Magnetic card reader, magnetic card reading method, and program thereof

Abstract

To provide a magnetic card reader which makes it easy to judge whether a reading failure is due to an operation error by the author. [Solution] The magnetic card reader includes a reading unit object detection sensor, a bottom object detection sensor, and a control means. The reading unit object detection sensor is provided in the swipe groove of the magnetic card and is provided so as to contact at least one side surface in the swipe direction of the magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card. The bottom object detection sensor is provided at the bottom of the side surface of the swipe groove and is provided near the outside of the projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove, near the outside of the projection range on the at least one side surface side. The control means determines whether the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of detection of light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card by the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottom object detection sensor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a magnetic card reading device, a magnetic card reading method, and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] There are magnetic card reading devices in which an operator manually swipes a magnetic card against a swipe groove of the device to have the device read the data recorded on the magnetic card. In such magnetic card reading devices, card reading failure may occur due to an operator's improper handling of the magnetic card.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic card reader for avoiding and reducing reading failures caused by an operator's card operation habits or habit, etc. More specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for avoiding and reducing reading failures caused by vertical deviation of a magnetic card in the swipe groove of a magnetic card reader or an inappropriate swipe speed by presenting the slide operation status to a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-225060 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When an operator manually swipes a magnetic card in the swipe groove of a device, various factors may cause a reading failure by the magnetic card reader. However, although Patent Document 1 can avoid or reduce reading failures caused by vertical shaking of the magnetic card in the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader or an inappropriate swipe speed, the configuration makes it difficult to avoid reading failures caused by other factors. In other words, the magnetic card reader disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot adequately determine whether a reading failure is caused by an operational error by the operator.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a magnetic card reading device, a magnetic card reading method, and a program therefor that solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A magnetic card reading device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a reading unit object detection sensor provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to contact at least one side in the swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from a magnetic card; a bottommost object detection sensor provided at the bottom of the side of the swipe groove, the bottommost object detection sensor being provided near outside the projection range on at least one of the side sides when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are projected vertically onto the bottom of the swipe groove; and a control means for determining whether the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order in which the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottommost object detection sensor detect light blocking / passing by the magnetic card.

[0008] A magnetic card reading device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a reading unit object detection sensor provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to contact at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from a magnetic card; a first object detection sensor provided on a side of the swipe groove at a location where a magnetic card is inserted; and a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side of the swipe groove at a location where a magnetic card is ejected, the sixth object detection sensor being provided so that the distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor in the swipe direction is set to a distance that allows both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe to be detected simultaneously; and control means for determining that the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is correct based on the existence of a period in which the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor detect the magnetic card simultaneously.

[0009] A magnetic card reading method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a magnetic card reading device comprising: a reading unit object detection sensor provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from a magnetic card; and a bottommost object detection sensor provided at the bottom of the side of the swipe groove, the bottommost object detection sensor being provided near outside the projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are projected vertically onto the bottom of the swipe groove, near outside the projection range on at least one of the side sides. In this magnetic card reading device, the order in which the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottommost object detection sensor detect light blocking / passing by the magnetic card is detected, and based on the order of light blocking / passing detection, it is determined whether the angle of the magnetic card relative to the swipe groove is appropriate.

[0010] A program for a magnetic card reading device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a magnetic card reading device comprising a reading unit object detection sensor provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to contact at least one side in the swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from a magnetic card, and a bottommost object detection sensor provided at the bottom of the side of the swipe groove, the bottommost object detection sensor being provided near outside the projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are projected vertically onto the bottom of the swipe groove, near outside the projection range on at least one of the side sides, causes a computer to detect the order of detection of light shading / light passing by the magnetic card by the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottommost object detection sensor, and determine whether the angle of the magnetic card relative to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of detection of light shading / light passing. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the above aspect, it becomes easier to determine whether a reading error is due to an operational error by the author. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a magnetic card reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing the position of an object detection sensor when viewing a swipe groove of a magnetic card reading device from above in one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing the position of an object detection sensor when a cross section of a swipe groove of a magnetic card reading device in one embodiment of the present disclosure is viewed from the side. FIG. [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of detection of an operation error caused by a magnetic card being swiped at an angle relative to the bottom of a swipe groove. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of detection of an operational error caused by swiping a magnetic card in a direction different from the direction in which the magnetic stripe is provided. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of detection of an operational error caused by an inappropriate swiping speed of a magnetic card. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of detection of an operation error caused by a magnetic card being swiped at a position higher than the bottom of the swipe groove. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of detection of an operational error caused by a magnetic card being swiped with a flapping motion within the swipe groove. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a magnetic card reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram showing an operation flow of detecting an operation error by a magnetic card reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a magnetic card reader in an embodiment according to the present disclosure. The magnetic card reader 10 includes a magnetic reader 11, six object detection sensors 1-6, and a controller 12. The magnetic reader 11 reads information recorded on the magnetic stripe from the magnetic stripe of a magnetic card swiped in the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10. The object detection sensors 1-6 are provided in the inner wall of the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10, and detect the magnetic card swiped in the swipe groove. As an example, the object detection sensors 1-6 detect the magnetic card by a function of detecting light blocking / light passing by a magnetic card swiped against the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10. The controller 12 processes data obtained from the magnetic reader 11 and the object detection sensors 1-6, and performs processing to determine whether a reading failure is caused by an operation error. The magnetic reader 11, the object detection sensors 1 to 6, and the control unit 12 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via signal cables.

[0015] The control unit 12 includes a magnetic data processing unit 13, an object detection sensor processing unit 14, and a time measurement processing unit 15. The magnetic data processing unit 13 processes the data obtained by the magnetic reading unit 11. The magnetic data processing unit 13 also judges whether or not there has been a reading failure of the magnetic card based on the processing result of the data obtained by the magnetic reading unit 11. The object detection sensor processing unit 14 judges whether or not the reading failure is due to an operation error by the operator based on the detection signal of the magnetic card obtained by the object detection sensors 1 to 6. The time measurement processing unit 15 measures the time for calculating the operation speed of the magnetic card by the operator based on the detection data by the object detection sensors 3 and 4. The object detection sensor processing unit 14 calculates the operation speed of the magnetic card based on the measurement result of this time, and judges whether or not it is within the allowable range when the magnetic reading unit 11 reads the magnetic data.

[0016] The read data from the magnetic reader 11 is provided to a magnetic data processor 13 via a signal cable. The detection data from the object detection sensors 1 to 6 is provided to an object detection sensor processor 14 via a signal cable. The detection data from the object detection sensors 3 and 4 is also provided to a time measurement processor 15 via a signal cable.

[0017] Next, the positions of the six object detection sensors 1 to 6 will be described. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are diagrams showing the positions of the six object detection sensors 1 to 6 on the side of the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10. FIG. 2 shows the positions of the object detection sensors 1 to 6 when the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10 is viewed from above, and FIG. 3 shows the positions of the object detection sensors 1 to 6 when the cross section of the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10 is viewed from the side. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the reference numeral 30 indicates the swipe direction of the magnetic card, the reference numeral 31 indicates the insertion side of the magnetic card in the swipe groove, and the reference numeral 32 indicates the ejection side of the magnetic card in the swipe groove. The reference numeral 40 indicates the magnetic card, and the reference numeral 41 indicates the magnetic stripe provided on the magnetic card 40 and recording magnetic data. In the example of the present disclosure, when the magnetic card 40 is swiped in the swipe groove, the magnetic stripe 41 is provided on one side of the magnetic card 40 that can be read by the magnetic reader 11. Moreover, reference numeral 20 denotes a cross-sectional portion of the housing of the magnetic card reader 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the object detection sensor 1 is provided on the magnetic card insertion side of the magnetic card reader 10, and the object detection sensor 6 is provided on the magnetic card ejection side of the magnetic card reader 10. The object detection sensors 2 and 5 are provided between the object detection sensors 1 and 6, the object detection sensor 2 is provided closer to the object detection sensor 1, and the object detection sensor 5 is provided closer to the object detection sensor 6. The object detection sensors 1, 2, 5, and 6 are provided at the bottom of the side of the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10. Here, the "bottom" refers to the side of the swipe groove that is in contact with the bottom of the swipe groove. Furthermore, the "bottom" may be a position where the end of the magnetic card 40 on the bottom side of the swipe groove (the bottom end of the magnetic card) of the magnetic card 40 can be detected at the position of the magnetic card 40 in the swipe groove where the magnetic reader 11 can read data from the magnetic stripe even if the magnetic card 40 is swipe while floating above the bottom of the swipe groove.

[0019] The object detection sensors 3 and 4 are provided in contact with the side surface of the magnetic reading unit 11 on the swipe direction side. The object detection sensor 3 is provided on the side surface of the magnetic reading unit 11 on the side where the magnetic card is inserted, and the object detection sensor 4 is provided on the side surface of the magnetic reading unit 11 on the side where the magnetic card is ejected. The magnetic reading unit 11 is provided on a side surface within the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10, approximately in the center of the swipe direction side within the swipe groove, at a position where the magnetic stripe 41 of the magnetic card 40 passes when the magnetic card is swiped along the bottom of the swipe groove.

[0020] The object detection sensors 2 and 5 are provided outside the projection range 42 when the magnetic reader 11 and the object detection sensors 3 and 4 are projected perpendicularly onto the bottom of the swipe groove, but in the vicinity of the projection range 42, and are provided at positions where the magnetic card is detected in the order of the object detection sensors 2, 3, 4, and 5 when the magnetic card is swiped along the bottom of the swipe groove. This is because it is preferable for detecting whether the magnetic card, which will be described later, has been swiped at an angle with respect to the bottom of the wipe groove.

[0021] The object detection sensors 1 and 6 are provided at positions 47a and 47b where the end regions 45a and 45b of the magnetic card 40 can be detected simultaneously. Here, the widths 46a and 46b of the lateral sides of the magnetic card 40 at the end regions 45a and 45b of the magnetic card 40 are shorter than 1 / 2 the length obtained by subtracting the lateral width of the magnetic card 40 from the longitudinal width 44 of the magnetic card 40 so that they are the same. The position 47a of the object detection sensor 1 is preferably near the center of the end region 45a or on the insertion side 31, and the position 47b of the object detection sensor 6 is preferably near the center of the end region 45b or on the ejection side 32. This is because it is preferable when detecting whether the magnetic card has been swiped in the vertical orientation as described later.

[0022] In the following, an example will be described in which the object detection sensors 1 to 6 are configured by a set of a light-emitting element provided on the inner surface of the swipe groove and a light-receiving element provided on the opposite inner surface of the swipe groove. In this case, the object detection sensors 1 to 6 detect the magnetic card by detecting light reception / blocking at the light-receiving element, that is, detecting light passing / blocking by the magnetic card in the object detection sensor. More specifically, the object detection sensors 1 to 6 detect the magnetic card by detecting light blocking, and the object detection sensors 1 to 6 do not detect the magnetic card by detecting light passing.

[0023] The magnetic card reader 10 according to the present disclosure can detect that a failure in reading a magnetic card may be due to the following operational mistakes made by an operator when handling a magnetic card.

[0024] 1) Operation error caused by swiping the magnetic card at an angle to the bottom of the swipe groove 2) An operational error caused by the magnetic card being swiped while held vertically 3) Operational error due to inappropriate swiping speed of magnetic card 4) Operational errors caused by swiping the magnetic card at a position higher than the bottom of the swipe groove 5) Operational errors caused by the magnetic card flapping around in the swipe groove The following describes, with reference to the drawings, how the magnetic card reader 10 according to the present disclosure detects the above five operational errors.

[0025] 4 shows an example of detection of an operation error caused by a magnetic card being swiped at an angle to the bottom of the swipe groove. For example, when a magnetic card is swiped along the bottom surface of the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10, the object detection sensors 1 to 6 detect the light blocking / light passing of the magnetic card in the order of object detection sensor 1, object detection sensor 2, object detection sensor 3, object detection sensor 4, object detection sensor 5, and object detection sensor 6. On the other hand, as in the case of the magnetic card 40a shown in FIG. 4, when the magnetic card is swiped at an angle to the insertion side with respect to the bottom surface of the swipe groove, the object detection sensors 1 to 6 detect the light blocking of the magnetic card 40a in the order of object detection sensor 1, object detection sensor 3, object detection sensor 2, etc., and the object detection sensors 1 to 6 do not detect the magnetic card 40a in the correct order. Furthermore, as in the case of magnetic card 40b, when the magnetic card is swiped at an angle toward the ejection side relative to the bottom surface of the swipe groove, the object detection sensors 1 to 6 detect the passage of light after the magnetic card 40b is blocked by object detection sensor 1, object detection sensor 2, object detection sensor 5, object detection sensor 3, etc., and the object detection sensors 1 to 6 do not detect the passage of light after the magnetic card 40b is blocked in the correct order. In such a case, it can be detected that an operation error is caused by the insertion angle / ejection angle of the magnetic card.

[0026] 5 shows an example of detection of an operational error caused by swiping a magnetic card in a direction different from the direction in which the magnetic stripe is provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when an operator holds a magnetic card 40 vertically and swipes the magnetic card 40 in the swipe groove of a magnetic card reader 10, there is no overlapping period in the detection periods of light blocking by the magnetic card in the object detection sensors 1 and 6. In such a case, it can be detected that the operational error is caused by swiping in a direction different from the direction in which the magnetic stripe is provided on the magnetic card, that is, swiping on the short side of the magnetic card instead of the long side.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows an example of detection of an operation error due to an inappropriate swipe speed of a magnetic card. For example, when a magnetic card is swiped along the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10, the time from detection of light blocking by the magnetic card at the object detection sensor 3 at the position of the magnetic card 40a to detection of light passing after light blocking by the magnetic card at the object detection sensor 4 at the position of the magnetic card 40b is measured. Then, the swipe speed of the magnetic card is calculated based on the time measurement result and the lateral length of the magnetic card. Then, when the calculated swipe speed of the magnetic card is equal to or higher than the upper threshold value or equal to or lower than the lower threshold value, it can be detected that the operation error is due to an inappropriate swipe speed of the magnetic card. Here, it has been described that the time from detection of light blocking by the magnetic card at the object detection sensor 3 at the position of the magnetic card 40a to detection of light passing after light blocking by the magnetic card at the object detection sensor 4 at the position of the magnetic card 40b is measured. In this case, a relatively long time is measured, which is preferable because a more average swipe speed can be obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the swipe speed may be calculated from the measured time from when the object detection sensor 3 detects the magnetic card due to light blocking by the magnetic card to when the object detection sensor 4 detects the light blocking by the magnetic card, and the width of the magnetic reader 11 in the swipe direction. This time measurement may be performed using the object detection sensors 1, 2, 5, and 6 provided at the bottom of the swipe groove, but this is not necessarily preferable because it is easily affected by fluttering when the magnetic card is swiped. However, the use of the object detection sensors 3 and 4 is not limited, and the swipe speed may be measured using any two of the object detection sensors 1 to 6, the interval between the object sensors used, and the width of the magnetic card.

[0028] 7 shows an example of detection of an operation error caused by a magnetic card being swiped at a position higher than the bottom of the swipe groove. For example, if the magnetic card 40 is swiped along the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10 and one or more of the object detection sensors 1, 2, 5, and 6 provided at the bottom of the swipe groove do not detect the magnetic card due to light blocking by the magnetic card, it can be detected that the operation error is caused by the magnetic card being swiped at a position higher than the bottom of the swipe groove.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows an example of detection of an operation error caused by a magnetic card flapping in the swipe groove when swiped. The flapping here means flapping of the magnetic card in a direction perpendicular to the swipe direction. As an example, a case where a magnetic card is swiped along the swipe groove when there is dust or dirt at the bottom of the swipe groove of the magnetic card reader 10 will be described. At the position of the magnetic card 40a, the object detection sensor 5 detects light blocking by the magnetic card. At the position of the magnetic card 40b, the object detection sensor 5 detects light passing due to the magnetic card floating from the bottom. Furthermore, at the position of the magnetic card 40c, the object detection sensor 5 detects light blocking again by the magnetic card, and when the swipe of the magnetic card is completed, the object detection sensor 5 detects light passing again. In this way, if any of the object detection sensors detects light blocking and light passing multiple times during one swipe of the magnetic card, it can be detected as an operation error caused by the magnetic card flapping in the swipe groove when swiping. Note that flapping of the magnetic card in the swipe groove when swiping can also occur due to the operator's operating habits.

[0030] As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, the light blocking / light passing detection results of the object detection sensors 1 to 6 can be used to determine whether or not a magnetic card has been swipe-detected.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the magnetic card reader 10. The control unit 12 of the magnetic card reader 10 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53. The ROM 52 stores computer programs for implementing the functions of the magnetic data processing unit 13, the object detection sensor processing unit 14, and the time measurement processing unit 15 included as functions of the control unit 12. The RAM 53 is used as a work area for temporarily storing data and the like used by the CPU 51 during operation. The magnetic card reader 10 may also include an input / output port 54 for outputting information read from a magnetic card to another device, or for setting the magnetic card reader 10, and the like. These are connected to the magnetic reader 11 and the object detection sensors 1 to 6 by a bus or the like serving as a communication cable. The ROM may also be composed of an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) so that the computer program for implementing the functions of the control unit 12 can be updated.

[0032] Next, the operation of the magnetic card reader 10 will be described using a flowchart. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the magnetic card reader 10 for detecting an operation error. After the magnetic card reader 10 becomes capable of reading a magnetic card, the object detection sensor processing unit 14 monitors whether any of the object detection sensors detects light blocking in order to detect the start of insertion of the magnetic card. Here, when any of the object detection sensors detects light blocking, the object detection sensor processing unit 14 receives detection data related to the detection timing and detection results from each of the object detection sensors 1 to 6.

[0033] If the object detection sensor processing unit 14 detects light blocking by another object detection sensor before the object detection sensor 1 (step S0: No), it determines that the reading failure is due to an operation error in the operation position, and ends the reading state (step S7). On the other hand, if the object detection sensor processing unit 14 detects the insertion of a magnetic card for the first time by the object detection sensor 1 (step S0: Yes), it moves on to judging whether there is an operation error due to the insertion angle of the magnetic card (step S1).

[0034] After the object detection sensor 1 detects the insertion of a magnetic card (step S0: Yes), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 judges whether the light blocking has been detected in the correct order of object detection sensor 1, object detection sensor 2, object detection sensor 3, object detection sensor 4, object detection sensor 5, and object detection sensor 6 in each of the object detection sensors 1 to 6 based on the detection data of the object detection sensors 1 to 6 (step S1). If the light blocking has not been detected in the correct order (step S1: No), it is judged to be an operation error due to the insertion angle of the magnetic card relative to the swipe groove, and the reading state is terminated (step S7). On the other hand, if the light blocking has been detected in the correct order by the object detection sensors 1 to 6 (step S1: Yes), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 monitors whether the magnetic data processing unit 13 has normally read the data of the magnetic card as a result of sensing by the magnetic reading unit 11 (step S2).

[0035] If the data on the magnetic card is read normally (step S2: Yes), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines that the magnetic card has been operated normally and ends the reading state (step S9). On the other hand, if the magnetic card is not read normally, that is, if a reading error occurs (step S2: No), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines whether the operation error is due to the orientation of the magnetic card (step S3).

[0036] If the magnetic card cannot be read correctly (step S2: No), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 judges whether there is a period during which all object detection sensors 1 to 6 simultaneously detect light blocking (step S3). If there is no period during which light blocking is detected simultaneously (step S3: No), it judges that the operation error is due to the card orientation, and ends the reading state (step S7). Note that the object detection sensor processing unit 14 may be configured to judge that the operation error is due to the card orientation and end the reading state (step S7) when there is no period during which light blocking is detected simultaneously by at least object detection sensor 1 and object detection sensor 6.

[0037] If the operation error is not due to the card orientation, the object detection sensor processing unit 14 judges whether the light passage after the light blocking is detected in the correct order of object detection sensor 1, object detection sensor 2, object detection sensor 3, object detection sensor 4, object detection sensor 5, and object detection sensor 6 based on the detection data of the object detection sensors 1 to 6 (step S4). If the light passage after the light blocking is not detected in the correct order (step S4: No), it is judged to be an operation error due to the discharge angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove, and the reading state is terminated (step S7). On the other hand, if the light passage after the light blocking is detected in the correct order by the object detection sensors 1 to 6 (step S4: Yes), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 judges whether the card is flapping during sliding (step S5).

[0038] If the operation error is not due to the discharge angle, the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines whether any of the object detection sensors detects light passage and light blocking multiple times from when object detection sensor 1 detects light blocking until object detection sensor 6 detects light passage after the light blocking (step S5). If there is an object detection sensor that detects light passage and light blocking multiple times (step S5: No), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines that the operation error is due to flapping of the magnetic card during swiping, and ends the reading state (step S7).

[0039] On the other hand, if it is not determined that the operation error is due to flapping of the magnetic card during swiping, the object detection sensor processing unit 14 calculates the swipe speed of the magnetic card based on the measurement result of the time from when the object detection sensor 3 detects the light blocking to when the object detection sensor 4 detects the light passing after the light blocking in the time measurement processing unit 15. If the swipe speed of the magnetic card is not within the allowable range, that is, if the swipe speed is equal to or higher than the upper limit speed or equal to or lower than the acceleration / deceleration speed (step S6: No), the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines that the operation error is due to the operation speed and ends the reading state (step S7). On the other hand, if the swipe speed is within the allowable range (step S6: Yes), it determines that the unit is broken and ends the reading state (step S8).

[0040] In the example of Fig. 10, the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines that an operation error has occurred (step S7) and ends the reading state, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines that the reading failure is due to an operation error, it may notify the operator of the reading failure due to the operation error and the operation error cause so that the operator can recognize it, and may urge the operator to retry the operation. Furthermore, even if the object detection sensor processing unit 14 determines that the unit has failed (step S8), it may urge the operator to retry the operation, and when it determines that the unit has failed (step S8) a predetermined number of times in succession, it may finally determine that the unit has failed (step S8).

[0041] Also, in FIG. 10, after the object detection sensor processing unit 14 detects light blocking by any of the object detection sensors (step S0), it may subsequently determine whether the magnetic card has been read normally (step S2), and if the magnetic card cannot be read normally (step S2: No), it may determine whether there has been an operational error in steps S1 and S3 and onwards.

[0042] As described above, the magnetic card reader 10 of the present disclosure can monitor the causes of multiple operational errors shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 and determine whether or not the reading failure is due to an operational error. In particular, by devising the arrangement of the object detection sensor while also taking into account the position of the magnetic reading unit 11, it becomes possible to detect operational errors in the insertion angle and ejection angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove. In other words, it becomes possible to detect operational errors caused by swiping the magnetic card at an angle. Furthermore, by devising the arrangement of the object detection sensor while taking into account the width of the magnetic card in the direction in which the magnetic stripe is provided, it becomes possible to detect whether or not the card orientation at the time of swiping is appropriate. Therefore, it becomes easier to determine whether or not the reading failure is due to an operational error by the operator.

[0043] In the present disclosure, an example in which the magnetic reader 11 is provided on one side of the inner wall of the swipe groove as shown in Fig. 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic reader 11 may be provided on both sides of the inner wall of the swipe groove. In this case, it becomes possible to read the magnetic card even if the swipe direction of the magnetic card is reversed.

[0044] In addition, although the present disclosure has shown an example in which both the set of object detection sensors 2 and 3 and the set of object detection sensors 4 and 5 are provided, at least one of the sets may be provided. This makes it possible to detect at least one of the operational errors caused by the insertion angle or ejection angle of the magnetic card relative to the swipe groove.

[0045] In addition, although the present disclosure uses a device for reading magnetic cards as an example, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, by applying the technology of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to detect operational errors when swiping a card in a device in which the swiping portion of the card is grooved and the card is swiped manually, or in a terminal equipped with such a device.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure. The magnetic card reader 10 includes a reading unit object detection sensor 61, a bottom object detection sensor 62, and a control unit 63. The reading unit object detection sensor 61 is provided in the swipe groove of the magnetic card and is provided so as to contact at least one side surface in the swipe direction of the magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card. The bottom object detection sensor 62 is provided at the bottom of the side surface of the swipe groove and is provided near the outside of the projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove and near the outside of the projection range on the at least one side surface side. The control unit 63 determines whether the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate or not based on the detection order of the light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card at the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottom object detection sensor.

[0047] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0048] A part or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0049] (Appendix 1) A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; A bottom object detection sensor provided at the bottom of a side of the swipe groove, the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of a projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove, and the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of the projection range on at least one of the side surfaces; A control means for determining whether or not the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of detection of light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card by the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottom object detection sensor; A magnetic card reader comprising:

[0050] (Appendix 2) The control means determines that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card in the reading unit object detection sensor and the lowermost object detection sensor in the order of the swipe direction of the magnetic card. 2. A magnetic card reader as described in claim 1.

[0051] (Appendix 3) the reader object detection sensor is composed of a third object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on the magnetic card insertion side, and a fourth object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on the magnetic card ejection side, the lowermost object detection sensor is composed of a second object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card insertion side outside the projection range, and a fifth object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card ejection side outside the projection range, the control means determines that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by the magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, and the fifth object detection sensor. 10. A magnetic card reader according to claim 1 or 2.

[0052] (Appendix 4) a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion location; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location; Further equipped with The distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor in the swipe direction is set to match the distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor so that both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe can be detected simultaneously; the control means determines that the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is correct based on a period during which at least the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect the magnetic card. 4. A magnetic card reader as described in claim 3.

[0053] (Appendix 5) the control means determines that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by the magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor. 5. A magnetic card reader as described in claim 4.

[0054] (Appendix 6) the control means determines whether or not the operation speed of the magnetic card is appropriate based on a measurement result of a time from when the third object detection sensor detects the magnetic card to when the fourth object detection sensor completes detection of the magnetic card. 6. A magnetic card reader according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

[0055] (Appendix 7) the control means determines that the height of the magnetic card from the bottom of the swipe groove of the magnetic card is appropriate by detecting the magnetic card in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor. 7. A magnetic card reader according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

[0056] (Appendix 8) the control means determines that the magnetic card is not flapping by determining that the magnetic card does not repeatedly block / pass light in any of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor. 8. A magnetic card reader according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

[0057] (Appendix 9) A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion location; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location, the sixth object detection sensor being provided such that the distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor in the swipe direction is such that both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe can be detected simultaneously; a control means for determining that the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is correct based on a period during which the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect the magnetic card; A magnetic card reader comprising:

[0058] (Appendix 11) A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; A magnetic card reading device comprising: a bottom object detection sensor provided at the bottom of a side of the swipe groove, the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of a projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove, and the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of the projection range on at least one of the side surfaces; Detecting the order of light blocking / light passing detection by the magnetic card in the reading unit object detection sensor and the lowermost object detection sensor; and determining whether or not the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of the light blocking / light passing detection. How to read magnetic cards.

[0059] (Appendix 12) and determining that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card in the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottom object detection sensor in the order of the swipe direction of the magnetic card. 12. A magnetic card reading method as described in appendix 11.

[0060] (Appendix 13) the reader object detection sensor is composed of a third object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on the magnetic card insertion side, and a fourth object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on the magnetic card ejection side, the lowermost object detection sensor is composed of a second object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card insertion side outside the projection range, and a fifth object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card ejection side outside the projection range, determining that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by the magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, and the fifth object detection sensor; 13. A magnetic card reading method according to claim 11 or 12.

[0061] (Appendix 14) a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion location; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location; Further equipped with The distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor in the swipe direction is set to match the distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor so that both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe can be detected simultaneously; a period during which at least the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect the magnetic card, the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is determined to be correct; A magnetic card reading method as described in Appendix 13.

[0062] (Appendix 15) determining that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by a magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor; A magnetic card reading method as described in Appendix 14.

[0063] (Appendix 16) determining whether or not the operation speed of the magnetic card is appropriate based on a measurement result of a time from when the third object detection sensor detects the magnetic card to when the fourth object detection sensor completes detection of the magnetic card; A magnetic card reading method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

[0064] (Appendix 17) determining that a height of the magnetic card from a bottom of the swipe groove of the magnetic card is appropriate by detecting the magnetic card in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor; A magnetic card reading method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

[0065] (Appendix 18) determining that the magnetic card is not flapping by detecting that the magnetic card does not repeatedly block / pass light in any one of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor; A magnetic card reading method according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

[0066] (Appendix 19) A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion location; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location, the sixth object detection sensor being provided at a distance in the swipe direction between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor such that both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe can be detected simultaneously; determining whether there is a period during which the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect a magnetic card; when it is determined that there is a period during which the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect a magnetic card, it is determined that the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is correct; A magnetic card reading method in a magnetic card reader.

[0067] (Appendix 21) A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; A magnetic card reading device comprising: a bottom object detection sensor provided at the bottom of a side of the swipe groove, the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of a projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove, and the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of the projection range on at least one of the side surfaces; Detecting the order of light blocking / light passing detection by the magnetic card at the reading unit object detection sensor and the lowermost object detection sensor; and determining whether or not the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of the light blocking / light passing detection. A program for a magnetic card reader that causes a computer to execute the following:

[0068] (Appendix 22) and determining that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card in the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottom object detection sensor in the order of the swipe direction of the magnetic card. 22. A program for a magnetic card reader as described in claim 21, which causes a computer to execute the steps.

[0069] (Appendix 23) the reader object detection sensor is composed of a third object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on the magnetic card insertion side, and a fourth object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on the magnetic card ejection side, the lowermost object detection sensor is composed of a second object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card insertion side outside the projection range, and a fifth object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card ejection side outside the projection range, determining that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by the magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, and the fifth object detection sensor; A program for a magnetic card reader according to claim 21 or 22, which causes a computer to execute the steps.

[0070] (Appendix 24) a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion location; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location; Further equipped with The distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor in the swipe direction is set to match the distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor so that both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe can be detected simultaneously; a period during which at least the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect the magnetic card, the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is determined to be correct; 24. A program for a magnetic card reader as described in appendix 23, which causes a computer to execute the steps.

[0071] (Appendix 25) determining that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by a magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor; A program for a magnetic card reader as described in appendix 24, which causes a computer to execute the steps.

[0072] (Appendix 26) determining whether or not the operation speed of the magnetic card is appropriate based on a measurement result of a time from when the third object detection sensor detects the magnetic card to when the fourth object detection sensor completes detection of the magnetic card; A program for a magnetic card reader according to any one of claims 23 to 25, which causes a computer to execute the steps.

[0073] (Appendix 27) determining that a height of the magnetic card from a bottom of the swipe groove of the magnetic card is appropriate by detecting the magnetic card in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor; A program for a magnetic card reader according to any one of claims 24 to 26, which causes a computer to execute the steps.

[0074] (Appendix 28) determining that the magnetic card is not flapping by detecting that the magnetic card does not repeatedly block / pass light in any one of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor; A program for a magnetic card reader according to any one of claims 24 to 27, which causes a computer to execute the steps.

[0075] (Appendix 29) A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion location; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location, the sixth object detection sensor being provided at a distance in the swipe direction between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor such that both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe can be detected simultaneously; determining whether there is a period during which the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect a magnetic card; when it is determined that there is a period during which the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect a magnetic card, it is determined that the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is correct; A program for a magnetic card reader that causes a computer to execute the following: [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1~6 Object detection sensors 10 Magnetic card reader 11 Magnetic reading unit 12 Control section 13 Magnetic data processing section 14 Object detection sensor processing unit 15 Time measurement processing section 40 Magnetic Cards 61 Reading unit object detection sensor 62 Bottom object detection sensor 63 Control Means

Claims

1. A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; A bottom object detection sensor provided at the bottom of a side of the swipe groove, the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of a projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove, and the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of the projection range on at least one of the side surfaces; a control means for determining whether or not the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of detection of light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card by the reading unit object detection sensor and the bottom object detection sensor; A magnetic card reader comprising:

2. The control means determines that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking / light passing by the magnetic card in the reading unit object detection sensor and the lowermost object detection sensor in the order of swiping direction of the magnetic card.

2. The magnetic card reader according to claim 1.

3. the reader object detection sensor is composed of a third object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on a magnetic card insertion side, and a fourth object detection sensor provided so as to contact a side surface of the magnetic reader on a magnetic card ejection side, the lowermost object detection sensor is composed of a second object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card insertion side outside the projection range, and a fifth object detection sensor provided near a magnetic card ejection side outside the projection range, the control means determines that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by the magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, and the fifth object detection sensor.

3. The magnetic card reader according to claim 2.

4. a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion position; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location; Further equipped with a distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor in a swipe direction is set to a distance that allows both end areas of a magnetic card in a direction of a magnetic stripe to be simultaneously detected; the control means determines that the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is correct based on a period during which at least the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect the magnetic card.

4. The magnetic card reader according to claim 3.

5. the control means determines that the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate by detecting light blocking by a magnetic card and light passing therethrough after the light blocking in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor.

5. A magnetic card reader according to claim 4.

6. the control means determines whether or not the operation speed of the magnetic card is appropriate based on a measurement result of a time from when the third object detection sensor detects the magnetic card to when the fourth object detection sensor completes detection of the magnetic card.

4. The magnetic card reader according to claim 3.

7. the control means determines that a height of the magnetic card from a bottom of the swipe groove of the magnetic card is appropriate by detecting the magnetic card in the order of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor. and / or the control means determines that the magnetic card is not flapping by detecting that the magnetic card does not repeatedly block / pass light in any of the first object detection sensor, the second object detection sensor, the third object detection sensor, the fourth object detection sensor, the fifth object detection sensor, and the sixth object detection sensor.

5. A magnetic card reader according to claim 4.

8. A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; a first object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card insertion position; a sixth object detection sensor provided on a side surface of the swipe groove at a magnetic card ejection location, the sixth object detection sensor being provided such that the distance between the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor in the swipe direction is such that both end areas of the magnetic card in the direction of the magnetic stripe can be detected simultaneously; a control means for determining that the orientation of the magnetic card in the swipe direction is correct based on a period during which the first object detection sensor and the sixth object detection sensor simultaneously detect the magnetic card; A magnetic card reader comprising:

9. A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; A magnetic card reading device comprising: a bottom object detection sensor provided at the bottom of a side of the swipe groove, the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of a projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove, and the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of the projection range on at least one of the side surfaces; Detecting the order of light blocking / light passing detection by the magnetic card in the reading unit object detection sensor and the lowermost object detection sensor; and determining whether or not the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of the light blocking / light passing detection. How to read magnetic cards.

10. A reading unit object detection sensor is provided in a swipe groove of a magnetic card, the reading unit object detection sensor being provided so as to be in contact with at least one side in a swipe direction of a magnetic reading unit that reads data from the magnetic card; A magnetic card reading device comprising: a bottom object detection sensor provided at the bottom of a side of the swipe groove, the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of a projection range when the magnetic reading unit and the reading unit object detection sensor are vertically projected onto the bottom of the swipe groove, and the bottom object detection sensor being provided near the outside of the projection range on at least one of the side surfaces; Detecting the order of light blocking / light passing detection by the magnetic card in the reading unit object detection sensor and the lowermost object detection sensor; and determining whether or not the angle of the magnetic card with respect to the swipe groove is appropriate based on the order of the light blocking / light passing detection. A program for a magnetic card reader that causes a computer to execute the following:

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