JP3202159B2 - Prepaid card system and deposit machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a prepaid card system using a rechargeable prepaid card and a deposit machine for charging the prepaid card, and more particularly to a highly secure prepaid card system and a deposit machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A prepaid card system for paying by a prepaid card instead of cash is widely used. In a conventional prepaid card system, a magnetic card is used as a prepaid card. In recent years, so-called IC cards have begun to be used as prepaid cards from the viewpoint of security and the like.

[0003]

If an IC card is used as a prepaid card, it becomes possible to recharge (add, etc.) the amount of money from the deposit machine to the IC memory in the IC card, thereby contributing to resource saving. Also, the depositing machine can be downsized.

[0004] However, in a prepaid card system using an IC card, if a banknote in a deposit machine is opened and charged repeatedly with the same bill repeatedly and fraudulently, the prepaid card may be unlimitedly charged. There is.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a highly reliable and safe prepaid card system and a deposit machine which prevent unlimited unauthorized charging of a prepaid card.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a prepaid card system of the present invention comprises a deposit machine for charging a rechargeable prepaid card and a plurality of the deposit machines via communication. A prepaid card system including a connected center, wherein each of the depositing machines includes an amount storage unit that stores an upper limit amount of a charge to the prepaid card, an amount recognition unit that receives cash, and recognizes the amount received. A card mounting means on which a prepaid card is mounted, determination means for determining whether or not the amount recognized by the amount recognition means is equal to or less than the upper limit amount stored by the amount storage means, and the determination means,
A card transmitting unit that transmits charge data indicating the recognized amount to a prepaid card mounted on the card mounting unit when the amount recognized by the amount recognizing unit is equal to or less than the upper limit amount; After the charge data is transmitted to the prepaid card by the means, the amount recognized by the amount recognition means is subtracted from the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means, and the subtraction result is stored in the amount storage means as a new upper limit amount. Calculating means for storing, amount receiving means for receiving update data for updating the upper limit from the center, and the upper limit stored in the amount storing means in accordance with the update data received by the amount receiving means The center updates the update data to each of the depositing machines. Characterized in that it comprises a update data transmitting means for transmitting.

[0007] According to such a configuration, in each depositing machine, the upper limit is set to the amount that can be charged to the prepaid card (the amount added to the amount stored in the prepaid card). Thus, unlimited unauthorized charging of the prepaid card can be prevented. Also, by updating the upper limit data of the plurality of deposit machines with the update data from the center, it becomes possible to manage the plurality of deposit machines collectively at the center.

[0008] The center, for example, every set time (for example,
The update data is transmitted to the deposit machine at regular intervals or at regular times. In addition, the center may transmit update data to each deposit machine in response to an update request signal from each deposit machine. In this case, the update request signal is, for example, every set time (for example, every fixed period or every certain time).
Alternatively, it may be transmitted when the upper limit amount, that is, the upper limit value of the chargeable amount becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. By transmitting update data at regular time intervals, regular operation of the deposit machine becomes possible. Also, by sending an update request signal when the upper limit amount becomes equal to or less than the threshold value, due to the amount shortage,
A situation in which the prepaid card cannot be charged can be prevented. Therefore, by appropriately setting and changing the transmission timing of the update data,
Adjustments can be made according to the operation status.

The update data transmitting means transmits update data corresponding to the transmission pattern according to one of a plurality of predetermined transmission patterns. For example, update data for setting the upper limit to a predetermined amount, update data for adding a predetermined amount to the upper limit and setting a new upper limit, and the like are transmitted. As a result, operation according to the status of the depositing machine becomes possible.

[0010] History information regarding loading such as loading time, amount of money, cause of loading, etc. to each deposit machine is stored in the center, and by analyzing this history information, improper operation / unusual use of the deposit machine is performed. Detection may be performed, and processing corresponding to the depositing machine may be set.

In order to achieve the above object, a deposit machine according to the present invention comprises: an amount storage means for storing an upper limit amount of a charge to a prepaid card; an amount recognition means for receiving cash and recognizing the received amount; Card mounting means on which a prepaid card is mounted, determination means for determining whether the amount recognized by the amount recognition means is equal to or less than the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means, and the determination means, A card transmitting unit that transmits charge data indicating the recognized amount to a prepaid card mounted on the card mounting unit when the amount recognized by the amount recognition unit is determined to be equal to or less than the upper limit amount; After sending charge data to the card by card sending means,
Arithmetic means for subtracting the amount recognized by the amount recognition means from the upper limit amount stored in the amount recognition means, and storing the subtraction result in the amount storage means as a new upper limit amount. I do.

According to such a configuration, the upper limit is set to the amount charged to the prepaid card (the amount added to the amount stored in the prepaid card). As a result, the charge amount is limited to the upper limit or less, and unlimited unauthorized charge can be prevented.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) A prepaid card system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the prepaid card system comprises a plurality of deposit machines 11 (11 _{1 to} 11 _n ) and a center 12. Each deposit machine 11 charges an amount to an IC card (prepaid card) 20 (adds the newly deposited amount to the amount registered in the IC card). In addition, the center 12 is provided with each deposit machine 11
(The amount that can be registered in the IC card 20 from the deposit machine 11 is updated), and the plurality of deposit machines 11 are collectively managed.

The depositing machine 11 includes a depositing machine control section 14 having a charge information storage section 13, a depositing section 15, and an IC card mounting section (read / write section) 16.

The charge information storage unit 13 stores the IC card 2
The upper limit of the amount that can be charged to zero (the amount that can be charged, that is, the amount of money of the depositing machine 11), the total amount of charges charged to the IC card 20 since the previous loading from the center 12 (the accumulated amount of charges), and the like are stored. I do. Deposit part 15
Recognizes the amount of money deposited, and transmits information (payment information) on the amount of money deposited to the deposit machine control unit 14.

At the time of loading from the center 12, the depositing machine control unit 14 updates the chargeable amount and the accumulated charge amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13. Also,
The depositing machine control unit 14 receives the deposit information from the depositing unit 15 and determines whether or not the IC card 20 can be charged.
If possible, the payment information to be charged is transmitted to the IC card mounting section 16. The IC card mounting section (read / write section) 16 is an IC card 2 on which the IC card 20 is mounted (inserted) and the payment information from the depositing machine control section 14 is mounted.
Send to 0. The IC card 20 includes an internal memory 21 for storing the amount of money (balance) and an input / output unit, receives payment information from the IC card mounting unit 16, and
Is added to the amount of money already stored in the storage unit.

The center 12 includes a center control unit 18 having a timer 17 and a deposit machine management unit 19 for storing and managing a time interval (load TIME), a load pattern and the like for each deposit machine 11. The depositing machine management unit 19
As shown in FIG. 2, a table (load table) representing the load TIME, the next load time, the set amount, and the load pattern is stored for each depositing machine 11. Center 12
Is a load TIME defined for each deposit machine 11,
The data is loaded into the deposit machine 11 according to each load pattern.

The load patterns include, for example, the following patterns. P1: The total amount of money charged by the deposit machine 11 to the IC card 20 is loaded. P2: Load the set amount. P3: Load the shortage amount so as to reach the set amount. P4: Do not load.

The load pattern is stored in the center controller 18.
Can be set and changed at any time. When the load pattern is set to P1, the center 12 loads the total amount charged to the IC card 20 by the deposit machine 11 from the previous load to the present load into the deposit machine 11. When receiving the load signal from the center 12, the depositing machine control unit 14 adds the accumulated charge amount to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13, and the amount equal to the amount previously loaded by the center 12. Update to

When the load pattern is set to P2, the center 12 loads the set amount into the depositing machine 11 at one time, and the depositing machine control unit 14 sets the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13. Add the amount.
For example, if the load pattern is set to P2 and the set amount is set to 5,000 yen, the center 12 loads 5,000 yen to the deposit machine 11 each time. At this time, the depositing machine control unit 14 sets the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 to 5
Add 1,000 yen.

When the load pattern is set to P3, the center 12 sets the chargeable amount of the deposit machine 11 to the set amount. For example, if the load pattern is set to P3 and the set amount is set to 10,000 yen, the center 12 loads the insufficient amount so that the chargeable amount of the depositing machine 11 becomes 10,000 yen. If the depositing machine 11 has 10,000 yen or more, the excess amount is deducted so that the chargeable amount becomes 10,000 yen (minus load). In addition, by setting the load pattern to P4, it is possible to prevent the center 12 from loading a certain depositing machine 11 for a certain period of time.

Next, loading from the center 12 to the deposit machine 11 will be described. The timer 17 transmits an interrupt signal to the center control unit 18 every predetermined period, for example, every one minute. In response to the interrupt signal, the center control unit 18 captures the current time from the timer 17 and compares it with the next load time item in the load table stored in the depositing machine management unit 19. If there is a next load time that matches the current time, the center control unit 18 refers to the load pattern of the deposit machine 11 and loads the data into the deposit machine 11 according to the load pattern.

For example, assuming that the load table stored in the depositing machine management unit 19 has the contents shown in FIG. 2 and the current time is 17:00, the center control unit 18 responds to the interrupt signal from the timer 17 according to the interrupt signal. , The current time is loaded, and the next loading time in the load table is “17:00”
1 is searched, and it is determined that the depositing machines 11 ₁ , 11 ₂ , and 11 ₃ are applicable.

The center control unit 18, the deposit machine 11 _1, referring to the loading pattern. Loading patterns of deposit machine 11 ₁ P2, the set amount is set to 30,000 yen, center control unit 18 transmits updating information indicating the amount of 30,000 yen to deposit machine controller 14 (amount information) . When the transmission of the money amount information to the deposit machine control unit 14 is completed, the center control unit 18 loads the load TI set in the load table.
The next loading time is updated at 5:00 based on ME (12 hours). On the other hand, the depositing machine control unit 14 receives the amount information from the center control unit 18 and adds the amount indicated by the amount information (30,000 yen) to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13.

[0026] In the case of deposit machine 11 _2, because they are set loaded pattern with P1, the center control unit 18 transmits the total amount transmission request signal requesting the transmission of the charge accumulated amounts into deposit machine control unit 14. Receiving the accumulated amount transmission request signal, the depositing machine control unit 14
Is read and transmitted to the center control unit 18. The center control unit 18 receives the accumulated charge amount from the deposit machine control unit 14 and transmits an amount equal to the received accumulated charge amount to the deposit machine control unit 14 as amount information.

The deposit machine control unit 14 receives the amount information from the center control unit 18 and adds an amount equal to the accumulated charge amount to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13. When the transmission of the amount information to the deposit machine control unit 14 is completed, the center control unit 18 updates the next load time at 2:00 based on the load TIME (9 hours) set in the load table.

[0028] In the case of deposit machine 11 _3, the set amount of money in the load pattern P3 has been set to 10 million. The center control unit 18 transmits a chargeable amount transmission request signal to the deposit machine control unit 14 to request transmission of the chargeable amount.
When receiving the chargeable amount transmission request signal, the deposit machine control unit 14 transmits the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 to the center control unit 18. The center control unit 18 receives the chargeable amount from the depositing unit control unit 14 and transmits the difference between the set amount (100,000 yen) and the chargeable amount to the depositing unit control unit 14 as amount information.

The depositing machine control unit 14 receives the money amount information from the center control unit 18 and adds the charge amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 to the difference between the set amount (100,000 yen) and the chargeable amount. Is added. Payment machine control unit 1
4 is completed, the center control unit 18
Is the load TIME set in the load table
(24 hours), the next loading time is reset at 17:00.

In any of the load patterns P1, P2, and P3, the depositing machine control unit 14 receives the amount information from the center control unit 18 and updates the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13. When you do, clear the accumulated charge amount.

Next, the charging process from the deposit machine 11 to the IC card 20 will be described. User is IC card 2
0 is mounted on the IC card mounting section 16 and cash is transferred to the depositing section 15.
To The depositing unit 15 recognizes the inserted cash and transmits it to the depositing machine control unit 14 as deposit information. Receiving the deposit information, the depositing machine control unit 14 refers to the chargeable amount (upper limit amount) stored in the charge information storage unit 13 and determines whether or not the charge to the IC card 20 is possible. Only when it is determined that the IC card 20
Charge to.

The processing performed by the depositing machine control unit 14 at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, payment information indicating the amount of money input from the payment unit 15 is received (step S1). Next, the amount indicated by the received deposit information,
The chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is determined (step S2).

If the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is equal to or greater than the inserted amount, in step S2, (deposited amount) ≦ (chargeable amount)
Is determined, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3,
The payment information is transmitted to the IC card mounting section 16 (step S3). Next, subtract the deposit amount from the chargeable amount,
By adding the deposit amount to the accumulated charge amount, the chargeable amount and the accumulated charge amount are updated (step S4). The IC card mounting unit 16 that has received the deposit information
The payment information is transmitted to the attached IC card 20. IC
The card 20 receives the payment information and adds the amount indicated by the payment information to the amount (balance) stored in the internal memory 21.

If the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is smaller than the inserted amount, it is determined in step S2 that (deposited amount)> (chargeable amount), and the process proceeds to step S5. move on. In step S5, a return instruction is transmitted to the deposit unit 15 and the IC card mounting unit 16. The depositing unit 15 receiving the return instruction returns the inserted cash, and the IC card mounting unit 16
The card 20 is ejected. In addition, a message is displayed on the display unit (not shown) to the effect that the IC card 20 cannot be charged because the deposit amount is larger than the chargeable amount.

As described above, according to the prepaid card system of this embodiment, the upper limit of the amount that the depositing machine 11 can charge the prepaid card (IC card) 20 is set. As a result, even if the same banknote is repeatedly used by opening the safe in the depositing machine 11, it is possible to prevent the prepaid card from being charged indefinitely. Further, since the load TIME and the load pattern can be arbitrarily set at the center 12, when it is determined that a certain depositing machine 11 is in a dangerous state, the load amount is reduced or the load TI is reduced.
It is possible to take measures such as setting the ME longer or stopping the load for a certain period.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the deposit machine management unit 19 of the center 12 stores information such as the load TIME and load pattern of all the deposit machines 11. However, each depositing machine 11 has its own load T
It is also possible to store information such as an IME and a load pattern and transmit a load request to the center 12 based on the information. The following describes a prepaid card system in which each deposit machine 11 has information on loading as described above.

The basic structure of the prepaid card system of the second embodiment is basically the same as the structure of the prepaid card system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, each depositing machine 11 is provided with a timer (not shown),
The charge information storage unit 13 stores a chargeable amount,
In addition to the accumulated charge amount, information such as a load TIME, a next load time, a load pattern, and a set amount is also stored.

First, loading from the center 12 to the deposit machine 11 will be described. In the deposit machine 11, a timer (not shown) transmits an interrupt signal to the deposit machine control unit 14 at predetermined intervals. Upon receiving the interrupt signal, the depositing machine control unit 14
The current time is fetched from the timer, and the charge information storage unit 1
Then, it is determined whether or not the next load time stored in No. 3 matches the current time. When the next load time matches the current time, the deposit machine control unit 14 sets the charge information storage unit 13
Sends a load request signal to the center 12 in accordance with the load pattern stored in the.

When the load pattern stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is P1, the depositing machine control unit 14 controls the center control to store the amount information indicating the accumulated charge amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 together with the load request signal. Part 18
Send to

When the load pattern stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is P2, the deposit machine control unit 14 sends the amount information indicating the set amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 together with the load request signal to the center control unit. Send to 18.

When the load pattern stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is P3, the depositing machine control unit 14 stores the amount information indicating the difference between the set amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 and the chargeable amount. This is transmitted to the center control unit 18 together with the load request signal.

In any of the load patterns P1, P2, and P3, when the center control unit 18 receives the load request signal and the amount information, it transmits amount information equal to the received amount to the deposit machine control unit 14. Payment machine control unit 14
Receives the amount information and adds the amount indicated by the amount information to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13.

Also in the second embodiment, the depositing machine 11
By setting the upper limit of the amount of money that can be charged to the IC card 20, illegal charging can be restricted.
Further, in the second embodiment, the depositing machine 11 has the load TI
Each payment machine 11 possesses information such as ME and road pattern.
Transmits a load request signal and a request amount to the center 12. Therefore, processing at the center 12 can be reduced, and processing can be distributed throughout the system.

In the first and second embodiments, the timing of loading from the center 12 to each depositing machine 11 (transmitting the amount information) is determined by a load TIME (time interval).
For example, every day at 8:30 and 11: 5
Like 0 and 16:50 or 8:30 on odd days,
The load timing may be determined based on the time.

(Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, if the IC card 20 is frequently charged, the chargeable amount becomes zero.
Until the next load from the center 12, there is a possibility that the IC card 20 cannot be charged. In order to prevent such a situation, when the chargeable amount decreases below a predetermined amount, the deposit machine 11 sends a load request signal to the center 1.
2 will be described below.

The basic structure of the prepaid card system is basically the same as the structure of the prepaid card system of the second embodiment. However, the charge information storage unit 1
No. 3 does not need to store the load TIME and the next load time, and stores the minimum required amount together with the chargeable amount, the accumulated charge amount, the load pattern, and the set amount.
This minimum required amount is a threshold value for determining whether to transmit a load request signal from the deposit machine 11 to the center 12. Regarding the load pattern, one of the load patterns P1 to P4 used in the first and second embodiments and the load pattern P5 described below is set in the charge information storage unit 13. P5: The shortage amount is loaded so as to reach a predetermined minimum required amount.

The depositing machine control unit 14 of each depositing machine 11 has an IC
After performing the process of charging the card 20, it is checked whether the chargeable amount is equal to or less than the minimum required amount. When the chargeable amount is equal to or less than the minimum required amount, the depositing machine control unit 14 transmits a load request signal to the center 12 according to the load pattern stored in the charge information storage unit 13.

For example, when the load pattern stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is P5, the depositing machine control unit 14
Transmits the amount information indicating the difference between the minimum necessary amount and the chargeable amount to the center control unit 18 together with the load request signal. When receiving the load request signal and the amount information indicating the difference between the minimum required amount and the chargeable amount, the center control unit 18 transmits amount information equal to the amount to the depositing machine control unit 14. The depositing machine control unit 14 receives amount information indicating the difference between the minimum required amount and the chargeable amount, and adds the amount indicated by the received amount information to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13.

Also in the third embodiment, the depositing machine 11
The upper limit of the amount of money that can be charged to the IC card 20 is defined by the chargeable amount, so that unlimited unauthorized charging of the IC card 20 can be prevented. Further, in the third embodiment, the deposit machine 11 transmits a signal indicating a load request to the center 12 according to the balance of the chargeable amount. Due to the shortage of chargeable amount, IC
This prevents the card 20 from being charged.

(Fourth Embodiment) In each of the first and second embodiments, the load on each deposit machine 11 is equal to the load T.
This is performed for each IME, and in the third embodiment, the chargeable amount is equal to or less than the minimum required amount. However, both types can be combined. Below, Road TIM
A prepaid card system for loading the deposit machine 11 both for each E and when the chargeable amount becomes equal to or less than the minimum necessary amount will be described.

The basic structure of the prepaid card system of the fourth embodiment is the same as the structure of the prepaid card system of the first embodiment. However, the depositing machine 11 is provided with a timer (not shown), and the charge information storage unit 13 stores its own chargeable amount, accumulated charge amount, load pattern, set amount, load TIME, next load time, minimum required amount, and the like. . The load request signal includes two types of signals. One is a load request signal generated based on the load TIME, and the other is a load request signal generated due to insufficient chargeable amount.

Next, the loading process from the center 12 to the deposit machine 11 will be described. In each of the deposit machines 11, a timer (not shown) transmits an interrupt signal to the deposit machine control unit 14 at predetermined intervals. Receiving machine control unit 1 upon receiving an interrupt signal
4 fetches the current time from the timer and determines whether or not the next load time stored in the charge information storage unit 13 matches the current time. When the next loading time coincides with the current time, the deposit machine control unit 14 transmits a load request signal based on the amount information and the load TIME to the center control unit 18 according to the load pattern stored in the charge information storage unit 13. .

When the center controller 18 receives the amount information and the load request signal from the deposit machine 11, it determines the cause of the generation of the load request signal. If the center control unit 18 determines that the received signal is a load request signal based on the load TIME, the center control unit 18 determines the current time fetched from the timer 17 and the corresponding deposit machine 11 in the load table stored in the deposit machine management unit 19.
Check if the next load time matches.

If the current time matches the next load time set in the load table, the center controller 18
Determines that the load request from the depositing machine 11 is valid, and transmits amount information indicating the received amount to the depositing machine control unit 14. The depositing machine control unit 14 receives the amount information and adds the amount indicated by the amount information to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13.

If the current time does not match the next load time registered in the load table, the center control unit 18
Determines that the load pattern of the depositing machine 11 that has transmitted the load request signal is determined to be an improper load request.
Set to 4. In addition, an alarm is generated as appropriate.

The depositing machine control unit 14 of each depositing machine 11
Performs a charge process on the IC card 20 and checks whether the chargeable amount is equal to or less than the minimum required amount. When the chargeable amount is equal to or less than the minimum required amount, the deposit machine control unit 14 transmits a load request signal based on the shortage of the chargeable amount and amount information indicating a difference between the chargeable amount and the minimum required amount to the center 12. The center control unit 18 determines that the received load request signal is a load request signal due to a shortage of the chargeable amount, and transmits amount information indicating a difference between the chargeable amount and the minimum required amount to the deposit machine control unit 14. The deposit machine control unit 14 receives the amount information and stores the amount indicated by the amount information in the charge information storage unit 1.
3 is added to the chargeable amount stored.

Also in the fourth embodiment, by setting the chargeable amount, unlimited unauthorized charging can be prevented. In the fourth embodiment, the center 12 has a function of checking whether or not the load request from the deposit machine 11 is valid using the load TIME. This will detect invalid load requests,
By setting such that the loading is not performed on the depositing machine 11 that has made the loading request, the security of the entire system can be improved.

The example in which the depositing machine 11 transmits a load request signal based on the load TIME to the center 12 has been described. However, similarly to the first embodiment, the load table is managed on the center 12 side and the load TIME is transmitted to the center 12. A load based on the information may be performed.

[0059] Incidentally, in the foregoing first to fourth embodiments, the center 12, the time loaded into the deposit machine 11 ₁ to 11 _n, the amount, the cause of the load, charger and other historical information (journal) Recorded in the management unit 19. By checking this journal appropriately, each depositing machine 11 _{1 -1}
1 _n can be monitored comprehensively. In addition, by dynamically managing the load TIME and load pattern of each payment machine based on this check, the prepaid card system can be operated flexibly. Similarly, by changing the load TIME and load pattern of each deposit machine by the center 12 according to the day of the week, season, etc.
The entire system may be dynamically managed.

For example, in the third embodiment, when a load request signal is repeatedly generated a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period from a certain depositing machine 11 based on history information, there is a possibility of some kind of fraud. It is assumed that there is a deposit machine 1
1 can be set to P4 (load not possible). In addition, during the loading based on the load TIME, the chargeable amount at each load time is checked, and if the chargeable amount becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount for a predetermined number of times or more, the load TIME is shortened. Alternatively, the set amount can be increased.

In the above description, the prepaid card system in which the center 12 manages the plurality of deposit machines 11 has been described. According to such a system, each depositing machine 11 can be monitored and managed by the center 12, which is very effective. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and can be applied to a case where the depositing machine 11 is used alone.

Further, in order to enhance reliability and security, it is optional to apply a signal encryption / decryption technique, a security technique, and the like to the above-described prepaid card system. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0063]

According to the prepaid card system and the deposit machine of the present invention, since the amount of money that can be charged to the prepaid card is limited to the upper limit or less, unlimited unauthorized charging can be prevented. Further, by setting or changing the transmission pattern, the timing of updating the upper limit amount, the update amount, and the like can be adjusted according to the operation situation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a load table stored in a depositing machine management unit.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of charging an IC card.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 deposit machine 12 center 13 charge information storage section 14 deposit machine control section 15 deposit section 16 IC card mounting section 17 timer 18 center control section 19 deposit machine management section 20 IC card 21 internal memory

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tomoyuki Hoshikawa 3-3-3 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo NTT Data Communication Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-4-291487 (JP) JP-A-4-140896 (JP, A) JP-A-2-161585 (JP, A) JP-A-61-240367 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB G07F 7/08 G06F 17/60 G06F 19/00 G06K 17/00 G07D 9/00

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A prepaid card system comprising a deposit machine for charging a rechargeable prepaid card and a center connected to the plurality of deposit machines via communication, wherein each of the deposit machines is Amount storage means for storing an upper limit amount of charge to the prepaid card, amount recognition means for receiving cash and recognizing the received amount, card mounting means on which the prepaid card is mounted, and recognition by the amount recognition means. Discriminating means for determining whether or not the amount is less than or equal to the upper limit amount stored by the amount storing means, and when the determining unit determines that the amount recognized by the amount recognizing unit is equal to or less than the upper limit amount, Card transmitting means for transmitting charge data indicating the recognized amount to a prepaid card mounted on the card mounting means; After the charge data is transmitted to the prepaid card by the payment means, the amount recognized by the amount recognition means is subtracted from the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means, and the result of the subtraction is stored as a new upper limit amount. Means for storing in the means, amount receiving means for receiving update data for updating the upper limit amount from the center, and the amount stored in the amount storage means according to the update data received by the amount receiving means. A prepaid card system comprising: an upper limit amount updating unit that updates an upper limit amount; and the center includes an update data transmitting unit that transmits the update data to each of the deposit machines. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the center includes a setting unit for setting a time, and the update data transmitting unit transmits the update data every time set by the setting unit. The prepaid card system described in 1. 3. The deposit machine includes: a setting unit for setting a time; and an update request transmitting unit for transmitting an update request signal to the center at each time set by the setting unit. An update request receiving unit that receives the update request signal from the update request transmitting unit, wherein the update data transmitting unit transmits the update data when the update request receiving unit receives the update request signal. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein the data is transmitted to the corresponding deposit machine. 4. The depositing machine determines whether or not the upper limit after subtraction by the arithmetic means is equal to or less than the threshold value, and threshold value setting means for setting an arbitrary threshold value. Threshold value determining means, and update request transmitting means for transmitting an update request signal to the center when the upper limit amount is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold value by the threshold value determining means, The center includes an update request receiving unit that receives an update request signal from the update request transmitting unit, and the update data transmitting unit transmits the update data when the update request receiving unit receives the update request signal. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein is transmitted to a corresponding deposit machine. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said update data transmitting means transmits update data corresponding to said transmission pattern according to one of a plurality of predetermined transmission patterns. Or the prepaid card system according to 4. 6. The update data may be one of data for setting the upper limit to a predetermined amount and data for adding a predetermined amount to the upper limit and setting a new upper limit.
The prepaid card system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: 7. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein said center includes means for storing history information relating to charging of each deposit machine. 8. An amount storage means for storing an upper limit amount of charge for a prepaid card; an amount recognition means for receiving cash and recognizing the amount received; a card mounting means for mounting a prepaid card; Determining means for determining whether or not the amount recognized by the means is equal to or less than the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means; and determining that the amount recognized by the amount recognition means is equal to or less than the upper limit amount. When it is determined that there is, the card transmitting means for transmitting charge data indicating the recognized amount to the prepaid card mounted on the card mounting means, and after transmitting the charge data to the card by the card transmitting means, Subtracting the amount recognized by the amount recognition means from the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means,
And a calculating means for storing the subtraction result as a new upper limit amount in the amount storage means. 9. The deposit machine according to claim 8, wherein the deposit machine includes an upper limit amount updating unit that updates the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage unit.