JPH0535474B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a magnetic card encoder for writing desired recording information onto a magnetic card having a magnetic recording section.

[Prior art and its problems]

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, conventional magnetic card encoders have a dedicated card slot for the operator in the card insertion part where the magnetic head is installed.
At the same time, as shown in FIG.
Of these, fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ , which are written in common to each newly issued card, are stored in read-only memory (ROM) in advance, and variable data such as registration numbers, which are individually different for each card, are stored in read-only memory (ROM).
Only DV is input from the keyboard, etc.

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 it is necessary to store many types of fixed data in advance and select the desired fixed data from among them. As a result, the storage capacity of the memory becomes enormous, causing 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 of preparing multiple magnetic cards and reading the format information of the master magnetic card and temporarily storing it in memory, it is possible to change fixed data 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 (see Japanese Patent Application No. 59-249630).

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 stored 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.

However, in this case, a new problem has arisen in that accidents frequently occur in which the operator accidentally causes the master magnetic card to lose its function.

That is, after the device is set to the write mode, the operator inserts the master magnetic card into the card insertion portion, and the recorded contents of the master magnetic card are rewritten, which is a frequent erroneous operation.

[Purpose of the invention]

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. The purpose is to provide a magnetic card encoder.

[Structure of the invention]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a magnetic card encoder according to the present invention and a master magnetic card used therein.

In the master magnetic card MC, at least a portion that crosses the optical path of the optical sensor OS disposed in the card insertion portion is formed as a transparent portion.

The magnetic card encoder detects the master magnetic card MC when the device is started up and enters reading mode.
a reading means a for reading format information consisting of fixed data that cannot be rewritten and a variable data recording area that can be input freely and a predetermined code; and a code read by the reading means a that matches the predetermined code. a determining means b for determining whether or not the encrypted code matches a predetermined code; a storing means c for storing the format information when the determining means b determines that the encryption code matches a predetermined code; and a storing means c for storing the format information stored in the storing means c. input means d for inputting desired data into the variable data storage area of information;
, a write mode setting means e for setting the device to the write mode, and an optical sensor when the device is in the write mode.
activation signal generation means f for outputting an OS activation signal;
a write signal generating means g that outputs a write signal when the magnetic card NC inserted into the card insertion portion crosses and interrupts the optical path of the optical sensor OS; and a signal from the write signal generating means g. Based on storage means c
It is characterized by comprising a writing means h for writing the fixed data stored in the magnetic card NC and the variable data inputted by the input means d into the magnetic card NC.

[Action of the invention]

According to the present invention, the format information and encryption code recorded on the master magnetic card MC are read, and only when it is determined that the encryption code matches a predetermined code, the format information is stored and a new card is issued. Since it is possible to write to a magnetic card that uses a master magnetic card, a new card cannot be issued unless a master magnetic card is used, and since the encryption code is not written to a new card, there is no possibility of counterfeiting or unauthorized use of the card. In addition, by preparing a plurality of types of master magnetic cards, it is possible to easily change a large amount of fixed data without increasing the storage capacity of the memory.

Furthermore, even if the master magnetic card is accidentally inserted into the card insertion part while the optical sensor disposed in the card insertion part is activated and set to write mode, the optical path of the optical sensor is This prevents the master magnetic card from losing its functionality due to its stored contents being rewritten.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained based on specific embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of a magnetic card encoder according to the present invention and a master magnetic card used therein, and FIG. 3 is a flow sheet diagram thereof.

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 left side of the case body 2, and a card insertion part 6 disposed on the right side of the case body 2. It is configured.

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

The card insertion part 6 is formed with a guide groove 6a for guiding a magnetic card such as a master magnetic card MC, and has a guide groove 6a formed therein, which slides into contact with a magnetic stripe 7, which serves as a magnetic recording part of the magnetic card, and records information thereon. A writing/reading magnetic head 8 for writing or reading written recorded information, 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 light receiving element P ₁ , and approximately 5 mm from these light emitting element L ₁ and light receiving element P ₁ in the card insertion direction.
Light-emitting element _L2 and light-receiving element facing each other with a certain distance from each other
It is composed of P ₂ .

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 CdS cells or the like.

The master magnetic card MC has an optical path between the light emitting element _L1 and the light receiving element _P1 , and the optical path between the light emitting element _L2 and the light receiving element.
A portion crossing the optical path between P ₂ is formed along the magnetic stripe 7 in a transparent portion 9 .

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 is colored to such an extent that the light emitted from the light emitting elements L ₁ and L ₂ can be transmitted to the light receiving elements P ₁ and P ₂ . It may be the case that

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, 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 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 storage device 13 and a storage device 13 is provided.

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

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 with reference to FIG.

When the key switch 5 is turned on, the device is started and the execution of the process shown in FIG. do. 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 by the magnetic head 8 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 board 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 is inserted.

Next, in step, the write mode setting key 3c of the keyboard 3 switches 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. When the optical path of the optical sensor OS is interrupted, the drive circuit 15
The program is set so that it can operate and execute the write process, 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 beginning position of the variable data storage area DV consisting of 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 a new emitting magnetic card NC is inserted into the card insertion part 6 and the optical path is blocked. When the 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 6) 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 blocked, the process waits until the optical path is blocked, and when the magnetic card NC is reinserted into the card insertion portion 6 and the optical path is blocked, the process moves to step.

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

In the step, recorded information consisting of fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ of the format information F stored in the storage device 13 and variable data input from the keyboard 3 is called up, and this is compared and verified with the written information read in the step. and determine whether the two match.

Then, if it is determined that the two match,
Move to step 〓〓, and if there is a mismatch, move 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 issue 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 points are displayed with specific symbols (for example, "?" or shaded display □, etc.), such as a series of "Pitsu, Pitsu, Pitsu". After emitting an error sound, it moves to step 〓〓.

Here, the processing in step ~ is a means for reading the format information and the encryption code recorded on the master magnetic card, the step is the means for determining the encryption code, the step ~ is the storage means for the format information, the steps and are the write mode setting means and This is a specific example of an optical sensor activation signal generating means, a step and a write signal generating means, and a step representing a means for writing fixed data and variable data into a newly issued magnetic card.

The above is an example of the configuration of the present invention, and its operation will be explained next.

First, by turning on key switch 5,
The processing shown in FIG. 5 is started and executed by the arithmetic processing unit 12 of the control device 14, and at the same time as the drive circuit 15 of the magnetic head 8 is set to the reading mode (step), the master magnetic card MC is displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4.
The words "Read Start up Card!" are displayed to prompt you to insert the card (step).

In this state, select the desired master magnetic card MC, insert it into the card insertion part 6, and read the format information F and the code codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ recorded on the magnetic stripe 7 with the magnetic head 8. The data is then temporarily stored in the buffer memory of the storage device 13 (step).

Next, the read encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ are
It is determined whether or not they match with predetermined codes "$EE" and "$FF" stored in advance in the storage device 13 (step), and if they match, only the format information F stored in the buffer memory is stored. After storing the format information F in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 13 and displaying the stored format information F on the liquid crystal display board 4 for one second, the words "Copied" indicating the completion of registration of the format information F are displayed (step ~). .

Thus, in the present invention, the master magnetic card
Format information F is registered and can be written only when the encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ recorded in the MC match the predetermined codes "$EE" and "$FF" 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 from the reading mode to the writing mode at the same time.
A activation signal for the optical sensor OS is generated, and when the optical path of the optical sensor OS is interrupted by the magnetic card NC inserted into the card insertion part 6, the drive circuit 15 is activated to execute the write process. Set to obtain (step,).

Fixed data DP ₁ of format information F registered in the storage device 13 are displayed on the liquid display panel 4.
The memory contents of buffer memory corresponding to DP ₂ and variable data storage area DV are shown in blank letters (for example, **
**...) and blank spaces, and
The cursor is automatically moved to the beginning position of the variable data storage area DV consisting of blank space (step).

In this state, when desired variable data that is different for each newly issued magnetic card NC is input into the variable data storage area DV from the keyboard 3, this data is sequentially stored in the buffer memory in the storage device 13, and at the same time, This will be clearly displayed in the blank space displayed on the liquid crystal display board 4 (step).

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is only necessary to input variable data from the keyboard 3, and there is no need to input fixed data one by one.

Then, it is determined whether input of variable data from the keyboard 3 has been completed, and if it is determined that the input has been completed, the storage contents of the buffer memory are fixed to a predetermined storage area of the storage device 13. (step).

Next, it is determined whether the optical path of the optical sensor OS disposed in the card insertion part 6 is blocked, and when the magnetic card NC is inserted into the card insertion part 6 and the optical path is blocked, the magnetic head A write signal for operating the drive circuit 15 of No. 8 is output (step).

Then, when the optical path between the light emitting element L ₁ and the light receiving element P ₁ of the optical sensor OS and the optical path between the light emitting element L ₂ and the light receiving element P ₂ are both interrupted, the writing process is started and executed, and the magnetic head The fixed data DP ₁ and DP ₂ stored in the storage device 13 by 8 and the variable data inputted from the keyboard 3, and the starting code "$EE" which is a combination different from the encryption codes AC ₁ and AC ₂ of the master magnetic card MC. and the ending code "$EE" are written on the magnetic card NC,
The rear end of the magnetic card NC passes between the light emitting element _L1 and the light receiving element _P1 , and the rear end of the magnetic card NC passes between the light emitting element _L1 and the light receiving element _P1.
The writing process is completed (step) when the optical path between the two is connected.

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 inserted between the light emitting element _L1 and the light receiving element _P1 . Since the portion that crosses the optical path and the optical path between the light emitting element L ₂ and the light receiving element P ₂ is formed in the transparent portion 9, the optical path is not blocked. Therefore, the drive circuit 15 of the magnetic head 8 does not proceed from step
The write signal that activates the is not output,
Since the step write process is not executed, the encryption code AC ₁ recorded on the master magnetic card MC
"$EE", AC ₂ "$FF" are newly issued magnetic cards
The start code "$EE" and the end code "$EE" written in the NC will not be rewritten, and there is no risk of losing the function as a master magnetic card.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the magnetic card encoder according to the present invention can store and write format information recorded on the master magnetic card only when the encryption code recorded on the master magnetic card matches a predetermined code. If a master magnetic card is not used, new magnetic cards cannot be issued, and since the encryption code is not written on newly issued magnetic cards, it is possible to issue counterfeit cards or make unauthorized copies. This has the effect of being able to reliably prevent this.

It also reads and stores fixed data in the format information recorded on the master magnetic card.
Since this data is written directly onto a newly issued magnetic card, there is no need to input common data to each magnetic card one by one, and at the same time, by preparing multiple master magnetic cards, the storage capacity of the memory can be increased. Another advantage is that it becomes possible to selectively use a wide variety of arbitrary fixed data.

Furthermore, the master magnetic card according to the present invention is configured to perform a writing process when the magnetic card blocks the optical path of an optical sensor disposed in the card insertion portion, and the master magnetic card according to the present invention is configured such that at least a portion crossing the optical path is transparent. Even if the master magnetic card is accidentally inserted into the card insertion part when the magnetic card encoder is set to the write mode, the optical path will not be interrupted, and therefore the magnetic field of the master magnetic card will not be interrupted. This has a particularly excellent effect in that writing processing to the recording section is not executed, and it is reliably prevented that the recorded contents of the master magnetic card will be rewritten and its functions will be lost.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an external view showing an example of a magnetic card encoder according to the invention and a master magnetic card used therein, Fig. 3 is a flow sheet diagram thereof, and Fig. 4 is a master magnetic card encoder according to the present invention. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the recorded contents recorded in the magnetic recording section of the card, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the magnetic card encoder, and FIG. 6 is written in the magnetic recording section of a newly issued magnetic card. It is an explanatory diagram showing recorded contents. Explanation of codes, 1...Magnetic card encoder, 3
... Keyboard, 4 ... Liquid crystal display board, 5 ... Key switch, 6 ... Card insertion part, MC ... Master magnetic card, F ... Format information, AC ₁ ,
AC ₂ ...Encryption code, DP ₁ , DP ₂ ...Fixed data, DV...Variable data storage area, NC...Newly issued magnetic card, 7...Magnetic stripe (magnetic recording section), 8...Magnetic head , 9... Translucent part, 1
0...Control device (microcomputer), 11
...Interface circuit, 12...Arithmetic processing unit, 13...Storage device, 14...Photodetection section, 15
... Drive circuit, OS ... Optical sensor, L ₁ , L ₂ ...
Light emitting element, P ₁ , P ₂ ... light receiving element.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A magnetic head and an optical sensor are provided with a master magnetic card on which format information consisting of fixed data that cannot be rewritten and a variable data recording area that can be input freely, and a predetermined encryption code are recorded. A magnetic card encoder that can be set to a writable state by inserting the card into a card insertion portion provided with (b) reading means for reading the format information and code code recorded on the master magnetic card, the part of which crosses the optical path of the optical sensor being formed in a transparent part; (b) the read code code matches a predetermined code; (c) storage means for storing the format information when the determination means determines that the encryption code and the predetermined code match; and (d) the storage means. input means for inputting desired data into the variable data recording area of the format information stored in the apparatus; (e) write mode setting means for setting the device to write mode; (g) a start signal generating means for outputting a start signal for the optical sensor; (h) based on the signal from the write signal generating means,
A magnetic card encoder comprising: writing means for writing the fixed data and the data input by the input means onto a magnetic card.