JPH10269415A - Valuable card processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer small amount balance information recorded in a valuable card to another valuable card so as to collectively handle a total value by adding the balances of plural valuable cards and issuing a valuable card storing at least a part of the added total amount. SOLUTION: When a prepaid card is inserted into a card inserting port, the effective balance of the card is read out by reading magnetic heads 16, 17. A CPU 31 stores the effective balance in a RAM 33 and displays the balance on a display device 12. When a 2nd prepaid card is inserted, its effective balance is read out and added to the effective balance of the 1st card and the added total amount is displayed on the display device 12. The prepaid card having the smaller balance out of both the prepaid cards temporarily waited is recovered. After the end of insertion of all prepaid cards, the CPU 31 compares the total balance with set frequency, and when the change of the frequency is possible, regulated frequency is recorded on a new prepaid card and discharged from a card issuing port.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a value card processing device for processing value information of a value card such as a prepaid card used for an automatic transaction, and more particularly to a value card processing device when the remaining amount of the value card becomes small. The present invention relates to a value card processing device that is easy to handle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the following, taking a prepaid card as an example, generally speaking, if the balance of the prepaid card is small, it is not possible to make a transaction with only one card having a small balance, so that a newly purchased prepaid card is combined with this. Are trading in pairs.

[0003] However, when there is no prepaid card of a desired amount, a prepaid card of a different amount other than the purpose must be purchased, and the prepaid card of a small balance is handled without being used by the user. In such a case, the small amount of the balance is dead, and there is a problem of low serviceability that is disadvantageous for the user.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in the present invention, when handling a value card with a small balance, the information of the small balance recorded on this value card is transferred to another value card and can be handled collectively. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a value card processing device with high serviceability.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Reading means for reading the balance from the inserted plurality of value cards, adding means for adding the balance of the plurality of value cards read by the reading means, and storing at least a part of the total amount added by the adding means And a issuing means for issuing a value card.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided reading means for reading the balance from a plurality of inserted value cards, adding means for adding the balance of the plurality of value cards read by the reading means, and this adding means. When the sum total exceeds a predetermined set amount, the first issuing means for issuing a value card storing the set amount and the remaining balance obtained by subtracting the set amount from the total amount, And a second issuing means for storing and issuing the value card in any of the plurality of value cards.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an issuing unit for storing new value information in the inserted value card and issuing the new value information.

[0010] The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that a second issuance means for storing new value information in a value card having the highest balance among a plurality of value cards inserted is provided.

[0009] The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the value of the inserted value card is divided, and the divided value is distributed and issued to a plurality of new value cards.

[0010]

According to the present invention, when a plurality of value cards are received, the reading means reads the balances of the plurality of value cards, and the adding means adds the read balances of the plurality of value cards. A value card storing at least a part of the added total amount is issued by issuing means.

When a plurality of value cards are accepted,
The reading means reads the balance of the plurality of value cards,
The adding means adds the read balances of the plurality of value cards, and if the added total exceeds a predetermined set amount, issues a value card storing the set amount by the first issuing unit. The second issuing means issues the remaining balance, which is obtained by subtracting the set amount from the total amount, into one of the inserted plurality of value cards.

Similarly, when a value card is issued by the issuing means, new value information is stored in the inserted value card and issued.

[0013] When a value card is issued by the second issuing means, new value information is stored and issued in a value card having the highest balance among the plurality of value cards inserted.

Further, when a value card is issued, the value of the inserted value card is divided, and the divided value is distributed and issued to a plurality of new value cards.

[0015]

As a result, the balances of a plurality of value cards inserted can be efficiently combined and issued on one or a small number of value cards. Even if a card exists, such value information can be transferred to a single card and converted into a value card suitable for the purpose of the user. Therefore, a value card with a small balance that cannot be traded can be used effectively without fail, and all value cards can be used beneficially for the user. As described above, since the number of cards can be reduced and the handling operability of the card during mobile use can be improved, the serviceability to the user is improved and the value card such as a prepaid card is spread.

[0016] In addition to being combined into one card, the total amount is divided into two pieces, a value card having a predetermined set amount and a remaining value card having an unset amount.
It can be issued after being reconfigured into a use form such as a prescribed frequency and a designated number desired by the user. Conversely, one high-priced card can be replaced with a plurality of low-priced cards.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a prepaid card processing device 11,
The prepaid card processing device 11 is provided with a display 12, an input key 13, a card insertion slot 14, and a card issuing slot 15 on the front of the main body of the apparatus.
The user operates the prepaid card to insert and remove the card according to the display guidance of, and inputs the data change contents requested by the user via the input key 13.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the prepaid card processing device 11, and a main transport path L1 for nipping and transporting the prepaid card C is provided in an inside communicating with the card insertion slot 14 on the front side.
And a standby transport path L2 branched and connected to the main transport path L1.
In addition, an issuing conveyance path L3 for holding a new prepaid card C and performing an issuance operation is provided on the inner side communicating with the card issuing port 15.

The main transport path L1 extends linearly in the horizontal direction from the card insertion slot 14, and extends from the start end to the end of the card so that the insertion detection sensor S1 and the upper and lower reading magnetic heads 16, 1 are arranged.
7, a vertical write magnetic head 18, 19, a first stopper 20, a transport detection sensor S2, and a recovery detection sensor S3.
And the card collection box 21 are arranged in this order, the prepaid card C guided there is processed by magnetic data, and the unnecessary prepaid card after the magnetic data processing is collected in the card collection box 21, The prepaid card on which the magnetic data to be reused is recorded is sent back and returned.

The standby transport path L2 is located at the back of the card collection box 2
The first branch 20 is provided in the form of a loop that branches off from the linear main transport path L1 and joins the main transport path L1 again after the first stopper 20, and a distribution plate 22 is provided at this transport branch position. A sorting operation is performed between the main transport path L1 and the standby transport path L2, and a second stopper 2 is provided at an intermediate position of the standby transport path L2.
3 are arranged.

In this case, the first stopper 20 and the second stopper 23 drive the solenoid ON / OFF to restrict or release the inserted prepaid card. It accepts multiple prepaid cards by handling them one by one.

When the first prepaid card is inserted, the first prepaid card is guided from the main transport path L1 to the standby transport path L2 and is temporarily stopped at the position of the second stopper 23. If the second prepaid card is inserted in this standby state, the second prepaid card is temporarily put on standby at the position of the first stopper 20 on the main transport path L1. The magnetic data contents are determined and conveyed to the card collection box 21, and this is repeated, and the data processing of a plurality of prepaid cards is performed one by one.

The issuance conveyance path L3 extends from the card issue port 15 to the inside of the issuance card storage box 24 by conveyance rollers R.
Etc., linearly configured in the horizontal direction with card holding and conveying means such as
The sensor S4 for feeding out from the issued card storage box 24 on the inner side, the upper and lower writing magnetic heads 25 and 26, the upper and lower reading magnetic heads 27 and 28, and the extraction detecting sensor S5.
Are arranged in this order, a prescribed frequency is magnetically recorded when a new prepaid card is issued, and after reading and confirming the magnetic record, a prepaid card C is issued from the card issuing port 15.

FIG. 3 shows a control circuit block diagram of the prepaid card processing device 11. The CPU 31 controls each circuit device according to a program stored in the ROM 32, and stores the control data in the RAM 33 in a readable manner.

The first transport motor M1 drives the main transport path L1 and the standby transport path L2 to rotate in the normal and reverse directions, and advances and retreats the prepaid card C guided therein to process and return magnetic data.
Collect and process.

The second transport motor M2 drives the issue transport path L3 to feed out prepaid cards one by one from the issue card storage box 24 when a new prepaid card is issued.
The predetermined frequency is recorded and issued during the feeding.
In addition, several detection sensors S1 to S5 are arranged on each of the transport paths L1 to L3 to confirm the insertion, the transport position, the standby position, and the removal of the prepaid card.

By the way, the CPU 31 allows the change of the magnetic data and collectively rebuilds the total balance of the plurality of prepaid cards into one prepaid card, or divides the total balance into several prepaid cards for user's use purpose. It can be remade into a suitable prepaid card, and from one high-priced card to a plurality of low-priced cards.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when there are five fraction cards 41 to 45 each having a small balance that cannot be traded with one card, the total balance (590 frequencies) of these is collectively collected. From the total balance, the specified frequency (50
The prepaid card 46 of 0 frequency) and the fractional card 47 of the remaining (90 frequency) are remade and issued. Further, in this case, the total balance is transferred to the two prepaid cards 46 and 47 of the predetermined set amount and the remaining unset amount, but the total balance may be transferred to one prepaid card and issued. it can. In this way, even prepaid cards with small balances that cannot be traded can be used effectively without fail,
All prepaid cards can be used beneficially for the user. In addition, since the number of cards can be reduced to increase the user's mobile usage, serviceability is improved and prepaid cards are spread.

In addition, not only can the effective balance of a plurality of prepaid cards be combined into one or two small numbers, but the prepaid card can be rewritten to a prescribed frequency desired by the user and issued. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, one high-value prepaid card (4600 frequency) 51 to two specified frequency (50 frequency)
In the case of removing the prepaid cards 52, 53 of the number 0, the effective balance of one high-value prepaid card 51 is read, and then the two prepaid cards 52, 53 of the specified frequency (500) are transferred from the card issuing port 15. Issued and reduced the remaining prepaid card (3600 frequency)
54 is issued from the card insertion slot 14, and is divided into three cards and issued.

Furthermore, not only is the effective balance transferred to a new prepaid card, but also the remaining fraction is transferred to the prepaid card having the highest balance among the plurality of inserted prepaid cards, so that the prepaid card having a large remaining amount can be transferred. Can be reused as a card.

The card processing operation of the prepaid card processing device 11 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Normally, the prepaid card processing device 11 is in a standby state in which the prepaid card is accepted (step n1). In the prepaid card acceptance standby state, a plurality of prepaid cards C are now inserted into the card slot 14 one by one. When it is inserted, the effective balance of the prepaid card is added for each insertion (step n2).
), When all the prepaid cards have been inserted, the CPU 3
1 sets the frequency and the number of prepaid cards to be newly issued from the total balance of the inserted prepaid cards (steps n3 to n4), and sets the CPU 31 based on the setting data.
Issues a prepaid card of the set frequency (step n)
Five ).

Next, the processing operation when setting the card will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When one or a plurality of prepaid cards are inserted into the card insertion slot 14, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the effective balance of the inserted prepaid card is the remaining balance whose setting can be changed (step n11). If the effective balance can be changed, CP
The U31 allows the user to input and specify a desired set frequency and number of sheets requested by the user (steps n12 to n13). When the set frequency is input and specified, the CPU 31 sets the prepaid card having the specified frequency and the remaining fraction prepaid based on the setting. A card is issued (steps n14 to n15).

Next, the internal processing operation of the prepaid card processing device 11 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Now, when the user inserts the prepaid card C into the card insertion slot 14 according to the display guide on the display 12,
When the inserted prepaid card C passes the position of one of the upper and lower read magnetic heads 16 and 17, the effective balance of the card is read (steps n21 to n22).
PU 31 sets the read effective balance of the prepaid card C to R
The stored effective balance is read and displayed on the display 12 to inform the user of the effective balance (step n23 to step n23).
n24).

Prepaid card C from which the effective balance has been read
Is guided to the standby conveyance path L2 side branched from the main conveyance path L1, and the conveyance is regulated at the position of the second stopper 23 in the middle of the conveyance to temporarily wait (steps n25 to n27).

Subsequently, the second prepaid card C
When the inserted prepaid card C passes through the position of the read magnetic heads 16 and 17, the effective balance is read, and the inserted prepaid card C is loaded at the position of the first stopper 20 which does not interfere with the standby transport path L2. Restrict (step n
28-n30).

The inserted effective balance of the second card is added, and the added total balance is displayed on the display unit 12 to inform the user (steps n31 to n32).

At this time, of the two prepaid cards that have been temporarily suspended, the smaller amount balance is collected. For example,
If the effective balance of the first prepaid card is smaller, the transport regulation of the first prepaid card is released and the first prepaid card is collected in the card collection box 21 (steps n33 to n37). The transport restriction is released and the main transport path L1 is led to the standby transport path L2.
Wait at position 3 temporarily. Subsequently, if there is a third inserted card, the standby card is similarly made to stand by at the position of the first stopper 20, the remaining balance is compared, and a setting is made so as to collect the less valuable prepaid card with a smaller remaining balance. The receiving process is performed (steps n38 to n41).

Further, the first sheet and the second sheet are
When the second prepaid card inserted after the second prepaid card is put on standby and the effective balance of the second prepaid card is small, the transport restriction of the first stopper 20 is released, and the second prepaid card is directly collected in the card collection box 21 ( Steps n42 to n4
Four).

On the other hand, when the insertion of all the number of prepaid cards is completed, the CPU 31 compares the total number of inserted prepaid cards with the set frequency, and if the frequency can be changed to the set frequency (step n45), the CPU 31 proceeds to step n45. A new prepaid card is paid out from the issued card storage box 24, a specified frequency is recorded on the card, and the card is discharged from the card issuing port 15 (step n46).

The remaining fraction is additionally recorded on the prepaid card having the largest remaining amount waiting at the position of the second stopper 23, and returned from the card insertion slot 14 (steps n47 to n51).

If the total balance of the inserted prepaid card is less than the set amount, the CPU 31 records the total remaining amount on a new prepaid card, and renews the newly prepared card from the card issuing port 15. Is released (steps n52 to n54), and finally, the prepaid card waiting at the position of the second stopper 23 is collected in the card collection box 21 to complete the prepaid card remodeling operation (steps n55 to n55). n57).

FIG. 11 shows another prepaid card processing device 111 of the present invention, which is a single card entrance 11 for allowing a prepaid card C to be inserted and removed from the front of the main body of the device.
2, a temporary storage section 114, a card collection box 115, and an issued card storage box 116 are connected through a common transfer path 113 to the inside of the common transfer path 113 so as to communicate with the card entrance 112. Is connected to a forgotten card collection box 118 inside through a collection conveyance path 117 branched and connected.

Then, the prepaid card C inserted by the magnetic data processing operation with the front and back read magnetic heads 119 and 120 and the write magnetic heads 121 and 122 disposed on the common transport path 113 is renewed. In addition, the prepaid cards C inserted by the temporary standby action of the stopper 123 and the temporary holding unit 114 disposed on the common transport path 113 can be handled one by one to perform magnetic data processing. Similar functions and effects can be obtained even with a prepaid card processing structure.

As described above, the balance of a plurality of inserted prepaid cards can be efficiently and collectively issued to one or a small number of prepaid cards. Even if the card is present,
The balance information can be transferred to a single card to make a prepaid card suitable for the purpose of the user. Therefore, a prepaid card with a small balance that cannot be transacted can be reliably used effectively, and all prepaid cards can be used effectively for the user. In particular, the number of cards can be reduced and the handling operability of the card when using the mobile phone can be improved. Therefore, the serviceability to the user is improved, and the prepaid card is spread.

In addition to combining the cards into one card, the total amount is divided into two pieces, a prepaid card having a predetermined set amount and a remaining unset amount prepaid card. It can be issued after being converted into a desired prescribed frequency and designated number of usage forms. Also,
Conversely, one high-priced card can be replaced with a plurality of low-priced cards.

In correspondence between the present invention and the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the value card processing device of the present invention corresponds to the prepaid card processing devices 11 and 111 of the embodiment. Prepaid cards C, 41-
47, 51 to 54, and the read means comprises upper and lower read magnetic heads 16 and 17 and read magnetic heads 119 and 12
0, and the adding means includes the CPU 31 and the RAM 33
And the first issuing means corresponds to the issuing conveyance path L3,
Although the second issuing means corresponds to the main transport path L1, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a prepaid card processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of a transport system of the prepaid card processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a control circuit block diagram of the prepaid card processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example in which the prepaid card processing device of the present invention is modified from five to two.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example in which the prepaid card processing device of the present invention is changed from one to three cards.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a card processing operation of the prepaid card processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation at the time of card setting of the prepaid card processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an internal processing operation of the prepaid card processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the present invention following FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the present invention following FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an internal configuration diagram of another prepaid card processing device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 111 prepaid card processing device 16, 17, 119, 120 reading magnetic head 20 first stopper 21, 115 card recovery box 23 second stopper 24, 116 issuing card storage box L1 main transport path L2 ... Standing conveyance path L3 ... Issuance conveyance path C, 41-47, 51-54 ... Prepaid card 31 ... CPU 33 ... RAM 113 ... Common conveyance path 114 ... Temporary holding unit 123 ... Stopper

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A reading means for reading the balance from a plurality of value cards inserted, an adding means for adding the balance of the plurality of value cards read by the reading means, and a sum of the sums added by the adding means. Issuing means for issuing a value card storing at least a part of the value card. 2. A reading means for reading a balance from a plurality of inserted value cards, an adding means for adding the balance of the plurality of value cards read by the reading means, and a total amount added by the adding means. A first issuance unit for issuing a value card storing the set amount when the set amount exceeds a predetermined amount; and a remaining balance obtained by subtracting the set amount from the total amount, to the plurality of input value cards. And a second issuance unit for storing and issuing the stored value in any one of the above. 3. The value card processing device according to claim 1, wherein said issuing means issues new value information stored in the inserted value card. 4. The value card processing device according to claim 2, wherein the second issuing means stores new value information in a value card having the highest balance among the plurality of value cards inserted. 5. The value card processing device according to claim 1, wherein the value of the input value card is divided, and the divided value is distributed and issued to a plurality of new value cards.