JP2002163690A - Device and method for processing card and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a card having a time limit available, e.g. such as a season ticket by elongating the time limit in the case the use quantity of the card is less than fixed quantity even though the time limit arrives. SOLUTION: This card processor has an expiration date storing means for storing the expiration date of the card, an available quantity storing means for storing available quantity in the card, a counting means for performing counting each time the card is used, a comparing means for comparing count results made by the counting means with available quantity, and an expiration date changing means for changing expiration dates according to the results of the comparing means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card processing technique in which a term extension function is added to a commuter pass or the like used for a fixed period.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been regular tickets used for vehicles or admission tickets that can enter facilities for a certain period of time. These tickets can be used any number of times within the designated period.

[0003] On the other hand, when taking a break from work or school due to illness, for example, a regular ticket is not used, but refunds or the like for the once purchased commuter pass are not usually made. . If you know that you will be taking a long break, you can cancel the regular period, but if you take a short break frequently, it is a loss to cancel each time.

[0004] Even if the user purchases a six-month commuter pass, there is a drawback that even if the period of non-use becomes more than one month, the commuter pass becomes unusable after the expiration of the commuter pass, even if there is a lot of rest or business trips. .

[0005]

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned drawbacks are eliminated, and even if a time-limited card such as a commuter pass expires, if the number of uses is less than a certain number of times, the time-limited card is used. The purpose of this is to make it possible to use it by extending it.

From the viewpoint of the user, this system is reasonable because it can be used a certain number of times without exceeding the time limit even if it is not used in many cases.

[0007] In addition, there is an advantage that a longer term commuter pass can be purchased from the point of view of the seller. Commuter passes are a kind of prepaid card, so you can secure profits at an earlier stage.

[0008]

According to one aspect of the present invention, an expiration date storage unit for storing an expiration date of a card, an available amount storage unit for storing an available amount on a card, and a card are used. Counting means for counting each time, comparing means for comparing the result counted by the counting means with the available amount, and expiration date changing means for changing the expiration date based on the result of the comparing means. A card processing device is provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, expiration date storage means for storing the expiration date of the card, last use date storage means for storing the last use date on the card each time the card is used, If the difference from the last use date is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, a card processing device is provided which has an expiration date extending means for extending the expiration date by a predetermined period.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an expiration date storage step of storing an expiration date of a card, an available amount storage step of storing an available amount on the card, and counting are performed each time the card is used. A card processing method is provided, comprising: a counting step; a comparing step of comparing the counted result with the available amount; and an expiration date changing step of changing the expiration date based on the result of the comparison. .

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an expiration date storage step of storing an expiration date of a card, a last use date storage step of storing a last use date on the card each time the card is used, and If the difference from the last use date is equal to or longer than a predetermined period, an expiration date extension step of extending the expiration date by a predetermined period is provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an expiration date storage procedure for storing an expiration date of a card, an available amount storage procedure for storing an available amount on a card, and counting are performed each time the card is used. A counting step, a comparing step of comparing the counted result with the available amount,
A computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute an expiration date changing procedure for changing the expiration date based on the result of the comparison is provided.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an expiration date storage procedure for storing an expiration date of a card, a last use date storage procedure for storing a last use date on a card each time the card is used, A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute an expiration date extension procedure for extending the expiration date by a predetermined period when a difference from the last use date is equal to or longer than a predetermined period is provided. Is done.

According to the present invention, a card with a time limit, such as a commuter pass, can be used with an extended time limit if the usage amount is less than a certain amount even if the time limit has come. From the user's point of view, it can be said that a certain amount can be reliably used beyond the time limit even if the user does not use it in many cases, which is reasonable. Also, from the point of view of the seller, there is an advantage that a longer term card such as a commuter pass can be purchased. Commuter passes are a kind of prepaid card, so you can secure profits at an earlier stage.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below along with examples with reference to the drawings. (Outline of Embodiment) First, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, when a six-month period between Tokyo and Yokohama is purchased, the minimum guaranteed number of rides is written on the card. The number is set to 220. When used on the day following the end date, if the ride has not been performed 220 times yet, the number of days is calculated from the surplus times to extend the deadline. There is no re-extension.

In the second embodiment, the minimum guaranteed number of rides is set to 220, and if the number of rides does not reach 220 even if the time limit is exceeded, the rider can ride until the number of rides reaches 220.

In the third embodiment, from January 1 to June 30
If you buy a commuter pass until the day and do not use it for a whole month from April 15 to May 14, it will be extended on a monthly basis. That is, it is extended until July 31.

In the fourth embodiment, from April 1 to June 30
If you purchase a 3-month subscription up to the date, the minimum guaranteed ride distance is written on the card. If the boarding distance does not reach the value even after the deadline, the number of extended days is calculated from the remaining distance and written on the commuter pass.

[First Embodiment] (System Configuration) FIG. 1 shows the relationship between an apparatus consisting of a term-limited card and a system, a card, and money according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the money (101) is put into the ticket issuing machine (102) (105), and the card (103) is purchased (10).
6). Cards have commuter pass functions and ticket gates (104)
Each time the card is inserted, the contents of the card are read (107), and a ticket gate operation is performed. Also, information indicating that the ticket has passed is written on the card (108).

(Card) Details of the above-mentioned card will be described with reference to FIG. The card has a memory (20
1) and a sensor SENS (209). The method of the memory may be electrical, magnetic, or other.

In this memory, the commuter pass start date SDAY
(202), end date EDAY (203), stations STA (204) and STB (205) indicating the boarding section, counter COU (206), name NAM (207), age AGE
(208) is stored.

(Ticket Machine) FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the ticket gate, and the structure of the ticket gate will be described with reference to FIG. Ticket gates have both entrance and exit functions.

The central processing unit CPU (301) is a processing unit for executing a program stored in the read only memory ROM (305). The ROM stores fonts for displaying characters on the display DISP (303) in addition to the programs.

A reader / writer R / W (302) is a device for reading a card and writing on a card.

The gate device GATE (304) is a device for blocking the passage of a person at a ticket gate. In the event of a fraudulent card, it will close.

A RAM (306) is a random access memory used to temporarily store a work area and data necessary for various operations. The above device is connected to the bus
(307) is linked, and information is exchanged.

(Ticker) FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the ticket issuing machine, and the description will be made with reference to FIG. First, there is a central processing unit CPU (401), which is a processing unit for executing a program stored in a read only memory ROM (405). The ROM stores fonts for displaying characters on the display DISP (403) in addition to the programs.

The reader / writer R / W (402) is a device for reading and writing on a card. The key KEY (404) is a key for operating.
A key group operated by a user to input a boarding station, a period, and the like when buying a commuter pass.

A RAM (406) is a random access memory used to temporarily store a work area and data necessary for various calculations. Cash processing unit MONY (407)
Is a device for handling cash for taking in and changing money. The above device is connected to the bus
(408) is connected to exchange information.

(Relationship between commuter pass fee and counter) FIG. 5 shows the types of commuter passes. There are three types: one month, three months, and six months. Each price is shown, but the longer the period,
It's cheap. The counter is a number that guarantees the minimum number of rides. It is 30 times a month,
Normally, commuters from Monday to Friday take 20 days x round trip (twice), which is about 40 times in total, but less than that. That is, when the company is used less than 30 times after resting, the company can use more than one month. 110 for 3 months, 24 for 6 months
The number of times is increased to zero. 6 months, average 4 per month
It is 0 times, which is equal to the usual number of commutes. When you buy a commuter pass at the ticket gate, the above counter is written on the card.

(Processing in Bidding Machine) FIG. 7 shows the processing in the bidding machine.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when purchasing a renewal pass, the card is read. (Step S701)

However, it is not necessary to do so for the first time. Next, necessary items such as a station section, a period, and a name are input using keys. (Step S702) The fee is displayed on the display, and the money is paid. The money may be cash or a credit card. (Step S703)

The necessary information such as a counter is written on the card. (Step S704) The card is output. (Step S705) The card has been purchased.

(Processing at Ticket Gate) The ticket gate has two functions of an entrance and an exit, but the processing relating to the counter is performed only at the entrance. At the exit, it is only necessary to check whether the commuter pass is within the valid section or within the valid period.

The process at the entrance will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The flow of this process is stored in the ROM of the ticket gate as a program. First, the card is read. (Step S801 in FIG. 8) Next, it is determined whether or not the station reading the card is a station in a regular section. (Step S802)

If the card is not a station within the regular section, the gate cannot be closed with the card, so the gate is closed. (Step S901 in FIG. 9) Further, a warning message is displayed on the display. (Step S902) Finally, the card is returned. (Step S903)

On the other hand, if this station is a station in the section,
This time, it is determined whether it is within the validity period of the commuter pass. (Step S803 in FIG. 8) In the case of a regular validity period, the counter of the card is checked. (Step S804)

If the counter is not 0, a process of subtracting 1 is performed. (Step S805) If the counter is 0, no subtraction is performed. Next, open the gate. (Step S806) Finally, the card is returned. (Step S807)

On the other hand, if the period is not within the valid period, the following processing is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the current day is the day after the regular end date. (Step S1001 in FIG. 10) If it is not the next day, the period is invalid and the process proceeds to the gate closing process. (Step S901 in FIG. 9) If it is the next day, the counter is checked. (Step S1002 in FIG. 10)

If the counter is 0, it means that the minimum number of uses has already been used and the commuter pass is invalid. In this case, the process also proceeds to the gate closing process. (Step S901 in FIG. 9) If the counter is not 0, that is, the commuter pass has expired but is not used for the minimum guaranteed number of times. In this case, the end date will be extended. The calculation process of this extension will be described later. (Step S1003 in FIG. 10) Further, the counter is set to 0 (Step S1004),
The process proceeds to the gate opening process (step S806 in FIG. 8).

The calculation of the extension of the end date will be described below. The process is shown in FIG. 6, but first, the original period of the commuter pass is from April 1 to September 30. Assuming that the number of times used is 220, the counter is 240 at the beginning, and is therefore 20. Assuming use twice a day, divide this remaining counter value of 20 by 2 to get 10. That is, 10
You can still use it for days. The end date is set to October 10 in addition to 10 days on September 30. The above is the calculation of the end date, but there is no re-extension, so the counter is set to 0 in step S1004 in FIG.

[Second Embodiment] The system configuration and the card configuration are the same as those of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the counter is checked on the day after the last day of the original commuter pass, and the last day is extended depending on the result.
The last day may be used as it is until the counter reaches 0. In other words, the commuter pass in this case can be used as if it were a coupon with no expiration date. However, the number of times is the minimum guaranteed number of times.

The process at the entrance will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The flow of this process is stored in the ROM of the ticket gate as a program. First, the card is read. (Step S1101) Next, it is determined whether or not the station from which the card was read is a station within the commuter pass section. (Step S1102)

If the card is not a station within the commuter pass section, the card cannot pass through the ticket gate, so the process proceeds to the gate closing process. (Step S901 in FIG. 9) On the other hand, if this station is a station in the section, it is determined whether or not this time is within the validity period of the commuter pass. (Step S1103) In the case of the validity period of the commuter pass, 1 is subtracted from the counter of the card. It can be negative. (Step S1
104)

Next, the gate is opened. (Step S110
5) Finally, return the card. (Step S1106) On the other hand, if the commuter pass is not within the validity period, the following processing is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the counter is larger than 0. (Step S1107 in FIG. 12)

As a result, if it is larger than 0, it can still be used, and the process proceeds to the counter subtraction processing. (Step S1104 in FIG. 11) On the other hand, if it is 0 or less, it cannot be used anymore, so the process proceeds to the gate closing process. (Step S901 in FIG. 9)

[Third Embodiment] The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Although the structure of the card is different and shown in FIG. 14, instead of the counter, the date of use UDAY (140
There is 1). In the first and second embodiments, the counter can be used even after the last day of the commuter pass,
Here, the effective period is extended in units of one month when days that are not used for more than one month continue.

FIG. 13 shows an outline. When the validity period of the commuter pass is originally from January 1 to June 30, and when the commuter pass is not used from April 15 to May 14 on the way. The validity period is extended by one month to July 31.

The process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the card is read. (Step S1501) Next, it is determined whether or not the station from which the card was read is a station within the commuter pass section. (Step S1502)

If the card is not a station within the section of the commuter pass, the card cannot pass through the ticket gate, so the process proceeds to the gate closing process. (Step S901 in FIG. 9) On the other hand, if this station is a station in the section, it is determined whether or not this time is within the validity period of the commuter pass. (Step S1503)

If it is not the validity period of the commuter pass, the card cannot pass through the ticket gate, so the process proceeds to the gate closing process. (Step S901 in FIG. 9) In the case of the validity period of the commuter pass, the use date U stored in the card
Calculate the difference between DAY and the day. (Step S1504)

As will be described later, since the use date UDAY is updated each time it is used, it indicates the most recently used date.
It is determined whether the difference is one month or more. (Step S15
05) In the case of one month or more, the end date EDAY is extended by one month.
(Step S1506)

Further, the date of the day is written in the use date UDAY and updated. (Step S1507) Next, the gate is opened. (Step S1508) Finally, the card is returned. (Step S1509) In the above processing, when the unused period extends for one or more consecutive months, the end date is extended in units of one month. Also, since the end date can be re-extended, there is no waste even if it is not used for a long time.

[Fourth Embodiment] The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Although the structure of the card is different and shown in FIG. 17, there is no counter, and the following four items are added instead. Station where you got on or off STC
(1701). Commuter pass distance DIST (170
2). Minimum guaranteed distance TOTAL (1703). Usage distance USE (1704).

Of the above information, the station STC is not filled in when the commuter pass is purchased by issuing a ticket, and the usage distance USE is used.
Is 0. In the first to third embodiments, the number of uses and the number of days can be used even after the last day of the regular period, but here, the validity period is extended according to the used distance.

FIG. 16 shows an outline. When the section of the commuter pass is the X station and the Y station, the station is often used only from the A station to the Y station, and the X station may not be used much. For example, when commuting, get on from A station in the morning, but return X
Sometimes you come back to the station. In this case, if the distance between the A station and the Y station is 16 km and the distance between the X station and the Y station is 20 km, 4 km is not used every day. This will be combined to make it easier to extend the term of the commuter pass.

At the entrance of the ticket gate, the ticket gate gets on the card at the station S
Write TC. All you have to do is check the period and section of the commuter pass and let it pass. On the other hand, since the boarding distance is known at the exit of the ticket gate, another process is performed. The process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the card is read. (Step S19
01) Next, it is determined whether or not the station reading the card is a station within the commuter pass section. (Step S1902) If it is not a station within the regular section, the card cannot pass through the ticket gate, so the process proceeds to the gate closing process. (FIG. 9
Step S901)

On the other hand, if this station is a station in the section,
This time, it is determined whether it is within the validity period of the commuter pass. (Step S1903) If it is not the validity period of the commuter pass, the card cannot pass through the ticket gate, so the process proceeds to the gate closing process. (FIG. 9
Step S901)

If it is within the validity period of the commuter pass, the distance you have just got on is added to the card use distance USE. (Step S1
904) Next, it is determined whether or not the day is the last day of the validity period of the commuter pass. (Step S1905) If it is the last day, the number of extended days is calculated from the minimum guaranteed distance and the use distance. (Step S1906) This calculation process will be described later.

Further, the number of days obtained by the new calculation is added to the original end date, and the resulting date is written on the card. (Step S1907) Next, the gate is opened. (Step S1908) Finally, the card is returned. (Step S1909)

The calculation process in step S1906 will be described. This will be described with reference to the calculation process table of FIG. First, it is assumed that the original period of the commuter pass is from April 1 to June 30. The section of the commuter pass is 20 km.

It is assumed that the reference number of times of use is 100 times. In other words, taking into account that the user rides at least 100 times in three months, the minimum riding guarantee distance is set to 2000 km as a total distance based on this. If it is less than this, it is a distance that you can ride even after the validity period.

In the commuter pass period, if the distance between A and Y stations is 16 km, 1
Assuming that the user has boarded 10 times and 5 times between XY stations, the usage distance is 1860 km in total. 140 difference from total
km, which is divided by the commuter pass section 20km7
Is the number of extended ride days.

The calculation is as described above. However, if the end date is extended and the distance does not reach the total until that date, the end date is extended again. If the unused distance remains in the above processing, the end date is extended according to the distance. Also, the end date can be re-extended, which is reasonable.

[Other Embodiments] In addition to the above-described embodiment, the following may be adopted. The storage system for storing the data on the card may be a flash memory, another IC memory, or a magnetic storage system. The ticket is not limited to a train ticket, but may be a bus, ship, or airplane ticket.

Further, the same service is available not only for vehicles, but also for regular tickets for baseball stadiums, regular tickets for museums and art galleries, and regular tickets for amusement parks. As described above, in the present embodiment, the above-described drawbacks are eliminated, and even if the expiration date of a card such as a commuter pass expires, the expiration date is extended if the number of uses is less than a certain number. And made it available.

From the user's point of view, this system is reasonable because it can be used a certain number of times without fail even if it is not used in many cases. Also, from the point of view of the seller, there is an advantage that a longer term subscription can be purchased. Period is a kind of prepaid card,
Earnings can be secured at an earlier stage.

The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment, and operating the program according to a program stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus. It is included in the category.

In this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, storing the program code The recorded recording medium constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-RO
M, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of embodiments for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited manner. It is. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, even if the expiration date of a card such as a commuter pass expires, the expiration date is extended if the usage amount is less than a certain amount. Available. From the user's point of view, it can be said that a certain amount can be reliably used beyond the time limit even if the user does not use it in many cases, which is reasonable. Also, from the point of view of the seller, there is an advantage that a longer term card such as a commuter pass can be purchased. Commuter passes are a kind of prepaid card, so you can secure profits at an earlier stage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a card.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a ticket gate.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the bid machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a commuter pass fee and a counter table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process of calculating a period extension by a counter.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a bidding machine purchase process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a ticket gate process of the ticket gate according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a ticket gate process of the ticket gate according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a ticket gate process of the ticket gate according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a ticket gate process of the ticket gate according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a ticket gate process of the ticket gate according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a regular extension of the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a card according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a ticket gate process of the ticket gate of the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a distance diagram between stations according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of a card according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a process of extending a period by distance according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a ticket gate process of the ticket gate of the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 gold 102 ticket machine 103 card 104 ticket gate

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An expiration date storage unit for storing an expiration date of a card, an available amount storage unit for storing an available amount on a card, a counting unit for counting each time a card is used, and a count by the counting unit A card processing device comprising: a comparing unit that compares a result of the comparison with the available amount; and an expiration date changing unit that changes the expiration date based on the result of the comparing unit. 2. The card processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said usable amount storage means stores the number of times the card can be used, and said counting means counts the number of times the card is used. 3. The card processing device according to claim 2, wherein said expiration date changing means extends said expiration date by a number of days corresponding to a difference between said available number of times and said count value. 4. The card processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said expiration date changing means extends said expiration date until a difference between said usable number of times and said count value becomes zero. 5. The card processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said available amount storage means stores an available distance, and said counting means counts the available distance. 6. The card processing device according to claim 5, wherein the card is a vehicle commuter pass. 7. An expiration date storage means for storing an expiration date of the card, a last use date storage means for storing a last use date on the card each time the card is used, and a difference between the date and the last use date is determined. An expiration date extending means for extending the expiration date by a predetermined period if the period is longer than the period. 8. An expiration date storing step of storing an expiration date of the card, an available amount storing step of storing an available amount in the card, a counting step of counting each time the card is used, and a result of the counting. A card processing method, comprising: a comparing step of comparing the available amount; and an expiration date changing step of changing the expiration date based on a result of the comparison. 9. An expiration date storage step of storing an expiration date of a card, a last use date storage step of storing a last use date on the card each time the card is used, and a difference between the date and the last use date is determined. A card expiration date extension step for extending the expiration date by a predetermined period if the period is longer than the period. 10. An expiration date storage procedure for storing an expiration date of a card, an available amount storage procedure for storing an available amount on a card, a counting procedure for counting each time a card is used, and a result of the counting. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a comparison procedure for comparing the available amount and an expiration date changing procedure for changing the expiration date based on a result of the comparison. 11. An expiration date storage procedure for storing an expiration date of a card, a last use date storage procedure for storing a last use date on a card each time the card is used, and a difference between the date and the last use date is determined. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute an expiration date extension procedure for extending the expiration date by a predetermined period if the period is longer than the period.