JP7615010B2 - Customer ticket processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a customer ticket processing device.

Traditionally, ticket processing devices that issue and process transportation (e.g., railway) tickets (magnetic tickets, IC (Integrated Circuit) cards, etc.) include ticket processing devices for staff (counter processing machines) and ticket processing devices for customers (passengers) (ticket issuing machines, fare adjustment machines, charging machines, etc.). Separate application software is developed for the ticket processing devices for staff and the ticket processing devices for customers.

Since ticket processing devices for staff and for customers have many common functions, it would be beneficial to streamline the development of application software.

The objective of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a customer-use ticket processing device that can make application software development more efficient by utilizing application software from a ticket processing device for staff.

The customer ticket processing device of the embodiment includes hardware for issuing and processing transportation tickets, a storage unit that stores counter processing machine software, which is application software for a counter processing machine operated by a transportation facility attendant, and screen display software, which is application software for displaying a customer operation screen on a display unit, an input data conversion unit that converts customer input data, which is data output by the screen display software based on operations by a customer on the customer operation screen, into the data format of the counter processing machine software and outputs the converted input data to the counter processing machine software, and an output data conversion unit that converts output data, which is data calculated and output by the counter processing machine software based on the converted input data, into the data format of the screen display software and outputs the converted output data to the screen display software.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a ticket issuing machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the ticket issuing machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of data conversion in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process in the ticket issuing machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of processing by the ticket issuing machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of processing by the settlement machine of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of processing by the charging machine of the third embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is an external view of a ticket issuing machine 1 (an example of a ticket processing device for railway (an example of a public transport) customers) of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the ticket issuing machine 1 of the first embodiment. The ticket issuing machine 1 includes a housing 2. A banknote insertion/ejection section 4, a coin insertion/ejection slot 5, a coin ejection slot 6, a media insertion/ejection slot 7, a ticket ejection slot 8, and a display section 60 are provided on the front portion F of the housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ticket issuing machine 1 includes a cash processing device 10, a magnetic ticket issuing device 20, an IC card issuing device 30, an IC card processing device 40, a communication unit 50, a display unit 60, a memory unit 70, and a processing unit 80. The magnetic ticket issuing device 20, the IC card issuing device 30, and the IC card processing device 40 are examples of hardware that issues and processes passenger tickets. In addition, the units of a counter processing machine for attendants can be rearranged and used as all or part of the units inside the housing 2 of the ticket issuing machine 1.

The cash processing device 10 is a device that transports and counts bills inserted through the bill insertion/ejection section 4 and coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 5.

Based on the control of the control unit 81 in the processing unit 80, the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 stores information in the magnetic stripe of a magnetic ticket (boarding ticket) stored in a storage unit (not shown) and ejects the magnetic ticket from the ticket ejection port 8. The magnetic ticket issuing device 20 also has a receipt issuing function. Note that a receipt issuing device may be provided separately.

Based on the control of the control unit 81, the IC card issuing device 30 stores information in an IC card stored in a storage unit (not shown) and ejects the IC card from the medium insertion/ejection port 7.

The IC card processing device 40 has a communication unit and an antenna. Based on the control of the control unit 81, the IC card processing device 40 communicates with the IC card inserted through the medium insertion/ejection slot 7 to read information stored in the IC card. Also, based on the control of the control unit 81, the IC card processing device 40 writes information to the IC card.

The communication unit 50 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices.

The display unit 60 is a touch panel that has both input and display functions. The display unit 60 displays information under the control of the control unit 81, and when a touch operation is performed, detects the touch position and outputs it to the control unit 81.

The storage unit 70 is a means for storing various information. The storage unit 70 is realized by, for example, non-volatile storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and volatile storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and registers. In addition to storing the programs executed by the processing unit 80, the storage unit 70 also stores screen display software 71, ticket processing machine software 72, data conversion program 73, ticket data 74, and setting data 75.

The screen display software 71 is application software for displaying a customer operation screen on the display unit 60.

Ticket processing machine software 72 is application software for ticket processing machines operated by railway staff.

The data conversion program 73 is a program used by the input data conversion unit 82 and the output data conversion unit 83.

The ticket data 74 is various data related to tickets (regular ticket data, special ticket data, express ticket data, etc.).

Setting data 75 is various setting data (installation station, etc.).

The processing unit 80 is realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in the storage unit 70. The processing unit 80 may also be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The processing unit 80 may also be realized by a combination of software and hardware. The processing unit 80 includes a control unit 81, an input data conversion unit 82, and an output data conversion unit 83.

The control unit 81 executes various controls. For example, the control unit 81 receives the counting results of the cash (banknotes, coins) inserted by the customer from the cash processing device 10. The control unit 81 also controls the cash processing device 10 to eject the change (banknotes, coins) after various calculations from the banknote insertion and ejection unit 4 and the coin ejection port 6.

The control unit 81 also determines the display content of the display unit 60 (e.g., a selection screen for ticket fares, etc.) and causes the display unit 60 to display it.

Here, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of data conversion in the first embodiment. Based on the data conversion program 73, the input data conversion unit 82 converts customer input data, which is data output by the screen display software 71 based on operations by the customer on the customer operation screen, into the data format of the counter processing machine software 72, and outputs the converted input data to the counter processing machine software 72 (S1 to S3 in FIG. 3).

In addition, when the input data conversion unit 82 converts the customer input data into converted input data, it applies preset values (default values) to items that are not in the customer input data but are in the converted input data (described later in FIG. 5).

Based on the data conversion program 73, the output data conversion unit 83 converts the output data, which is data calculated and output by the counter processing machine software 72 based on the converted input data, into the data format of the screen display software 71 and outputs the converted output data to the screen display software 71 (S4 to S6 in Figure 3).

In addition, when the output data conversion unit 83 converts the output data into converted output data, it applies preset values (default values) to items that are not in the output data but are in the converted output data (described later in FIG. 5).

In other words, because the counter processing machine for clerks and the ticket issuing machine 1 for customers have many common functions, the counter processing machine software 72 is used, and for the differences in functions, the input data conversion unit 82 and the output data conversion unit 83 make adjustments such as complementing the information.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing in the ticket issuing machine 1 of the first embodiment. In step S41, the control unit 81 displays a screen on the display unit 60 based on the screen display software 71.

Next, in step S42, the control unit 81 acquires screen operation information (customer input data) by the customer.

Next, in step S43, the input data conversion unit 82 converts the customer input data into the data format of the counter processing machine software 72 based on the data conversion program 73, and outputs the converted input data to the counter processing machine software 72. At that time, the input data conversion unit 82 applies a preset value (default value) to items that are not in the customer input data but are in the converted input data.

Next, in step S44, the control unit 81 performs calculations based on the counter processing machine software 72 and outputs output data.

Next, in step S45, the output data conversion unit 83 converts the output data into the data format of the screen display software 71 based on the data conversion program 73, and outputs the converted output data to the screen display software 71. At that time, the output data conversion unit 83 applies a preset value (default value) to items that are not in the output data but are in the converted output data.

Next, in step S46, the control unit 81 displays the screen on the display unit 60 based on the converted output data and the screen display software 71.

Next, in step S47, the control unit 81 determines whether or not to end the process. If the answer is Yes, the process ends, and if the answer is No, the process returns to step S42.

Next, a specific example of processing by the ticket issuing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of processing by the ticket issuing machine 1 of the first embodiment.

Furthermore, in the following, for the sake of simplicity, for example, when the control unit 81 operates based on the screen display software 71, the screen display software 71 will be described as the subject of operation. The same applies to the counter processing machine software 72. Furthermore, when the counter processing machine software 72 or the data conversion program 73 operates based on the data conversion program 73, the data conversion program 73 will be described as the subject of operation. Furthermore, when the control unit 81 controls the magnetic ticket issuing device 20, the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 will be described as the subject of operation. The same applies to the cash processing device 10, the IC card issuing device 30, and the IC card processing device 40. Furthermore, the station where the ticket issuing machine 1 is installed is referred to as "Station A".

First, the passenger 100 operates the "One-way ticket" and "160 yen" button on the display unit 60 (S101). Then, the screen display software 71 sends the operation information (customer input data) for "One-way ticket" and "160 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S102).

Next, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the purchase information (converted input data) for "160 yen ticket from Station A" to the counter processing machine software 72 (S103). Note that "from Station A" in this "160 yen ticket from Station A" is an item that is not in the customer input data but is in the converted input data, and is information that has been applied (added) by the input data conversion unit 82.

Next, the passenger 100 inserts "200 yen" (S104). The cash processing device 10 then sends the insertion information of "200 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S105). Next, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the insertion information of "200 yen" to the counter processing machine software 72 (S106).

Next, the counter processing software 72 sends the ticket issuance information (output data) for the "160 yen ticket from Station A" to the data conversion program 73 (S107). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the ticket issuance information for the "160 yen ticket from Station A" to the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 (S108). Next, the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 issues the "160 yen ticket from Station A" (S109).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the payout information (output data) of the "40 yen change" to the data conversion program 73 (S110). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the payout information of the "40 yen change" to the cash processing device 10 (S111). Next, the cash processing device 10 pays out 40 yen (S112).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the display information (output data) of "Deposit amount 200 yen, purchase amount 160 yen, change 40 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S113). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the display information of "Deposit amount 200 yen, purchase amount 160 yen, change 40 yen" to the screen display software 71 (S114). Next, the screen display software 71 displays the information of "Deposit amount 200 yen, purchase amount 160 yen, change 40 yen" on the display unit 60 (S115).

Next, the counter processing software 72 sends the "receipt" issuance information (output data) to the data conversion program 73 (S116). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the "receipt" button display information to the screen display software 71 (S117). Note that the "receipt" button display information corresponding to the "receipt" issuance information is an item that is not in the output data but is in the converted output data, and is information that has been applied (added) by the output data conversion unit 83. Next, the screen display software 71 displays the "receipt" button on the display unit 60 (S118).

Next, the passenger 100 operates the "receipt" button on the display unit 60 (S119). In response, the screen display software 71 sends "receipt" button operation information to the data conversion program 73 (S120).

Here, since there is no need to send the "receipt" button operation information to the counter processing machine software 72, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the "receipt" issuance information to the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 (S121). Next, the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 issues a "receipt" (S122).

In this way, according to the ticket issuing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the development of application software can be made more efficient by using the counter processing machine software 72. In other words, it is no longer necessary to develop all of the application software for the ticket issuing machine 1, and it is only necessary to develop the screen display software 71 and data conversion program 73, which require little development effort, thereby realizing a reduction in development costs (implementation costs).

In addition, by rearranging the units of a teller processing machine for staff to use as all or part of the units inside the housing 2 of the ticket issuing machine 1, maintenance costs and operational costs (staff training, etc.) can be reduced.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the ticket issuing machine 1 is used as an example of a ticket processing device for customers, but in the second embodiment, a fare adjustment machine is used as an example. Since the counter processing machine for attendants and the fare adjustment machine for customers have many common functions, the use of the counter processing machine software 72 can make the development of application software for the fare adjustment machine more efficient.

Explanations of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted. For example, the screen display software 71, counter processing machine software 72, data conversion program 73, input data conversion unit 82, output data conversion unit 83, cash processing device 10, magnetic ticket issuing device 20, etc. in FIG. 2 are similar, so only a specific example of processing by the settlement machine will be explained. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of processing by the settlement machine of the second embodiment. Note that the station where the ticket issuing machine 1 is installed is defined as "Station A," and a case will be explained in which a passenger 100 who boards at Station B gets off at Station A and settles the fare.

First, passenger 100 inserts a magnetic ticket for "140 yen from Station B" into the fare adjustment machine (S201). Then, the control unit 81 sends the information of "magnetic ticket for 140 yen from Station B" read by a magnetic reader (not shown) to the data conversion program 73 (S202).

Next, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the exit settlement information (converted input data) of "140 yen magnetic ticket from Station B to Station A" to the counter processing machine software 72 (S203). Note that "to Station A" in "140 yen magnetic ticket from Station B to Station A" is an item that is not in the customer input data but is in the converted input data, and is information that has been applied (added) by the input data conversion unit 82.

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the settlement amount display information (output data) of "20 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S204). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the settlement amount display information of "20 yen" to the screen display software 71 (S205). Next, the screen display software 71 displays the settlement amount information of "20 yen" on the display unit 60 (S206).

Next, the passenger 100 inserts "100 yen" (S207). The cash processing device 10 then sends the insertion information of "100 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S208). Next, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the insertion information of "100 yen" to the counter processing machine software 72 (S209).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the issuance information (output data) of the "fare adjustment ticket" to the data conversion program 73 (S210). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the issuance information of the "fare adjustment ticket" to the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 (S211). Next, the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 issues the "fare adjustment ticket" (S212).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the payout information (output data) of the "80 yen change" to the data conversion program 73 (S213). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the payout information of the "80 yen change" to the cash processing device 10 (S214). Next, the cash processing device 10 pays out 80 yen (S215).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the display information (output data) of "Deposit amount 100 yen, settlement amount 20 yen, change 80 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S216). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the display information of "Deposit amount 100 yen, settlement amount 20 yen, change 80 yen" to the screen display software 71 (S217). Next, the screen display software 71 displays the information of "Deposit amount 100 yen, settlement amount 20 yen, change 80 yen" on the display unit 60 (S218).

Next, the counter processing software 72 sends "receipt" issuance information (output data) to the data conversion program 73 (S219). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends "receipt" button display information to the screen display software 71 (S220). Note that the "receipt" button display information corresponding to the "receipt" issuance information is an item that is not in the output data but is in the converted output data, and is applied by the output data conversion unit 83. Next, the screen display software 71 displays the "receipt" button on the display unit 60 (S221).

Next, the passenger 100 operates the "receipt" button on the display unit 60 (S222). The screen display software 71 then sends the "receipt" button operation information to the data conversion program 73 (S223).

Here, since there is no need to send the "receipt" button operation information to the counter processing machine software 72, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the "receipt" issuance information to the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 (S224). Next, the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 issues a "receipt" (S225).

In this way, according to the settlement machine of the second embodiment, like the ticket issuing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the development of application software can be made more efficient by using the counter processing machine software 72.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a charge machine is taken as an example. Since the counter processing machine for attendants and the charge machine for customers have many common functions, the use of the counter processing machine software 72 can make the development of the application software for the charge machine more efficient.

Explanations of matters similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted. For example, the screen display software 71, counter processing machine software 72, data conversion program 73, input data conversion unit 82, output data conversion unit 83, cash processing device 10, magnetic ticket issuing device 20, IC card processing device 40, etc. in FIG. 2 are similar, so only specific examples of processing by the charge machine will be explained. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a specific example of processing by the charge machine in the third embodiment.

First, the passenger 100 operates the "charge" button on the display unit 60 (S301). Then, the screen display software 71 sends the operation information of the "charge" button to the data conversion program 73 (S302).

Next, the passenger 100 inserts the IC card (S303). The IC card processing device 40 then sends IC card insertion information to the data conversion program 73 (S304). Next, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends IC card charge processing request information to the counter processing machine software 72 (S305). Note that the charge processing request information corresponding to this IC card insertion is an item that is not in the customer input data but is in the converted input data, and has been applied by the input data conversion unit 82.

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends charge amount input request information (output data) to the data conversion program 73 (S306). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends charge amount selection screen display information to the screen display software 71 (S307). Note that the charge amount selection screen display information corresponding to the charge amount input request information is an item that is not in the output data but is in the converted output data, and has been applied by the output data conversion unit 83. Next, the screen display software 71 displays a charge amount selection screen on the display unit 60 (S308).

Next, the passenger 100 operates (selects) "2000 yen" on the display unit 60 (S309). The screen display software 71 then sends the operation information for "2000 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S310). Next, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the operation information for "2000 yen" to the counter processing machine software 72 (S311).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the cash deposit request information (output data) to the data conversion program 73 (S312). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends cash deposit request screen display information to the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 (S313). Note that the cash deposit request screen display information corresponding to the cash deposit request information is an item that is not in the output data but is in the converted output data, and has been applied by the output data conversion unit 83. Next, the screen display software 71 displays the cash deposit request screen on the display unit 60 (S314).

Next, the passenger 100 inserts "2000 yen" (S315). The cash processing device 10 then sends the insertion information of "2000 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S316). Next, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the insertion information of "2000 yen" to the counter processing machine software 72 (S317).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends the display information (output data) of "Deposit amount 2000 yen, purchase amount 2000 yen" to the data conversion program 73 (S318). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends the display information of "Deposit amount 2000 yen, purchase amount 2000 yen" to the screen display software 71 (S319). Next, the screen display software 71 displays the information of "Deposit amount 2000 yen, purchase amount 2000 yen" on the display unit 60 (S320).

Next, the counter processing machine software 72 sends "receipt" issuance information (output data) to the data conversion program 73 (S321). Next, the data conversion program 73 (output data conversion unit 83) sends "receipt" button display information to the screen display software 71 (S322). Note that the "receipt" button display information corresponding to the "receipt" issuance information is an item that is not in the output data but is in the converted output data, and is applied by the output data conversion unit 83. Next, the screen display software 71 displays the "receipt" button on the display unit 60 (S323).

Next, the passenger 100 operates the "receipt" button on the display unit 60 (S324). In response, the screen display software 71 sends "receipt" button operation information to the data conversion program 73 (S325).

Here, since there is no need to send the "receipt" button operation information to the counter processing machine software 72, the data conversion program 73 (input data conversion unit 82) sends the "receipt" issuance information to the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 (S326). Next, the magnetic ticket issuing device 20 issues a "receipt" (S327).

In this way, with the charge machine of the third embodiment, like the ticket issuing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the use of the counter processing machine software 72 makes it possible to improve the efficiency of application software development.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

The programs executed by the ticket issuing machine 1, the payment machine, and the charge machine of this embodiment can be provided by recording them in an installable or executable file format on a recording medium that can be read by a computer device, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R (Recordable), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The programs may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

1... Ticket issuing machine, 2..., 3..., 4..., 5..., 6..., 7..., 8..., 10... Cash processing device, 20... Magnetic ticket issuing device, 30... IC card issuing device, 40... IC card processing device, 50... Communication unit, 60... Display unit, 70... Storage unit, 71... Screen display software, 72... Counter processing machine software, 73... Data conversion program, 74... Ticket data, 75... Setting data, 80... Processing unit, 81... Control unit, 82... Input data conversion unit, 83... Output data conversion unit, 100... Passenger

Claims (3)

Hardware for issuing and processing transportation tickets;
a storage unit for storing a service counter processing machine software, which is application software for a service counter processing machine operated by a transportation facility attendant, and a screen display software, which is application software for displaying a customer operation screen on a display unit;
an input data conversion unit that converts customer input data, which is data output by the screen display software based on operations by a customer on the customer operation screen, into a data format of the counter processing machine software and outputs the converted input data to the counter processing machine software;
and an output data conversion unit that converts output data, which is data calculated and output by the counter processing machine software based on the converted input data, into a data format of the screen display software and outputs the converted output data to the screen display software. The customer ticket processing device according to claim 1, wherein the input data conversion unit applies a preset value to an item that is not in the customer input data but is in the converted input data when converting the customer input data into the converted input data. The customer ticket processing device according to claim 1, wherein the output data conversion unit applies a preset value to an item that is not in the output data but is in the converted output data when converting the output data into the converted output data.

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