JPH11328506A - Prepaid card system, recorder, reader/writer, ticket issuing machine and illegal card detection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prepaid card system, a recorder, a reader/writer, a ticket issuing machine and an illegal card detection method which can prevent the use of an illegal card by forgery such as copying. SOLUTION: A recorder marks a flaw imparting part E2 at the time of issuing a prepaid card 6, performs magnetic detection with the flaw imparting part E2, quantizes a detected magnetic wave form, records it in a quantization information storage part E3 of the card as quantization information. A reader/ writer performs the magnetic detection with the flaw imparting part E2 at the time of using the prepaid card 6, judges whether or not an obtained value by quantizing the detected magnetic waveform substantially match the quantization information stored in a quantization information storage part E3 of the card and, when it does not, identifies the card as an illegal one.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prepaid card system, a recording device, a reading device, a ticket issuing machine, and a method for detecting an unauthorized card, which prevents use of an unauthorized card due to forgery of copying or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A prepaid card system has been realized in which a prepaid card storing money amount information having a monetary value is used to pay for a rental of a game medium or the like. The prepaid card system includes, for example, a recording device installed at a card issuer, a ticket issuing machine installed at each store, a reading device, and the like. The recording device records (encodes) initial information including a card ID, a face value, and the like on the prepaid card. The prepaid card on which the initial information is recorded is sold to each store from the card issuer, for example.

In each store, for example, a prepaid card purchased from a card issuer is stored in a ticket issuing machine. The ticketing machine is
In response to a prepaid card purchase request from the user, the prepaid card stored therein is taken out, and predetermined information such as a ticketing date is recorded and a ticket is issued. The issued prepaid card is used by a user, for example, in a reading device at a store. The reading device confirms that the inserted prepaid card is usable, for example, by checking the balance, and then, according to the amount of payment (consumption amount), information on the amount of money or the like recorded on the prepaid card. Record and discharge.

[0004]

However, in such a system as described above, data of an unused prepaid card is copied to a used prepaid card whose balance has been exhausted (that is, the balance has become zero yen). There is a possibility that a fraudulent act of forging a fraudulent card and attempting to use it again will be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and has a prepaid card system, a recording device, a reading device, a ticket issuing machine, and an unauthorized card detection method capable of preventing use of an unauthorized card due to forgery of copying or the like. The purpose is to provide.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a prepaid card system according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided with a recording device for recording predetermined information on a prepaid card, and a recording device arranged at each store for recording the predetermined information. A reading device for processing a prepaid card on which the predetermined information has been recorded by a device, wherein the prepaid card system comprises a flaw applying means for flawing a predetermined area of the prepaid card; Is
First reading means for magnetically reading the predetermined area of the prepaid card, first quantizing means for quantizing a magnetic waveform read by the first reading means, and first quantizing means Recording means for recording information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the computer as quantization information in a quantization information recording area of the prepaid card, wherein the reading device magnetically records the predetermined area of the prepaid card to be processed. A second reading means for reading, a second quantization means for quantizing the magnetic waveform read by the second reading means, and information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the second quantization means. Determining means for determining whether the quantization information recorded in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card substantially matches the quantization information, If, identifying the prepaid card as invalid card, and means for prohibiting the use, the.

[0007] According to such a configuration, for example, the recording device scratches a predetermined area of the prepaid card, and information (quantized information) obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected for the area is stored in the quantized information recording area. Record. With a reading device,
Prior to using the prepaid card, it is checked whether or not the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected in the predetermined area matches the quantized information recorded on the card. Generally, when a prepaid card is read by a magnetic head or the like, noise or the like is detected. This detected noise differs from card to card, but since its amplitude is small,
It is difficult to identify a card using this noise. However, in the above-described system, by damaging the card by the flaw applying means, the amplitude of the detected magnetic waveform can be further increased, and the difference in the magnetic waveform in each card can be clarified. Therefore, since the quantization information recorded by the recording device is substantially unique for each prepaid card, for example, an unauthorized card in which data of an unused prepaid card is copied to a used prepaid card having no balance is used. When used, since the information compared in the reading device does not match, it can be easily detected that the card is a fraudulent card.

[0008] The flaw applying means may further include means for flawing the predetermined area of the prepaid card by rotating a roller provided with a plurality of scratches for flawing the surface of the prepaid card.

A prepaid card system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a recording device for recording predetermined information on a prepaid card in which a predetermined area is scratched, and a recording device arranged at each store, and In a prepaid card system comprising: a reading device for processing a prepaid card on which the predetermined information is recorded, the recording device comprises: a first reading unit for magnetically reading the predetermined area of the prepaid card; First quantizing means for quantizing the magnetic waveform read by the reading means,
Recording means for recording information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the first quantization means as quantization information in a quantization information recording area of the prepaid card, wherein the reading device comprises a prepaid card to be processed. A second reading means for magnetically reading the predetermined area, a second quantizing means for quantizing a magnetic waveform read by the second reading means, and a quantizing means for quantizing by the second quantizing means. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the information of the magnetic waveform thus obtained substantially matches the quantization information recorded in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card; and Means for identifying the prepaid card as an unauthorized card and prohibiting use thereof.

[0010] A recording device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a recording device for issuing a prepaid card used in a prepaid card system, wherein the recording device occupies a predetermined area of the prepaid card. Reading means for reading magnetically, quantization means for quantizing a magnetic waveform read by the reading means, and quantization of the prepaid card as information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the quantization means as quantization information Recording means for recording information in the information recording area.

According to such a configuration, for example, the recording device scratches a predetermined area of the prepaid card, and information (quantized information) obtained by quantizing a magnetic waveform detected for the area is stored in the quantized information recording area. Record. Generally, when a prepaid card is read by a magnetic head or the like, noise or the like is detected. The detected noise varies from card to card, but since the amplitude is small, it is difficult to identify the card using this noise. However, by damaging the card by the flaw applying means, the amplitude of the detected magnetic waveform can be increased, and the difference in the magnetic waveform in each card can be clarified. Therefore, the quantization information recorded by the recording device is substantially unique for each prepaid card. Therefore, the reading device that processes the prepaid card performs magnetic detection on the predetermined area of the card, and the information obtained by quantizing the detected magnetic waveform matches the quantized information recorded on the card. When the check is made as to whether or not the fraudulent card in which the data of the unused prepaid card is copied to the used prepaid card whose balance has been exhausted can be easily detected.

The recording apparatus may further include a flaw applying means for applying flaws to the predetermined area of the prepaid card prior to the magnetic reading by the reading means.

Further, in the reading apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined area is scratched, and the magnetic waveform detected by magnetically reading the predetermined area is quantized. A reading device for processing a prepaid card in which information is recorded in a quantization information recording area, wherein the reading unit magnetically reads the predetermined area of the prepaid card to be processed, and the reading unit reads the predetermined area. Quantizing means for quantizing the magnetic waveform, and information on the magnetic waveform quantized by the quantizing means substantially matches the quantized information recorded in the quantized information recording area of the prepaid card. Determination means for determining whether or not to perform, if the determination means does not match, identifies the prepaid card as an unauthorized card, means for prohibiting use, Provided.

According to such a configuration, the predetermined area is scratched, and the quantization information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected by magnetically reading the predetermined area is stored in the quantization information recording area. When a prepaid card recorded on the card is used, the reading device performs magnetic detection on the predetermined area, and information obtained by quantizing the detected magnetic waveform is quantized information recorded on the card. Check if it matches. Generally, when a prepaid card is read by a magnetic head or the like, noise or the like is detected.
The detected noise varies from card to card, but since the amplitude is small, it is difficult to identify the card using this noise. However, since the predetermined area is scratched, the amplitude of the magnetic waveform increases, and the difference between the magnetic waveforms of the cards becomes clear. Therefore, since the quantization information recorded by the recording device is substantially unique for each prepaid card, for example, an unauthorized card in which data of an unused prepaid card is copied to a used prepaid card having no balance is used. When used, since the information compared in the reading device does not match, it can be easily detected that the card is a fraudulent card.

Further, in the ticket issuing machine according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined area is scratched, and a quantized magnetic waveform detected by magnetically reading the predetermined area is obtained. A ticket issuing machine for issuing a prepaid card whose information is recorded in a quantization information recording area,
A storage unit for storing a prepaid card to be issued, a reading unit for taking out the prepaid card stored in the storage unit and magnetically reading the predetermined area of the prepaid card, and a magnetic unit read by the reading unit Quantizing means for quantizing the waveform, and information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the quantizing means substantially matches the quantization information recorded in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card. Determination means for determining whether or not, if the determination means determines that they do not match,
Means for identifying the prepaid card as an unauthorized card and prohibiting ticketing.

According to such a configuration, the predetermined area is scratched, and the quantization information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected by magnetically reading the predetermined area is stored in the quantization information recording area. When issuing a prepaid card that is recorded in the card, the ticket issuing machine performs magnetic detection on the predetermined area, and the information obtained by quantizing the detected magnetic waveform is quantized information recorded on the card. Check if they match. Generally, prepaid cards,
When read by a magnetic head or the like, noise and the like are detected. The detected noise varies from card to card, but since the amplitude is small, it is difficult to identify the card using this noise. However, since the predetermined area is scratched, the amplitude of the magnetic waveform increases, and the difference between the magnetic waveforms of the cards becomes clear. Therefore, since the quantization information recorded by the recording device is substantially unique for each prepaid card, for example, an unauthorized card in which data of an unused prepaid card is copied to a used prepaid card having no balance is used. When used, since the information compared in the reading device does not match, it can be easily detected that the card is a fraudulent card.

[0017] Further, a fraudulent card detection method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a recording device for recording predetermined information on a prepaid card, and a prepaid card arranged at each store and having the predetermined information recorded by the recording device. A method for detecting an unauthorized card in a system, comprising: a reading device that processes a prepaid card; and a scratching step of damaging a predetermined region of the prepaid card, and the recording device magnetically reads the predetermined region of the prepaid card. A first reading step; a first quantization step of quantizing a magnetic waveform read by the first reading step;
Recording the quantization information obtained in the quantization step in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card, and when the prepaid card is used, the reading device uses the magnetic field to record the predetermined area of the processing target prepaid card. A second reading step of reading the magnetic waveform, and a second reading step of quantizing the magnetic waveform read by the second reading step.
And whether the information of the magnetic waveform quantized in the second quantization step substantially matches the quantization information recorded in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card. A determination step of determining whether the prepaid card is an unauthorized card when the information determined by the determination means does not match.

According to such a configuration, for example, a predetermined area of the prepaid card is scratched in the recording apparatus,
Information (quantization information) obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected for the area is recorded in the quantization information recording area. Prior to using the prepaid card, the reading device checks whether or not the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected in the predetermined area matches the quantized information recorded on the card. Generally, when a prepaid card is read by a magnetic head or the like, noise or the like is detected. The detected noise varies from card to card, but since the amplitude is small, it is difficult to identify the card using this noise. However, in this method, by damaging the card by the flaw applying means, the amplitude of the magnetic waveform can be further increased, and the difference in the magnetic waveform in each card can be clarified. Therefore, since the quantization information recorded by the recording device is substantially unique for each prepaid card, for example, an unauthorized card in which data of an unused prepaid card is copied to a used prepaid card having no balance is used. When used, since the information compared in the reading device does not match, it can be easily detected that the card is a fraudulent card.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A prepaid card system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This prepaid card, as shown in FIG.
It includes a recording device 1, a ticket issuing machine 2, a reading device 3, a relay device 4, a center 5, and the like. The recording device 1 and the center 5 are installed at the card issuer, and the ticket issuing machine 2, the reading device 3, and the relay device 4 are installed at each store.

As shown in FIG. 2, the prepaid card 6 used in the present system includes a card information storage section E1 in which predetermined card information (for example, card ID, face value, issue date, balance, etc.) is recorded. A flaw applying section E2 to which a flaw is applied by the recording apparatus 1;
Quantization information storage in which, after a flaw is applied to the flaw applying unit E2, quantization information obtained by performing predetermined processing such as quantization on a magnetic waveform obtained by performing magnetic detection on the flaw applying unit E2 is recorded. And a unit E3.

The recording device 1 is a device for recording and issuing card information on a prepaid card 6 at a card issuer. As shown in FIG. 3, the recording apparatus 1 includes a card transport unit 11, a card reading unit 13, and a scratching roller 1.
5, a control unit 17, and a storage unit 19.

The card transport section 11 transports the prepaid card 6 inserted into a reception port (not shown) and supplies it to the card reading section 13 or the scratch applying roller 15. Card Reading Department 1
Reference numeral 3 includes a magnetic head and the like, and reads / writes data (magnetic information or magnetic noise) recorded on the prepaid card 6 supplied from the card transport unit 11 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 17. Scratched roller 15
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, has a plurality of scratching sections for scratching the prepaid card 6, and in accordance with an instruction from the control section 17, a predetermined area of the prepaid card 6 supplied from the card transport section 11. Scratch.

The control section 17 records (encodes) the card information stored in the storage section 19 in the card information storage section E1 of the prepaid card 6 to be issued via the card reading section 13. In addition, the control unit 17 damages the flaw applying unit E2 of the prepaid card 6 to be issued via the flaw applying roller 15. After scratching, the control unit 17
As shown in FIG. 5, a digital value obtained by performing magnetic detection on the scratch applying section E2 of the prepaid card 6 via the card reading section 13 and quantizing the detected magnetic waveform is represented by quantization information. Is recorded in the quantization information storage unit E3 of the prepaid card 6. The storage unit 19 stores card information and the like to be recorded on the prepaid card 6 to be issued.

The ticketing machine 2 stores a prepaid card 6 on which card information is recorded by the recording device 1, takes out the prepaid card 6 stored therein in response to a purchase request from a user, and performs a predetermined ticketing process. And discharge.

The reading device 3 is connected to, for example, a vending machine (not shown) for renting out game media and the like, accepts the prepaid card 6 on which ticketing processing has been performed by the ticketing machine 2, and allows the vending machine to use the user. Is a device for updating amount information and the like recorded on the prepaid card 6 in accordance with the value of the game medium lent to the company. The reading device 3 includes a data reading unit 31, a control unit 33, a storage unit 35, and a communication unit 37, as shown in FIG.

The data reading unit 31 includes a magnetic head or the like, and reads / writes data (significant magnetic information) from / to the prepaid card 6 inserted into a card insertion slot (not shown) according to an instruction from the control unit 33. Do.

The control unit 33 performs magnetic detection on the flaw applying unit E2 of the inserted prepaid card 6 via the data reading unit 31, and quantizes the detected magnetic waveform to obtain a digital value. Then, it is determined whether or not it substantially matches the quantization information recorded in the quantization information storage unit E3 of the prepaid card 6.

In this discrimination, if the compared information does not match, the control unit 33 recognizes the card as an unauthorized card and executes a predetermined error process. When the compared information matches, the control unit 33 performs a predetermined check in addition to the check on the quantization information. This predetermined check includes, for example, a check as to whether or not the balance recorded in the card information storage unit E1 is equal to or less than the denomination amount. When an error is detected, a predetermined error process is performed.

Further, the control unit 33 confirms that the balance recorded in the card information storage unit E1 is not 0 yen for the prepaid card 6 in which all the above checks have been completed normally, and according to the consumption amount, Update the balance etc. At this time, the control unit 33 generates sales information indicating a consumption amount, a use date, and the like, and accumulates and stores the sales information in the storage unit 35. Further, the control unit 33 transmits the sales information stored in the storage unit 35 to the communication unit 3.
7 to the relay device 4 at a predetermined timing.

The storage unit 35 stores sales information and the like generated by the control unit 33 when the prepaid card 6 is used. The communication unit 37 controls communication between the reading device 3 and the relay device 4.

The relay device 4 collects and aggregates sales information and the like in each reading device 3 in the store, and transmits the collected information to the center 5 at a predetermined timing. The center 5 includes a computer or the like for controlling the entire system, and stores and manages sales information and the like received from the relay device 4 of each store.

In the present system, a predetermined area of the prepaid card 6 to be issued is damaged in the recording device 1 and information (quantized information) obtained by quantizing a magnetic waveform magnetically detected in the predetermined area is obtained. The prepaid card 6
To record. Generally, when the prepaid card 6 is read by a magnetic head or the like, noise or the like is detected. The detected noise differs from card to card, but because its amplitude is small,
It is difficult to identify a card using the noise. However, in this system, by damaging the card with the flaw applying roller 15 in the recording apparatus 1, it is possible to increase the amplitude of the detected magnetic waveform and to clarify the difference between the magnetic waveforms in each card. I do. For this reason,
The quantization information recorded by the recording device 1 is substantially unique for each prepaid card 6.

Therefore, for example, when data of an unused card B is dead-copied to a used prepaid card A having a balance of 0 yen, the card A and the card B are attached to the scratch applying section E2. Since the scratches are different, the quantization information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected from the scratch applying unit E2 in the copy destination card A does not match the quantization information of the card B copied to the card A. . As a result, the reading device 3 records the digital value obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected from the scratch imparting unit E2 of the prepaid card 6 to be used in the quantization information storage unit E3 of the prepaid card 6. By checking the quantized information, for example, it is possible to easily detect a forged fraudulent card by copying data of an unused prepaid card 6 to a used prepaid card 6 having a balance of 0 yen. it can. By not fixing the rotation start position of the flaw applying roller 15, the pattern of flaws applied to each prepaid card 6 can be made different.

Next, the operation of the recording device 1 and the reading device 3, which are characteristic parts of the present system, will be described. First, the operation of the recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The recording device 1, for example, responds to an external issuance instruction of the prepaid card 6, takes out the prepaid card 6 stored in the storage unit (not shown), and outputs card information including a card ID, a face value, an issue date, and the like to the card. Recording (encoding) in the card information storage unit E1 (step S1)
1). After the completion of the recording of the card information in step S11, the recording apparatus 1 rotates the flaw applying roller 15 to flaw the flaw applying section E2 of the card (step S12).
At this time, for example, in order to make the pattern of the flaw applied to the card unique for each card, the rotation start position of the flaw applying roller 15 is not fixed. Next, the recording apparatus 1 performs magnetic detection on the scratch applying section E2 of the prepaid card 6 (step S13), quantizes the detected magnetic waveform (step S14), and quantizes the converted digital value. The information is recorded in the quantization information storage unit E3 of the prepaid card 6 (step S15). The prepaid card 6 thus issued is supplied to each store, stored in the ticket issuing machine 2 in the store, and provided to the user in response to a purchase request.

Next, the operation of the reading device 3 when the user uses the prepaid card 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. For example, the user inserts the prepaid card 6 into the card slot of the reading device 3 in order to use it. In response to this, the reading device 3 performs magnetic detection on the flaw applying portion E2 of the inserted prepaid card 6 via the data reading portion 31 (step S2).
1). Next, the reading device 3 quantizes the magnetic waveform detected in step S21 (step S22). Next, the reading device 3 reads out the quantization information recorded in the quantization information storage unit E3 of the prepaid card 6, compares it with the digital value obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform in step S22, and It is determined whether or not they substantially match (step S23).

In this discrimination, if the compared information does not match, the reading device 3 recognizes the card as a fraudulent card, and for example, without returning the card, turns on a predetermined error such as turning on an error lamp (not shown). The process is executed (Step S31). If the compared information matches, the reading device 3 performs a predetermined check other than the check on the quantization information (step S24). This predetermined check includes, for example, a check as to whether or not the balance recorded in the card information storage unit E1 is equal to or less than the denomination amount. When an error is detected, a predetermined error process is performed. If an error is detected in this predetermined check,
A predetermined error process similar to the above is performed (step S3).
1).

The reading device 3 checks that the balance recorded in the card information storage unit E1 is not 0 yen (step S25) for the prepaid card 6 for which all the above checks have been completed normally (step S25). The balance and the like stored in the card information storage section E1 of the prepaid card 6 are updated in response to a consumption notification or the like from a vending machine (not shown) (step S26). If the balance is determined to be 0 yen in step S25, the reading device 3 ejects the prepaid card 6 (step S28) and ends the process.

After updating the balance and the like in step S26, the reading device 3 generates sales information including the amount of consumption and the date of use, and stores the sales information in the storage unit 35 (step S27). Ejects the prepaid card 6 in response to a request to eject the prepaid card 6 (step S2).
8), end the process.

In this manner, the reading device 3 performs magnetic detection on the scratched portion E2 of the inserted prepaid card 6, and quantizes the detected magnetic waveform and stores the digital value obtained on the card. The pre-paid card 6 is not permitted to be used if the correlation with the quantized information is obtained and it is determined whether or not they substantially coincide with each other. As described above, the scratching portion E of the prepaid card 6
2 has a different pattern according to each prepaid card 6, for example, a fraudulent card in which data of an unused prepaid card 6 is copied to a used prepaid card 6 having a balance of 0 yen. When used, in the reading device 3, since the digital value obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform does not match the quantization information stored in the card, the illegality can be easily detected.

Also, in the ticket issuing machine 2, prior to recording the predetermined ticketing information including the ticketing date information and the like on the prepaid card 6 to be issued, the scratching unit E2, like the reading device 3, described above. It is also possible to perform magnetic detection on the card, check that the information obtained by quantizing the detected magnetic waveform matches the quantization information recorded on the card, and detect an unauthorized card. Good.

Also, this prepaid card system,
The prepaid card is not limited to a system used for paying for a game medium or the like, and can be applied to various uses.

The timing at which the card is scratched is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, before the encoding process in the recording device 1, the recording device 1 or another dedicated device may scratch each card in advance. In this case, in the encoding process, the recording device 1 detects and quantizes a flaw already applied to the card, and records the quantized information on the card.

In the above description, the flaw is applied only to the flaw applying portion E2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a flaw is applied to a predetermined area of the prepaid card 6, and the flaw applying section E2 May be magnetically detected.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A predetermined area of the prepaid card is damaged, and information (quantized information) obtained by quantizing a magnetic waveform detected for the area is recorded in the quantization information recording area in the recording device. Prior to using the prepaid card, the reading device checks whether or not the information obtained by quantizing the magnetic waveform detected in the predetermined area matches the quantized information recorded on the card.

Generally, when a prepaid card is read by a magnetic head or the like, noise or the like is detected. The detected noise differs from card to card, but since the amplitude is small, it is difficult to identify the card using this noise. However, by damaging the card by the flaw applying means, it is possible to further increase the amplitude of the magnetic waveform and to clarify the difference between the magnetic waveforms in each card. Therefore, since the quantization information recorded by the recording device is substantially unique for each prepaid card, for example, an unauthorized card in which data of an unused prepaid card is copied to a used prepaid card having no balance is used. When used, since the information compared in the reading device does not match, it can be easily detected that the card is a fraudulent card.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a prepaid card system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a storage area of a prepaid card used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a recording device used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a flaw applying roller.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing quantization information recorded on a prepaid card by the recording device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a reading device used in the prepaid card system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the reading device of FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 recording device 2 ticket issuing machine 3 reading device 4 relay device 5 center 6 prepaid card 11 card transport unit 13 card reading unit 15 scratching roller 17 control unit 19 storage unit 31 data reading unit 33 control unit 35 storage unit 37 communication unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A prepaid card system comprising: a recording device for recording predetermined information on a prepaid card; and a reading device disposed at each store and processing a prepaid card on which the predetermined information is recorded by the recording device. The prepaid card system includes a flaw applying unit that applies a flaw to a predetermined area of the prepaid card, wherein the recording device includes: a first reading unit that magnetically reads the predetermined area of the prepaid card; First quantizing means for quantizing the magnetic waveform read by the reading means, and a quantization information recording area of the prepaid card as information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the first quantizing means as quantization information. The reading device magnetically reads the predetermined area of the prepaid card to be processed. And second reading means, said second
Second quantizing means for quantizing the magnetic waveform read by the reading means, and information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the second quantizing means is stored in the quantized information recording area of the prepaid card. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the quantized information substantially matches the recorded quantizing information; and if the discriminating means discriminates the discrepancy, the prepaid card is identified as a fraudulent card, and use is prohibited. Means, and a prepaid card system. 2. The flaw applying means further comprises means for flawing the predetermined area of the prepaid card by rotating a roller provided with a plurality of scratches for flawing the surface of the prepaid card. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A recording device for recording predetermined information on a prepaid card in which a predetermined area is scratched, and a reading device disposed at each store and processing a prepaid card on which the predetermined information is recorded by the recording device. A prepaid card system comprising: a first reading unit that magnetically reads the predetermined area of the prepaid card; and a second unit that quantizes a magnetic waveform read by the first reading unit. And a recording unit for recording information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the first quantization unit as quantization information in a quantization information recording area of the prepaid card, A second reading unit for magnetically reading the predetermined area of the prepaid card to be processed;
Second quantizing means for quantizing the magnetic waveform read by the reading means, and information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the second quantizing means is stored in the quantized information recording area of the prepaid card. Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not it substantially matches the recorded quantization information; and if the discriminating means discriminates that the card does not match, the prepaid card is identified as a fraudulent card and use is prohibited. Means, and a prepaid card system. 4. A recording device for issuing a prepaid card used in a prepaid card system, said recording device comprising: reading means for magnetically reading a predetermined area of said prepaid card; and reading by said reading means. Quantization means for quantizing the obtained magnetic waveform, and recording means for recording information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the quantization means as quantization information in a quantization information recording area of the prepaid card. A recording device comprising: 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording device further comprises a flaw applying means for applying flaws to the predetermined area of the prepaid card prior to the magnetic reading by the reading means. Recording device. 6. A prepaid card in which a predetermined area is flawed and quantization information obtained by quantizing a magnetic waveform detected by magnetically reading the predetermined area is recorded in a quantization information recording area. A reading device for processing a card, a reading unit for magnetically reading the predetermined area of a prepaid card to be processed, a quantization unit for quantizing a magnetic waveform read by the reading unit, and the quantum Information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the quantization information recorded in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card is substantially coincident with the prepaid card; Means for identifying as a fraudulent card and prohibiting use of the card. 7. A prepaid card in which a predetermined area is scratched and quantization information obtained by quantizing a magnetic waveform detected by magnetically reading the predetermined area is recorded in a quantization information recording area. A ticket issuing machine for issuing a card, storing means for storing a prepaid card to be issued, taking out the prepaid card stored in the storing means, and magnetically reading the predetermined area of the prepaid card. Reading means, quantization means for quantizing the magnetic waveform read by the reading means, and information of the magnetic waveform quantized by the quantization means,
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the quantization information recorded in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card is substantially coincident with the prepaid card; Means for identifying as a fraudulent card and prohibiting ticket issuance. 8. A fraudulent card detection method in a system comprising: a recording device for recording predetermined information on a prepaid card; and a reading device disposed at each store and processing a prepaid card on which the predetermined information is recorded by the recording device. A flaw applying step of flawing a predetermined area of the prepaid card; a first reading step of magnetically reading the predetermined area of the prepaid card in the recording device; and a reading step of the first reading step. A first quantization step of quantizing the obtained magnetic waveform, a recording step of recording the quantization information obtained in the first quantization step in a quantization information recording area of the prepaid card, and using the prepaid card. Sometimes, in the reading device,
A second reading step of magnetically reading the predetermined area of the prepaid card to be processed, a second quantization step of quantizing a magnetic waveform read by the second reading step, and a second quantization step. A discrimination step of discriminating whether or not the information of the magnetic waveform quantized in the quantization step substantially matches the quantization information recorded in the quantization information recording area of the prepaid card; Identifying the prepaid card as a fraudulent card when the information compared by the means does not match, comprising: