JPH10172014A - Reserved seat ticket cancellation method and automatic ticket gate - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (Modified) [Problem] When a passenger with a reserved seat ticket gets on a train at an early time, it is detected by conventional equipment or cheap equipment investment, and the seat is canceled. Then, a method of selling to other passengers is desired. A magnetized designated seat ticket is read by an automatic ticket gate, and the current time is compared with how far before the reserved train departure time. If the current time is more than a predetermined time, it is determined that you will board another train, the automatic ticket gate will communicate with the host computer, cancel the reserved seat of the reserved train, and place it on the surface of the ticket Prints out the cancellation, and writes the cancellation on the magnetic portion of the ticket. Passengers who take reserved seats on reserved trains without entering reserved seats are asked to enter a reserved seat ticket using a passenger-operated terminal and refund the difference (or part of the difference), After canceling the reserved seat, sell it to other passengers.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for canceling a reserved seat ticket of a railway organization or the like and an automatic ticket gate having a cancel function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In many cases, a reserved seat ticket cannot be purchased even though there are actually reserved seats. This is because the passenger having the reserved seat ticket gets on the train at an earlier time. There is a problem that the information system used in current railway organizations cannot detect a passenger who got on a train earlier than a designated time. As a technique for solving such a problem, a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-266744 is known.

In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-266744, a terminal is provided in a seat in a car, a ticket is automatically checked, a passenger who has boarded a train earlier than a reserved train is found, and a passenger is found on a host computer. An apparatus for communicating and canceling a reservation is described. However, realizing these proposals requires a large capital investment in terminal equipment, communication equipment, and the like.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a designated seat ticket canceling method and apparatus which does not require a large amount of capital investment and can cancel reservation of a reserved seat ticket by a simple device. is there.

[0005]

Means for reading information on a designated seat ticket at a ticket gate, and means for comparing the departure time of a train reserved with the designated seat ticket with the time at which the information was read. Means for determining whether the departure time is more than a predetermined time later than the current time, and canceling the seat if the departure time is more than a predetermined time after the current time.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a processing flow of an automatic ticket gate that passes when a passenger gets on a vehicle. Hereinafter, each step will be described.

Step 101: A passenger inputs a ticket and an express ticket.

Step 102: It is determined whether or not the boarding ticket and limited express ticket are valid for both the boarding section and the number of valid days. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step 103, and if it is not valid, the process proceeds to step 109.

Step 103: It is determined whether the express ticket is a reserved seat ticket or an unreserved seat ticket. If it is a reserved seat ticket, step 104
If it is a free seat ticket, the process proceeds to step 106.

Step 104: The departure time of the reserved train is compared with the current time, and it is determined whether or not the current time is a predetermined time before the departure time. If it is earlier than a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step 105; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 106. For example, if a certain predetermined time is one hour and the train departure time is 14:00, the current time is 13
If it is before the hour, it is determined that it is before a certain predetermined time, and if it is after 13:00, it is determined that it is after a certain predetermined time.

Step 105: The host computer transmits a message to the effect that the reserved seat of the reserved train is to be canceled to the host computer, and the automatic ticket gate writes the cancellation into the magnetic information of the reserved seat ticket.

Step 106: The fact that the user has boarded the magnet of the ticket or express ticket is recorded.

Step 107: If the cancellation processing is performed in step 105, "Change to unreserved seat" is given to the reserved seat ticket.
And "Reserved Seat Cancellation". If step 105 is not performed, this printing is not performed.

Step 108: The gate of the automatic ticket gate is opened, and the passage of the passenger is recognized.

Step 109: Since at least one of the ticket and the express ticket is not valid, the gate of the automatic ticket gate is closed and a buzzer or a chime is sounded.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an automatic ticket gate for realizing the first embodiment. In the figure, the arrows indicate the movement of the ticket pieces, and the solid lines indicate the connection of the signal lines. The slot 21 accepts the ticket and sends the ticket to the transport unit 20. The transport unit 20 includes a magnetic reading unit 201, a magnetic writing unit 202, and a printing unit 203. First, the magnetic reading unit 201 reads the magnetism of the ticket, distinguishes between a ticket and an express ticket, checks if it is an express ticket, whether it is a reserved seat ticket or an unreserved seat ticket, and if it is a reserved seat ticket, the reserved train Read the departure time. When the cancellation process of step 105 in FIG. 1 is performed, the magnetic writing unit 202 writes the cancellation in the magnetic unit of the designated seat ticket. Further, on the canceled reserved seat ticket, a print such as "change to non-reserved seat" or "reserved seat cancellation" is performed by the printing unit 203 so that the cancellation can be seen from the outside. The ticket pieces that have come out of the transport unit 20 are sent to the return port 22 and returned to the passenger. The control unit 23 issues a command for performing these processes. When performing the cancel processing, the communication unit 24 transmits the cancel processing to the host computer. When an invalid ticket is input, the buzzer 25 and a chime (not shown) are sounded.

FIG. 3 shows magnetic information stored in a ticket. An item indicating the type is provided to distinguish the ticket, and the ticket is distinguished from an express ticket, a sleeper ticket and the like. Hereinafter, the items in parentheses are not recorded in the ticket, but are recorded only in the designated seat ticket of the limited express ticket. The date and time of passing through the automatic ticket gate and the station name are recorded when getting on the train, and the same is recorded when getting off. For the last valid / invalid, when a reserved seat is reserved for the first time, a code (for example, 0) indicating validity is recorded. When riding,
If step 104 in FIG. 1 is performed and the process proceeds to step 106, the code representing validity is not changed as it is, and when proceeding to step 105, it is rewritten to a code representing invalidity (for example, 1). When the passenger with the reserved seat ticket enters the automatic ticket gate earlier than the departure time by a predetermined time or more and enters the vehicle, the magnetic writing unit 202 of the automatic ticket gate changes the valid / invalid item from valid (0) to invalid. Rewrite to invalid (1).

According to the first embodiment, if a passenger having a reserved seat ticket passes through an automatic ticket gate at an early time, the seat is canceled, so that a passenger who wants to purchase a reserved seat ticket can purchase a reserved seat ticket. The probability increases and passenger service can be improved. In addition, the passenger company can sell one seat twice as a designated seat, thereby increasing income. Although the present embodiment has been described for a magnetized ticket, if a non-contact IC card is used for an express ticket in the future, a non-contact IC
It goes without saying that the same processing as in this embodiment can be performed by an automatic ticket gate that reads and writes a card. Instead of rewriting the magnetism, the reader / writer only has to rewrite the data of the non-contact IC card.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a hardware configuration for realizing the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a passenger having a reserved seat ticket can change from a reserved seat to a reserved seat of another train, or change from a non-reserved seat to a reserved seat and from a reserved seat to a non-reserved seat.

First, a ticket possessed by a passenger is received by a ticket reading section 411, and magnetism is read. The screen 440 displays menus and selection items, and receives input from passengers on the touch panel 450. In order to reserve or cancel the reserved seat, the communication unit 470 communicates with the host computer, issues a new ticket from the ticket issuing unit 460, and collects the old ticket in the ticket collection unit 412. If a difference occurs depending on the type of ticket, the bill receiving port 421 or the coin receiving port 43
At 1, a deposit is accepted, and a refund is made from the bill dispensing port 422 or the coin dispensing port 432. Also, when a change is required for the passenger's deposit, the change is issued from the bill dispensing port 422 or the coin dispensing port 432. The control unit 400 controls these hardware. FIG. 5 shows the flowchart. This change can be made either before or after passing through the automatic ticket gate. Hereinafter, each step will be described.

Step 501: Display a menu screen,
Ask the passenger to select which train they want to change to. FIG. 6 shows the screen. If a passenger with a reserved seat ticket wants to change to a reserved seat on another train (Trade 1), or a passenger with an unreserved seat ticket wants to change to a reserved seat ticket (Trade 2), he / she must have a reserved seat ticket If the passenger who wants to change to a non-reserved seat (transaction 3), the three types are accepted. If the passenger enters a ticket before selecting these three menus, an item "cancel" is displayed as shown in FIG. 6, and if the passenger decides that he does not want to change after entering the ticket, " Selecting "cancel" allows the transaction to be terminated. If the passenger selects transaction 1 and transaction 2, the operation proceeds to step 502, and if the passenger selects transaction 3, the operation proceeds to step 505.
Proceed to.

Step 502: Select a departure time zone of a train for which a designated seat is to be taken (for example, departure from 10:00 to 11:00).

Step 503: There is no problem in the case of the transaction 2, but in the case of the transaction 1, the departure time of the train of the original designated seat ticket (input ticket) is compared with the current time, and the original designated seat ticket is compared. To determine if you missed it. If the driver has not missed the vehicle, the process proceeds to step 504 to allow the change. If the driver has not missed the vehicle, the process proceeds to step 509 and the change is not allowed.

Step 504: Based on the step 502, the corresponding train is displayed on the screen 440, and the passenger selects the train from which he wants to take the designated seat.

Step 505: When the seat is changed from the reserved seat to the non-reserved seat, a refund is generated. On the contrary, the passenger needs to pay in the refund. FIG. 7 shows a settlement screen displayed when the seat is changed from the unreserved seat to the designated seat (transaction 2).

Step 506: If the passenger is satisfied with the settlement amount, the passenger selects "confirm" in FIG.

Step 507: Collect the ticket entered by the passenger and issue a new ticket. If there is a difference, deposit or refund. If there is no difference, no deposit or refund,
The processing in step 506 is not performed.

Step 508: For Transaction 1 and Transaction 3,
As shown in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the designated seat ticket input by the passenger is the designated seat ticket that has already been canceled. If it has not been canceled yet, the cancellation process is performed here. To determine whether or not it has already been canceled, read the valid / invalid item in FIG. If valid,
If it has not been canceled yet and is invalid, it has already been cancelled.

This step is necessary only for a device installed after passing through a ticket gate for getting on an express train. The valid / invalid item remains valid because it is not automatically canceled until the vehicle passes through the ticket gate. Therefore, in a device installed outside the ticket gate to get on the limited express,
Make sure to execute the cancellation process.

Step 509: If the passenger misses the train reserved in advance, the screen 440 informs that the train cannot be changed.

According to the present embodiment, in transaction 1, the train reserved immediately before the passenger gets on the train can be canceled.
The seat can be sold to other passengers, improving the service to the passengers. Canceled passengers can secure reserved seats for other trains, so that there is also an effect that they can sit on their seats with peace of mind. In transaction 2, the revenue of the railway company is increased. In transaction 3, the difference between the reserved seat and the unreserved seat (or a part of the difference) can be refunded, so the service can be improved for passengers who have changed to the unreserved seat, and the original seat can be sold to other passengers. This will improve the service for passengers who want to purchase a seat.

Although the present embodiment has described a method in which a passenger operates, it is needless to say that the present invention can be realized even if a person of a railway company operates.

In the third embodiment, an example in which the limited express ticket is a non-contact IC card will be described. A non-contact IC card reader / writer (hereinafter referred to as R / W) is installed at the entrance of the train, and every time a passenger gets on the train, it is determined whether or not the passenger owns the non-contact IC card, and it is stored in a pocket or the like. If so, read the train name and departure time. When the user gets on a train other than the reserved train, the R / W notifies the host computer of the cancellation of the designated train via a communication device in the train, and writes the cancellation on the non-contact IC card. In this embodiment, without putting such a burden on the passenger,
It is possible to detect and cancel passengers on other trains. In the first embodiment, it is necessary to set the "predetermined time" to a relatively long time (about one hour). This is because even if you pass through the automatic ticket gate, you do not always get on immediately. Therefore, if the predetermined time is set to one hour, the train can be canceled if it passes the automatic ticket gate at least one hour earlier than the departure time of the reserved train, but cannot be canceled otherwise. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, since it is checked whether the user has boarded the train and then boarded the reserved train, there is an effect that the probability of cancellation is higher than in the first embodiment.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a designated seat ticket canceling method and apparatus capable of canceling reservation of a reserved seat ticket with a simple device without requiring a large capital investment. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a processing flowchart of an automatic ticket gate that passes when a passenger gets on a vehicle

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an automatic ticket gate.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing magnetic information recorded on a ticket;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an apparatus for changing trains.

FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart of changing a train.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a train change screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a difference processing screen;

[Explanation of symbols]

20: transport unit, 201: magnetic reading unit, 202
..Magnetic writing section, 203 printing section, 21 loading section, 22 return port, 23 control section, 24 ...
Communication unit 25 buzzer 400 control unit 41
1 ... ticket reading unit, 412 ... ticket collection unit, 421
... Bill deposit port, 422 ... Bill deposit port, 431
..Coin deposit opening, 432 ... Coin dispensing opening, 440
... Screen, 450 ... Touch panel, 460 ...
Ticketing section, 470 ... communication section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Norihiro Uenishi 1st Ikegami, Haruokacho, Owariasahi City, Aichi Prefecture Inside Hitachi Asahi Electronics Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuhiro Koyama 1st Ikegami, Haruokacho, Owariasahi City, Aichi Prefecture Stock Association Information Technology Division of Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] If the time at which the reserved seat ticket is read by the automatic ticket gate is earlier than a predetermined time from the time reserved by the reserved seat ticket, the reservation is made with the reserved seat ticket. A reserved seat ticket canceling method characterized by canceling a certain seat. 2. The information reading / writing section for inputting information of a reserved seat ticket, and the time is reserved in the reserved seat ticket based on the information read by the information reading / writing section and the read time. Information for canceling the designated seat when a predetermined time is earlier than the departure time of the train, and outputting to the information reading / writing unit a command to change information recorded in the designated seat ticket when the cancellation is performed; An automatic ticket gate device provided with a control unit. 3. Using a non-contact IC card type ticket, when a passenger owns the ticket, reads information stored in the ticket, and reserves train information included in the information. A reserved seat ticket canceling method, wherein when the train to be boarded is different, the reservation of the seat designation of the ticket is canceled.