Abstract:
A magnetic recording medium provided with a destructible layer (2) between a substrate (1) and a magnetic recording layer (3). The destructible layer (2) is formed of a low-melting metal, such as tin, lead, or zinc, or its alloy, whose melting point is equal to or lower than that of the substrate (1). Alternatively, the destructible layer (2) can be made of a resin. The destructible layer (2) of the magnetic recording medium is destroyed by some means, including a thermal head, laser, polishing, etc. When the destructible layer (2) is destroyed, the magnetic recording layer (3) is also destroyed simultaneously. When the layer (3) is destroyed, recorded magnetic signals are not able to be rewritten and, therefore, unauthorized use of the magnetic recording medium can be prevented. Instead of the destructible layer (2), a fusing agent (5) may be mixed in the magnetic recording layer (3) to obtain the same effect.
Abstract:
A technique for preventing alteration of a magnetic ROM card. Magnetic signals are recorded on the ROM card through a process in which a magnetic recording layer is formed by applying magnetic coating to the surface of a substrate, magnetic signals are written on the magnetic recording layer while the recording layer is undried, and the written magnetic signals are fixed by drying the recording layer immediately after the magnetic signals are written. The magnetic signals are the signals representing the number of uses. When the magnetic signals are written while the magnetic recording layer is undried, the magnetic signals cannot be erased nor rewritten. Since the magnetic signals are the signals representing the number of uses, this magnetic ROM card is especially suitable for a prepaid card. Therefore, the magnetic ROM card which cannot be altered and falsely used is especially suitable for prepaid cards. It is also possible to fix the magnetic signals recorded on both ends of the magnetic recording layer or to fix one or more intermediate magnetic signals in addition to the magnetic signals at both ends of the magnetic recording layer and not to fix the other magnetic signals.
Abstract:
A method of destroying a magnetic recording layer of a magnetic recording medium, and a magnetic reader/writer capable of destroying the magnetic recording layer. The magnetic reader/writer includes a destruct member for thermally, electrically or mechanically destroying the magnetic recording layer, and is preferably used in combination with a magnetic card having a resin-impregnated recording layer or a magnetic recording medium having a destructible layer between the base and the magnetic recording layer. When the thermal destruct member is applied to such a magnetic card, it is possible to selectively destroy only those portions of the magnetic recording layer which store unnecessary information. The reader/writer having electrical or mechanical destruct member can be used in combination with the special magnetic recording medium described above or the conventional magnetic recording medium. The magnetic recording medium destroyed by this magnetic reader/writer cannot be overwritten any longer, and unauthorized use of the magnetic card can be prevented.