JPH0552996B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a waiting list calling device for sequentially calling people waiting for their turn at a library, bank, hospital, etc. This invention relates to a waiting list calling device which ensures that only the relevant persons are notified.

[Technical background of the invention]

When requesting a desired book at a library, one submits a teller card with the name of the book written on it to the reception desk, and the clerk calls out the person's name when the book is delivered. Such a calling method is also implemented as a calling method at hospitals and banks. Instead of such a voice calling method, a number display method has also been implemented in which a serial number ticket is issued at the time of reception and the number to be accepted is displayed at the reception counter.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, with the voice call method, there is a possibility that the caller may miss the call or miss the call because the user has left the location, so one must always be careful. On the other hand, even with the number display method, it is inconvenient to have to keep an eye on the display board at all times, and if you are far away in the hall, the display may be difficult to see and you may miss a call. be.

Therefore, the present invention provides a waiting-for-queue calling device in which a portable receiver is given to each user, and when it is the user's turn, a calling signal is sent to the receiver so that the user can be reliably called. It is.

[Means for solving problems]

The present invention includes a plurality of receiving devices each having a different code number and having a call notification means that notifies a call when a signal representing the corresponding code number is received, and a code number representing the code number of the receiving device to be called. In a queue-calling device having a control device including a transmitting section that transmits a signal using weak radio waves, either one of the receiving device and the control device includes code number setting means for setting a code number, and the code number setting means for setting a code number; It has a code number output terminal that outputs a signal representing the code number set by the number setting means, the other has a code number input terminal connected to the code number output terminal, and the code input from the code number input terminal. The control device is provided with a storage means for reading and storing the number, and the control device is provided with a code number input terminal or a code number output terminal connected to either the code number output terminal or the code number input terminal, and a part of each receiving device is provided. A holding section for holding, a last call display section for calling receiving devices in a preset order and displaying the last called receiving device, and a display section for displaying callable receiving devices. This is a characteristic feature.

[Function] By providing a code number setting means and a code number output terminal on either the receiving device or the control device, and providing a code number input terminal and a storage means on the other, each receiving device can be stored in the holding section of the control device. The code number for each receiving device can be set simply by holding the device. Then, at the time of reception, the receiving devices are handed over to the people waiting their turn in the order preset by the control device. On the operating side, when the setting section specifies the receiving device to be called next,
A signal with the corresponding code number is transmitted within the venue using weak radio waves. Upon reception of the corresponding code number signal, the receiving device for the corresponding code number operates a call reporting means composed of a light emitting diode, a buzzer circuit, etc., and notifies the person in possession of the fact that he or she is being called. This ensures that only the relevant people are informed.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described below. A plurality of receiving devices 1 are connected to a calling device 2.
are inserted into the insertion openings 3 one by one. Each receiving device 1 is provided with a call indicator lamp 4 composed of a light emitting diode or the like and an aperture 5 for a buzzer sound. The calling device 2 includes a charging indicator lamp 6 located at a position corresponding to each insertion slot 3 to indicate insufficient voltage of the power battery of each receiving device 1, a calling switch 7 for calling that receiving device 1, and a receiving device that was previously called. a final call display lamp 8 for displaying the number of calls, an individual call switch 9 to be operated when inquiring before performing reception duties, and an antenna 10 for outgoing calls.
is provided.

As shown in the block diagram in FIG. 2, each receiving device 1 includes a built-in antenna 11 for receiving a signal from the calling device 2, a receiving section 12 for receiving a code number signal from the calling device 2, and It has a control section 14 that determines whether the received signal from the reception section 12 is a preset code number signal and operates the light emitting diode 4 and the buzzer 13 if the signal is a preset code number signal. Each receiving device 1 also includes:
It has a rechargeable power supply battery section 15 and a code number setting section 16 for setting the code number of each receiving device 1, and is provided with a terminal 17 for charging the battery section 15 and a code number output terminal 18.

As shown in the block diagram in FIG. 3, the calling device 2 includes a terminal 21 connected to the charging terminal 17,
A battery voltage detection section 22 and a charging circuit section 23 connected to this terminal 21, an input terminal 24 connected to an ID number output terminal 18, a control section 25 connected to this input terminal 21, and a The transmitter 26 includes a transmitter 26 that transmits a signal representing the code number on a weak radio wave via the antenna 10. When the receiving device 1 is inserted through the insertion port 3, the battery voltage detection section 22 has its terminal 21 connected to the charging terminal 17, measures the voltage of the battery section 15, and sends the measured value to the control section 25. The control unit 25 determines the value, and if the voltage is below a predetermined voltage, the charging indicator lamp 6 is turned on to notify the operator of the necessity of charging.

When the charging indicator lamp 6 lights up, charging can be performed by operating the charging circuit section 23. This operation is
For example, the charge indicator lamp 6 may be provided with a switch function, and the charging may be performed by pressing the lamp 6. The control unit 25 also controls the receiving device 1
is inserted through the insertion slot 3, the code number of the receiving device 1 is memorized through the input terminal 24 connected to the code number output terminal 18, and the corresponding code number is displayed by the operation of the call switch 7 or the individual call switch 9. Output a signal. The code number is placed on a weak modulated wave with a range of 50 to 100 meters using, for example, frequency shift telegraphy (FSK). Note that the call switch 7 is set in advance by the control unit 25 so as not to operate unless the final call indicator lamp 8 of the adjacent receiving device 1 is lit. The charging circuit section 23, the battery voltage detecting section 22, and the control section 25 may be provided for each receiving device, or may be shared in common so that they can be sequentially switched by appropriate switching means.

Next, the operation of this device will be explained. In this embodiment, 15 receiving devices 1 control queued calling. For those who have just come to the counter, we will hand them out one by one starting from the left in Figure 1, and call them out in this order. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the eighth receiving device 1 from the left
, and that the reception up to the seventh one has been completed. Since the seventh last call display lamp 8 from the left is lit, only the call switch 7 to the right, that is, the eighth call switch 7 from the left, can be operated. When the eighth call switch 7 from the left is pressed, the control section 25 sends a pre-stored code number signal to the transmitting section 26, and the transmitting section 26 transmits the code number signal from the antenna 10 using weak radio waves. do.

This code number signal is received by the receiving unit 12 via the built-in antenna 11 of the receiving device 1, and the control unit 14 determines whether or not it is the corresponding code number, and if so, lights up the call indicator lamp 4. At the same time, the buzzer 13 located in the opening 5 is sounded to notify the holder of the call.
The holder goes to a reception counter with the receiving device 1 and hands it to the operator. The operator inserts it into the empty insertion slot 3 from the left. Even if the receiving device 1 inserted into the insertion slot 3 is different from the receiving device 1 inserted last time, the new code number will be read and stored by the control unit 25 upon insertion, so that the code number will be different the next time the call is made. No code number signals are transmitted.

The individual call switch 9 is used to call the submitter and ask questions when there is an error or unclear information in the submitted slip, etc., and the individual call switch 9 is used to call the person who submitted the form and ask about it, regardless of the order of calls mentioned above. This is for calling 1.

The power battery section 15 of each receiving device 1 is rechargeable, and by inserting the receiving device 1 into the insertion slot 3 of the calling device 2, the charging terminal 17 is connected to the terminal 21.
The battery voltage detection unit 22 of the calling device 2 measures the voltage of the battery unit 15, and if the voltage is below a predetermined value, the necessity of charging can be known by lighting the charging indicator lamp 6. Charging may be performed by operating the charging circuit section 23.

In the above embodiment, the call indicator lamp 4 and the buzzer 13 are operated at the same time when a call is made, but it is also possible to turn on only the call indicator lamp 4 first, and then ring the buzzer 13 when the user does not notice that the call indicator lamp 4 is turned on. .

Further, in the above embodiment, the code number is set by the receiving device 1, but conversely, the calling device 2 is made to set the code number of each receiving device 1, and each receiving device 1 is configured to set the code number of each receiving device 1. When inserted into the mouth 3, the code number may be memorized.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the queue calling device of the present invention sequentially hands a receiving device to each person waiting their turn, and the operator presses the operation button corresponding to the receiving device to be called next. The call notification means of the receiving device operates and emits a lamp display and a buzzer sound, so you can be sure that you are receiving a call whether you are holding it in your hand or in your pocket. . The code number for calling each receiving device individually is set by the code number setting means provided in either the receiving device or the control device, so each receiving device is held in the holding section of the control device in random order. However, the control device can instruct the receiving device to be called in accordance with the order set in advance by the setting section, and can transmit the code number of the receiving device. Since this device is used in small spaces such as waiting areas of hospitals, banks, and reception desks of libraries, weak radio waves are sufficient to transmit the signal representing the code number, which allows the receiving device and the calling device to be made smaller. It can be constructed lightweight, provided at low cost, and can be implemented without the need for application under the Radio Law.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the receiving device, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the calling device. In the drawings, 1 is a receiving device, 2 is a calling device,
4 is a call indicator lamp, 6 is a charging indicator lamp, 7 is a call switch, 8 is a final call indicator lamp, 9 is an individual call switch, 12 is a receiving section, 13 is a buzzer,
14 and 25 are control units, 16 is a code number setting unit,
26 is a transmitter.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A plurality of receiving devices each having a different code number and each having a calling notification means that notifies a call when a signal representing a corresponding code number is received, and a plurality of receiving devices to be called. and a control device equipped with a transmitter that transmits a signal representing the code number using weak radio waves, wherein either one of the receiving devices and the control device is configured to set the code number. a code number setting means; a code number output terminal for outputting a signal representing the code number set by the code number setting means; the other has a code number input terminal connected to the code number output terminal; comprising a storage means for reading and storing the code number input from the code number input terminal;
The control device includes a holding section that includes the code number input terminal or the code number output terminal connected to either the code number output terminal or the code number input terminal, and holds a part of each of the receiving devices. and a last call display unit that calls the receiving devices in a preset order and displays the last called receiving device, and a display unit that displays the callable receiving devices. A queue calling device. 2. In claim 1, each of the receiving devices includes a rechargeable power supply unit, and the holding unit measures the power supply voltage of each of the receiving devices, and if it is less than a predetermined value, displays an indication of power shortage. and a charging circuit that charges the power source by operating a switch. 3. In claim 1, the holding section includes a setting switch for transmitting the code number signal of the corresponding receiving device, and a next call display device for displaying the receiving device to be called next. , wherein the setting switch is configured such that only the setting switch corresponding to the receiving device whose next call display device is lit becomes operable.