JPH09167278A - Prepaid card system and money receiving machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the limitless wrong charging to a prepaid card and to improve the safety of a prepaid card system. SOLUTION: A money receiving machine control part 14 of each of money receiving machines 111 to 11n charges to a prepaid card (IC card 20) only when the received amount of cash is smaller than the chargeable amount stored in a charge information storage part 13, and the part 14 subtracts the charged amount from the chargeable amount to obtain a new chargeable amount. A center 12 performs a loading operation to each of machines 111 to 11n at every prescribed time and/or when the chargeable amount is smaller than the least necessary amount. The loading timing of the center 12 and every loading amount are properly set and changed to each of machines 111 to 11n based on the safety of these machines and the operating state of a prepaid card system.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prepaid card system using a rechargeable prepaid card and a deposit machine for charging the prepaid card, and more particularly to a highly secure prepaid card system and a deposit machine.

[0002]

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

[0003]

When the IC card is used as a prepaid card, the amount of money can be recharged (added, etc.) from the depositing machine to the IC memory in the IC card, which contributes to resource saving. Also, the depositing machine can be downsized.

However, in the prepaid card system using the IC card, if the safe in the depositing machine is opened and the same bill is repeatedly and illegally charged, the prepaid card may be charged indefinitely. There is.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a prepaid card system and a depositing machine which prevent unrestricted unauthorized charging of a prepaid card and have high reliability and safety.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a prepaid card system of the present invention uses a depositing machine for charging a rechargeable prepaid card and a plurality of depositing machines via communication. A prepaid card system including a connected center, wherein each of the depositing machines has an amount storage means for storing an upper limit amount of charge to the prepaid card, and an amount recognition means for receiving cash and recognizing the received amount. A card mounting unit to which a prepaid card is mounted; a discriminating unit that discriminates whether or not the amount of money recognized by the amount of money recognizing unit is less than or equal to the upper limit amount of money stored by the amount of money storing unit;
When it is determined that the amount of money recognized by the amount of money recognizing unit is less than or equal to the upper limit amount of money, a card transmitting unit for transmitting charge data indicating the recognized amount of money to the prepaid card mounted in the card mounting unit, and the card transmitting unit. After transmitting the charge data to the prepaid card by the means, the amount recognized by the amount recognition means is subtracted from the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means, and the subtraction result is stored in the amount storage means as a new upper limit amount. According to the calculating means for storing, the amount receiving means for receiving update data for updating the upper limit amount from the center, and the upper limit amount stored in the amount storing means according to the update data received by the amount receiving means. And an upper limit amount updating means for updating each of the depositing machines. Characterized in that it comprises a update data transmitting means for transmitting.

With such a configuration, the upper limit is set for the amount of money that can be charged in the prepaid card (the amount of money added to the amount stored in the prepaid card) in each deposit machine. As a result, unlimited fraudulent charging of the prepaid card can be prevented. Further, by updating the upper limit data of the plurality of deposit machines with the update data from the center, it becomes possible to collectively manage the plurality of deposit machines at the center.

The center is, for example, every set time (for example,
Update data is transmitted to the depositing machine at regular intervals or at regular time intervals. Further, the update data may be transmitted from the center to each depositing machine in response to the update request signal from each depositing machine. In this case, the update request signal is transmitted, for example, at every set time (for example, every certain period or every certain time).
Alternatively, the maximum amount of money, that is, the upper limit of the chargeable amount of money may be transmitted when the maximum amount of money reaches a predetermined threshold value or less. By transmitting the update data at regular intervals, the deposit machine can be operated regularly. Also, by sending the update request signal when the upper limit amount of money becomes less than or equal to the threshold value, due to the insufficient amount of money,
It is possible to prevent the situation where the prepaid card cannot be charged. Therefore, by appropriately setting / changing the transmission timing of update data,
Adjustments can be made according to the operational status.

The update data transmitting means transmits the update data corresponding to the transmission pattern according to any of a plurality of predetermined transmission patterns. For example, update data for setting the upper limit amount to a predetermined amount, update data for adding a predetermined amount to the upper limit amount to obtain a new upper limit amount, and the like are transmitted. This enables operation depending on the status of the deposit machine.

The history information regarding the load such as the loading time, the amount of loading, and the cause of the loading on each depositing machine is stored in the center, and by analyzing this history information, it is possible to detect the illegal operation / use of the depositing machine. You may make it detect and set the process corresponding to a deposit machine.

In order to achieve the above object, the depositing machine of the present invention comprises an amount storage means for storing an upper limit amount of charge to a prepaid card, and an amount recognition means for receiving cash and recognizing the received amount. A card mounting means for mounting a prepaid card, a judging means for judging whether or not the amount of money recognized by the amount of money recognizing means is less than or equal to the upper limit amount of money stored in the amount of money storing means, and the judging means, When it is determined that the amount of money recognized by the amount of money recognizing unit is less than or equal to the upper limit amount of money, a card transmitting unit for transmitting charge data indicating the recognized amount of money to a prepaid card mounted on the card mounting unit, After sending the charge data to the card by the card sending means,
Calculating means for subtracting the amount of money recognized by the amount of money recognizing means from the upper limit of money stored in the amount of money recognizing means, and storing the subtraction result in the amount of money storing means as a new upper limit of money. To do.

With such a configuration, the upper limit is set for the amount of money to be charged to the prepaid card (the amount of money added to the amount of money stored in the prepaid card). As a result, the charge amount is limited to the upper limit value or less, and unlimited fraudulent charges can be prevented.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

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

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

The charge information storage unit 13 is the IC card 2
The upper limit of the amount of money that can be charged to 0 (the amount of money that can be charged, that is, the amount of money that the depositing machine 11 possesses), the total amount of money that has been charged to the IC card 20 since the last loading from the center 12 (the accumulated amount of charge), etc. are stored. To do. Deposit part 15
Recognizes the deposited amount and transmits information (deposit information) regarding the deposited amount to the depositing machine controller 14.

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

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

The load pattern includes, for example, the following patterns. P1: The depositing machine 11 loads the total amount of money charged in the IC card 20. P2: Load the set amount. P3: Load the deficit amount so that the set amount is reached. P4: Do not load.

The above load pattern is used for the center controller 18
Can be set and changed at any time. When the load pattern is set to P1, the center 12 loads the total amount charged in the IC card 20 by the deposit machine 11 from the previous load to the current load in the deposit machine 11. Upon receipt of the load signal from the center 12, the deposit machine control unit 14 adds the accumulated charge amount to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 to obtain an amount equal to that when it was previously loaded by the center 12. To update.

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

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

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

For example, assuming that the load table stored in the depositing machine management unit 19 has the contents shown in FIG. 2 and the current time is 17:00, the center control unit 18 follows the interrupt signal from the timer 17. , Depositing machine 1 that takes in the current time and the next load time of the load table is "17:00"
1 is determined, and it is determined that the depositing machines 11 ₁ , 11 ₂ , and 11 ₃ are applicable.

The center control unit 18 refers to the load pattern for the depositing machine 11 ₁ . The load pattern of the depositing machine 11 ₁ is set to P2 and the set amount of money is set to 30,000 yen, and the center control unit 18 sends update information (amount information) indicating the amount of 30,000 yen to the depositing device control unit 14. . When the transmission of the money amount information to the deposit machine control unit 14 is completed, the center control unit 18 causes the load TI set in the load table.
The next load time is updated at 5 o'clock based on ME (12 hours). On the other hand, the depositing machine control unit 14 receives the amount information from the center control unit 18, and adds the amount of money (30,000 yen) indicated by the amount information to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13.

In the case of the depositing machine 11 ₂ , since the load pattern is set to P1, the center control unit 18 sends a deposit amount transmission request signal for requesting the deposit depositing unit control unit 14 to transmit the accumulated charge amount. When the deposit machine control unit 14 receives the accumulated amount transmission request signal, the charge information storage unit 13
The accumulated charge amount stored in is read and transmitted to the center control unit 18. The center control unit 18 receives the accumulated charge amount from the deposit machine control unit 14, and transmits an amount equal to the received accumulated charge amount to the deposit machine control unit 14 as amount information.

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

In the case of the depositing machine 11 ₃ , the load pattern is set to P3 and the set amount is set to 100,000 yen. The center control unit 18 transmits to the deposit machine control unit 14 a chargeable amount transmission request signal requesting transmission of the chargeable amount.
When receiving the chargeable amount transmission request signal, the deposit machine control unit 14 transmits the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 to the center control unit 18. The center control unit 18 receives the chargeable amount from the deposit machine control unit 14, and transmits the difference between the set amount (100,000 yen) and the chargeable amount to the deposit machine control unit 14 as amount information.

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

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

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

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

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

If the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is smaller than the input amount, it is determined in step S2 that (payment amount)> (chargeable amount), and step S5 follows. move on. In step S5, a return instruction is transmitted to the deposit unit 15 and the IC card mounting unit 16. The deposit unit 15 that has received the return instruction returns the inserted cash, and the IC card mounting unit 16 returns the IC
The card 20 is ejected. Further, since the deposit amount is larger than the chargeable amount on the display unit (not shown), a message indicating that the IC card 20 cannot be charged is displayed.

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

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

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

First, loading from the center 12 to the depositing machine 11 will be described. In the deposit machine 11, a timer (not shown) transmits an interrupt signal to the deposit machine control unit 14 every predetermined period. Upon receiving the interrupt signal, the deposit machine control unit 14
The current time is fetched from the timer, and the charge information storage unit 1
It is determined whether or not the next load time stored in 3 matches the current time. When the next load time matches the current time, the deposit machine control unit 14 causes the charge information storage unit 13 to operate.
A load request signal is transmitted to the center 12 in accordance with the load pattern stored in.

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

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

When the load pattern stored in the charge information storage unit 13 is P3, the deposit machine control unit 14 displays the amount information indicating the difference between the set amount and the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13. It transmits to the center control part 18 with a load request signal.

When the load pattern is any of P1, P2, and P3, the center control unit 18 receives the load request signal and the amount information, and sends the amount information equal to the received amount to the depositing machine control unit 14. Deposit machine control unit 14
Receives the amount information, and adds the amount indicated by the amount information to the chargeable amount stored in the charge information storage unit 13.

Also in the second embodiment, the depositing machine 11
By setting the upper limit of the amount of money that can be charged to the IC card 20, illegal charging can be restricted.
In addition, in the second embodiment, the depositing machine 11 loads the load TI.
Having information such as ME and load pattern, each depositing machine 11
Sends a load request signal and the requested amount of money to the center 12. Therefore, the processing of the center 12 can be reduced and the processing can be distributed in the entire system.

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

(Third Embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, when the IC card 20 is frequently charged, the chargeable amount becomes 0,
The IC card 20 may not be charged until the next load from the center 12. In order to prevent such a situation, the depositing machine 11 sends a load request signal to the center 1 when the chargeable amount has decreased below the predetermined amount.
The prepaid card system for transmitting to No. 2 will be described below.

The basic structure of this prepaid card system is basically the same as the structure of the prepaid card system of the second embodiment. However, the charge information storage unit 1
3, the load time and the next load time need not be stored, and the minimum required amount is stored together with the chargeable amount, the accumulated charge amount, the load pattern, and the set amount.
This minimum required amount is a threshold value for determining whether to send a load request signal from the depositing machine 11 to the center 12. Regarding the load pattern, any one of the load patterns P1 to P4 used in the first and second embodiments and the load pattern P5 shown below is set in the charge information storage unit 13. P5: Load the deficit amount so as to reach a predetermined minimum required amount.

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

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

Also in the third embodiment, the depositing machine 11
The upper limit of the amount of money that can be charged to the IC card 20 is defined by the chargeable amount of money, and it is possible to prevent unlimited unauthorized charging of the IC card 20. In addition, in the third embodiment, the depositing machine 11 transmits a signal indicating a load request to the center 12 according to the balance of the chargeable amount. As a result, due to lack of chargeable amount, IC
It can be prevented that the card 20 cannot be charged.

(Fourth Embodiment) The load on each depositing machine 11 is the load T in the first and second embodiments.
It is performed for each IME, and in the third embodiment, the chargeable amount becomes less than or equal to the minimum required amount, but it is also possible to combine both formulas. Below, Road TIM
The prepaid card system that loads the depositing machine 11 both for each E and when the chargeable amount becomes less than the minimum required amount will be described.

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

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

Upon receiving the amount information and the load request signal from the deposit machine 11, the center control unit 18 determines the cause of the load request signal. When it is determined that the load request signal is based on the load TIME, the center control unit 18 determines the current time taken from the timer 17 and the corresponding deposit machine 11 in the load table stored in the deposit machine management unit 19.
Check if the next load time of matches.

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

If the current time and the next load time registered in the load table do not match, the center control unit 18
Determines that the load request signal is an illegal load request, and the load pattern of the depositing machine 11 that has transmitted the load request signal is P
Set to 4. Also, an alarm is appropriately issued.

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

Also in the fourth embodiment, unlimited charge can be prevented by setting the chargeable amount. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the center 12 has a function of checking whether or not the load request from the depositing machine 11 is valid by using the load TIME. This will detect illegal load requests,
By setting not to load into the depositing machine 11 that has requested the load, the safety of the entire system can be improved.

An example in which the depositing machine 11 transmits a load request signal based on the load TIME to the center 12 has been described. However, as in the first embodiment, the center 12 manages the load table and the load TIME is set. Based loading may be performed.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the center 12 stores the time, the amount of money, the cause of loading, and other history information (journal) in each of the depositing machines 11 _{1 to} 11 _n. It records in the management unit 19. By checking this journal as appropriate, each depositing machine 11 _{1 -1}
1 _n can be comprehensively monitored. Further, based on this check, the prepaid card system can be flexibly operated by dynamically managing the load time and load pattern of each depositing machine. Similarly, by changing the load TIME and load pattern of each depositing machine by the center 12 according to the day of the week, the season, etc.,
The entire system may be managed dynamically.

For example, in the third embodiment, when a load request signal is repeatedly generated a predetermined number of times or more from a certain depositing machine 11 within a predetermined period based on the history information, there is a possibility of some fraud. If there is, the deposit machine 1
The load pattern of 1 can be set to P4 (impossible to load). In addition, while performing the load based on the load TIME, the chargeable amount at each load time is checked, and when the situation where the chargeable amount becomes the predetermined amount or less continues for a predetermined number of times or more, the load TIME is shortened. Alternatively, it is possible to increase the set amount.

In the above description, the prepaid card system in which the center 12 manages the plurality of depositing machines 11 has been described. Such a system is very effective because the center 12 can monitor and manage each depositing machine 11. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and is applicable to a case where the depositing machine 11 is used alone.

Further, in order to improve reliability and safety, it is optional to apply the signal encryption / decryption technology, the security technology and the like to the prepaid card system described above. Besides, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0063]

According to the prepaid card system and the depositing machine of the present invention, the amount of money that can be charged to the prepaid card is limited to the upper limit value or less, so that unlimited fraudulent charging can be prevented. Further, by setting or changing the transmission pattern, it is possible to adjust the timing for updating the upper limit amount, the update amount, etc., according to the operation status.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a charging process for an IC card.

[Explanation of symbols]

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

Front page continued (72) Inventor Tomoyuki Hoshikawa 3-3-3 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo NTT Data Communications Corp.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A prepaid card system comprising a depositing machine for charging a rechargeable prepaid card, and a center connected to the plurality of depositing machines via communication, each depositing machine comprising: , An amount storage means for storing the upper limit amount of charge to the prepaid card, an amount recognition means for receiving cash and recognizing the amount received, a card mounting means for mounting the prepaid card, and an amount recognition means for recognizing the amount. When the determined amount is less than or equal to the upper limit amount stored by the amount storage unit, the determining unit determines that the amount recognized by the amount recognition unit is less than or equal to the upper limit amount, Card transmitting means for transmitting charge data indicating the recognized amount to a prepaid card mounted on the card mounting means; After transmitting the charge data to the prepaid card by the charge transmitting means, the amount recognized by the amount recognizing means is subtracted from the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means, and the subtraction result is stored as the new upper limit amount. Means for storing in the means, amount receiving means for receiving update data for updating the upper limit amount from the center, and the amount stored in the amount storing means according to the update data received by the amount receiving means A prepaid card system, comprising: an upper limit amount updating unit for updating an upper limit amount; and the center includes an update data transmitting unit for transmitting the update data to each of the depositing machines. 2. The center is provided with a setting means for setting a time, and the update data transmitting means transmits the update data at each time set by the setting means. Prepaid card system described in. 3. The depositing machine comprises setting means for setting a time, and update request transmitting means for transmitting an update request signal to the center at each time set by the setting means, wherein the center is , Update request receiving means for receiving the update request signal from the update request transmitting means, wherein the update data transmitting means receives the update request signal when the update request receiving means receives the update request signal. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein the prepaid card system transmits to the corresponding depositing machine. 4. The depositing machine determines whether or not the threshold value setting means for setting an arbitrary threshold value and the upper limit amount after being subtracted by the computing means are less than or equal to the threshold value. A threshold value determining unit; and an update request transmitting unit that transmits an update request signal to the center when the upper limit amount of money is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold value by the threshold value determining unit, The center includes an update request receiving unit that receives an update request signal from the update request transmitting unit, and the update data transmitting unit uses the update data when the update request receiving unit receives the update request signal. Is transmitted to a corresponding deposit machine. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein 5. The update data transmitting means transmits the update data corresponding to the transmission pattern according to any one of a plurality of predetermined transmission patterns. Alternatively, the prepaid card system according to item 4. 6. The update data is any one of data for setting the upper limit amount to a predetermined amount and data for adding a predetermined amount to the upper limit amount to obtain a new upper limit amount.
6. The prepaid card system according to claim 1, wherein the prepaid card system includes one. 7. The prepaid card system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the center includes means for storing history information regarding charging to each depositing machine. 8. An amount storage means for storing an upper limit amount of charge to a prepaid card, an amount recognition means for receiving cash and recognizing the received amount, a card mounting means for mounting a prepaid card, and the amount recognition. A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the amount of money recognized by the means is less than or equal to the upper limit amount of money stored in the amount of money storing means; If it is determined that there is a card transmitting means for transmitting the charge data indicating the recognized amount to the prepaid card attached to the card attaching means, and after transmitting the charge data to the card by the card transmitting means, Subtracting the amount recognized by the amount recognition means from the upper limit amount stored in the amount storage means,
A depositing machine, comprising: a calculating unit that stores the subtraction result as a new upper limit amount in the amount storing unit. 9. The depositing machine according to claim 8, wherein the depositing machine comprises an upper limit amount updating means for updating the upper limit amount stored in the amount storing means.