JPH04347677A - Data recording medium and printng processing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To align the printing writing region of a memory medium with a printing means and to enhance aligning accuracy by providing a position detecting data medium supporting printing alignment to the printing writing region other than a data memory region. CONSTITUTION:A printing writing region A1 and a data memory region A2 are provided on the same plane with respect to the card main body part 11 of a magnetic card 28 and a position detecting magnetic data DD is provided to the printing writing region A1 other than the data memory region A2 at the position of alpha from the other end surface in a line form. Therefore, the alignment of the printing writing region A1 of the card 28 with a thermal head 25 provided on the side of a magnetic card read/write apparatus can be performed on the basis of the position detecting magnetic data DD provided to the magnetic card 28 without being based only on the home position of the head 25.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[Table of Contents] Industrial field of application Conventional technology (FIG. 10) Problems to be solved by the invention Means for solving the problems (FIGS. 1 and 2) Working example (1) First implementation Explanation of examples (FIGS. 3 to 5) (2) Explanation of second embodiment (FIGS. 6 and 7) (3) Explanation of third embodiment (FIGS. 8 and 9) Effects of the invention

0002

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an information storage medium, a processing device thereof, and a printing processing method. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for performing thermal printing processing on a print writing area of an information storage medium such as a magnetic card. , a method and an improvement of the card.

[0003] In recent years, as computer information processing speeds up and the amount of information increases, information read/write devices are used to write individual pieces of information onto magnetic cards and other information cards, and to read and process them. has been done.

[0004]According to this, in order to manage the expiration date and financial management of the magnetic card and other information cards, unique printed information such as invalidity and validity that can be identified from the outside is thermally printed on the card. There is.

However, when a thermal head or the like is moved to a specified position in the print writing area, the process is performed based on the home position of the head specified on the device side. Print information may be printed at a different position than the specified position.

[0006] Therefore, it is possible to align the print writing area of the storage medium with the printing means based on a position detection data medium provided in the information storage medium, and print information accurately in the area. An information storage medium, its processing device, and print processing method are desired.

[0007]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams of a conventional example. FIG. 10(a) is a block diagram of a conventional magnetic card read/write device, and FIG. 10(b) is a plan view of the magnetic card.

In FIG. 10(a), a magnetic card read/write device for writing/reading a magnetic card 4, which is an example of an information storage medium, has an upper case 3A, an upper case 3A, A lower case 3B is provided.

The upper case 3A is provided with a card recognition sensor 2A and a print position detection sensor 2B, and the lower case 3B is provided with a conveyor belt 5, a magnetic head 6, a drive roller 7A, a head drive motor 7B, and a print position detection sensor 2B. A thermal head 8 and the like are provided.

The function of the device is that when the magnetic card 4 is inserted into the device body 1, the card recognition sensor 2A
The insertion of the card 4 is recognized by this. As a result, the card 4 is moved by the driving roller 7 and the conveying belt (hereinafter also referred to as a card conveying system) 5.

[0011] When writing/reading the magnetic data MD, first, the separation distance from the end face of the magnetic card 4 identified by the card recognition sensor 2A to the magnetic head 6 corresponds to a predetermined step of the step motor. A feeding process is performed, and the information storage area A2 of the card 4 and the magnetic head 6 are aligned. As a result, writing/reading processing of magnetic data MD is performed at a predetermined position in the magnetic storage area A2.

[0012] Furthermore, when printing the print information WD in the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 4, first,
Magnetic card 4 identified by print position detection sensor 2B
The end face of is aligned with the reference position (hereinafter referred to as home position) of the thermal head 8.

Next, the moving distance of the print writing area A1 to the specified position is processed by the head driving motor 7B in predetermined steps, and the print writing area A1 of the card 4 is moved by a predetermined step.
1 and the thermal head 8 are aligned. Thereby, the print information WD is thermally printed by the thermal head 8 at the specified position in the print writing area A1. At this time, the print writing area A1 is moved in the X direction by the card transport system, and in the Y direction,
Movement processing is performed by the head drive motor 7B (Fig. 10
(see (b)).

[0014]

However, according to the conventional example, the thermal head (
When moving the head 8 (hereinafter also referred to as printing means), the head driving motor 7B and the card transport system move the head 8 in predetermined steps based on the home position of the head 8 provided in the lower case 3B.

For this reason, the print information may be printed at a different position than the specified position in the print writing area A1 where the print information WD is originally printed. This is thought to be caused by abnormal insertion of the magnetic card 4 at an angle, backlash of gears such as the card transport system and head drive motor, microslip of the belt, etc., which caused the printing position to shift. .

[0016] As a result, the printing information WD cannot be printed at the specified position of the print writing area A1 recognized by the control system, for example, when the magnetic card 4
The unique printing information WD, such as whether it is valid or invalid, may be printed twice, or the printing digits may become uneven, leading to a deterioration in printing quality.

[0017] This poses a problem in that the identifiability of the unique printed information WD of the magnetic card (hereinafter also referred to as information storage medium) 4 and the reliability of the information read/write device are reduced.

The present invention was created in view of the problems of the conventional example, and it is possible to print information on the information storage medium without using only the reference position of the printing means provided on the processing device side of the information storage medium. An information storage medium and its processing device that aligns a print writing area of the storage medium with a printing means based on a provided position detection data medium and accurately prints print information in the area. and to provide a printing processing method.

[0019]

[Means for solving the problem] Figures 1(a) and (b) are
FIG. 2 is a principle diagram of an information storage medium and a processing device thereof according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a principle diagram of a print processing method for an information storage medium according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the information storage medium of the present invention has at least the printed information W on the card body 11.
In an information storage medium comprising a print writing area A1 for printing D and an information storage area A2 for storing other information MD, a position detection device for assisting print alignment in a print writing area A1 other than the information storage area A2. It is characterized by being provided with data media BC and DD.

Furthermore, the information storage medium is characterized in that the print writing area A1 and the information storage area A2 are provided on the same surface or on different surfaces of the card body 11, respectively.

The information storage medium processing apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. a position detecting means 14 for detecting a position, and the information storage medium 1
8, and the first moving means 1.
2. The position detecting means 14 and the control means 16 for controlling the input/output of the printing means 15 are provided, and the position detecting means 14 is engaged with the printing means 15, and the engaged position detecting means 14 and the printing means are 15 is characterized in that its movement is controlled by the second moving means 17.

Furthermore, the information storage medium processing apparatus is characterized in that an information writing/reading means 13 for writing/reading information MD related to the information storage medium 18 is provided.

Further, in the information storage medium processing device, the position detecting means 14 may be a magnetic detecting means 14A for detecting position detecting magnetic data DD provided in the print writing area A1 or a magnetic detecting means 14A provided in the print writing area A1. It is characterized by comprising a light detection means 14B for detecting the position detection mark BC.

[0025] In the information storage medium processing device, the information storage medium 18 is characterized in that the information storage medium according to claim 1 is used.

Further, the printing processing method for an information storage medium of the present invention is a method in which printing processing is performed by the processing device for the information storage medium, and as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The position detection data media BC and DD provided in the print writing area A1 of 18 are detected, and then, in step P2, the printing standard of the print writing area A1 is determined based on the position detection data media BC and DD. The above object is achieved by performing alignment processing between the position p and the printing means 15, and then, in step P3, printing processing is performed in the print writing area A1 of the information storage medium 18 that has been subjected to the alignment processing.

[0027]

[Function] According to the information storage medium of the present invention, FIG.
), position detection data media BC and DD are provided in the print writing area A1 other than the information storage area A2.

For example, when the print writing area A1 and the information storage area A2 are provided on the same surface with respect to the card body 11 of the information storage medium 18, the position detection data medium BC that assists print positioning and DD are provided in the print writing area A1.

Therefore, unlike the conventional example, the position detection data medium BC or DD provided on the information storage medium is not used as a reference only for the reference position of the printing means provided on the processing device side of the information storage medium. Based on this, it becomes possible to accurately align the print writing area A1 of the storage medium 18 and the printing means 15.

This makes it possible to accurately print the print information WD at the specified position in the print writing area A1 recognized by the control system.

Further, according to the information storage medium processing apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the first moving means 12
, a position detection means 14, a printing means 15, and a control means 16, and the movement of the printing means 15 engaged with the position detection means 14 is controlled by a second moving means 17.

For example, when the information writing/reading means 13 writes/reads the magnetic information MD etc. on the information storage medium 18 and then thermally prints the print information in the print writing area A1 of the storage medium 18, First, control means 1
information storage medium 18 by the first moving means 12 via 6;
The end face of is moved to the reference position of the printing means 15.

Next, for example, the position detection magnetic data DD provided in the print writing area A1 is detected by the magnetic detection means 14A.
It is detected by the position detecting means 14 such as. Further, a position detection signal PD is output from the position detection means 14 to the control means 16. Here, the printing means 15 engaged with the position detecting means 14 is controlled to move toward the designated printing position by the control means 16 and the second moving means 17.

At this time, the position detection mark BC provided in the print writing area A1 may be detected by the optical detection means 14B.

[0035] As a result, the print position designated on the information storage medium 18 is detected by the position detecting means, and the print means 15 similarly reaches the print position. Thereafter, the unique print information and the like are printed in the print writing area A1 of the information storage medium 18 via the printing means 15.

Therefore, it is possible to avoid printing the print information at a position other than the designated position in the print writing area A1 as much as possible, as in the conventional example. That is, when the information storage medium 18 is inserted into the device at an angle, or when gear backlash or belt microslip occurs in the first moving means 12, second moving means 17, etc. Even if the position detection data medium BC or DD is used as a reference, the movement of the printing means 14 is accurately controlled.

[0037] Thereby, it becomes possible to print the print information WD at the specified position in the print writing area A1 that is recognized by the control system.

Furthermore, according to the printing processing method for an information storage medium of the present invention, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, in step P2, the printing writing area A1 is The printing reference position p and the printing means 15 have been aligned.

Therefore, even if the information storage medium 18 is inserted abnormally or a movement error occurs in the first and second moving means 12, 17, etc., the position detection data medium BC or DD cannot be detected. Based on the process, the positional deviation between the printing reference position p and the printing means 15 is corrected, so the control system is originally For example, unique print information WD, such as validity or invalidity of the information storage medium 18, can be accurately printed at the designated print position.

[0040] This makes it possible to improve the identifiability of the unique printed information WD of the information storage medium 18 and the reliability of the information read/write device.

[0041]

Embodiments Next, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. 3 to 9 are diagrams for explaining an information storage medium, its processing device, and its printing processing method according to each embodiment of the present invention.

(1) Explanation of the first embodiment FIGS. 3(a), (
b) is an explanatory diagram of the magnetic card according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3(a) shows its plan view.

For example, in FIG. 3A, a magnetic card 28 applicable to a medical card, a financial card, etc. is provided with a print writing area A1 and an information storage area A2 in the card body 11.

That is, the magnetic card 28 is an example of the information storage medium 18, and the card body 11 is made of resin material, high-quality paper, or the like. Further, the print writing area A1 is an area where print information WD is printed, and is a part where letters and numbers that can be identified from the outside of the card 28 are thermally printed (see FIG. 3(b)).

Note that the print writing area A1 is provided on the same side of the card body 11 as the information storage area A2, or on a different back side. Further, the information storage area A2 is an area for storing magnetic data MD, and stores information that can be written/read by a magnetic sensor or the like.

The position detecting magnetic data DD is an embodiment of the position detecting data medium DD, and is provided in the print writing area A1 other than the information storage area A2 to assist print position alignment. For example, position detection magnetic data DD
is provided at a position L3 from the end surface of the card body portion 11 and at a position α from the other end surface in the form of a line with a width of several [mm].

FIG. 3(b) shows a cross-sectional view of a magnetic card according to each embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3(b),
Magnetic card 2 having a thermally printable print writing area A1
8 is a magnetic pattern section 28B on the card substrate section 28A,
The tin pattern portion 28C and the overcoat portion 28D are laminated.

Further, the thermal print display function of the magnetic card according to each embodiment is such that Joule heat from the thermal head 25 or the like is transmitted from the overcoat portion 28D to the lower tin pattern portion 28C, and the tin pattern portion 28C is melted. It is used to display alphabetic characters, numbers, etc.

In this way, according to the magnetic card according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the print writing area A1 and the information storage area A2 are magnetically connected. A print writing area A1 other than the information storage area A2, which is provided on the same surface as the card main body 11 of the card 28, for example, a position separated by a distance L3 from the end face of the card main body 11, and α from the other end face. Magnetic data DD for position detection is provided in a line shape with a width of several mm at the position.

Therefore, instead of using only the home position (reference position) of the thermal head provided on the magnetic card read/write device side as in the conventional example, the position detecting magnet provided on the magnetic card 28 is used as a reference. Data DD
Based on this, it becomes possible to align the print writing area A1 of the card 28 and the head 25.

[0051] This makes it possible to accurately print the print information WD at the designated position of the print writing area A1 recognized by the control system.

Next, a magnetic card read/write device using magnetic cards according to each embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are configuration diagrams of a magnetic card read/write device according to each embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5(a) shows a sectional view thereof, and FIG. 6(b) shows a plan view thereof.

In FIG. 4(a), the magnetic card read/write device for writing/reading magnetic data MD into/from the magnetic card 28 according to each embodiment of the present invention and thermally printing in the print writing area is as follows: The device main body 30 is provided with an upper case 29A and a lower case 29B. Further, the upper case 29A is provided with a card recognition sensor 24A, and the lower case 29B is provided with a conveying belt 22A, a magnetic head 23, a driving roller 22B, and a thermal head 2.
5, a head drive motor 27, and the like.

That is, the conveying belt 22A constitutes a part of the first moving means 12, and is used, for example, to move the magnetic card 28 according to the embodiment of the present invention in the X direction. Further, the driving roller 22B constitutes another part of the first moving means 12, and drives the conveying belt 22A by receiving a driving force from a step motor or the like that is fed in a predetermined step.

The magnetic head 23 is an embodiment of the information writing/reading processing means 13, and is used to write/read the magnetic data MD of the magnetic card 28. Also,
The distance between the mounting position of the magnetic head 23 and the mounting position of the card recognition sensor 24A that recognizes the end of the magnetic card 28 is defined as L1.

The print position detection sensor 24B is an embodiment of the position detection means 14, and is for detecting the print position on the magnetic card 28. For example, print position detection sensor 24B
For this purpose, magnetic sensors and optical sensors are used. The magnetic sensor is an example of the magnetic detection means 14A, and when position detection magnetic data DD is provided in the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 28, it detects it and outputs a position detection signal PD to the MPU 26. It is something.

The optical sensor is an example of the light detection means 14B, and detects when a position detection mark BC such as a bar code is provided in the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 28. It is.

Note that the print position detection sensor 24B is engaged with the thermal head 25, which is connected to the head drive motor 2.
Movement is controlled by 7. For example, the print position detection sensor 2 is positioned perpendicularly to the magnetic card 28 (Y direction) based on the screw shaft connected to the head drive motor 27.
4B and the thermal head 25 are controlled in movement.

The thermal head 25 is an embodiment of the printing means 15, and thermally prints print information on the magnetic card 28 (see FIG. 3(b)). In addition, thermal head 2
5 is a distance L2 from the mounting position of the magnetic head 23, and for example, the axial center position of the screw shaft is defined.

MPU (microprocessor unit) 2
6 is an embodiment of the control means 16, which controls the input and output of the card transport system, magnetic head 23, card recognition sensor 24A, print position detection sensor 24B, thermal head 25, head drive motor 27, etc. be. for example,
The MPU 26 controls the output of the head drive motor 27 based on the position detection signal PD output from the print position detection sensor 24B.

In this manner, according to the magnetic card read/write device according to each embodiment of the present invention,
As shown in (b), the upper case 29 of the device main body 30
A is provided with a card recognition sensor 24A, and the lower case 29B is provided with a conveyor belt 22A, a magnetic head 23,
A driving roller 22B, a thermal head 25, a head driving motor 27, etc. are provided, and the print position detection sensor 2
The movement of the thermal head 25 that has engaged 4B is controlled via the MPU 26.

Therefore, the magnetic card 28 according to the present invention is inserted into the processing device, and the magnetic card 28 is inserted into the MPU 2.
6 to drive roller 22B and conveyance belt 22A.
When the MD is moved, for example, the magnetic head 23 writes/reads the magnetic data MD. Further, when printing information to be printed in the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 28 after that, the magnetic card 28 is first
8 is moved to the home position of the thermal head 25.

Next, unlike the conventional example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the position detection magnetic data DD provided in the print writing area A1 is detected by a print position detection sensor 24B such as a magnetic sensor. In addition, the print position detection sensor 24B to M
A position detection signal PD is output to the PU26. Here, the thermal head 25 engaged with the print position detection sensor 24B
is moved toward the designated print position under the control of the MPU 26 and head drive motor 27.

At this time, the position detection mark BC provided in the print writing area A1 may be detected by an optical sensor.

As a result, the print position specified on the magnetic card 28 is detected by the print position detection sensor 24B, and the thermal head 25 similarly moves to the print position. Thereafter, unique print information and the like are printed in the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 28 via the head 25.

[0067] This avoids printing the print information at a position other than the designated position in the print writing area A1 as much as possible, as in the conventional example. That is, even in the case of an abnormal insertion in which the magnetic card 28 is inserted diagonally into the device, backlash of gears such as the card transport system and head drive motor 27, micro slip of the belt, etc., The movement of the thermal head 25 is accurately controlled based on the position detection magnetic data DD.

As a result, the print information W is accurately written at the specified position in the print writing area A1 that is originally recognized by the control system.
It becomes possible to perform the printing process of D.

Next, the magnetic card printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with supplementary explanation of the operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a control flowchart of the magnetic card read/write device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, when thermal printing is performed on the print writing area A1 after writing/reading of magnetic data MD using the magnetic card 28 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the flowchart of FIG. First, in step P1, the magnetic card 28 is inserted into the device.

Next, in step P2, the feeding process of the magnetic card 28 is started, and then, in step P3, the feeding process of the magnetic card 28 is started.
Recognize 8. At this time, if the magnetic card 28 is recognized (YES), the end face of the magnetic card 28 is recognized by the card recognition sensor 24A, so the process moves to step P4. If the magnetic card 28 is not recognized (NO), the process returns to step P2 and continues.

Therefore, in step P4, the magnetic card 2
8 L1 sending processing is performed. At this time, the magnetic card 28
is moved by the card transport system via the MPU 26, and the end surface of the magnetic card 28 reaches the mounting position of the magnetic head 23.

Thereafter, in step P5, L2 sending processing of the magnetic card 28 is performed. At this time, the card is similarly moved by the card transport system via the MPU 26.

As a result, in step P6, magnetic data MD is written/read from the magnetic card 28, and in step P7, it is determined whether the L2 sending process is finished. At this time, if the L2 sending process is completed (YES), the process moves to step P8. If the L2 sending process is not completed (NO), the process returns to step P6 and continues.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, since thermal printing is performed on the print writing area A1, the process moves to step P8, and the L3 feeding process of the magnetic card 28 is performed. At this time, the magnetic data D for position detection is transferred from the edge of the magnetic card 28.
The card is moved only by a distance L3 to the storage position of D by the card transport system. As a result, the end surface of the magnetic card 28 is moved to the home position of the thermal head 25. Here, unlike the conventional example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the position detection magnetic data DD provided in the print writing area A1 is detected by the print position detection sensor 24B such as a magnetic sensor, and the position detection magnetic data DD is detected by the print position detection sensor 24B such as a magnetic sensor. The positional deviation between the storage position (print reference position p) and the home position of the thermal head 25 is corrected.

After that, in step P9, the thermal head 2
Move 5. At this time, the print position detection sensor 24B engaged with the thermal head 25 drives the head drive motor 27 based on the storage position of the position detection magnetic data DD.
The movement toward the designated print position is controlled by.

Furthermore, in step P10, the printing start position is confirmed. At this time, if the thermal head 25 has reached the print start position (YES), the process moves to step P11. If it does not reach the print start position (NO), the process returns to step P9 and continues.

Next, in step P11, thermal printing processing is performed. At this time, heat is transferred from the thermal head 25 aligned with the print writing area A1 to the overcoat portion 28D of the magnetic card 28, and the tin pattern portion 28C is melted, thereby displaying letters, numbers, etc. (Figure 3(b)
reference).

Thereafter, in step P12, it is determined whether the printing process is finished. At this time, if the printing process is finished (YE
In step S), the process moves to step P13. If the printing process is not completed (NO), the process returns to step P11 and continues.

Next, in step P13, the thermal head 2
5 is returned to the home position, card ejection processing is performed in step P14, and the control is terminated.

In this way, according to the magnetic card printing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Based on the detection process, the thermal head 25 is aligned with the storage position of the position detection magnetic data DD, which is the specified print position p in the print writing area A1.

For this reason, the magnetic card 28 may be abnormally inserted into the device, or the driving roller 22B or the conveying belt 2 may
Even if backlash or belt micro slip occurs in the card transport system such as 2A or the head drive motor 27, etc., the storage position of the magnetic data DD for position detection (printing reference position p) and the thermal Since the positional deviation of the head 25 from the home position is corrected,
Magnetic card 28 that has been aligned in step P11
In the print writing area A1, it is possible to accurately print, for example, unique print information WD, such as validity or invalidity of the magnetic card 28, at a print position originally specified by the control system.

[0083] This makes it possible to improve the identifiability of the unique printed information WD of the magnetic card 28 and the reliability of the information read/write device.

(2) Explanation of the second embodiment FIGS. 6(a), (
b) is an explanatory diagram of a magnetic card according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6(a) shows a plan view thereof.

In FIG. 6A, the difference from the first embodiment is that in the second embodiment, magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits is provided in the print writing area A1 of the card body 11.

That is, the magnetic data DD for detecting the number of printed digits
1 is another embodiment of the position detection data medium DD, in which n pieces are arranged in the Y direction along one side (card insertion direction side) of the print/write area A1 of the magnetic card 31. Furthermore, with the card insertion direction as a reference, the storage position of the n pieces of magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits is defined at a distance of L4 from the card end surface, and the pitch of the number of printed digits is, for example, β [mm]. stipulated.

Furthermore, the print writing area A1 in FIG. 6(b)
In the enlarged view of
5 is used for thermal printing.

Note that the material of the card and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In this way, according to the magnetic card according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the print writing area A1 and the information storage area A2 are magnetically connected. A print writing area A1 other than the information storage area A2, which is provided on the same surface as the card body 11 of the card 31, for example, at a position L4 from the end surface of the card body 11, and according to the printing digit pitch β n pieces of magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits are provided.

Therefore, the number of printed digits provided on the magnetic card 31 can be detected without referring only to the home position (reference position) of the thermal head provided on the magnetic card read/write device side as in the conventional example. It becomes possible to accurately align the print/write area A1 of the card 31 and the head 25 based on the magnetic data DD1.

For example, the storage positions of the n pieces of magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits are stored in a memory or the like before thermal printing processing,
Thereafter, the storage position specified by the control system is read and the head 25 is moved (see the flowchart in FIG. 7).

[0092] This makes it possible to accurately print the print information WD at the specified position of the print writing area A1 recognized by the control system.

Next, a magnetic card printing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with supplementary explanation of the operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a control flowchart of a magnetic card read/write device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. For example, when thermal printing is performed on the print writing area A1 after writing/reading of magnetic data MD is performed using the magnetic card 31 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the flowchart of FIG. First, in step P1, the magnetic card 31 is inserted into the device.

Next, in step P2, the feeding process of the magnetic card 31 is started, and then, in step P3, the feeding process of the magnetic card 31 is started.
Recognize 1. At this time, if the magnetic card 31 is recognized (YES), the end face of the magnetic card 31 is recognized by the card recognition sensor 24A, so the process moves to step P4. If the magnetic card 31 is not recognized (NO), the process returns to step P2 and continues.

Therefore, in step P4, the magnetic card 3
1 L1 sending processing is performed. At this time, the magnetic card 31
is moved by the card transport system via the MPU 26, and the end surface of the magnetic card 31 reaches the mounting position of the magnetic head 23.

[0097] Thereafter, in step P5, L2 sending processing of the magnetic card 31 is performed. At this time, the card is similarly moved by the card transport system via the MPU 26.

As a result, in step P6, magnetic data MD is written/read from the magnetic card 31, and in step P7, it is determined whether the L2 sending process is finished. At this time, if the L2 sending process is completed (YES), the process moves to step P8. If the L2 sending process is not completed (NO), the process returns to step P6 and continues.

Further, in the second embodiment of the present invention, since thermal printing is performed on the print writing area A1, the process moves to step P8, and the L4 feeding process of the magnetic card 31 is performed. At this time, only the separation distance L4 from the end of the magnetic card 31 to the storage position of the magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits is moved by the card transport system. As a result, the magnetic card 31
is moved to the home position of the thermal head 25.

[0100] Then, in step P9, the thermal head 2
Move 5. At this time, unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, n pieces of magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits provided in the print writing area A1 are sequentially detected by a print position detection sensor 24B such as a magnetic sensor. be done.

Further, in step P10, it is confirmed whether the magnetic data for detection of the first digit is DD1. At this time, the thermal head 25 reads the first digit detection magnetic data DD.
If it reaches 1 (YES), the process moves to step P11. Also, it is the first digit detection magnetic data DD1.
If it does not reach (NO), the process returns to step P10 and continues.

Furthermore, in step P11, distance information is stored. At this time, the address related to the first magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits is stored in the memory of the MPU 26 or the like.

Thereafter, in step P12, it is confirmed whether or not the second digit detection magnetic data DD1 is present. At this time, the thermal head 25 detects the second digit detection magnetic data D.
If D1 is reached (YES), the addresses related to the n pieces of magnetic data for detecting the number of printed digits DD1 are sequentially stored. Moreover, if it does not reach the second digit detection magnetic data DD1 (NO), the process returns to step P12 and continues.

Furthermore, in step P13, it is confirmed whether or not it is the n-th detection magnetic data DD1. At this time, the thermal head 25 outputs the n-th digit detection magnetic data D.
If D1 is reached (YES), the process moves to step P14. Furthermore, if the n-th digit magnetic data for detection DD1 is not reached (NO), the storage process of addresses related to the n pieces of magnetic data for detection of the number of printed digits DD1 is successively continued. As a result, the positional deviation between the actual storage position (printing reference position p) of the magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits and the home position of the thermal head 25 that is originally recognized by the control system is corrected.

After that, in step P15, the thermal head 25 is moved to the home position, and then in step P1
At step 6, the address specified by the control system is read out from the addresses related to the n pieces of magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits. At this time, for example, the third
The address related to the magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits is read out, and the thermal head 25 that engages the print position detection sensor 24B based on the address stores the magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits 3rd. Based on the position, the head drive motor 27 controls the movement toward the designated print position.

Next, in step P17, thermal printing processing is performed. At this time, heat is transferred from the thermal head 25 aligned with the print writing area A1 to the magnetic card 31, and letters, numbers, etc. are displayed (see FIG. 3(b)).

[0107] Thereafter, in step P18, it is determined whether the printing process is finished. At this time, if the printing process is finished (YE
In S), the process moves to step P19. If the printing process is not completed (NO), the process returns to step P17 and continues.

Next, in step P19, the thermal head 2
5 is returned to the home position, card ejection processing is performed in step P20, and the control is terminated.

In this manner, according to the thermal printing processing method for a magnetic card according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Based on the distance information obtained based on the detection process of DD1, in step P16, the thermal head 25 is aligned with the storage position of the magnetic data DD1 for detecting the number of printed digits, which is the designated print position p of the print writing area A1. There is.

[0110] For this reason, the magnetic card 31 may be abnormally inserted into the device, or the drive roller 22B or conveyance belt 2 may
Even if a backlash or a micro slip of the belt occurs in the card transport system such as 2A or the head drive motor 27, etc., the alignment correction process is performed based on the address read in step P16. In the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 31, unique print information WD such as validity or invalidity of the magnetic card 31 is accurately printed at the print position originally designated by the control system, as in the first embodiment. becomes possible.

[0111] Thereby, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the identifiability of the unique printed information WD of the magnetic card 31 and the reliability of the information read/write device.

(3) Explanation of the third embodiment FIGS. 8(a), (
8(b) is an explanatory diagram of a magnetic card according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8(a) shows a plan view thereof.

In FIG. 8(a), the difference from the first and second embodiments is that in the third embodiment, magnetic data DD2 for individual print position detection is provided in the print writing area A1 of the card body 11.
is provided.

That is, the magnetic data DD2 for individual print position detection is another embodiment of the data medium DD for position detection, and is arranged in a matrix form in the X and Y directions of the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 32, for example, in the X direction. with a predetermined pitch γ,Y
n×m pieces are arranged at a predetermined pitch β in the direction. Furthermore, the storage position of the first individual print position detection magnetic data DD2 with respect to the card insertion direction is defined at a distance of L5 from the card end surface.

Furthermore, the print writing area A1 in FIG. 8(b)
In the enlarged view, for example, printed information such as Roman letters "A, B, C" and numbers "1, 2" are thermally printed by the thermal head 25 at a position adjacent to the storage position of the magnetic data DD2 for individual print position detection. It is something that

Note that the material of the card and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In this way, according to the magnetic card according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the print writing area A1 and the information storage area A2 are magnetically connected. A print writing area A1 other than the information storage area A2 provided on the same surface as the card body 11 of the card 31, for example, at a position L5 from the end surface of the card body 11 at a predetermined pitch γ in the X direction. , n×m individual print position detection magnetic data DD2 are provided at a predetermined pitch β in the Y direction.

Therefore, unlike the conventional example, the individual print positions provided on the magnetic card 31 can be detected without referring only to the home position (reference position) of the thermal head provided on the magnetic card read/write device side. The print writing area A of the card 31 is based on the magnetic data DD2.
1 and the head 25 can be aligned.

[0119] As a result, the head 2 is directly placed at the specified position based on the address related to the print position specified by the control system.
5, it becomes possible to print the print information WD with high precision and at high speed (see the flowchart in FIG. 9).

Next, a magnetic card printing method according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with supplementary explanation of the operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows a control flowchart of a magnetic card read/write device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, when thermal printing is performed on the print writing area A1 after writing/reading of magnetic data MD is performed using the magnetic card 32 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, First, in step P1, the magnetic card 32 is inserted into the device.

[0122] Next, in step P2, the feeding process of the magnetic card 32 is started, and then, in step P3, the feeding process of the magnetic card 32 is started.
Recognize 2. At this time, if the magnetic card 32 is recognized (YES), the end face of the magnetic card 32 is recognized by the card recognition sensor 24A, so the process moves to step P4. If the magnetic card 32 is not recognized (NO), the process returns to step P2 and continues.

[0123] Therefore, in step P4, the magnetic card 3
2 L1 sending processing is performed. At this time, the magnetic card 32
is moved by the card transport system via the MPU 26, and the end surface of the magnetic card 32 reaches the mounting position of the magnetic head 23.

[0124] Thereafter, in step P5, L2 sending processing of the magnetic card 32 is performed. At this time, the card is similarly moved by the card transport system via the MPU 26.

[0125] Thereby, in step P6, magnetic data MD is written/read from the magnetic card 32, and in step P7, it is determined whether the L2 sending process is finished. At this time, if the L2 sending process is completed (YES), the process moves to step P8. If the L2 sending process is not completed (NO), the process returns to step P6 and continues.

Further, in the third embodiment of the present invention, in order to perform thermal printing on the print writing area A1, the process moves to step P8, and the L5 feeding process of the magnetic card 32 is performed. At this time, only the separation distance L5 from the end of the magnetic card 32 to the storage position of the magnetic data DD2 for individual print position detection is moved by the card transport system. As a result, the end surface of the magnetic card 32 is moved to the home position of the thermal head 25.

[0127] After that, in step P9, the thermal head 2
Move 5. At this time, unlike the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment, the n
×m individual print position detection magnetic data DD2 are detected by a print position detection sensor 24B such as a magnetic sensor, and the storage position (print reference position p) of the individual print position detection magnetic data DD2 and the home of the thermal head 25 Misalignment with the position is corrected. Thereafter, the print position detection sensor 24B engaged with the thermal head 25 is controlled to move toward the designated print position by the head drive motor 27 based on the storage position of the individual print position detection magnetic data DD2.

[0128] Furthermore, in step P10, the designated print position is confirmed. At this time, if the thermal head 25 has reached the designated print position (YES), the process moves to step P11. If it does not reach the designated print position (NO), the process returns to step P9 and continues. Here, for example, the individual print position detection magnetic data DD2 detected by the print position detection sensor 24B is compared and verified with the address related to the print position specified by the control system.

Next, in step P11, thermal printing processing is performed. At this time, heat is transferred from the thermal head 25 aligned to the specified position in the print writing area A1 to the magnetic card 32, and alphabetic characters, numbers, etc. are displayed (see FIG. 3(b)).

[0130] Thereafter, in step P12, it is determined whether the printing process is finished. At this time, if the printing process is finished (YE
In step S), the process moves to step P13. If the printing process is not completed (NO), the process returns to step P9 to continue the process.

Next, in step P13, the thermal head 2
5 is returned to the home position, card ejection processing is performed in step P14, and the control is terminated.

In this manner, according to the magnetic card printing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The thermal head 25 is aligned with the storage position of the magnetic data DD2 for individual print position detection, which is the specified print position in the write area A1.

For this reason, the magnetic card 32 may be abnormally inserted into the device, or the drive roller 22B or conveyance belt 2 may
Even if backlash or belt microslip occurs in the card transport system such as 2A or head drive motor 27, etc., the n x m individual print positions provided in the print writing area A1 can be detected. The magnetic data DD2 for individual printing position detection is detected by the print position detection sensor 24B such as a magnetic sensor, and the storage position of the magnetic data DD2 for individual print position detection (
The positional deviation between the printing reference position p) and the home position of the thermal head 25 is corrected. As a result, the magnetic card 32 subjected to the alignment correction process in step P11
In the print writing area A1 of the magnetic card 32, the unique print information WD such as validity or invalidity of the magnetic card 32 is accurately printed at the print position originally designated by the control system, as in the first and second embodiments. becomes possible.

[0134] Thereby, as in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to improve the identifiability of the unique printed information WD of the magnetic card 32 and the reliability of the information read/write device.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention, the information storage medium is a magnetic card and the position detection data medium DD is magnetic data. Even if the position detection data medium DD is a bar code, similar effects can be obtained.

[0136]

As described above, according to the information storage medium of the present invention, a position detection data medium for assisting print positioning is provided in a print writing area other than the information storage area.

[0137] Therefore, instead of relying only on the reference position of the printing means provided on the processing device side of the information storage medium as in the conventional example, the position detection data medium provided on the information storage medium is used as a reference. The print writing area of the storage medium and the printing means can be aligned, and the alignment accuracy can be improved.

Further, according to the information storage medium processing device of the present invention, the first moving means, the position detecting means, the printing means, and the control means are provided, and the position detecting means engaged with the printing means is provided with the second moving means, the position detecting means, the printing means, and the control means. The movement is controlled by means of movement.

[0139] For this reason, abnormal insertion in which the information storage medium is inserted diagonally into the device, backlash of the gears of the first moving means, the second moving means, etc., micro slip of the belt, etc. may occur. Even in the case where the printing means is moved to the designated printing position using the position detection data medium as a reference, it is possible to accurately move the printing means to the specified printing position. This avoids printing the print information at a position other than the designated position of the print writing area as much as possible, as in the conventional example.

Furthermore, according to the printing processing method for an information storage medium of the present invention, the printing reference position of the printing writing area and the printing means are aligned based on the detection processing of the data medium for position detection, and then the printing is performed. Processing is taking place.

[0141] Therefore, even if the information storage medium is inserted abnormally or a movement error occurs in the first and second moving means, the positional deviation between the printing reference position and the printing means is used for position detection. Since the correction process is performed based on the detection process of the data medium, in the print writing area of the information storage medium that has undergone the alignment correction process, the validity, invalidity, etc. of the information storage medium are originally placed at the print position specified by the control system. It becomes possible to accurately print unique printing information.

[0142] This makes it possible to improve the identifiability of the unique printed information of the information storage medium and the reliability of the information read/write device.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of an information storage medium and its processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the principle of a print processing method for an information storage medium according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a magnetic card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a magnetic card read/write device according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a control flowchart of the magnetic card read/write device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a magnetic card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a control flowchart of a magnetic card read/write device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a magnetic card according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart of a magnetic card read/write device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional magnetic card read/write device.

[Explanation of symbols]

11...Card body part, 12, 17...first and second moving means, 13... Information writing/reading means, 14...position detection means, 15...Printing means, 16...control means, MD...Other information, DD, BC...data medium for position detection, WD...Print information, A1...Print writing area, A2...information storage area, p1...Print reference position.

Claims (7)

[Claims] Claim 1: At least a print writing area (A1) in which print information (WD) is printed on the card body (11).
and an information storage area (A2) for storing other information (MD).
An information storage medium characterized in that a position detection data medium (BC or DD) for assisting print alignment is provided in a print writing area (A1) other than A2). 2. The information storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the print writing area (A1) and the information storage area (A2)
and are provided on the same side or on different sides of the card body (11). [Claim 3] A first device for moving the information storage medium (18).
a moving means (12), a position detecting means (14) for detecting a printing position on the information storage medium (18), a printing means (15) for printing on the information storage medium (18), and a first a moving means (12), a position detecting means (14), and a control means (16) for controlling the input/output of the printing means (15), and the position detecting means (14) is connected to the printing means (15).
), and the engaged position detecting means (14) and printing means (15) are movement-controlled by a second moving means (17). 4. The information storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein information (M
D) Information writing/reading means (
13). An information storage medium processing device, characterized in that it is provided with: 5. The information storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the position detecting means (14) is a position detecting magnetic data (DD) provided in a print writing area (A1).
A processing device for an information storage medium characterized by comprising a magnetic detection means (14A) for detecting a magnetic field or a photodetection means (14B) for detecting a position detection mark (BC) provided in the print writing area (A1). . 6. The information storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information storage medium according to claim 1 is used as the information storage medium (18). 7. A method of performing printing processing using the information storage medium processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the position detection data medium is provided in advance in the print writing area (A1) of the information storage medium (18). (BC and DD), and perform alignment correction between the printing reference position (p) of the print writing area (A1) and the printing means (15) based on the position detection data medium (BC, DD). A printing processing method for an information storage medium, characterized in that printing is performed on the print writing area (A1) of the information storage medium (18) that has undergone the alignment correction processing.