Time recorder

A time recorder adapted to be used for printing on a time card having card identification information, said time recorder comprising:

• a card identification unit for identifying the card identification information;
• a printing unit for printing clock in/out information on the time card;
• a recording unit for recording the card identification information and the clock in/out information;
• and
• a control unit;
• wherein where the time card is inserted, the control unit makes inquiries of the card identification information transmitted from the card identification unit and of the card identification information recorded in the recording unit;
• wherein where the inquired card identification information is recorded in the recording unit, the control unit detects immediately previously recorded clock in/out information relative to the card identification information;
• wherein where the immediately previously recorded clock in/out information is clock-in information, the control unit instructs the printing unit to print clock-out information on the same print line as the clock-in information on the time card;
• wherein where the immediately previously recorded clock in/out information is clock-out information, the control unit instructs the printing unit to print clock-in information on a line next to the print line on which the clock-out information has been printed on the time card;
• wherein where the time card on which the clock-out information has been printed on its final print line is inserted, the control unit shifts to a takeover mode;
• and
• wherein where the time card is ejected and then an unused time card is inserted, the control unit updates clock in/out information, which is on the ejected time card and recorded in the recording unit, as clock in/out information relative to the card identification information on the unused time card.