JPH031365A - Magnetic card encoder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent illegal use such as arbitrary copying, of a magnetic card by writing a control code, which controls various function provided in a mag netic card encoder, to the magnetic card. CONSTITUTION:A write means is provided to write a control code SC, which control the various function provided in a magnetic card encoder 1, to a magnetic stripe 10 of a magnetic card C. When the magnetic card C is used as a start-up card S, format information F, which are composed of unreloadable fixed data DP1 and DP2 and variable data recording area DV to freely input desired data, are recorded to the magnetic stripe 10 from the second digit to 38th digit of the data recording area, for example. Then, prescribed discrimination codes AC1 and AC2 (such as 'EE' and 'FF', for example) to be used also as a start code and an end code are written to the first digit and 39th digit. Thus, the illegal use such as arbitrary copying of the magnetic card C is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a magnetic card encoder that writes desired data to be recorded on a magnetic stripe of a magnetic card or reads written data.

[Conventional technology]

This type of magnetic card encoder is used for purposes such as writing various data onto magnetic cards issued as cash cards, cards, membership cards, etc., and reading the data written on the magnetic cards to provide specific services. has been done.

However, if this magnetic card encoder allows anyone to freely write and read data on a magnetic card, there is a risk that the magnetic card will be forged, altered, or fraudulently issued.

Therefore, the present applicant has adopted a new method in which a plurality of startup cards, called master magnetic cards, on which format information is individually recorded magnetically is prepared, and the format information of the startup cards is read and temporarily stored in memory. This makes it possible to change fixed data without increasing the memory storage capacity (
(Refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-39268), a predetermined identification code is recorded on the start-up card for exclusive use by the operator.It also has the same function as the D card to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication of the magnetic card. proposed a magnetic card encoder (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 129775/1983).

This allows anyone other than the specific operator who owns the startup card to forge a magnetic card without permission.

Although fraudulent duplication will be prevented, those who have a Start Amplifier card must - by law, perform a reading process on all data written on the magnetic card and read format information, both fixed and variable data. There remained a problem in that it was possible to read the magnetic card, and also to uniformly execute the write process of writing desired data onto the magnetic card.

In other words, when you do not want the operator of the magnetic card encoder to know the contents of fixed data in the format information,
Even in cases where it is sufficient to read only the contents of variable data, it is not possible to restrict the execution of reading processing depending on the operator's responsibilities, etc., and limit the contents of formant information that can be read. There wasn't.

Therefore, an operator who is not responsible for the issuance of magnetic cards may execute a write process based on the read formatter information and copy a magnetic card with the same data recorded thereon without permission, or may change the data contents without permission. There was a risk of fraud, such as altering the magnetic card by making changes to the card.

Furthermore, in the conventional magnetic card encoder, when using the various functions of the magnetic card encoder, the operator had to operate the keyboard one by one to manually control the functions.

For example, there is a function to specify the ejection direction of the magnetic card as either forward or backward depending on the installation location and purpose of the magnetic card encoder, and a function to specify the print format when outputting the data contents of the magnetic card to an external printer. The functions to choose,
The operator had to operate the keyboard each time to control each function according to the situation, which increased the operational burden on the operator, and also caused problems such as ejecting the magnetic card in the wrong direction and printing format incorrectly. There was a risk of human operation errors such as making the wrong selection.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Therefore, the present invention prevents fraudulent acts such as unauthorized duplication of magnetic cards by operators who are not responsible for the issuance of magnetic cards, reduces the operational burden on the operators, and reduces human operational errors. The purpose is to prevent
In order to achieve this purpose, the technical problem is to be able to appropriately control various functions of a magnetic card encoder, such as a reading processing function, a writing processing function, and a card ejection direction selection function.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a magnetic card encoder that writes desired data to be recorded on the magnetic stripe of a magnetic card or reads written data, and provides a control code that controls various functions of the magnetic card encoder. is characterized by comprising a writing means for writing in an area other than the data recording area between a start code and an end code recorded in order to detect the start and end of data written on the magnetic stripe of a magnetic card. .

[Effect]

The magnetic card encoder according to the present invention is equipped with a writing means for writing control codes for controlling various functions of the magnetic card encoder onto the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card. When using a magnetic card with a control code recorded thereon to control write processing functions as a startup card, depending on the responsibility of the operator of the magnetic card encoder, the receptionist should only perform the reading process, and the accounting staff should only perform the reading process. The person responsible for issuing the magnetic card may be required to perform both reading and writing processes, or for the reading process, the person responsible for issuing the magnetic card must be able to handle all data recorded on the magnetic card (for example, format information). It is possible to allow other people to read only the variable data of the format information.

Therefore, by appropriately changing the control code written to the magnetic card used as a startup card, it is possible to limit the functions that can be executed (reading processing functions and writing processing functions) according to the responsibilities of the operator of the magnetic card encoder. Furthermore, since the readable contents of data recorded on the magnetic card can be restricted, fraudulent acts such as unauthorized copying of the magnetic card by an operator who is not responsible for issuing the magnetic card can be prevented.

In addition, various other functions of the magnetic card encoder can be achieved by writing a predetermined control code on the magnetic card, such as automatically specifying the ejection direction of the magnetic card as forward or backward, or automatically specifying the ejection direction of the magnetic card. When outputting data content to an external printer, the print format can be automatically selected, which eliminates the need for the operator to operate the keyboard each time to control these functions as in the past. It is possible to reduce the operational burden and eliminate human operational errors in controlling various functions.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the control code is stored in an area other than the data recording area between the start code and the end code recorded for detecting the start and end of data written on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card, for example, the end code. Since the control code is recorded in the area after the control code, the control code can be added without reducing the recording capacity of desired data (for example, fixed data or variable data of format information) at all.

In addition, with a normal magnetic card encoder, data written in an area other than the data recording area between the start code and the end code is not read, or even if it is read, except for the horizontal redundancy code (LRC). Since it is often not treated as valid data, there is a low probability that the owner of such a normal magnetic card encoder will know the control code written on the magnetic card, and there is a risk of fraudulent acts such as duplication of the magnetic card. The rate can also be kept low, and the authenticity of the magnetic card can be ensured.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be specifically described below based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a magnetic card encoder according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flow sheet thereof, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing recorded contents of a magnetic card issued by the magnetic card encoder according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure, and FIGS. 5+11 to (4) are explanatory diagrams showing the printing format of the printer specified by the control code.

In the figure, 1 is a magnetic card encoder, which includes a case body 2 integrally molded from plastic, a flat keyboard 3 disposed on the top surface of the case body 2, and a magnetic card encoder disposed behind the keyboard 3. LCD display board (display device) 4
, a key switch 5 disposed on the left side of the case body 2 , and a card insertion portion 6 disposed on the right side of the case body 2 .

The card insertion portion 6 is formed with a card insertion lower and 8 at the front and back for inserting and ejecting the magnetic card C, and inside thereof is a card insertion lower or a card conveyor that automatically conveys the magnetic card C inserted from the 8. Mechanism 9 (shown in Figure 2);
A magnetic head 11 for both writing and reading is provided to write desired data or read written data by slidingly contacting the magnetic stripe 10 of the magnetic card.

Incidentally, reference numeral 12 is a recessed portion for fitting the sample card 13 in a predetermined direction, which indicates the insertion direction of the magnetic card C.

When the magnetic card C is used as a startup card S, fixed data DPI and DP2 that cannot be rewritten are written on the magnetic stripe 10 from the 2nd digit to the 38th digit of the data recording area, for example, as shown in FIG. and a variable data recording area DV where desired data can be input freely.
The format information HF consisting of
J) is recorded.

Additionally, a horizontal redundancy code (LRC) is recorded at the 40th digit after the road code 3FF (AC2), and 4th from the 41st digit.
A control code SC for controlling various functions of the magnetic card encoder 1 is recorded in the control code setting area of the 8th digit.

This control code SC is represented by characters such as rQJ, rlJ, etc., and a control code SC1 for controlling the reading and writing functions of the magnetic card of the magnetic card encoder 1 is recorded in the 41st digit, When the control code SCI is "0", both the data writing process to the magnetic card C and the reading process of the written data are possible, and when it is "1", the writing process is possible. It is set to be prohibited and only the reading process is possible, and a control code S02 that controls the range of data displayed in the reading process is recorded in the 42nd digit, and the control code SC2 is If it is "0", all of the format information F of the magnetic card C (fixed data D
PI and DP2 and the variable data in the variable data recording area DV) are displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4, and if they are "1", the fixed data DPI and D of the format information F are displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4.
P2 is indicated by a blank font, and is set so that only the variable data in the variable data recording area DV is displayed.

Furthermore, in the 43rd digit, a control code SC3 for controlling the card ejection direction selection function in the card transport mechanism 9 is recorded, and when the control code SC3 is "0", the card is ejected forward, If it is "1", it is controlled to be ejected backwards, and the 45th to 48th digits contain a control code SC that specifies the printing format of the external printer 26.
4 is recorded, and for example, if "1" is recorded in the 45th digit, print the serial number as shown in Figure 5 (1) and record "1" in the 46th digit. If "1" is recorded in the 47th or 48th column, the serial number and format information F are printed on different lines as shown in Figure 5 (2). ) or (4), it is set to instruct the addition of one line or two line feeds, respectively.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic card encoder 1 includes an interface circuit 21. A control device 2 consisting of a microcomputer having an arithmetic device 22 and a storage device 23
0 is placed.

Here, the interface circuit 21 has a keyboard 3 on its input side. When the key switch 5 is connected, the read signal from the magnetic helad 11 is input, and the output side is connected to the liquid crystal display panel 4, the motor 24 of the card transport mechanism 9, and so on. A drive circuit 25 for the magnetic helad 11, an external printer 26, etc. are connected.

The arithmetic processing unit 22 executes the process of issuing a startup card S when a device-specific code and a predetermined encrypted code that is lost for the first time are input, and when the start amplifier card S is inserted for the first time, the processing unit 22 executes the process of issuing the startup card S. The identification codes ACI, AC2, format information F, and control code SC recorded on the card S are processed based on the read signal from the magnetic head 11 and stored in the storage device 23.

Then, based on the control code SCI, a write process is executed to write the formant information F and desired data on the magnetic stripe 10 of the magnetic card C, or a read process is executed based on the control code ')C2. Run,
Predetermined data is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4.

Further, the storage device 23 stores a predetermined code that matches the identification codes AC1 and AC2 of the start amplifier card S, an encryption code unique to the device, and a predetermined code that matches the control code SC. At 22, a processing program is stored for controlling the card transport mechanism 91M1, the head 11, etc., so as to read the control code SC written in the 41st to 48th digits of the recording area of the magnetic card C.

Hereinafter, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the arithmetic processing unit 22 executes the issuing process of the magnetic card C used as the startup card S, and the writing process and reading process of the magnetic card using the startup card S. The processing procedure to do this will be explained.

When the key switch 5 is turned on, the device is started and the execution of the process shown in FIG. Move to step (2).

In step (2), in order to prompt the insertion of the startup card S, a message such as "Read" is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4.
5tart-up Card! Display messages such as J.

Next, the process proceeds to step (3), and it is determined whether or not the startup card S has been inserted into the card insertion part 6. If the startup card S has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step (4), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined encryption code has been input. Determine.

Then, if the encryption code is not input, step (2)
), and when it is input, the process moves to step (5).

In step (5), it is determined whether the input encryption code matches a preset device-specific code, and -
If there is no loss, the process returns to step (2), and if there is a match, the process proceeds to step (6).

In step (6), in order to set the format information iF and control code SC, the data recording area (from the 2nd digit to the 38th digit) and the control code setting area (from the 41st digit to the 48th digit) are closed. First, "0" is displayed on the liquid crystal display vi4, and a predetermined cursor control is performed to move the cursor position to the beginning position of the data recording area where "0" is displayed.

Next, the process moves to step (7), and the format information F consisting of the desired fixed data DPI, DP2 from the keyboard 3 by the manual keystrokes and the variable data recording area DV specified by the manual keystrokes, for example, in "%", is inputted by the manual keystrokes. The control code SC set as "0" or "1" is sequentially stored in a predetermined storage area of the 4fl device 23 and displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4.

Then, the process moves to step (8), and it is determined whether the input from the keyboard 3 is completed.

This determination is made based on whether or not a predetermined write completion key indicating that the input of variable data has been completed is pressed. If the key is not pressed, the process waits until it is pressed, and if it is pressed, step (9) ).

This determination is made by determining whether or not there is a variable data recording area DV. If there is no variable data recording area DV (if "%" is not input), a write error is determined and step (9a) is performed. For example rWrong 5t
art-up format! A message such as J is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4 and the process returns to step (6). If there is a variable data recording area DV, the process proceeds to step (10).

In this step αω, the drive circuit 25 of the magnetic herad 11
is set to write mode, and moves to step (11) to prompt the insertion of the magnetic card C, which will become the start amplifier card S.rlnsert! Messages such as J are displayed on the LCD display board 4.
to be displayed.

Next, the process moves to step (12) and waits until the magnetic card C is inserted, and when the magnetic card C is inserted, the process proceeds to step (13).
), the motor 24 of the card transport mechanism 9 is activated to automatically transport the magnetic card C, and a write signal is output to activate the drive circuit 25 of the magnetic helad 11.

Then, the process moves to step (14), where a write process is executed according to the write signal, and the format information F consisting of the fixed data DPI, DP2 and the variable data recording area DV stored in the storage device 23 and the startup card S
Identification codes AC1, Ac2 and control code SC
are sequentially written into the data recording area and control code setting area of the magnetic stripe 10 of the inserted magnetic card C.

When the writing process is completed, the process moves to step (15), where a confirmation mode is set to confirm the data written in step (14), and the drive circuit 25 of the magnetic helad 11 is switched to the reading side.

Then, proceeding to step (16), the magnetic card C is transported by the card transport mechanism 9, and the format information iF written on the magnetic stripe 10 and the identification code ACI are transferred.
, AC2, and control code SC, and store them in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 23, and step (17)
).

In step (17), it is determined whether the data read in step (16) and the data entered in step (7) match or not. If they do not match, the process moves to step (18) and a predetermined error message is sent. is displayed, the process moves to step (19), the magnetic card C is ejected, and the process returns to step (6).

In addition, - if defeated, proceed to step (20) and display a message such as rverifiedJ indicating completion of verification on the liquid crystal display board 4, then proceed to step (21),
Magnetic card C issued as Start Amplifier Card S
・Discharge and return to step (2).

The above is the issuing means for the magnetic card C used as the startup card S.

Next, the arithmetic processing unit 2 is used when the magnetic card encoder 1 performs write processing and reading processing for general magnetic cards.
The second processing procedure will be explained.

In step <3), the startup card S
is inserted into the card insertion part 6, the process moves to step (22), where the motor 24 of the card transport mechanism 9 is started to automatically transport the startup card S, and at the same time, the stripe of the magnetic card C of the startup card S is Format information F recorded in IO and identification code AC
i, AC2, and control code 5C (SCI to 5C4) are read, temporarily stored in the buffer memory in the storage device 23, and the startup card S is ejected.

Next, the process moves to step (23), and it is determined whether the identification codes ACI and AC2 match a predetermined code stored in the storage device 23 in advance.

If the identification codes Act and AC2 do not match the predetermined codes, that is, if it is determined that the card is not the startup card S, the process moves to step (24), and an error message is displayed on the liquid crystal display vi4. The contents of the buffer memory are erased, and step (
Return to 2).

Further, in step (23), the identification code AC1,
If AC2 matches a predetermined code, that is, if it is determined that the card is the startup card S, the process moves to step (25).

In step (25), the control code SCI stored in step (22) is determined, and the control code SCI is determined.
If the CI is rOJ, the process moves to step (26) because it has been set in advance so that write processing can be executed.

In step (26), the drive circuit 25 of the magnetic head 11
It is determined whether a predetermined write switch 3a for setting the write mode is pressed.

If the write switch 3a is pressed, the process moves to step (27) and only the format information F of the data stored in the buffer memory is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 23. After switching the drive circuit 25 to the write mode, the process moves to step (28).

In step (28), the control code SC2 stored in step (22) is determined, and the control code SC2 is determined.
If C2 is "0", the process moves to step (29), where all of the format information F is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4, and then the process moves to step (31), where the control code SC2 is set to rlJ.
In the case of step (30), the fixed data DP1 . Represent DP2 in blank letters and write variable data i! ? After displaying only the contents of the variable data of the fi area DV, the process moves to step (31).

In step (31), predetermined cursor control is performed,
Position the cursor at the beginning of the variable data recording area DV.

Next, the process proceeds to step (32), in which the variable data inputted manually from the keyboard 3 is sequentially stored in the buffer memory in the storage device 23 and displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4, and the process proceeds to step (33). .

In step (33), it is determined whether input from the keyboard 3 has been completed.

This determination is made by determining whether a predetermined write completion key indicating that the input of variable data has been completed has been pressed. If it is not pressed, the system waits until it is pressed; if it is pressed, The contents of the buffer memory at that time are stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 23, and step (
34).

In step (34), it is determined whether or not the magnetic card has been inserted, and if it has not been inserted, the system waits until it is inserted;
Once inserted, the process moves to step (35).

In step (35), the motor 24 of the card transport mechanism 9
At the same time, the fixed data DPI and DP2 stored in the storage device 23 are activated and the magnetic card is automatically transported.
The variable data input in step (32) and a start code and an end code (for example, "5FFJ and r$FFj") that are different from the identification codes Act and AC2 are written on the magnetic stripe 10 of the magnetic card.

When the writing process is completed, the process moves to step (36).
A confirmation mode is set to confirm the data written in step (35), and the drive circuit 25 of the magnetic head 11 is switched to the reading side.

Then, the process moves to step (37), where the card transport mechanism 9 transports the magnetic card, reads the fixed data DPI, DP2 and variable data written on the magnetic stripe 10 from the magnetic helad 11, and stores them in the storage device. 23 in a predetermined storage area, and the process moves to step (38).

In step (38), it is determined whether the data read in step (37) and the data written in step (35) match.

When the two match, the process moves to step (39), where a check display (for example, r-Check J) is displayed, and then the process moves to step (40), where the magnetic card on which the writing process has been completed is ejected. Then return to step (26).

Here, the ejection direction of the magnetic card is determined by the step (22).
), and if the control code SC3 is rOJ, the magnetic card is ejected from the front card insertion lower and the control code SC3 is set to "1".
In this case, the card is ejected from the rear card insertion slot 8.

Further, if it is determined that there is a mismatch in the step (38), the process moves to step (41), in which, along with the check display, a specific symbol (for example, "?", etc.) is displayed at the location of the mismatch. After the error sound is emitted, the process moves to step (40).

On the other hand, in step (25), the control code SC1 is "
1" and if the write switch 3a is not pressed in step (26), step (
42), the reading process is executed.

In step (42), the system waits until a magnetic card according to the issuing method is inserted, and if it is inserted, the process moves to step (43), where the motor 24 of the card transport mechanism 9 is started and the magnetic card is automatically inserted. At the same time as the magnetic card is transported, the data recorded on the magnetic stripe 10 of the magnetic card is read and stored in the puffer memory of the storage device 23, and step (44)
).

In step (44), the read data is compared with the formant information F stored in step (22), and if the fixed data DPI and DP2 do not match, a predetermined error message is sent in step (45). After displaying, the process returns to step (42), and if there is a match, the process moves to step (46).

In step (46), the control code SC2 stored in step (22) is determined. If the control code SC2 is rOJ, the process moves to step (47), and the read data is After displaying everything on the liquid crystal display board 4, return to step (42) and display the control code SC2.
If is "1", the process moves to step (4th day), in which the fixed data portion of the data is indicated in blank letters and only the contents of the variable data are displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4, and then step (4th day) is performed.
Return to 2).

The above is an example of the configuration of the present invention, and its operation will be explained next.

First, when issuing a magnetic card C to be used as a startup card S, turn on the key switch 5 and display rRead 5tart-up on the liquid crystal display board 4.
When Card I J is displayed, [Step (2)
)], when a predetermined code is input from the keyboard 3, the data recording area and control code window area for setting the format information and control code SC are displayed as "0" on the liquid crystal display board 4 [step ( 4) to (6)].

Here, by operating the keyboard 3, input the desired fixed data DPI and DP2 into the data recording area, and
For example, by specifying the variable data recording area DV with "%", formant information F can be set, and a desired control code SC (SC) can be set in the control code setting area.
I-3C4) can be specified [step (7)
].

When the input of format information F and control code SC is completed, press the write completion key (step 81). After the characters "R In5ert j J" are displayed prompting you to insert the magnetic card C, try to issue it as a startup card. If you insert the magnetic card C into the card insertion part 6,
Formant information F and identification codes ACI, AC2 input from the keyboard 3 are written to the data recording area (1st to 39th digits) of the magnetic stripe 10, and a preset horizontal redundancy code (LRC) is written to the 40th digit. written in
The control code SC is written in the control code setting area (41st to 48th digits) of the magnetic stripe 10, and an arbitrary start amplifier card S is issued [step (10
) ~ (21) ).

In this way, the startup card S issued using the magnetic card encoder 1 can be arbitrarily set with the control code SC that controls various functions of the device. A startup card S with limited functions can be issued.

Therefore, depending on the operator's responsibilities, it is possible to have the operator perform only the reading process of the magnetic card, or to impose restrictions on the data content that can be read, and for other functions as well.
Automatic control is now possible without the operator having to operate the keyboard.

The control code SC also includes an end code (AC2) recorded at the 39th digit to detect the end of the data recording area.
Since the control code SC is written in the control code setting area (41st to 48th digits) after SC, the control code SC can be added without reducing the recording capacity of the data recording area.

Furthermore, with ordinary magnetic card encoders, data written in areas other than the data recording area, such as after the end code, is not read, or is treated as valid data even if read, except for the horizontal redundancy code (LRC). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the probability that the control code SC recorded on the start-up card S is known by someone who has such a normal magnetic card encoder, and to prevent fraudulent acts such as duplication of the start-up card. The incidence can be kept low.

Next, if you want to use this startup card S to write and read a magnetic card, turn on the key switch 5 and press ReadStart.
Up Card! When J is displayed [step (2)), when the startup card S is inserted, the format information F, identification codes ACI, AC2 and control code SC are read, and when the control code SC1 is rOJ, the write switch 3a is When is pressed, the writing process becomes possible [steps (22) to (26)).

Then, if the control code SC2 is "0", all of the format information F is displayed [step (29)].
, if the control code SC2 is rlJ, the fixed data DP
1. The portion of DP2 is indicated in bold, and only the variable data in the variable data recording area DV is displayed [step (30)
).

Next, after entering desired variable data into the variable data recording area DV from the keyboard 3 and pressing a predetermined write end key, insert an unused magnetic card or a magnetic card whose data is to be rewritten. The fixed data DP1, DP2 and variable data of the format information F are written to the magnetic stripe IO of the magnetic card (steps (31) to (41)), and a new magnetic card can be issued or reissued.

Note that the control code SC1 of the startup card S is r
In the case of lJ, only reading processing can be performed, and writing processing cannot be performed.

Therefore, by appropriately changing the control code written in the supplied startup card S depending on the operator's responsibilities, a specific operator can be prohibited from issuing a new card or rewriting data, and can only perform the reading process of the magnetic card. be able to.

Next, to explain when performing magnetic card reading processing, the control code SCI of the startup card S is [
1", only the reading process can be performed, so the reading process can be executed directly [Step (25
)], if the control code SCI is "0", the read process is ready to be executed when the write switch 3a is not pressed [step (26)].

Next, a magnetic card is inserted into the card insertion part 6, and if the fixed data of the magnetic card matches the fixed data DPI, DP2 of the format information IF registered in the storage device 23, the recorded data is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel. 4 will be displayed.

Here, if the control code SC2 recorded on the startup card S is rOJ, all of the data recorded on the magnetic card is displayed, and the control code SC2 is "
1, only variable data of the recorded data is displayed.

Therefore, the content that can be read from the data recorded on the magnetic card can be restricted depending on the operator's responsibilities, which prevents fraud such as copying of the magnetic card by an operator who is not responsible for issuing the magnetic card. It can be prevented.

Further, the data contents of the read magnetic card are outputted to the printer 26 as necessary, and the printing format can be specified by a control code SC4.

Furthermore, when performing the write processing and reading processing, the control code SC3 of the startup card S is "0".
In this case, the processed magnetic card is ejected from the front card insertion lower, and the control D-1'5C37! l<rl
In the case of J, the magnetic card is ejected from the rear card insertion slot 8, so the ejection direction of the magnetic card can be automatically selected depending on the installation location of the magnetic card encoder, the manner of use, etc. It is possible to reduce the operational burden that the operator has to perform each control by operating the keyboard 3, and also to eliminate human operational errors.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the startup card S
We have explained the case where the reading processing function, writing processing function, card ejection direction selection function, and print format specification function among the various functions of the magnetic card encoder are controlled by the control code sc written in the magnetic card encoder. The invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to control other functions of a magnetic card encoder.

Further, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the control code sc is added to the magnetic card C having a data recording area of 40 digits, but the control code sc is not limited to this, but the control code sc may be added to a magnetic card having a data recording area of 72 digits. It may be a case.

Note that the means for conveying the magnetic card is not limited to automatic feeding by the card conveying mechanism 9, but may be manual feeding.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the magnetic card encoder according to the present invention is capable of writing control codes for controlling various functions of the magnetic card encoder onto the magnetic card, so that when the magnetic card is used as a start amplifier card, Depending on the operator's responsibilities, etc., the issuance of magnetic cards may be restricted by prohibiting write processing and allowing only reading processing, or by restricting the content that can be read from the data recorded on magnetic cards. This has the excellent effect of preventing fraudulent operations such as unauthorized duplication of magnetic cards by irresponsible operators.

In addition, other functions of the magnetic card encoder can be controlled using control codes, such as automatically selecting the ejection direction of the magnetic card or specifying the printing format of the printer, so that the operator can operate the keyboard one by one. This has the advantage that the operational burden of controlling these functions can be reduced, and human operational errors due to operator carelessness can be eliminated.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the control code is stored in an area other than the data recording area between the start code and the end code recorded in order to detect the start and end of the data written in the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card, for example, after the end code. Since the control code is written in the area, the control code can be added without reducing the recording capacity of the data recording area in which format information and the like are recorded.

In addition, with ordinary magnetic card encoders, data written in areas other than the data recording area is often not read, or is not treated as valid data even if read, except for the horizontal redundancy code (LRC). ,
It is possible to reduce the probability that the contents of the control code written on the magnetic card will be known by someone who has such a normal magnetic card encoder, and to reduce the probability that fraud such as duplication of the magnetic card will occur. There is also the effect that the reliability of the magnetic card can be ensured.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a magnetic card encoder according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flow sheet diagram thereof, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing recorded contents of a magnetic card issued by the magnetic card encoder according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure, and FIGS. 5 (1) to (4) are explanatory diagrams showing the printing format of the printer. Explanation of symbols 1... Magnetic card encoder, 3 - Keyboard,
4...Liquid crystal display board, 5...-key switch, 6...-
Card insertion part, 9...Card transport mechanism, 10-...Magnetic stripe, li-magnetic head, C...-Magnetic card, S--Startup card, F--Format information ACI, AC2...・Identification code, DPl, D
P2--fixed data, Dv--variable data recording area,
SC--Control code, 20-Control device (microcomputer), 21-Interface circuit, 22-
-・-Arithmetic processing unit, 23-・Storage device Fig. 3 Fig. 5

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a magnetic card encoder (1) that writes desired data to be recorded on the magnetic stripe (10) of a magnetic card (C) or reads written data, a control code that controls various functions of the magnetic card encoder (1). (SC) are the start code (AC1) and end code (AC2) recorded to detect the start and end of the data written on the magnetic stripe (10) of the magnetic card (C).
) A magnetic card encoder characterized by comprising a writing means for writing in an area other than a data recording area between the two.