JPH03176788A - Magnetic card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a card from being modified or forged by forming a prescribed recording part on a card and deciding whether the card is a regular card or not. CONSTITUTION:A shown non-magnetic recording part 1b recorded by a non- magnetic means and a shielded non-magnetic recording part 1c are formed on a magnetic card 1 independently of a magnetic recording part 1a. The recording part 1b is the total blank recording frame space, expresses the residual unit price and is constituted as a matrix-like recording frame expressing consumption. The recording part 1c is secured as a blank marking space having no recording space around the recording part 1b. When the card 1 is inserted into a slot, non-magnetic trial marking is applied to the blank space of the recording part 1c to decide whether the card is a normal card or not, and at the time of detecting a regular record, regular processing is executed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention is applicable to purchasing products from various vending machines, making phone calls, and using various rides and game machines at amusement parks, etc. When purchasing goods at a supermarket or at a superstore, you can make phone calls, purchase goods, and receive various other services within a predetermined amount using each compatible magnetic card purchased in advance. The present invention relates to a 6R card system configured to enable the following.

[Prior Art] In a conventional magnetic card system, a magnetic card has a magnetic recording section in a part thereof, and the usable value of this magnetic recording section, that is, the purchase price at the time of purchase. The value equivalent to the amount paid is recorded, and after use, the amount consumed is reduced and the value equivalent to the remaining amount is recorded by magnetic means.

For example, in a telephone card system used in public telephones, when the telephone card is inserted into a predetermined slot of the telephone, the call switch is turned on and a telephone number can be entered.

After connecting with the other party, it is possible to talk for a length of time according to the number of degrees magnetically recorded on the telephone card. If the call ends within the number of powers recorded on the telephone card, the remaining power after subtracting the consumed power is magnetically recorded in the magnetic recording section. In addition, a hole can be punched in a portion of the telephone card so that the approximate remaining power can be estimated.

This is generally the same for other card systems.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In conventional magnetic card systems such as the telephone card system described above, the remaining unit value is simply recorded in the magnetic recording part of the magnetic card by magnetic means. , completely defenseless against its alteration. Even if an alteration or forgery is made that increases the number of remaining unit values, the alteration or forgery cannot be detected in the system.

The present invention aims to solve these problems.

[Means for Solving the Problems J] The gist of the configuration of the present invention is that by inserting a magnetic card into a slot of a card processing device and performing a predetermined operation, data is recorded in the magnetic recording section of the magnetic card. goods or services within the range of the remaining unit value, and the magnetic card is returned after subtracting the consumption unit value from the remaining unit value in its magnetic recording section. In the magnetic card system configured, the magnetic card includes an explicit non-magnetic recording section and a hidden non-magnetic recording section that are recorded by non-magnetic means separately from the magnetic recording section, In the non-magnetic recording section specified above, the remaining unit value is expressed by the total amount of the blank recording frame space, and the blank space is filled by marking the recording frame space by non-magnetic means to express consumption. Each recording frame space in the first column of the recording frame is assigned one unit of the unit value of the minimum digit, and from the second column onward, the unit value of that digit is assigned. The unit value of the digit one digit above the one assigned to each recording frame space in the previous column, in turn, in each recording frame space of each column, up to the immediately preceding digit where the value of one unit of the number exceeds the cost of counterfeiting/falsification. One unit of the number is allocated, and one unit of the unit value of the last digit above is also allocated to the recording frame space of the subsequent column as many times as necessary, and goods or services are provided using the magnetic card. At this time, in addition to the subtractive magnetic recording of the number of consumption unit values for the magnetic recording part, the non-magnetic recording of the remaining unit value for the non-magnetic recording part specified above is performed from the side where the consumption unit value is the largest digit. Each time one unit of the unit value of that digit is reached, a non-magnetic marking is made in the recording frame space, and the fraction is
The structure is configured so that digits other than the minimum unit value are rounded down or rounded up to form a non-magnetic marking, and the hidden non-magnetic recording area has no recording frame around the clearly stated non-magnetic recording area. Secure a blank space that can be marked and a space large enough to allow multiple trial markings corresponding to the number of times the card has been used, and furthermore, when the magnetic card is inserted into the slot, the above Perform non-magnetic trial marking in the blank space of the hidden non-magnetic recording area, then check whether the mark by the above-mentioned trial marking was recorded normally in the same space, and if it is not recorded normally, teeth,
The above magnetic card is determined to be not a legitimate card and is returned. If the card is recorded normally, it is moved to the next step. In the next step, the remaining unit value of the above magnetic recording section and the above Compare the number of remaining unit values of the specified non-magnetic recording area, and the difference is the column assigned the largest digit among the columns of blank recording frame spaces remaining in the specified non-magnetic recording area. If the magnetic card is larger than one unit of the allocated unit value of the recording frame space, it will be determined that it is not a legitimate card and the magnetic card will be returned; if the magnetic card is smaller than one unit of the above value Then, in the next step, as described above, in addition to magnetic recording on the magnetic recording section as it is consumed, the predetermined digit of the specified non-magnetic recording section is After non-magnetic marking is applied to the recording frame space of the card, it is checked whether or not the mark is normally recorded in the recording frame space using the non-magnetic marking, and if there is no normal mark recorded, it is determined that the card is not a regular card. This magnetic card system is configured so that if it is determined that there is no mark, the magnetic card is returned, and if a normal mark is recorded, normal processing continues.

This magnetic card system can be used as a ticket system for various types of vending machines, public telephones, superstores, amusement facilities in various amusement centers, and the like.

For example, as a ticket system for an amusement facility in an amusement park, a magnetic card is configured like a 10-time dice, and each time the card is used, the remaining number of times is recorded in the magnetic recording part and the specified non-magnetic recording part. It is configured to perform target and non-magnetic recording, and furthermore, a hidden non-magnetic recording area for trial marking is configured around the clearly stated non-magnetic recording area.

Magnetic/non-magnetic recording on the magnetic recording part and the revealed or concealed non-magnetic recording part of the magnetic card is as follows:
Needless to say, the game facility must be equipped with necessary counting and recording means.

The magnetic card used in this magnetic card system may be constructed in the same manner as a conventional magnetic card, and may include a non-magnetic recording portion that is both exposed and hidden. For example, a magnetic recording layer in which a magnetic material is dispersed is arranged on a sheet-like support such as plastic, all or part of which is configured as a magnetic recording section, and in addition, a part of the sheet-like support is formed by the above-mentioned companies. Configures a magnetic recording section. Note that it is preferable that the magnetic recording layer is coated with an indemnity layer.

The magnetic recording in the magnetic recording section has the same structure as the conventional example, and there is no problem. The object of magnetic recording is a unit value such as the number of times of use. However, various other information can be recorded in this magnetic recording section. For example, an identification code indicating that this magnetic card is a magnetic card related to the facility in question, the date of issue, etc. may be recorded.

These are one means for confirming whether or not the magnetic card is genuine and valid.

Further, there is no particular limitation on where on the magnetic card the non-magnetic recording section specified above should be constructed, but it would be appropriate to construct it on the back side of the magnetic recording section. As mentioned above, this designated non-magnetic recording section can be used to determine whether or not it has been tampered with or forged by comparing its recording with that of the magnetic recording section and checking whether the difference is within a predetermined range. Configure it like this,
Since the purpose is to prevent falsification/counterfeiting of magnetic cards, for example, specifically, the configuration is as follows.

First, recording frames are constructed in a matrix using printing techniques. For example, basically, of the 6 columns constituting a recording frame of 8 columns and XIO rows, only the 2nd to 4th columns each have 9 rows. That is, the first column has 10 recording frame spaces, the second to fourth columns each have nine recording frame spaces, and the fifth to eighth columns each have 10 recording frame spaces. It consists of

In the first column, one unit (1) of the l-digit unit value is assigned to each - recording frame space, and in the second column, each -
Assign tl in the tens place and one unit (10) of the envoy value to each record frame space, and assign one unit (10) of the unit value of the hundreds place to each - record frame space in the third column. ), and in the fourth to eighth columns, one unit (1000) of the 1000's unit value is assigned to each - recording frame space. However, it becomes 50,000 tickets. That is, the total unit price la of each recording frame space is 50,000.

In the above-mentioned example (described below on the same side), the recording frame space is marked one by one and blanks are filled in from the highest digit each time the consumption amount reaches one unit of that digit. The marking means may use various printing techniques. For example, a thermal printing technique is adopted, and thermal paper is pasted on the area that will become the recording frame space on the back side of a magnetic card, and a thermal head is used to perform thermal marking on this.

Note that the above recording frame is configured here as 8 columns and XIO rows, but for example, when configuring several types of frames in terms of value,
Of course, the configuration is not limited to this, but the configuration should be made to the maximum extent necessary to accommodate the highest value magnetic card, and lower value magnetic cards will be depleted from the recording frame space by the corresponding number of unit values from the highest digit side. Magnetic markings can be used to fill in the blanks and correspond to the value. The non-magnetic marking can be applied, for example, in a rectangular shape within the recording frame space. Further, the non-magnetic marking can be applied in the form of a continuous bar between all the recording frame spaces of the digit. By doing so, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the product has been used or not.

Further, the hidden non-magnetic recording section can be configured as a mere blank markable space around the recording frame space configured as the explicitly stated non-magnetic recording section. For example, as mentioned above, if a thermal recording technique is adopted for non-magnetic recording in the non-magnetic recording area specified above, and the area of the recording frame space is made of thermal paper, this can be expanded to form a magnetic card. A thermosensitive paper is pasted on the entire back surface of the recording frame, and the area around the recording frame space becomes the hidden non-magnetic recording area. That is, the blank space in this area is used as a space for trial marking. Note that the non-magnetic recording technique of the hidden non-magnetic recording section and the revealed magnetic recording section must naturally be the same.

By the way, the card processing device includes a marking means for making a non-magnetic trial marking in the blank space of the hidden non-magnetic recording section, a reading means for reading the mark made by the trial marking in the same space, and the number of goods/services to be provided. a means for counting the number of consumption units of value or a means of manually inputting the number of consumption units based on the provision of goods/services, the number of units of value remaining in the magnetic recording part of the magnetic card based on the count or input number of consumption units; a writing means for subtracting and recording the number of units of consumption value from the magnetic card; a reading means for reading the number of remaining units of value from the magnetic recording section of the magnetic card; and other means provided in the conventional device; Based on the above consumption unit value, each time the unrecorded consumption unit value reaches the unit value of the largest digit in the currently remaining recording frame space of the specified non-magnetic recording section, A marking means for non-magnetically marking the recording frame space (this can also be used as the marking means for performing the above-mentioned trial marking), a reading means for confirming whether or not marking has been performed normally after the above-mentioned non-magnetic marking (also for the above-mentioned trial marking). (which can also be used as a reading means for reading marks), must be equipped with.

Furthermore, the card processing device has, as described above,
A control means is provided which operates as described below and controls each means when the magnetic card is inserted into the slot.

That is, first, the marking means makes a non-magnetic test mark in the blank space of the hidden non-magnetic recording section, and then the reading means makes a mark to confirm that the mark is normally recorded in the same space. If the above mark is not recorded correctly, we will judge that it is not a genuine card and return the above magnetic card.If it is recorded normally, In the next step, the magnetic recording reading means and non-magnetic recording reading means read the remaining unit value of the magnetic recording part and the specified non-magnetic recording part of the inserted magnetic card, respectively. compare the remaining unit values of both sides, and the difference is determined by the recording frame space of the column to which the largest digit is allocated among the columns of blank recording frame spaces remaining in the non-magnetic recording area specified above. Similarly, if the size of the magnetic card is more than one unit of the allocated unit value, it will be determined that it is not a legitimate card and the said magnetic card will be returned; In the next stage, the number of goods/services provided is counted,
A means for counting the value of consumption units or a means for manually inputting the number of consumption units based on the provision of goods/services, and writing in the writing means based on the counted or inputted number of consumption units.
Subtract and record the consumed unit value from the remaining unit value in the magnetic recording part of the magnetic card, then read the remaining unit value recorded from the magnetic recording part by the magnetic recording reading means, and record the remaining unit value in the non-magnetic recording part. The reading means reads the number of remaining unit values of the specified non-magnetic recording section, and based on the above reading result, the non-magnetic records of the number of remaining unit values for the specified non-magnetic recording section are sequentially read out from the non-magnetic recording section. Each time the consumed unit value from the reading result of the recording section to the reading result of the magnetic recording section reaches one unit of the unit value of the digit in order from the largest digit side of the remaining recording frame space, the marking means , a non-magnetic marking is performed on the recording frame space, and then a non-magnetic recording reading means is used to read and confirm whether or not the mark by the marking means has been recorded normally, and the mark is recorded normally. If not, we will judge that it is not a genuine magnetic card and return the above magnetic card.If it is recorded normally,
Continue normal processing for B1.

[Function] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is used as follows.

This will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, if some product or service is required, if it is in the form of a vending machine, it is inserted into the slot of the card processing device that is integrated with the device for providing the product or service. depending on the system, the card processing device slot, before or after receipt of the goods or services.
Insert the magnetic card (step 5-1).

Then, trial marking is first performed in the blank space of the hidden non-magnetic recording area of the magnetic card (step 5-2), and then the mark on the hidden non-magnetic recording area by the trial marking is read. carried out (
Step S-3) Next, it is determined whether or not the mark can be read in the space targeted for trial marking in the non-magnetic recording area (Step 5-4). If it is determined that the mark cannot be read, then the magnetic The card is returned (step S-19) with or without a display indicating that it cannot be used (step S-18).

If it is determined that the mark has been read, the process moves to the next step, where the identification code and remaining unit value of the magnetic card are read by the magnetic recording reading means (step 5).
-5) It is determined whether the identification codes match and the number of remaining unit values exists (step 5-6). It is determined whether the identification codes do not match or the number of remaining unit values does not exist. Then, the magnetic card is displayed as unusable (step S-18), and is returned with or without the above (step S-19).

On the other hand, if the identification codes match and it is confirmed that there is a remaining unit value, the specified remaining unit value of the non-magnetic recording section is read, and the remaining unit value of the magnetic recording section is calculated from that data. The value number is subtracted and the difference is calculated (step 5-7). Next, compare the above difference with one unit of the unit value allocated to the recording frame space of the largest digit remaining blank in the specified non-magnetic recording area (
Step 5-8) If it is determined that the above difference is larger, the magnetic card is returned with or without a display indicating that it cannot be used (Step S-18). Step S-19).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the above difference is smaller, it is determined that it is a genuine magnetic card, and if this is applied to a vending machine, operation of the product/service providing device is permitted (step 5). -9), the magnetic card user inputs the desired consumption unit in the card processing device that is integrated with the card processing device or, if not, in the card processing device, using a means prescribed by the device (step S -10) Be able to do things.

At this time, it is determined whether the human power unit value exceeds the remaining unit value (step S-11), and if it is determined that the value exceeds the remaining unit value, a message is displayed to the effect that the magnetic card cannot be used. (Step S-18) and then returned (Step S-19).

Needless to say, if it is determined that the limit has not been exceeded, the product/service providing device operates and the service/product is provided (step S-12) if it is applied to a vending machine. (In cases other than vending machines, products/services are provided by other means before and after this operation).

Next, the number of consumed units is subtracted from the remaining unit value and the result is magnetically recorded in the magnetic recording section of the magnetic card by the magnetic recording means (step S-13).

On the other hand, it is determined whether the value obtained by dividing the above consumption unit value by one unit of the specified maximum remaining digit of the non-magnetic recording section is 1 or more (step S14), and if it is 1 or more, , the maximum remaining digit of the specified non-magnetic recording area is marked with a non-magnetic recording means by the number of integer parts of the above value (Step S-151: If the maximum remaining digit exceeds the number of remaining recording frame spaces of the corresponding maximum digit) If an integer value is obtained, divide the excess consumption unit value again by one unit of the unit value in the recording frame space of the lower digit, and similarly divide the integer part of the obtained value. The corresponding recording frame space is marked by the non-l1if recording means.Furthermore, the same applies if an integer value exceeding the number of remaining recording frame spaces of the corresponding digit is obtained.

Immediately after that, the mark of the corresponding recording frame space in the non-magnetic recording area is read by the above marking (
Step S-16). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the mark on the non-magnetic recording section can be read (step S
-17) If it is determined that the magnetic card cannot be read, the magnetic card is returned with or without a display indicating that it cannot be used (step S-18). ).

If it is determined that the mark can be read, the magnetic card is returned as a regular card (step S-19).
).

On the other hand, if the judgment in step 5-14 is less than 1, no marking is performed on the specified non-magnetic recording area, and the magnetic card is returned as it is as a regular card (step S-19). .

Therefore, in addition to magnetic recording, the remaining unit value is recorded separately in a clearly marked non-magnetic recording area that cannot be easily tampered with, and the two are compared as described above for the magnetic card inserted into the slot. Since the non-magnetic recording section was constructed so that the recording error would be less than the cost of counterfeiting at most, there is no room for the use of altered/counterfeit magnetic cards.

Even if the non-magnetic recording area is forged/altered, check the trial marking on the hidden non-magnetic recording area, and confirm the marking on the clearly marked non-magnetic recording area after marking. You can discover it by doing so.

[Example] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

This embodiment is configured as a card processing device used at a register for sales management in a store such as a superstore, that is, a so-called cash register.

FIG. 1 relates to a magnetic card I and a card processing device used at a cash register.

In the slot of the card processing device, there are a reader head 2a for reading the magnetic recording of the magnetic recording section 1a of the magnetic card 1, a write head 2b for writing the magnetic recording, and a recording head 2b for reading the magnetic recording section 1a of the magnetic card 1; Rectangular mark and print inspection section 1
A reading head 3a that reads the inspection mark c, and a print head 3b that writes a rectangular mark on the print recording section 1b and a rectangular inspection mark on the print inspection section 1c are arranged.

The above-mentioned magnetic card l has a magnetic recording layer B in which a magnetic material is dispersed on one surface of a sheet-like support A made of plastic, etc., as shown in FIG. It is referred to as part 1a. The magnetic recording layer B is coated with a protective layer C. On the other side of the sheet-like support A, a heat-sensitive agent layer is formed over the entire surface, and the print recording section 1b and the print inspection section 1c are formed here.

The magnetic recording information written in the magnetic recording section 1a is as follows:
The most basic information is the residual value information, and here we will explain the one in which 50,000 yen is initially recorded. Furthermore, magnetic recording section 1
An identification code indicating that the magnetic card l is a genuine card that can be used in the relevant card processing device is recorded on the card a, and the card is kept at home.

Further, the print recording section 1b is configured on the back side of the magnetic recording section 1a, as described above. This print recording section 1b is
As shown in FIG. 2 (cl), a recording frame space of 50,000 yen was printed and formed to match the magnetic recording.

To explain in detail, the print recording section 1b basically has a recording frame of 8 columns x 10 rows. 2nd row of them~
Only the fourth column has nine rows each.

That is, the first column has 10 recording frame spaces, the second to fourth columns each have nine recording frame spaces, and the fifth to eighth columns each have 10 recording frame spaces. It consists of

In the first column, one unit of the unit value of the ones place, that is, 1 yen, is assigned to each - recording frame space, and in the second column, the tens digit is assigned to each - recording frame space. One unit of the unit value, that is, 10 yen, is assigned to the third column, one unit of the unit value of the hundreds place, that is, 100 yen, is assigned to each - recording frame space, and the fourth column is In the ~8th column, one unit of the thousandth place unit value number, ie, 1000 yen, is assigned to each - recording frame space. Therefore, the total amount allocated to all recording frame spaces is 50,000 yen.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 (cl), the print inspection section 1c applies the periphery of the recording frame space of the print recording section 1b.Since this is a hidden non-magnetic recording section, Since the above-mentioned area, which does not constitute a recording frame, is also constituted by a heat-sensitive agent layer, thermal printing is also possible in this area.

FIG. 3 shows another example of the magnetic card 21, which is configured as a 30,000 yen note by applying bar-shaped markings M in advance in two rows on the side of the largest digit.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, the reading head 2a
is connected to the identification code determining means 5, the remaining amount detecting means 6, and the subtracting means 7a and 7b through the driver a of the driver section 4. When the identification code determination means 5 receives a confirmation signal from the mark presence/absence detection means 11 (described later), it becomes operational and determines the identification code read by the reading head 2a and confirms that it is genuine. , the remaining amount detection means 6, '6 & calculation means 7a, 7b, printing confirmation means 12,
It is connected to the AND gate 8 and the termination signal generator 14 to output a confirmation signal. Upon receiving the confirmation signal, the remaining amount detection means 6 takes in the remaining amount data read by the reading head 2a and determines the presence or absence of the remaining amount data. When it is confirmed that there is a balance, a confirmation signal is sent to the subtraction means 7a and 7b.
, the print confirmation means 12, the AND gate 8, and the end signal generator (connected).

One of the subtracting means 7a is the identification code discriminating means 5.
When all the confirmation signals from the remaining amount detection means 6 and the mark presence/absence detection means 11 (to be described later) are input, the remaining amount data is read from the reading head 2a and the consumption amount can be subtracted from this data.

Furthermore, the reading head 3a that reads the rectangular mark of the print recording section 1b and the inspection mark of the print inspection section 1c is connected to the mark presence/absence detection means 11, the other subtraction means 7b, the maximum allocation value extractor 7d, and the print confirmation through the driver C of the driver section 4. Means 12
Connect to. The mark presence/absence detection means 11 determines whether or not the inspection mark has been read at a predetermined position of the print inspection section 1c with the reading head 3a, and when it is confirmed that the mark has been read, the identification code determination means 5 and the remaining amount Presence detection means 6.14
．． The calculation means 7a, 7b, the print confirmation means 12, the AND gate 8, and the end signal generator 14 are connected to output a confirmation signal.

Further, the subtracting means 7b connects its output to a comparator 7c, and the comparator 7c connects its output to the AND gate 8.
and the termination signal generator 14. When the total confirmation signal is manually inputted to the subtraction means 7b, the reading head 3a reads the remaining amount data in the print recording section 1b, and this remaining amount data is separated from the remaining amount data in the magnetic recording section 1a to which it has already been input. Subtract. The obtained difference data is input to the comparator 7c, and the maximum allocation value in the remaining recording frame space, that is, 1000.100.10,
1 (yen), whichever is the largest value. Then, the comparator 7c outputs a confirmation signal only when the difference data is smaller, and this is output to the AND gate 8 and end signal generator 14. A maximum allocation value extractor 7d connected to the reading head 3a through a driver C is connected to the comparator 7c. The comparator 7c previously transfers the maximum allocation value data to the maximum allocation value extractor 7.
The structure is such that the uke is taken from d.

When the magnetic card 1 is inserted into the slot, the print head 3b is controlled to first print and record an inspection mark in the blank space of the print inspection section 1c. In addition, the above reading spatula 1:3a is
Subsequently, the printing inspection section 1c is controlled to read the space in question where the printing operation was performed. The data read by the print inspection section 1c by the reading head 3a is manually inputted to the mark presence/absence detection means 1j.

Further, when a rectangular mark is printed on the print recording section 1b by the print head 3b, the reading head 3a always reads the recording frame space where the rectangular mark was printed. It is designed to be controlled as much as possible.

The printing confirmation means 12 includes the reading head 3a.
The system receives the read data and performs an operation to determine whether the rectangular mark has been correctly recorded at the relevant position. If it is determined that the rectangular mark has not been printed, a check is performed to indicate that the rectangular mark has not been printed. A confirmation signal is output, and the confirmation signal is connected to be input to an OR gate 16 which is connected to an OR gate 15 and a non-use notification buzzer 17, which will be described later. The OR gate 15 sends its output to the mark presence/absence detection means 1.
1. It is connected to the human power for resetting the identification code determining means 5, remaining amount detecting means 6, and subtracting means 7a and 7b. The unusable notification buzzer 17 is a buzzer that notifies that the target magnetic card 1 cannot be used for some inappropriate reason.

The other two inputs of the OR gate 16 are the output of the subtracting means 7a and the end signal generator 1, respectively.
4 outputs are connected. The output of the subtraction means 7a is a signal generated when the remaining amount becomes insufficient during operation of the input keyboard 9. In such a case, the purpose is to stop the operation of the card processing device while notifying the user of the inconvenience by operating the unusable notification buzzer 17.

By the way, as described above, the mark presence/absence detection means +1.
Confirmation signals from the identification code determination means 5, remaining amount detection means 6, and comparator 7c are output in sequence, and when all confirmation signals are collected,
As described above, these are input to the four inputs of the AND gate 8, and as a result, an operation permission signal is generated at the output of the AND gate 8, which causes an input to the connected card processing device. operation permission is given to the computer keyboard 9. In this way, the operator can make a mock-up of the input keyboard 9.

On the other hand, the termination signal generator 14 generates a termination signal if the confirmation signals to be inputted sequentially to it are not inputted within a predetermined waiting time, and the OR gate 16 .
Mark presence/absence detection means 11 connected via 15. Identification code determination means 5, remaining amount detection means 6, and subtraction means 7a
, 7b, and are reset based on this, while the drivers b, c, d of the driver section 4
is operated, and the write heads 2b and 3b record in the magnetic recording section 1a and the print recording section 1b, respectively, based on the remaining amount data when the end signal is received (although this is the case when the program ends midway). Since there is no data to be rewritten, the write heads 2b and 3b do not operate.) Thereafter, the magnetic card l is returned. Further, in such a case, at the same time, the unusable notification buzzer 17 connected via the OR gate 16 is activated to notify abnormal termination.

Note that the subtraction means 7a is provided with a storage means 10 for temporarily storing the subtraction results.

Further, the input keyboard 9 is connected to input the input amount data to the subtraction means 7a. The above subtraction means 7
a immediately subtracts the input amount data and outputs the obtained remaining amount data to the storage means IO and the driver section 4. Further, the input keyboard 9 inputs the termination signal input from the input keyboard 9 to the OR gate 15.
Connect to input.

A display 13 is disposed on the front side of the card processing device, and this display 13 is configured to receive a drive signal from the driver e of the driver section 4 and display the current balance.

When the end signal is input from the input keyboard 9, i
Mark presence/absence detection means 11 via OR gate 15 described in 7j
．． This is input to the identification code discriminating means 5, the remaining amount detecting means 6, and the subtracting means 7a, 7b, and as a result, each of them is reset, while the drivers b, c, and d of the driver section 4 are operated, and the writing heads 2b, 3b records the magnetic recording section 1a and the print recording section 1b based on the remaining amount data upon receiving the end signal.
The configuration is such that recording is performed for each. after that,
As described above, the reading head 3a reads the print record made in the print record section 1b, and the result is determined by the print confirmation means 12, and as described above, when it is confirmed that printing has not been performed, The unusable notification buzzer I7 is activated so that the magnetic card 1 is returned while notifying the abnormality. If it is not confirmed, it is a normal termination and the magnetic card I is simply returned.

Note that the driver d of the driver section 4 is the subtractor 7.
A reverse calculator that calculates the consumption amount from the output of a, printing recording section 1b
A divider that divides the above consumption amount by the remaining maximum allocation value of the recording frame space and an integer extractor that extracts the integer part are attached, and we get! The printing head 3b prints rectangular marks in the recording frame space of the maximum allocation value by the number of Ii number data. Since the printing recording portion 1b is composed of a heat-sensitive agent layer, a rectangular marking is formed by heating it in a rectangular shape.

If the integer value data obtained above exceeds the remaining recording frame space of the maximum allocated value at that time, the value of the excess value plus the removed non-integer part is re-applied to the maximum value of the law. It is configured to divide by the assigned value and then process in the same way.

By the way, to give an overview of the movement of the magnetic card, when the magnetic card 1 is inserted into the upper slot of the card processing device, the reading heads 2a and 3a read the magnetic information and printed recording information, and the input keyboard During the operation in step 9, there is a standby period, and when the operation is completed, the write head 2b, the print head 3b, and the read head 3a read the magnetic recording, the print record, and the print record section tb, respectively, and then perform the above-mentioned print confirmation. After the confirmation operation is performed by the means 12, the device is returned from the lower slot with or without reporting an abnormality depending on the result.

In this embodiment, which is configured as described above, it is used as follows.

First, if you are trying to purchase a superstore product,
As in the general case, the customer brings the product, hands the corresponding magnetic card l to the operator, and leaves the operation to the operator.

The magnetic card 1 is thus inserted into the slot of the card processing device.

Then, first, the print head 3b operates to print an inspection mark in the blank space of the print inspection section IC of the magnetic card 1.

Subsequently, the reading head 3a performs a reading operation of the printing area of the print inspection section 1c, and the read data is inputted to the mark presence/absence detection means 11 through the driver C of the driver section 4. It is determined whether the inspection mark can be read. If the mark cannot be read, the confirmation signal is not output from the mark presence/absence detection means 11, so after a predetermined waiting time, a termination signal is output from the termination signal generator 14, and the unusable notification buzzer 17 is activated to detect the abnormality. The magnetic card 1 is returned while notifying the end and the process ends. In this case, it is determined that the magnetic card 1 may have been altered or forged.

When the inspection mark can be read, a confirmation signal is output from the mark presence/absence detection means 11, and as described above,
It is input to the identification code determining means 5, etc., and the process moves to the next stage.

Subsequently, the reading head 2a reads the identification code and remaining amount data recorded in the magnetic recording section 1, and sequentially the identification code determining means 5 and the remaining amount detecting means 6.
It is determined whether the above identification codes match or whether there is a balance. If it is determined that either the identification code does not match or the balance does not exist, the confirmation signal is not output within the respective predetermined waiting time, so the termination signal generator 1
The end signal is output from 4, and as described above, the mark presence/absence detection means 11 etc. are reset, and the unusable notification buzzer 17 is activated to notify the abnormality while the magnetic card l is
will be returned.

On the other hand, the identification codes match and the existence of the remaining amount is confirmed,
When confirmation signals are sequentially issued, as described above, simultaneously with the reading of the magnetic recording by the reading head 2a, the remaining amount data of the print recording section 1b read by the other reading head 3a is transferred to the magnetic recording section 1a. The remaining amount data is sequentially input to another subtracting means 7b together with the remaining amount data, and the remaining amount data in the magnetic recording section 1a is subtracted from the remaining amount data in the printing recording section 1b to generate difference data.

Next, the difference data is manually input to the comparator 7c, and compared with the maximum allocation value of the remaining recording frame space in the print recording section 1b, which has been manually input in advance in the comparison i57c. Then, the comparator 7c outputs a confirmation signal only when the difference data is smaller, and this is output to the AND gate 8 and end signal generator 14. Note that the comparator 7c previously converts the maximum allocation value data into the maximum allocation value data 7d.
Kara-uke is something that is received.

Here, if the above difference data is larger and no confirmation signal is output, the termination signal generator 14 outputs the termination signal after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, and as described above, the abnormal termination is notified and the magnetic Card 1 is returned. In other words, it is presumed that it may have been forged or altered.

If the difference data is smaller, it is determined that the magnetic card l is genuine (not tampered with), and a confirmation signal is output from the comparator 7c as described above.

In this way, when the above-mentioned AND gate 8 receives four confirmation signals, an operation permission signal is outputted, and operation of the input keyboard 9 is permitted, and the operator inputs the sales amount (of course consumption from the consumer! 1i). You will be able to perform operations.

The operator then inputs the appropriate amount and finally presses the end key.

Then, the subtraction means 7a confirms whether the input amount does not exceed the remaining amount, and if it does, the subtraction means 7a outputs a prohibition signal, and this signal passes through the OR gate 16.15 to the mark presence/absence detection means. 11, etc., and those confirmation signals disappear, so the operation permission signal for the input keyboard 9 that was output from the AND gate 8 disappears. At the same time, the unusable notification buzzer 17 is activated, and the magnetic card 1 is returned as is while notifying the abnormal end.

If the input amount does not exceed the remaining amount, each part operates normally and the above? The remaining amount data obtained by subtracting the input amount from the remaining amount in the i& calculation means 7a is input to the driver section 4,
Based on the remaining amount data, the write heads 2b and 3b write the magnetic recording section 1a and the print recording section 1b of the magnetic card l.
magnetically recorded or printed.

Note that the balance data will be recorded as is in the upper gc+magnetic recording section 1a, but in the print recording section lb,
In the driver d of the driver section 4, the consumption amount data is calculated backward from the output of the subtraction means 7a, and
Divide the consumption amount data by the remaining maximum allocation value before use of the recording frame space b, extract the integer part of the obtained value, and print the print head 3b by the number of obtained integer value data.
Prints a rectangular mark in the recording frame space of the maximum allocated value. Since the printing recording portion 1b is composed of a heat-sensitive agent layer, a rectangular marking is formed by heating it in a rectangular shape. Furthermore, if the obtained integer value data exceeds the remaining recording frame space of the maximum allocated value at that time, the value of the excess value plus the removed non-integer part is again calculated at the maximum value of the law. Divide by the assigned value and proceed in the same way.

Immediately thereafter, the reading head 3a reads the rectangular mark printed by the print head 3b, and the read data is input to the printing confirmation means 12, where it is checked whether the marking has been done correctly or not. is judged.

If it is determined that the marking has not been performed normally, the unusable notification buzzer 17 is activated, and the magnetic card l is returned while notifying the abnormal end. If it is determined that the marking has been done correctly, the 6R card 1 will be returned without any special notification.

In the above embodiment, the print recording unit 1b is configured not to mark the recording frame space for the portion of the consumption amount that is less than the value of the corresponding unit of the recording frame space. Although the configuration is such that fractions are rounded down, it is also possible to mark the part that is less than the unit in the next recording frame space, and to round it up in terms of time. This is also one aspect of this research.

[Advantageous Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, a non-magnetic recording section is configured in addition to the magnetic recording section which is easily altered into a magnetic card, and mutual recording errors are reduced to the maximum allocation value in the recording frame space. limited to the range of
If it is confirmed that there is a difference between the two, it is determined that the magnetic card has been tampered with, so at most the tampering can only be done within this range. Furthermore, since this maximum allocation value is set to be lower than the counterfeiting cost, falsification is virtually impossible.

In addition, the allocation value is set sequentially up to the minimum value in the recording frame space of the non-magnetic recording section, and the deletion is performed by marking from the maximum allocation inclination, so that it is possible to confirm without any errors in the end. It has now become possible to construct a magnetic card with a very large denomination by constructing a non-magnetic recording section using a printing technique that easily takes up a large amount of space.

In addition, to prevent forgery or alteration of both the print recording section and the magnetic recording section, first check by placing an inspection mark on the print inspection section, and finally check whether the print recording section has been marked correctly. Therefore, this can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 shows an example of a magnetic card of the invention, and Fig. 2(a) is a partially cutaway enlarged cross-section of the magnetic card. 2(bl is a front view, FIG. 2(c) is a rear view, FIG. 3 is a rear view of another example of a magnetic card, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operating procedure of the present invention. 1.21...Magnetic card, 1a...Magnetic recording section, l
b, 21. b... Print recording section, 1c, 21c... Print inspection section, 2a, 3a... Reading head, 2b... Writing head, 3b... Print head, 4... Driver section, 5 ...Identification code determination means, 6.Remaining amount detection means, 7a, 7b..Subtraction means, 7C..Comparator,
7d... Maximum allocation value extractor, 8... AND gate,
9... Input keyboard, 10... Storage means, 11
. . . mark presence/absence detection means, 12 . . . printing confirmation means,
13--Display device, 14--End signal generator, 15.
16...Oageto, 17...Unusable notification buzzer,
A... Sheet-like support, B... Magnetic recording layer, C...
・Protective layer, D... heat-sensitive agent layer, M-- rod-shaped marking,
a, b, c, d, e-driver, s-1, s-2, s-
3, s-4, s-5, s-6, S-7, s-8, s-9
, S-10, 5-11, 5-12, 5-13, Sl 4
, 5-15, s-16, s-17, s-18...step.

Claims (1)

[Claims] By inserting a magnetic card into a slot of a card processing device and performing a predetermined operation, goods or services can be provided within the range of the remaining unit value recorded in the magnetic recording section of the magnetic card. In a magnetic card system configured such that the magnetic card is returned after subtracting the number of consumed unit values from the remaining unit value in its magnetic recording section, the magnetic card is returned. and a hidden non-magnetic recording area which is recorded separately from the magnetic recording area by non-magnetic means, and the clearly stated non-magnetic recording area is a blank recording area. It is configured as a matrix-like recording frame in which the total number of remaining unit values is expressed by the total number of frame spaces, and blanks are filled in to express consumption by marking the recording frame space with non-magnetic means, and the above-mentioned recording frame Each recording frame space in the first column of is assigned one unit of the unit value of the minimum digit, and from the second column onwards, the value of one unit of the unit value of that digit is immediately above the counterfeiting/alteration cost. digit, one unit of the unit value of the digit one digit higher than the digit assigned to each recording frame space of the previous column is assigned to each recording frame space of each column in turn, and then the unit value of the last digit above is assigned to each recording frame space of each column. One unit of value shall be allocated as many times as necessary to the recording frame space in subsequent columns, and when receiving goods or services using the above magnetic card, the number of units of value consumed in the magnetic recording section shall be allocated. In addition to subtraction magnetic recording, non-magnetic recording of the remaining unit value in the non-magnetic recording area specified above is performed every time the consumed unit value reaches one unit of the unit value of that digit, starting from the largest digit. Non-magnetic marking is applied to the recording frame space, and the fraction is
The structure is configured so that digits other than the minimum unit value are rounded down or rounded up to form a non-magnetic marking, and the hidden non-magnetic recording area has no recording frame around the clearly stated non-magnetic recording area. Secure a blank space that can be marked and a space large enough to allow multiple trial markings corresponding to the number of times the card has been used, and furthermore, when the magnetic card is inserted into the slot, the Perform non-magnetic trial marking in the blank space of the hidden non-magnetic recording area, then check whether the mark by the above-mentioned trial marking was recorded normally in the same space, and if it is not recorded normally, teeth,
It is determined that the magnetic card is not a legitimate card and the magnetic card is returned. If the card is recorded normally, the card is transferred to the next stage. In the next stage, the remaining unit value of the magnetic recording section and the above Compare the number of remaining unit values of the specified non-magnetic recording area, and the difference is the column assigned the maximum digit among the columns of blank recording frame spaces remaining in the specified non-magnetic recording area. If the magnetic card is larger than one unit of the allocated unit value of the recording frame space, it will be determined that it is not a legitimate card and the magnetic card will be returned; if the magnetic card is smaller than one unit of the above value In the next step, in addition to the magnetic recording on the magnetic recording portion as it is consumed, as described above, the predetermined digit of the specified non-magnetic recording portion is recorded. After non-magnetic marking is applied to the recording frame space, it is checked whether the mark has been recorded normally using the non-magnetic marking, and if no normal mark is recorded, it is determined that the card is not a genuine card and the magnetic card is removed. The magnetic card system is configured so that if the card is returned and there is a record of a normal mark, normal processing will continue.