JPH0377080B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a master magnetic card used for storing predetermined format information in a magnetic card encoder that writes desired recording information on a magnetic card having a magnetic recording section. Regarding.

[Prior art]

Magnetic cards are widely used as ID cards, time cards, cash cards, room access control cards, etc., and the company name, individual name, registration number, etc. The recorded information is read by a magnetic card reader and predetermined data processing is performed.

By the way, when newly issuing such a magnetic card, a magnetic card encoder is used to write the desired recorded information into the magnetic recording part of the unused magnetic card, but anyone can use the magnetic card encoder. If it can be manipulated, there are concerns that it will allow cards to be counterfeited or copied without permission.

Furthermore, when using this magnetic card encoder, there is a problem that inputting all of the recorded information to be written on the magnetic card one by one from an input device such as a keyboard is extremely inefficient, and at the same time, there are many erroneous inputs.

Therefore, in the conventional magnetic card encoder, as shown in Fig. 6, the magnetic card encoder cannot write to the magnetic card unless the operator inserts an ID card dedicated to the operator into the card insertion part where the magnetic head is disposed.
Of the recorded information K written to the magnetic card, fixed data DP ₁ and DP 2, which are written in common to each newly issued card, are registered in advance in a read-only memory (ROM), and the fixed data DP 1 and DP ₂ are stored individually for each card. Only variable data DV such as different registration numbers are input from a keyboard or the like.

However, when storing fixed data in a read-only memory in this way, it is not possible to change the fixed data once stored, so other types of fixed data are stored in advance and the desired fixed data is selected from among them. This requires an enormous amount of memory storage capacity, leading to an increase in costs.

Therefore, the present applicant has abandoned the conventional method of storing fixed data in a read-only memory, and developed a master memory in which format information is individually magnetically recorded, consisting of fixed data that cannot be rewritten and a variable data storage area that can be input freely. By adopting a new method that prepares multiple magnetic cards and reads the format information of the master magnetic card and temporarily stores it in memory, fixed data can be changed without increasing the memory storage capacity. In addition, by magnetically recording a predetermined code code on the master magnetic card (see Japanese Patent Application No. 59-152111), it is possible to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized copying of the card by magnetically recording a predetermined encryption code on the master magnetic card to have the same function as an operator-only ID card. A magnetic card encoder was proposed. (Special application 1986-249630
(see issue).

When this magnetic card encoder is activated and enters the reading mode, the master magnetic card is inserted into the card insertion part and a predetermined code is read, and whether or not the code matches the predetermined code is determined. If it is determined that they match, the format information recorded on the master magnetic card is read and temporarily recorded in memory, and the desired variable data is input from an input device such as a keyboard into the variable data storage area of the stored format information. After inputting data and setting the write mode, a newly issued magnetic card is inserted into the card insertion section to record the format information.

[Problem to be solved]

However, in this case, a new problem has arisen in that the operator often accidentally loses the function of the master magnetic card. There have been many erroneous operations in which the master magnetic card is inserted into the machine and the recorded contents of the master magnetic card are rewritten.

[Means to solve the problem]

Therefore, the present invention provides a method to prevent the recorded contents of the master magnetic card from being rewritten and lost even if the master magnetic card is accidentally inserted into the card insertion part when the device is set to write mode. Aims to provide master magnetic cards.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a master magnetic card that is set to a writable state by reading a predetermined encryption code recorded on the card, and that is placed in a card insertion section after setting the write mode. A master magnet used in a magnetic card encoder configured to execute writing of predetermined data when an optical sensor is activated and a magnetic card inserted into the card insertion portion blocks an optical path of the optical sensor. The card is characterized in that at least a portion crossing the optical path is formed as a transparent portion.

[Action of the invention]

According to the master magnetic card according to the present invention, when the optical sensor disposed in the card insertion part of the magnetic card encoder is activated and set to write mode, when the card is accidentally inserted into the card insertion part. Also, since the optical path of the optical sensor is not interrupted, it is possible to prevent an accident in which writing of predetermined data is not executed and the stored contents of the master magnetic card are rewritten and the function is lost.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be described below based on specific embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a master magnetic card and a magnetic card encoder according to the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a flow sheet showing the main parts.

The magnetic card encoder 1 includes a case body 2 integrally formed of, for example, plastic, and a flat keyboard 3 disposed on the top surface of the case body 2.
, a liquid crystal display panel 4 disposed behind the keyboard 3, a key switch 5 disposed on the opposite side of the case body 2, and a card insertion portion 6 disposed on the right side of the case body 2. It consists of

The keyboard 3 is arranged with selection keys 3a such as kana, alphanumeric, etc., and a function key 3b arranged on the right side thereof, and within the function key 3b are a write mode setting key 3c, a numeric keypad, etc. It is provided.

A guide groove 6a for guiding a magnetic card such as a master magnetic card MC is inserted into the card insertion portion 6, and a magnetic stripe 7, which serves as a magnetic recording portion of the magnetic card, is slidably contacted inside the card insertion portion 6 to record information. A writing/reading magnetic head 8 for writing or reading recorded information written on the card and an optical sensor OS for detecting insertion of a magnetic card are provided.

This optical sensor OS includes a light emitting element L ₁ that faces above the center of the magnetic head 8 with a guide groove 6a in between.
and the light receiving element P ₁ , and approximately 500 nm along the insertion direction of the magnetic card from the light emitting element L ₁ and the light receiving element P ₁ .
It is composed of a light emitting element L ₂ and a light receiving element P ₂ facing each other with a distance of about mm.

Each of the light emitting elements L ₁ and L ₂ is made of, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), and the light receiving elements P ₁ and P ₂ are made of, for example, a CdS photoconductive cell.

In the master magnetic card MC according to the present invention, a portion that crosses the optical path of the light emitting element L ₁ and the light receiving element P ₁ and the optical path between the light emitting element L ₂ and the light receiving element P ₂ is provided in the transparent part 9 along the magnetic stripe 7. It is formed.

This transparent portion 9 may be formed by molding the entire master magnetic card MC with a transparent plastic plate or sheet, or by molding it with a plastic plate or sheet in which only the portion corresponding to the optical path is transparent as shown in the figure. . In addition, it is not limited to the transparent case, but at least the portion corresponding to the optical path transmits the light emitted from the light emitting elements L ₁ and L ₂ , and the light receiving elements P ₁ and P ₂ are colored semi-transparent. It may be a case.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ that cannot be rewritten can be freely input into the magnetic stripe 7 of the master magnetic card MC, for example, from the 2nd digit to the 70th digit of the data storage area. Format information F consisting of a variable data area DV is magnetically recorded, and a predetermined encryption code AC ₁ (for example, $EE) which also serves as a start code and an end code is written in the 1st and 71st digits of the data recording area. and AC ₂
(for example, $FF) is magnetically recorded.

On the other hand, the magnetic card encoder 1 includes at least an interface circuit 11 and an arithmetic processing unit 12.
A control device 10 consisting of a microcomputer having a recording device 13 and a recording device 13 is built-in.

Here, the interface circuit 11 is connected on its input side to a keyboard 3 and a key switch 5, as well as a light detection section 14 that detects incidence or interruption of light from the optical sensor OS and outputs a light detection signal. A drive circuit 15 for the magnetic head 8 on the output side,
A liquid crystal display board 4, a printer 16, etc. are connected.

The arithmetic processing unit 12 is a master magnetic card MC.
Performs a predetermined arithmetic processing based on the code codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ and format information F recorded on the keyboard 3 and the input data from the keyboard 3, and stores the format information F and input data (variable data). A write process is executed to record these as recording information on the magnetic stripe 7 of the unused magnetic card NC.

The storage device 13 stores predetermined codes that match the encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ of the master magnetic card MC, and also stores processing programs necessary for the arithmetic processing of the arithmetic processing unit 12 and processing data necessary for the arithmetic processing process. It also temporarily stores the results of arithmetic processing.

Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the arithmetic processing unit 12 will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the key switch 5 is turned on, the apparatus is started and the execution of the process shown in FIG. Transition. In the step, a message such as "Read Start up Card!" is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4 to prompt the insertion of the master magnetic card MC, and the process moves to the step where the master magnetic card MC is inserted.
Wait until the MC is inserted into the card insertion part 6.

When the master magnetic card MC is inserted into the guide groove 6a of the card insertion part 6, the process moves to step 6 and the magnetic stripe 7 of the master magnetic card MC is inserted.
The encoded codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ and format information F recorded on the magnetic head 8 are read and temporarily stored in a buffer memory in the storage device 13.

Next, the process moves to step and it is determined whether or not the read encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ match a predetermined code stored in the storage device 13 in advance.

Then, if the encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ do not match the predetermined code, that is, if it is determined that the magnetic card is not the master magnetic card MC,
After proceeding to step, a predetermined error is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, and the contents of the buffer memory are erased, the process returns to step.

On the other hand, in the step, the encryption code AC ₁ ,
If AC ₂ matches a predetermined code, that is, if it is determined that the magnetic card is a master magnetic card MC, the process moves to step 2 and only the format information F is stored in the buffer memory. After registering the format information F in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 13, proceeding to step and displaying the format information F on the liquid crystal display board 4 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 1 second), in step 2, the format information F is displayed to indicate the completion of registration of the format information F. Display a message such as "Copied" and proceed to the step.

At this time, the format information F is fixed in the storage device 13, so unless the key switch 5 is turned off, the format information F will not be rewritten even if another master magnetic card MC is inserted.

Next, in step, the keyboard 3 and the write mode setting key 3c are used to switch the drive circuit 15 to a write mode in which recording information is written from the magnetic head 8.
It is determined whether or not the write mode setting key 3c has been pressed, and if the write mode setting key 3c has been pressed, the process moves to step and switches the drive circuit 15 to the write mode, and also generates an activation signal for the optical sensor OS. The drive circuit 15 is set so that it can operate and execute the write process when the optical sensor OS optical path is interrupted, and the process moves to step.

In the step, the stored contents of the buffer memory corresponding to the fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ and the variable data storage area DV in the format information F registered in the storage device 13 are written in blank letters (for example, ***...).
and a blank space are displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4, and a predetermined cursor control is performed to move the cursor position to the top position of the variable data storage area DV, which is a blank space.

Next, move to step 3 and press keyboard 3.
Desired variable data by key input is sequentially stored in the buffer memory in the storage device 13, and is clearly displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 4.

Then, the process moves to step and it is determined whether input of variable data from the keyboard 3 has been completed. In this case, the determination is made by determining whether or not a predetermined write completion key indicating that input of variable data has been completed is pressed.If it is not pressed, the system waits until it is pressed, and if it is pressed, at that time. The storage contents of the buffer memory are fixed in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 13, and the process moves to step.

In the step, it is determined whether the optical path of the optical sensor OS is blocked or not, and if the optical path is not blocked, the system waits until the optical path is blocked, and then the newly issued magnetic card NC is inserted into the card insertion part 6 and the optical path is blocked. When a detection signal is emitted from the photodetector 14, the process proceeds to step, where a write signal for activating the drive circuit 15 is output, and the process proceeds to step.

In this step, when the optical path between the light emitting element L ₁ and the light receiving element P ₁ and between the light emitting element L ₂ and the light receiving element P ₂ of the optical sensor OS is blocked, a write process is executed to write the magnetic head 8. storage device 13
The fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ stored in the memory card and the variable data entered from the keyboard 3 and the starting code "$EE" and ending code "$EE" of a different combination from the encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ of the master magnetic card MC. EE'' (shown in Figure 5) is written on the magnetic card NC, and the rear end of the magnetic card NC passes between the light emitting element _L1 and the light receiving element _P1, and the light emitting element _L1
and when the optical path between the light receiving element _P1 is conducted,
Finish the write process and move on to step.

In the step, a confirmation mode is set to confirm the written information written in the step, and the drive circuit 15 of the magnetic head 8 is switched to the reading side.

Next, the process moves to step, and a re-insertion display (for example, "Verify") for reinserting the written magnetic card NC into the card insertion portion 6 is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4, and then the process moves to step.

In this step, similarly to the step, it is determined whether the optical path of the optical sensor OS is blocked or not.
If the optical path is not interrupted, the process waits until the optical path is interrupted, and when the magnetic card NC is re-inserted into the card insertion portion 6 and the optical path is interrupted, the process moves to step.

In the step, the written information written on the magnetic card NC is read by the magnetic head 8, and this is temporarily stored in the buffer memory before proceeding to the step.

In this step, the recorded information consisting of the fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ of the format information F stored in the storage device 13 and the variable data inputted from the keyboard 3 is called up, and this is used as the written information read in the previous step. Compare and match to determine whether the two match.

Then, if it is determined that the two match,
If there is a mismatch, the process moves to step 〓〓.

In the step 〓〓, the written information read in the step is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4 as is, and
A check display (for example, "Check") is displayed and the process moves to step 〓〓.

In step 〓〓, it is determined whether the key switch 5 continues to be on, and if it is on, the process returns to the step to emit light from a new magnetic card NC, and if it is off, the process ends.

In addition, in the step, the above-mentioned check display is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4, and mismatched areas are also displayed with specific symbols (for example, "?" or shaded display □), such as "Pitsu, Pitsu, Pitsu". After emitting a continuous error sound, it moves to step 〓〓.

The above is an example of the configuration of a magnetic card encoder and a master magnetic card used therein.Next, the operation of the encoder when using the master magnetic card MC according to the present invention will be described.

First, by turning on the key switch, execution of the arithmetic processing shown in FIG. A predetermined message prompting the user is displayed (step).

In this state, the master magnetic card according to the present invention
When the MC is inserted, the format information F consisting of fixed data DP ₁ , DP ₂ and variable data recording area DV recorded on the master magnetic card MC and the encryption codes AC ₁ , AC ₂ are read and stored in the storage device 13.
is stored in a predetermined storage area (step).

Next, the read encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ are
It is determined whether the code matches a predetermined code stored in advance in the storage device 13 (step), and if they match, the format information F is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 13, and the liquid crystal display panel 4 (step ~).

In this way, the format information F is registered and writable only when the encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ recorded on the master magnetic card MC match the predetermined code stored in advance in the storage device 13. This prevents card forgery and unauthorized duplication.

Next, write mode setting key 3c of keyboard 3
It is determined whether or not the button has been pressed, and if it has been pressed, the drive circuit 15 of the magnetic head 8 is switched to the write mode, and at the same time, a start signal for the optical sensor OS is generated, and the optical sensor is read by the magnetic card. sensor
The drive circuit 15 is set so that it can operate and execute the write process when the optical path of the OS is interrupted (step).

The liquid crystal display board 4 has a variable data storage area for format information F registered in the storage device 13.
The DV is displayed as a blank space, and the cursor is moved to the beginning position (step).

In this state, if desired variable data is input into the variable data recording area DV from the keyboard 3,
This is sequentially stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 13 (step).

Therefore, it is only necessary to input the variable data by key, and there is no need to input the fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ by key.

Then, when inserting a new magnetic card NC,
Since the optical path of the optical sensor OS is blocked by the magnetic card NC, the writing process is started, and the fixed data is written on the magnetic stripe 7 of the magnetic card NC.
Record data K consisting of DP ₁ , DP ₂ and key-input variable data is written (steps ~
).

At this time, even if the master magnetic card MC is inserted into the card insertion part 6 by mistake instead of the newly issued magnetic card NC, the master magnetic card
MC is the light emitting element _L1 and light receiving element of the optical sensor OS
A portion crossing the optical path between P ₁ and the optical path between the light emitting element L ₂ and the light receiving element P ₂ is formed in a transparent portion, and since the optical path is not blocked, the writing process (step) is not executed.

Therefore, it is impossible for the recorded contents of the master magnetic card MC to be rewritten or the encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ to be rewritten, and the function as a master magnetic card will not be lost.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, according to the present invention, the portion of the master magnetic card used in the magnetic card encoder that performs writing processing when the optical path of the optical sensor disposed in the card insertion part is interrupted, crosses the optical path. is formed in the transparent part, so even if the master magnetic card is inserted by mistake while the magnetic card encoder is set to write mode, the optical path will not be interrupted, and the magnetic storage of the master magnetic card will not be interrupted. The writing process to the master magnetic card is not executed, and it is possible to reliably prevent the recorded contents of the master magnetic card from being rewritten and its functions to be lost.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a magnetic card encoder and a master magnetic card according to the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a flow sheet diagram of a magnetic card encoder, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of recorded contents recorded on a master magnetic card, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an arithmetic processing procedure in the magnetic card encoder.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the recorded contents written in the magnetic recording section of a newly issued magnetic card. Explanation of code, 1...Magnetic card encoder, 6
... Card insertion section, MC ... Master magnetic card, 7 ... Magnetic stripe (magnetic recording section), 8 ...
...Magnetic head, 9...Transparent part, OS...Optical sensor.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. The master magnetic card is set to a writable state by reading a predetermined encryption code recorded on the card, and an optical sensor disposed in the card insertion portion is activated after setting the write mode. A master magnetic card for use in a magnetic card encoder is configured to execute writing of predetermined data when a magnetic card inserted into the card insertion portion blocks the optical path of the optical sensor. A master magnetic card used in a magnetic card encoder, characterized in that a portion that crosses an optical path is formed as a transparent portion. 2. A master magnetic card used in the magnetic card encoder according to claim 1, which is entirely formed of a transparent plastic plate or sheet, and has a magnetic recording section for recording the code, etc. on its surface. . 3. A master magnetic card for use in a magnetic card encoder according to claim 1, wherein only the portion corresponding to the optical path is made of a transparent plastic plate or sheet.