JP4889509B2 - Prepaid card device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a prepaid card device using a prepaid card, and more particularly to a prepaid card that can prevent unauthorized exchange of a prepaid card by a third party.
To do.

  In general, prepaid card devices using a prepaid card made up of a magnetic card or an IC card are being introduced in hotels, hospitals, etc. in order to ensure the privacy of users when paying various charges such as telephone charges and pay TV. . Prepaid cards used in such facilities have a low degree of reuse after check-out or discharge, and there have been many requests from the users to settle the balance of prepaid cards with a cashing device.

  However, since the conventional cashing device cannot recognize whether or not the prepaid card is a legitimate user, if a third party other than the user owns or copies the prepaid card, the prepaid card can easily be illegally cashed. There was a concern that it would be done.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a system for solving such a problem. This is already proposed by the present applicant in Patent Document 1 and has been patented. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a prepaid card that records and holds information on the remaining amount as magnetic data, and 2 denotes a read / write device that can read and write data recorded on the prepaid card 1. A read / write device 2 includes a card transport unit 3 that transports a prepaid card 1 inserted into a card insertion slot (not shown) to a predetermined position by a roller, and a data reading unit that reads data recorded on the prepaid card 1 at a predetermined position. 4 and a data update unit 5 that overwrites and updates a new remaining amount (actually the remaining number) to the prepaid card 1 at a predetermined position, and controls the card transport unit 3, the data reading unit 4, and the data update unit 5 And a card control unit 6 that performs the processing.

  Then, when the prepaid card 1 purchased in advance is inserted into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 2, the prepaid card 1 is taken into a predetermined position by the card transport unit 3 in accordance with an instruction from the card control unit 6 and recorded on the prepaid card 1. The read data is read by the data reading unit 4. The read data is scrambled, and the card control unit 6 releases the scramble according to a specific procedure and confirms the actual remaining amount. If the remaining amount is sufficient, the card control unit 6 outputs a permission signal permitting use of the chargeable device 7 such as a telephone or a TV monitor to the chargeable device 7 through the signal line 8. Note that a plurality of read / write devices 2 and chargeable devices 7 are installed for each bed in each hospital room in the hospital.

  When the chargeable device 7 is actually used, data relating to the usage fee is sent to the card control unit 6. The card control unit 6 subtracts the usage amount of the chargeable device 7 from the remaining amount read in advance by the data reading unit 4 and monitors this remaining amount internally. If the remaining amount becomes 0, a prohibition signal for prohibiting use of the billing target device 7 through the signal line 8 is output. At the same time, the prepaid card 1 is overwritten with a new remaining amount (in this case, 0), and the prepaid card 1 is automatically discharged by the card transport unit 3. On the other hand, when the use of the billing target device 7 is interrupted with the remaining amount remaining, the new remaining amount (in this case, other than 0) is overwritten on the prepaid card 1, and the prepaid card 1 is transferred by the card transport unit 3. Is automatically discharged. When updating the data to the prepaid card 1, the magnetic data is scrambled by a procedure different from that at the time of release.

  The card control unit 6 here is functionally added with a bed number writing unit 9 as an installation location writing unit and a use date writing unit 10. The bed number writing unit 9 inserts the prepaid card 1 into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 2 and uses the billing target device 7 to identify the installation location of the read / write device 2, that is, Here, the bed number (bed number) assigned to each bed in each hospital room is written in the prepaid card 1 by the data updating unit 5 together with the new remaining amount. In addition, the usage date writing unit 10 inserts the prepaid card 1 into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 2 and uses the billing target device 7 every time the usage target device 7 is used, with the new remaining amount as the manufacturing date. The data update unit 5 writes the data into the prepaid card 1. As a result, the prepaid card 1 discharged from the card transport unit 3 is newly written with the remaining amount, the bed number for specifying the place of use, and the use date of the prepaid card 1.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a cashing apparatus that reads the remaining amount from the magnetic data recorded in the prepaid card 1 and exchanges it for cash corresponding to the remaining amount. The cashing device 12 is installed in a hospital, for example, at an entrance or a checkout office. Specifically, a card transport unit 13 that transports a prepaid card 1 that is a card insertion slot to a predetermined position by a roller, A data reading unit 14 for reading magnetic data recorded on the prepaid card 1 at the position, a cash discharging unit 15 for discharging cash corresponding to the remaining amount recorded on the prepaid card 1, and the card transport unit 13, data And a cashing control unit 16 that controls the reading unit 14 and the cash discharging unit 15.

  When the prepaid card 1 with the balance is inserted into the card insertion slot of the cashing device 12, the prepaid card 1 is taken into a predetermined position by the card transport unit 13 in accordance with an instruction from the cashing control unit 16, and the magnetic data recorded on the prepaid card 1 is recorded. Is read by the data reading unit 14. In this case, the magnetic data is scrambled, and the cashing control unit 16 cancels the scramble according to a specific procedure and confirms that the prepaid card 1 is used even once. The use confirmation of the prepaid card 1 can be determined by comparing the purchase amount stored at the time of issuance stored in the prepaid card 1 in advance with the actual remaining amount overwritten by the read / write device 2. If there is a difference between the amount at the time of purchase and the actual remaining amount, and overwriting of the remaining amount by the read / write device 2 is permitted, cash corresponding to the remaining amount recorded on this prepaid card 1 is discharged. It is discharged from the part 15. However, cash is not discharged if the remaining amount is 0. In addition, the cash control unit 16 also applies the cash discharge unit 15 to the prepaid card 1 in which there is no difference between the purchase amount and the actual remaining amount and overwriting of the remaining amount by the read / write device 2 is not permitted. Will not discharge cash. This is to prevent the cash from being easily exchanged by the unused prepaid card 1.

  In addition, the cashing control unit 16 here is functionally added with a use date storage unit 17, a serial number storage unit 18, and a bed number verification unit 19 in order to prevent unauthorized exchange of cash. . The usage date storage unit 17 stores the usage date information recorded on the prepaid card 1 in association with the bed number information recorded on the same prepaid card 1. The serial number storage unit 18 stores serial number information indicating the card issue order recorded on each prepaid card 1 with a different number. Further, the bed number verification unit 19 compares the bed number information recorded on the prepaid card 1 with the bed number input from the keypad 20 as input means. When the bed number verification unit 19 determines that the bed number information included in the recorded data of the prepaid card 1 read by the data reading unit 14 and the bed number input by the keypad 20 match, Only in this case, the cash discharging unit 15 can exchange cash.

  For this reason, when the cashing control unit 16 determines that the prepaid card 1 used as the card insertion slot has been used, it prompts the user to input the bed number from the keypad 20 and reads the bed number information read from the prepaid card 1 and The bed number collation unit 19 performs collation with the bed number input from the keypad 20. The bed number is a number that is normally remembered by the person using the prepaid card 1 at the bed position determined in the hospital room. If this number is remembered and input from the keypad 20, this is the bed read from the prepaid card 1. Matches the number. However, if the prepaid card 1 that has been stolen or picked up is tried to be redeemed with the cashing device 12, if the bed number unique to the read / write device 2 using the prepaid card 1 cannot be specified, the correct bed number is keyed. It is not possible to input from the pad 20, and no matter how many times the bed number is input from the keypad 20, this does not match the bed number read from the prepaid card 1. In such a case, the cashing control unit 16 can prohibit the cash discharging unit 15 from discharging cash and can notify the outside using the signal line 21.

In addition, the cashing control unit 16 determines that the use date corresponding to the bed number read from the prepaid card 1 already exists in the use date storage unit 17 or the serial number read from the prepaid card 1 is the serial number storage unit 18. In the same way, the cash discharging unit 15 similarly prohibits the cash discharge and notifies the outside using the signal line 21. As a result, even if a person other than the user holds or copies the prepaid card, it cannot be easily exchanged for cash.
Japanese Patent No. 3627620

  In the conventional prepaid card device described above, the amount recorded on the prepaid card 3 is read by the cashing device 12 which is a redemption device, so that it can be exchanged for cash according to the amount, The following problems occur.

  In hospitals and the like, in many cases, after the user finishes using the billing target device 7, the prepaid card 1 is not taken out while being inserted into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 2 and left the bed. Therefore, a third party other than the user can easily steal the prepaid card 1 and if the bed number for using the prepaid card 1 is remembered by the third party, the prepaid card 1 is taken out and the cashing apparatus 12 In this way, unauthorized cash processing is easily performed.

  Further, when the prepaid card 1 such as a magnetic card is hard copied, if the original prepaid card 1 has been passed through the cashing device 12 in advance, the collation with the serial number stored in the serial number storage unit 18 Although illegal cash exchange can be prevented, the read / write device 2 has a problem that the chargeable device 7 is illegally used by the hard-paid prepaid card 1.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to each of the above-mentioned problems, and its first object is to provide a prepaid card device that can prevent unauthorized exchange processing of a prepaid card by a third party more reliably. To do.

  A second object of the present invention is to provide a prepaid card device capable of preventing unauthorized use by a hard-paid prepaid card.

In order to achieve the first object, the prepaid card device according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a read / write device capable of reading and writing data recorded on the prepaid card, and recorded on the prepaid card. In a prepaid card device in which the amount is read by the exchange device and can be exchanged for an alternative according to the amount, the read / write device includes the amount recorded in the prepaid card and each prepaid card Each of the identification information uniquely assigned to each is read, and if the read identification information is not stored in the inside, the identification information and the amount of money are stored in the inside, and each time the chargeable device is used, the internal information Overwrite and update a new amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount of the chargeable device from the amount stored in A card control unit that enables operation of the billing target device until a predetermined value is reached, and the card control unit, if the identification information read from the prepaid card is not stored therein, If the identification information read from the prepaid card is stored in the inside while the amount of the card is rewritten to a specific value that makes it impossible to exchange the substitute by the exchange device, the prepaid After reading the amount recorded on the card, determine whether or not a certain amount of time has elapsed, and if the certain amount of time has elapsed , write the amount stored in this card to the prepaid card In addition, there is provided an amount writing section that rewrites the amount stored in the inside to the predetermined value and enables the prepaid card to be taken out.

In order to achieve the first object, the prepaid card device according to claim 2 includes a read / write device capable of reading and writing data recorded in the prepaid card, and the amount recorded in the prepaid card. Is read by the exchange device, and in the prepaid card device that can be exchanged for an alternative according to the amount of money, the read / write device has the amount recorded on the prepaid card and each prepaid card Each of the uniquely assigned identification information is read, and if the read identification information is not stored in the inside, the identification information and the amount of money are stored in the inside, and each time the device to be charged is used, Overwrite and update a new amount obtained by subtracting the usage amount of the billing target device from the stored amount, and this amount becomes a predetermined value. A card control unit that enables operation of the billing target device until the identification information read from the prepaid card is not stored in the inside of the prepaid card. If the identification information read from the prepaid card is stored in the prepaid card while the amount is rewritten to a specific value that makes it impossible to exchange the substitute by the exchange device, When information is subsequently read from another forced removal card, the amount stored inside is written into the prepaid card, and the amount stored inside is rewritten to the predetermined value, and the prepaid card is removed. A monetary amount writing unit is provided.

Further, in order to achieve the second object, the prepaid card device of claim 3 reads from the prepaid card when the identification information read from the prepaid card is stored in the inside. If the amount is larger than the amount stored in the inside, the card control unit is configured to determine that the prepaid card is illegal and prohibit reading and writing of data.

According to the prepaid card device of claim 1 or 2, when a new prepaid card that has not been recognized by the card control unit of the read / write device is read from the read / write device, the card control unit The amount recorded on the prepaid card is taken up and stored inside. Therefore, each time a legitimate user operates the billing device, the prepaid card data does not need to be read or written by the read / write device, and the billing target is charged according to the amount stored in the card control unit. It becomes possible to control the operation of the device. In addition, since the value of the prepaid card is written with a specific value that cannot be exchanged with the redemption device, even if such a prepaid card is extracted and inserted directly into the card insertion slot of the redemption device, it will be replaced illegally. It becomes impossible to get goods.

Also, once recognized prepaid card in card controller of the read / write device, but again the Maseru read from the read / write device, the amount stored in the card control unit is written to the prepaid card far, according In item 1, if the fixed amount of time has elapsed after reading the amount recorded on the prepaid card, or in claim 2, if another forced removal card is not read after the prepaid card , read / write It cannot be removed from the device and cannot be immediately replaced with a replacement by the exchange device. Therefore, even if a third party illegally obtains a prepaid card that has been recognized, it takes a certain or unlimited time to write the amount to the prepaid card, and it is identified as a suspicious person. Can be surely prevented.

According to the prepaid card device of claim 3 , since the card control unit stores the identification information of the prepaid card recognized so far and the amount after use in association with each other, it is recorded on the hardcopy prepaid card. If the amount is larger than the amount after use for the same identification number, reading and writing of data recorded on the prepaid card can be prohibited to prevent unauthorized use by the hard-copy prepaid card.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a prepaid card device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same location as the said prior art example, and it abbreviate | omits because description of the common part overlaps. Further, here, a prepaid card device installed in a hospital will be described.

  In FIG. 1 showing the overall configuration of the apparatus, in this embodiment, a system is constructed by a prepaid card 31 and a read / write apparatus 32 that are newly modified and improved. Note that the cashing device 12 can be the same as the conventional example.

  The change of the prepaid card 31 will be described in detail later. A read / write device 32 capable of reading and writing data recorded on the prepaid card 31 is provided with a card control unit 36 instead of the conventional card control unit 6. In addition to the bed number writing unit 9 and the usage date writing unit 10 described in the conventional example, the card use determination unit 37, the amount / identification information storage unit 38, the used information writing unit 39, and the amount writing unit 41 function. Has been added.

  When the prepaid card 31 is inserted into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 32, the card use determining unit 37 uses the prepaid card 31 already in the read / write device 32 from the data recorded in the prepaid card 31. It is determined whether or not it is done.

  The money amount / identification information storage unit 38 determines that the prepaid card 31 is an unused card that is not used in the read / write device 32, and the card usage determination unit 37 determines the identification information read from the prepaid card 31. Is stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38, the amount recorded in the prepaid card 31 and the identification information uniquely assigned to each prepaid card 31 are read and stored therein. It is stored in, for example, a memory, and is preferably configured to store the amount of money and identification information of one or a plurality of prepaid cards 31. The unique identification information here is, for example, a combination of the prepaid card 31 production time and serial number information, but may be created based on any other information. As long as each prepaid card 31 can be identified, any form may be used.

  The amount / identification information storage unit 38 here determines that the card use determination unit 37 is an unused prepaid card 31 and the identification information read from the prepaid card 31 is stored in the amount / identification information storage. If the amount read from the prepaid card 31 is greater than the amount stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38 when the amount matches the identification information stored in the unit 38, the prepaid card 31 is illegal. Therefore, it has a function of prohibiting reading and writing of data.

  The used information writing unit 39, when the amount / identification information storage unit 38 reads the amount and identification information from the unused prepaid card 31 and stores it therein, notifies that the data has been read from the prepaid card 31. Used information is written to the prepaid card 31. This used information is used by the card use determining unit 37 to determine whether the prepaid card 31 is used or not. For example, when the prepaid card 31 is issued, a specific value indicating that the prepaid card 31 is not used in advance is used. Once written and once inserted into the read / write device 32, the used information writing unit 39 writes another value indicating used to the prepaid card 31 as used information in place of the specific value. Is included. The used information writing unit 39 has a function of overwriting and updating the amount recorded in the prepaid card 31 to a predetermined value that the cashing apparatus 12 cannot discharge cash, that is, 0. As a result, even if the prepaid card 31 that has been inserted into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 32 is removed and inserted into the card insertion slot of the cash exchange device 12 as it is, it becomes impossible to obtain cash.

  The monetary amount writing unit 41 recognizes the prepaid card 31 inserted into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 32 when the prepaid card 31 is determined to be unused by the card use determining unit 37. If the information is not stored in the card control unit 36, the amount of the prepaid card 31 is rewritten to “0” yen that makes it impossible for the cashing device 12 to discharge cash, while the read / write device 32. The identification information read from the prepaid card 31 is stored in the card control unit 36 when the prepaid card 31 inserted into the card insertion slot is determined to be used by the card use determining unit 37. If this is the case, after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the amount of money from the prepaid card 31 was stored in the card control unit 36, A function of writing the stored amount (remaining amount) into the prepaid card 31, rewriting the amount stored in the card control unit 36 into “0” yen, and discharging the prepaid card 31 by the card transport unit 3 Have Note that the certain time here may be set to an inconvenient time (for example, 30 minutes) for a third party who tries to illegally use the prepaid card 31 to stay around the read / write device 32. Further, it may be an infinite time during which such an operation is not performed unless another forced removal card is read by the card control unit 36.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the identification information here is a serial number. Of course, as described above, other information may be used as the identification information.

  As shown in FIG. 2, all prepaid cards 31 have a first storage area 31A for storing serial numbers, a second storage area 31B for storing monetary amounts, and whether they are unused or used. A third storage area 31C for storing is provided. A different number is assigned to each prepaid card 31 in the first storage area 31A, and a serial number indicating the issuing order of the prepaid card 31 is recorded. Further, in the third storage area 31C, as described above, a specific value is written when the prepaid card 31 is not used, and when inserted into the read / write device 32, another value is written as used information. It is supposed to be.

  As shown in step S1, when the user purchases a new prepaid card 31 at a store or the like in advance, the serial number “0001” is recorded in the first storage area 31A of the prepaid card 31, and the second storage area “3,000” yen corresponding to the purchase amount is recorded in 31B, and a predetermined initial value which is unused information is recorded in the third storage area 31C. When such a prepaid card 31 is inserted into the card insertion slot of an arbitrary read / write device 32 in the next step S2, the prepaid card 31 is taken into a predetermined position by the card transport unit 3 in accordance with a command from the card control unit 36. The data recorded on the prepaid card 31 is read by the data reading unit 4. In this case, the read data is scrambled, and the card control unit 36 releases the scramble according to a specific procedure.

  In this way, when the card control unit 36 unscrambles the data read from the prepaid card 31 and decrypts the contents, the card use determining unit 37 determines whether or not the prepaid card 31 is unused. The determination is based on the information read from the third storage area 31C. Then, since it can be determined that the prepaid card 31 is not used here, the card control unit 36 reads the amount / identification information storage unit 38 of the prepaid card 31 from the first storage area 31A of the prepaid card 31. Determine whether a serial number exists. In this case, since the same serial number does not exist in the internal memory, the amount / identification information storage unit 38 of the card control unit 36 is recorded in the first storage area 31A and the second storage area 31B of the prepaid card 31, respectively. The serial number and the amount of money are stored in the internal memory in association with each other (step S3). In the next step S4, the amount writing unit 41 updates the second storage area 31B of the prepaid card 31 to “0” yen and updates the used information in the third storage area 31C to update the card. The prepaid card 31 is automatically discharged by the transport unit 3. When updating the data to the prepaid card 31, the data is scrambled by a procedure different from that at the time of release. The used prepaid card 31 is stored in a safe provided in the vicinity of the read / write device 32, for example, since it is necessary for the settlement described later.

  Here, when the chargeable device 7 is actually used, data related to the usage fee is sent to the card control unit 36. The card control unit 36 subtracts the usage fee of the chargeable device 7 from the amount stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38 and monitors this remaining amount internally. If the remaining amount becomes “0” yen, a prohibition signal is output to the chargeable device 7 through the signal line 8. On the other hand, when the use of the accounting target device 7 is interrupted with the remaining amount remaining, the remaining amount is overwritten and stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38 as a new amount instead of the previous amount.

  Thus, when a new prepaid card 31 that has not been used in the read / write device 32 until then is inserted into the read / write device 32, the card control unit 36 stores the amount recorded in the prepaid card 31 as it is. Thus, while controlling the operation of the chargeable device 7 corresponding to the amount, the second storage area 31B for storing the amount of the prepaid card 31 is a specific value that cannot be redeemed by the cashing device 12. Write "0" yen. Even when the user leaves the hospital bed without taking out the prepaid card 31 inserted into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 32 by the saving (saving) method to the read / write device 32. Since the amount of the prepaid card 31 is “0” yen, even if the bed number using the prepaid card 31 is remembered by a third party, the cash from the cashing device 12 becomes impossible.

  The read / write device 32 in this embodiment is designed so that a plurality of prepaid cards 31 can be used. The procedure in that case will be described in step S5 and subsequent steps. In the amount / identification information storage unit 38, for example, another amount of “1000” is left, and another serial number “0002” is stored in the second storage area. Assume that the user has purchased the unused prepaid card 31. When the purchased prepaid card 31 is inserted into the card insertion slot of the read / write device 32 in step S5, as described above, the card use determining unit 37 reads from the data of the prepaid card 31 read by the data reading unit 4. Since it can be determined that the prepaid card 31 is unused, the card control unit 36 next has the serial number read from the first storage area 31A of the prepaid card 31 in its own amount / identification information storage unit 38. Judge whether to do. In this case, since the same serial number “0002” is not stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38, the amount / identification information storage unit 38 includes the first storage area 31 </ b> A and the second storage area of the prepaid card 31. The serial number and amount recorded in 31B are stored in the internal memory in association with each other (step S7). In the next step S8, the second storage area 31B of the prepaid card 31 is overwritten and updated to “0” yen, and the used information is overwritten and updated in the third storage area 31C. The card 31 is automatically ejected. When updating the data to the prepaid card 31, the data is scrambled by a procedure different from that at the time of release. In this state, the prepaid card 31 with the serial number “0002” is also “0” yen in the amount stored in the second storage area 31B, so that the cashing by the cashing device 12 becomes impossible.

  In this way, the card control unit 36 stores a plurality of serial numbers and amounts read from the prepaid card 31, and when the chargeable device 7 is actually used, the use of the chargeable device 7 is calculated from the sum of the amounts. Internally monitor the remaining amount after deducting charges. When the remaining amount becomes “0” yen, a prohibition signal for prohibiting the use of the chargeable device 7 through the signal line 8 is output. On the other hand, when the use of the accounting target device 7 is interrupted with the remaining amount remaining, the remaining amount is overwritten and stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38 as a new amount instead of the previous amount.

  The amount / identification information storage unit 38 of each read / write device 32 stores the serial number of the used prepaid card 31 and its final remaining amount (amount). Accordingly, when an unused hard-paid prepaid card 31 is inserted into the read / write device 32, the same serial number as the prepaid card 31 is stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38, and the prepaid card 31 If the amount read from the card is greater than the remaining amount for regular use stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38, it is determined that the prepaid card 31 is a fake, for example, notification means (not shown). Can take necessary measures such as issuing an alarm or forcibly ejecting the prepaid card 31 by the card transport unit 3.

  The illegal copy prevention function of the prepaid card 31 centrally manages the serial number and the remaining amount information stored in the amount / identification information storage unit 38 in each read / write device 32 by a central device (not shown). Each time the prepaid card 31 is inserted into the read / write device 32, the center device may be configured to collate the serial number with the remaining amount. In this case, an illegal prepaid card 31 having the same serial number can be prevented from being used even for a prepaid card 31 that has been used once by another read / write device 32.

  In addition, with a prepaid card 31 such as an IC card, a depositing machine (not shown) can write a new amount (for example, 5000 yen) additionally purchased with respect to a used prepaid card 31 in the second storage area 31B. Some of them are equipped with In this case, the depositing machine writes deposit information indicating that the depositing machine has been used to the prepaid card 31 together with a new amount so that the read / write device 32 can identify the unauthorized prepaid card 31 described above. Has the function of Thereby, the card control unit 36 of the read / write device 32 stores the same serial number as the prepaid card 31 in the amount / identification information storage unit 38, and the amount read from the prepaid card 31 is the amount / If the payment information is recorded in the prepaid card 31 even if it is larger than the remaining amount due to normal use stored in the identification information storage unit 38, it is determined that the prepaid card 31 is authentic, and the prepaid The amount recorded on the card 31 is added to the remaining amount corresponding to the same serial number in the amount / identification information storage unit 38 and stored.

  Next, the procedure for payment from the read / write device 32 will be described in step S9 and subsequent steps. In step S9, for example, when the used prepaid card 31 having the serial number “0002” recorded in the first storage area 31A is inserted into the card insertion slot of the used read / write device 32, the card control unit 36 Reads the data recorded in the prepaid card 31 by the data reading unit 4 and releases the scramble for decoding the contents. Next, when the card use determining unit 37 of the card control unit 36 determines from the used information recorded in the third storage area 31C that the prepaid card 31 is used, the card control unit 36 reads the prepaid card 31. It is determined whether the serial number read from is stored in the card control unit 36 or not. Here, if the serial number read from the prepaid card 31 is not stored in the card control unit 36, it is determined that the remaining amount deposited in the prepaid card 31 cannot be written, and the prepaid card 31 is stored. If the serial number read from the prepaid card 31 is stored in the card control unit 36 as in the prepaid card 31 in step S9 (step S10), the card transport unit 3 forcibly ejects it. , S12, and it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed after the amount of money is stored from the prepaid card 31 of that serial number. Then, after a certain time has elapsed, the total amount (for example, 1500 yen) stored in the card control unit 36 is written in the second storage area 31B of the prepaid card 31, and the third The used information recorded in the storage area is rewritten to unused information having a predetermined value, and the serial number “0002” and the amount stored in the card control unit 36 are deleted, and the card ejecting unit 3 The prepaid card 31 is discharged.

In this way, the card control unit 36 writes the remaining amount to the prepaid card 31 only when the used prepaid card 31 that records the same serial number as that stored therein is inserted into the read / write device 32. However, the prepaid card 31 is left as it is without writing the remaining amount until a certain time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses after the amount of money is sucked and stored from the prepaid card 31 of the same serial number. It has become as you forcibly ejected. The reason is that a person who intends to illegally use the prepaid card 31 purchases a new prepaid card 31 and stores it in the read / write device 32 unless the used prepaid card 31 stored in the safe is stolen. Once inserted, the prepaid card 31 is inserted again, and the remaining amount stored in the card control unit 36 and the purchase amount of the prepaid card 31 inserted immediately before are written in the prepaid card 31. However, even if the money is deposited from the prepaid card 31 to the card control unit 36, it is not possible to leave for payment until a certain time has elapsed, so that the person is immediately identified as a suspicious person.

  In addition, when the user loses the prepaid card 31 on which the “0001” or “0002” serial number is recorded, the read / write device 32 that tries to settle another newly purchased prepaid card 31. If the prepaid card 31 to which the used information is added is received from the read / write device 32 and then inserted again into the card insertion port of the read / write device 32, the predetermined time After that, another prepaid card 31 in which the remaining amount is written can be received.

  If a normal user wants to make payment immediately, a forced withdrawal card (not shown) possessed by a hospital administrator such as a nurse is provided after the prepaid card 31 in step S1 or step S5. The card is inserted into the card insertion slot of the light device 32. Then, the card control unit 36 reads information from the forced removal card, immediately operates the card transport unit 3, and discharges the prepaid card 31 in which the remaining amount is written. The forced removal card needs to be managed so that a third party who tries to illegally use the prepaid card 31 cannot obtain it.

  As another modification, the card control unit 36 may be configured so that the procedure of step S12 is not performed indefinitely unless a forced removal card is continuously inserted instead of a fixed time. In this way, a third party other than the user cannot write the remaining amount into the prepaid card 31 forever.

  Thereafter, the prepaid card 31 shown in step S12 is inserted into the card insertion slot of the cashing apparatus 12, and the bed number recorded in the third storage area 31C and the bed number remembered by the user input from the keypad 20 are stored. If they match, the amount recorded in the second storage area 31B is discharged from the cash discharge unit 15 as cash. At this time, “0” yen is written in the second storage area 31B of the prepaid card 31.

As described above, the card control unit 36 of the read / write device 32 in the present embodiment reads and reads the amount recorded in the prepaid card 31 and the identification information uniquely assigned to each prepaid card 31. However, if the identification information is not stored in the inside, the identification information and the amount of money are stored in the inside, and each time the charging target device 7 is used, the usage amount of the charging target device 7 is subtracted from the amount stored in the inside. A new amount is overwritten and updated so that the chargeable device 7 can operate until the amount reaches a predetermined value. Further, the card control unit 36 stores the identification information read from the prepaid card 31 If it is not stored in the inside, the amount of the prepaid card 31 is set to a specific value that makes it impossible to exchange cash by the cashing device 12, that is, “0” While rewriting the identification information read from the prepaid card 31, if those stored therein, or the crowded reading the amount stored in the prepaid card 31 is after a certain time has elapsed If a predetermined time has elapsed, or if information is read from another forced withdrawal card after the prepaid card 31, the amount stored in the prepaid card 31 is written. And a monetary amount writing unit 41 that allows the prepaid card 31 to be taken out by rewriting the monetary amount stored therein to “0” yen.

  In this way, when a new prepaid card 31 that has not been recognized by the card control unit 36 of the read / write device 32 is inserted into the read / write device 32, the card control unit 36 is recorded on the prepaid card 31. Suck up the amount of money and store it inside. Therefore, every time the authorized user operates the chargeable device 7, it is not necessary to read or write the data of the prepaid card 31 by the read / write device 32, and according to the amount stored in the card control unit 36. Thus, the operation of the chargeable device 7 can be controlled. In addition, since a specific value that cannot be redeemed by the cashing device 12 is written in the second storage area 31B that stores the amount of the prepaid card 31, such a prepaid card 31 is extracted, and the cashing device is used as it is. Even if it is inserted into the 12 card insertion slot, it becomes impossible to illegally obtain cash.

When the prepaid card 31 once recognized by the card controller 36 of the read / write device 32 is read again from the read / write device 32, the amount stored in the card controller 36 until then is stored in the prepaid card 31. Read / write if a certain amount of time has passed since the amount recorded in the prepaid card 31 is read , or if another forced removal card is not read after the prepaid card 31 It cannot be taken out from the device 32 and cannot be exchanged immediately by the cashing device 12. Therefore, even if the prepaid card 31 recognized by a third party is obtained illegally, it takes a certain or unlimited time to write the amount of money to the prepaid card 31 and is identified as a suspicious person. Cash exchange processing can be reliably prevented.

  Further, the card control unit 36 in the present embodiment, when the identification information read from the prepaid card 31 is stored in the card control unit 36, the amount read from the prepaid card 31 is If it is more than the amount stored in the card, it is determined that the prepaid card 31 is illegal, and reading and writing of data recorded on the prepaid card 31 are prohibited.

  In this way, since the card control unit 36 stores the identification information of the prepaid card 31 recognized so far and the amount after use in association with each other, the amount recorded on the hard-paid prepaid card 31 is the same. If the amount is greater than the post-use amount in the identification number, reading and writing of data recorded on the prepaid card 31 can be prohibited to prevent unauthorized use by a hard-paid prepaid card.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible in the range of the summary of this invention. In the embodiment, the prepaid card device used in the hospital has been described, but it goes without saying that it can be similarly applied to prepaid card devices installed in various other facilities. Further, the cashing device for discharging cash may be a cashing device that can exchange goods from the remaining amount of the prepaid card 31.

It is a schematic block diagram of the prepaid card apparatus in one preferable Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an operation | movement procedure same as the above. It is a schematic block diagram of the conventional prepaid card apparatus.

7 Chargeable equipment 12 Cash exchange device (exchange device)
31 Prepaid Card 32 Read / Write Device 36 Card Control Unit 41 Amount Writing Unit

Claims (3)

Provided with a read / write device capable of reading and writing data recorded on a prepaid card,
In the prepaid card device that can be exchanged for an alternative according to the amount of money recorded in the prepaid card is read by the exchange device,
The read / write device reads the amount recorded in the prepaid card and the identification information uniquely assigned to each prepaid card, and if the read identification information is not stored in the inside, The identification information and the amount are stored internally, and each time the chargeable device is used, a new amount obtained by subtracting the charge amount of the chargeable device from the amount stored therein is overwritten and updated. A card control unit that enables operation of the chargeable device until a value is reached,
If the identification information read from the prepaid card is not stored in the inside, the card control unit sets the amount of the prepaid card to a specific value that makes it impossible to exchange the substitute by the exchange device. On the other hand, if the identification information read from the prepaid card is stored in the inside, it is after a certain time has elapsed since the amount recorded in the prepaid card was read. If the fixed amount of time has elapsed, the amount stored inside is written to the prepaid card, the amount stored inside is rewritten to the predetermined value, and the prepaid card is A prepaid card device comprising a monetary amount writing unit that enables withdrawal.   Provided with a read / write device capable of reading and writing data recorded on a prepaid card,
  In the prepaid card device that can be exchanged for an alternative according to the amount of money recorded in the prepaid card is read by the exchange device,
  The read / write device reads the amount recorded in the prepaid card and the identification information uniquely assigned to each prepaid card, and if the read identification information is not stored in the inside, The identification information and the amount are stored internally, and each time the chargeable device is used, a new amount obtained by subtracting the charge amount of the chargeable device from the amount stored therein is overwritten and updated. A card control unit that enables operation of the chargeable device until a value is reached,
  If the identification information read from the prepaid card is not stored in the inside, the card control unit sets the amount of the prepaid card to a specific value that makes it impossible to exchange the substitute by the exchange device. On the other hand, if the identification information read from the prepaid card is stored in the inside, when the information is read from another forced removal card following the prepaid card, the internal information A prepaid card device comprising an amount writing unit for writing the amount stored in the prepaid card and rewriting the amount stored in the prepaid card to the predetermined value so that the prepaid card can be taken out. The card control unit, when the identification information read from the prepaid card is stored in the inside, if the amount read from the prepaid card is larger than the amount stored in the inside, 3. The prepaid card device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the prepaid card is determined to be illegal and reading and writing of data are prohibited.

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