Card issuing device and card issuing method

Abstract

To provide a card issuance device 1 for preventing positional deviation while shortening a time till card issuance.SOLUTION: A card storage part stores a card 4. The card 4 is conveyed on a conveyance path from the card storage part. A conveyance part 11 conveys the card 4 in the conveyance path. A card processing part performs issuance processing of the card 4 conveyed by the conveyance part 11. A third sensor 53 detects the position of the card 4 between a card storage part 2 in the conveyance path and the card processing part. A control part 10 makes the conveyance part 11 convey the card 4 from the card storage part 2 to wait in the conveyance path, and controls the card processing part so as to perform issuance processing after adjusting the position of the card 4 by the third sensor 53 in the case of acquiring a card issuance instruction from a host device 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a card issuing apparatus and a card issuing method for issuing cards.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a card issuing apparatus for issuing a card-shaped medium (hereinafter simply referred to as a "card"). Such a card issuing apparatus includes a card storage unit having a hopper for storing non-issued cards, a card collection box, etc., and a card processing unit for executing card issuing processing. This card processing unit includes a magnetic head of a card reader / writer for writing magnetic information to the card to be issued, a card printer for printing on the card, and the like.

[0003] Such a conventional card issuing apparatus waits for the start of card issuing processing according to an instruction from a higher-level apparatus, then takes out a card from the hopper of the card storage unit and conveys it to the card processing unit. Therefore, the conveyance time of the card becomes long, and it takes time to complete the card issuance.

[0004] Regarding this, referring to Patent Document 1, as a card issuing apparatus for a gaming machine, a card processing apparatus capable of issuing a card normally when there is a purchase operation is described. This apparatus includes a stock unit for storing cards, a conveyance means for conveying cards, and a card access unit for reading and writing information to / from the cards. In preparation for the next card issuance, a card is advanced from the stock unit to an access position directly below the card access unit in advance, and after inspecting the data reading and writing operations, it waits.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when issuing cards at ATMs, the time from transporting the card to the waiting position to the actual issuance was unpredictable. Therefore, simply having the card wait in a predetermined position to shorten the time until card issuance, as in the device described in Patent Document 1, was insufficient because the card's position could shift due to various external factors during the waiting period.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a card issuing device that shortens the time until card issuance while eliminating card misalignment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A card issuing device in one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a card storage unit for storing cards; a transport path for transporting cards from the card storage unit; a transport unit for transporting cards within the transport path; a card processing unit for performing issuance processing on cards transported by the transport unit; a sensor for detecting the position of a card between the card storage unit and the card processing unit within the transport path; and a control unit that transports the card from the card storage unit by the transport unit and has it waiting within the transport path, and when it receives a card issuance instruction from a higher-level device, controls the device to adjust the position of the card using the sensor before allowing the card processing unit to perform the issuance processing. This configuration allows for a reduction in the time required to issue cards while eliminating card misalignment.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a card issuing device characterized in that, when in standby mode, the control unit transports the card by the transport unit until the card is detected by the sensor, and when a card issuance instruction is received, the control unit adjusts the position of the card by transporting it to a position where it is not detected by the sensor. This configuration ensures that even if misalignment occurs, the card positions can be reliably adjusted.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a card issuing device characterized in that, when the control unit receives a card issuance instruction, if the card is not detected by the sensor, the transport unit transports the card so that the card is detected by the sensor. This configuration ensures that even if a misalignment of the card occurs when the card issuance instruction is received, the card's position can be reliably adjusted afterward.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a card issuing device that further comprises a gate sensor for detecting the removal of the card, and the control unit, after the issuance process is completed, if the removal of the card is detected by the gate sensor, has a new card waiting in the transport unit. This configuration allows the next card to be prepared as soon as the current card is no longer in the transport path.

[0012] A card issuance method in one embodiment of the present invention is a card issuance method performed by a card issuance device comprising: a card storage section for storing cards; a transport path for transporting cards from the card storage section; a transport section for transporting cards within the transport path; a card processing section for performing issuance processing on cards transported by the transport section; a sensor for detecting the position of the card between the card storage section and the card processing section within the transport path; and a control unit for controlling the transport of the card, wherein the control unit transports the card from the card storage section via the transport section and has it wait in the transport path, and when it receives a card issuance instruction from a higher-level device, it adjusts the position of the card using the sensor and then has the card processing section perform the issuance processing. This configuration allows for a reduction in the time required to issue cards while eliminating card misalignment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a card issuing device is provided that shortens the time until card issuance and eliminates card misalignment by transporting cards from a card storage unit and having them wait in a transport path, and then adjusting the position of the cards using a sensor before issuing the cards when a card issuance instruction is received from a higher-level device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of the card issuing device of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the card issuing device. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the card transport adjustment and issuance process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of the card transport adjustment and issuance process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] <Embodiment> [Configuration of Card Issuance System X] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example of the configuration in an embodiment of the card issuance system X of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the card issuance system X includes ATMs, kiosk terminals, transportation ticket issuance systems, point card issuance systems for convenience stores, member card issuance systems for retail stores, card issuance / payment systems for amusement machines, entry / exit management systems, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "ATM, etc.").

[0016] First, Figure 1 will explain the system configuration of the card issuance system X. In this embodiment, the card issuing system X is configured such that a higher-level device 3 is connected to a card issuing device 1 equipped with a card storage unit 2. In this embodiment, each of these devices can be connected via USB (Universal Serial Bus), RS-232C, or the like.

[0017] The card issuing device 1 is a device for executing processes related to the issuance of the card 4. The card issuing device 1 may include functions such as, for example, a motor conveyance type card reader / writer device capable of writing (writing) and reading (reading) information to / from the card 4, a printer for printing on the card 4, etc. Also, the card issuing device 1 may be capable of encrypting or decrypting the information to be read or written. Further, the card issuing device 1 is connected to the upper device 3 by, for example, a USB connection method.

[0018] The card storage unit 2 is a device in which the card 4 is stored and the stored card 4 is sent toward the card issuing device 1. A hopper 20, such as a card hopper capable of accumulating a plurality of unused cards 4, is provided. The card storage unit 2 feeds out the card 4 stored inside under the control from the card issuing device 1 to the card issuing device 1 via the conveyance path C (Figure 2) according to the instruction of the upper device 3.

[0019] Furthermore, the card storage unit 2 can drop and collect the card 4 into a collection box 21 provided below the card storage unit 2. The card 4 collected in this collection box 21 is taken out and stored by the administrator of the ATM or the like.

[0020] The upper device 3 is an embedded personal computer (Embedded Personal Computer), factory computer (FC), server, etc. such as an ATM. In the present embodiment, the upper device 3 is provided with a touch panel display or the like operated by the user, controls the card issuing device 1, and gives instructions for settlement and issuance of the card 4.

[0021] Card 4 is a contact or contactless IC card, and / or a magnetic card equipped with a magnetically recordable magnetic stripe. Card 4 is, for example, a rectangular polyvinyl chloride card with a thickness of about 0.7 to 0.8 mm. Card 4 has, for example, a magnetic stripe on which magnetic data is recorded. Card 4 also has, for example, an IC chip embedded in it. Card 4 may have both an IC and a magnetic stripe. Card 4 may also be a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card with a thickness of about 0.18 to 0.36 mm, or a paper card of a predetermined thickness. Card 4 stores user information, monetary value information, etc.

[0022] The card issuance system X of this embodiment may include a contactless IC card reader that reads and writes information to the card 4 without contact, an image reader (scanner) that optically reads photographs, characters, etc., from the surface of the card 4, and a shredder that shreds the collected card 4.

[0023] The control configuration of the card issuing device 1 will be explained in more detail below. The card issuing device 1 mainly consists of a control unit 10, a transport unit 11, a pre-head 12, a shutter mechanism 13, a sensor group 15, and a magnetic head 14.

[0024] The control unit 10 controls the entire card issuing device 1. The control unit 10 is a control calculation means that includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 10 includes non-temporary recording media such as non-volatile ROM (Read Only Memory) and volatile RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0025] Of these, ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores work data and control programs necessary for various operations of the card issuing device 1. ROM may also be a rewritable, non-temporary recording medium such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) or flash memory. RAM is used as a working area when the control unit 10 executes programs stored in ROM. RAM stores temporary data including the detection status of each sensor in the sensor group 15, history data of the processing that the control unit 10 was executing immediately before, and communication data with the host device 3.

[0026] The control unit 10 controls each part of the device by executing processing based on the program and data stored in the ROM.

[0027] The transport unit 11 is a mechanism that transports the card 4 within the transport path C (Figure 2) of the card issuing device 1. Details of the transport unit 11 will be described later.

[0028] The pre-head 12 is a magnetic head, etc., used solely to detect when a user's card other than card 4 is inserted into the card issuing device 1. The pre-head 12 is located inside the card insertion section that constitutes the front end portion of the card issuing device 1. In this embodiment, since the process of issuing and ejecting card 4 stored in the hopper 20 is to be described, the pre-head 12 itself does not need to be used directly.

[0029] The shutter mechanism 13 is a mechanism that drives a shutter member to prevent external dust and foreign matter from entering. The shutter mechanism 13 is located, for example, in the card insertion section of the card issuing device 1. The shutter mechanism 13 moves the shutter member between a closed position that blocks the transport path C and an open position that opens the transport path C, powered by a solenoid (not shown).

[0030] The magnetic head 14 is an example of a card processing unit that performs various processes related to the issuance of the card 4 transported by the transport unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as "card issuance processing"). In other words, this embodiment describes an example in which the card processing unit is the magnetic head 14.

[0031] In this embodiment, the magnetic head 14 contacts and slides against the magnetic stripe formed on the card 4 to write new magnetic data to the magnetic stripe or read recorded magnetic data. For this purpose, the magnetic head 14 is connected to a demodulation IC, which is a demodulation electronic component that demodulates the output analog output signal to generate a digital demodulated signal, and is connected to the control unit 10 via the IC. The magnetic head 14 may also be an encrypted magnetic head that supports encryption of magnetic signals.

[0032] Furthermore, the card issuing device 1 may include a card printer unit as a card processing unit, such as an ink ribbon type thermal transfer printer, an inkjet printer, a dot matrix printer, or an engraving device, which prints on the card 4 in color or black and white. Furthermore, the card issuing device 1 may include, as a card processing unit, an IC contact block for reading and writing IC information of an IC card, an RF (Radio Frequency) antenna or electromagnetic induction antenna and its circuit for reading and writing information to a contactless IC card, etc. Furthermore, the card issuing device 1 may include an image reader as a card processing unit that reads the contents optically inscribed on the card 4.

[0033] The sensor group 15 consists of multiple sensors that detect the position of the card 4 being transported within the card issuing device 1. The sensor group 15 may include, for example, an optical sensor consisting of a light-emitting element (photodiode) and a light-receiving element (photosensor), a piezoelectric sensor that detects the pressure applied when in contact with the card 4, a capacitive sensor that detects the capacitance of the card 4, a physical switch, and the like. By arranging multiple sensors of such a sensor group 15 at varying positions within the transport path C, the position of the card 4 in the transport path C can be detected in detail. The details of the arrangement of each sensor in this sensor group 15 will be described later.

[0034] Next, with reference to the side view configuration in Figure 2, the details and positional relationships of the sensor group 15 of the card issuing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In Figure 2, the X direction is the front-to-back direction of the card issuing device 1, the Z direction is the up-and-down direction of the card issuing device 1, and the Y direction is the left-to-right direction of the card issuing device 1, which is perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-and-down directions. Of the front-to-back directions, the X1 direction (discharge direction) is the front side of the card issuing device 1, and the opposite direction, the X2 direction (retraction, insertion direction), is the back side of the card issuing device 1.

[0035] The card issuing device 1 is mounted on the host device 3 such that its front end is positioned on the front side of the ATM or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, the end of the card 4 that is ejected towards the insertion / extraction port (direction X1) is referred to as the front end, and the end on the card storage section 2 side (direction X2) is referred to as the rear end.

[0036] According to Figure 2, the card issuing device 1 is provided with an insertion / discharge port for inserting and ejecting cards 4. A magnetic head 14, a shutter mechanism 13, and a pre-head 12 are provided from the back to the front of the transport path C formed inside the card issuing device 1, through which cards are transported from the card storage section 2. The magnetic head 14 and the pre-head 12 are positioned to face the transport path C from above and / or below.

[0037] In this embodiment, the transport unit 11 transports the card 4 within a transport path C formed inside it. The transport unit 11 is composed of a transport mechanism such as a motor, pulleys, belt, and rollers. The motor is a drive unit such as a stepping motor that transmits driving force to the pulleys via a drive belt. A rotary encoder (hereinafter simply referred to as an encoder) is mounted on the motor shaft, and the rotational position and speed of the motor shaft can be detected. The pulleys are pulleys or gears that are rotatably supported in the housing of the card issuing device 1. The belt is a power transmission belt made of rubber or elastomer that connects the rollers.

[0038] Furthermore, a transport roller for transporting cards is provided in front of the hopper 20 of the card storage section 2. This makes it possible to send the cards 4 accumulated in the card issuing device 1 one by one into the card issuing device 1 at the front.

[0039] The sensor group 15 is installed in the transport path C, from the front to the back, in the following order: gate sensor 55, first sensor 51, head sensor 54, second sensor 52, and third sensor 53.

[0040] The first sensor 51 is a sensor located near the front roller. In this embodiment, the first sensor 51 is used to determine whether the card 4 has been ejected correctly (whether there is an ejection abnormality) after the card 4 has been written to / read by the magnetic head 14, by detecting the presence or absence of the card 4.

[0041] The second sensor 52 is a sensor located near the rear roller. In this embodiment, the second sensor 52 is used to determine whether the card 4 was transported correctly when the card 4 is being written to or read by the magnetic head 14.

[0042] The third sensor 53 is a sensor that detects the position of the card 4 between the card storage unit 2 and the card processing unit in the transport path C. In other words, the third sensor 53 is located upstream (near) the card processing unit in the transport path C and is a sensor that detects the position of the card 4 being transported along the transport path C. In this embodiment, the third sensor 53 can detect when the card 4 has been transported from the hopper 20 and arrived. In this embodiment, the third sensor 53 is used to adjust the position of the card 4 when it is in standby mode and to detect the completion of the transport of the card 4 to the magnetic head 14.

[0043] The head sensor 54 is a sensor that detects when the leading edge of the card 4 has reached the magnetic head 14. When the head sensor 54 detects the card 4, writing / reading of magnetic data begins.

[0044] The gate sensor 55 is a detection switch or sensor that detects when the card 4, which has passed through the prehead 12, has passed through the shutter of the shutter mechanism 13. The gate sensor 55 may also detect when the card 4 is inserted into or ejected from the insertion / exit port.

[0045] [Card transport adjustment and issuance process] Next, the card transport adjustment and issuance process according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4. This card transport adjustment and issuance process is the process by which the control unit 10 executes the card issuance method according to this embodiment.

[0046] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 controls the transport unit 11 to transport the card 4 from the card storage unit 2 and keep it waiting in the transport path C. Then, when it receives a card issuance instruction from the host device 3, it adjusts the position of the card 4 using the third sensor 53 and then has the card processing unit perform the issuance process. During this adjustment, while waiting, the transport unit 11 transports the card 4 until the third sensor 53 detects the card 4.

[0047] Then, when the control unit 10 receives a card issuance instruction, if the card 4 is not detected by the third sensor 53, it causes the transport unit 11 to transport the card 4 so that the card 4 is detected by the third sensor 53. After this, the control unit 10 adjusts the position of the card 4 by transporting it to a position where it is not detected by the third sensor 53. After the issuance process is completed, if the gate sensor 55 detects that the card 4 has been removed, the control unit 10 places a new card 4a in the transport unit 11 on standby.

[0048] In this embodiment, the card transport adjustment and issuance process is mainly performed by the control unit 10, which works in cooperation with each unit to execute a control program stored in a built-in storage medium using hardware resources. The details of the card transport adjustment and issuance process according to this embodiment will be explained step by step below with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0049] (Step S101) First, the control unit 10 performs the card transport process. The control unit 10 performs initialization processing for the card issuing device 1 and transports the card 4 to the card processing unit. Specifically, the control unit 10 dispenses one card 4 from the hopper 20 of the card storage unit 2, drives the motor of the transport unit 11, and transports the card 4 in the transport path C from the back (X2 direction) to the front (X1 direction) toward the card processing unit of the card issuing device 1.

[0050] (Step S102) Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the card 4 has been detected by the third sensor 53. If the leading edge of the card 4 being transported reaches the third sensor 53, the control unit 10 detects this and determines "Yes". Figure 4(a) shows an example of the state of card 4 in this condition. The control unit 10 determines "No" if the item is still in transit.

[0051] If the answer is Yes, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S103. If the answer is No, the control unit 10 returns the process to step S101 and continues to drive the motor of the transport unit 11 to continue transporting the card 4 from the hopper 20. In other words, the control unit 10 controls the transport unit 11 to continue transporting the card 4 until the card 4 is detected by the third sensor 53.

[0052] (Step S103) If the third sensor 53 detects card 4, the control unit 10 performs a higher-level standby process. The control unit 10 keeps the card 4 in a standby state, with the leading edge of the card 4 still detected by the third sensor 53, after the card 4 has been transported. In this state, the control unit 10 waits for a card issuance instruction from the host device 3.

[0053] (Step S104) Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a card issuance instruction has been received. The control unit 10 determines "Yes" if it has received a card issuance instruction from the host device 3. In all other cases, the control unit 10 determines "No". If the answer is Yes, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S105. If the answer is No, the control unit 10 returns to step S103 and continues to wait for a card issuance instruction from the host device 3.

[0054] (Step S105) When a card issuance instruction is received, the control unit 10 determines whether or not card 4 has been detected by the third sensor 53. If card 4 is detected by the third sensor 53, the control unit 10 determines "Yes". If card 4 is not detected by the third sensor 53, the control unit 10 determines that the position of card 4 has shifted and determines "No". If the answer is Yes, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S107. If the answer is No, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S106.

[0055] (Step S106) If the third sensor 53 does not detect card 4 when a card issuance instruction is received, the control unit 10 performs a misalignment adjustment transport process. Here, it is assumed that a positional shift occurred during standby, causing card 4 to move towards the back. Therefore, the control unit 10 causes the transport unit 11 to transport card 4 so that card 4 can be detected by the third sensor 53. Specifically, the control unit 10 drives the motor of the transport unit 11 to transport card 4 towards the front (X1 direction). However, if card 4 is not detected by the third sensor 53 after a predetermined time, the control unit 10 may determine that a jam has occurred. In this case, the control unit 10 may transport card 4 towards the back (X2 direction) and then repeatedly transport it towards the front (X1 direction), or it may detect an error. After the transport of card 4 begins, the control unit 10 returns to step S105.

[0056] (Step S107) Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the third sensor 53 has detected card 4. The control unit 10 determines "Yes" if the third sensor 53 has detected card 4. The control unit 10 determines "No" when the third sensor 53 no longer detects card 4, that is, when card 4 has been transported to the front and its rear end is no longer detected by the third sensor 53, and determines that the adjustment is complete. Figure 4(b) shows an example of a position where the rear end of card 4 is no longer detected by the third sensor 53.

[0057] If the answer is Yes, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S108. If the answer is No, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S109.

[0058] (Step S108) If the third sensor 53 detects card 4, the control unit 10 performs transport adjustment processing. In this process, when a card issuance instruction is received, the control unit 10 adjusts the position of card 4 by transporting it to a position where it is no longer detected by the third sensor 53. Specifically, the control unit 10 transports card 4 towards the front (X1 direction) until it is no longer detected by the third sensor 53. In other words, the transport unit 11 can fine-tune the position of the waiting card 4 using the third sensor 53. This makes it possible to adjust the position of card 4 to a specific position even if a misalignment occurs.

[0059] (Step S109) If the third sensor 53 no longer detects card 4, the control unit 10 performs the transport adjustment completion process. Here, the control unit 10 fine-tunes the card position based on the position where the rear end of the card 4 is no longer detected by the third sensor 53. Specifically, the control unit 10 rotates the motor of the transport unit 11 so that the card 4 is positioned at a specific location from the position where the card 4 is no longer detected by the third sensor 53, and transports the card 4 within the transport path C. This specific location is the position where the card issuance process is performed normally. In this embodiment, this position may be, for example, a position where the leading edge of the card 4 is directly in front of the magnetic head 14. Here, the control unit 10 may determine this specific location based on the rotation speed of the encoder of the transport unit 11, or it may determine the specific location by detecting the leading edge of the card 4 with the second sensor 52 or the head sensor 54. When card 4 has been transported to this specific position, the control unit 10 determines that card 4 has been successfully transported to the card issuance position and terminates the fine adjustment of the card position.

[0060] (Step S110) Next, the control unit 10 performs card processing execution. The control unit 10 uses the card 4, whose position has been adjusted, to cause the card processing unit to perform the issuance process. Specifically, the control unit 10 causes the card processing unit to execute processing on the card 4. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 uses the magnetic head 14 to write the necessary information to the magnetic stripe of the card 4.

[0061] Alternatively, if the card processing unit is a card printer unit, the control unit 10 prints or embosses the card number and other necessary information onto the card 4. Alternatively, if the card processing unit is an IC contact block, the control unit 10 writes the necessary IC information to the IC of card 4. Similarly, if the card processing unit is an RF antenna or an electromagnetic induction antenna, it activates the contactless IC and writes the necessary IC information to it. Furthermore, if the card processing unit is an image reader, it reads images such as photographs and text that are optically printed on card 4.

[0062] (Step S111) At this point, the control unit 10 performs the card ejection process. After the card issuance is complete, the control unit 10 ejects the processed card 4 to the insertion / discharge port. Specifically, the control unit 10 transports the card 4 toward the front (X1 direction) until it is no longer detected by the first sensor 51. As a result, the card 4 stops with a portion of it protruding from the insertion / exit port. In this state, the user may be notified by display on the display unit of the host device 3, or by voice, that "card issuance is complete, please remove card 4 from the insertion / exit port."

[0063] (Step S112) Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not it has detected the removal of card 4. The control unit 10 determines "Yes" if card 4 at the gate is removed by the user and the removal of card 4 is detected by the gate sensor 55. Figure 4(c) shows the state where the rear end of card 4 is no longer detected by the gate.

[0064] The control unit 10 determines "No" in all other cases. Here, the control unit 10 may, for example, determine that the card 4 has not been ejected if the gate sensor 55 continues to detect the card 4 even after a predetermined time, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes has elapsed. If the answer is Yes, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S113. If the answer is No, the control unit 10 returns to step S111 and continues the card ejection process.

[0065] (Step S113) If removal is detected, the control unit 10 performs the new card transport process. The control unit 10 dispenses a new card 4a from the hopper 20 and places it in the transport path C. The control unit 10 may perform this in the same manner as the card transport process in step S101 described above. The card transport adjustment and issuance process according to the embodiment of the present invention is now complete.

[0066] [Main effects of this embodiment] By configuring it as described above, the following effects can be obtained. Conventionally, in devices such as the one described in Patent Document 1, the card was transported to a position prepared for issuance in advance in order to check for any abnormalities in the card before the issuance process. However, when cards were transported to a waiting position in advance in preparation for issuance, the time between transporting the cards to the waiting position and actual issuance was unpredictable. As a result, the position of the cards within the transport path could shift due to various external factors during the waiting period. If the card issuance process was carried out with the cards in such a shifted position, there was a possibility of abnormal termination.

[0067] In contrast, the card issuing device 1 according to this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a card storage unit 2 in which a card 4 is stored; a transport path C through which the card 4 is transported from the card storage unit 2; a transport unit 11 that transports the card 4 within the transport path C; a card processing unit that performs the issuance processing of the card 4 transported by the transport unit 11; a third sensor 53 that detects the position of the card 4 between the card storage unit 2 and the card processing unit within the transport path C; and a control unit 10 that transports the card 4 from the card storage unit 2 by the transport unit 11 and has it waiting within the transport path C, and when it receives a card issuance instruction from a higher-level device 3, it controls the card processing unit to adjust the position of the card 4 using the third sensor 53 before performing the issuance processing.

[0068] With this configuration, once the issuance of the previous card 4 is complete, the control unit 10 controls the drive unit of the transport unit 11 to transport the next card 4 to be issued to the card processing unit. Then, when an instruction to issue a card is received from the host device 3, the sensor adjusts the position of the card 4 before executing the issuance process. This shortens the issuance time for the card 4 and prevents misalignment even if the next card 4 to be issued is transported to the card processing unit in advance and is waiting. This prevents abnormal termination due to misalignment of the card 4, and suppresses disruptions to the card issuance process.

[0069] Specifically, since card 4 is transported to the card processing unit at the start of the card issuance process, the time until card 4 is issued can be shortened. In other words, the time from when the user instructs the start of issuance from the host device 3 until card 4 is ejected from the insertion / exit port can be shortened. Furthermore, since the position of card 4 is precisely adjusted immediately before the card issuance process, even if the card's position shifts due to external factors while waiting for the card issuance process to complete, card 4 can be reliably moved to a specific position, preventing misalignment. Therefore, card 4 can be issued without the card issuance process terminating abnormally.

[0070] In the card issuing device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 10, when in standby mode, transports the card 4 by the transport unit 11 until the card 4 is detected by the third sensor 53, and when a card issuance instruction is received, adjusts the position of the card 4 by transporting it to a position where it is no longer detected by the third sensor 53. This configuration ensures that the position of card 4 can be reliably adjusted even if misalignment occurs. Specifically, by determining the position of card 4 based on the third sensor 53 that detects card 4 transported from hopper 20 into transport path C, it becomes possible to precisely adjust the position of card 4.

[0071] In the card issuing device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 10 is characterized in that, when a card is issued, if the card 4 is not detected by the third sensor 53, the transport unit 11 transports the card 4 so that the card 4 is detected by the third sensor 53. This configuration allows for precise adjustment of card position even if card 4 is misaligned when the card issuance instruction is received. By transporting the card to the standby position, it becomes possible to reliably adjust its position afterward. This enables more accurate adjustment of card 4's position.

[0072] The card issuing device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a gate sensor 55 for detecting the removal of a card 4, and the control unit 10, after the issuance process is completed, if the removal of a card 4 is detected by the gate sensor 55, has a new card 4a waiting in the transport unit 11. This configuration ensures that the next card 4a is prepared immediately the moment card 4 is no longer in the transport path C. As a result, the waiting time for issuing the next card 4a is reduced, and the time to issue a card is minimized.

[0073] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, it is stated that card 4 must always be kept in standby mode before the start of issuance from the higher-level device 3. However, the card 4 may be transported from the hopper 20 into the transport path C only after the higher-level device 3 detects that it is issuing the card 4. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to reduce waiting time and suppress positional errors that occur during waiting time.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the card issuing device 1 did not describe in detail how to read the user's card 4 from an external source. However, the card issuing device 1 may also be configured to function as a regular card reader. In this case, the device may wait until it detects that a card issuing process is to be performed, rather than a card reading process, before dispensing card 4 from the hopper 20 and putting it into standby mode. Alternatively, the higher-level device 3 may wait until it detects that it has received a command related to card issuance, before putting card 4 into standby mode. Furthermore, the device may wait until the third sensor 53 detects that the user's card 4 has been collected in the collection box 21, before dispensing a new card 4 from the hopper 20 and putting it into standby mode. This configuration allows the card issuing device 1 to read and retrieve the user's card 4 more quickly, and also prevents misalignment.

[0075] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment did not provide detailed information on retrieving the waiting card 4. However, it may be possible to return the waiting card 4 to the retrieval box 21 or card storage unit 2 based on instructions from the higher-level device 3 or a specific trigger. This ensures that, for example, when the card issuing device 1 is shut down or undergoes maintenance, the unissued cards 4 do not remain in the transport path C, thereby improving security and maintainability.

[0076] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment also included an example in which positional displacement is not detected. However, the system may also be equipped with vibration sensors and acceleration sensors, and if these sensors detect shaking of the enclosure, it may be detected that a positional misalignment has occurred. In this case, if the system is in standby mode, it may be configured to perform positional adjustments. This configuration shortens the time required to adjust for positional misalignment when issuing card 4, allowing for faster card issuance processing. In other words, even if vibration causes card 4 to be undetected by the third sensor 53, ensuring that it is detected beforehand allows for quicker adjustment of card 4's position. Alternatively, since it becomes unnecessary to wait for a card issuance instruction before adjusting the positional misalignment, the card issuance process for card 4 can be executed even faster.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may be configured to constantly monitor the signal from the third sensor 53 while in standby mode and make adjustments when the card 4 is no longer detected. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may be configured to adjust the position of the card 4 at predetermined time intervals while in standby mode. For example, the control unit 10 may make adjustments every few seconds to a few minutes as predetermined time intervals. In this case, for example, while waiting for a card issuance instruction to be received, the control unit 10 may first transport the card 4 to the back (X2 direction) by the transport unit 11 so that it is not detected by the third sensor 53, and then transport the card 4 again to the front (X1 direction) until it is detected by the third sensor 53. This makes it possible to prevent misalignment and the magnitude of misalignment from increasing. As a result, more precise positioning of card 4 becomes possible.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may be configured to adjust the position of card 4 even if a positional shift occurs after standby, causing card 4 to move towards the front and the magnetic head 14 to detect a signal. In this case, the control unit 10 may adjust the position by first transporting card 4 towards the back (X2 direction) using the transport unit 11 so that the rear end of card 4 is detected, and then transporting card 4 towards the front (X1 direction) until it is no longer detected by the third sensor 53.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration including a gate sensor 55 was explained. However, the prehead 12 may detect the card 4 instead of the gate sensor 55. In this case, the control unit 10 can determine that the card 4 has been removed when the magnetic signal of the card 4 is no longer detected, or when a signal corresponding to the position of the trailing end of the magnetic stripe is detected.

[0080] Furthermore, after receiving a card issuance instruction from the higher-level device 3 after standby, the control unit 10 may calculate the average distance and standard deviation of the positional deviation from the transport distance of the card 4 when the position adjustment is performed. This distance may also be calculated by detecting the number of rotations of the encoder until it is no longer detected by the third sensor 53 during the transport adjustment process of the card 4. If the average distance and standard deviation of the positional deviation have deviated from this average, an alert may be sent to the administrator of the card issuing device 1 regarding the need for maintenance or the possibility that the housing of the card issuing device 1 may have been shaken or otherwise disturbed. This configuration allows for faster card issuance and reduced misalignment, as well as improved maintainability and security.

[0081] It goes without saying that the configuration and operation of the above embodiment are examples and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Card issuing device 2 Card storage compartments 3. Higher-level equipment 4, 4a Card 10 Control Unit 11 Conveying section 12 Prehead 13. Shutter mechanism 14 Magnetic Heads 15 Sensor Groups 20 Hoppers 21 Collection Box 51 First Sensor 52 Second Sensor 53 Third Sensor 54 Head Sensor 55 Gate Sensor C Conveyor path X Card Issuance System

Claims

1. A card storage compartment where cards are stored, A transport path through which the card is transported from the card storage section, A transport unit that transports the card within the transport path, A card processing unit that performs issuance processing on the card transported by the transport unit, Between the card storage section and the card processing section in the transport path, a sensor for detecting the position of the card is provided. The system includes a transport unit that transports the card from the card storage unit and places it in the transport path, and a control unit that, upon receiving a card issuance instruction from a higher-level device, adjusts the position of the card using the sensor and then controls the card processing unit to perform the issuance process. A card issuing device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, During standby, the transport unit transports the card until the card is detected by the sensor. When the card issuance instruction is received, the position of the card is adjusted by transporting it to a position where it is not detected by the sensor. The card issuing device according to feature 1.

3. The control unit, If the card is not detected by the sensor when the card issuance instruction is obtained, the transport unit will transport the card so that the card is detected by the sensor. The card issuing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further includes a gate sensor that detects the removal of the aforementioned card, The control unit, After the issuance process is completed, if the gate sensor detects that the card has been removed, a new card is placed in the transport unit to wait. A card issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A card storage compartment where cards are stored, A transport path through which the card is transported from the card storage section, A transport unit that transports the card within the transport path, A card processing unit that performs issuance processing on the card transported by the transport unit, Between the card storage section and the card processing section in the transport path, a sensor for detecting the position of the card is provided. A card issuing method performed by a card issuing device comprising a control unit that controls the transport of the card, wherein the control unit controls the transport of the card, The transport unit transports the card from the card storage unit and places it in the transport path. When a card issuance instruction is received from a higher-level device, the sensor adjusts the position of the card, and then the card processing unit performs the issuance process. A method for issuing cards characterized by the following features.

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