EP1814089A1 - Access system for persons - Google Patents

Abstract

The access system (20), has dispenser (22), access lock (24) and value-voucher dispenser. The dispenser releases the access lock and dispenses value-voucher when adequate currency is deposited at the dispenser. A stock of vouchers and value-vouchers (40) is provided. The printer issues a temporarily stored value-voucher when dispenser collects sufficient payment and prints a voucher and creates a new value-voucher. The new printed voucher is temporarily stored. The value-vouchers are supplied in the form of a roll and a cutting device is provided.

Description

• einen Zahlungsautomat,
• eine Zugangssperre,
• einem Wert-Bon-Ausgabeautomat, auf

wobei der Wert-Bonautomat immer dann die Zugangssperre freigibt und einen Wert-Bon ausgibt, wenn ausreichend Zahlungsmittel am Zahlungsautomat eingezahlt werden.The present invention relates to an access system for persons. Such an access system has

• a payment machine,
• an access barrier,
• a value receipt machine, on

whereby the value-automatic teller always releases the access lock and outputs a value-receipt, if sufficient means of payment are paid in at the payment machine.

A generic access system has the purpose that persons will only be granted access if they have previously paid in the ATM a sufficient amount of money. The terms payment or numbers do not refer exclusively to money, but rather to all conceivable means of payment. For example, in addition to coins and banknotes, the payment machine can accept credit or other payment cards as well as vouchers of all kinds. The use of a transponder is conceivable. Such a transponder transmits data via an inserted antenna.

Sufficient payment by the user at the payment machine releases the access lock allowing the user to pass through the otherwise restricted area. As access barriers in particular turnstiles, turnstiles or revolving doors are suitable, but also conceivable are all other types an access barrier. For example, a standard door, which is otherwise locked, can be released via the payment machine.

Essential in generic access systems is that not only the passage cleared by the sufficient payment, but also a value receipt is issued. The value-receipt can itself be used again as a means of payment. In particular, it has proved to be advantageous if the value receipt can be used in the immediate vicinity of the access system, for example for the purchase of food or drinks in a shop or kiosk. The advantage is that although the users of the access system have to make a certain payment, it is transferable to other services. For example, such a system can be used for public toilet access, even if the request for payment is not possible or desirable for legal or moral reasons. The user pays in such a case, although a certain amount, but this entitles him not only to use the toilet, but also allows the purchase of food, drinks or the like on presentation of a value vouchers.

A major disadvantage of the known generic access systems is that the time between the payment of the necessary amount and the issue of the value receipt takes too long. Especially with high-traffic access, such as access to a toilet, the delayed output of the value ticket leads to unwanted queues. This is particularly a problem when, for example, stops at a motorway service area and many travelers want to use the toilet.

This problem is known and there are numerous attempts to accelerate the issue of the value ticket. In particular, the use of very fast-printing printers for printing on bons has proven to be reasonably practicable. Although these have led to an improvement, the expression still lasts too long even with very fast printers.

Alternatively, therefore, access systems are used in which a supply of pre-printed value vouchers is available in a value voucher dispenser. On a term, which by the payment of sufficient amount in Gear is set is waived, it will be issued only the already manufactured value-bons. Although this system is extremely fast and reliable, it has the considerable disadvantage that the value vouchers stored in the value-ticket dispenser represent a considerable value. This means that the value-receipt machine will be protected against unauthorized access and also the entire logistics must be checked in advance.

The object of the present invention is to provide an access system for persons, which has a payment machine, an access lock and a value-receipt machine, in which the issue of the receipt of value takes place as soon as possible to pay a sufficient amount at the payment machine. The access system should allow as many people as possible to pass in as short a time as possible. Furthermore, the access system should be as simple as possible and inexpensive to produce. Finally, it is to be avoided that the access system holds a larger number of value tickets, since in such a case the risk of theft exists.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for providing a value ticket which can be carried out very rapidly under the conditions mentioned above.

• der zwischengelagerte Wert-Bon ausgegeben,
• ein Bon bedruckt und damit ein neuer Wert-Bon geschaffen, und
• der neu bedruckte Wert-Bon zwischengelagert wird.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a generic access system for persons having a printer, a supply of vouchers and a value receipt and then, if the payment machine detects a sufficient payment,

• the intermediate value receipt issued,
• printed a ticket and thus created a new value ticket, and
• the newly printed value receipt is stored intermediately.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method according to the independent method claim.

The access system according to the invention and also the method according to the invention to provide a value receipt in an access system are based on the basic idea that the value receipt machine always has only one ready-printed value receipt, which is then output when the payment machine registers a sufficient amount of money. The detection of sufficient amount of money according to the invention sets two processes in motion, namely the issue of the already in-stock receipt and the printing of a next receipt, which is then stored in the value-ticket dispenser until a sufficient payment is registered again.

Within the value-receipt machine is stored only a large number of unprinted vouchers, which are printed only if a sufficient payment has been made. Advantageously, no values are therefore present in the value memory. In contrast to already printed and stocked bons the unprinted roll or the unprinted bons are almost worthless, they are provided only by a special imprint, for example one or more barcodes or identifiers with the actual value. In this respect, there is no danger of theft stealing larger values from the payment system. For example, it is advisable that the unprinted tickets are kept rolled up on a roll within the value-receipt machine. It is on the one hand conceivable that the bons have no imprint, so to speak, are blank, or that they are already printed with essential information (for example, a value of the later value-Bons (eg 50 C) or information to the operator), then by another imprint of barcodes or identifiers can be added.

According to the invention, the worthless bons are also used to print statistics or other information on them. So the bons are used as printer paper.

The pressure and the provision of only one value ticket are completely sufficient for the advantageous function of the access system, since usually only one person after another can pass the access system anyway. In the event that the access system can be passed by several people at the same time, but it is also conceivable, according to several value tickets, for example, two Pre-print and reserve value vouchers in advance. Accordingly, several printers can be present.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment variant, a thermal printer is used as the printer. The term thermal printer, for example, thermal sublimation printers, thermal transfer printers and solid ink printers understood that generate their images with heat. Such printers bring z. B. color wax on the paper, the thermal sublimation printer uses particularly high temperatures (300 to 400 ° C), the wax is gaseous state and then evaporated, which allows very fine dots and thus high quality. A thermal transfer printer uses a foil that has waxy colors. A line of thermocouples heats the film point by point and melts the ink at about 100 ° C on the paper. Solid ink printers work in a similar way to a thermal sublimation printer, using solid wax that is heated in special tanks and then thrown one dot at a time onto the paper.

The main advantage of thermal printers is the low noise and the compact design. It is precisely these advantages that are very useful for the access system according to the invention, since the access system itself already occupies space for itself and thereby the access, which is usually present even before the installation of the access system, is reduced. In this respect, it is advantageous if all components of the access system take up as little space as possible. The low noise level of thermal printers is also very beneficial because the users would pass directly through the printer and be disturbed by high levels of noise.

The vouchers preferably rolled up in the form of a roll within the value-receipt dispenser can either be cut off from the roll after printing, but they can also be torn off with the aid of perforated dividing lines by a corresponding device after printing. In the event that the printed value receipt is cut from the roll, a corresponding cutting tool is provided, which cuts through the material after completion of the print. For this case, preferably a clamping mechanism is further provided, the printed, finished value Bon pull away from the value receipt roll so that the cutting tool can more easily cut through the material.

• Erfassen einer ausreichenden Zahlung an einem Zahlungsautomat,
• Ausgabe eines Entriegelungsauftrages und eines Druckauftrages,
• Entriegeln der Zugangssperre,
• Ausgabe eines bereits zwischengelagerten Wert-Bons,
• Bedrucken eines Bons und damit Schaffung eines neuen Wert-Bons,
• Zwischenlagern des Wert-Bons.

The process according to the invention comprises the following process steps:

• Detecting a sufficient payment at a payment machine,
• Issuing an unlocking job and a print job,
• Unlocking the access barrier,
• Issue of an already stored value receipt,
• Printing a voucher and thus creating a new value voucher,
• Interim storage of the value voucher.

The printing of the receipt and thus the production of a value ticket is followed by a cutting off or detachment of the finished value ticket and a subsequent intermediate storage of the value ticket. The detachment and interim storage can be directly followed by printing, but it is also conceivable that this process takes place only when the next sufficient payment is registered. The immediate detachment and interim storage has the advantage, however, that when the next sufficient payment is registered and the next issue order is received, can be used directly on the already ready provided value-Bon.

Advantageously, the access barrier is arranged between the payment machine and the value-receipt machine, this has the advantage that the time required for the user to get from the payment machine through the access block to the value-receipt machine can be used to carry out the method according to the invention. After passing the access lock, it is always ensured that the value receipt for collection already exists in the value-receipt device. However, it is also conceivable that the access lock is only released by removing the loan. In this case, the value receipt machine would also be located before the access lock.

According to the invention, in a particularly advantageous embodiment variant is registered, whether value-bons is in a value-receipt device of the value-receipt machine. Then, if there is already a value receipt in the value receipt device, the print job is not executed but stored and executed later. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the print job is only canceled, but the storage of the print job has the advantage that a complete statistic on the use of the access system can be created. The stored print jobs can be executed immediately when a value ticket is withdrawn, ie without further payment in succession, until all print jobs have been processed. Alternatively, they can only be processed if they are called up by an authorized person.

According to the invention, the access system, inter alia for the purpose of storing and evaluating the use of a data storage and a processor. For this example, the number of users, the time of use and the frequency of use can be determined.

It has also proven to be advantageous if all recordable data, so not only print jobs, are stored for later analysis. For example, all payments, each release of the access lock, cash flows, payment methods and times or times are data that can be stored. Also, free access can be saved, which are triggered by free cards or personnel cards.

According to the invention, a periodic and a permanent, non-manipulatable memory is provided. For example, the periodic memory can be read out and erased daily, while the data stored in parallel in the permanent data memory can not be erased or changed as far as possible over the entire service life of the system.

The value-receipt machine has a slot for outputting the value vouchers. In order to prevent users from inadvertently reinserting the value voucher in the slot, for example, when returning, it is advantageously closed or secured by a suitable device. The use of webs or claws that narrow the cross section of the slot or thwart each other has proven to be particularly effective for this purpose.

Preferably, the access system may have a voice output. For example, the user can be informed by voice output whether change has been issued or hints can be given to facilitate the use of the access system. For example, he may be alerted that he must remove the value receipt. The voice output can be started, for example, by the throwing of money or due to the position of the user. In the latter case, a light barrier may be provided.

The rotation of the turnstile preferably starts automatically just before the user would touch them. This allows a particularly gentle passage through the turnstile. In particular, it is facilitated by an automatic start of the turnstile leaving the room. In this case, the turnstile will turn in the opposite direction.

The payment machine preferably has a coin changer for different currencies in order to be able to react as flexibly as possible to users of different countries. It is also conceivable that the payment can be made by mobile phone.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the access system is networked, for example, connected to the Internet or radio network. This makes it possible that payments can be made in advance. For example, a bus driver may make a variety of payments even before reaching a motorway service area (e.g., for 50 people). The payments are registered on his transponder card so that with this single card he can give access to all passengers on the bus.

Figur 1:

eine vereinfachte Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Zugangssystems in einer ersten Ausführungsvariante, von oben.

Figur 2:

das erfindungsgemäße Zugangssystem aus Figur 1 in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht,

Figur 3:

eine schematische Darstellung des Verfahrens zur Regelung des Zugangssystems.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the greatly simplified figures below. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a simplified representation of an access system according to the invention in a first embodiment, from above.

FIG. 2:

the access system according to the invention from FIG. 1 in a perspective side view,

FIG. 3:

a schematic representation of the method for controlling the access system.

Figures 1 and 2 show an inventive access system 20 in a greatly simplified representation. The access system 20 comprises a payment machine 22, an access barrier 24 and a value-receipt machine 26. The access barrier 24 is disposed within a passage 28 to be controlled and blocks it from unauthorized passage. In the illustrated embodiment, the access barrier 24 is designed as a turnstile, but also all other types of access barriers 24 are conceivable.

An access direction is shown by an arrow 30. A user, not shown, therefore, first passes the payment machine 22, there must make a necessary payment, then pass through the released access lock 24 to finally a value-Bon 40 from the value-Bon-dispenser 26, in the present embodiment in the access direction is arranged behind the access barrier 24, to be able to remove. The arrangement, size and shape of the elements payment machine 22, access barrier 24 and value-receipt machine 26 are shown here only as an example, there are of course other designs conceivable and useful.

As becomes clear in particular from FIG. 2, the payment machine 22 has payment means 32 for receiving, for example, coins or cards (credit cards, smart cards, etc.). Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, a display 34 is provided, via which information for the user can be displayed. Finally, a slot 36 is provided for change.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the value-ticket dispenser has a value-ticket-issuing device 38 for outputting the value-tickets 40. The payment machine 22, the access lock 24 and the value-receipt machine 26 can be arranged or attached to a common frame 42. Furthermore, the three components payment machine 22, access lock 24 and value-receipt machine 26 via a suitable wireless or wired data connection with each other in contact. An unillustrated processor and data storage are also advantageously provided to control the entire access system 20. Also, the value-ticket dispenser 26 may have its own processor and memory to process and store data or orders submitted by the payment machine 22.

The value receipt dispenser 26 includes, among other things, a printer and a supply of unprinted receipts. The bons are advantageously provided in the form of a roll of paper which is rotatably mounted. Furthermore, a cutting device, not shown, for separating a printed value ticket 40 may be present. Finally, corresponding mechanisms are provided which temporarily store a printed value receipt 40 immediately after printing, in order to then issue it via the value receipt output device 38 at the next request. As a printer, a low-noise thermal printer is preferably used.

FIG. 3 clarifies the functions of the access system 20 according to the invention and the method according to the invention. First, with the help of suitable means of payment, a necessary amount is deposited at the payment machine 22 by the user. The sufficient deposit is registered, preferably from the payment machine 22 itself.

Subsequently, the output of a release signal to the access lock 24, and at the same time a print job for printing a value ticket 40 and an output job for issuing a value ticket 40 to the value-receipt machine 26. The print job and output job can both simultaneously from Value-receipt machine 26 can be fulfilled, since according to the invention already a printed value receipt 40 in the value-receipt machine 26 is ready for output. Thus, there is no loss of time due to the printing process. In principle, therefore, a user does not get the value-Bon 40, which was printed due to its payment, but he gets the value-Bon 40, due to the payment of his predecessor was printed. In order to initiate the process, it is only necessary to start a first print of a value ticket 40, which then remains in the value receipt dispenser 26 until the next (first) request or payment.

According to the invention, the print job is not directly fulfilled by the value-receipt machine 26 if a value receipt 40 is already present in the value-receipt device 38. This may be the case if, for example, the predecessor has not removed the value receipt 40. In such a case, the print job is saved and executed later. After receipt of the print job, a check is then made as to whether a value receipt 40 is present in the value-receipt device 38 or not. If this is the case, the print job is initially not executed, if this is not the case, the print job is executed immediately.

Stored print jobs can be printed at a later time, but you can also only enter into the statistics. Regardless, it makes sense to save all print jobs regardless of when they are run.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but also includes further, meaningful embodiments.

Claims (9)

Access system (20) for persons comprising a payment machine (22), an access barrier (24), a value receipt dispenser (26), wherein the value billing machine (22) releases the access lock and outputs a value receipt (40) whenever sufficient payment means are deposited at the payment machine,
characterized in that
a printer, a supply of receipts and a value receipt (40) are provided and, if the payment machine (22) detects a sufficient payment, the intermediate value receipt (40) is output, - printed a ticket and thus created a new value bon (40), and - the newly printed value receipt (40) is temporarily stored. Access system (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the access barrier (24) is arranged between the payment machine (22) and the value-receipt machine (26). Access system (20) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the printer is located inside the value-ticket dispenser (26) and the issue ticket (40) is issued via a value-receipt device (38) , Access system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the printer is designed as a thermal printer. Access system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a data memory for storing statistical data, print jobs and / or value Boneausgabeaufträge is present. Access system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that there is a sensor which detects whether a value receipt (40) is in the value receipt output device (40). Access system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the supply of Bons is in the form of a roll and a cutting means for separating a Wert-Bons (40) is provided by the roll. Method for regulating access for persons by an access system (20) arranged in one passage (28), comprising the steps of: Detecting a sufficient payment at a payment machine (22), - issuing an unlocking job and a print job, - unlocking the access barrier (24), Output of an already stored value ticket (40), - printing a voucher and thus creating a new value voucher (40), - Interim storage of the value ticket (40). A method according to claim 8, characterized in that after detecting a sufficient payment at the payment machine (22) first it is checked whether a value receipt (40) already exists in a value receipt output device (38); Then storing the print job in a data store for later printing if a value receipt (40) already exists or then outputting the previously printed value receipt (40) into the value receipt output device (38) and printing a receipt if no value receipt (40) is present in the value receipt output device (38).

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