JP2011043999A - Ticket vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a ticket vending machine capable of improving convenience and operability while reducing the probability of wrong operation by a single action operation. <P>SOLUTION: A push button switch 10 constituting an item selection means for an automatic ticket vending machine includes: a frame body 20 having claws 29 projecting to a rear surface side; a movable piece 21 held rotationally movable fore and aft in the frame body 20; a main switch 25 to operate when the movable piece 21 is pressed; a connector 27 for connecting a plug on the side of a body of the device; and a fixing member 26. The movable piece 21 includes a main item display section 23 for displaying a main item, and a sub-item display section 22 for displaying sub-items. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic ticket vending machine, and more specifically, in an automatic ticket vending machine that allows a customer to select an item desired to be purchased or used by pressing a push button switch once. The present invention relates to an automatic ticket vending machine provided with a push button switch that can be selected by the above operation.

  In an automatic ticket vending machine that allows a customer to select an item that the customer wants to purchase or use by pushing down a push button switch, a switch for selecting a main item and a sub item that is an additional element related to the main item In many cases, separate selection switches are provided. For example, in the case of a ticket vending machine that issues food vouchers, if the sub-item for the main item “Ramen” is “large” or “normal”, it is independent of the main item switch and separate from it. Individual sub-item switches are arranged. The sub-item switch is used in common for all main item switches. This reduces the total number of switches and increases the number of items that can be selected, and also enables the use of a sub-item switch in common after the customer presses one main item, thereby making the operation consistent. This is to ensure. That is, even if “Ramen” or “Fried rice” is selected as the main item, the “large” and “normal” switches can be used in common for the sub-items. As a result, the sub item switch is not necessarily arranged in the vicinity of each main item switch. In other words, since the sub-item switch is arranged at a position separated from the main item switch group, it is not necessarily good in terms of operability for customers with few opportunities to use this ticket vending machine, , There is a problem that the operation time becomes long in order to search for a button.

  In order to solve this problem, in Patent Document 1, a menu name, an amount, and an account switch are provided in one partition area, and the menu name and the amount are displayed on a transparent plate provided to cover the partition area. A panel of an automatic ticket vending machine that selects the menu by pressing one account switch is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, a touch electrode is provided at a part touched by a user to open and close the power switch, and the power of the touch switch circuit is turned off while the power switch is off, and the power switch is touched at the same time as the power switch is turned on. A stand-type lighting fixture is disclosed in which the power source of the switch circuit is simultaneously turned on.

JP 2006-99252 A JP-A-5-283170

However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 is improved in terms of operability because an account switch for selecting a menu and an additional selection element related to the menu is arranged together. Since it is necessary to arrange a push button switch, it is difficult to increase the number of items, resulting in high costs.
The conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 can improve operability by simultaneously operating the touch switch and the push button switch. However, when the power switch is on, the touch switch circuit is always powered. Since it is supplied, the fluorescent lamp is turned on just by touching the touch switch, and there is a risk of erroneous lighting.
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and a switch for a main item and a touch switch for a plurality of sub-items are integrally formed on one selection switch, while touching the switch for the sub-item. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ticket vending machine capable of improving convenience and operability by pressing a main item switch and reducing the probability of erroneous operation by one-action operation.
Another object is to give a sense of security to the user by a mechanical switch with a click feeling unlike a touch panel type vending machine.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides an automatic ticket vending machine for selecting an item by a push button switch. The item selecting unit includes a plurality of the push button switch groups, and the item selecting unit. A money processing unit that settles money corresponding to a selected item, a ticket issuing unit that issues a ticket related to a specific item selected by using the item selecting unit, and a control unit that controls each of the units. The push button switch includes a movable piece and a main switch that is turned on when the movable piece is depressed, and the movable piece displays a main item. An item display unit, a plurality of sub item display units for displaying sub items which are additional elements related to the main item, and the sub items. A sub-switch that is provided for each system display unit and is turned on when the user touches the sub-item display unit. The control means includes a first switch in which only the main switch is turned on. It detects an ON state or a second ON state in which either one of the sub switches and the main switch is in an ON state, and issues a ticket relating to an item corresponding to each ON state.

The present invention is characterized by the structure of a push button switch for selecting an item. That is, in one push button switch, a main switch for selecting a main item and a sub switch for selecting a sub item are integrally formed. Accordingly, the item is selected by the action of two actions as the switch action. Specifically, the push button switch is provided for each sub item display unit, a main item display unit that displays a main item, a sub item display unit that displays a sub item that is an additional element related to the main item, and a sub item display unit. A sub switch that is turned on when the item display unit is touched, and a main switch that is turned on when the main item display unit is pushed down or touched and pushed on the sub switch display unit, The control means detects either the first ON state in which only the main switch is ON, or the second ON state in which both the sub switch and the main switch are ON. Issue tickets related to items. Thereby, convenience and operability can be improved, and the probability of erroneous operation can be reduced by two-action operation.
In addition, a feature of the present invention is that it is possible to immediately understand which button the user presses when selecting an item, thereby improving operability. For that purpose, it is important that the main switch and the sub switch are arranged in the vicinity and in an easily understandable manner. Therefore, in the present invention, the main switch and the sub switch are integrally formed. Thereby, operability can be improved and erroneous selection can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the first ON state is detected, the control means considers that any one of the preset sub-switches is ON at the same time.
For example, when the sub-items of a main item are “large” and “normal”, in general, “normal” is often selected. Therefore, in the present invention, when only the main switch is in the ON state, it is assumed that the “normal” main item is selected by determining, for example, “normal” as the default state. However, this fact is displayed in advance at a position where the user can see. Thereby, a predetermined item can be selected even when only the main switch is in the ON state.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the second ON state is detected, the control unit invalidates the ON state of the sub switches when a plurality of the sub switches are ON at the same time.
Basically, there is one sub-item for one main item. The main reason is that if a plurality of sub-items are permitted, the operator has to press a plurality of sub-switches at the same time, resulting in poor operability. Therefore, in the present invention, when a plurality of sub switches are ON at the same time, the ON operation of the sub switches is invalidated. Thereby, it can be instructed to press the sub switch correctly.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the sub switch includes a contact sensor or a touch pad.
The sub-switch is for indicating an additional element of the main item. For example, when the main item is “ramen”, an additional element such as “large” or “normal” can be indicated, or a combination such as “menma” or “egg” can be added. Further, since there are many cases where a plurality of sub switches are provided, the size of the switch is inevitably limited. For this purpose, a structurally simple contact sensor or touchpad is suitable. Thereby, a plurality of sub-switches can be arranged in a narrow area of the push button switch.

According to the present invention, the control means detects either the first ON state where only the main switch is ON, or the second ON state where both the sub switch and the main switch are ON, Since a ticket related to an item in each ON state is issued, convenience and operability can be improved, and the probability of erroneous operation can be reduced by a two-action operation.
In addition, since the main switch and the sub switch are integrally formed on the same frame, operability can be improved and erroneous selection can be reduced.
Further, when only the main switch is in the ON state, the sub switch is set in the default state, so that a predetermined item can be selected even when only the main switch is in the ON state.
Further, when a plurality of sub switches are ON at the same time, the ON operation of the sub switches is invalidated, so that it can be instructed to press the sub switches correctly.
Further, since the sub switch uses a structurally simple contact sensor or touch pad, a plurality of sub switches can be arranged in a narrow area of the push button switch.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the automatic ticket vending machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the automatic ticket vending machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the pushbutton switch of the automatic ticket vending machine of this invention, (a) is a front view, (b), (c) is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the AA line, (b) (A) is a figure which shows the state in which the movable piece was pushed, (c) is the state in which the movable piece was pushed. (A)-(c) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the utilization condition of the pushbutton switch of this invention. It is a figure which shows the mode of the signal of one pushbutton switch. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the automatic ticket vending machine of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only unless otherwise specified. .

FIG. 1 is a view showing an appearance of an automatic ticket vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic ticket vending machine 1 has a coin insertion slot 2 and a bill insertion slot 4 for inserting money corresponding to the price of the selected specific item, a cancel lever 3 for canceling coin insertion and bill insertion, and a change. A change button 5 to be pressed, a banknote dispensing port 6 for dispensing change, a ticket printed with settled information about a selected specific item, a ticket / coin dispensing port 7 for dispensing change coins, It is configured to include a display unit 9 for displaying a message to the user when an error occurs in the apparatus, and item selection means 8 including a plurality of push button switches 10 for selecting a main item and a sub item. In the present embodiment, the coin insertion slot 2, the bill insertion slot 4, the cancel lever 3, the change button 5, the banknote discharge slot 6, and the bill / coin discharge slot 7 are collectively referred to as a money processing unit 12.
First, a schematic operation of the automatic ticket vending machine 1 will be described. When the user stands on the front side of the automatic ticket vending machine 1, a proximity sensor (not shown) that detects the user outputs detection information to the control unit 13, and the control unit 13 turns on the display unit of the item selection unit 8. The user inserts a fee corresponding to a specific item into the coin insertion slot 2 and the bill insertion slot 4 from the menu contents displayed on the item selection means 8. Then, by depressing the push button switch 10 for a specific item, a food ticket on which the item information is printed is issued from the ticket / coin dispensing slot 7. Here, the push button switch 10 is a main switch for selecting a main item, at least one sub switch for selecting a sub item that is an additional element related to the main item, and a main item and a sub item are selected. Illuminating means for displaying this is provided (details will be described later).

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the automatic ticket vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The same components will be described with the same reference numerals as in FIG. The automatic ticket vending machine 1 includes an item selection unit 8 constituted by a plurality of push button switch groups 10, a money processing unit 12 that performs a settlement of money corresponding to an item selected by the item selection unit 8, and a customer selects an item. A ticket printing unit (ticket issuing unit) 11 that issues a ticket related to a specific item selected by using the selection unit 8, a display unit 9 that displays the fact to the user when an apparatus error occurs, and a control that controls each unit An automatic ticket vending machine 1 provided with a section (control means) 13. Further, the item selection means 8 turns on when the main switch signal A which is turned on when the main switch is pushed, and when each sub switch is pushed, for example, when there are three sub switches. The sub switch signals a, b, and c are input to the control unit 13, and a lamp signal 14 for lighting a lamp, for example, to clearly indicate the item selected from the control unit 13 is output to the item selection unit 8.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the appearance of the push button switch of the automatic ticket vending machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 (a) is a front view, and FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c) are cross sections cut along line AA. FIG. 3B shows a state where the movable piece 21 is not pushed, and FIG. 3C shows a state where the movable piece 21 is pushed. The push button switch 10 includes a frame body 20 having a claw 29 protruding on the back surface side, a movable piece 21 supported to be rotatable in the front-rear direction of the frame body 20, and when the movable piece 21 is pressed. A main switch 25 that operates and a connector 27 for connecting a plug on the apparatus main body side are provided. The movable piece 21 has a main item display unit 23 for displaying a main item and a sub item display unit 22 for displaying a sub item. In this example, the main item display unit 23 is labeled as “ramen”. The sub-item display unit 22 is provided with three sub switches 24 of “large”, “parallel”, and “mini”. The sub switch 24 will be described below as a touch sensor. Further, in order to clearly indicate the main item, the back side of the movable piece 21 has illumination means such as an LED (not shown).
The push button switch 10 is provided for each main item display unit 23 for displaying a main item, a sub item display unit 22 for displaying a sub item which is an additional element related to the main item, and a sub item display unit. A sub switch 24 that is turned on when it touches the part, and a main switch 25 that is turned on when the main item display part 23 is pushed down or when the sub item display part 22 is pushed down, The control unit 13 detects either the first ON state in which only the main switch 25 is in the ON state or the second ON state in which both the sub switch 24 and the main switch 25 are in the ON state. Issue a ticket for the item in the state. That is, in the state of FIG. 3B, since the movable piece 21 is urged in the direction of the arrow A, the main switch 25 is in the OFF state, and the sub switch 24 is not in contact, so that it is in the OFF state. Here, assuming that the user selects “large” of “ramen”, for example, “large” of the sub-item display unit 22 of the push button switch labeled “ramen” on the main item display unit 23. 3], the movable piece 22 comes into contact with the main switch 25, and the main switch 25 is turned on.

The present invention is characterized by the structure of the push button switch 10 for selecting an item. That is, the main switch 25 for selecting the main item and the sub switch 24 for selecting the sub item are integrally formed in one push button switch 10. Therefore, an item and a sub-item related to the item are simultaneously selected by the action of one action as the switch action. Specifically, the main switch 25 has a configuration in which the main switch 25 is turned on when the sub switch 24 is pressed in the on state, and the control unit 13 indicates that both the main switch 25 and the sub switch 24 are in the on state. Is detected, it is determined that the main item and the sub item related to the push button switch have been selected. Thereby, convenience and operability can be improved, and the probability of erroneous operation can be reduced by one-action operation.
The sub-switch 24 is for indicating an additional element of the main item. For example, when the main item is “ramen”, an additional element such as “large”, “average” or “mini” can be indicated, or a combination such as “menma” or “egg” can be added. In addition, since a plurality of sub switches 24 are often provided, the size of the switch is inevitably limited. For this purpose, a structurally simple contact sensor or touchpad is suitable. Thereby, a plurality of sub-switches can be arranged in a narrow area of the push button switch.
The most important feature of the present invention is that it is possible to immediately understand which button the user presses when selecting an item, thereby improving operability. For that purpose, it is important that the main switch 25 and the sub switch 24 are arranged in the vicinity and in an easily understandable manner. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main switch 25 and the sub switch 25 are integrally formed on the same frame body 20. Thereby, operability can be improved and erroneous selection can be reduced.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the usage situation of the push button switch of the present invention. In this example, it is an example applied to a ticket vending machine of a railway company. As shown in FIG. 4A, the main item display section 23 displays the destination “Tokyo” of the vehicle, and the sub-item display section 22 displays “1 person”, “2 persons”, “ A “three-person” sub-switch is provided. When two people go to the same destination, two tickets to Tokyo can be purchased at the same time by pressing the movable piece 21 while touching the “two people” sub-switch. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the main item display unit 23 displays the destination “Tokyo” of the vehicle, and the sub-item display unit 22 displays the subordinates “normal” and “green” indicating the grade of the vehicle. A switch is provided. For example, when a green car is used, a green vehicle boarding ticket can be purchased by pressing the movable piece 21 while touching the “green” sub-switch. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the main item display unit 23 displays the destination of the vehicle “Osaka”, and the sub-item display unit 22 displays “adult” indicating whether the user who rides is an adult or a child. , A “child” sub-switch is provided. For example, when an adult uses it, an adult boarding ticket can be purchased by pressing the movable piece 21 while touching the “adult” sub-switch. When the main item display unit 23 is pressed without touching the sub switch, it is assumed that the standard menu for the main item is selected. For example, the control unit 13 determines that “one person” is selected in (a), “normal” in (b), and “adult” is selected in (c).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a signal state of one push button switch. In this figure, the main item display section 23 has a main item display surface 23A, and when the movable piece 21 is pressed, the signal “A” of the main switch 25 is turned ON. The sub-item display unit 22 has three sub-item display surfaces 22a, 22b, and 22c, and a sub-switch 24 is individually provided for each. Accordingly, signals “a”, “b”, and “c” are output from each sub switch. The control unit 13 can detect the ON / OFF state of this signal and determine which push button switch has been pressed. For example, when the signal A and the signal b are ON, it is determined that the main item display surface 23A and the sub item display surface 22b are pressed at the same time, and it is assumed that an item corresponding to the signal is selected. Therefore, normally, the sub switch 24 and the main switch 25 are pressed at the same time. However, in this embodiment, only the main switch 25 may be pressed. In this case, any of the predetermined sub switches 24 is selected. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may be judged that one was pushed simultaneously.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic ticket vending machine according to the present invention. In the description of this flowchart, the case of the configuration of FIG. 5 will be described. The control unit 13 checks whether or not money is inserted from the coin insertion slot 2 or the bill insertion slot 4 (S1). If money is inserted here (Y in S1), the signal of the AND circuit 31 in FIG. 6 is checked, and if the signal is output, it is determined that the main item and the sub item are selected at the same time (Y in S2). Next, when the sub switch signal is searched and a plurality of signals are ON (Y in S3), an error is displayed on the display unit 9 (S11). Basically, there is one sub-item for one main item. The main reason is that if a plurality of sub-items are permitted, the operator has to press a plurality of sub-switches at the same time, resulting in poor operability. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a plurality of sub switches are ON at the same time, the ON operation of the sub switches is invalidated. Thereby, it can be instructed to press the sub switch correctly. Of course, this may be allowed in a situation where the convenience of the user is improved by simultaneously pressing a plurality of sub switches.

On the other hand, if a plurality of sub switches are not ON in step S3 (N in S3), it is determined whether the main item is ON with the sub item ON (S4). If only the main item is ON (N in S4) ), The default sub-item is turned on (S14), and the display of the main item is turned on (S5). For example, when the sub-items of a main item are “large” and “normal”, in general, “normal” is often selected. Therefore, in the present invention, when only the main switch 25 is in the ON state, it is assumed that the “normal” main item is selected by determining, for example, “normal” as the default state. However, this fact is displayed in advance at a position where the user can see. Thereby, a predetermined item can be selected even when only the main switch is in the ON state.
On the other hand, if the main item is ON with the sub item ON in step S4 (Y in S4), the display of the main item is turned ON (S5). Then, the total amount of the selected item is calculated (S6), and it is checked whether or not the input amount is insufficient with respect to the total amount (S7). If the amount is insufficient (Y in S7), the shortage amount is displayed on the touch panel 2 (S12), and the process is repeated until the shortage amount is inserted. Actually, the time is monitored, and if the shortage amount is not inserted even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the entire amount is canceled and the insertion amount is refunded from the change mouth 7. If there is no shortage in step S7, or if a shortage amount has been inserted (N in S7), the presence of change is checked (S8), and if there is a change (Y in S8), the change is paid out to the change mouth 7. (S9), the ticket is printed and issued by the ticket printing unit 11 (S10).

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic ticket vending machine, 2 Coin insertion slot, 3 Cancel lever, 4 Banknote insertion slot, 5 Change button, 6 Banknote discharge port, 7 ticket, coin discharge port, 8 Item selection means, 9 Display part, 10 Pushbutton switch, 11 Ticket printing section, 12 money processing section, 13 control section, 14 ramp signal, 20 frame body, 21 movable piece, 22 sub-item display section, 23 main item display section, 24 sub-switch, 25 main switch, 27 connector, 28 fingers , 29 nails, 30 OR circuit, 31 AND circuit

Claims (4)

In an automatic ticket vending machine that selects items by pushbutton switches,
An item selection unit configured by a plurality of the push button switch groups, a money processing unit that performs a settlement of money corresponding to the item selected by the item selection unit,
An automatic ticket vending machine comprising ticket issuing means for issuing a ticket related to a specific item selected using the item selecting means, and control means for controlling each means,
The push button switch includes a movable piece and a main switch that is turned on when the movable piece is pushed down. The movable piece includes a main item display unit that displays a main item, and a main item display unit. A plurality of sub-item display units that display sub-items that are additional elements, and a sub-switch that is provided for each sub-item display unit and is turned on when the user touches the sub-item display unit. Is,
The control means detects a first ON state in which only the main switch is in an ON state or a second ON state in which both of the sub switches and the main switch are in an ON state. An automatic ticket vending machine that issues a ticket related to an item corresponding to a state.   2. The automatic ticket vending machine according to claim 1, wherein when the first ON state is detected, the control unit considers that any one of the preset sub-switches is ON at the same time.   3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the second ON state is detected, the control unit invalidates the ON state of the sub switches when a plurality of the sub switches are ON at the same time. 4. Automatic ticket machine.   The automatic ticket vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sub switch includes a contact sensor or a touch pad.

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