JP2004013498A - Tickets processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tickets processing apparatus capable of performing stable radio communication, improving the processing efficiency, and preventing a deterioration in reliability. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 70 controls the driving of a motor 43 for conveyance to convey a radio card through a conveyance path, and controls a radio card reader/writer part 98 to perform radio communication with the radio card in a predetermined communication area on the conveyance path. At that time, the CPU 70 judges the conveyance state of conveyed tickets based on an output signal from a conveyance state detector 91, and stops the conveyance of the radio card so that the predetermined position in a communicable range of the tickets can be positioned in the communication area of a radio antenna part 41 of the radio card reader/writer part 98 according to the conveyance state, and controls the radio card reader/writer part 98 to perform radio communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ticket processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a ticket processing apparatus that performs a predetermined process by transporting a wireless card as a ticket to a position where wireless communication is possible.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a ticket processing device that performs a predetermined process on a wireless card as a ticket by wireless communication has been put to practical use. Such a ticket processing apparatus is capable of issuing various types of tickets including a wireless card storing predetermined ticket information, a ticket vending machine, and a predetermined ticket information stored in a ticket such as a wireless card. It is installed in a checkout machine that performs a checkout process based on such information.
[0003]
The ticket processing device includes a wireless card reader / writer that performs wireless communication with a wireless card. The wireless card reader / writer unit supplies driving power to the battery-less wireless card by electromagnetic waves transmitted from the wireless antenna unit, reads various information stored in the memory unit of the wireless card, and adds new information to the memory unit. Write information.
[0004]
In particular, in the case of a ticket processing device that takes in a wireless card and processes it, the wireless card reader / writer transmits a weak electromagnetic wave that does not require an application for opening a station. For this reason, the captured wireless card is transported to a predetermined position in a communication area very close to the wireless antenna section of the wireless card reader / writer section, and wireless communication with the wireless card reader / writer section is stopped in a state where the transport is stopped. Often done.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the above-described ticket processing apparatus, since wireless communication is performed using weak electromagnetic waves, the communication area is extremely small. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the transport of the wireless card at a predetermined position accurately with respect to the wireless antenna section of the wireless card reader / writer section.
[0006]
In addition, the range in which wireless communication can be performed between the wireless card and the wireless card reader / writer varies depending on individual differences between the wireless card itself and the wireless card reader / writer itself, as well as the installation environment of the apparatus.
[0007]
Therefore, when the wireless card is set to be stopped at a unique predetermined position with respect to the position of the wireless antenna unit to perform wireless communication, a wireless communication error may frequently occur due to the above-described reason. is there. As described above, when a wireless communication error frequently occurs, there arises a problem that the processing efficiency of the wireless card is reduced and the reliability of the device itself is impaired.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to perform stable wireless communication, improve processing efficiency, and prevent a decrease in reliability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ticket processing device capable of performing the above.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The ticket processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
In accordance with the transport state of the tickets conveyed by the transport unit, the transport of the tickets is stopped so that a predetermined position within the communicable range of the tickets is located within the communication area of the wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication Control means for controlling to perform wireless communication by means,
It is characterized by having.
[0010]
A ticket processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes:
Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
Stopping the transportation of the tickets so that the first position within the communicable range of the tickets is located within the communication area of the wireless communication unit according to a transportation state of the tickets transported by the transportation unit; The communication means is controlled to perform wireless communication, and when a wireless communication error occurs in the wireless communication means, a second position different from the first position is located in the communication area of the wireless communication means by the transport means. Control means for moving the tickets so as to perform wireless communication again by the wireless communication means,
It is characterized by having.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a ticket processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This ticket processing apparatus processes magnetic and wireless tickets, and is provided in, for example, a ticket vending machine or a checkout machine as station equipment. The magnetic tickets include ordinary tickets, coupon tickets, contact tickets, limited express tickets, commuter passes, and prepaid cards, and the wireless tickets include commuter tickets, prepaid cards, and commuter passes. There is a wireless card that has both functions of a prepaid card and a prepaid card.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ticket gate system includes a host computer 100 and various station services. The host computer 100 is connected via a communication line 120 to a ticket vending machine 200 as a station service device, a ticket gate 300, a checkout machine 400, and the like.
[0013]
The host computer 100 has a CPU 111 that controls the entire ticket gate system. The CPU 111 has a memory section 112 for storing control data for controlling the host computer 100, a display section 113 for displaying a system state, an operation state of the host computer 100, and the like, and for inputting various information. An input unit 114 having a keyboard and the like, a communication control unit 115 for transmitting and receiving data to and from each station service device via a communication line 120 are connected.
[0014]
The ticket vending machine 200 receives a condition input by an operation of a user using the ticket, and receives a consideration such as cash or a prepaid card, thereby obtaining a ticket storing predetermined ticket information based on the input condition. Issue. The ticket vending machine 200 issues tickets such as a normal ticket, a coupon, a contact ticket, an express ticket, a commuter pass, and a wireless card.
[0015]
The ticket gate 300 receives tickets owned by the user (and inserted by the user), reads ticket information necessary for ticket processing stored in the tickets, and performs ticket processing based on the ticket information. I do. The ticket gate 300 processes tickets such as a normal ticket, a coupon, a contact ticket, an express ticket, a commuter pass, and a wireless card.
[0016]
The payment machine 400 receives the tickets inserted by the user, reads the ticket information necessary for the payment processing stored in the tickets, calculates the payment amount, and receives consideration such as cash or a prepaid card. And performs a settlement process based on the ticket information. The payment machine 400 processes tickets such as ordinary tickets, coupons, contact tickets, limited express tickets, commuter passes, and wireless cards.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless card C includes an antenna unit AT having a predetermined communicable range, a memory unit M storing ticket information, and the like. In the memory unit M, commuter pass information necessary for use as a commuter pass, such as information on a use section, an expiration date, a user's name, address, gender, age, and the like, is stored as ticket information. . The memory unit M also stores prepaid information required for use as a prepaid card, for example, money amount information (remaining amount information) corresponding to a monetary value.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, an arrow X indicating an insertion direction, a use section, an expiration date, a user name, and the like are printed on one main surface, that is, a front surface of the wireless card C. On the other main surface, that is, the back surface of the wireless card C, a mark MK or the like used for detecting the transport state of the wireless card C or the like is printed.
[0019]
Next, a ticket vending machine 200 equipped with a ticket processing device for processing the wireless card C as described above will be described.
[0020]
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the ticket vending machine 200 includes a CPU 201 that controls each unit of the apparatus. The CPU 201 is connected to a memory unit 202, an operation unit 204, a display unit 205, a cash processing unit 206, a ticket processing device 207, a communication control unit 208, and the like.
[0021]
The memory unit 202 includes a ROM that stores a control program for controlling the entire apparatus, a RAM that temporarily stores ticket information read from tickets, and stores information as a buffer of the control program, And a fare memory for storing fare information necessary for ticket issuance processing for each route.
[0022]
The operation unit 204 includes various buttons necessary for performing various settings. That is, the operation unit 204 includes information such as the number of purchased tickets, the classification of adult tickets / children's tickets, and the types of tickets (ordinary tickets / coupons / express tickets ...). A condition button for designating conditions is provided.
[0023]
The display unit 205 includes, for example, a touch panel, displays information based on various settings, displays various buttons necessary for performing various settings, and detects inputs of these buttons. .
[0024]
That is, the display unit 205 displays various information such as cash inserted by the user, that is, the inserted amount of bills and coins, the remaining amount of the inserted prepaid card, the amount of purchased tickets, the change amount, and the operating state of the ticket vending machine 200. Display information about In addition, the display unit 205 displays a plurality of account buttons for lighting and displaying the section fares of the releasable routes based on the inserted cash input amount or the remaining amount of the prepaid card.
[0025]
Further, the display unit 205 displays a guide screen for issuing a wireless card and accepts input of ticket information necessary for issuing a wireless card. Ticket information input via the display unit 205 is stored in the memory unit M of the wireless card C.
[0026]
The cash processing unit 206 performs processing such as the authenticity determination, the type determination, and the calculation of the total amount of cash required for issuing bills, that is, the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot and the coin inserted from the coin insertion slot. . In addition, the cash processing unit 206 calculates a change, discharges a bill as change from a bill outlet, and discharges a coin as change from a coin outlet.
[0027]
The ticket processing device 207 processes magnetic and wireless tickets based on the set ticket information, for example, issues tickets or deducts a predetermined amount from a prepaid card or a credit card. And so on.
The communication control unit 208 transmits and receives data to and from the host computer 100 via the communication line 120.
[0028]
Next, a payment machine 400 equipped with a ticket processing device for processing the wireless card C as described above will be described.
That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the payment machine 400 includes a CPU 401 functioning as payment means for performing payment processing based on ticket information stored in the tickets. The memory unit 402, the operation unit 404, the display unit 405, the cash processing unit 406, the ticket processing device 407, the communication control unit 408, and the like are connected to the CPU 401.
[0029]
The memory unit 402 includes a ROM that stores a control program for controlling the entire apparatus, a RAM that temporarily stores ticket information read from tickets, and a RAM that stores information as a buffer of the control program, And a fare memory for storing fare information necessary for the settlement process from the station to the settlement machine 400.
[0030]
The operation unit 404 includes various buttons necessary for performing various settings.
The display unit 405 includes, for example, a touch panel. The display unit 405 displays a guidance screen necessary for the settlement process, displays various buttons necessary for performing various settings, and detects input of these buttons. . That is, the display unit 405 displays various information such as cash inserted by the user, that is, the inserted amount of bills and coins, the remaining amount of the inserted prepaid card, the settlement amount, the change amount, and the operation state of the settlement machine 400. I do.
[0031]
The cash processing unit 406 performs processing such as true / false determination, type determination, and calculation of a total amount of a bill inserted from a bill insertion slot and a coin inserted from a coin insertion slot. The cash processing unit 406 calculates change, discharges a bill as change from a bill outlet, and discharges coins as change from a coin outlet.
[0032]
The ticket processing device 407 processes magnetic and wireless tickets based on the set ticket information, and performs processing such as, for example, subtracting the payment machine amount from a prepaid card or a wireless card.
The communication control unit 408 sends and receives data to and from the host computer 100 via the communication line 120.
[0033]
Next, the configurations of the ticket processing apparatuses 207 and 407 mounted on the ticket vending machine 200 and the checkout machine 400 will be described in more detail. Although these ticket processing apparatuses have substantially the same configuration, here, the ticket processing apparatus 207 mounted on the ticket vending machine 200 will be described as an example.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 5, in the ticket processing apparatus 207, an input port 8 for receiving, returning, and discharging tickets is provided on the left side (front side) of the main body. The bills inserted from the insertion port 8 are conveyed along the take-in conveyance path 9.
[0035]
A detector 10 that detects inserted tickets and determines the type of tickets, a transport roller 9a, and the like are provided on the loading transport path 9. The detector 10 is configured by, for example, a transmission type optical sensor. The transport roller 9a is driven to rotate by a transport motor 13.
[0036]
The tickets conveyed through the take-in conveyance path 9 are guided to the batch discharge holding unit 65. The batch discharge holding section 65 is configured by a solenoid 66 that moves a stopper 66 a with respect to the transport path 9. The batch discharge holding unit 65 temporarily holds each ticket conveyed along the magnetic card transport path 16, the credit card transport path 17, the wireless card transport path 18, and the like. The batch discharge holding unit 65 discharges the held tickets from the input port 8 for each transaction by transporting the held tickets toward the input port 8 in the direction opposite to the take-in direction of the transfer path 9.
[0037]
The tickets that have passed through the batch discharge holding section 65 are selectively sorted to the magnetic card transfer path 16 or the credit card transfer path 17 by the first sorting section 15a. The tickets conveyed along the credit card transport path 17 are selectively distributed to the wireless card transport path 18 or the hold transport path 20 by the second sorting unit 15b. The tickets conveyed to the holding conveyance path 20 are transferred to the collection conveyance path 102 by the transfer unit 15c.
[0038]
The first distribution unit 15a includes a flapper 67 and a solenoid 68 that rotates the flapper 67. The second distribution unit 15b includes a movable distribution guide unit 60 and a drive actuator 61 that operates the movable distribution guide unit 60.
[0039]
The tickets conveyed from the conveyance paths 17 and 18 are moved and placed on the conveyance path 20 by a movable sorting guide unit 60 as necessary. Similarly, the tickets conveyed from the transport path 20 are similarly moved and placed on the transport path 17 by the movable sorting guide unit 60 as necessary.
[0040]
Below the movable sorting guide section 60 of the second sorting section 15b, a forgotten collection box 62 is provided. That is, the tickets are transported from the transport path 17 to the transport path 18 via the second sorting section 15b with the movable distribution guide section 60 raised upward, so that the tickets are stored in the forgotten collection box 62. Is stored.
[0041]
The credit card transport path 17 between the first sorting unit 15a and the second sorting unit 15b is provided with a magnetic reading unit 90, an IC contact unit 92, and the like.
[0042]
The magnetic reading unit 90 reads a magnetic stripe of a credit card. The IC contact unit 92 performs processing of a contact IC of a credit card. A transport path sensor 97 is provided on the transport path 17 for timing the positioning processing during magnetic reading, for positioning the contact IC, or for detecting the position of the JAM ticket. Have been.
[0043]
At the end of the magnetic card transport path 16 (upper right side, rear side of the main body 7), there is provided a magnetic card hopper 93 that stores a magnetic card for new issuance. A magnetic card collection box 94 is provided at the end of the magnetic card temporary holding unit 26 (the right middle part of the main body 7 and the rear side).
[0044]
A collection box 95 for a wireless card is provided at the end of the transport path 102 (the middle right side of the main body 7 and the rear side). A wireless card hopper 96 for storing a new issue wireless card is provided at the end of the wireless card transport path 18 (lower right side, rear side of the main body 7).
[0045]
A reader / writer 22, a punch unit 23, and a back surface printing unit 24 are provided on the magnetic card transport path 16 between the first sorting unit 15a and the magnetic card hopper 93.
[0046]
The reader / writer 22 writes and reads magnetic information on a magnetic card. The punch unit 23 performs a rough punch of the card deduction amount during the subtraction process. The back side printing unit 24 prints information such as a ticket type on the issued magnetic card, and prints the balance on the magnetic card at the time of the subtraction processing.
[0047]
A sorting unit 25 is provided on the magnetic card transport path 16 between the back side printing unit 24 and the magnetic card hopper 93. The magnetic card transported from the back side printing unit 24 is sorted by the sorting unit 25 and held in the temporary holding unit 26. The temporary holding section 26 is provided to enable processing for insertion of two magnetic cards.
[0048]
In addition, a distribution unit 27 is provided on the magnetic card transport path 16 between the punch unit 23 and the back surface printing unit 24. The magnetic card conveyed from the back side printing unit 24 is sorted by the sorting unit 27 and transferred to the reversing unit 28. The reversing section 28 is provided with a front side printing section 29. The front side printing unit 29 prints on the front side of the magnetic card. The reversing unit 28 is used when the front side printing is performed by the main body of the rear surface localization apparatus.
[0049]
Further, below the front surface printing unit 29, a transport motor 32 for the magnetic card that rotationally drives a transport roller or the like of the magnetic card transport path 16 is provided. Solenoids 34 and 35 for driving the distribution units 25 and 27 are provided near the distribution units 25 and 27, respectively.
[0050]
A solenoid 36 for driving the punch 23 is provided near the punch 23. On the magnetic card transport path 16, there is provided a transport path sensor 37 that can take the timing of magnetic processing and print processing, or detect the position of a JAM ticket.
[0051]
On the wireless card transport path 18 between the second sorting unit 15b and the wireless card hopper 96, a transport status detector 91, a wireless card printing unit (rewrite printing unit) 42, a position detection sensor 99, a wireless card A reader / writer (wireless R / W unit) 98 and the like are provided.
[0052]
The wireless card printing section 42 and the wireless card reader / writer section 98 function as issuing means for issuing wireless cards as tickets.
[0053]
The wireless card printing unit 42 has a function of rewriting predetermined information on the surface of the wireless card C as tickets. The wireless card printing unit 42 includes a heat roller 42a, a thermal head 42b, and the like. The thermal head 42b has a function of printing predetermined information, that is, an expiration date, a use section, a user's name, age, gender, and the like on the surface of the wireless card C. The heat roller 42a has a function of erasing predetermined information printed on the surface of the wireless card C.
[0054]
Note that the rewriting printing here means that predetermined information already printed on a ticket such as a wireless card C having a rewriting leuco layer is erased by heating it at about 200 degrees by a heat roller 42a. The printing of the latest predetermined information updated by the thermal head 42b.
[0055]
The wireless card reader / writer 98 functions as a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a wireless card C as a ticket in a predetermined communication area on the wireless card transport path 18. The wireless card reader / writer 98 includes a wireless antenna unit 41, supplies driving power to the batteryless wireless card C by electromagnetic waves transmitted from the wireless antenna unit 41, and stores the memory unit M of the wireless card C by wireless communication. In addition to reading various information stored in the memory section M, new information is written in the memory section M.
[0056]
The transport state detector 91 functions as a detection unit that outputs a signal for detecting the mark MK printed on the back surface of the wireless card C. From the output signal, the front and back and the transport state of the wireless card C are determined. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the wireless card C is transported along the wireless card transport path 18, there are four transport states.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless card C has a front end and a rear end defined along the insertion direction X.
1st transport state: When loaded from the tip with the surface facing upward
2nd transport state: When loaded from the rear end with the surface facing upward
3rd conveyance state: when loaded from the tip with the back side facing upward
Fourth transport state: when loaded from the rear end with the back side facing upward
Can be transported in the above four transport states.
[0058]
The transport state detector 91 includes four detectors 91A to 91D corresponding to the four transport states of the wireless card C. When the mark MK is detected by the first transport state detector 91A, it is determined that the wireless card C has been transported in the first transport state. When the mark MK is detected by the second transport state detector 91B, it is determined that the wireless card C has been transported in the second transport state.
[0059]
When the mark MK is detected by the third transport state detector 91C, it is determined that the wireless card C has been transported in the third transport state. When the mark MK is detected by the fourth transport state detector 91D, it is determined that the wireless card C has been transported in the fourth transport state.
[0060]
The position detecting sensor 99 outputs a signal for detecting a wireless card conveyed along the wireless card conveying path 18. This output signal is used to determine the timing of the positioning process in the reader / writer in the wireless card reader / writer section 98.
[0061]
Each of the first to fourth transport state detectors 91A to 91D is configured by, for example, a reflection type optical sensor integrally provided with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. In addition, the position detection sensor 99 is configured by, for example, a transmission type optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit which are arranged to face each other with the wireless card transport path 18 interposed therebetween.
[0062]
In the vicinity of the wireless card hopper 96, the transport motor 43 for rotating the transport rollers and the transport belt of the credit card transport path 17 and the wireless card transport path 18 is provided. The transport motor 43 functions as a transport unit that transports tickets along a transport path defined by the transport rollers and the transport belt.
[0063]
Further, a transport path sensor 44 is provided on the wireless card transport path 18. The transport path sensor 44 outputs a signal for detecting the transport position of the wireless card C. This output signal is used to detect the position of the JAM ticket. The transport path sensor 44 is constituted by, for example, a transmission type optical sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit which are arranged to face each other with the wireless card transport path 18 interposed therebetween.
[0064]
In the wireless card collection box 95, the wireless card C that has failed in the wireless process at the time of new issuance of the wireless card C, or the wireless card C whose recycling number has reached the prescribed number, is collected. The collected wireless card C on the transport path 18 is distributed to the transport path 20 by the movable distribution guide unit 60. The wireless card C is transferred to the transfer path 102 by the movable transfer guide unit 101 by being transferred on the transfer path 20. The wireless card C is collected in the collection box 95 by being conveyed along the conveyance path 102.
[0065]
The movable transfer guide unit 101 is driven by a drive actuator 103. In the vicinity of the transport path 20, a transport motor 104 that rotationally drives transport rollers and the like of the transport paths 20 and 102 is provided.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 7, the ticket processing device 207 includes a CPU 70 that controls the entire device. The CPU 70 is connected to the insertion port processing unit 14, the distribution processing unit 63, the batch discharge holding unit 65, the magnetic card processing unit 38, the credit card processing unit 55, the wireless card processing unit 45, and the like.
[0067]
The slot processing unit 14 performs operations of receiving, returning, and discharging tickets such as a magnetic card, a wireless card, and a credit card. The input port processing unit 14 controls the detector 10 provided on the take-in transport path 9, the transport motor 13 for driving the transport roller 9a, and the like based on the control of the CPU 70.
[0068]
The distribution processing unit 63 distributes to the corresponding transport path based on the type of ticket. The distribution processing unit 63 includes a drive actuator 61 for operating the movable distribution guide unit 60, a drive actuator 103 for driving the movable transfer guide unit 101, a solenoid 68 for driving the flapper 67, and the like based on the control of the CPU 70. Control.
[0069]
The batch discharge holding unit 65 temporarily holds each ticket from each of the transport paths 16, 17, and 18. The batch discharge holding unit 65 controls a solenoid 66 that drives a stopper 66a under the control of the CPU 70.
[0070]
The magnetic card processing unit 38 has a function of reading information magnetically recorded on a magnetic card such as a prepaid card inserted from a card slot and writing predetermined information such as a subtraction process on the inserted magnetic card. ing. Further, the magnetic card processing unit 38 functions as issuing means for issuing magnetic tickets, for example, ordinary tickets, coupons, limited express tickets, contact tickets, and the like (in the case of the checkout machine 400, a magnetic ticket is used. Issue a reimbursement ticket).
[0071]
Based on the control of the CPU 70, the magnetic card control unit 38 includes a driving unit for the magnetic card hopper 93, a solenoid 36 for driving the reader / writer 22, the punch unit 23, a solenoid 34 for driving the back side printing unit 24, and the sorting unit 25; It controls the solenoid 35 for driving the temporary holding section 26, the sorting section 27, the reversing section 28, the front side printing section 29, the transport motor 32 for driving the transport rollers provided in the transport path 16, and the like.
[0072]
The credit card processing unit 55 has a function of reading information magnetically recorded on a credit card inserted from a card slot and writing predetermined information to the inserted credit card.
[0073]
For example, the credit card control unit 55 reads the ID information of the credit card and performs an operation of purchasing tickets with the credit card. The credit card control unit 55 controls a detector 91 for front / back determination, a magnetic reading unit 90, an IC contact unit 92, and the like based on the control of the CPU 70.
[0074]
The wireless card processing unit 45 has a function of reading predetermined information stored in a wireless card inserted from a card slot and writing predetermined information to the inserted wireless card. The wireless card processing unit 45 has a function as an issuing unit that issues a new wireless card as tickets based on ticket information input via the operation unit 204 and the display unit 205. . Further, the wireless card processing unit 45 has a function as a charging unit that receives the issued wireless card and accumulates amount information in accordance with the amount of money received.
[0075]
For example, the wireless card processing unit 45 performs new issue or continuous issue of a wireless card, subtraction processing, charge processing, and the like. As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless card processing unit 45 includes a memory unit 71, a wireless card reader / writer unit 98, a wireless card printing unit 42, a transport motor 43, a transport state detector 91, It controls the position detection sensor 99, the transport path sensor 44, the driving unit 96A for driving the wireless card hopper 96, and the like.
[0076]
The memory unit 71 functions as a storage unit. That is, the memory unit 71 is configured to include a RAM, a ROM, a nonvolatile memory, and the like. In addition to various control data, a communicable range that defines a communicable range of the wireless card corresponding to the four transport states of tickets and the like is provided. It stores range information and correction range information that defines a correction range that extends upstream and downstream in the transport direction of each communicable range.
[0077]
The wireless card reader / writer unit 98 performs wireless communication with the wireless card C via the wireless antenna 41 using relatively weak electromagnetic waves, reads predetermined ticket information, and writes predetermined ticket information. The wireless card printing unit 42 controls the heat roller 42a and the thermal head 42b to erase the predetermined information printed on the ticket surface and to print the updated predetermined information on the ticket upper surface.
[0078]
The CPU 70 functions as a control unit. That is, the CPU 70 stops the transfer of the wireless card C so that a predetermined position within the communicable range is located within the communication area of the wireless card reader / writer 98 according to the transfer state of the transferred wireless card C, The card reader / writer 98 is controlled to perform wireless communication.
[0079]
Next, a first wireless communication processing method with the wireless card C in the above-described ticket processing device 207 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0080]
That is, the CPU 70 of the ticket processing device 207 determines whether or not a ticket has been inserted into the insertion slot 8 based on the output signal from the detector 10 (ST11). The CPU 70 controls the drive of the transport motor 43 based on the detection of the tickets inserted into the slot 8 (ST11, Y), and moves the tickets along the transport path 9 to the downstream side in the transport direction. It is transported toward (ST12). If the CPU 70 determines that the inserted ticket is the wireless card C based on the output signal from the detector 10, the CPU 70 transfers the wireless card to the wireless card transport path 17 via the credit card transport path 17. It is transported toward the road 18.
[0081]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 determines the transport status of the inserted wireless card C based on the output signal from the transport status detector 91 (ST13).
When the CPU 70 detects the mark MK of the wireless card C based on the output signal from the first transport state detector 91A (ST14, Y), the wireless card C is transported in the first transport state. Is determined (ST15). When the CPU 70 detects the mark MK of the wireless card C based on the output signal from the second transport state detector 91B (ST16, Y), the CPU 70 determines that the wireless card C is being transported in the second transport state. Is determined (ST17).
[0082]
When the CPU 70 detects the mark MK of the wireless card C based on the output signal from the third transport state detector 91C (ST18, Y), the CPU 70 determines that the wireless card C is being transported in the third transport state. Is determined (ST19). If the CPU 70 detects the mark MK of the wireless card C based on the output signal from the fourth transport state detector 91D (ST20, Y), the wireless card C is transported in the second transport state. Is determined (ST21).
[0083]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 sets a communicable range for each transport state based on the communicable range information stored in the memory unit 71 according to the detected transport state of the wireless card C.
That is, when determining that the wireless card C is being transported in the first transport state, the CPU 70 reads the corresponding communicable range information stored in the memory unit 71, and determines the first communicable range of the wireless card C. Set (ST22). When the CPU 70 determines that the wireless card C is being transported in the second transport state, the CPU 70 reads the corresponding communicable range information stored in the memory unit 71 and determines the second communicable range of the wireless card C. It is set (ST23).
[0084]
When the CPU 70 determines that the wireless card C is being transported in the third transport state, the CPU 70 reads the corresponding communicable range information stored in the memory unit 71 and determines the third communicable range of the wireless card C. Set (ST24). If the CPU 70 determines that the wireless card C is being transported in the fourth transport state, the CPU 70 reads the corresponding communicable range information stored in the memory unit 71 and determines the fourth communicable range of the wireless card C. Set (ST25).
[0085]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 controls the driving of the transport motor 43 to stop the transport of the wireless card C so that a predetermined position within the set communicable range is located in the communication area (ST26). At this time, for example, the CPU 70 controls the transfer stop position of the wireless card C so that the substantially center position of the set communicable range of the wireless card C is arranged on the wireless antenna unit 41 of the wireless card reader / writer 98. .
[0086]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 controls the wireless card reader / writer 98 to perform wireless communication with the antenna AT of the wireless card C via the wireless antenna 41 (ST27). Then, CPU 70 determines whether or not wireless communication with wireless card C has been correctly performed (ST28).
[0087]
If the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication has been correctly performed (ST28, Y), the CPU 70 performs a predetermined process such as a printing process on the wireless card C, and ends the processing. If the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication could not be performed accurately (N in ST28), the CPU 70 ejects the wireless card C from the slot 8 (ST29).
[0088]
In the step of determining the transport state of the wireless card C, the CPU 70 could not detect the mark MK of the wireless card C based on the output signal from any of the first to fourth transport state detectors 91A to 91D. In this case (ST14, N; ST16, N; ST18, N; ST20, N), the wireless card C is ejected from the slot 8 (ST29), and the wireless communication process ends.
[0089]
As described above, in the wireless card reader / writer 98 having a relatively small communication area for performing wireless communication using a weak electromagnetic wave, the wireless card C must be provided to the wireless antenna 41 in order to perform wireless communication reliably. It is necessary to accurately position the antenna unit AT of the above.
[0090]
On the other hand, the communicable range of the wireless card C is not always centered on the center of the wireless card C. That is, the communicable range may vary depending on the transport state of the wireless card C. Therefore, the communicable range information for defining the communicable range corresponding to the transport state of the wireless card C is stored in the memory unit 71 in advance. In this embodiment, four communicable ranges are defined in advance corresponding to the four transport states. A transport state detector 91 that detects the transport state of the wireless card is disposed in the wireless card transport path that transports the wireless card C.
[0091]
In the CPU 70 of the ticket processing apparatus 207, the transport state of the wireless card is determined by detecting the mark MK printed on the back surface of the inserted wireless card C by the transport state detector 91 using the transport state detector 91. Then, the CPU 70 reads out the communicable range information stored in the memory unit in advance according to the determined transport state, and sets the communicable range of the wireless card C corresponding to the transport state of the wireless card C.
[0092]
Then, the CPU 70 controls the driving of the transport motor 43 so that a predetermined position, for example, the center position within the set communicable range of the wireless card C is disposed immediately above the wireless antenna unit 41 of the wireless card reader / writer 98. Transport of the wireless card C is stopped.
[0093]
Thus, regardless of the transport state of the wireless card C, stable and accurate wireless communication can be performed. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the wireless card C can be improved without frequent wireless communication errors, and the reliability of the device can be prevented from being reduced.
[0094]
Next, a second wireless communication processing method with the wireless card C in the above-described ticket processing device 207 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0095]
That is, the CPU 70 of the ticket processing device 207 determines whether or not a ticket has been inserted into the insertion slot 8 based on the output signal from the detector 10 (ST31). The CPU 70 controls the driving of the transport motor 43 based on the detection of the tickets inserted into the insertion slot 8 (Y in ST31), and moves the tickets along the transport path 9 to the downstream side in the transport direction. It is transported toward (ST32). If the CPU 70 determines that the inserted ticket is the wireless card C based on the output signal from the detector 10, the CPU 70 transfers the wireless card to the wireless card transport path 17 via the credit card transport path 17. It is transported toward the road 18.
[0096]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 determines the transport state of the inserted wireless card C based on the output signal from the transport state detector 91 (ST33). Subsequently, the CPU 70 sets a communicable range for each transport state based on the communicable range information stored in the memory unit 71 according to the detected transport state of the wireless card C (ST34). The method of determining the transport state and the method of setting the communicable range are the same as those of the above-described first wireless communication processing method, and thus detailed description is omitted.
[0097]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 controls the driving of the transport motor 43 to stop the transport of the wireless card C so that a predetermined position within the set communicable range is located in the communication area (ST35). At this time, first, the CPU 70 transports the wireless card C such that the substantially center position (first position) of the set communicable range of the wireless card C is disposed on the wireless antenna unit 41 of the wireless card reader / writer 98. Control the stop position.
[0098]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 controls the wireless card reader / writer unit 98 to perform wireless communication with the antenna unit AT of the wireless card C via the wireless antenna unit 41 (ST36). Then, the CPU 70 determines whether or not the wireless communication with the wireless card C has been correctly performed (ST37).
[0099]
If the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication has been correctly performed (Y in ST37), the CPU 70 performs a predetermined process such as a printing process on the wireless card C, and ends the processing.
When the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication could not be accurately performed (N in ST37), the CPU 70 reads the correction range information stored in the memory unit 71 for each communicable range information, and reads the correction range information for each transport state. A correction range is set (ST38).
[0100]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 controls the drive of the transport motor 43 to stop the transport by moving the wireless card C so that a predetermined position within the set correction range is located in the communication area (ST39). At this time, for example, the CPU 70 moves the wireless card C to the upstream side in the transport direction, and within the set correction range of the wireless card C, the predetermined position (second position) on the upstream side in the transport direction of the communicable range is the wireless card C The transport stop position of the wireless card C is controlled so as to be disposed on the wireless antenna section 41 of the reader / writer section 98.
[0101]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 controls the wireless card reader / writer unit 98 to perform wireless communication with the antenna unit AT of the wireless card C via the wireless antenna unit 41 (ST40). Then, the CPU 70 determines whether or not the wireless communication with the wireless card C has been correctly performed (ST41).
[0102]
If the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication has been correctly performed (ST41, Y), the CPU 70 performs a predetermined process such as a printing process on the wireless card C, and ends the processing.
When the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication cannot be accurately performed (ST41, N), the CPU 70 controls the driving of the transport motor 43 so that the predetermined position within the set correction range is within the communication area. The transport is stopped by moving the wireless card C so as to be positioned at (ST42). At this time, for example, the CPU 70 moves the wireless card C to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the predetermined position (second position) on the downstream side in the transport direction of the communicable range in the set correction range of the wireless card C is the wireless card C. The transport stop position of the wireless card C is controlled so as to be disposed on the wireless antenna section 41 of the reader / writer section 98.
[0103]
Subsequently, the CPU 70 controls the wireless card reader / writer unit 98 to perform wireless communication with the antenna unit AT of the wireless card C via the wireless antenna unit 41 (ST43). Then, the CPU 70 determines whether or not the wireless communication with the wireless card C has been correctly performed (ST44).
[0104]
If the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication has been correctly performed (Y in ST44), the CPU 70 performs a predetermined process such as a printing process on the wireless card C, and ends the processing.
If the CPU 70 determines that the wireless communication could not be performed accurately (N in ST44), the CPU 70 ejects the wireless card C from the slot 8 (ST45), and ends the wireless communication processing.
[0105]
As described above, in the wireless card reader / writer 98 having a relatively small communication area for performing wireless communication using a weak electromagnetic wave, the wireless card C is required to communicate with the wireless antenna 41 in order to perform wireless communication reliably. It is necessary to accurately position the antenna unit AT of the above. On the other hand, the communicable range of the wireless card C and the communication area of the antenna 41 of the wireless card reader / writer 98 may slightly change due to individual differences.
[0106]
Therefore, the memory unit 71 includes the communication range information for defining the communication range corresponding to the transport state of the wireless card C in advance, and also extends to the transport direction upstream side and the transport direction downstream side of each communication range. Correction range information that defines a correction range is stored.
[0107]
In the CPU 70 of the ticket processing apparatus 207, the transport state of the wireless card is determined by detecting the mark MK printed on the back surface of the inserted wireless card C by the transport state detector 91 using the transport state detector 91. Then, the CPU 70 reads out the communicable range information stored in the memory unit in advance according to the determined transport state, and sets the communicable range of the wireless card C corresponding to the transport state of the wireless card C.
[0108]
Then, the CPU 70 controls the driving of the transport motor 43 so that a predetermined position, for example, the center position within the set communicable range of the wireless card C is disposed immediately above the wireless antenna unit 41 of the wireless card reader / writer 98. Transport of the wireless card C is stopped.
[0109]
If a wireless communication error occurs even if the transport of the wireless card C is stopped in such a positional relationship, there is a high possibility that a wireless communication error will occur again even if a wireless communication retry is performed at the same position. Therefore, before performing the wireless communication retry, the wireless card C is moved within the correction range, and the relative position with respect to the wireless antenna unit 41 is shifted. Thereafter, by performing a wireless communication retry, it is possible to absorb individual differences in the communicable range of the wireless card C and the communication area of the wireless card reader / writer 98.
[0110]
Thus, wireless communication can be performed stably and accurately regardless of the individual difference between the wireless card C and the wireless card reader / writer 98. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the wireless card C can be improved without frequent wireless communication errors, and the reliability of the device can be prevented from being reduced.
[0111]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made at the stage of implementation without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations as much as possible, and in that case, the effect of the combination is obtained.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a ticket processing device capable of performing stable wireless communication, improving processing efficiency, and preventing a decrease in reliability. can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a ticket gate system.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a wireless card applicable to the ticket gate system shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a ticket vending machine provided with a ticket processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a checkout machine provided with a ticket processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of the ticket processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of a transport state detector in the wireless card transport path illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of the ticket processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a wireless card processing unit shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a first wireless communication processing method in the ticket processing device.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a second wireless communication processing method in the ticket processing device.
[Explanation of symbols]
41 ... Wireless antenna unit
42 ... Wireless card printing unit
43 ... Transport motor (transport means)
45 ... Wireless card processing unit
70 CPU (control means)
71: memory unit (storage means)
91: Transport state detector (detection means)
98: wireless card reader / writer (wireless communication means)
99 ... Position detection sensor
200… Ticket vending machine
207… Ticket processing device
400 ... Checkout machine
407: Ticket processing device

Claims (9)

Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
In accordance with the transport state of the tickets conveyed by the transport unit, the transport of the tickets is stopped so that a predetermined position within the communicable range of the tickets is located within the communication area of the wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication Control means for controlling to perform wireless communication by means,
A ticket processing device comprising: Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
A storage unit that stores communicable range information that defines a communicable range of tickets corresponding to a transport state of tickets transported by the transport unit,
According to the transport state of the tickets, the transport of the tickets such that the predetermined position within the communicable range of the tickets is located within the communication area of the wireless communication unit based on the communicable range information stored in the storage means. Control means for controlling to perform wireless communication by the wireless communication means,
A ticket processing device comprising: Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
Detecting means for detecting a transport state of the tickets by detecting a mark formed on one main surface of the tickets transported by the transport unit,
Storage means for storing communicable range information that defines a communicable range of tickets corresponding to the transport state of the tickets,
A predetermined position within the communicable range of the tickets is set in the communication area of the wireless communication unit based on the communicable range information stored in the storage unit, according to the transport state of the tickets detected by the detection unit. Control means for stopping the conveyance of the tickets to be positioned, and controlling to perform wireless communication by the wireless communication means
A ticket processing device comprising: Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
Stopping the transportation of the tickets so that the first position within the communicable range of the tickets is located within the communication area of the wireless communication unit according to a transportation state of the tickets transported by the transportation unit; The communication means is controlled to perform wireless communication, and when a wireless communication error occurs in the wireless communication means, a second position different from the first position is located in the communication area of the wireless communication means by the transport means. Control means for moving the tickets so as to perform wireless communication again by the wireless communication means,
A ticket processing device comprising: Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
Storage means for storing communicable range information defining a communicable range of tickets and a correction range information defining a correction range corresponding to a transport state of the tickets transported by the transport unit,
In accordance with the transport state of the tickets, the tickets are located such that the first position within the communicable range of the tickets is located within the communication area of the wireless communication unit based on the communicable range information stored in the storage means. Stopping the transport, and controlling to perform wireless communication by the wireless communication means, and based on the correction range information stored in the storage means by the transport means when a wireless communication error occurs by the wireless communication means. Control means for moving the tickets so that a second position different from the first position is located within the communication area of the wireless communication means, and controlling the wireless communication means to perform wireless communication again;
A ticket processing device comprising: Transport means for transporting tickets along a transport path,
Wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with tickets in a predetermined communication area on the transport path,
Detecting means for detecting a transport state of the tickets by detecting a mark formed on one main surface of the tickets transported by the transport unit,
Storage means for storing communicable range information defining a communicable range of tickets and a correction range information defining a correction range corresponding to a transport state of the tickets,
In accordance with the transport state of the tickets, the tickets are located such that the first position within the communicable range of the tickets is located within the communication area of the wireless communication unit based on the communicable range information stored in the storage means. Stopping the transport, and controlling to perform wireless communication by the wireless communication means, and based on the correction range information stored in the storage means by the transport means when a wireless communication error occurs by the wireless communication means. Control means for moving the tickets so that a second position different from the first position is located within the communication area of the wireless communication means, and controlling the wireless communication means to perform wireless communication again;
A ticket processing device comprising: 7. The ticket processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising issuing means for issuing tickets storing predetermined ticket information. The ticket processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a payment unit that performs a payment process based on predetermined ticket information stored in the tickets. 7. A charge device according to claim 1, further comprising a charging means for accumulating the amount information in accordance with the amount of money deposited in the ticket storing the amount information corresponding to the monetary value. Ticket processing device.

Images