JPS63187380A - Information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To evade a read error generated due to deviation between a magnetic head and a magnetic stripe part automatically, by providing a correction means which corrects the read position of a reading means in a direction intersecting orthogonally to the carrying direction of a medium automatically. CONSTITUTION:The titled device is constituted by providing a carrying path which carries the medium P on which a bit of information is recorded, the reading means 31 which is provided on the carrying path and reads the bit of information corresponding to the ravel of the medium P, the correction means (a pulse motor 300, screw shafts 301 and 303, a timing belt 302) which correct the read position of the reading means 31 automatically in the direction intersecting orthogonally to the carrying direction of the medium P. Therefore, when the read error is generated due to the deviation between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe, the correction means 300-303 are operated automatically, then, alignment between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe can be obtained. In such a way, it is possible to evade the read error automatically, and to improve the reading performance of the bit of information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an information reading device for reading information from a medium having information recorded on the front side, the back side, or both sides.

(Prior Art) In recent years, for example, in the financial industry, media such as magnetic cards and magnetic bankbooks that magnetically record various information necessary for transactions on magnetic stripes have been widely adopted.

The above-mentioned magnetic stripe records transaction numbers such as account numbers, personal identification numbers, issuer numbers, etc., and the system reads these recorded numbers from the magnetic stripe of the medium to perform various processing such as transactions. It is.

In such systems, the information reading device recorded on the magnetic stripe reads data from the magnetic stripe by passing the medium along a guide above or below a fixed magnetic head, or by reading data from the magnetic stripe by passing the medium over or below a fixed magnetic head along a guide. One of the methods used is to read data by stopping the medium at a stop and moving a magnetic head over the magnetic stripe. Furthermore, in the case where the data cannot be read, the reading operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in each method.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) Conventionally, when reading data from a magnetic stripe, there is a "misalignment 2" between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe due to some reason.
If a discrepancy occurs, we tried to deal with it by repeating the reading operation as described above, but if a ``difference'' still occurs even after repeating the reading operation a specified number of times, we have to return the medium, which means that the system does not allow transactions, etc. This resulted in the inability to do so.

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information reading device that can read data by eliminating the "misalignment" between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe.

[Structure of the invention]

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a conveyance path for conveying a medium on which information is recorded, and a conveyance path provided on the conveyance path to convey information as the medium moves. The apparatus is constructed by providing a reading means for reading, and a correction means for automatically correcting the reading position of the reading means in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the medium.

(Function) That is, the present invention has the above configuration, so that when a reading error occurs due to misalignment between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe, the correction means automatically operates to bring the magnetic head into alignment with the magnetic stripe. Therefore, reading errors can be automatically avoided, and information reading ability can be improved.

(Example) Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the information reading device of the present invention is applied to an automatic transaction device (a so-called ATM that can automatically deposit and withdraw bank deposits using a cash card, passbook, etc.). be. In other words, the housing (
A customer service operation section (2) is formed on the front side of the machine (1). On the vertical surface (2a) of this customer service operation section (2), there is a magnetic card as a transaction medium in which a PIN number and account number are stored, a bankbook/card insertion slot (3) for inserting a bankbook, and a bankbook/card insertion slot (3) for inserting a bankbook. Handling indicator (4) to indicate that the item is being handled.
, an item display (5) to display and guide the various types of deposits, payments, transfers, etc. that can be handled, and a call button (6) to call a staff member if the customer has any questions about the operation method. ), a coin slot (7) for customers to deposit coins, and a change outlet (7) for discharging change coins to customers.
8) are provided respectively.

Further, the horizontal surface (2b) of the customer service operation section (2) is provided with a bill insertion slot (9) for inserting a large number of bills at once and receiving change for the bills. The opening (9) is provided with a door (10) that can be opened and closed.

Further, an inclined surface (2C) is formed between the vertical surface (2a) and the horizontal surface (2b) of the customer service operation section (2).

This inclined surface (2c) is provided with a display section (11) formed by overlapping a transparent touch panel (touch sensor) (llb) on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display section (1, 1a).

The liquid crystal display section (lla) displays operating procedures and other information on the screen in the form of illustrations, text, or text to guide the user, and also uses the display to guide the user.
By pressing the display area corresponding to the amount, account number, approval, confirmation, or cancellation of the transaction, the touch panel (LLB) detects this, and the main control unit (200) described below detects this.
), a so-called key operation is performed to output a corresponding signal. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the message ``Please specify transaction'' is displayed, as well as keys for specifying deposit, payment, inquiry, and transfer. The contents and display change each time the machine operation or step status changes.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) show a so-called magnetic passbook (P) as a transaction medium to which the present invention is applied. The cover page (101) of this notice @ (P) has columns for printing the branch number, account number, customer name, etc. In addition, the passbook (P) has a plurality of printed pages (103) bound between the front cover (101) and the back cover (102) in the form of a booklet, and each of these printed pages (103
) has a multi-line printing field printed on its printing surface. In this print column, the transaction date, deposit amount, payment amount, balance, etc. for each transaction are printed. A magnetic stripe (104) is attached to a predetermined portion of the back cover (102), and account information such as an account number and a deposit balance is stored in this magnetic stripe (104).

Further, in the margin of each printed page (103), an optical bar mark indicating the page number, that is, a page mark (105) is printed in black. In the diagram, (L□) is the above passbook (P)
Indicates the width when inserted.

FIG. 5 shows a magnetic card (K) having a magnetic stripe. A magnetic stripe (110) is attached to the surface of this magnetic card (K), and account information such as an account number and a deposit balance is stored on this magnetic stripe (110). An embossed area (111) is provided on the surface of the magnetic card (K), and this embossed area (111) has the branch number, account number, customer name, etc. convexly displayed on the surface. It is embossed. In the figure, (L2) is the magnetic card (K)
Indicates the width when inserted.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are a plan view and a side view showing the structure of the passbook and the card section (20). Passbook, card section (20
) accepts the passbook (P) and magnetic card (K) inserted into the card insertion slot (3) in Figure 2, and performs predetermined processing on them.
Receipts (R) are used to print and issue transaction records for customers who do not bring P), and journal paper (R) is used to print records of a series of transactions and copy the embossments on magnetic cards (K). J) is built-in.

The bankbook/card section (20) is provided in the housing (1) at a location corresponding to the bankbook/card insertion slot (3). In other words, there is a passbook/card insertion slot (3) on the front of the main unit (1).
) are communicated with each other, and this passbook/card insertion slot (3) is provided with a selection shutter (21).

The selection shutter (21) is opened and closed by excitation of a solenoid (30).

Near the passbook/card insertion slot (3), that is, inside the selection shutter (21), there are a passbook (P) and a magnetic card (K).
) to optically detect the insertion or removal of the
7a) and (27b) are provided, and these detectors (27a) and (27b) are constructed from well-known light emitting elements and light receiving elements.

From the above detectors (27a) and (27b) to the main body (1)
A conveyance path (81) is provided in a substantially horizontal state toward the rear.

This conveyance path (81) includes drive rollers (82)...
It is composed of pinch rollers (83) that roll into contact with these drive rollers (82), respectively, and a guide bottom plate (25), and is driven by a pulse motor via a belt (not shown). Ru. In addition, the conveyance path (81) has side plates (22a) and (22b) erected at positions corresponding to the width (L□) of the passbook (P), and side plates (22b) that correspond to the width (L2) of the magnetic card (K). A movable side plate (23) is erected at a position from the side plate (22b).

Therefore, the side plates (22a) and (22b) regulate the transport position of the passbook (P), and the side plates (22b)
), the card conveyance path ( ) formed by the movable side plate (23)
81') to regulate the transport position of the magnetic card (K).

Further, the detector (2) is located at the starting end of the conveyance path (81).
Main shutter (28) that opens and closes according to the detection result of 7a)
is provided. This main shutter (28) is driven to open and close by excitation of a solenoid (29). That is, when the insertion of the passbook (P) or magnetic card (K) is detected, the solenoid (29) is energized and the main shutter (28) is opened.

Behind the main shutter (28) are a movable magnetic head (31) for reading information on the passbook (P) and a movable magnetic head (5) for reading information on the magnetic card (K).
0) is provided. These magnetic heads (31)
, (50) are arranged as shown in FIG.

That is, the magnetic head (31) receives the accepted passbook (
Information is read or stored on the magnetic stripe (104) of the magnetic stripe (P), and the magnetic stripe (104) provided in the same direction as the transport path (81)
104) can be moved up and down in a direction perpendicular to the reading direction. On the other hand, the magnetic head (50) reads or stores information on the magnetic stripe (110) of the accepted magnetic card (K), and similarly to the magnetic head (31), it can move up and down. It is now possible to do so.

Further, on the opposing portions of the magnetic heads (31) and (50), there are corresponding magnetic stripes (104) and (
Suppressing rollers (32), (32) are provided for bringing the magnetic head (110) into contact with the magnetic head within the movable range and with a predetermined pressure.

Further, in the middle of the conveyance path (81), an optical reader (8) is provided that reads the date column on the passbook (P) to detect the presence or absence of printing, and also detects the presence or absence of page marks (105).
9) is provided. This optical reading device (89) is composed of a CCD image sensor (34) and a lens (33) that reduces the print data on the passbook (P) and forms an image on the CCD image sensor (34). . CC above
The D image sensor (34) is, for example, a self-scanning surface array formed by arranging a large number of solid-state image sensors on a plane.

Further, a page turning mechanism (90) is provided in front of the optical reading device (89) on the conveyance path (81). This page turning mechanism (90) automatically turns the pages of the passbook (P), and for example, when the passbook (P) is turned over, the passbook back pushes up the passbook (P) by being lifted upward by a solenoid (not shown). Up board (37) and the seventh
In the figure, the page turning roller (36) automatically turns the page by rotating in the direction of arrow e, and turns the page in the opposite direction by rotating in the direction of arrow f.

A slip issuing mechanism (91) for issuing slips (R) is provided below the page turning mechanism (90). The sheets are taken out one by one by a take-out roller (92a) and guided to a conveyance path (81).

A direction mark sensor (121) is provided near the take-out roller (92a) to detect the direction mark (M) on the slip (R), that is, to check for setting errors by the clerk.

This direction mark sensor (121) is composed of a well-known light emitting element and a light receiving element, and is movable to move together with the take-out roller (92a) as shown in FIG. It is fixed at a position equidistant from the direction mark (M) above. The above direction mark sensor (12
Based on the detection result of 1), the main control unit (200), which will be described later, determines the presence or absence of the direction mark (M). If the direction mark (M) is not present as a result of this determination, the slip (R) is sent to the collection warehouse (40).
is collected and re-extracted.

Further, a printing mechanism (93) is provided in front of the page turning mechanism (90) on the conveyance path (81). This printing mechanism (
93) is a passbook (P), journal paper (J), slip (R
), a wire dot type print head is used, and a print head (35) that prints alphanumeric characters, katakana, kanji, etc., an ink ribbon (41), and the above-mentioned printing The head (35) is connected to the conveyance path (
It is composed of a carriage (94) that moves in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of 81), a moving mechanism consisting of a slide rond (95), and a table (96) as a platen.

Further, the print start position of the carriage (94), that is, the print head (35) is located between the print range of the journal paper (J) and the print range of the slip (R), as shown in FIG.
A detector (120
) is provided. This detector (120) is constituted by a microswitch, for example, and is configured by the carriage (9).
4) is turned on by a protrusion (not shown) provided on the
It's supposed to turn off.

Further, an embossing table (51) is provided in front of the printing mechanism (93) on the conveyance path (81). This embossing stand (
51) is the rotating shaft (
By rotating 90b about 53) as a fulcrum, it enters the lower side of the journal paper (J), that is, the embossed part (99). Then, the embossing roller (54) provided on the upper side of the journal paper (J) moves along the roller movement path (54).
5), the embossing of the magnetic card (K) is transferred onto the journal paper (J). When the embossing table (51) is in a card standby state, a card position detector (52) is provided facing a notch (not shown) for detecting a magnetic card (K). This card position detector (52) is composed of a well-known light emitting diode and a light receiver. A journal paper (U) is provided above the stand (96) and the embossing stand (51) for embossing, and this journal paper (J) is wound and held around the delivery shaft (97). Then, it is wound onto the winding shaft (98) via the stand (96) and the embossed portion (99).

In addition, near the end of the conveyance path (81), there is a collection warehouse (4) for recovering the conveyed passbooks (P) and magnetic cards (K).
0) is provided.

When the magnetic card (K) is taken up to the magnetic head (50), ejected, and collected, the magnetic card (K) is transported at high speed, and the magnetic card (K) is transported to the magnetic head (50).
0), the magnetic card (K) is conveyed at the optimum speed for reading.

FIG. 1θ is a configuration block diagram showing the main parts of the electric circuit. That is, inside the casing (1) shown in FIG. 2, there is a main control section (200) comprising a microcomputer that controls the entire device, a program memory, a data memory for processing various data, etc., and the bankbook.・Card section (
20), a banknote dispensing unit (202) that accepts banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot (3) and dispenses a designated amount of banknotes to the banknote insertion slot (3), and a coin insertion slot (7). ), a coin dispenser part (201) that accepts coins inserted into the coin dispenser and dispenses a specified amount of coins to the change outlet (8), and a customer service operation part (203) comprising the touch panel (116) and the like. ), the staff operation unit (204) operated by the staff
), information on financial institutions that can make transfers necessary for transfer transactions is recorded, such as a bank branch name file (207) consisting of a floppy disk, and the main control unit (200).
) and a host computer (center) (not shown), and a total memory (208) that stores total information for each type regarding all transactions. Further, the main control section (200) is connected to an externally provided remote monitor section (205) for use by an attendant.

With a rower, the movable magnetic heads (31) and (50)
The mechanism for moving the passbook (P) or magnetic card (K) in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the figure, (304) indicates the side plate (22a) and the side plate (
22b) and a U-shaped support member (301a) fixed to the inside of this side plate (22a). The roller (305) is
2a) A threaded portion (306) into which the magnetic head (31) is screwed is provided at the side end. On the other hand, (307) is a screw shaft for a magnetic card that is inserted and supported between the side plate (22b) and the U-shaped support member (301b) fixed inside this side plate (ob). 307
) is provided with a roller (308) at one end on the side plate (22b) side.
The other end has a threaded portion (30) into which the magnetic head (50) is screwed.
9), and a timing belt (310) is wound between the roller (305) and the roller (308).

In addition, (300) is the screw shaft (304),
A driving pulse motor for rotating (307),
The driving force of this pulse motor (300) is the gear (302)
, (303) through the screw shaft (304)
It is configured to further transmit the signal to the screw shaft (307) via the timing belt (310).

Next, the operation of the present invention based on the above configuration is illustrated in FIG.
The withdrawal operation will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in a) to (c). For example, when a user stands in front of the device, the display section (11) will display the message ``Welcome, please specify your transaction'' and select ``Withdrawal, Deposit, Inquiry, Transfer.'' A key is displayed (ST-1). In response to this guidance, the user selects and presses down the area labeled "Drawer" (ST-
2).

Then, the main control unit (200) determines to proceed to the next processing step, and causes the display unit (11) to display the words "Please insert your passbook or card" (ST-3
). In response to this guidance, the user inserts the passbook ([') into the passbook/card slot (3) (ST-4), (ST
-5).

Then, the main control unit (200) causes the display unit (11) to display the message “Currently accepting passbook” (ST
-6), the passbook (P) is loaded into the passbook/card section (20), and the magnetic stripe section (1) is loaded by the magnetic head (31).
04) are read, and the page marks and printed lines recorded in the passbook (P) are read by an optical sensor (not shown). The above account information is checked by the main control section (200), and if it is determined that the passbook (P) is incorrect, the main control section (200) processes it as an error. In addition, if the above account information cannot be read even after re-reading the specified number of times, the pulse motor (3
00) rotates an arbitrary number of times, the screw shaft (
The screw part (306) of the magnetic stripe part (104) rotates an arbitrary number of times, and the movable magnetic head (31) rotates in a direction perpendicular to the reading direction (indicated by arrow C) of the magnetic stripe part (104) (indicated by arrow B).
e > l)) to any distance (e.g., 0, 5
mm ) and the reading operation is performed again.

That is, the magnetic head (31) corrects the positional relationship between the magnetic head (31) and the magnetic stripe section (104) by repeatedly changing the distance in the axial direction of the screw shaft (304) from the initial position. to read the information. However, if the information cannot be read even after performing this operation a specified number of times (for example, three times), the main control unit (200) determines that the cause is the magnetic head (31) and the magnetic stripe section (104). It is determined that there is something other than "misalignment" and the problem is treated as an error.

Next, the main control section (200) causes the display section (11) to display a message "Please insert the card".

Then, the user inserts the magnetic card (K) into the passbook/card insertion slot (3) according to the guidance in (ST-7) or (ST-3) (sr-8). Then, the magnetic card (K) is taken into the bankbook/card section (20), and the account information such as the password and account number recorded on the magnetic stripe section (110) is read by the magnetic head (50). This account information is checked by the main control section (200), and if it is determined that the magnetic card (K) is incorrect, the main control section (200) processes it as an error.

If the account information cannot be read even after re-reading the account information a specified number of times, the pulse motor (300) and timing belt (310) shown in FIG.
), screw shaft (307), etc., perform the same processing as in the case of the passbook (P).

Further, the user inserts the magnetic card (K) into the bankbook/card insertion slot (3) at (ST-1) (ST-9). Then, as described above, the account information etc. on the magnetic card (K) are read. Next, the user presses down the part labeled "Drawer" (ST-10) or presses (ST-10).
By inserting the magnetic card (K) using ST-8), the magnetic card
- If it is determined that (K) is correct, the display section (11)
"Press your PIN" is displayed on the screen, along with a numeric keypad and a correction key (ST-
11). Next, the user inputs the code number by pressing the area where the numeric keypad is displayed according to the instructions (ST-12). Then, with this PIN,
The main control unit (200) determines whether or not the PIN numbers match, and if they do not match, displays and processes a request to re-enter the PIN number. If they match, the message "Please press the withdrawal amount" is displayed on the display section (11), and a numeric keypad and an amount key are also displayed (ST-13). Therefore,
The user follows the instructions and inserts the withdrawal amount (ST
-14). Then, due to this input, the main control unit (200)
t: lJt Display section (11) says ``The computer is currently processing.''

Please wait for a while" is displayed (S
T-30). In addition, the main control unit (200) controls one transaction (5
5T-31) sends and receives a message for a withdrawal transaction of 5,000 yen to the center (not shown), and sends the result to the printing mechanism (93).
to print on journal paper (J) (ST-
32) - Upon completion of this printing, the main control unit (200) determines whether there is a passbook (P) or not (5T-33). If there is a passbook, the main control unit (200) internally records the details of the transaction sent from the host computer. The information is stored in the memory and printed on the passbook (P) using the printing method described above (ST-34).

In addition, if it is determined that there is no passbook in the above (ST-33),
The main control unit (200) prints out the details of the transaction through the printing mechanism (93).
) and print it on the slip (R) (ST-35).

Next, the main control unit (200) controls the banknote withdrawal unit (202).
Activate the drawer to take out the bill into the bill insertion slot (9).

When the removal of the banknotes is completed, the main control unit (200)
displays on the CRT display section (5) the words "Please receive your passbook (or slip), cards and banknotes" (ST-43), and determines whether there is a passbook (ST-43).
ST-44). As a result of this judgment, if there is a passbook, the main control unit (200) inserts the passbook (
P) and at the same time, a magnetic card (K) is also released (ST-45). Next, the user receives the passbook (P) and the magnetic card (K) (ST-46). The above passbook (
P) and the magnetic card (K), the main control unit (200) then closes the door (10) of the banknote insertion slot (9).
The banknotes are released by opening the banknotes (ST-47). and,
When the user takes out the released banknotes (ST-48), this withdrawal transaction ends.

Further, if it is determined in the above (ST-44) that there is no bankbook, the main control unit (200) causes the magnetic card (K) to be ejected from the bankbook/card insertion slot (3) (ST-49). Next, the user receives the magnetic card (K) (ST-50).

When the user takes out the magnetic card (K), the main control unit (200) opens the door (10) of the bill insertion slot (9) to eject the bill and also releases the slip (R) (
ST-51).

The withdrawal transaction is then completed when the user takes out the released banknotes and slip (R) (ST-52).

In addition, although the above-mentioned embodiment has been explained using a withdrawal transaction as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a deposit transaction or the like.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically avoid reading errors caused by "misalignment" between the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe, and it is possible to improve the information reading ability. This has this effect.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a plan view for explaining the schematic mechanism of a movable magnetic head and the relationship between this mechanism and the medium passing through the transport path. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the magnetic card, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the passbook/card section. A plan view and a side view, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a slip, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a direction mark sensor, and FIG. 10 is a configuration block diagram showing the main parts of an electric circuit. , FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c) are flowcharts for explaining the drawing operation. P...Passbook (medium) K...Magnetic card (medium) 3...Passbook/card insertion slot

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) a conveyance path for conveying a medium on which information is recorded; a reading means provided on the conveyance path for reading information as the medium moves; An information reading device comprising: a correction means for automatically correcting a reading position. (2) The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the information on the medium is magnetically recorded on a magnetic stripe provided in the direction of the transport path. (3) The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading means is a magnetic head that reads information by passing a medium therethrough. (4) The correction means is composed of a screw shaft into which the magnetic head is screwed, a drive motor that rotates this screw shaft, and a timing belt that transmits the rotational force of this drive motor to the screw shaft. 2. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic head can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic stripe.