GB2140952A - Ticket issuing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

A ticket issuing machine particularly for use with transport undertakings with a microprocessor, and a ticket issuing and printing device, in which ten keys respectively associated with the numbers 0 to 9 can be operated in one mode to enter the associated digits for entering the price of a ticket and can be operated in another rapid issue mode to select a complete pre-programmed price associated therewith. In the rapid issue mode the operation of a key will also select a pre-programmed class of ticket. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to ticket issuing machines This invention has reference to ticket issuing machines particularly but not exclusively for use in transport undertakings and has particular reference to those kind of ticket issuing machines which are capable of being used in what is sometimes termed "one-man bus applications". However at least in one form they are also capable of being used as ticket issuing machines for use in mobile ticket offices for issuing tickets in "pre-sale" applications or in another form as fixed machines in vehicle or at sales counters.

The invention is mainly, but not necessarily exclusively, concerned with the type of ticket issuing machine comprising a ticket printing and issuing device, a microprocessor for controlling the ticket printing and issuing device and including a store for retaining information about information to be printed on a ticket, a keyboard for entering data into or requesting data from the microprocessor and a display device for displaying information to be entered on the keyboard and or information to be printed on the ticket.

One of the pieces of information which is required to be printed on the ticket and is often also displayed on the display device is the price of the ticket. Conventionally each digit of this has to be keyed into the keyboard separately before it is displayed and/or printed. In the Specification of European Patent application No.

005708 (82300282.9) there is described as an alternative a portable ticket issuing maching of this kind which also refers to the feature of the possibility of a fare of a specific value being issued on depression of a single key.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved ticket issuing machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ticket issuing machine capable quickly of issuing tickets of the most used price and/or kind.

According to the present invention a ticket issuing machine comprises a ticket printing and issuing device, a microprocessor for controlling the ticket printing and issuing device and including a store for retaining information to be printed on a ticket such information including the price, a keyboard for entering data into and/or requesting data from the microprocessor and containing digit keys, the microprocessor having control circuits to determine the operation of the keyboard in one of a plurality of conditions characterised that in a normal mode of the machine a predetermined key represents a ticket of a predetermined price which ticket is issued in a rapid mode on depression of the key associated with that price but that tickets of other values require to be separately entered in other modes of the machine.

Embodiments of ticket issuing machines, in accordance with the invention, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view of a ticket issuing machine embodying a keyboard Figure 2 is a view of a ticket issued to a passenger Figure 3 is a view of a final waybill issued by the machine, Figure 4 is a view of an inspectors waybill issued by the machine, Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of ticket issuing equipment, Figure 6 is a view of the key arrangement of the keyboard of the equipment of Figure 5 and Figure 7 is a circuit diagram.

The ticket issuing machine as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings is suitable for use as an on bus ticket machine.

As shown in Figure 1 the ticket issuing machine embodies a keyboard 2 including a set of ten keys bearing respectively the digits 0 to 9 as well as keys marked as follows: C - Class key Data - Data key Clear - Clear Key + Key) - These keys to be operated to change the - Key ) stage number as the vehicle progresses Issue - Issue ticket Adult - Adult ticket Child - Child ticket SCR - Scholar's ticket Parcel - Ticket for parcel The keyboard also includes a display unit 3 preferably a liquid crystal display (L.C.D.) device. This unit normally displays the time but on operation of a key on the keyboard the time display is removed from the unit and replaced by the information being entered on the keyboard.The display device is controlled by a quartz clock control circuit including a time oscillator circuit which emits a pulse for example every minute to change the time normally displayed on the display unit 3.

The ticket issuing machine also includes a printer which may be a needle printer cooperating with a porous inked roller as described for example in the specification of our Patent No. 8028441(2058674). Alternatively the printer may be a thermal printer to print out the detail of the ticket being issued on a web of heat sensitive ticket stock paper. Tickets printed are fed out of the ticket issuing machine by paper web feed mechanism to eject the ticket web through an aperture 4 in the ticket issuing machine where the ticket length can be detached as by a guillotine of by tearing across a serrated edge (not shown).

The ticket issuing machine also includes a carrying handle 5 to enable the ticket machine to be readily transported as required.

The ticket issuing machine shown in Figure 1 has associated with it a circuit illustrated diagrammetically in Figure 7. As shown in this figure the keyboard 2 as shown embodies twenty keys each and connected to a switch so as to be capable of making a connection to one of a series of horizontal lines 5 and to one of a series of vertical lines 6. For the sake of simplicity a matrix consisting of four horizontal lines and four vertical lines are shown as lines X1 X2 X3 X4 and each of these lines is connected a respective input to a keyboard encoder circuit 7.

Connections are made from the keyboard encoder circuit 7 to a microprocessor unit 8 through a plurality of data lines 9. An additional line 10 is provided to address the microprocessor as soon as any one of the keys ofthe keyboard 2 is depressed.

An oscillator unit 10 and a Memory unit 11 are also connected to the Microprocessor Unit. The oscillator feeds the Microprocessor unit (and through the Microprocessor unit feeds the other units of the Ticket Issuing Machine). The Memory unit is likewise connected to the Microprocessor Unit and the circuit of the Memory limit is arranged to transmit trains of pulses relating to a predetermined price and kind of ticket depending upon which of the keys of the keyboard are depressed. In normal mode of the ticket issuing machine the memory unit and microprocessor unit as well as the associated units are arranged to control the operation of the ticket printer to issue tickets of a predetermined price and of a predetermined kind on depression of one only of the single digit keys of the keyboard 2.Such a kind of ticket is normally related to the most frequently issued ticket by that particular ticket issuing machine or perhaps by a group of ticket issuing machines.

Connection is also made between the microprocessor unit 8 to an address decoder circuit 12. This connection is made by a plurality of address line connections and is arranged that by selecting the address lins through which signals are passed so different signals are transmitted from the address decoder circuit 12.

Connections are made from the address decoder 12 to a Print unit 13 through a print drive circuit 14 and a Display Unit 15 through a display drive circuit 16. There is an additional chip select connection between the address decoder 17 and the keyboard encoder circuit 7.

With advantage a further feature is included such that the microprocessor in association with a memory device can hold different price structures for the sets of preprogrammed keys, for example an existing price structure and a revised price structure and be switched from one to the other by a simple operation. For example this allows a revised price structure to be entered into all applicable machines before the revised price structure comes into force. The machines can be used on an existing price structure right up to the moment when the revised structure comes into force and then easily changed over to the revised structure.

This is done by having a number of read-only memory chips mounted on a main printed circuit board inside the keyboard unit. Two different price tariffs are stored in the two halves of the chip and a slide change-over switch enables either tariff to be selected and put into effect.

According to another optional but preferred feature the microprocessor is pre-programmed with the price structure and can be asked to display or print the price when supplied with the requisite information about the type of ticket required.

For example on a transport route, the fare structure for a number of different routes are programmed into the microprocessor. Before the vehicle starts on the route the route number is entered into the store. As the vehicle progresses along the route, each new boarding stage number is entered into the store. If a customer wishes to know the ticket price required he can key in information representing the class of ticket required and the destination stage number and the microprocessor will supply the required price by display and/or ticket printing.

The microprocessor will retain data information about all the ticket issued.

According to another optional preferred feature of the invention the equipment includes means to incorporate a removable store having stored information to be independently transferred to or from for example a store of an external computer. Additionally, or alternatively, a socket can be provided to allow connection to a transportable data collection device similarly allowing the transfer of data to orfrom for example a store of an external computer. Alternatively means is provided to impart or receive information via a radio link to an external computer.

As a further optional feature the equipment may include a junction box allowing the interconnection of the ticket printing device and keyboard, or integral unit, with an external power means and peripheral equipment typically a cash acceptance device and a display panel to impart information to a ticket purchaser.

The ticket issuing machine as shown in Figure lisa transportable unit developed for on-bus use. It is a rugged ticket issuing machine that will provide simple, fast, fare collection with full transaction data retention. The machine affords a high degree of security against fraudulent operation.

The ticket issuing machine is designed to operate direct from the bus battery supply, but it has its own internal, rechargeable batteries to maintain its internal clock and data memory. It is particularly suitable for use by bus companies whose mode of operation dictates that a ticket machine is issued to a driver at the start of his duty period and that he is responsible for that machine until it is returned at the end of his duty period.

Operation The operation of the machine can be divided into three catagories as follows: (a) Duty Start/Duty End Routines - When the ticket machine is issued to the driver at the start of his duty period, he will have to mount the machine on the vehicle and connect it to the bus battery supply. He will then switch on, using his operator's security key, and "sign-on" by keying in the duty data required by the company. Typically, this information might include: Driver Number, Duty Number, Journey Number, Route Number, Starting Point Stage (or Zone) Number and Direction.

The machine will be capable of issuing tickets as soon as the "signing-on" routine has been completed. If necessary, the information entered during the "signing-on" routine may be updated (e.g. for a change of route number or direction) at any time in the driver's duty period. At the end of the duty period, the driver "signs-off" by means of a simple two-key entry, prior to switching off, disconnecting, and returning the machine.

(b) Ticket Issuing - Tickets may only be issued after the "signing-on" routine has been completed. To issue a ticket the fare value and class required is keyed in and then the issue key pressed. When several tickets of the same value and class are required, it is only necessary to repeat the issue key operation (not the full keying sequence). Confirmation of keying operations is provided by the Liquid Crystal Display (L.C.D.) operator's display, and keying errors can be corrected prior to ticket issue by use of the 'clear' key. The machine includes the feature of issuing a ticket by depression of only one of the digit keys. This is arranged in connection with the issue of a ticket related to the class of ticket most frequently issued and reduces the time of operation of the machine to issue a ticket.The '+' and '-' keys permit the stage (or zone) number to be incremented or decremented as the vehicle progresses on its journey. However, the machine is arranged to issue Adult tickets by default- i.e. a class key operation would only be required to issue Non-Adult tickets.

Adult tickets would be issued if only the fare is entered prior to the operation of the issue key.

(c) Service Operation - Before the machine is put into commission, or after it has been dismantled for major service work, or after its internal, rechargeable battery has been allowed to become discharged, it is necessary for an authorised service engineer to re-set the following: Machine Number Time Date.

This is achieved by keying in the necessary information, but this is only possible after the service access security lock has been operated.

The ticket issuing machine as shown in Figure 1 is also suitable for use as a data capture and retrieval machine as follows: The ticket issuing machine will retain a full record of ticket transactions per duty period, together with all the information entered during the Duty Start and Duty End Routines. All the information printed onto the tickets will be retained for statistical and financial analysis.

Data may be retrieved from the machine in two ways: (a) Brief, or summarised, details can be printed out on demand (via keyboard instructions) onto normal ticket stock. This information is presented in the form of waybills, driver's summaries, inspector's tickets, check tickets, etc., as required by the bus company. It will be necessary to finalise the precise requirements for print-outs before manufacture is commenced.

(b) The full data stored within the ticket issuing machine may be extracted at the end of the duty period when the machine is returned by the driver. The ticket issuing machine is provided with a socket, which will permit its direct connection to a a data extraction device or the local computer. By keying in a command to the ticket machine or a data extraction device, all the data relating to the machine number, Duty Start and Duty End Routines, ticket transactions will be transferred to the computer for analysis.

When the ticket issuing machine is used in conjunction with a ticket cancellor, the number of cancellations made during the duty period will be totalled and this information will be transferred to the computer, as in (b) above, and if required, can also be included in a print-out, as in (a) above.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Ticket Capacity - 750 (maximum depending on size of ticket.

Ticket Size -- Variable length (minimum 57 mm) x 30 mm wide.

Ticket Stock - 0.006 ins. thick, 30mm wide, unprinted, uncut roll with red end-of-roll warning stripe.

Ticket Printer - Purpose built, impact type, matrix printer, producing two lines of 2.5 mm high characters. (23 characters per line maximum on a 60mm long ticket).

Information Printed - Machine Number, Date, Time, Route, Boarding Stage (or Zone) and on Ticket (typically) Direction, Class and Fare Paid.

Speed - Ticket Issue < one second from operation of issue key.

Operator Keyboard - Maximum of 20 keys in two rows. Key Pitch = 19mm.

Operator Display - Eight digit, L.C.D., alpha numeric display, with illumination.

Security Keys - Operator Key and Service Access Key.

Data Capture - Full ticket transaction data capture tickets (plus counter for up to 9999 ticket cancellor operations when connected to a remote ticket cancellor unit).

Sockets - Power supply Remote ticket cancellor (use optional) Data retrieval (at and of duty period).

Power Requirement - 24 V. D.C. (nominal) bus battery supply (18 V. D.C. to 28 V. D.C.) Internal Battery - 3.6 V. D.C. re-chargeable battery to support internal clock and data memory for 100 days minimum. Battery automatically re-charged when machine is connected to bus battery.

Re-charge time for fully discharged battery = 24 hours.

Overall Dimensions - 275mm wide x 200mm high x 170mm dia. (approx) Overall Weight - 6.5 Kg. (approx.) OPTIONS (a) Pre-set Fares - If certain tickets are required more commonly than others, and if it is considered desirable to reduce key operation time, then the machine can be arranged to provide up to twenty pre-set fares. Under these circumstances, the twenty most popular fares (by class and fare value) can be selected using only one or two keys. In particular the ten most popular tickets are selected by pressing only one of the keys labeiled 0 to 9. The ten next most popular tickets can be selected by pressing the "alternative" key and one of the keys labelled 0 to 9.) Other tickets (outside the pre-set range) may be issued in the normal way be keying in the relevant class and fare value.The operations of the data, clear, issue and stage (or zone) increment or decrement keys are not affected by the adoption of the Pre-Set Fare Option.

(b) Extended Data Capture Capacity- The ticket issuing machine may be used in conjunction with a Data Capture Module. The module plugs directly into the machine's data retrieval socket. The module itself has a data retrieval socket to permit direct connection to a computer, and its own internal, re-chargeable battery to support the memory. It is possible to fit or remove an extension module without a security key.

DATA CAPTURE AND RETRIEVAL The total number of cancellations made per duty is readily calculated by noting the readings of the non-resetting, four digit, sequential accumulative counter at the start and end of the duty period.

When the cancellor is connected to a ticket issuing machine, each operation will be recorded by the data capture system of the ticket issuing machine unit. This information will then be retrieved, either by direct transfer to a computer, or by being printed out on a waybill.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION Information Printed - Two digit stage (or zone) number. (Manually set).

On Ticket - Four digit, non-re-setting sequential number.

- Unique alpha-numeric machine number.

Printer - Impact, print wheel type, with automatically advancing inking ribbon.

Interlocks - Ticket interlock. Machine will not operate unless a ticket is inserted fully.

- End of Ticket Interlock. Machine will not operate when the end of the ticket is reached. The number of times tickets can be used may be pre-set, as required.

- End of Ribbon Interlock. Machine will not operate when the inking ribbon has reached the end of its travel, until the ribbon lever is reversed to ensure full utilisation in both directions.

Output Contact - Normally open, volt free contact closing on cancellation.

(For remote monitoring).

Overall Dimensions - 120mm high x 100mm wide x 60mm dia. (approx).

Weight - 480 gms. (approx.) The machine as shown in Figure 1 may be used as a Ticket Machine For The Pre-Sale Of Tickets as follows: DUTY Introduction - The ticket issuing machine is ideally suited for the pre-sale of single-journey tickets from mobile ticket offices or fixed locations. When used for the pre-sale of tickets, the ticket issuing machine will continue to facilitate high speed ticket transactions, provide security against fraud, and retain full transaction data. Additionally, the use of a single type of machine for the sale of tickets on-bus and on a pre-sale basis, greatly reduces spares, maintenance, and staff training costs. When the ticket issuing machine is to be used where only a mains power supply is available, it can be operated on an auxiliary AC to 24V. D.C. power unit.

Operation - The operation of the machine, when used for the pre-sale of tickets, can be identical to that described for on-bus ticket machines.

However, it will probably prove advantageous to modify the Duty Start Routine and ticket issuing operation of the ticket issuing machine when it is used for the pre-sale of tickets. The Duty Start Routine can be arranged to include the stage (or zone) number Corresponding to the point of sale, and the ticket issuing operation can then include the keying in of the route number and direction. Other variations to the operating routines can be accommodated, if required.

DATA CAPTURE AND RETRIEVAL The ticket issuing machine, when used for the pre-sale of single journey tickets, will retain a full record of all ticket transaction data, together with all the information entered during the Duty Start and Duty End Routines performed by the operator. Data retrieval will be exactly as described for on-but ticket machines.

Aticket issuing machine as shown and described may be operated as follows:- SIGNING ON At duty start, the driver connects the ticket issuing machine to the bus battery supply before using his security key to switch on. He then signs on by keying in such identifying information as driver number, duty number, journey number, route number, starting stage etc. Until this procedure has been carried out no tickets can be issued. As the journey progresses the driver uses the plus or minus keys to increment or decrement stage numbers.

TICKET ISSUING Tickets are issued by entering the fare and class on the keyboard, checking for errors on the liquid crystal display, then pressing the "issue" key. For repeat tickets the "issue" key only is used. Alternatively when Fare Table look-up is employed, tickets can be issued by entering required alighting stage number and class.

RAPID ISSUE To improve boarding times the ticket issuing machine can be programmed to operate in one or both of these rapid modes: * Always to issue the same class ticket upon entering the fare value only. For example entry of fare will issue Adult Single Ticket, if a different class of ticket is required both fare and class are entered.

* To issue up to 20 predetermined fare values by use of one or two keys only. Tickets outside the popular range can still be issued in the usual way by entering the relevant fare and class.

DATA CAPTURE A record is kept automatically of * Signing on and off details at duty start and duty end.

* All ticket data, such as time and date of issue: fare value: class: boarding stage: alighting stage: route number: ticket serial number. These details can be varied to suit each operator's requirements.

* Summarised transaction data.

DATA TRANSMISSION Transaction data, which can be retained on an accumulating basis or collected at the end of each duty, can be extracted in one of three ways: * Summarised details can be printed onto ticket stock on command from the keyboard, at any time during a duty.

* Full stat, including signing on and off information, can be transmitted directly or via a data capture unit, to a depot computer at duty end.

* Data can be shown progressively on the display for manual recording.

The embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 works in a similar manner to that already described. Any parts described in relation to one embodiment may be incorporated in the other embodiment as appropriate.

The equipment of Figure 5 is for permanent installation in a bus and comprises several units which may be electrically interconnected. These are a keyboard unit 1 and mounting plate, a ticket issuing device 20, which may be sited away from the keyboard, for instance further into a bus, a cash receiving vault unit 21, a junction box 22 as well as interconnecting cable 5 for connecting the machine 2 and keyboard unit 1.

The cash receiving vault may be of the kind described in Patent Specification No. 1304351/2 and 1306736 and the ticket issuing machine may correspond to that shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows the face of the keyboard unit having keys with the following functions: Key Function 0-9 incl. (a) The use of any one key will issue an appropriate ADULT ticket in the "rapid issue" mode as hereinafter described.

(b) In conjunction with the "C" key, will issue an appropriate CHILD ticket in the "rapid issue" mode.

(c) In conjunction with the "ADULT" or "CHILD" key, enables entry of a special fare.

d) Facilitate entry of Driver's Number, etc., during Duty Start, etc.

C Places "rapid issue" keys in Child fare mode.

ROUTE Allows entry of new Route number.

DUTY START Initiates "Signing on" procedure.

DUTY END Initiates "Signing off" procedure.

+ and - These keys allow Boarding Stage Numbers to be incremented or decremented, as required, during the journey.

ADULT and CHILD These keys facilitate the subsequent input of any special fare.

CLEAR Providing the ISSUE key has not been depressed, allows entry errors to be rectified.

OAP Increments number of passengers using OAP passes. No tickets issued.

TRAV CARD Increments number of passengers using Travel Cards. No tickets issued.

ISSUE This key is used, during ticket issue, to a) Repeatthe previous ticket-value b) Cause the issue of special-fare Adult or Child ticket It also finalises all keyboard entries made in connection with: a) DUTY START b) DUTY END c) Temporary absence from vehicle DATA Initiates DATA ROUTINES, in conjunction with one or other of the numeric keys, for Waybill procedures, etc.

The memory of the microprocessor incorporated in the keyboard unit is pre-programmed with all the routes and faretables so that the equipment can operate in four modes.

1) The rapid issue mode - as described in relation to Figure 1 the keys 0-9 are dedicated keys, so that the ten most common fares are selected by pressing the appropriate one of these keys. Ten alternative fares are selected by using, in addition, the C key. A tariff label is located above the keys showing the fare values.

2) The fixed Mode - The keyboard can be put into a "Fixed" mode to enable indefinite single-key issue of flat fares. Pressing the "CLEAR" key reverts the machine to normal "Rapid Issue" mode.

3) Known Fares outside the common range- The Keys 0-9 can be used with the class keys to repeatedly enter the number 0-9 to appropriate value and thus enter the class and fare due.

4) Using faretable look-up - The route having been entered before the start of the journey and the boarding stage number being advanced as the journey progresses, when the class and destination stage number are entered the machine consults its memory and issues a ticket or displays the money to be put in the vault before issuing a ticket and then automatically reverts to Rapid Issue Mode.

The ticket issuing machine may embody a HAND-OPERATED CANCELLOR DUTY Introduction - The hand-operated cancellor is a compact, rugged unit designed for on-bus mounting. It will cancel multi-journey tickets quickly and efficiently and, when connected to the Ticket Issuing Machine, will provide a record of the number of cancellations performed.

Operation - The multi-journey ticket is inserted into the machine, which has an interlock to ensure that it cannot be operated unless the ticket is fully inserted. Depression of the press-action cover then punches the ticket and simultaneously prints validating information. The validating information will take the form of a manually set, two digit stage (or zone) number; a non-resettable four digit, sequential number, and the unique alpha-numeric machine number.

While the keyboard and microprocessor may be removable from the bus for connection to a computer to retrieve the data, as an alternative, it may include a removable store allowing stored information to be independently transferred to or from a store of an external computer.

Additionally or alternativeiy a socket is provided to allow connection to a transportable data collection device similarly allowing the transfer of data to or from a store of an external computer. Alternatively a radio link to an external computer may be provided.

The junction box allows the interconnection of the ticket printing and issuing machine and keyboard with an external power means and peripheral equipment such as the cash vault and/or a further display panel to impart information to a ticket purchaser.

The system's fare-tariffs are stored in one of the programmable read-only memory chips mounted on the main printed-circuit board inside the keyboard unit. Occasionally, this chip will have to be exchanged for a later one to cater for tariff-changes.

Two different fare-tariffs are stored in the two "halves" of the chip A. Slide changeover switch enables either tariff to be selected and put into effect.

It will be necessary, at the time fare-changes are approved, to prepare replacement chips programmed with the proposed new fares. The new chips are then inserted into all the keyboard units, in readinessforthe time when the new tariffs are to be put into effect.

To enable this work to be done in an orderly way, the replacement chips contain the "old" (ie, fare-tariff currently in force) in one half and the new tariff in the other half. Thus, with the new chips installed, the fleet can continue to operate with the current fare-tariff right up to the time appointed for the changeover to the new fares. All that then has to be done on all keyboard units is to move the changeover switch into the alternative position, at the appropriate time.

At the time of changing over the switch it will be necessary to remove the old tariff label (key values) from the keyboard unit and affix a new one.

Claims (14)

1. A ticket issuing machine comprising a ticket printing and issuing device, a microprocessor for controlling the ticket printing and issuing device and including a store for retaining information to be printed on a ticket such information including the price, a keyboard for entering data into and/or requesting data from the micropressor and containing digit keys, the mcroprocessor having control circuits to determine the operation of the keyboard in one of a plurality of conditions characterised that in a normal mode of the machine a predetermined key represents a ticket of a predetermined price which ticket is issued in a rapid mode on depression of the key associated with that price but that tickets of other values require to be separately entered in other modes of the machine.

2. Aticket issuing machine according to Claim 1 in which the keyboard includes class keys each associated with one class of ticket and in which, the class of ticket must also be inserted through operation of a class key before a ticket is issued.

3. A ticket issuing machine according to Claim 1 in which the keyboard includes class keys each associated with one class of ticket and in which, in the normal mode, the machine will issue one pre-selected class of ticket unless a class key associated with an alternative class is operated.

4. A ticket issuing machine according to any of Claims 1 to 3 in which, in the rapid issue mode, operation of one of said rapid keys automatically selects a pre-programmed class of ticket.

5. A machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 in which, in the rapid issue mode operation, the operation of a single one of said set of digit keys acts to select both the price and class and to issue a ticket without operation of an issue key.

6. A machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 in which the microprocessor is arranged to hold two different price structures for the set of pre-programmed keys and including switching means for switching from one price structure to another price structure.

7. A machine according to Claim 6 including a number of read only memory chips with two different price tariffs stores on each chip and switching means for switching between one tariff and another tariff.

8. A machine according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 in which the switching means is accessible only to an operator having an appropriate key to the machine.

9. A machine according to any of Claims 1 to 8 further including a display device arranged to display information which is selected via the keyboard to be printed on the ticket.

10. A machine according to any of Claims 1 to 8 preprogrammed with a variety of price structures, and which is arranged to print out and/or display the required price when information concerning the class and type of service required are inserted via the keyboard.

11. A machine according to any of Claims 1 - 10 designed for issuing fares for public transport and in which the microprocessor is pre-programmed with information on fare structures and is arranged to print out and/or display the price of a fare when information concerning the required class and destination are supplied to it via the keyboard.

12. A machine according to Claim 11 in which the keyboard and microprocessor are designed to enter and receive information concerning the route of the vehicie, the initial starting point and the stage increments as the journey proceeds, and the microprocessor can display or print out the required fare when the class and destination are keyed in via the keyboard.

13. A machine according to any of Claims 1 and 12 designed for issuing tickets for public transport and in which the keyboard and microprocessor are arranged to receive information about the driver, vehicle and/or route and including means for issuing on demand interim and/or final waybitis including details concerning the money taken and tickets sold together with information concerning the driver, vehicle andior route and times of starting and ending driver duties.

14. A ticket issuing machine substantially as described herein with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.