JP3918962B2 - Method for preventing unauthorized use of magnetic card and magnetic card read / write device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card such as a prepaid card and a magnetic card read / write device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Magnetic cards such as prepaid cards have been widely used for various purposes such as public telephones or ticket vending machines. This is because the magnetic card is excellent in convenience and excellent as a product.
By the way, the magnetic card is formed so that necessary information (remaining usage amount as an example) can be recorded by magnetic recording, but punch holes are appropriately formed in use. This punch hole is provided for the convenience of the user so that the remaining amount of use can be seen.
In addition, the used magnetic card is determined from the currently recorded remaining usage amount by the magnetic card read / write device built in the equipment (public telephone, vending machine, ticket vending machine, etc.) in which the magnetic card is used. A new remaining usage amount subtracted by the usage amount is magnetically recorded.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the magnetic card has a safety problem in that it is possible to reuse a card that has been used and can no longer be used by restoring the magnetic recording data.
For this reason, various methods for improving the safety of the magnetic card are considered. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, since the punch hole 12 is formed in the magnetic card 10 once used as described above, the position of the punch hole 12 (a ₁ → a ₂ → a method such as to make the magnetic card 10 can be used only when a ₃ to be drilled) and magnetic the stored using the remaining amount (length of the magnetic memory area 14) match. Here, the length of the area (magnetic storage area) 14 for recording the remaining usage amount provided in the magnetic card 10 is sequentially shortened (b ₁ → b ₂ →) so as to correspond to the punch holes 12 that are sequentially opened. (b ₃ becomes shorter).
[0004]
However, even when the data is checked by the above-described method to determine whether or not the data can be used, the magnetic recording area 14 itself has not been subjected to any countermeasures that make writing impossible. It can be used as a new magnetic card by tampering with a method such as closing a hole.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the problem of safety in using such a magnetic card, and an object of the present invention is to prevent unauthorized use of a magnetic card that can effectively prevent unauthorized use of the magnetic card. Is to provide. It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic card read / write device capable of realizing this unauthorized use prevention method.
[0006]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is, the method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card according to claim 1 demagnetizes the inside of the magnetic recording area in order to rewrite the remaining usage amount with a reproducing means for reading the remaining usage amount recorded in the magnetic recording area. In a method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card in which a predetermined remaining usage amount is recorded in the magnetic recording area by an erasing means and a recording means for recording a new remaining usage amount in the demagnetized magnetic recording area , Magnetizing means for magnetizing a residual magnetic field at a level that cannot be completely demagnetized by the erasing means as an obstacle magnetism in a magnetic recording area in which the remaining usage amount of the magnetic card is recorded, Accordingly, the failure leaving a magnetism at least a portion of said magnetic recording area, in a part of the magnetic recording area, especially in that the recording means for forming a failure region can not be performed normally operative magnetic recording To. By adopting this configuration, even if a person who is trying to falsify normally performs magnetic recording for falsification in the magnetic recording area, the troubled magnetism remains in the troubled area, and normal magnetic recording cannot be performed. In this way, if you are not a legitimate person who knows the existence of the failure area and knows that magnetic recording can be performed avoiding the failure area when rewriting the magnetic card, the magnetic card cannot be rewritten. Can be suppressed. In addition, it is difficult to perform unauthorized use in that the failure area cannot be visually observed.
[0007]
In an actual magnetic card, the failure area is formed so that the magnetic recording area of the magnetic card is sequentially narrowed in accordance with the remaining usage amount of the magnetic card. Further, if the failure area is formed in a long line crossing the magnetic recording area, the failure area can be uniformly formed even for a magnetic card having a plurality of magnetic recording areas. Since the area is long, unauthorized use is less likely to occur. Further, the failure area is formed as a part of the magnetic recording area of the magnetic card by causing a predetermined current to flow through the electric wire and generating a magnetic field around the electric wire as the magnetizing means.
[0008]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the magnetic card writing device according to the present invention, wherein the magnetic card in which the remaining usage amount is recorded in the magnetic recording area is recorded in the magnetic recording area. A reproducing head for reading the remaining usage amount, an erasing head for degaussing the magnetic recording area to rewrite the remaining usage amount, and a recording head for recording a new remaining usage amount in the demagnetized magnetic recording area in the magnetic card reading and writing device with the door, magnetized at least in the corresponding to the new use remaining amount of magnetic recording area position of the magnetic card the level of residual magnetism can not be completely demagnetized as failure magnetism in the erasing means comprising a magnetizing means for,該着magnetic means, when performing a rewrite of the use remaining amount before the position of the magnetic recording area corresponding to the new use remaining amount Leaving a disorder magnetism, the recording head and forming a fault areas can not be performed normally operative magnetic recording. In this configuration, in the magnetic card, a failure area is formed at a position corresponding to the new remaining usage amount in the magnetic recording area, and this failure area cannot be visually recognized. Even if information such as the remaining amount of use is to be rewritten with a normal magnetic force like a magnetic card, faulty magnetism remains in the faulty area and normal rewriting cannot be performed. Therefore, since the remaining usage amount cannot be easily rewritten for the purpose of falsification, there is an effect that unauthorized use of the magnetic card can be suppressed. Further, the failure region is formed as the magnetizing means by causing a predetermined current to flow through the electric wire and generating a magnetic field around the electric wire.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The magnetic card 10 is the same as the magnetic card 10 described in the conventional example so that information such as the remaining amount can be recorded, but the conventional magnetic card 10 has a punch hole indicating the remaining amount. 12 is used, and it is determined that the magnetic card 10 is valid only when the punch hole position and the remaining amount of magnetic recording are in agreement with each other using the punch hole 12. In this embodiment, the residual magnetic field that can be degaussed by the erasing head of the magnetic card read / write device using the magnetic card 10 is partially located in the magnetic recording area 14 of the magnetic card 10. The characteristic feature is that the faulty magnetic field exceeding 1 is left to form the faulty area 16 where normal magnetic recording cannot be performed in a part of the magnetic recording area, thereby preventing unauthorized use.
[0010]
This unauthorized use prevention method will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the magnetic card 10 as viewed from the surface on which the magnetic material layer is formed. The normal magnetic card 10 has a linear magnetic recording along a direction A conveyed by a magnetic card read / write device. One or more areas 14 are set (one as an example in the present embodiment). A magnetic head group (reproducing head, recording head, erasing head) 20 provided in the magnetic card writing device 18 as shown in FIG. 2 passes through the magnetic recording area 14 while contacting or at a slight distance. The remaining usage amount recorded in the magnetic recording area 14 is read and rewritten.
[0011]
Here, the principle of magnetic recording / reproduction is strong and weak according to the pattern of information to be recorded on the magnetic material in the magnetic recording area 14 when the magnetic card 10 and the recording head are relatively moved. Apply a magnetic field. As a result, residual magnetism whose magnetic amount changes in position according to the information pattern remains in the magnetic body in the magnetic recording region 14.
When the recorded information is reproduced, the reproducing head is moved relative to the magnetic card 10 in the same way as the recording, and the positional change of the residual magnetism in the magnetic recording area 14 is changed to the time of the magnetic field. The change in the magnetic field is taken out from the coil of the reproducing head as a change in current or voltage by electromagnetic induction.
[0012]
When rewriting the remaining amount of use of the magnetic card 10, information cannot be normally recorded even if new magnetization is performed by the recording head in the presence of residual magnetism. The residual magnetism in the magnetic recording area 14 is demagnetized by the erase head.
On the other hand, when maliciously rewriting the magnetic card 10, that is, when the magnetic card 10 is tampered, new information is recorded after erasing information such as the remaining amount of use once by the same procedure as described above.
[0013]
In order to prevent tampering of the magnetic card 10, the applicant pays attention to the fact that when the demagnetization of the residual magnetism representing the recorded information is not completely performed, the new magnetic recording is not normally performed. A method has been devised in which residual magnetism at a level that cannot be completely demagnetized by an erasing head built in a general magnetic card read / write device is magnetized at a position in the magnetic recording area 14 corresponding to the remaining amount of use.
In this method, a magnetic head reading / writing device 18 incorporated in a device (public telephone, vending machine, ticket vending machine, etc.) in which the magnetic card 10 is used is added to a magnetic head group ( In addition to the reproducing head 20, the recording head, and the erasing head 20, a new magnetizing magnetism as a magnetizing means capable of magnetizing an obstacle magnetism exceeding the residual magnetism that can be demagnetized in at least the magnetic recording area of the magnetic card. This can be realized by providing a head (or magnetic coil) 22.
[0014]
As a specific magnetization method, as shown in FIG. 1, b ₀ → b ₁ → b ₂ →,... In the magnetic recording area 14 of the magnetic card 10 in order according to the remaining usage of the magnetic card 10. ..., B _n−1 → b _n → b _{n + 1} → b _{n + 2} ,... A failure region 16 is formed. n is a natural number.
Then, the remaining usage amount to be rewritten is recorded by the recording head while demagnetizing the previous residual magnetism in the magnetic recording area 14 which is gradually narrowed.
A recording system for remaining usage information stored in the magnetic recording area 14 in which a new remaining usage amount is narrowed while narrowing the magnetic recording area 14 in accordance with the remaining usage amount is generally used in magnetic cards. It is. In this method, when the magnetic card 10 is not used (the remaining usage amount is maximum), the remaining usage amount information is written over almost the entire magnetic recording area (b ₀ ).
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1 (x), the failure area 16 moves the magnetizing magnetic head 22 in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction A of the magnetic card 10 (a direction orthogonal thereto as an example). It may be formed in a long line shape that extends across the magnetic recording area 14 and extends to the edge of the magnetic card 10, or a line that does not extend to the edge of the magnetic card 10 as shown in FIG. You may form in a shape. Furthermore, it may be formed only on the magnetic recording area 14 as shown in (z) of FIG.
[0016]
Thus, the magnetic card 10 in which the failure area 16 is formed in at least a part of the magnetic recording area 14 cannot recognize the presence of the failure area 16 from the appearance. Therefore, a person who tries to falsify the magnetic card 10 tries to falsify the remaining usage amount in the same manner as the general magnetic card 10. In the procedure, as described above, the residual magnetism in the magnetic recording area 14 is demagnetized, and a new remaining usage amount is recorded in the magnetic recording area 14 by a general magnetic card read / write device. At this time, the tamper who does not know the presence of the failure area 16 usually tries to tamper with the remaining amount of use to the maximum value in order to obtain maximum profit, and performs magnetic recording over the entire magnetic recording area 14.
However, since the residual magnetism magnetized in the failure area 16 cannot be completely demagnetized by an erasing head of a general magnetic card read / write device, even if an attempt is made to magnetically record a desired remaining usage amount by the recording head, the failure area of the magnetic recording area 14 Residual magnetism remains as noise at a portion intersecting 16.
[0017]
When such a magnetic card 10 is used in a device incorporating a normal magnetic card read / write device such as a vending machine or a ticket vending machine, the magnetic recording is performed with the entire magnetic recording area 14 enabled as described above. Nevertheless, since the failure area 16 is partially included, the magnetic card reader cannot normally read the remaining amount of use, and the magnetic card 10 is ejected as a defective magnetic card. It can be prevented.
[0018]
In the above-described embodiment, a dedicated magnetic head is used to form the failure area 16. However, the failure area 16 is magnetically extended so as to extend between both ends of the magnetic card 10 as shown in FIG. In the case of forming the magnetic layer of the card 10, the obstacle region 16 may be formed linearly on the magnetic card 10 by causing a large current to flow through the electric wire to generate a magnetic field around the electric wire.
[0019]
In addition, when the magnetic card 10 is tampered by a technique of invisible magnetization as in the present invention, it is necessary to allow the user to visually check the remaining usage amount. A punch hole 12 may be perforated, or a number indicating the remaining use amount may be printed directly.
[0020]
A schematic configuration of the magnetic card read / write device 18 capable of forming the failure area 16 in the magnetic card 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the magnetic head group 20 is provided in the same manner as a normal magnetic card read / write device. The magnetic head group 20 includes a reproducing head that reads the remaining usage amount recorded in the magnetic recording area 14 of the magnetic card 10 that has been pulled in, and an erasing head that demagnetizes the inside of the magnetic recording area 14 in order to rewrite the remaining usage amount. And a recording head for recording a new remaining usage amount in the demagnetized magnetic recording area 14.
Further, a transport mechanism 26 is provided for drawing the magnetic card 10 inserted into the insertion slot 24 into the apparatus 18 and discharging it. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the transport mechanism 26 is spanned between two pairs of pulleys 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b, a transport belt 32 spanned between the pulleys 28a, 28b, and the pulleys 30a, 30b. And a motor (not shown) that drives the pulley 28a and the pulley 30a to rotate forward and backward at the same speed.
The magnetizing magnetic head 22 is slidably supported by a guide 36 and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction A of the magnetic card 10 in a plane parallel to the magnetic card 10 drawn into the writing device 18. is there.
Further, although the magnetizing magnetic head 22 is provided on the insertion port 24 side of the magnetic head group 20, it may be provided on the back side of the magnetic head group 20.
The operation control of each component such as a motor of the magnetic card read / write device 18 and each magnetic head may be controlled by providing a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) in the device 18.
[0021]
With this configuration, the microcomputer pulls the magnetic card 10 into the apparatus 18 by controlling the conveyance belt 32 and reads the remaining usage amount with the magnetic head group 20. Thereafter, a value obtained by subtracting the used amount is calculated, and the magnetic card 10 is moved to a position where a part of the magnetic card 10 is applied to the slide position of the magnetic head 22. Then, the magnetic head 22 is slid while being excited to form the failure area 16 at a position corresponding to a new remaining usage amount. After the formation of the failure area 16, the magnetic card 10 is narrowed while being conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 26. The remaining usage amount is recorded in the magnetic recording area 14 using the magnetic head group 20. Then, the motor is operated to eject the magnetic card 10.
[0022]
【The invention's effect】
According to the method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card and a magnetic card reader according to the present invention, even if a person who tries to falsify normally performs magnetic recording for falsification in the magnetic recording area, the troubled magnetism remains in the troubled area. Therefore, since normal magnetic recording cannot be performed, the magnetic card can be rewritten if it is not an authorized person who knows the existence of the faulty area and avoids the faulty area when rewriting the magnetic card. Absent. Therefore, there is an effect that unauthorized use of the magnetic card can be suppressed. In addition, since the failure area cannot be visually confirmed, it is difficult to determine the configuration for preventing unauthorized use, and it is difficult to further tamper with it. This is extremely effective for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between a position of a failure area provided on a magnetic card and a magnetic recording area in the embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetic card read / write device.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing punch hole positions and magnetic recording areas provided in a conventional magnetic card.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Magnetic card 14 Magnetic recording area 16 Failure area

Claims (6)

Reproduction means for reading the remaining usage amount recorded in the magnetic recording area, erasing means for degaussing the magnetic recording area in order to rewrite the remaining usage amount, and new use in the demagnetized magnetic recording area In a method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card in which a predetermined remaining usage amount is recorded in the magnetic recording area by a recording means for recording the remaining amount, in the magnetic recording area in which the remaining usage amount of the magnetic card is recorded And a magnetizing means for magnetizing a residual magnetism at a level that cannot be completely demagnetized by the erasing means as an obstacle magnetism, and the magnetizing means makes the obstacle magnetism at least a part of the magnetic recording area. A method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card, characterized in that a faulty area that is not allowed to perform normal magnetic recording by the recording means is formed in a part of the magnetic recording area.   2. The method of preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card according to claim 1, wherein the failure area is formed so as to sequentially narrow the magnetic recording area of the magnetic card in accordance with a remaining usage amount of the magnetic card.   3. The method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card according to claim 1, wherein the failure area is formed in a long line shape that crosses the magnetic recording area.   4. The failure area is formed in a part of the magnetic card as the magnetizing means by causing a predetermined current to flow through the electric wire and generating a magnetic field around the electric wire. A method for preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card according to any one of the above. A transport mechanism that pulls in and out of the magnetic card in which the remaining usage amount is recorded in the magnetic recording area, a reproducing head that reads the remaining usage amount recorded in the magnetic recording area of the magnetic card that has been retracted, and the remaining usage amount In a magnetic card read / write device having an erasing head for degaussing in the magnetic recording area and a recording head for recording a new remaining usage amount in the demagnetized magnetic recording area, the erasing means Magnetizing means for magnetizing at a position corresponding to the new remaining usage amount in at least the magnetic recording area of the magnetic card using residual magnetism at a level that cannot be completely demagnetized as an obstacle magnetism, is when said rewriting use the remaining amount to remain the fault magnetic on the position of the magnetic recording area in accordance with the new uses remaining amount, the recording head is normal Magnetic card reading and writing apparatus, which comprises forming a fault area where vapor recording can not be performed.   6. The magnetic card read / write device according to claim 5, wherein the failure area is formed by causing a predetermined current to flow through the electric wire and generating a magnetic field around the electric wire as the magnetizing means.

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