JPH10143625A - Prepaid card and using state recognition method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To recognize a spent card without errors and to prevent forgery by a simple structure and a method by providing a part of conductive pattern to be cut at the time of being spent in a conducting part between electrode parts for detection. SOLUTION: For this prepaid card 1, a belt-like magnetic data write part 7 for storing the money value of a prescribed amount is formed at the center of the surface of a card main body 2. At the part different from the magnetic data write part 7, the conductive pattern 8 composed of the conducting part 4 which is the part to be cut at the time of being spent whose both ends are turned to the electrode parts 3 for the detection is formed. The conductive pattern 8 is used so as to judge whether or not it is the spent card, and when a balance becomes zero at the time of using the prepaid card 1, a punch hole 5 is opened (b) at the conducting part 4, the conducting part 4 is electrically interrupted and turned to a non-conducting state and it is recognize as the spent card by an electric detection means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prepaid card and a method of recognizing the state of use of the card, and more particularly, to a technique capable of recognizing whether a prepaid card has been used and coping with forgery prevention. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, prepaid cards that have become widespread include telephone cards, JR orange cards, and prepaid cards used in pachinko games. This type of prepaid card is provided with a magnetic data writing unit that stores a monetary value of a predetermined face value in advance, and a consumer obtains a prepaid card in advance before purchasing a product,
At the time of settlement, the transaction is performed by inserting into the card reader and subtracting the amount of the product to be purchased from the face value stored on the card and updating the remaining amount to the magnetic data writing unit, and the settlement process has been completed. Later, it is returned to the card user. Here, as a method of notifying that the remaining amount has become zero, a method of punching a hole in the card itself is generally performed. Conventionally, when a punched hole is opened during use of a prepaid card, the presence or absence of the punched hole is confirmed by an optical system device, whereby the use state of the prepaid card can be recognized.

[0003]

However, in the conventional method of recognizing the state of use of a prepaid card using an optical system device, the structure of the recognition device is complicated, the cost is high, and the recognition is not easy. For example, when dust and dirt such as chips are accumulated, malfunctions are likely to occur.
The used card is returned to the card user, so if the card user intentionally closes the punched hole with adhesive tape and falsifies it, the card may be easily formalized. There was a problem of increased use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned prior art, and has a simple structure and a simple structure and method. The task is to provide

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a prepaid card according to the present invention uses detection electrode portions 3 and 3 at both ends, and uses a conduction portion 4 between the detection electrode portions 3 and 3. Pattern 8 to be cut at the time of completion
With this configuration, it is possible to accurately and accurately recognize whether or not the prepaid card 1 can be used by an electric simple method. The structure is simpler than in the case of using the device, the cost can be reduced, and the conduction state of the conduction portion 4 of the conductive pattern 8 is electrically detected, so that the punched hole is used when the prepaid card 1 is used. Even when dust, dirt, etc., such as chips, accumulate in the punch 5 or when the punch hole 5 is closed and falsified by an adhesive tape or the like, it is possible to accurately recognize that the card is a used card. .

Preferably, a plurality of the conductive patterns 8 are provided. In this case, if a conductive substance is buried in the punch hole 5, the two conductive patterns 8 are electrically connected to each other to form one conductive pattern. Since the conductive pattern 8 becomes the conductive pattern 8 and its conduction state changes with the two independent conductive patterns 8 before the punch hole 5 is formed, the detection of a counterfeit card becomes easier.

Further, it is preferable to form a conductive pattern 8 on the surface of the card body 2, and in this case, the formation of the conductive pattern 8 is facilitated. The card body 2
It is preferable that the conductive portion 4 is embedded in the inside of the card body 2 and the detection electrode portions 3 at both ends of the conductive portion 4 are formed on the surface of the card body 2. In this case, the conductive portion 4 is embedded inside the card body 2. As a result, the conductive pattern 8 can be protected by the card body 2 as compared with the case where the conductive portion 4 is exposed on the card surface, and there is no fear that the conductive state is damaged due to scratches.

Further, in the method for recognizing the use state of a prepaid card according to the present invention, the both ends become the detecting electrode portions 3 and 3 and the conductive portion 4 between the detecting electrode portions 3 and 3 is cut off when used. Since the use state is determined by checking the conduction state or non-conduction state of the conductive portion 4 of the prepaid card 1 having the conductive pattern 8 to be used, it is electrically determined whether the prepaid card 1 can be used. Since it can be accurately recognized by a simple method, the conduction state of the conduction portion 4 of the conductive pattern 8 can be detected by a simpler method than when a conventional optical recognition device is used, and the prepaid device is difficult to forge. Card 1 can be obtained.

Further, in the method for recognizing the use state of a prepaid card according to the present invention, the both ends become the detecting electrode portions 3 and 3 and the conductive portions 4 between the detecting electrode portions 3 and 3 are cut off when used. The conductive electrode 4 is embedded in the card body 2, and the detection electrodes 3, 3 are formed on the surface of the card body 2. Since the use state of the prepaid card 1 is recognized based on a change in the capacitance between the sections 3 and 3, the detection electrode section 3 when the conductive section 4 is in a conductive state before the punched hole 5 is formed. , 3 and the capacitance between the detecting electrode portions 3, 3 when the conductive material 6 is buried in the punched hole 5 to make it conductive. You can recognize whether the card is used or not, and punch holes It becomes to further accommodate the forgery when conducting material 6 is filled within.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), a prepaid card 1 has a monetary value of a predetermined denomination in the center of the surface of a card body 2 in advance. A band-shaped magnetic data writing section 7 for storing is formed. On both sides of the magnetic data writing section 7, detection electrodes 3 and 3 are provided at both ends. The conductive pattern 8 composed of the conductive portion 4 is formed. The conductive pattern 8 is used to determine whether or not the card is a used card. When the balance becomes zero when the prepaid card 1 is used, a punched hole is formed in the conductive portion 4 as shown in FIG. 5 is opened, the conduction portion 4 is electrically cut off and becomes non-conduction state, and is recognized as a used card by the electric detection means. In this embodiment, one conductive pattern 8 is formed to be elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the magnetic data writing section 7, and both the detection electrode sections 3 and 3 and the conductive section 4 constituting the conductive pattern 8 are formed. Are formed on the surface of the card body 2.

When the prepaid card 1 is inserted into a card reader (not shown), a conductive portion in the conductive pattern 8 is detected by an electric detecting means built in the card reader (or externally attached to the card reader). 4
Is determined as the conduction state or the non-conduction state. For example, the conductive portion 4 is in a conductive state by contacting the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the electrical detection means with the detection electrode portions 3 and 3 on both sides of the conductive pattern 8 and flowing a current. It can be easily recognized whether or not the card is in the conductive state. If the card is in the conductive state, it is determined that the card is valid and the remaining balance is left, and a signal is output to the control unit of the card reader. Read and payment is made. On the other hand, when it is in the non-conductive state, it is determined that the card is a used card, and the settlement is stopped.

As described above, the conductive pattern 8 for recognizing whether or not the prepaid card 1 has been used is provided in advance, and the conductive pattern 8 is cut when the punched hole 5 is opened, whereby the prepaid card is cut. The use of the card 1 can be accurately and accurately recognized by an electrical simple method. Therefore, the structure becomes simpler and the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where a conventional optical recognition device is used. By forming the conductive pattern 8 on the surface of the card body 2, the formation of the conductive pattern 8 is facilitated, and an increase in cost can be suppressed. In addition, since the conduction state of the conduction portion 4 of the conductive pattern 8 is electrically detected, the prepaid card 1
Even when dust and dirt such as chips are accumulated in the punch hole 5 during use, there is no concern that malfunction will occur at the time of detection because these are insulators, and the punch hole 5 is closed with an adhesive tape or the like. Even if the card has been tampered with, the conductive portion 4 is kept in a non-conductive state because the adhesive tape is an insulating material. Therefore, it is possible to accurately recognize that the card is a used card and to prevent forgery of the prepaid card 1. It will be very useful.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, two conductive patterns 8 are arranged side by side, and when the punch hole 5 is opened, the two conductive portions 4 are cut at the same time. Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment of FIG. When, for example, a conductive material is buried in the punch hole 5, the two conductive patterns 8 are electrically connected to each other and 1
Since the conductive pattern 8 becomes the conductive pattern 8 and the conductive state changes between the two independent conductive patterns 8 before the punch hole 5 is opened, the detection of a counterfeit card becomes easier. The number of the conductive patterns 8 may be three or more. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C, three or more conductive patterns 8 may be arranged in parallel. FIG.
As shown in (d), for example, one of the three conductive portions 4 is used as a dummy to connect the remaining two conductive portions 4 to each other, thereby making it more difficult to forge with a conductive material. It is more effective in preventing forgery.

FIG. 3 shows still another embodiment. In this embodiment, the conduction portion 4 is embedded inside the card body 2 and the detection electrode portions 3 at both ends of the conduction portion 4 are formed on the surface of the card body 2. Other configurations are shown in FIG.
This is the same as the embodiment. By embedding the conductive portion 4 inside the card body 2, the conductive pattern 8 can be protected by the card body 2 as compared with the case where the conductive portion 4 is exposed on the card surface, and the conductive pattern 4 may be damaged. This eliminates the concern that the conduction state is impaired, and is effective for protecting the conductive pattern 8. Further, in this embodiment, the conduction state of the conduction section 4 can be electrically detected to determine whether or not the electric power can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
As shown in (b), it is also possible to recognize whether or not use is possible based on a change in the capacitance between the detection electrode portions 3 and 3.

That is, the electrical detection method may not be able to adequately cope with the case where the conductive material 6 is buried in the punched hole 5, but as shown in FIG. The conductive pattern 8 is embedded and the conductive portion 4 is formed.
In the prepaid card 1 in which the detection electrode portions 3 and 3 at both ends of the
Assuming that the conductive material 6 is buried in the inside, the capacitance between the detection electrode portions 3 and 3 when the conductive portion 4 is in a conductive state before the punch hole 5 is formed, and the punch hole The capacitance between the detection electrode portions 3 and 3 when the conductive material 6 is buried in the conductive material 5 to be in a conductive state is not the same, and this change in the capacitance is detected when the prepaid card 1 is used. The detection by the detecting means makes it possible to more accurately determine that the forgery has been forged, regardless of whether the conductive portion 4 is in the conductive state or the non-conductive state. Therefore, it is more effective to prevent forgery. Become.

[0016]

As described above, the prepaid card according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises detection portions at both ends and conductive portions serving as cut portions when used. Since the conductive pattern is provided, a conductive pattern for recognizing whether or not the prepaid card itself has been used is provided in advance, and by cutting this conductive pattern when punching a hole, the prepaid card is prepared. It becomes possible to accurately determine whether or not use is possible by an electrical simple method. Therefore, the structure is simpler than in the case of using an optical recognition device as in the related art, the cost can be reduced, and the conduction state of the conduction portion of the conductive pattern is electrically detected. When using a prepaid card, dust, such as chips,
Even when dirt and the like are accumulated, these are insulating materials, so there is no risk of malfunction occurring at the time of detection, and even if the punch holes are closed and tampered with adhesive tape, etc.
Since the conducting portion is kept in a non-conducting state, it is possible to accurately recognize that the card is a used card, which is very useful for preventing forgery of the card.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of conductive patterns according to the first aspect are provided.
In addition to the effects described above, if a conductive substance is buried in the punch hole, the two conductive patterns are electrically connected to each other to form one conductive pattern.
Since the conduction state of the independent conductive pattern of the book changes, it becomes easier to detect a counterfeit card. In addition, by connecting any of the plurality of conductive patterns as a dummy and connecting the remaining conductive portions to each other, forgery with a conductive material can be made more difficult, which is more effective in preventing forgery.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the conductive pattern is formed on the surface of the card body according to the first or second aspect, the formation of the conductive pattern becomes easy, and an increase in cost can be suppressed. it can. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a conductive portion is buried inside the card body according to the first or second aspect, and detection electrode portions at both ends of the conductive portion are formed on the surface of the card body. In addition to the effect of Item 1 or 2, the conductive pattern can be protected by the card body by embedding the conductive part in the card body, as compared with the case where the conductive part is exposed on the card surface. There is no need to worry that the conductive state will be damaged due to sticking, and the conductive pattern can be effectively protected.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for recognizing a use state of a prepaid card, comprising a conductive pattern comprising a conductive portion which is a detection electrode portion at both ends and which is a portion cut when used. Since the use state is determined by checking the conduction state or the non-conduction state of the conductive part of the prepaid card, the use of the prepaid card can be accurately and accurately recognized by an electric simple method,
The conduction state of the conduction portion of the conductive pattern can be detected by a simple method as compared with the case where a conventional optical recognition device is used. Moreover, even when dust and dirt such as chips are accumulated in the punch holes when the prepaid card is used, or even when the punch holes are tampered with, since the conductive portion is in a non-conductive state, the used card can be used. It is possible to correctly recognize that there is, and it is easy to prevent forgery.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conductive pattern in which both ends serve as detection electrode portions, and a conduction portion between the detection electrode portions serves as a portion to be cut when used. The use state of the prepaid card is recognized by a change in the capacitance between the detection electrode portions of the prepaid card in which the detection electrode portion is embedded in the main body and the detection electrode portion is formed on the surface of the card main body. Therefore, the capacitance between the detecting electrode portions when the conducting portion is in a conducting state before the punch hole is formed, and the detecting electrode portion in a case where the conducting material is buried in the punch hole to make the conducting state. Between the capacitance and the change in the capacitance between the punched holes, and it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the card is a used card, and to more effectively prevent forgery such as when a conductive substance is buried in the punched hole. Can respond To become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prepaid card, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory view of a state where a conductive portion is cut by a punch hole.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another embodiment, FIG. 2B is an explanatory view of a state in which a conductive portion is cut by a punch hole, and FIG. 2C is a schematic view in a case where three conductive patterns are provided. FIG. 3D is a schematic view showing a case where a dummy is provided in a part of three conductive patterns.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of still another embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a change in capacitance between detection electrode portions.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Prepaid card 2 Card main body 3 Detection electrode part 4 Conducting part 5 Punch hole 8 Conductive pattern

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yuko Morita 1048 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Inside Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A prepaid card comprising a conductive pattern at both ends serving as detection electrode portions and a conductive portion between the detection electrode portions serving as a portion to be cut when used. 2. The prepaid card according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of conductive patterns are provided. 3. The prepaid card according to claim 1, wherein a conductive pattern is formed on the surface of the card body. 4. The prepaid card according to claim 1, wherein a conductive portion is buried inside the card body, and detection electrode portions at both ends of the conductive portion are formed on a surface of the card body. 5. A conduction state or a non-conduction state of the conduction part of a prepaid card having a conductive pattern formed of a conduction part which is a part to be cut when used, which is a detection electrode part at both ends, is confirmed. A use state recognition method for a prepaid card, characterized in that the use state is determined by performing the following. 6. A conductive pattern that is provided at both ends as a detecting electrode portion and a conductive portion between the detecting electrode portions is a portion that is cut when used, and the conductive portion is embedded in the card body. And a use state of the prepaid card, wherein the use state of the prepaid card is recognized by a change in capacitance between the detection electrode sections of the prepaid card in which the detection electrode section is formed on the surface of the card body. Recognition method.