released, and the feeding of the card by the feeding roller 313 is stopped. In this way, by stopping the feeding of the card by the feeding roller 313 when the card 150 is detected by the card detector 324, feeding of two cards 150 is prevented. However, even at this stage, the delivery motor 302
continues to rotate, the delivery rollers 307, 30
The card 150 continues to be conveyed by the card 8, and the card 150 is further conveyed to the left in the drawing. Then, the card 150 is transferred to a vending machine reader/writer device 33, which will be described later.
0 and its card detector 351 (see Figure 5).
The feed motor 302 is controlled to stop based on the detection signal, and one feed operation of the card feed device 301 is completed.

Next, the reader/writer device for vending machines (line printer)
The structure and operation of 330 will be explained based on FIGS. 4 to 6. The vending machine reader/writer device 330 is
Card transport motor 331 as a drive source for card transport
and a line head up/down motor 336 for moving the line head 350 up and down. The card transport motor 331 is composed of a stepping motor, and the line rad up/down motor 336 is composed of a DC motor. In addition, readers for vending machines/
The writer device 330 includes a line printer mechanism 342 for writing predetermined information onto the card 150, and an image sensor 363 for determining whether the line printer mechanism 342 is recording the information correctly.

The motor shaft 331' of the card transport motor 331 includes
A driving gear 332 is integrally provided, and a belt 335 is passed between the driving gear 332 and driven gears 333 and 334.
1 drive force is applied to the motor shaft 331', drive gear 332. Respective driven gears 333, 334 via belts 335
is configured to be transmitted to The driving force transmitted to the driven gear 333 is transmitted to a card feed roller (platen roller) 357 via a rotating shaft 356, and the card feed roller 357 is rotationally driven. on the other hand,
The driving force transmitted to the driven gear 334 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 35.
2 to the card feed roller 353, and the card feed roller 353 is rotationally driven. Note that a guide roller 354 is disposed above the card feed roller 353 and is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 355 . As shown in FIG. 4, this rotary shaft 355 is given a downward rotational force about the pivot shaft 371 by the contraction force of a spring 372, and this rotational force causes the guide roller 354 to rotate downwardly.
is pressed toward the card feed roller 353 side. In this state, with the card 150 being held between the card feed roller 353 and the guide roller 354, the card feed roller 353
The card 150 is conveyed by driving and rotating the card 53. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a card feed roller 358 is attached to the rotation shaft 3 at the left end of the card conveyance path in the figure.
59. As shown in FIG. 6, the rotational force of a driven roller 368 integrally attached to the rotational shaft 356 is applied to the rotational shaft 359 by the belt 370.
．． It is configured to be transmitted via a driven roller 369, and is configured to rotate the card feed roller 358 as the card conveyance motor 331 rotates. A guide roller 360 is disposed 1' above the card feed roller 358 and is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 361. The card 150 is configured to be conveyed by rotation of the card feed roller 358 while the card 150 is held between the guide roller 360 and the card feed roller 358.

The line printer mechanism 342 includes a line head 350
and a line head pressing member 380, and a downward pressing force is applied to the line head 350 by a spring 348 inserted between the line head pressing member 380 and the line head 350. The line head holding member 380 is supported via a second arm 345 on a support shaft 343 so as to be able to swing up and down. A locking pin 346 attached to the second arm 345 is locked by a locking hook 347 as shown in FIG. The upward swinging of the head holding member 380 is restricted. Note that by rotating the locking hook 347 clockwise in FIG.
is released, and the line head holding member 380 is allowed to swing upward. On the other hand, the line head 3
50 is pivotally supported via a first arm 344 with respect to a support shaft 343 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction.

Then, a motor 33 for rad up/down to the line.
6 is applied to the motor shaft 337.6 as shown in FIG.
Drive gear 338. The transmission is transmitted to the eccentric cam 341 via the driven gear 339° rotation shaft 340, and as the eccentric cam 341 rotates, the sliding contact side 349 that is in sliding contact with the outer periphery of the eccentric cam is moved in the vertical direction, and the sliding contact side 349 is moved in the vertical direction. The line head 350, which is integrally formed with the side 349, is connected to the support shaft 3.
43 in the vertical direction.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the rotating wheel 340 includes:
A rotary plate 365 having a notch 365a formed therein is attached integrally. Further, on both sides of the rotary plate 365, line rad up/down sensors 366 and 367 are provided. These line rad up/down sensors 366 and 367 detect the position of the notch 365a of the rotating plate 365, and the line head up/down sensor 366 detects when the line head 350 reaches its downward swing stroke limit. is detected,
By the rad up/down sensor 367 to the line,
It is detected that the line head 350 has reached the upper swing stroke limit. In addition, 351,3 in the figure
62 is a card detector, 3"64 is an image sensor 363
This is an image sensor lens attached to the

Next, the operation will be explained. First, when the card 150 is detected by the card detector 351, the card transport motor 331
starts normal rotation, and the card 150 is conveyed to the left in the drawing by the card feed roller 353. Next, card 150
When detected by the card detector 362, the card transport motor 331 once stops rotating, rotates in the reverse direction, and returns the card 150 a predetermined distance to the right in the figure, then stops. In this state, the starting position for writing information to the card 150 is set. Next, the line rad up/down motor 336 starts rotating. Correspondingly, the eccentric cam 341 rotates, and the line head 350 descends. Then, at the point when the line head 350 has descended the most, the notch 365a of the rotary plate 365 is connected to the line by the rad up/down sensor 36.
Detected at 6. Based on the detection signal, the line head up/down motor 336 is controlled to stop.

Next, with the line head 350 lowered, the issue date,
Predetermined information such as a numerical mark string, a vertical key code, and a cautionary note is written on the card 150 line by line (1 dot line - 0.125 mm).

Each time one line is written, the card transport motor 331 is driven and controlled so that the card 150 is transported to the left in the figure by one dot line. When the image sensor 363 detects the card 150, the image sensor lens 364 of the image sensor 363 reads each line to check whether the predetermined information written by the line head 350 is written correctly. Let's do it. Note that the distance d between the writing position of the line head 350 and the reading position of the image sensor 363 is 27 mm (216 dot lines) in this embodiment, so when the line head writes the 216th line, the image sensor You will be able to read the line. If it is determined that the predetermined information has not been written correctly based on the reading confirmation by the image sensor 363, the process moves to error processing at that point, but the writing itself by the line head 350 continues until the end. Continued. Then, for example, a message indicating that an error has occurred is displayed, and the line head 350
When the writing is completed by the card transport motor 3,
Error processing such as controlling the stoppage of 31 is performed.

Next, after all necessary information has been written in the line head 350, the line rad up/down motor 336 is started to rotate again.

Then, at the point when the line head 350 has risen the most, the line head/up sensor 367 detects the notch 365a of the rotary plate 365. Based on the detection signal, the line rad up/down motor 336 is controlled to stop, and the line head 350 is stopped in its highest raised state. Note that even at this time, the image sensor 363 continues to read and confirm the written content. Next, when the image sensor 363 has finished reading and confirming the written content and it is determined that the writing has been performed correctly, the card transport motor 331 is rotated in a correct manner until the card 150 is completely removed from the card feed roller 358. After that, the card transport motor 331 is controlled to stop, and the issuance of the card is completed.

FIG. 7 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. 8 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
Card 150 (11th card), which is an example of a recording medium inserted from
12A, 12B, and 12C), writes necessary predetermined information on the card 150, and then ejects the card from the card insertion/ejection port 11. have The card reader/writer device 1 is
Card insertion/ejection port 11. DC motor (Mo) as a driving source 61. A stepping motor (Ms) 29 for card conveyance is also provided with various sensors and the like.

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

Then, the stepping motor (M, ) 29 rotates, and its rotational force is applied to the motor shaft 30. Gear 31a.

Belt 33. Gear 281 rotating shaft 22. Gear 20° belt 21. The signal is transmitted to the card feed roller 16 via the gear 191 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 read sensor (SW2) 4 and the right vertical mark row read sensor (SW3j5) read the left vertical mark row mark field 153 and the right vertical mark row mark field recorded on the card. Read the mark 154 (see Figure 11). In the figure, 3 is the upper mounting plate, 9 is the regulating roller, 8 is the biasing spring, 12.13 is the leaf spring, and 6 is the lower mounting plate. , 14 are clamping plates for clamping and attaching the leaf spring 12. Also, 26 is a pressure spring, and the guide roller 25
．． It has a function of pushing up the support shafts 17, 24 of 18, and is configured to press the guide rollers 25 and 18 against the corresponding card feed rollers 16 and 23, respectively.

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 568 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the head conveyance shaft 56. Then, the head transport shaft 56 is inserted into the head transport shaft insertion hole formed in the head transport member 80 . 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 an information reading section, and a thermal head 71, which is an example of an information writing section, are provided. Furthermore, the head conveying member 80
A drive pin 86 is inserted from above into the drive pin 86 so that the tip of the drive pin 86 bites into the spiral cut groove 56a,
As the head transport shaft 56 rotates, the tip of the drive pin 86 is moved in the axial direction of the head transport shaft 56 along the spiral cut groove 56a, and the horizontal mark array sensor (SW4) 70
．． Both thermal gear heads 71 are configured to move in the axial direction of the head conveyance shaft 56. In the figure, reference numeral 67 denotes a guide piece which is inserted into the head conveying member 80 and guides the movement of the head conveying member 80 in the axial direction.

In other words, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 7
Horizontal mark row mark display field 15 where 0 is written on the card while moving in the horizontal direction with respect to the card being conveyed.
5 (see FIG. 11) and moves horizontally to the card into which the thermal pad 71 is inserted, thereby writing a horizontal mark row mark in the horizontal mark row mark display field 155. has been done. In addition, 92 in the figure is a head position detection sensor (SW5), and the head conveyance member 80 is located at the shaft end of the head conveyance shaft 56 (the position shown in the figure).
This is to detect that the vehicle has been transported up to that point.

The card taken in by the card feed roller 16 is further conveyed to the right in the figure by a card feed roller 23 rotated by a stepping motor (Ms) 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 includes a gear 31b, a belt 35. The driving force of the two stepping motors (M) is transmitted through a gear 34° rotating shaft 39 to rotate them.

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 denotes an upper cover plate, which forms the upper surface of the card conveyance path. Further, reference numeral 36 denotes a rear mounting plate, which is used to mount the card feed roller 40 on the mounting board 2 side with the rotating shaft 39 pivotally supported. Further, 38 is a cover plate. A guide roller 4 is provided below the card feed roller 40.
2 is provided so as to be freely reversible, and its guide roller 42
The supporting shaft 41 of the card feed roller 4 is moved by the pressure spring 44.
It is pressed to the 0 side.

Further, 47 is a wiring protection plate, which is used to prevent the flexible lead wire 106 (see FIG. 9) 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 9).

9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the reader/writer mechanism 51, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the reader/writer mechanism 51.
10 is a front view showing a state in which the head transport mechanism is at an intermediate position in the transport direction. FIG.

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 a 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 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. 9, when the head transport mechanism 68 is transported to the end of the transport stroke in the backward direction, that is, to the right in the figure, the engagement pin 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, as shown in FIG. In this state, the contact between the thermal head 71 and the card 150 is released, and the card 1
50 will be transported smoothly.

In addition, in the figure, 81 is a shaft bottle, and the head pressure contact lever 7
3 is pivotally supported around this shaft pin 81 so as to be able to rotate up and down. Reference numeral 82 denotes a regulating pin, which comes into contact with the bearing portion 77 when the head pressure contact lever 73 is swung downward by the restoring force of the pressure contact spring 79, and restricts the downward rotation of the head pressure contact lever 73. It is something. Reference numeral 74 denotes a shaft pin for mounting the mounting base 69 to the head pressure contact lever 73. By fitting the bearing portion 72 to the shaft pin 74, the mounting base 69 is mounted rotatably around the shaft pin 74. Further, 75 is a partition wall, 78a and 78b are recesses for receiving and supporting the pressure contact spring 79, and 84
86 is a guide shaft insertion hole, and 86 is a drive pin. Further, a support piece 107 is provided protruding from the mounting body 52, and the DC motor (Mo) 61 is supported by this support piece 107.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the head transport mechanism 68
is located halfway in the conveyance direction, the engagement between the engagement pin 91 and the engagement concave surface 76 is released. Then, due to the restoring force of the pressure contact spring 79, the head pressure contact lever 73 swings downward around the shaft pin 81, pressing the mounting base 69 downward, and the thermal head 71 comes into contact with the surface of the card 150. In this state, the head transport mechanism 68 is transported laterally, so that the thermal head 71 prints a mark containing predetermined information on the surface of the card 150.
Furthermore, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70
It is configured to read marks written on the surface of the card 150.

FIG. 11 is a front view for explaining various mark rows on the front surface of the card 150. On the front surface of the card 150, a left vertical mark column mark field 153, a right vertical mark column mark field 154, a horizontal mark row mark field 155a, and a numerical value display field 155b are formed. The horizontal mark row mark display field 155 is constituted by the horizontal mark row mark field 155a and the numerical value display field 155b. Note that the horizontal mark row mark display field 155 is used to record variable information whose contents change with use and is updated to new information after the change in the direction along the first side, which will be described later. A variable information recording area is configured. In addition, the left vertical mark column mark column 153 and the right vertical mark column mark column 154
This constitutes a fixed information recording area in which fixed information whose contents do not change and does not need to be updated is recorded in a direction along a second side, which will be described later. 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 R44 from the bottom.

On the other hand, in the right vertical mark column mark column 154, R4 to R
4, a total of 44 mark fields are formed. The mark field of the left vertical mark row mark field and R7 of 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 IM, . . . ~IM1
A mark field for writing 410 is formed. As will be described later, the card edge 150a is used as a reference for transporting the card 150 so that the horizontal margin read sensor (SW4) 70 is at the center position of IMH+, and the card edge 150b is used as a reference, as described later. It is used as a reference for moving the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 to the final row of the horizontal mark row mark field 155a in order to read again the horizontal mark row once written by the thermal radar 71. Note that the card edge 150a.

150b constitutes an outer peripheral edge having a predetermined shape. Further, the card edge 150a constitutes a relatively short first side formed by a part of the outer peripheral edge. Further, the card edge 150b constitutes a second side that is formed by a part of the outer peripheral edge and is longer than the first side. Further, the recorded information does not necessarily need to be discernible with the naked eye as long as it can be read by the information reading section.

FIGS. 12A to 12C are front views showing the mark 150 after being issued, with predetermined marks actually written in various mark rows. FIG. 12A shows a card that has been issued and is still unused. Card 150 in this condition
When 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) 5 read the respective vertical mark row mark fields, and then the horizontal mark row read Sensor (SW4)
70, the horizontal mark column mark field is read. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, necessary predetermined information is written by the thermal head 71 in the second row of the horizontal mark column mark field. 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. 13 is a front view showing a state in which the card reader/writer device 1 according to the present invention is incorporated into a pachinko gaming machine 220, which is an example of a gaming 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 figure, and when a player inserts a card 150 through 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. 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 rule 234b are provided, and are configured to guide pachinko balls fired by the batting 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 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 guiding 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 device 23
A starting prize opening 238 is disposed below 7. Furthermore, the game board 233 is provided with a winning device 239. 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 (not shown) 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, Either the number of openings and closings reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times) or a predetermined number of pachinko balls (for example, 10) enter the variable winning ball device that is continuously opened and closed, whichever comes first. Continuous opening and closing is performed until

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 collecting gutter, which is configured to collect winning balls, guide them to the hit ball ejecting gutter 243, and discharge the balls from the hit ball ejecting gutter 244 to the batted ball waiting gutter 232 again.

Further, an out port 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 enter any winning holes or winning ball devices are collected from this out port 240. The balls are then guided to the hit ball discharge gutter 243 and discharged from the hit ball discharge port 244 into the batted ball waiting gutter 232. 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 light up or blink when the specific game state is established, and are used to improve the game effect. Further, 248 is a speaker, which emits a sound effect when the specific gaming state is established, or emits an alarm sound when an abnormal situation occurs. 249 is a game control microcomputer, and the variable winning ball device 237. Game effect lamp 246
247, a 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. Further, 200 is a microcomputer for controlling a pachinko game machine, the functions of which will be described later. Further, 225 is a lower decorative plate.

FIG. 14 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 RAM1 where necessary data can be written and read.
73 is included. Furthermore, an input/output circuit 174 for ensuring signal consistency between the CPU 171 and an external circuit;
A power-on reset circuit 175 that provides a reset pulse to the CPU 171 when the power is turned on, 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. Pulse frequency divider circuit 177
and an address decode circuit 178 that decodes address data from the CPU 171.

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. Further, the address decoding circuit 178 decodes the address data from the CPU 171, and decodes the address data from the ROM 172, RAM 173. 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 U 171 can be changed.

The CPU 171 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 input of each control signal described below.

First, the card 150 is inserted through 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. 11) 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 the control signal is applied to the DC motor (Mo) 61 via the motor drive circuit 187, and the head transport mechanism 68 is transported as described above. (See Figures 9 and 10). As the head transport mechanism 68 transports the head, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 reads the written information in the horizontal mark row mark field 155a (see FIG. 11) of the card 150, and the read signal is detected. circuit 1
82 to the microcomputer 170. Next, when the head transport mechanism 68 is transported to the end of the transport stroke in the back direction as described above, it is detected by the head position detection sensor (SW5) 92, and the detection signal is sent to the microcomputer 17 via the detection circuit 183.
given to 0.

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. Further, the microcomputer 170 outputs a write control signal for the thermal head, and the write control signal is applied to each of the heating elements 71a to 71g of the thermal head 71 via the thermal head drive circuit 185. . As a result, among the heating elements 71a to 71g of the thermal head 71, only the heating elements according to the write control signal from the microcomputer 170 selectively generate heat, and the horizontal mark column 155a (11th A mark containing predetermined information is written in the area (see figure).

The thermal head drive circuit 185. The detection circuit 182 and the card reader/writer device control microcomputer 170 control the moving means, and
The information reading section is operated to read the information recorded on the recording medium, and predetermined write information is given to the information writing section to cause the information writing section to perform a writing operation to record the information. A read/write control means is configured to write predetermined information on the medium. 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. 15 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. The configuration of the microcomputer 200 for controlling the pachinko game machine is similar to the configuration of the microcomputer 170 for controlling the card reader/writer device, so the explanation will be omitted here.

When the player presses the game end switch 250 (see FIG. 13), a detection signal from the game end switch 250 is sent to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 209.
given to. When a pachinko ball is ejected by the ball rod 228 (see FIG. 13), it is detected by the ejected ball sensor 230, and its detection signal is provided to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 210. If a pachinko ball wins, it is detected by the winning ball sensor 242, and the detection signal is given to the microcomputer 200 via the detection circuit 211. If the pachinko ball fired by the batting rod 228 becomes a foul ball, it is detected by the foul ball sensor 236, and the detection signal is sent to the detection circuit 21.
2 to the microcomputer 200.

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 214. 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 gaming machine control microcomputer 200 sends information regarding the operating status of the pachinko gaming machine machine and the income and expenditure of the machine to the gaming 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.

FIGS. 16A to 16C are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 15.

Next, the operations of the card reader/writer device 1 and the pachinko gaming machine 220 will be explained based on FIGS. 16A to 16C and FIG. 17. First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not the card insertion sensor (SW1) is turned on, and the process waits until it is turned on. When the player inserts the card into the card insertion/ejection port 11 (see FIG. 13), a YES determination is made in step S1 and the process proceeds to step S2, in which the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction to take in the card. Start. Then, the process advances to step S3, and the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 is connected to the card 150.
A determination is made as to whether or not the index mark IMV has been detected, and the process waits until the index mark IMV is detected. Then, when the stepping motor M8 continues to rotate normally and the card is conveyed, and the index mark IMv comes to the detection position by the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2, the left vertical mark row read sensor S
A detection signal indicating that the index mark IMv has been detected from W2 is input to the microcomputer, and step S
3, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, it is determined whether a predetermined number of pulses of the stepping motor (M, ) have been counted, and the process waits until the predetermined number of pulses have been counted. When a predetermined number of pulses have been counted, the process advances to step S5 and the stepping motor MS is stopped. The reason why the stepping motor M is stopped only after the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 has counted a predetermined number of pulses after detecting the index mark IMv is because the center of the mark such as the index mark IMv and the left vertical mark row This is to correct the deviation from the mark detection position by a read sensor such as the read sensor SW2. In other words, when using an optical reading type, a width that can be used as a mark is required so that the optical reading sensor can read the mark 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 to the index mark IMv, the reference position may be the edge of the card as in step 5188 described later, or may be a timing mark written on the surface of the card 150. Next, the process advances to step S6, and the right vertical mark row read sensor SW3 selects the right first mark (R1).
The presence/absence of the mark is read and stored (see FIG. 11). At this point, the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2)
4 has not yet reached the position of the first mark on the left (Ll). In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the right vertical mark row read sensor (SW3) 5 is shifted by one mark toward the card insertion/ejection port 11 side than the left vertical mark row read sensor (SW2) 4. This is because there is. and step S
7, the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction, and the process proceeds to step S8, where 17 pulses are counted. When the counting is completed, the process proceeds to step S9, where the stepping motor M is stopped, and in step S10, the right rotation is made. The vertical mark row read sensor SW3 reads and stores the presence/absence state of the second mark on the right (R2), and the left mark row read sensor SW2 reads and stores the presence/absence state of the first mark on the left (Ll). . Next, repeat the processing from step S7 to step SIO 41 times, and select the third one on the right (R3).
to the 43rd one on the right (R4B) and the second one on the left (L2
) to the 42nd mark on the left (L42) is read and stored. Next, the process proceeds to step 5175, where the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction, and the process proceeds to step 5176, where it is determined whether or not the pulses for one mak have been counted, until the pulses for one mak have been counted. Wait with the stepping motor M in normal rotation. Then, the pulses for one mark are counted, and when the card is conveyed in the card transport direction by one mark, step 517 is performed.
6, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step 5177, where the stepping motor M is stopped, and step 81
Proceed to 78. In step 8178, the right vertical mark row read sensor SW3 reads and stores the presence or absence of the 44th mark on the right (R44), and the left vertical mark row read sensor SW2 determines the presence or absence of the 43rd mark on the left (L43). Read and store the state. Next, the process proceeds to step 5179, in which the stepping motor M is rotated in the forward direction, and in step 5180, it is determined whether or not the pulses for one mak have been counted, and the stepping motor M is rotated until the pulses for one mak are counted. Wait with Ms rotating in the normal direction. Then, the pulses for one mark are counted, and when the card is conveyed in the card transport direction by one mark, step 5180 is performed.
When a YES determination is made, the process proceeds to step 8181, where the stepping motor M is stopped, and step 818
Proceed to step 2. In step 8182, the left vertical mark row sensor SW2 reads and stores the presence or absence of the 44th mark (L44) on the left. This completes the reading and storing of all the write data in the vertical mark row. Next step 81
The process proceeds to step 83, where it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the data in the vertical mark row. If it is determined that there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step 5228, where the stepping motor MS is reversed, the card is ejected, and the control ends. do. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the data of the vertical mark row, step 5
The process proceeds to step 184, where the stepping motor is reversed, and the process proceeds to step 5185, where the stepping motor Ms is kept in reverse until a predetermined number of pulses are counted.

This predetermined number of pulses refers to the card edge 150a (first
This is the number of pulses required to transport the card until it passes the detection position by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 (see FIG. 1). Then, the stepping motor Ms is reversed, the card is transported in the opposite direction to the transport 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 5185, and the step Step 5186 stops the stepping motor N1g, then step 518
Proceed to step 7, and slowly rotate the stepping motor M in the normal direction. Next, the process advances to the first varnish chip 5188, where it is determined whether or not the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected the card edge 150a (see FIG. 11), 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 detects the card edge when the card edge reaches 2/3 of the sensor surface and 2/3 of the sensor surface is occupied by the card surface. It is set like this. Further, when reading a mark by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, it is set so that the mark can be read and determined when 2/3 of the sensor surface is occupied by the mark.

However, the reading sensitivity of this horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is configured to be adjustable as appropriate. If the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 detects the card edge 150g, a YES determination is made in step 8188, and the process proceeds to step 8189, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of pulses have been counted. The stepping motor M is kept in normal rotation until the count is counted. This predetermined number of pulses is applied from the position where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 detects the card edge 150a to the I
This is the number of pulses required to send the card a distance M (see FIG. 11) to the center of MH. In other words, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is at rMH.

As explained in step 5188, the card edge 150a has been found to be the reference position for determining the transport distance when transporting the card so that the card is in the center of the card.
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 IMH has reached the detection position of the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, a YES determination is made in step 5189 and the process proceeds to step 5190. Then, processing is performed to stop the stepping motor M. Next, the process advances to step 5191, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is set to IM)1. A determination is made as to whether or not it has been detected. If the card is tampered with, and the IM 11 is not present in the position where it should naturally be, the No.
When this determination is made, the process proceeds to step 5228, where the stepping motor M is reversed to eject the card, and the control ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5191 that the IMM has been detected, the process proceeds to step 5192, where the stepping motor M is rotated in the forward direction to transport the card in the card transport direction. Next, the process advances to step 8193, where it is determined whether the number of pulses required to convey the card by one line of the horizontal mark row mark display field 155 (see FIG. 11) has been counted, and The stepping motor M is kept rotating in the normal direction until pulses are counted. Then, one line of pulses is counted and the card becomes one.
YE in step 8193 after being transported by the number of lines.
When a determination of S is made, the process proceeds to step 5194, where the stepping motor M8 is stopped and the process proceeds to step 5195.

In step 5195, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4
A determination is made as to whether IM,2 has been detected. If no information is written in the second line of the horizontal mark column mark display column 155 (see FIG. 11), a negative determination is made in step 5195 and the process proceeds to step 5229, in which the stepping motor M is reversed. The card is conveyed in the opposite direction to the card conveyance direction, and the process proceeds to step 8230, where it is determined whether or not pulses for one line have been counted.
Wait with the reversed position.

After the card has been conveyed by one line in the opposite direction to the card conveyance direction, a YES determination is made in step 8230, and the process proceeds to step 8231, where the stepping motor Ms is stopped and the horizontal mark rows from step 8232 onwards are Shift to read control.

On the other hand, horizontal mark row mark display field 155 (see Figure 11)
If the specified information is already written in the second line of
If YES is determined in step 5195, the process proceeds to step 5196, where the stepping motor M is rotated in the forward direction, and in step 5197, a determination is made as to whether or not pulses for one line have been counted, and the pulses for one line are counted. Wait while the stepping motor M rotates in the normal direction. Then, when the pulses for one line are counted and the card has been conveyed by one line in the card conveying direction, step 5
197, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step 5198.
Step 8199 stops the stepping motor M, and the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is set to IM.
, , is detected or not. If the predetermined information is not written in the third line of the horizontal mark column mark display field 155, a negative determination is made in step 5199 and the process proceeds to step 5229. If the predetermined information has already been written, a YES determination is made in step 5199. If the determination in step 5199 is YES, then the processes in steps 5196 to 5199 are repeated. Then, the process advances to step 8223, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4
It is determined whether or not IMHg has been detected, and if it is determined that IMHg has not been detected, the process proceeds to step 5229, but
If detected, the process proceeds to step 5224, in which the stepping motor M is rotated in the forward direction to transport the card in the card transport direction.
In step 5225, the stepping motor M is kept in normal rotation until pulses for one line are counted.

Then, when the card has been conveyed by one line, step 5
225, a YES determination is made, and step 5226
Step 52 stops the stepping motor.
27, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is set to IMHl.
, and if it is determined that it has not been detected, the process proceeds to step 8229, and if it is determined that the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 has detected IMInto, the process proceeds to step 5228, where the stepping motor M
, is reversed to eject the card and the control ends.

That is, in steps 184 to 8228, the first blank field in which no information has been written in the horizontal mark column mark field 155 (see FIG. 11) is searched, and if that blank field is found, steps 5229 to 8231 are performed. , the card is transported by one row in the opposite direction to the card transport direction, and the last row of the horizontal mark row in which predetermined information is written is searched.

Next, in step 8232, the DC motor M starts rotating, and then in step 8233, the DC motor MD
The timing signal (TG multiplication signal starts counting) generated by the TG signal output section.

Strictly speaking, counting of this timing signal starts when the head position detection sensor SW5 is switched from OFF to ON. In step 8232, the head transport shaft 56 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) starts rotating, and the head transport mechanism 68 is first transported in the front direction. Note that the pitch of the helical grooves 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 mechanism 68 in the front direction is 2 da per rotation of the DC motor M0, and the amount of movement of the head transport mechanism 68 in the back direction is the amount of movement of the head transport mechanism 68 in the front direction. It moves 4 dots per rotation. And ld.

t corresponds to the distance that the head transport mechanism 68 moves in the front direction during one period of the TG multiplied signal. In other words, the generation period of the TG multiplied signal timing signal is the same as that of the DC motor Mo. As described above, as the DC motor M rotates, a sine waveform signal for two periods is output, and as the DC motor M rotates by 1/2, a timing signal for one period is output, and the head transport mechanism 68 outputs a sine waveform signal for one dot. It will be transported in the front direction.

Next, the process proceeds to step 5234, where the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reads the horizontal mark row based on the count value of the timing signal. In other words, horizontal mark rows are written in rows on the surface of the card 150, as shown by n-1 to n-19 in FIG. It is read sequentially. The numbers attached to the left side of each arrow shown in the diagram are the count values of the timing signals, and when the count values reach the values shown in circles, such as 8, 9, and 10, the horizontal mark row read sensor Since SW4 comes to the position where a predetermined mark is written, when the count value of the circled number is reached, the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4
The card reader/writer device control microcomputer 170 is controlled to receive the read signal. In this way, since the timing of reading by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is determined based on the drive system pulse signal (T, G signal) generated from the drive source for conveying the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4, the timing of reading by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 is determined. This has the advantage that even if a change in the driving mode occurs, such as a change in the rotational speed of the drive source, the reading timing will not be distorted. Next, the process proceeds to step 8235, where it is determined whether the count value has reached a certain number, and the reading in step 8234 is continued until the count value reaches a certain number. In this example, the constant number of count values is defined as “
118'', and as shown in FIG. 18A, when the count value reaches rl18J, the horizontal mark row read sensor S
W4 reaches the final column of the horizontal mark column. When the count value reaches a certain number and the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 reaches the final row of the horizontal mark row mark column, a YES determination is made in step 8235 and the process proceeds to step 5236, where the timing signal is counted. and finish reading. However, since the DC motor continues to rotate in step 8232 even after the reading is completed, the head transport mechanism 68 continues to transport the head in the front direction. Then, the process advances to step 5237, where the head position detection sensor SW
5 is turned OFF or not, and waits until it is turned OFF. When the head transport mechanism 68 has been transported to the end of the transport stroke in the front direction, the head position detection sensor SW5 is switched OFF, so a YES determination is made in step 5237, and step 82
38, the DC motor Mo is stopped to stop the conveyance of the head conveyance mechanism 68, and the process proceeds to step 8239. In step 8239, processing is performed to convert the horizontal mark column data into numerical values based on the vertical mark column data.

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 proceeds to step 5240, 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 5228,
The stepping motor Ms is reversed to eject the card and the control is terminated. If it is determined that there is no abnormality,
After the card acceptance signal and the numerical value representing the points recorded on the card in step 5241 are output to the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer, the card acceptance control ends. From then on, games are played using the pachinko machine, and the control of the pachinko machine is controlled by the 17th
This will be explained based on the diagram.

First, in step 5242, 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 reader/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 8243, 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. 13) is operated. Next, the process proceeds to step 5244, where the playable indicator 251 (see FIG. 13) is turned on to display to the player that the game is possible. A numerical value representing the player's points that have been received is displayed on the points display 245 (see FIG. 13). Then proceed to step 5246,
It is determined whether there is a shot ball or not. If it is determined that there is no shot ball, the process proceeds to step 5248, and it is determined whether there is a chance of winning a prize. If it is determined that there is no chance of winning a prize, the process proceeds to step 5248. Proceed to 5250, determine whether there is a foul ball,
If it is determined that there is no foul ball, step 525
Proceed to step 2 and determine whether the points you have are "0" or not.
If it is determined that the points held have not reached "0" yet, the process proceeds to step 8253, and it is determined whether or not a stoppage has been established, and if it is determined that a stoppage has not yet been established, Proceeding to step 5254, it is determined whether the game end switch 250 (see FIG. 13) has been turned on, and
If it is determined that it is not N, then step 8 is performed.
A loop back to 243 is formed. During this loop, if the player operates the ball-hitting operation handle 226 (see FIG. 13) and fires a pachinko ball, the ball is detected by the ball sensor 230, and the ball is detected in step 5.
246, a YES determination is made and the process proceeds to step 5247.
Then, the process of subtracting "1" from the total points is performed. Next, if the pachinko ball hit in the gaming area wins,
The prize winning sensor 242 (see FIG. 13) detects the winning prize, and a YES determination is made in step 8248, and the process proceeds to step 5249, where the points are added to a predetermined number (
For example, a process of adding r13J) is performed. next,
If the firing force of the pachinko ball fired by the ball rod 228 is too weak and the fired ball turns into a foul ball, the foul ball sensor 236 detects the foul ball.
A YES determination is made in step 5250, and the process proceeds to step 5251, where a process of adding "1" to the points held is performed. In other words, "1" is subtracted from the score when the ball is fired by the batting rod 228 and passes the fired ball sensor 230, and the fired ball becomes a foul ball without reaching the game area 235. In this case, in step 5251, control is performed so that "1" is added to the points to make it plus or minus "0" so that the player does not feel dissatisfied. Next, if the player's points become "0", step 525
If a YES determination is made in step 2, the process proceeds to step 5257, where the player is unable to fire a ball even if the player operates the ball-hitting operation handle.

Then, the process advances to step 8258, where the playable display 250 (
(see FIG. 13) and proceeds to step 5259.
Set the timer. Then proceed to step 5260,
It is determined whether there is a chance of winning or not. If there is not, the process proceeds to step 5261, and it is determined whether or not there is a foul ball. If there is not, the process proceeds to step 5262, and it is determined whether or not the timer has expired. A loop is formed in which a determination is made and if the process has not been completed, the process returns to step 5260. During this loop, if the remaining balls still remaining in the gaming area 235 win, step 5260
A YES determination is made, and the process proceeds to step 5249. In other words, even if the ball hitting motor is disabled in step 5257, there may still be pachinko balls remaining in the gaming area at that point, 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 and the game is controlled so that the game can be played, so that the player will not be dissatisfied. If a foul ball occurs during the loop, a YES determination is made in step 5261, and the process proceeds to step 5251, where "1" is added to the points. In other words, if a foul ball is generated that flows down the ball guide rail 234a (see Figure 13) in the opposite direction after the ball hitting motor is disabled, an addition process of "1" is performed based on the foul ball. The system is configured so that the game is controlled so that the game based on the point "1" can be restarted, so that the player does not become dissatisfied.

During the loop, if the evening time ends without any winnings or foul balls occurring, a YES determination is made in step 5262, and the process proceeds to step 8263, where a card write command signal is sent. and a numerical value representing the score obtained by the player are outputted to the microcomputer for controlling the card reader/writer device, and the control is completed. Note that the timer is set to a time sufficient to determine all game results (winning or collection at the exit) due to the residual soil remaining in the game area after the ball hitting motor is disabled. .

Next, if it is determined in step 5253 that the ball has been stopped, the process proceeds to step 5255, where the ball hitting motor is disabled and the ball cannot be fired even if the player operates the ball hitting operation handle. The decision to stop in step 8253 may be made by the pachinko machine microcomputer itself, or the pachinko machine microcomputer may receive a stop command signal from the gaming hall management host computer. , and may be configured to perform termination control based on this. Next, the process advances to step 5256, where the playable indicator 250 (see FIG. 13)
is turned off and the process proceeds to step 8263, where a card write command signal and a numerical value indicating the player's points are output to the microcomputer for controlling the card reader/writer device, and the control ends.

When a game using a pachinko game machine ends, control is performed to write the player's points, which have changed due to the pachinko game, on a card and discharge it to the player. The write and eject control for the card will be explained based on FIG. 16C.

First, in step 5300, a write command is issued from the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer.

A judgment is made as to whether or not a numerical signal has been input, and the system waits until human power is available. If it is determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step 5264, where processing is performed to convert the numerical value sent from the pachinko gaming machine control microcomputer into a mark string based on the data of the vertical mark string. Next, the process proceeds to step 5265, in which the stepping motor M is rotated in the forward direction to transport the card in the card transport direction, and step 5
After 266, the stepping motor M continues to rotate in the normal direction until the pulses for one line are counted.

Then, when the pulses for one line are counted and the card has been conveyed by one line in the card conveying direction, step 5266
A YES determination is made, and the process proceeds to step 5267.
Stepping motor M is stopped, step 8268
Accordingly, DC motor M. start rotating. Next, the process advances to step 5269 and starts counting the timing signals generated from the DC motor MD. 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 proceeds to step 5270, where the TM, converted mark string, and numerical value are written based on the count value. Then, the process proceeds to step 5271, where it is determined whether the count value has reached a certain value, and the process of step 5270 is executed until the count value reaches a certain value. The fixed number determined in step 5271 is r143J in this embodiment. In other words, as shown in Figure 19B,
When the head transport mechanism is conveyed 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 43J, and in the case of writing, the count value of the timing signal is rl 43J. (1st
Since it is also necessary to write a predetermined value in the column (see Figure 1), this is the count value necessary to transport the head transport mechanism to the last row of the horizontal mark row mark display column. If the count value becomes r143J, step 5272
Then, the timing signal count is finished and the writing is finished. In this way, updated numerical information is written each time a card is inserted.
This information to be updated is written in the horizontal direction of the card, and information that is not updated, such as the reading format of the card, is written in the vertical mark column 153, 154 (first
(See Figure 1) In other words, it was written in the vertical direction of the card.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, 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, 1. Although 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, and moreover, new updated information can be written over multiple rounds. This has the advantage of ensuring a large number of information writing updates. 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 is completed in step 5272 and the writing is completed, the rotation of the DC motor Mo in step 5268 is continued, 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 8273, the horizontal mark array sensor S
A determination is made as to whether or not 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 proceeds to step 5274, where the count value of the timing signal is reset and a new count is started. Then, according to step 5275,
The written mark row is read by the horizontal mark row read sensor SW4 based on the count value. In this way, since the card edge is used as a positioning reference for starting a new count and reading the written mark row, as mentioned above, reference marks such as index marks and timing marks are written on the card surface. This has the advantage that the card surface can be effectively used for writing necessary information. Further, as described in step 5275, the thermal head 71 transfers the written information while moving in the front direction to the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 provided integrally with the thermal head 71.
Since the information reading/writing section 301 reads the information while moving in the backward direction, it is possible to easily write information and confirm the written information by moving the information reading/writing section 301 in one round trip. Next, the process proceeds to step 5276, where it is determined whether the count value has reached a certain number, and the processing in step 5275 is continued until the count value reaches a certain number. In this example, this constant number is "90".
It is. In other words, as shown in FIG. 20, when the count value reaches "90", the head transport mechanism
(See Figure 1). and step 527
6, if it is determined that the count value has reached "90", the process proceeds to step 5277, where the counting of the timing signal is ended and the reading is ended. At this point, DC
Motor MD continues to rotate. And step 52
At step 78, it is determined whether or not the head position detection sensor SW5 is turned off, and the process waits until it is turned off. If the head transport mechanism has been transported to the end of the transport stroke in the back direction, a YES determination is made in step 5278, and the process proceeds to step 5279, where the DC
The motor Mo is stopped, the mark string data read in step 5280 is converted in the opposite direction, and step 528
Go to 1. Then, in step 8281, it is determined whether the written content and the read content match. If they do not match, it is predicted that a writing error has occurred, so the process advances to step 8283, where error processing is performed. It will be done. 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 3281 that the written content and read content match, step 8284
The process proceeds to step 5282, where it is determined whether the written content is numerical value "0" information or not.
Then, the stepping motor M is reversely rotated to eject the card, and the write ejection control is completed.

Furthermore, if the determination in step 5284 is YES, the point information recorded on the card is "0".
'' and there is no need to eject the card to the player, the process proceeds to step 5286, and after the stepping motor M is rotated in the normal direction to collect the card into the machine, the write ejection control ends.

18A to 18C 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. 18A, horizontal mark row mark display field 15
The mark written in 5 has a size of 5 dots x 7 dots. 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 located at the center position in the width direction of 1MH8 (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
．． When 10, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4)
70 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 n-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 written information.

FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a case where the mark position is deviated from the normal mark position by ldo in the sensor movement direction (front direction).

When the timing signal count value is 0, the horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 exists at the position indicated by the illustrated grid in IMH1. In this state, the head transport mechanism moves, the horizontal mark row read sensor moves in the front direction, and reading is started when the timing signal count value reaches "8". Then, as shown in the figure, when the count values are "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. However, when the count value of the timing signal is "8", 1/3 of the reading area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 protrudes to the left from the mark n-1, so the horizontal mark Depending on the setting of the reading accuracy of the column read sensor 70, there is a possibility that a determination that there is no mark will be detected and output. but,
Even if it is determined that there is no mark, that is, a space, when the count value of this timing signal is "8", the timing signal count value is "8" or "
If it is determined that a mark is present in two or more of the detection results detected at three locations up to 10'', it is determined that a mark is present in total as described above. In this way, accurate reading is possible even when the mark positions are shifted by ld and ot.

Figure 18C shows that the actual mark position is 1 da in the opposite direction of the sensor movement direction (front direction) from the regular mark position.
It is a figure showing the case where it deviates by t. In this case, contrary to FIG. 18B, 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 time of detection, and in this case as well, If it is determined that a mark is present twice from the three detection results, it is determined that a mark is present as a total, and accurate reading becomes possible.

As shown in the figure, there is a margin of 1 dat upward for the mark relative to the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, so even if the actual mark position is 1 dat higher than the normal mark position.
Even if the horizontal mark row read sensor 70
Accurate reading is performed.

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. 19A and 19B 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, when the thermal head 71 is moved from the normal stop position to the front direction (rightward) by 22 do, the thermal head 71 is
It comes to the left end position of NH(n+1). Write from there 2
Start. In addition, thermal head 71 to 24do
A horizontal mark row read sensor (SW4) 70 is located at a position t minutes apart in the front direction (rightward direction). Soshiso,
If you want to write a mark at the mark position of IM)I (n+1) as shown in FIG. 19B, 2. 3.4° Only the heating element numbered 5.7 is selected and turned on, and only the selected heating element generates heat to write information on the card surface. Next, when the count value of the timing signal is 123'', 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, the timing signal count value is “25”
When , all seven heating elements generate heat. Then, when the timing signal count value is "26", 2,
Information is recorded on the card surface by selectively generating heat from only the heating elements 3, 4, 5, and 7. In this way, the 18th A
A mark in the shape as shown in FIGS. 18-18G is written on the card surface.

Next, the count value of the timing signal is "27" or "
30'' is between the mark positions, so all the 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" as described 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 heating 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 field 155b (see FIG. 11). First, if you want to print the number "4" in the 23rd column, the 4.5 heating element is selectively heated when the timing signal count value is r133J, and the timing signal count value is r133J.
When the count value is r135J, the 3°5 heating element is selectively made to generate heat, and when the count value is r135J, the 2.5° heating element is selectively made to generate heat. Further, when the count value is r136J, all the heating elements are made to generate heat, and when the count value is r137J, only the fifth heating element is selectively made to generate heat. As a result, "4" is printed in the 23rd column. Next, when printing "2" in the 24th column, similarly to the above, the timing signal count value is "1" between r139J and r143J as shown in the figure.
Printing is performed by selectively generating heat only in the heating elements corresponding to the display. Note that the distance between the normal stopping position of the thermal head and the right end of the mark position of (n+1)-24 is 143
It is dat. Then, the timing signal count value is r
After writing the information at 143J, the writing ends.

As explained in FIG. 19A, FIG. 2, and FIG. 19'B, FIG. 20 shows that the written information written by the thermal head is read while moving the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 in the backward direction (to the left in the figure). It is a figure explaining operation when confirming.

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 array read sensor 70 detects the card edge 150b in a state where 2/3 of the reading area of the horizontal mark array 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 5274, where the timing signal count is reset and a new count is started.
At the illustrated position of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, the count value of the timing signal becomes "0". Since the pitch in the back direction of the spiral cut grooves 56a (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the head conveyance 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 horizontal mark row read sensor 70 moves in the backward direction by 2 dots while the count value of the timing signal increases by 1. As a result, the count value of the timing signal is r31J
, r32J, r34J, r35J, etc., the mark position and sensor completely overlap, and the number of times of overlap is two for one mark position. In this embodiment, each mark is picked up twice, and if the mark is detected more than once, it is determined that there is a mark at that position (However, IMo
(n+1) is read only once).

Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the reading sensor and the mark is misaligned, 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 backward movement, the mark row read sensor 70 is
It may be configured to move the dot in the front direction and slowly and carefully check the reading again.

In addition, since the mark written in this horizontal mark row mark field has a larger area than the reading area of the horizontal mark row read sensor 70, the central part of the mark read by the horizontal mark row read sensor 70 (3dotX3da
You can freely design the outside part other than the t part. In other words, even if the outside part is freely designed, as long as the writing position of the mark does not shift significantly, there will be no problem in reading by the horizontal mark row read sensor 70. As a result, Figures 18A to 18C
As shown in FIGS. 20 and 20, it is possible to make the shapes of the horizontal mark rows unique and give the marks character.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, variable information that requires updating is stored in a relatively short variable information storage area, and dead space can be prevented as much as possible, while fixed information is stored in a relatively short variable information storage area. Since it is stored in a relatively long fixed information storage area, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the generation of wasted dead space where information cannot be stored, but there is a need to shorten the update time of variable information and the storage capacity of fixed information. It is possible to realize an information storage medium that can satisfy both the demand for an increase in data and the demand for an increase in the number of users.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows the internal structure of a card dispensing device for dispensing a card, which is an example of an information recording medium according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram seen from the side when a clutch mechanism 314 is in an ON state. FIG. 2 is a side configuration diagram showing the card transport device when the clutch mechanism 314 is in the OFF state. FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the card transport device, and is a configuration diagram of the card transport device seen from above. FIG. 4 is a side view of a reader/writer device (line printer) for a vending machine. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the line head of the vending machine reader/writer device in a lowered state. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram seen from above, showing a state in which the line head of the reader/writer device for a vending machine is lowered. FIG. 7 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. 8 is a side view showing the structure of the card reader/writer device. FIG. 9 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. 10 is a front view of the reader/writer mechanism showing a state in which the head transport mechanism is located at an intermediate location in the transport direction. FIG. 11 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 fields formed on the card. Figures 12A to 12C are front views showing the cards on which information is actually written. Figure 12A is the card at the time of issue, Figure 12B is the card after one use, and Figure 12C is the card after being used once. It is a figure which shows the thing after several times use. FIG. 13 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine incorporating the card reader/writer device according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the card reader/writer device. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for controlling the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 13. 16A to 16C are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 15. 18A to 18C 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 8B shows a case where the position of the horizontal mark row mark display field is shifted by 1 dat in the sensor movement direction (front direction).
FIG. 18C is a diagram showing a case where the mark position in the horizontal mark row mark display column is shifted by 1 dat in the opposite direction (backward direction) of the sensor movement direction. FIGS. 19A and 19B 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 20 shows a state in which the horizontal mark row read sensor is moving in the backward direction while checking the reading of written marks, and shows the position and horizontal position of the horizontal mark row read sensor that moves in response to a timing signal. FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the relative positional relationship with the mark position of the mark column mark display field. 21A, 21B, and 21C are plan views each showing a comparative example and showing a layout of a card as an example of an information recording medium. In the figure, 150 is a card, 150a is a card edge, 15
0b is card edge, 153 is left vertical mark column mark column,
154 is a right vertical mark column mark field, and 155 is a horizontal mark column mark display field. Written amendment (λ) 1. Indication of the case 1999 Patent Application No. 124028 1999
Patent application 2 submitted on May 17th, name information of the invention 3 Media 3, relationship with the case of the person making the amendment Patent applicant address 6-460 Sakaino-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture Name Sankyo Co., Ltd. Representative Person: Kunio Busujima 4, Agent address: 2-1-29 Minamimorimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka Sumitomo Bank Minamimorimachi Building Telephone: Osaka (06) 361-2021 (
5. Amendment Order No. 1] dated August 29, 1999 6. Drawing subject to amendment 7. Contents of amendment Figure 12A of the drawing clearly drawn in sufficiently deep black using appropriate paper; Figures 12B and 12C are as attached (no changes to the contents). ' Below L

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] Information having an outer periphery of a predetermined shape, on which predetermined information is recorded, and in which the recorded predetermined information is read by moving relative to an information reading section for reading the recorded information. A recording medium, comprising: a relatively short first side formed by a part of the outer periphery; and a second side longer than the first side, formed by a part of the outer periphery. a variable information recording area for recording variable information in the direction along the first side, the content of which changes as the content changes and is updated to new information after the change; and a variable information recording area in which the content is updated without changing. An information recording medium comprising: a fixed information recording area in which unnecessary fixed information is recorded in a direction along the second side.