JPH0531799B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a card processing device, and particularly to a card processing device that has a simple configuration, is highly convenient and economical, and has an advanced card identification ability. .

[Prior art]

In conventional devices of this kind, the card information input/output section is mostly composed of only a reading head or a combined read/write head.

In systems such as credit cards and ID cards, where the recorded information on the card has a special meaning and the card is verified for use, a head that reads the recorded information is sufficient.

On the other hand, like magnetic coupon-type cards for public telephones, the value information recorded at the time of card issuance is subtracted depending on the amount used each time the card is used. , dual gear heads are often used in which one head is used for both reading and writing. Also, like a magnetic railway commuter pass/ticket or a magnetic horse racing ticket, it is composed of multiple stripes with a coarse density, and a read-only head and a write-only head are separated according to the position of each stripe, and the head is composed of the required number of gaps. Some have been.

In particular, in the conventional system, which has both read and write functions, the card processing device itself becomes a card issuing machine, reproduces recorded information, and records the reproduced information with a write head. It was also possible to create identical cards. This is particularly problematic in systems that do not require verification of the cardholder, only the card has value, and do not perform verification between the device and the center. A typical example of this is a ticket-based system. It's a service.

Additionally, the smaller and lighter the card processing device operated by the user, the easier it is to issue a card at a nearby location.Generally, in the case of a ticket system, the value of the card is deducted according to the amount used. However, it is inconvenient if the value of a card whose value has decreased is rewritten and the card is recycled into an expensive card. In this case, this is a problem that cannot be avoided with a card processing device that inherently has both reading and writing functions. This is how card information is recorded,
This is because no matter how much you devise the content and processing method, you will be defenseless against this.

Therefore, as a countermeasure to this problem, card processing equipment is generally large in size, is installed firmly, and is installed in a place where it can be seen and easily supervised.If this is difficult, use security bells or security cameras. Monitoring equipment such as

However, such means have the disadvantage that the installation location is restricted and the cost is high.

On the other hand, in terms of services provided, the amount of information that can be recorded on one track is determined by the recording density once the size of the card is determined, so there is a natural limit to the amount of information that can be recorded, which is disadvantageous to service expansion. Furthermore, since rewrite information such as value information and card-specific fixed information are mixed and arranged on one track, reading and rewriting control becomes complicated, and bit shifts occur at the boundary between the two pieces of information.
There was a risk that reading errors would occur.

[Object and structure of the invention]

In view of the above points, the present invention was made to solve such problems and eliminate such drawbacks.The purpose of the present invention is to facilitate the expansion of services, make it difficult to issue the same card, and improve convenience.・
It is an object of the present invention to provide a card processing device that is highly economical, can improve card identification ability, and can be used with existing card services as is.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has a slot for inserting and returning a card, a shutter mechanism that prevents a card from being inserted beyond a certain level from the card slot, and a shutter mechanism that prevents the card from being inserted when the shutter mechanism is in an open state. a card import mechanism that takes the card into the device, a card transport mechanism that reciprocates the card taken in by the card transport mechanism, and a card transport mechanism that discharges the card obtained by the card transport mechanism to the outside of the device. a card return mechanism; a control circuit that processes the card by controlling the shutter, card take-in, card transport, and card return mechanisms; a detection unit that detects the movement of the card; and a control circuit that processes the card; a card information input/output unit disposed on the card processing transport path of the card transport mechanism and having a read/write head and a read-only head for transmitting and receiving information to and from the card; A determining unit records identification information for distinguishing whether the card is a one-track type card or a two-track type card in the first track corresponding to the read/write head, and determines which type it is from the read information. It was designed to be equipped with the following.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a card processing apparatus according to the present invention, and only the parts necessary for explanation are shown.

In the figure, 1 is a card, 2 is a card insertion/return slot into which the card 1 is inserted or returned, and the card insertion/return slot 2 is composed of a card insertion slot 2a and a card return slot 2b, as described later. has been done. 3 is a shutter mechanism that prevents cards from being inserted beyond a certain level from the card insertion slot 2a; 4 is a card taking mechanism that takes the card into the device when the shutter mechanism 3 is in an open state; 5 is a card taking mechanism 5 for this card taking mechanism 4; A card transport mechanism 6 is arranged on the card processing transport path of the card transport mechanism 5 to reciprocate the loaded card, and is a card information input/output unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the card. 6 is composed of a read/write head 6a, a read only head 6b, and a read/write circuit (not shown). 7 is a card return mechanism for discharging the card to the outside of the device; 8 is a control circuit for controlling each mechanical section of the shutter mechanism 3, card take-in mechanism 4, card transport mechanism 5, and card return mechanism 7 to process the card; This control circuit 8 is constituted by a control section (CPU) not shown. Reference numeral 9 denotes a detection unit for detecting the operation of the card, and reference numeral 10 records identification information for distinguishing whether the card is a one-track type card or a two-track type card into the first track corresponding to the read/write head 6a. A determination unit 11 that determines which one it is based on the read information includes a part of the first track,
a collation unit 12 for recording ID information having the same content as a part of the information in the second track corresponding to the read-only head 6b, and for checking whether the information matches;
13 is a clock generator for using the second track information as timing information for card transport control and write control, and 13 is a clock generator so that when a predetermined current value or more flows through the read-only head 6b, the circuit is cut off and the reading function is destroyed. The overcurrent detection section 14 is a visual display means for visually displaying the recorded contents of the card on the card.

Next, the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b. In this figure 2a, the card insertion slot and the return slot are the same opening (see card insertion and return slot 2 in Figure 1), the shutter mechanism 3 and the card loading function 4 are linked, and the read/write head 6a is This shows an example in which the read-only heads 6b and 6b are lined up in series with respect to the transport direction, and the second
In Figure b, the card insertion slot 2a and the card return slot 2b are separate, the shutter mechanism 3 is fixed and only the card take-in mechanism 4 operates to take in the card, and after the processing is completed, the card is returned by guiding the card to the card return slot 2b. This figure shows an example in which a mechanism 7 is provided, and a read/write head 6a and a read-only head 6b are arranged in parallel on the same straight line with respect to the transport direction. Note that these combinations may be arbitrarily combined depending on the purpose.

First, the card 1 inserted into the card insertion slot 2 is prevented from further insertion by the shutter mechanism 3. Here, this shutter mechanism 3 is the card 1
It also prevents the injection of paper-like foreign matter or liquid-like substances. Although not clearly shown in the figure, when the detection unit 9 detects that the card 1 is inserted into the card insertion slot 2, the shutter mechanism 3 is operated to the open state by a control signal from the control circuit 8. Next, the card import mechanism 4 operates, and the card 1
is guided to the card transport mechanism 5.

Specifically, the take-in roller 15 is pressed against the card 1 by the driving actuator 16, and a take-in force is applied to the card 1 held between the upper and lower rollers. Then, the card 1 is subjected to a series of reciprocating transport processes by the card transport mechanism 5 using a detection signal from the detection section 9 and a control signal from the control circuit 8 based on this detection signal. During this time, the card information input/output unit 6 reads information recorded on the card 1 or writes new information. Here, this card information input/output section 6 consists of a read/write head 6a, a read-only head 6b, and a write circuit, and basically reads information recorded on at least two tracks corresponding to each head. Further, the read/write head 6a performs processing to rewrite new information, and after confirming the reading, the recorded content is visually displayed on the card by the visual display means 14, and the card return mechanism 7 causes the card return slot 2b.
Guide and eject card 1. Here, this card return mechanism 7 includes a sorting section 17 consisting of a valve or selector that sorts the card 1 to the card return slot 2b.
and a return transport section 18 consisting of pulleys, belts, and rollers.

In this series of card processing, the characteristic processing of the present invention will be explained in more detail below.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the card information input/output unit 6 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the same reference numerals as in FIG. b corresponds to b in FIG. 2, respectively. Reference numeral 19 denotes a card conveyance belt, 20a a track for rewriting information, and 20b a track for fixed information. The arrow indicates the direction in which the card 1 is transported.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a card recording information format, where a shows an example of a format for an existing service, and b and c show an example of a format by the card processing device of the present invention. In FIG. 4a, 20a ₁ indicates card identification information, and 20a ₂ indicates card ID information.

The present invention is also aimed at expanding services, and can provide new services while inheriting the provision of existing services provided in one track.

That is, first, the inheritance of existing services will be explained using a card-type public telephone as an example. This device has a one-track configuration that supports one read/write head. Further, value information corresponding to a certain number of uses is recorded on the used card, and it is rewritten with value information subtracted according to the number of uses, and the card can be used until its value is lost.

This card is roughly divided into two types: value information corresponding to the number of cards, and unique information that characterizes the card and distinguishes it from other cards.The former is called rewriting information, and the latter is called fixed information. These two information parts, the rewriting information and the fixed information, are arranged completely separately or mixed. After reading and checking both information sections with the read/write head 6a,
The call service is provided, and when the call service is completed, the read/write head 6a is switched to write processing, and the information to be updated is recorded at the corresponding position.

Then, in order to confirm whether the data has been recorded correctly, switching is performed for reading processing and verification is performed. Therefore, in order to make it difficult to inherit this existing card and provide new services and issue the same card using the same device, we created a configuration that has the same configuration as the existing one, but has one more head and one more track. . The head is read-only, and fixed information that is recorded when the card is initially issued and will not be changed thereafter is recorded on this track, and only read confirmation is performed when the service is used. When introducing this new 2-head device, it is difficult to convert at once since there are a large number of existing devices on the market, and furthermore, it is difficult to introduce this new 2-head device without causing inconvenience or disadvantage to existing 1-track card holders. Therefore, it is necessary to create a configuration in which the new and old combinations can coexist.

Next, this specific configuration will be explained with reference to FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 3a, one end of the card 1 is held and conveyed by the card conveying belt 19. The read/write head 6a and the read-only head 6b are arranged offset by a distance D with respect to the conveyance direction. In this case, even if the card is transported in only one direction, if the distance D is correlated with the card format and the reading/writing circuit is It can also be configured with only one set. That is, the fixed information section of the fixed information track 20b is stored in the read-only head 6.
After checking in step b, the read/write head 6a records the information in the rewrite information section of the rewrite information track 20a from a track position a distance D away. It goes without saying that the reverse process can be performed by switching the position of the read-write head 6a and the read-only head 6b. Further, the fixed information part of the fixed information track 20b is read-only head 6.
It is also possible to control whether or not the read/write head 6a performs rewrite processing on the rewrite information section of the rewrite information track 20a by reading the information with the read/write head 6a and inserting a unique control signal into the information. Furthermore, although this increases the number of boards and elements, making mounting more difficult and expensive, it is possible to prepare two sets of read/write circuits and read circuits and perform both processes in parallel. Of course it is also possible.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3b, card 1 is
Although the card is moved by the card conveying belt 19 as in FIG. In this figure, both the read/write head 6a and the read-only head 6b are constituted by one block (casing) and are shown as twin heads (connected heads). Also, the track position is shown opposite to that of FIG. 3a. These methods are possible depending on the device configuration.

In such a configuration, a read/write circuit and a read circuit are basically provided for each head, but unless reciprocating transport and time issues are required, it is possible to read/write in either direction. By performing processing only by the head, the circuit can consist only of read/write circuits. Here, the former will be explained.

When the card 1 is taken in and passes under both the read/write head 6a and the read-only head 6b, the rewrite information section of the rewrite information track 20a and the fixed information section of the fixed information track 20b are passed in parallel. read As shown in the example of FIG. 4b, the fixed information section of this fixed information track 20b includes identification information that is also recorded on the existing card, specifies the service content, and indicates that the new card has two tracks. This may include ID information, card unique number, card issue date information, card issuing machine number, card initial value information, etc. Depending on the service, tertiary service providers such as restaurant operators may record your phone number. In addition, it is possible to limit the ability to call only that business using the card, and provide information for a limited automatic dialing function to the customer as a service.

On the other hand, in the rewrite information section of the rewrite information track 20a, in addition to value information such as the number of degrees, card ID information and identification information that are the same as the fixed information are recorded.
Furthermore, rather than having a fixed number, the card holder can record two or three frequently used telephone numbers to receive new service information such as an auto-dial function that allows dialing using the PB button or simple dedicated button operations. Record.

Both of the read information are then transmitted to the control circuit 8.
The information is stored separately in predetermined areas in a memory (not shown), and the control unit CPU of the control circuit 8 performs predetermined control according to the information contents.

Here, in the case of an existing card, since there is no second track, there is no information from the read-only head 6b, but the determination unit 10 determines whether the card is recognized as an existing 1-track card,
Using this information, the control circuit 8 switches to the existing service processing mode to enable service using the existing card. On the other hand, with new two-track cards, the information read from both the read/write head 6a and the read-only head 6b is subject to normal parity errors and format errors before being stored in a predetermined memory area for each meaningful constituent block. Performs an error check and memorizes it by bus. Then, the following check processing is performed, and if normal, service provision is started.

That is, (1) The determining unit 10 determines whether the card is a one-track type card or a two-track type card based on the identification information in the first track, and confirms whether the card has the same structure as the determined card type.

(2) The verification unit 11 checks whether the card ID information recorded on both the first track and the second track match.

If an abnormality is detected by these checks, card 1
to be returned.

If the card is recognized as a new two-track card, the control circuit 8 switches to the new service processing mode.

In this way, the control software is divided into two types: new and old.
It has a tiered structure. In this case, once the transition period of the service has passed, it is sufficient to configure only the new service processing mode.

On the other hand, as a completely new use of the second track, as shown in FIG. Corresponding timing information can be recorded and used as a synchronization signal during writing. By adopting such a method, a separate oscillator such as a crystal oscillator or a frequency generator/encoder is not required, and a simple control method enables recording at a constant recording density without being affected by disturbances such as fluctuations in card conveyance speed. can. Furthermore, by counting the number of signals, it is possible to accurately and easily control card transport processing and card positioning when visually displaying the contents of card record information on the card by punching holes or the like.

FIG. 5 shows a read-only head 6b used in the present invention.
This is a configuration example in which a portion related to the overcurrent detection section 13 is extracted and shown.

In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 indicate corresponding parts, 21 is a coil, 22 is a low current fuse, and 23 is a reading circuit. The read-only head 6b shown in FIG.
Either the diameter of the wire 1 is made thinner or an overcurrent detection section 13 such as a low current fuse 22 is provided, so that if the current necessary for writing is applied to the read-only head 6b, it will be destroyed. ing.

The advantage of the configuration described above is that by increasing the read-only second track and recording fixed information that will not be rewritten on it, there is more room on the first read-write track. , which can be used for new services, increasing convenience. Furthermore, since the second track is configured so that it cannot be rewritten, abnormal cards can be identified by recording fixed initial information here and using logic with the first track information, which can be rewritten. It is possible to prevent the issuance of the same card. Further, since timing information is recorded on this second track, if positioning control is performed by writing processing and signal counting in synchronization with this, highly accurate control can be performed with a simple configuration.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, a card processing device is provided with two heads, a read/write head and a read-only head, and the number of tracks is also two. Since the configuration is destructive, the device can retrieve the output from the read-only head but cannot record it. Therefore, if you record the card's unique ID information/identification information on both tracks, as well as the initial value information on this read-only track, you can transfer a new low-value card to each high-value card. It becomes impossible to rewrite and issue cards, and if the status of subtraction is visually displayed, for example by punch holes or in print, it is impossible to rewrite a card whose value has decreased to increase its value. become. This makes it possible to install the card processing device close to the user and allow them to operate it freely, increasing convenience and expanding the range of applicable services by increasing the number of stripes. The effect is extremely large.

In addition, if the recorded information of this track is used as a recording timing clock, an external oscillator and recording timing clock can be used.
There is no need for FG signals, and the control method is simple and inexpensive.Furthermore, since the configuration is a new read-only head and a reading circuit added to the existing configuration, existing card services can be applied as is. This is extremely effective in that it has the advantage of not causing a gap during switching.

As described above, the present invention provides a card processing device that has great effects compared to conventional devices of this type, has a simple configuration, is highly convenient and economical, and has an advanced card identification ability. It is unique as such.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the card processing device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a configuration example diagram for explaining the operation of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a part related to the information input/output section of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recorded information format used to explain the operation of FIG. 1. FIG. It is a block diagram extracted and shown. 1...Card, 2...Card insertion/return slot, 3
...Shutter mechanism, 4...Card loading mechanism, 5...
...Card transport mechanism, 6...Card information input/output unit,
6a... Read/write head, 6b... Read-only head, 7... Card return mechanism, 8... Control circuit, 9... Detection section, 10... Judgment section, 11...
...Verification section, 12... Clock generation section, 13... Overcurrent detection section, 14... Visual display means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 A slot for inserting and returning a card, a shutter mechanism that prevents cards from being inserted beyond a certain level from the card slot, and a card taking mechanism that takes the card into the device when the shutter mechanism is open. , a card transport mechanism that reciprocates the card taken in by the card transport mechanism; a card return mechanism that discharges the card obtained by the card transport mechanism to the outside of the device; , a control circuit that controls card transport and card return mechanisms and processes the card, a detection unit that detects the movement of the card, and a visual display unit that visually displays card recorded contents on the card; a card information input/output unit disposed on the card processing transport path of the card transport mechanism and having a read/write head and a read-only head for transmitting/receiving information to/from the card; A card characterized in that it records identification information for distinguishing whether it is a one-track type card or a two-track type card in one track, and is equipped with a determination unit that determines which type it is from the read information. Processing equipment.