JP5692352B2 - Ticketing terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ticket issuing terminal such as a check-in terminal for a user to check in using an aircraft.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, check-in terminals installed at airports and the like have a function of issuing a paper-based air ticket or boarding pass in addition to a check-in function. Recently, however, boarding procedures using mileage cards and mobile phones have become mainstream, and paper-type air tickets and boarding passes are not issued to such users. In addition, when a ticket is issued by a check-in terminal, cash is not handled for a user who makes a settlement with a credit card.

  On the other hand, a check-in terminal operated by the user is generally in a power saving mode when the user is not operating, and is restored from the power saving mode when the user starts the operation. In JP 2000-259894A (Patent Document 1), regarding the function recovery from the energy saving mode of the automatic transaction apparatus, when the user selects a transaction, the cancellation of the energy saving mode is started and the sequence is switched to transport the medium. There is described a technique for starting up a medium conveying means to be performed and allowing a user to input customer information during that time.

  In the case of recovery from the power saving mode, since the recovery processing has been performed for all the functions of the terminal, the power is also turned on for the units related to functions that are not required by the user. Electricity was consumed. Regarding this, in JP 2006-333059 A (Patent Document 2), when a return factor from the energy saving mode is generated regarding the energy saving measures of the composite apparatus, among the various functional units in the energy saving mode state, the return factor is described. A technique is described in which only the corresponding functional means is returned from the energy saving mode to appropriately reduce power consumption.

JP 2000-259894 A JP 2006-333059 A

  However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the effect of shortening the waiting time of the user can be obtained. However, since the sequence is switched, there is a large difference between the normal operation procedure and the operation procedure when returning from the power saving mode. There is a problem of being different. That is, if the operation procedure is different, the convenience for the user may be impaired. In particular, users who are accustomed to the operation with a large number of uses often remember the operation procedure, and can operate without reading the information on the operation screen. If different screens are displayed, the user may be confused.

  In addition, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the user performs a specific operation for determining what function of the composite device is used, the return from the power saving mode is performed. When a user selects a function that takes a long time to return, there is a problem that the user waits until the return.

  A problem to be solved by the present invention is a ticketing terminal operated by a user at a normal time, and a ticketing terminal provided with a power saving unit unit set to a power saving mode when there is no operation by the user. When returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode that can be activated, there is no need to change the operation procedure, and even if the user selects a function that takes a long time to return, the user does not have to wait for the return. It is possible to provide a ticketing terminal.

In order to solve the above problems, the ticketing terminal according to the present invention is connected to a server that holds user information, specifies a user from an electronic medium operated by the user, confirms reservation information, and based on this Whether at least the unit that is in the power saving mode needs to issue a paper medium, whether or not cash processing is required, or whether or not a receipt is issued, and whether or not to return the unit from the power saving mode It is characterized by having a control unit for issuing a paper medium, cash processing or issuing a receipt for the unit determined to be necessary .

  According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, it is determined whether or not boarding pass issuance of the power saving unit unit, whether or not cash processing is required, or whether or not a receipt is issued. A control unit that determines whether or not to return from the power mode is provided, so when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the user selects a function that does not change the operation procedure and that takes time for the user to return. Even so, it is possible to provide a ticketing terminal that does not cause the user to wait until returning.

It is an external view which shows the check-in terminal 1 regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the check-in system regarding 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal structure of the check-in terminal 1 regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the check-in terminal 1 regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows control of the check-in terminal 1 regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the check-in terminal regarding 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which similarly shows operation | movement of a check-in terminal. It is a flowchart which similarly shows operation | movement of a check-in terminal.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the check-in system according to the first embodiment. In the figure, a plurality of check-in terminals 1 as ticket issuing terminals are installed at an airport terminal, a main railway station, or the like, and are used for performing a check-in procedure by a user's operation. A check-in procedure using a paper medium and a check-in procedure using an electronic medium such as a mileage card or a mobile phone are possible. Furthermore, the check-in terminal 1 has a function of issuing a paper medium airline ticket or boarding pass.

  Air tickets used in check-in procedures using paper media have a magnetic section, and data is magnetically recorded. The information described in the air ticket includes personal information such as the customer's name, member information, date and time of arrival and departure of the flight, and the like. During the check-in procedure, the check-in procedure is performed by reading the magnetic part of the air ticket and communicating with the check-in server 3, and boarding data is recorded on the boarding pass. In the case of a check-in procedure using an electronic medium such as a mileage card or a mobile phone, the fact that the check-in procedure has been completed is written on these electronic media. After that, the passenger presents a boarding pass at an inspection gate (not shown), and undergoes a physical magnetic inspection and an X-ray inspection of baggage. Then, boarding data is read from the magnetic part of the boarding pass at the boarding gate and registration of boarding is performed.

  The customer information server 2 stores personal information such as the user's name, mileage club member information, current boarding pass reservation information, and the like. The check-in server 3 receives a reservation information inquiry from the check-in terminal 1 and sends this information to the customer information server 2 to confirm the reservation information. The customer information server 2 confirms whether it is recorded as reservation information, and when it confirms, it answers to the check-in server 3. When confirmation of the reservation information is obtained, the check-in server 3 records the current date and time and the terminal number for specifying the check-in terminal, and responds to the check-in terminal 1. The check-in server 3 further stores information on whether or not a check-in procedure has been performed on the reserved boarding pass, and on which check-in terminal the check-in procedure has been performed.

  The fare server 4 stores fare information corresponding to the date and type of each flight. The distribution server 5 distributes the update module to the plurality of check-in terminals 1 when the program of the check-in terminal 1 is updated. These are connected via a LAN 6.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing the check-in terminal 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the internal configuration of the check-in terminal 1. 3A is an explanatory diagram viewed from the front, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram viewed from the side.

  The operation display unit 11 includes a touch panel screen display unit, displays information for check-in procedures and air ticket sales to the user, and accepts a user's selection input. Further, when the check-in procedure is completed, the operation display unit 11 displays to the user that the check-in procedure has been completed. The status lamp 12 is for informing the user of the state of the check-in terminal 1 by changing the lamp color and lighting timing according to the state of the check-in terminal 1.

  The ticket issuing unit 13 issues an air ticket or boarding pass in the case of a paper medium, and further issues a receipt in the case of a cash transaction. Since the ticket issuing unit 13 has a mechanism for moving the paper medium, it forms a power saving unit that is set to the power saving mode when there is no operation by the user.

  The magnetic card reader unit 14 reads a credit card number or a mileage card number from an electronic medium such as a credit card or a mileage card inserted by a user. The read information is used for a check-in procedure or a ticket issuing procedure under the control of the device control unit 8 described later. Since the magnetic card reader unit 14 does not require a large mechanism portion, it is not set to the power saving mode. The clerk call button 15 is used when a user calls a clerk in a check-in procedure or a ticket issuing procedure.

  The banknote unit 16 and the coin unit 17 are a cash processing unit 26 that performs cash deposit and change by a user in a cash ticketing procedure. The banknote part 16 has a banknote storage part, a banknote conveyance part, and a banknote insertion return port, and the coin part 17 has a coin storage part, a coin conveyance part, and a coin insertion return port. Since the banknote part 16 and the coin part 17 have the mechanism part for the movement of cash, when there is no operation by a user, they comprise the power saving unit part set to a power saving mode.

  The two-dimensional BCR 18 is a barcode reader that reads a two-dimensional barcode on which reservation information is printed by a reservation using a network. The reservation information based on the two-dimensional barcode may be printed on plain paper or downloaded to a mobile phone. The read reservation information is used for a check-in procedure or a ticket issuing procedure under the control of the device control unit 8 described later. Since the two-dimensional BCR 18 does not require a large mechanism portion, it is not set to the power saving mode.

  The non-contact ICRW unit 19 is a non-contact reader / writer for reading a user's credit card number or mileage card number registered in the IC card by the user holding the IC card. The read information is used for a check-in procedure or a ticket issuing procedure under the control of the device control unit 8 described later. Since the non-contact ICRW unit 19 does not require a large mechanism part, it is not set to the power saving mode.

  The numeric keypad 21 is a numeric input key used when the user inputs a password or the like. During operation by the user, the key is configured not to be visible from the outside. The proximity sensor 22 is provided on the front surface of the check-in terminal 1, detects that the user is approaching the check-in terminal 1, and outputs it to the device control unit 8.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the check-in terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. The power supply unit 23 supplies power to each unit of the check-in terminal 1 or cuts off based on the control of the device control unit 8. The network connection unit 25 is connected to the various servers via the LAN 6, and transmits / receives information necessary for air ticket sales and check-in procedures under the control of the device control unit 8. As described above, the cash processing unit 26 includes the banknote unit 16 and the coin unit 17. Other components having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 have the same configuration. The device control unit 8 is connected to each of the above-described units, and controls the operation of each unit according to instructions of a program stored in a storage unit (not shown).

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the control of the check-in terminal 1 relating to the first embodiment. The activation preparation time storage unit 31 stores the preparation time required for returning to the normal mode from the power saving mode by energizing the ticket issuing unit 13 and the cash processing unit 26 as the power saving unit. The preparation time stored in the start preparation time storage unit 31 is read by the return control unit 81. The power saving mode refers to a state in which the rotation of the motor that drives the rotating parts of the conveyor belt and the conveyor roller is stopped. Furthermore, the preparation time means that the conveyance roller or the conveyor belt can be rotated at a stable speed by driving or preparing the drive motor for the conveyance roller or the conveyor belt according to the start preparation signal from the apparatus control unit 8. This is the time until When the normal mode is reached after the preparation time, the ticket issuing unit 13 and the cash processing unit 26 as the power saving unit unit start the operation of issuing a ticket or cash processing by the activation signal of the device control unit 8.

  The return determination unit 32 checks the operation content of the user under the control of the return control unit 81 and determines whether the power saving unit unit needs to be returned. That is, the user's operation content is an attribute and an operation procedure described later of the user.

  The check-in time storage unit 33 stores a minimum time required for the check-in time performed by the user. The check-in time stored by the check-in time storage unit 33 is read by the return control unit 81. Note that the minimum required check-in time refers to a check-in procedure using a paper medium and a check-in procedure using an electronic medium such as a mileage card or a mobile phone. It is the time from when information such as a mileage card number is transmitted via the network connection unit 25 until the reservation information is confirmed and the check-in procedure is received. The return control unit 81 controls the start preparation time storage unit 31, the return determination unit 32, and the check-in time storage unit 33.

6 to 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the check-in terminal according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the check-in terminal according to the first embodiment will be described.
S1: In FIG. 6, when the check-in terminal 1 is activated, the apparatus control unit 8 controls the power supply unit 23 to start the power saving mode for the ticket issuing unit 13 and the cash processing unit 26 as the power saving unit unit.

  S2: When the user operates the touch panel type screen display unit of the operation display unit 11, the device control unit 8 detects this. The screen display section displays “check-in procedure”, “air ticket purchase”, and “others”, and the user selects one of these. Further, when the user holds the non-contact IC card over the non-contact ICRW unit 19, or when the user holds the two-dimensional barcode over the two-dimensional barcode BCR 18, the device control unit 8 detects this.

  S3: The apparatus control unit 8 thereby detects the operation content of the user. If “check-in procedure” is selected, the process proceeds to step 4; if “purchase ticket”, the process proceeds to step 21; if “other”, the process proceeds to step 41. Note that the control unit treats the user as selecting “check-in procedure” when holding the contactless IC card or the two-dimensional barcode.

  S4: When “check-in procedure” is selected, the apparatus control unit 8 is divided into the following two operations. That is, when a non-contact IC card or a two-dimensional bar code is held over by the user, the device control unit 8 controls the non-contact ICRW unit 19 or the two-dimensional bar code BCR 18 so that the credit card number or the mileage card number or Read reservation information. In step 2, when “check-in procedure” is selected by the user from the screen display unit, the device control unit 8 controls the operation display unit 11 to notify the user of a non-contact IC card or two. Prompt to hold a dimensional barcode or insert a mileage card. Further, the user is prompted to input a reservation number using the numeric keypad 21. And the apparatus control part 8 reads a credit card number, a mileage card number, or reservation information.

  S5: The apparatus control unit 8 determines whether the user is a mileage member or the check-in-capable medium held by the user is a paper medium, based on the user reservation information obtained from the user in step 4 Or the user's attribute such as what means this reservation was made by.

  S6: Based on the attribute determined in step 5, the device control unit 8 determines whether or not it is necessary to issue a paper medium air ticket to the current user. When issuing the air ticket, the ticket issuing unit 13 is in the power saving mode. Therefore, the return control unit 81 of the device control unit 8 determines the return of the ticket issuing unit 13 by controlling the return determination unit 32. . It should be noted that “No” is determined when the seat reservation by the Web has been completed, and “Necessary” is determined in other cases.

S7: When it is determined that it is necessary to issue a paper medium air ticket, the apparatus control unit 8 issues a start preparation signal to prepare for starting the air ticket issuing unit 13 in the power saving mode. That is, the apparatus control unit 8 controls the power supply unit 23 to start energization to the ticket issuing unit 13 for the air ticket as the power saving unit unit. Note that the start-up preparation for the power saving unit does not start immediately. That is, the apparatus control unit 8 controls the return control unit 81 to read out the minimum time required for the check-in procedure of the next process from the check-in time storage unit 33 as the next process time storage unit , and further stores the startup preparation time. The preparation time required for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode is read from the unit 31, and the two are compared. For example, when the minimum time required for the check-in procedure of the next process is about 50 seconds and the preparation time required for returning the ticket issuing unit 13 is about 20 seconds, the return control unit 81 sets the return determination unit 32 to By controlling, it is determined that the check-in procedure for the next process is started first, and then the preparation for starting the ticket issuing unit 13 is started about 30 seconds later. It is possible to contribute to power saving by not immediately starting preparations for starting the power saving unit.

S8: The apparatus control unit 8 communicates with the check-in server 3 via the network connection unit 25 and the LAN 6, confirms reservation information, and performs a check-in procedure.
S9: The apparatus control unit 8 issues an activation signal to the ticket issuing unit 13 and performs a ticket issuing operation.
S10: The apparatus control unit 8 displays that the procedure selected by the user has been completed by controlling the operation display unit 11.

  S11: When it is determined in step 6 that it is not necessary to issue a paper medium air ticket, the device control unit 8 communicates with the check-in server 3 via the network connection unit 25 and the LAN 6 to confirm the reservation information. And check-in procedures. When the check-in procedure is completed, the process proceeds to step 10.

  S12: After the check-in procedure is completed, the device control unit 8 controls a clock means (not shown) and measures an elapsed time in an idle state where no operation is performed by the user. If an operation by the user is detected before the elapse of the predetermined elapsed time, the process proceeds to step 2, and if the predetermined elapsed time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 13.

S13: The apparatus control unit 8 controls the cash processing unit 26 and switches to the power saving mode. If the power saving mode is set in advance, the state is continued.
S14: The apparatus control unit 8 controls the ticket issuing unit 13 to switch to the power saving mode. If the power saving mode is set in advance, the state is continued. Then, it progresses to step 1.

  S21 in FIG. 7: When the user selects “Purchase Air Ticket” in Step 3, the device control unit 8 controls the operation display unit 11 to cause the user to perform the air ticket purchase procedure. In other words, the passenger's name, age, gender, date, section, flight number, purchase class, purchase type, number of purchasers, etc., which are information necessary for purchasing the air ticket, are displayed on the operation display unit 11 or the numeric keypad 21 for the user. Prompt for input. If the user is a mileage member, the user is prompted to insert or hold the mileage card.

  S <b> 22: The device control unit 8 controls the network connection unit 25 based on the air ticket purchase information of these users, and communicates with the customer information server 2. As a result of communication with the customer information server 2, the control unit determines whether the user is a mileage member, whether the user has a check-in-capable medium, and if so, what is it The user's attribute of whether or not

  S23: Based on the attribute determined in step 22, the apparatus control unit 8 determines whether or not it is necessary to issue a paper medium air ticket to the current user. When issuing an air ticket, the ticket issuing unit 13 is in the power saving mode. Therefore, the return control unit 81 of the apparatus control unit 8 determines the return of the ticket issuing unit 13 by controlling the return determination unit 32. To do. If the seat reservation by the Web has been completed, it is determined as “No”, otherwise it is determined as “Necessary”.

  S24: When it is determined that it is necessary to issue a paper medium air ticket, the device control unit 8 issues a start preparation signal and prepares for starting the air ticket issuing unit 13 in the power saving mode. That is, the apparatus control unit 8 controls the power supply unit 23 to start energization to the ticket issuing unit 13 for the air ticket as the power saving unit unit. Note that the start-up preparation for the power saving unit does not start immediately. That is, the return control unit 81 of the device control unit 8 reads the minimum time required for the check-in procedure of the next process from the check-in time storage unit 33, and further, from the power-up preparation time storage unit 31 from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Read the preparation time required to return to, and compare the two. For example, when the minimum time required for the check-in procedure of the next process is about 50 seconds and the preparation time required for returning the ticket issuing unit 13 is about 20 seconds, the return control unit 81 sets the return determination unit 32 to By controlling, it is determined that the check-in procedure for the next process is started first, and then the preparation for starting the ticket issuing unit 13 is started about 30 seconds later.

  S25: When the air ticket to be purchased by the user this time is confirmed, the device control unit 8 controls the operation display unit 11, displays the payment method selection screen, and allows the user to select the payment method. If the user has selected cash, the process proceeds to step 26; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 28.

  S26: When it is confirmed in step 25 that the payment method is cash, if the cash processing unit 26 is in the power saving mode, the device control unit 8 controls the power supply unit 23 to serve as a power saving unit unit. The cash processing unit 26 is energized to start preparation for activation.

S27: The apparatus control unit 8 issues an activation signal to the cash processing unit 26, and performs payment processing with cash to the user.
S28: The apparatus control unit 8 communicates with the check-in server 3 via the network connection unit 25 and the LAN 6, confirms reservation information, and performs a check-in procedure.
In step 25, the user who has selected a payment method other than cash is settled in this check-in procedure.

S29: When the check-in procedure is completed, the device control unit 8 issues an activation signal to the ticket issuing unit 13 and performs a ticket issuing operation. Then, it progresses to step 10.
S30: If it is determined in step 23 that it is not necessary to issue a paper medium air ticket, the device control unit 8 controls the operation display unit 11 to display a payment method selection screen, and determines the payment method as a user. To select. If the user selects cash, the process proceeds to step 31; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 33.

  S31: When it is confirmed in step 30 that the payment method is cash, if the cash processing unit 26 is in the power saving mode, the device control unit 8 controls the power supply unit 23 as a power saving unit unit. The cash processing unit 26 is energized to start preparation for activation.

S32: The apparatus control unit 8 issues an activation signal to the cash processing unit 26, and performs payment processing with cash to the user.
S33: The apparatus control unit 8 communicates with the check-in server 3 through the network connection unit 25 and the LAN 6, confirms reservation information, and performs a check-in procedure.
In step 30, payment is made in the check-in procedure for the user who has selected a payment method other than cash. Then, it progresses to step 10.

  S41 in FIG. 8: When the user selects “Others” in Step 3, the device control unit 8 controls the operation display unit 11 to display a detailed procedure item selection screen, which is specific to the user. Encourage the selection of appropriate procedures. If the procedure selected by the user is “issue receipt”, the process proceeds to step 42, and if it is “other procedure”, the process proceeds to step 44.

  S42: When “issue receipt” is selected, if the ticket issuing unit 13 of the receipt is in the power saving mode, the device control unit 8 controls the power supply unit 23 to issue the ticket issuing unit as the power saving unit unit. 13 is energized to start preparation for activation.

S43: After that, the apparatus control unit 8 issues an activation signal to the ticket issuing unit 13 for a receipt, and performs a receipt issuing process for the user. Then, it progresses to step 10.
S44: When “other procedure” is selected in step 41, the apparatus control unit 8 controls each related unit and performs other procedures. Then, it progresses to step 10.

  In steps 26 and 31, preparations for starting the cash processing unit 26 as the power saving unit unit are started, and in the next steps 27 and 32, cash payment processing is immediately performed on the cash processing unit 26. However, if there is another procedure (not shown) in the meantime, the apparatus control unit 8 may perform control so as to delay the start of preparation for activation of the cash processing unit 26. That is, the return control unit 81 of the apparatus control unit 8 reads the preparation time required for the cash processing unit 26 to return from the startup preparation time storage unit 31, and further reads the time required for the procedure (not shown) from the storage unit (not shown). The return control unit 81 controls the return determination unit 32 to compare the two and, when the former is shorter, decides to delay the start of preparation for activation to the cash processing unit 26. This can contribute to power saving.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, a startup preparation time storage unit that stores a preparation time required to enable startup from the power saving mode by energizing the power saving unit unit , and at least necessary in the next step and next step time storage section for storing a time, from the operation content of the user, and determines the necessity of returning the power saving unit section, when a determination of the return, stored in the next step time storage unit Since the control unit for starting energization to the power saving unit unit is provided after being delayed to the start time of the minimum necessary time , the energization to the power saving unit unit is the necessary minimum time, The amount can be greatly reduced. In particular, since a large number of check-in terminals are installed at each airport, the total power reduction amount is large.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Check-in terminal 13 Ticket issuing part 16 Banknote part 17 Coin part 23 Power supply part 31 Startup preparation time memory | storage part

Claims (4)

Connected to the server that holds the user information,
The user is identified from the electronic medium operated by the user and the reservation information is confirmed. Based on this, at least whether the unit is in the power saving mode, whether the paper medium is ticketed, whether cash processing is necessary, or received. Determine whether to issue a certificate, determine whether to return the unit from the power saving mode , and issue a paper ticket, cash processing, or issue a receipt for the unit determined to be required A ticket issuing terminal comprising a control unit. In the ticketing terminal operated from the touch panel type operation display unit, when there is no operation, the ticketing terminal provided with the power saving unit unit set to the power saving mode,
A startup preparation time storage unit for storing a preparation time required to enable startup from the power saving mode by energizing the power saving unit;
Next process time storage unit for storing the minimum required time in the next process,
From the operation content of the operation display unit , it is determined whether or not the power saving unit unit needs to be restored, and when there is a restoration decision, the start time of the minimum necessary time stored in the next process time storage unit is determined. A ticketing terminal characterized by having a control unit that delays and starts energizing the power-saving unit unit. 3. The ticket issuing terminal according to claim 2, wherein the power saving unit is a ticket issuing unit that issues a ticket to a user or a cash processing unit that deposits / withdraws cash to / from the user. Ticketing terminal according to claim 1, wherein the electronic medium is characterized in that it is a mobile phone.

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