JP2009059083A - Automatic ticket issuing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a customer to acquire always accurate vacant seat information, and to drastically reduce a time necessary to reserve (purchase) a reserved-seat ticket of a desired train. <P>SOLUTION: In a host/server 1, a seat management part 3 always monitors a change of a situation of a reserve seat of each train, and produces train seat situation data A comprising situation data showing the change of the situation of the reserve seat and data on a vacant seat situation of the reserve seat of the train accompanying the change of the situation when there is such the change of the situation. A vacant seat guide retrieval part 7 decides whether or not the vacant seat situation in the train seat situation data A is updated to the vacant seat situation in the preceding train seat situation data A, and transmits it to an automatic ticket issuing terminal 15 as seat situation update data C when there is the change. When there is not the change, only the data on the situation change of the reserve seat are transmitted to the automatic ticket issuing terminal 15 as the seat situation update data C. In the automatic ticket issuing terminal 15, data of the corresponding train are updated by the seat situation update data C. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic ticket issuing system for reserving (that is, purchasing) a reserved seat ticket for a normal seat or a green seat on a train.

  For example, in an automatic ticketing terminal installed in a station, etc., a customer inputs information necessary for purchase such as a seat reservation ticket while touching the screen, and displays a screen according to the input information. , Seat reservation tickets etc. can be purchased.

  As an example of an automatic ticketing system that makes it possible to purchase such reserved seat tickets, the host computer monitors the seat status of the reserved seats, and in response to requests from the automatic ticketing terminal, the seat information is automatically issued A technique proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260707 has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The technology described in Patent Document 1 is an automatic ticketing terminal that, when the number of passengers, boarding station, boarding date, boarding time zone, and the like are input by a customer's operation, creates vacant seat request information and creates a host computer. When the answer information is sent, a train selection screen is displayed so that the customer can select the desired train from the vacant seat information.

  As another conventional example, when a train item is input by a customer's screen operation on a reservation ticketing terminal, and when this input is completed and the search button is operated, this input item is used as a search condition as a host. The computer requests a search, and the host computer searches for the train based on the search conditions and transmits the search result to the reservation ticketing terminal. The reservation ticketing terminal confirms the train according to the search result. A technique has been proposed in which a screen is displayed and a ticket of the selected train is issued by a customer selecting a desired train from the confirmation screen (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

As another conventional example, train reservation management is performed by a reservation management host, and the vacant seat control terminal transmits a seat availability request at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 5 minutes) throughout the day. A technique has also been proposed in which vacant seat information is acquired and edited, and the display controller displays the edited vacant seat information on a vacant seat display device (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
JP-A-8-106554 JP 2003-281420 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-216034

  By the way, according to the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, as a customer, when a seat reservation ticket is reserved, an operation for inputting desired items such as the number of people, a boarding station, a boarding date, and a boarding time zone is performed. After that, since the vacant seat information is obtained from the host computer, the train that matches this desired matter is displayed, and the desired train is selected from among the trains, so that the customer can know in advance the train with vacant seats. It is possible that there is no train that matches the desired item. In such a case, the previous input operation is wasted and the operation for inputting the desired item must be performed again. I must.

  As described above, since a train with available seats matching the desired item is searched and displayed after inputting the desired item, it takes time to select the desired train. There is also a problem that it takes time to purchase a seat reservation ticket.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, vacant seat information is provided from a host at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 5 minutes), and this is displayed on a ticket vending machine or a vacant seat display provided at a ticket sales counter. Therefore, the reserved seat of the desired train can be determined before the purchase operation at the ticket vending machine, but the vacant seat information displayed on the vacant seat display machine depends on the vacant seat information provided by the host. Even if it is constantly updated, it is updated at the above-mentioned predetermined interval (for example, every 5 minutes), so it accurately represents the vacant seat status until the next vacant seat information is provided. Not necessarily, when a customer operates a ticket machine, it may not be possible to purchase a seat reservation ticket for the desired train.

  An object of the present invention is to solve such problems, so that a customer can always obtain accurate vacant seat information, and the time required for reserving (purchasing) a seat reservation ticket for a desired train can be greatly shortened. It is to provide an automatic ticketing system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a host / server that manages the availability of reserved seats for each train, and an automatic ticketing terminal for reserving and purchasing seat reserved tickets for trains. When the vacant seat status changes, the server creates and updates the seat status update data of the train in which the vacant seat status has changed, to the automatic ticketing terminal, and the automatic ticketing terminal Holds the status data, displays the seat availability according to the seat status data of the train, and updates the seat status data of the corresponding train according to the seat status update data from the host / server It is characterized by.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the host / server includes a database of terminal definition data for instructing the automatic ticketing terminal related to the train for each train, and serves as a transmission destination of the train seat status update data The automatic ticketing terminal is determined based on the terminal definition information in the database.

  Further, according to the present invention, when a reserved seat of a train is reserved (purchased), the host / server generates train seat status data indicating the reservation (purchase) of the specified seat, and the train seat status The automatic ticketing is performed by detecting the presence or absence of a change in the seat status representing the vacant seat status of the train and using the information indicating the change in the seat status as the seat status update data when the seat status changes. It transmits to a terminal, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the present invention, the automatic ticketing terminal displays information on each train having a designated seat on the basis of the data on the seat status of the train so as to be designated, and the seat status update data from the host / server is displayed. Based on the update of the seat status data, the trains whose designated seats are full are excluded from display.

  The present invention further comprises a vacant seat display device that has seat status data of a designated seat of each train and displays a vacant seat status according to the seat status data of the train, and the vacant seat display device also includes the host / The seat status update data is supplied from the server and the seat status data of the corresponding train is updated, so that the train to be answered is excluded from display.

  According to the present invention, when the vacant seat status of the designated seat of the train changes, the host / server detects this and transmits data corresponding to the change to the automatic ticketing terminal or the vacant seat display device. The ticket issuing terminal and the vacant seat display device can always maintain the vacant state of the designated seat at the present time, and can provide the customer with information on the train in the vacant seat state.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic ticketing system according to the present invention, wherein 1 is a host / server, 2 is a control unit, 3 is a seat management unit, 4 is an inventory data unit, and 5 is a fare calculation. , 6 is a fare data section, 7 is a vacant seat information search section, 8 is a vacant seat data section, 9 is a terminal definition data section, 10 is a terminal management server, 11 is a control section, 12 is a terminal management section, and 13 is terminal management data. , 14 is a network, 15 is an automatic ticketing terminal, 16 is a display screen, 17 is a ticketing screen, and 18 is an empty seat display.

  In the figure, a terminal management server 10 is connected to the host / server 1, and the terminal management server 10 is connected to an automatic ticketing terminal 15 and a vacant seat display 18 at each station via a network 14 such as the Internet. Is connected. A plurality of automatic ticket issuing terminals 15 and vacant seat display machines 18 are installed at each station, but here, these are shown one by one.

  In order to simplify the description, the automatic ticketing terminal 15 will be described below as the target terminal. However, the vacant seat display unit is not capable of performing an operation for reservation (purchase) of a reserved seat on a train. The same applies to 18.

  Further, in this embodiment, trains are reserved for ordinary reserved seats and green seats, but in the following, these normally designated seats and green seats will be collectively referred to as designated seats unless otherwise required. . The seat status and seats such as vacant seats described later relate to such reserved seats.

  The host / server 1 is provided with a seat management unit 6, a fare calculation 5, and a vacant seat guidance search unit 7, which are controlled by the control unit 2.

  The seat management section 3 has an inventory data section 4 comprising a database of data (seat data) representing the situation (vacant seats, reserved seats, etc.) for each designated seat of each train (this seat data is designated by each train). It is provided for each seat and consists of "train name", "seat number" and "status information" for each stop station), and manages the seat status for each stop station of each train If there is a change in the status of the reserved seat such as reserved seat reservation or reservation cancellation in the train, the seat data corresponding to the reserved seat in the inventory data section 4 is updated. When a customer operates the automatic ticketing terminal 15 to make a reservation for a reserved seat or cancels a reservation between each stop station from a boarding station where a certain train is located to the departure station, this automatic ticketing terminal 15 Seat status change instruction information for instructing the change of the status of the designated seat between the respective stations of the train is transmitted to the host / server 1 via the network 14 and the terminal management server 10. When the host / server 1 receives the seat status change instruction information, the control unit 2 operates the seat management unit 3, and based on the seat status change instruction information, the corresponding data of the corresponding train in the inventory data unit 4 The seat data for the designated seat at the stop station to be updated is updated. Therefore, if the designated seat indicated by the seat status change instruction information is reserved (purchased), the seat data is updated to the status of reserved (sold), and the set reservation is canceled. If it is, it is updated to the situation of vacant seats.

  As described above, the seat management unit 3 also updates the status of the reserved seat at each stop station from the designated boarding station to the departure station (update from vacant seat to reservation (sales)). All seat data of each stop station of the train where the status of the designated seat has been updated is read from the inventory data section 4 and processed to create train seat status data A for each stop station on this train, The information is supplied to the guidance search unit 7. The train seat status data A obtained by this processing process indicates that the status of this train has changed, for example, the status change of the reserved seat reserved from the vacant seat and each stop station from the boarding station to the departure station Represents the number of seats in the train, such as whether there are many, few, or full seats. This seat availability indicates the number of reserved seats or reserved seats for the number of seats in the entire train. Although it is determined from the ratio of the number of seats, the train seat status data A also includes the name of the corresponding train (train name).

  As described above, the train seat status data A is created by the seat management unit 3 and supplied to the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 every time the status of the designated seat is changed. When there is no change and there is no change in the vacant seat status such as a large number of seats, a small number of seats, or a full seat, the train seat status data A only updates the status of the designated seat. The train seat status data A thus created is supplied to the vacant seat guidance search unit 7.

  The vacant seat information retrieval unit 7 manages the train seat status data A for each train, and if the train seat status data A is updated (that is, the status of the designated seat is updated or the status is changed from a state where there are many vacant seats to a state where there are few seats) If there is a change in the vacant seat status such as a change from a low seating state to a full seating state), this is notified to the automatic ticketing terminal 15 related to the train in which this change has occurred. Therefore, a vacant seat data unit 8 and a terminal definition data unit 9 are provided.

  Here, the vacant seat data section 8 stores the train seat status data A for each stop station of each train, and the vacant seat guidance search section 7 receives the train seat status data of a new train from the seat management section 3. When A is sent, the train seat status data A is compared with the corresponding train seat status data A stored in the vacant seat data section 8 to determine whether or not the seat availability has been updated. If there is no update, the vacant seat status data in the new train seat status data A is discarded and only the status data of the designated seat is updated, but if there is an update, this vacant seat data section 8 stores this data. Train seat status data A including train vacancy status data is replaced with new train seat status data A.

  Further, the terminal definition data unit 9 associates, for each train, a corresponding automatic ticketing terminal, that is, an automatic ticketing terminal 15 that should be notified that the train seat status data A has been updated. A terminal identifier B such as an ID (identifier) of the ticket issuing terminal 15 is stored.

  Therefore, when the updated train seat status data A is supplied from the seat management unit 3, the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 performs train seat status data as described above based on the data stored in the vacant seat data unit 9. It is detected that A is updated, and all automatic ticketing terminals 15 to which the updated train seat status data A is to be sent are searched based on the data of the terminal definition data section 9. Then, the train seat status data A is added to each terminal identifier B searched in the terminal definition data section 9 to obtain seat status update data C, which are sent to the terminal management server 10.

  The fare fee calculation unit 5 manages a fare data unit 6 that stores data (fare data) for fare calculation, and reserves a seat reserved by the customer from the automatic ticketing terminal 15 or the like based on the fare data. Calculate the fare according to the content.

  In the terminal management server 10, the terminal management unit 12 manages connection permission between the automatic ticketing terminal 15 and the host / server 1 via the network 14 under the control of the control unit 11, and the host / server 1. The delivery destination of the seat status update data C from the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 is managed. Therefore, the terminal management unit 12 includes a terminal management data unit 13 in which terminal management data including distribution destination information such as names and IP addresses of all automatic ticketing terminals 15 connected via the network 14 is stored. The automatic ticketing terminal that permits communication by using the terminal management data in the terminal management data unit 13 when communication is performed between the host / server 1 and the automatic ticketing terminal 15. 15 confirmations are made.

  Therefore, when there is a request D such as reserved seat reservation from the automatic ticketing terminal 15 to the host / server 1 via the network 14, the terminal management unit 12 of the terminal management server 10 causes the terminal management data unit 13 to By confirming the automatic ticketing terminal 15 with the management data, the automatic ticketing terminal 15 is permitted to connect to the host / server 1, and this request D is sent to the host / server 1. Response information for this request from the host / server 1 is sent to the automatic ticketing using the IP address of the terminal management data for the automatic ticketing terminal 15 that has permitted the connection in the terminal management data unit 13 by the terminal management unit 12. It is distributed to the terminal 15.

  By the way, when the seat status update data C is supplied from the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 in the host / server 1, the terminal management unit 12 of the terminal management server 10 stores these seat status update data C based on their terminal identifiers. The terminal management data of the automatic ticketing terminal 15 serving as a destination is retrieved from the terminal management data unit 13, and by using the IP address of each corresponding automatic ticketing terminal 15, seat status update data is sent to these automatic ticketing terminals 15. C is distributed.

  In this way, when there is a change in seat status and the train seat status data A is updated, the seat status update data C is sent from the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 in the host / server 1 to the corresponding automatic ticketing terminal 15. It is automatically distributed, and it is not necessary to request train seat status data from the automatic ticketing terminal 15 to the host / server 1 each time, and only when there is a change in seat status Therefore, it is possible to avoid useless communication such as distribution without changing the seating situation.

  The automatic ticketing terminal 15 stores applications such as software for ticketing and screen information, and also stores information contents displayed on the display screen 16, but the seat status update data C is the host. / Information content displayed on the display screen 16 is updated by being distributed from the server 1. Therefore, as described above, when the seat status update data C is distributed from the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 in the host / server 1, the contents of the screen 17 for reserved seat reservation displayed on the display screen 16 are updated. As a result, the operator can view the latest information screen without any operation.

  The updating of the contents of this screen is the same for the screen displayed on the vacant seat display 18.

  2 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the automatic ticketing terminal 15 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A is a system configuration diagram, FIG. 2B is an external perspective view, and 19 is a control unit. , 20 is a customer service display, 21 is a touch panel, 22 is an input unit, 23 is a card unit, 24 is a cash unit, 25 is a ticket issuing unit, 26 is a storage device, 27 is a journal printer, 28 is a protrusion, 28 a is a shelf surface, Reference numeral 29 denotes a numeric keypad, 30 denotes a card insertion / discharge port, a change discharge port, and seat designation ticket discharge ports 31 and 32 are cash input ports. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In FIG. 1A, an automatic ticket issuing terminal 15 installed in a station premises or the like is connected to a network 14 (FIG. 1) through a control unit 5 via a router (not shown). The automatic ticketing terminal 15 is also provided with a customer service display 20 provided with a touch panel 21, an input unit 22 for performing numeric keypad input processing, and a card unit 23 for processing a card inserted for payment of a purchase amount. A cash unit 24 that processes cash, a ticket issuing unit 25 that performs ticketing processing such as a seat reservation ticket, and a memory that stores image information on the display screen 16 (FIG. 1) of the customer service display 20 and other necessary information. A device 26, a journal printer 27 for recording transaction results, and the like are provided, and these operate under the control of the control unit 19.

  In FIG. 2B, on the front side of the automatic ticketing terminal 15, a display screen 16 of the customer display 20 provided with a touch panel 21 as an input means of the input unit 22 is provided on the upper side. A protrusion 28 of the housing is formed below the display screen 16 of the customer display 20, and a cash unit 24 and a ticket issuing unit 25 are formed on the front wall surface side of the recess formed in the protrusion 28. A numeric keypad 29 as input means of the input unit 22 is provided on each shelf surface 28a. Then, by performing a touch operation on the customer service display 20, a seat reservation ticket can be purchased. The cash unit 24 is provided with a cash input port 32 such as banknotes and coins for paying an amount for purchase of a seat reserved ticket, a card insertion / discharge port 30, a change discharge port, and the like. Then, a seat reservation ticket discharge port 31 for discharging the purchased seat reservation ticket is provided.

  In FIG. 2A, the storage device 26 stores information such as screens and data necessary for an operation for a reserved seat reservation (purchase) by a customer or the like. At the same time, this is read out and a later-described screen relating to the seat designation ticket is displayed on the display screen 16 of the customer service display 20. In the customer display 20, the customer touches the touch panel 21 to read necessary information for purchasing the seat reservation ticket from the storage device 26, and the screens are sequentially switched and displayed according to the customer's request. The When the customer designates the seat designation ticket to be purchased by touching the touch panel 21 and pays the seat designation ticket fee with cash to the cash unit 24 or with the card to the card unit 23, the ticket is issued. The unit 25 operates to create a seat designated ticket, which is discharged from the seat designated ticket discharge port 31 and delivered to the customer.

  Here, the reserved seats are reserved and sold in this way, the status of the designated seat changes, or the reserved seat reservation ticket is canceled and the status of the designated seat changes, etc. When the seat status update data C is sent from the host / server 1 and the control unit 19 changes the seat status of the corresponding train stored in the storage device 26 according to the seat status update data C. Update the information. Thereby, the latest information on the seating situation of the train is displayed on the customer service display 20. In addition, it is not necessary to request the latest information from the automatic ticketing terminal 15, and therefore, there is no need to perform an operation for requesting it. The seat status update data C is sent from the storage device 26, and the storage information in the storage device 26 is updated, so that the latest seat status can be acquired without the trouble of the operator such as a station staff or a customer.

  The train seat status information stored in the storage device 26 includes the train vacancy status information indicating the vacancy status of the train, and the designated seats indicating whether each designated seat is vacant or reserved (purchased). It consists of status information, and these are updated by the seat status update data C from the host / server 1 (FIG. 1).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the sequence of the automatic ticketing system shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3A shows a sequence when the automatic ticketing terminal 15 is activated. The automatic ticketing terminal 15 is operated by a station switch or the like at the automatic ticketing terminal 15 to turn on the power and activate the automatic ticketing terminal 15. Then, a request for connection permission is transmitted from the automatic ticketing terminal 15 to the terminal management server 10 via the network 14 (step S100). In the terminal management server 10, when this request is received, the terminal management unit 12 refers to the terminal management data in the terminal management data unit 13, and the terminal that is under management of the automatic ticketing terminal 15 that requested this request. In response to the request, the confirmation result is transmitted to the requested automatic ticketing terminal 15 via the network 14 (step S101).

  Therefore, when it is confirmed that it is under the above management, the requested automatic ticketing terminal 15 can be connected to the host / server 1 and information can be exchanged (communication) with the host / server 1. However, when it is confirmed that it is not under the above management, a notification to that effect is sent to the automatic ticketing terminal 15 that has made the above request from the terminal management server 10, and the requested automatic ticketing terminal 15 is the host / server. Connection with 1 is not allowed.

  FIG. 3B shows a seat status information notification from the host / server 1, that is, a delivery sequence of the seat status update data, which is the sequence described in FIG. This is performed for the automatic ticketing terminal 15 that is permitted to connect to the host / server 1.

  In the host / server 1, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the seat management unit 3 determines whether or not there is a change in the seat situation in each train, and waits until there is a change (step When the seat status is changed in a certain train (“No” in S102) (“Yes” in Step S102), the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 creates the seat status update data C for this train as described above. Then, the data is transmitted to the corresponding automatic ticketing terminal 15 via the terminal management server 10 (step S103) (step S104). In this case, the automatic ticketing terminal 15 to which the seat status update data C is transmitted is all the automatic ticketing terminals 15 related to this train. In the terminal management server 10, the terminal management unit 12 is related to this train. The terminal management data unit 13 searches for all automatic ticketing terminals 15 to be transmitted, and transmits the automatic ticketing terminals 15 to these automatic ticketing terminals 15 via the network 14 using their IP addresses.

  In step S102, “Yes” is determined on the condition that the seat status change information is received from the automatic ticketing terminal 15 or the seat data in the inventory data section 4 is updated. The

  FIG. 3C shows a ticket issuing sequence for the designated seat selected by the customer at the automatic ticketing terminal 15, which is also connected to the host / server 1 in the sequence described in FIG. This is possible for the permitted automatic ticketing terminal 15.

  When a predetermined designated seat of a train desired by the customer is designated by the automatic ticketing terminal 15, information D (FIG. 1) requesting the ticketing of the designated seat ticket is output from the automatic ticketing terminal 15 (step S105). And sent to the host / server 1 via the terminal management server 10 (step S106). In the host / server 1, the seat management unit 3 determines whether or not the required train seat is vacant based on the inventory data in the inventory data unit 4. It is created and sent as response information via the terminal management server 10 (step S107) and sent to the requested automatic ticketing terminal 15 (step S108). The automatic ticketing terminal 15 performs the ticketing process for the designated seat of the train requested by the customer based on the answer information. When this process is completed, the automatic ticketing terminal 15 generates and outputs information indicating the final result such as ticketing completion. (Step S109), the data is transmitted to the host / server 1 via the terminal management server 10 (Step S110).

  In the host / server 1, based on the received final result, the seat management unit 3 changes the status of the seat data of the designated seat of the issued train in the inventory data unit 4 from vacant seat to ticket issued. At the same time, the seat data whose status has been changed is sent to the vacant seat information retrieval unit 7. In this vacant seat guidance search unit 7, the information in the vacant seat data unit 8 is updated thereby, and the seat status update data C is sent to the corresponding automatic ticket issuing terminal 15 as shown in FIG.

Next, the flow of the operation screen for seat reservation ticket reservation at the automatic ticketing terminal 15 will be described. 4 to 6 are flowcharts showing the flow of the operation screen.
Hereinafter, a specific example of a reserved seat ticket reservation (purchase) operation screen displayed on the display screen 16 of the automatic ticketing terminal 15 will be described.

  When an operator such as a station employee turns on and activates the automatic ticketing terminal 15 and performs an operation for displaying the designated seat ticket reservation operation screen, an initial screen 40 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display screen 16 ( Step S200 in FIG. 4).

  In FIG. 7, 41a, 41b, 41c are route / train type columns, 42a, 42b, 42c are train name columns, 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d are stop station columns, 44a, 44b are seat status display columns, 45a. 45b and 45c are list selection buttons, 46 is a "listen to staff" button, 47 is a "stop at each station" button, 48 is a "free seat" button, and 49 is an "other destination" button.

  In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 3A, the startup sequence is executed, and the automatic ticketing terminal 15 is connected to the host / server (FIG. 1).

  In the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. 7, trains of different routes are arranged and displayed one by one on the left side. Here, three route / train types fields 41a, 41b, and 41c are provided, and the route name and the train type "ABC super express", "DEF super express", and "GHI super express" are displayed, respectively. The train name fields 42a, 42b, and 42c are provided for the route / train type fields 41a, 41b, and 41c, respectively, and the train name and the departure time of the first express train that departs from the current time of each line are displayed. Has been. Here, in the train name column 42a, “Train X11” departing at 18:00, in the train name column 42b, “Train Y14” departing at 18:00, and in the train name column 42c, “Train Z 15” departing at 18:00 is displayed.

  For each express train on each route, a station name column of a representative stop station is displayed, and the seat status of the express train is displayed for each stop station. Here, for the limited express train with the train name “Train X 11” on the route “ABC” (hereinafter referred to as “Express Train X 11”, the same applies to other limited express trains), the representative stop stations are B Station and C Station D, Station D is E station, Stop station column 43a, 43b, 43c and End station column 43d are provided, and station names corresponding to stop station columns 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d are respectively provided. It is displayed.

  In addition, seat status display columns 44a and 44b are provided for each stop station column 43a, 43b and 43c and end station column 43d, respectively, and a mark corresponding to the seat status is displayed. The seat status is shown for the normally designated seat and the green seat, the seat status display column 44a displays the seat status of the normally designated seat, and the seat status display column 44b displays the seat status of the green seat. . In order to clarify this, the indication “normal” indicating the normally designated seat at the position corresponding to the seat status display field 44a in the stop station fields 43a, 43b, 43c is at the position corresponding to the seat status display field 44b. Marks indicating green seats are respectively attached.

  The mark corresponding to the seating status indicates that “◯” indicates that there are many vacant seats, “Δ” indicates that there are few vacant seats, and “×” indicates that the seats are full. Therefore, on the limited express train X11 on the route “ABC”, there are few normally reserved seats and green seats at B, C, and D stations at the midway stop station. Both seats and green seats are full.

  This train seat status is based on the seat status update data C (from the vacant seat information search unit 7 of the host / server 1) as the vacant seat status information of the train seat status information stored in the storage device 26 (FIG. It is updated by being updated by FIG. The same applies to the screen described later.

  Further, these marks indicating the seat situation also have a function of a touch button.

  On the limited express train Y14 on the route “DEF”, typical stop stations are Ya, Yb, and Yc stations, and the end stations are Yd stations, and a seat status display column is provided for each station. The seat status is displayed. Similarly, in the limited express train Z14 on the route "GHI", the representative stop stations are Za station, Zb station, Zc station, and the terminal station is Zd station, and the seat status is displayed for each station. A column is provided to display the seat status. In addition, about these express trains Y14 and Z14, the code | symbol which shows the stop station column and the seat status display column is abbreviate | omitted.

  Each route is provided with list selection buttons 45a, 45b, and 45c. Further, on this initial screen 40, a "listen to staff" button 46, a "stop at each station" button 47, " A “free seat” button 48 and an “other destination” button 49 are provided.

  List selection buttons 45a, 45b, and 45c provided in each route / train type column 41a, 41b, and 41c are for selecting a route and displaying a list of trains on the selected route. Therefore, for example, when the list selection button 45a on the route “ABC Super Express” in the route / train type column 41a is selected by touching the initial screen 40, the display is switched to the display of the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. Step S201 in FIG.

In FIG. 8, 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ and 42a ₄ are train name columns, 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d are “intermediate station” selection buttons, 51 is a “return” button, and 53a is “previous”. The button 53b is a “next” button, and parts corresponding to those in FIG.

The initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8 basically has the same format as the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. 7, but the route selected on the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. The express train names are arranged and displayed in the order of their departure times. Here, four train name fields 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ , and 42a ₄ are provided, and the train name and the departure time of the train that departs first from the current time on each line are displayed. . Here, in the train name column 42a ₁ , the train name “train X11” of the express train departing at 18:00, and in the train name column 42a ₂ , the train name “train” of the express train departing at 18:14 is displayed. “X 25” is in the train name column 42a ₃ and the train name “Train X 123” of the express train departing at 18:22, and in the train name column 42a ₄ is the train name of the express train departing at 18:34. “Train X 132” is displayed.

  And the stop station name column of this line "ABC" is displayed, and the seat situation of each train is displayed for every stop station. Here, the express train X11 on the route "ABC" is the same as in FIG. 7, and for the express train X25, the stop station is only the B station, so the end station is the B station. Become. Similarly, for the express train X 123, station F is the end station, and for the express train X 132, station D is the end station. In each limited express train, seat status display fields 44a and 44b are provided for each stop station and terminal station, respectively, and a mark corresponding to the seat status is displayed in the same manner as in the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. It is shown.

  Also on the initial screen 40, a “listen to staff” button 46, a “station stop” button 47, a “free seat” button 48, and an “other destination” button 49 are provided at the lower side.

On the upper side of the array of train name fields 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ , 42a ₄ , a “forward” button 53a which is an upward scroll button is displayed. When the scroll button 50a is touched, these trains are displayed. The arrangement of name columns 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ , 42a ₄ scrolls downward. A “next” button 53b, which is a downward scroll button, is displayed below the array of train name fields 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ , 42a _{4. When} the scroll button 50b is touched, These train name columns 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ , 42a ₄ are scrolled upward. Of course, the seat status display fields 44a and 44b corresponding to these train name fields 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ and 42a ₄ are scrolled together with these scrolls.

  The “Previous” button 50a is displayed when the “Next” button 50b is pressed and there is a train not displayed above, and the most recent train is displayed at the top. When there is no need to scroll upward, it is not displayed, or an inactive display that cannot be selected is displayed.

  In this way, the seat status of each express train on the same desired route can be confirmed by a simple operation of touching the list selection buttons 45a, 45b, and 45c.

  For example, a “return” button 51 is provided in the upper right corner of the initial screen 40a, and when this is touched, the display returns to the display of the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. In the initial screen 40a, “intermediate station” selection buttons 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d are displayed between the stop station columns 43a, 43b, 43c, and 43d, and any one of them is touch-operated. Thus, the stop stations that are not displayed between the displayed stop stations are displayed.

  When one of the “middle station” selection buttons 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, for example, the “middle station” selection button 50a is touch-operated, the section designated by the selected “middle station” selection button 50a. The intermediate station display screen 40b shown in FIG. 9 showing the name of the intermediate station is displayed (step S202 in FIG. 4).

  In FIG. 9, 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d are stop station columns, 53c is a “Previous” button, 53d is a “Next” button, and 54 is a “Return to original display” button. The parts corresponding to are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

  In the intermediate station display screen 40b shown in FIG. 9, A1 station, A2 station, A3 station, and A4 station, which are each one of the stops in the sections specified in the stop station fields 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, are intermediate. It is displayed as a station, and for each train X11, X25, X123, X132, a seat status display field 44a, 44b is provided for each intermediate station, and the seat status of the normally designated seat and the green seat is displayed with the above mark. The

  Further, on the upper side of the stop station columns 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, a “forward” button 53c that is a leftward scroll button is provided on the left side. The middle station row scrolls to the right (first station side), and the seat status display fields 44a and 44b scroll in the same direction. Thereby, a new intermediate station appears from the left side, and the seating situation of each express train to the intermediate station can be known. In addition, a “next” button 53d, which is a scroll button directed rightward, is provided on the upper left side of the stop station columns 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d. The station row scrolls to the left (end station side), and the seat status display fields 44a and 44b also scroll in the same direction. Thereby, a new intermediate station appears from the right side, and the seating situation of each express train up to the intermediate station can be known.

  The “Previous” button 53c is displayed when the “Next” button 53d is pressed and there is a train that is not displayed on the left side, and is displayed in the leftmost station name column 52a. When the station name closest to the starting station in the specified section is displayed and scrolling to the right is not necessary, the station name is not displayed or inactive display that cannot be selected.

  Thereby, it is possible to know the seating conditions of the designated seats up to the intermediate station that are not displayed on the initial screens 40 and 40a.

  Note that by repeating the operation of the “Previous” button 53c or the “Next” button 53d, the station names are finally displayed in the order of the station names displayed on the initial screens 40 and 40a. The When such an intermediate station is displayed, it becomes the final station of the displayed intermediate station, and it is no longer possible to scroll in the same direction, but if you want to know the seat status of this intermediate station in the same direction, The “return to original display” button 54 displayed on the intermediate station display screen 40b is touch-operated to return to the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8, and any one of the “intermediate station” selection buttons 50a to 50d is selected. A touch operation may be performed to display another intermediate station display screen. However, on the intermediate station display screen 40b shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to scroll from the first station to the last station by operating the “Previous” button 53c or the “Next” button 53d.

  When the “free seat” button 48 is touched on the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8, a free seat display screen 40c shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (step S203 in FIG. 4).

  In FIG. 10, 55 is a free seat display field, and 56 is a “designated seat” button. The parts corresponding to those in the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted.

  The display contents of the free seat display screen 40c shown in FIG. 10 are almost the same as the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8, except that the seat status display fields 44a and 44b (FIG. 8) for the designated seats are changed. Only the unreserved seat display field 55 is displayed. This unreserved seat display column 55 indicates the presence or absence of unreserved seats on the train. The “○” mark indicates that there are unreserved seats, and the “-” indicates that there are no unreserved seats. Yes. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the express trains X 11, X 25, and X 123 are provided with free seats up to the end station, but the express train X 132 does not have free seats up to the end station. Become.

  Thus, the presence / absence of a free seat on each train can be confirmed on the free seat display screen 40c.

  This unreserved seat display screen 40c is provided with a “reserved seat” button 56 instead of the “reserved seat” button 48 on the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. Then, the display returns to the screen related to the designated seat, in this case, the original initial screen 40a (FIG. 8).

  Here, the “free seat” button 48 on the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8 is touch-operated, but the “free seat” button 48 on the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. 7 is touched. The same applies to the case, with the same display content (format) as the initial screen 40, a free seat display field 55 is displayed instead of the seat status display fields 44 a, 44 b, and instead of the “free seat” button 48, “ A “reserved seat” button 56 is displayed. Accordingly, when the “designated seat” button 56 is touch-operated, the display of the original initial screen 40 is restored. The same applies to the case where the “free seat” button 48 is touched on the intermediate station display screen 40b shown in FIG.

  When the “station stop” button 47 is touched on the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8, the station stop station display screen 40d shown in FIG. 11 is displayed (step S204 in FIG. 4).

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 57 denotes a “express train” button, and parts corresponding to those in the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted.

The display contents of the unreserved seat display screen 40c shown in FIG. 10 are basically the same format as the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8, but the route name / ABC and the train name are displayed in the route / train type column 41a. The type “stop at each station” is displayed, and the train name columns 42a ₁ , 42a ₂ , 42a ₃ , and 42a ₄ each display the train name and the departure time of each station stop that departs from the current time. Here, in the train name column 42a ₁ , the train name “train x 55” of each station that departs at 18:00, and in the train name column 42a ₂ , the train name “train” of each station that departs at 18:14. x 25 ”is in the train name column 42a ₃ and the train name“ train x 13 ”at each station that departs at 18:22, and the train name column 42a ₃ is in the train name at each station that departs at 18:34. “Train x 12” is displayed respectively.

  For each train that stops at each station, a station name column of a representative stop station is displayed, and the seating status of the train at each station stop is displayed for each stop station. Here, for a train with a train name “Train x 55” that stops at each station (hereinafter referred to as a train x 55 at each station, the same applies to other trains at each station), a typical halfway stop is A5 station. , B station, B4 station, and end station are station C, and the station names are displayed in stop station columns 43a, 43b, 43c and end station column 43d, respectively. Seat status display fields 44a and 44b are provided for the respective stop station fields 43a, 43b and 43c and the terminal station field 43d, respectively, and a mark corresponding to the seat status of the designated seat is displayed on these.

  Further, in each station stop station display screen 40d, a “express train” button 57 is provided in place of the “station stop” button 47 in FIG. 8, and when this is touch-operated, the initial screen shown in FIG. The display returns to 40a.

  In this way, the seating status of the designated seats on the trains at each station can be displayed, and the customer can also check this as necessary. If there is a change in the seating status, the host / server 1 (FIG. 1) notifies the seating status as described above, and the seating status displayed thereby is updated.

  In this example, the “stop at each station” button 47 on the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8 is touched, but the “stop at each station” button 47 on the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. 7 is touched. The same applies to the case where the trains at the stations are displayed with the same display contents (format) as the initial screen 40, and instead of the “stop at each station” button 47, the “express train” button 57 is displayed. Accordingly, when the “express train” button 57 is touch-operated, the display of the original initial screen 40 is restored. This also applies to the case where the “stop at each station” button 47 is touched on the intermediate station display screen 40b shown in FIG. 9 or the unreserved seat display screen 40c shown in FIG.

  On the screens 40, 40a to 40d described above, this train can be operated by touching the seat status display fields 44a, 44b of vacant seats (marks “◯” or “Δ”) at the station where the desired train is to be dismounted. Seat reservation ticket can be purchased (reserved).

  Now, on the initial screen 40a shown in FIG. 8, when the seat status display field 44a of the normally designated seat of the “△” mark with respect to the stop station field 43b in which the station C where the express train X11 stops is touch-operated, A confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (step S300 in FIG. 5).

  In FIG. 12, 58a is a boarding date column, 58b is a train column, 58c is a vehicle column, 58d is a seat column, 58e is a boarding section column, 58f is a number of people column, 58g is a purchase price column, 58h is an operation guidance column, 59a to 59a. 59c is a “change” button, 60 is a “return” button, 61a and 61b are increase / decrease buttons, 62 is a “cancel” button, and 63 is a “listen to staff” button.

  In the confirmation / change screen 40e, the contents of the designated seating ticket uniquely determined according to the touched seat status display fields 44a and 44b are displayed. In this case, as shown in FIG. In the initial screen 40a, the seat status display field 44a for the normally reserved seat at the station C where the express train X11 stops is touch-operated. ) ”Is displayed for the departure time“ 18:00 departure ”and the train name“ Train X11 ”of the train that rides on the train column 58b, and there is a seat specified in the vehicle column 58c as a result of the automatic seat designation. “Normal car No. 2 car 10C” indicating the vehicle and seat number, a non-smoking mark indicating the type of seat designated in this vehicle, and “passage side” indicating the position are displayed in the seat field 58d.

  A “change” button 59a for changing the boarding date and train is added to the boarding date column 58a and the train column 58b, and the vehicle and the designated seat are also added to the vehicle column 58c and the seating column 58d. A “change” button 59b is added so that the position of the button can be changed.

  In addition, the boarding section field 58e shows the A station that is the boarding station and the C station that is the getting off station. In the case of a one-way reservation, an arrow heading from the A station to the C station is displayed. A “reciprocate” button 60 is provided to allow the change. In the case of a round trip, although not shown, arrows in both directions are displayed between the A station and the C station.

  The confirmation / change screen 40e also has a number of people column 58f, and by default, one adult and zero children are set, but increase / decrease buttons 61a and 61b are provided for each. By touching these, the number of adults and children can be changed and set.

  The confirmation / change screen 40e is provided with a purchase amount column 58g, and a boarding ticket or a limited express ticket (including a seat designation ticket) according to the contents of the vehicle field 58c, the boarding section field 58e, and the number of persons field 58f. And the total purchase price for them. This amount is calculated by the fare calculator 5 of the host / server 1 by sending the contents of the confirmation / change screen 40e from the automatic ticketing terminal 15 to the host / server 1 (FIG. 1).

  The confirmation / change screen 40e is further provided with an operation guidance field 58h, which displays an operation portion at the protruding portion 28 (FIG. 2B) of the automatic ticketing terminal 15, and allows the purchase amount to be entered. Guidance about change receipt etc.

  The confirmation / change screen 40e is further provided with a “cancel” button 62 and a “listen to staff” button 63. When the “cancel” button 62 is touched, the previous screen is displayed. In this case, the display returns to the display (any one of the screens 40, 40a to 40d shown in FIGS. 7 to 11). When the “listen to staff” button 63 is touch-operated, as shown in FIG. 13, the staff screen in which the screen image of the staff is displayed on the display portion of the “cancel” button 62 and the “listen to staff” button 63 is displayed. The corresponding screen 40f is displayed (step S301 in FIG. 5), and a dialogue with the staff is possible via the microphone and the speaker.

  When the display content of the confirmation / change screen 40e is confirmed and the cash of the amount displayed in the purchase amount column 58g is inserted from the insertion port 32 (FIG. 2) of the automatic ticketing terminal 15, or alternatively, this automatic ticketing terminal When a card such as a credit card or a coupon ticket is inserted into the 15 insertion / discharge port 30 (FIG. 2), the display shifts to the display of the ticketing screen 40g shown in FIG. 14 (step S400 in FIG. 6). The seat designation ticket purchased from the discharge port 31 (FIG. 2) of the ticketing terminal 15 is changed, and the change or the inserted card is discharged from the discharge port 30 (FIG. 2). Encourage receipt.

  As described above, by touching the seat status display fields 44a and 44b on the screens 40 and 40a to 40d shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, a designated seat of a desired train can be selected and reserved. An operation screen for (purchase) is immediately displayed, and the selected seat reservation ticket can be reserved (purchased).

  For reservation (purchase) of seat tickets, either the operation screen (FIG. 12) for reservation (purchase) is displayed or the amount displayed on the operation screen is entered. As a condition, a seat ticket is reserved (purchased).

  Next, the case where the display content of any of the screens 40 and 40a to 40d shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 is changed will be described.

  When the “other destination” button 49 is touch-operated on any of the screens 40 and 40a to 40d shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 11, a disembarking station name input screen 40h shown in FIG. (Step S205 in FIG. 4).

  In FIG. 15, 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d are drop-off station selection buttons, 66 is an “Akasana” keyboard, 67 is a selected station name display area, 68 is a “modify” button, 69 is a “confirm” button, and 70 is “ "Cancel" button, 71 is a "listen to staff" button, 72 is a "change boarding station" button, and 73 is a "return" button.

  The getting-off station name input screen 40h shown in FIG. 15 enables the customer to select a getting-off station different from the station displayed on the screens 40, 40a to 40d shown in FIGS. The station names displayed in the stop station columns 43a to 43d on the screen on which the “other destination” button 49 is touched to display the input screen 40h are displayed on the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d. The Here, “Getting off station A” is set to the getting-off station selection button 65a, “Getting-off station B” is set to the getting-off station selecting button 65b, “Getting off station C” is set to the getting-off station selecting button 65c, and “Getting off” is set to the getting-off station selecting button 65d. It is assumed that “get off station E” is displayed on the “station D” and get off station selection button 65e. When one of them is touch-operated (for example, when the disembarking station selection button 65 a is touch-operated), the disembarking station (for example, “disembarking station A”) is selected and displayed in the selected station name display area 67. .

  In addition, an “Akasana” keyboard 66 on which the hiragana characters at the head of each line of the Japanese syllabary are displayed is also displayed on the getting-off station name input screen 40h. The “Akasana” keyboard 66 is used to input the station name of the desired disembarking station, and characters are displayed in the selected station name display area 67 in the order of input on the “Akasana” keyboard 66. Is displayed on the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d.

  For example, when the character “ka” on the “Akasana” keyboard 66 is touch-operated, as shown in FIG. 16, a “ka line character” selection button 66a composed of five characters in the “ka” line and 5 in the “ga” line. A “GA line” character selection button 66b consisting of a number of characters is displayed. The same applies to the other rows. Here, when any character of the “ka line character” selection button 66a and the “ga line” selection button 66, for example, the character “ki” is touched and inputted, the character “ki” is selected and selected. This character “KI” is displayed in the station name display area 67. At the same time, the station names starting with this character “KI”, “KI XX station”, “KI XX station”, “KI □ △ station”, “KI △ station”, “KI □ station” are searched and get off. Each of the station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d is displayed and can be selected by touching one of them.

  If it is difficult to find a station by entering only one character, the next character is input. As a result, the input characters are displayed in the selected station name display area 67 in the order of input, the station names starting from the plurality of characters in the input order are searched and displayed on the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d. In this way, the search range is narrowed as the number of input characters increases, and the desired station name is displayed on the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d.

  Even if all characters indicating the name of the getting-off station are displayed in the selected station name display area 67, if there are stations with the same name on different routes, the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d may not be displayed. In this case, the station name of the desired route may not be displayed by the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d. In this case, the station name displayed by the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, and 65d can be changed by touching the “determine” button 69, whereby the station name of the desired getting-off station can be changed. It can be displayed with any of the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d.

  In addition, each time the “correct” button 68 is touched, it is possible to erase one character at a time in order from the last character entered, so that the wrong character can be erased and the correct character can be entered. You can fix it and fix it. Further, by touching the “cancel” button 70, the station name displayed in the selected station name display area 67 can be deleted and canceled. In this case, the station name can be re-input.

  When any of the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d is touch-operated, the station with the station name displayed on the touched getting-off station selection button is determined as the getting-off station, and a train selection screen described later is displayed. Although the display shifts, the “change boarding station” button 72 is touch-operated before the operation for determining the getting-off station is performed, and then any one of the getting-off station selection buttons 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d is touch-operated. Then, the exit station is determined, and the display shifts to the boarding station name input screen 40i shown in FIG. 17 (step S206 in FIG. 4).

  In the screens 40, 40a to 40d shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the boarding station is the station where the automatic ticketing terminal 15 is installed. On the boarding station name input screen 40i, the customer wants the boarding station. It is intended to be able to be designated as a station. The boarding station name input screen 40i has the same format as the getting-off station name input screen 40h shown in FIG. 15, and the operation for inputting and determining the boarding station is exactly the same. Therefore, portions corresponding to the getting-off station name input screen 40h of the boarding station name input screen 40i are shown with the same reference numerals with dashes, and description thereof is omitted. However, 65a ', 65b', 65c ', 65d' are boarding station selection buttons.

  The boarding station name input screen 40i is provided with a "change boarding station" button 72 'instead of the "change boarding station" button 72 on the boarding station name input screen 40h. When the user selects the boarding station selection buttons 65a ', 65b', 65c ', 65d' after operating the "Change" button 72 ', the display is displayed on the exit station name input screen 40h shown in FIG. You can change and change the station.

  When the “return” buttons 73 and 73 ′ on the screens 40 h and 40 i shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17 are touch-operated, the display of the previous screen is returned.

  If, for example, the exit station selection button 65c of the exit station C is touched without touching the “change station” button 72 on the exit station name input screen 40h shown in FIG. 15, the train selection screen shown in FIG. 40j is displayed (step S207 in FIG. 4).

  In FIG. 18, 74a, 74b, 74c and 74d are train columns, 75 is a waiting time, 76 is a "Today" selection column, 77 is a "Next day" selection column, and 78 represents a selected state. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to those in FIG.

  This train selection screen 40j enables selection of a train on a route determined by the determined boarding station and getting-off station, and a plurality of train columns 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d are arranged in the vertical direction. Arranged and train information is displayed in order of departure time. This train information includes the train name, the departure time at the boarding station, and the arrival time at the departure station. For example, in the train column 74a, for the express train X11, the departure time is 18:00, the arrival time is 20:58, the train The name “X11” is displayed.

  In addition, the station status display field 44a for the normally reserved seat and the seat status display field 44b for the green seat are displayed with the station C as the getting-off station, and a waiting time 75 from the current time to the departure time is also displayed.

  Furthermore, a “Today” selection column 76 and a “Next day” selection column 77 are displayed. When the “Today” selection column 76 is touched (in this case, the “Today” selection column 76 is selected). 78), trains that depart after the current time of today are displayed in the train columns 74a, 74b, 74c, and 74d. When the “after next day” selection column 77 is touched (in this case, “ In the state 78 in which the “next day and later” selection column 77 is selected), a list (not shown) for selecting a date after tomorrow is displayed, and when one of the dates is selected, the train column 74a , 74b, 74c, 74d, trains of the selected date are displayed. In this case, the waiting time 75 is not displayed. FIG. 18 shows a case where the “today” selection field 76 is touched.

  By touching the “Previous” button 53a, the train column of the train whose departure time is earlier than that of the currently displayed train is lowered from the top of the arrangement of the train columns 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d. When the “Next” button 53b is touch-operated, the train column of the train whose departure time is later than the train that is currently displayed is the train column 74a, 74b, 74c. , 74d appear from the bottom of the array. As a result, trains for which the train column is not currently displayed can also be selected.

  Touch operation of either “O” mark indicating that there is a vacant seat in the train column of the desired train among the train columns 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, or the seat status display columns 44a, 44b with “Δ” mark Then, the display moves to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 for confirming the train determined in this way (step S300 in FIG. 5), and the reserved seat of this train is confirmed and reserved as described above. (Purchase) can be.

  When the train selection screen 40j shown in FIG. 18 is used to select this train by touching any one of the seat status display fields 44a and 44b of the desired train, this train is sent by another customer at a slightly earlier timing. There are cases where the reserved seat is reserved (purchased) and the reserved seat becomes full. Alternatively, when any of the desired train seat status display fields 44a and 44b on the screens 40, 40a, 40b, and 40d shown in FIGS. However, there is a case that a reserved seat is reserved (purchased) by another customer at a slightly earlier timing and the reserved seat becomes full. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 19, the train reservation impossible screen 40k opens on the screen that has been displayed so far (here, the initial screen 40 shown in FIG. 7), and the designation desired by the customer. A message 79a indicating that the seat could not be secured is displayed, and a selection leg such as a change selection column 79b to a free seat, a change selection column 79c to a green seat that still has a vacant seat, and a change selection column 79d to the next train is displayed. Display and allow customers to choose one to deal with.

  Here, when the “return” button 73 is touch-operated, the train reservation impossible screen 40k disappears and the screen returns to the original screen. When any of the change selection fields 79b to 79d is selected, the confirmation shown in FIG. The change screen 12 is displayed (step S300 in FIG. 5).

  In the confirmation / change screen 12 in this case, when the change selection column 79b to the unreserved seat is selected on the train reservation impossible screen 40k, the contents are not displayed in the vehicle column 58c and the seat column 58d, and the train reservation is not possible. When the change selection column 79c to green seat is selected on the screen 40k, the contents are changed in the vehicle column 58c and the seat column 58d, and the change selection column 79d to the next train is selected on the train reservation impossible screen 40k. If it is, the train column 58b, the vehicle column 58c, and the seat column 58d are changed to the contents of the next train.

  The contents determined on the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 can be changed after the confirmation.

  When the customer wants to change the train to be boarded by looking at the confirmation / change screen 40e, the train selection screen 40l shown in FIG. 20 is displayed by touching the “change” button 59a for the boarding date column 58a and the train column 58b. (Step S302 in FIG. 5).

  In this train selection screen 40l, trains that can be selected for each day are displayed, but the format is the same as the train selection screen 40j shown in FIG. For this reason, the part corresponding to this train selection screen 40j shown in FIG.

  In this train selection screen 40l, the user can reserve (purchase) a reserved seat ticket for the desired train by touching the seat status display fields 44a and 44b of the desired train. By touching the status display fields 44a and 44b, this train is selected and the screen returns to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 (step S300 in FIG. 5). On the confirmation / change screen 40e, the contents of the selected train are displayed.

  In addition, in the train selection screen 40l, the “Today” selection column 76 is in the selected state 78, and it is displayed for today's train. When the selection column 77 is touched, the schedule change screen 40m shown in FIG. 21 is displayed (step S303 in FIG. 5).

  In this schedule change screen 40m, a date selection for selecting a plurality of dates after tomorrow by selecting “Today” selection column 76 and “From the next day” selection column 77 on train selection screen 40l shown in FIG. The columns 77a to 77c are selected, and the dates after that can be selected by touching the date selection column 77d.

  Therefore, on the schedule change screen 40m, when the date selection field 77b of “25th” is touch-operated and “25th” is selected, a train selection screen 40n shown in FIG. 22 is displayed (in FIG. 5). Step S304).

  This train selection screen 40n is basically the same as the train selection screen 40l shown in FIG. 20, but instead of the “after the next day” selection column 77 on the train selection screen 40l, a schedule change screen shown in FIG. The date selection fields 77a to 77d at 40m are displayed, and the selected date of the "25th" of the days is selected 78. Accordingly, the train fields 74a, 74b, 74c, and 74d at this time will display the information of the selected “25th day” train, and the desired train among the “25th day” trains. Can be selected. By touching either one of the desired train seat status display fields 44a and 44b, the display returns to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 (step S300 in FIG. 5). On the confirmation / change screen 40e, the contents about the selected train are displayed.

  As described above, it is possible to select another train on the same day or a train on a date after tomorrow. In this case, as a method for selecting a train, it is only necessary to perform a touch operation on the seat status display column indicating the vacant seat status of the designated seat, so that a train that can reserve (purchase) a reserved seat ticket is recognized and selected. Therefore, it is possible to select a train for which a reserved seat ticket can be reserved (purchased) easily and reliably.

  Next, when the customer wants to change the designated seat by looking at the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12, when the “change” button 59b is touched on the vehicle column 58c and the seat 58d, the preferred seat selection screen shown in FIG. 40o is displayed (step S305 in FIG. 5).

  In FIG. 23, 80 is a train image, 81 and 81a are vehicles, 82 is a cursor, 83 is a detailed vehicle diagram, 84 is a seat, 85 is a passage, 86 is a selected seat mark, 87a is a "window side" selection button, 87b Is a “passage side” selection button, 87c is a “with outlet” selection button, 87d is a “near a washroom” selection button, and 87e is a “avoid group” selection button.

  On the favorite seat selection screen 40o, a train image 80 including a series of vehicles 81 is displayed, and the designated vehicle 81a is focused by the cursor 82. By default, the focused designated vehicle 81a is the vehicle 81 having the designated seat selected on the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. The customer can select a desired vehicle 81 in the train image 80, and the selected vehicle 81 is focused as a designated vehicle 81a.

  In each vehicle 81, the number of vacant seats of the designated seat is represented by a numerical value. For example, it is shown that the vehicle 81a has seven empty seats.

  Further, a vehicle detail view 83 representing individual seats 84 of the vehicle 81a that reserves the designated seat is displayed. In this vehicle detail view 83, the vehicles 81 are arranged in two rows on one side with the passage 85 in between. Seats are arranged, and three rows of seats are arranged on the other side. The reserved (sold) seats 84 are indicated by “x” marks, and empty seats are indicated by blank spaces. Whether the seat 84 is vacant or reserved (sold) is based on the status information of the designated seat in the train seat status information stored in the storage device 26 (FIG. 2A). Yes, it is updated according to the status data of the designated seat in the seat status update data C (FIG. 1) transmitted from the host / server 1. Accordingly, the latest status is also displayed for each designated seat.

  Further, when the focused vehicle 81a has a designated seat displayed in the vehicle column 58c and the seat column 58d of the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12, a black selected seat mark 86 is attached to the designated seat. ing. From this, the customer can grasp the state of vacant seats in the vehicle 81 having the currently selected designated seat. However, if a reserved seat that is vacant while the favorite seat selection screen 40o is displayed is reserved by another customer, the designated seat is marked with an “X”. This vacant seat information is created by the vacant seat guidance search unit 7 when the train seat status data A is created by the seat management unit 3 in the host / server 1 in FIG. It is transmitted to the automatic ticketing terminal 15, and the automatic ticketing terminal 15 updates the vehicle detail view 83 on the favorite seat selection screen 40o based on this.

  In this vehicle detail view 83, the designated seat 84 can be selected by touching the designated seat 84 that is empty.

  In addition, the favorite seat selection screen 40o includes a “window side” selection button 87a, a “passage side” selection button 87b, a “with outlet” selection button 87c, and a “wash surface” for each of the non-smoking vehicle and the smoking vehicle. Selection buttons for setting conditions for reserved seat reservation, such as “near place” selection button 87d and “avoid group” selection button 87e, are provided, and selection conditions are set by touching one of these buttons. By doing so, it is also possible to request a desired designated seat.

  As described above, the desired designated seat of the desired train can be selected on the preferred seat selection screen 40o, and the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 is displayed for the selected designated seat. (Step S300 in FIG. 5), the selected designated seat may be reserved by another customer at a slight timing. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 24, a seat reservation impossible screen 40p is displayed on the favorite seat selection screen 40o.

  In FIG. 24, 89 is a message, 90a is a “smoking vehicle and window side” selection field, 90b is a “non-smoking vehicle and other than the window side” selection field, 90c is a “green car and window side” selection field, and 90d is “next train”. "Select from" selection field 91 is an "OK" button, and parts corresponding to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals.

  In this seat reservation impossible screen 40p, a message 89 indicating that the selected designated seat cannot be secured is displayed, and the selection legs (selection conditions) of other designated seats are displayed, so that the reservation of other seats can be advanced. To. Such selection legs include a “smoking vehicle window side” selection column 90a, a “non-smoking vehicle non-window side” selection column 90b, a “green car window side” selection column 90c, a “select from next train” selection column 90d, and the like. If it is a green car of the same train as the previously selected condition, it will also display information on how much it will be added and when the next train will depart, and select the necessary condition with reference to this information (touch By operating the determination button 91 and operating the determination button 91, the designated seats that match these determined conditions are retrieved, and the display returns to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. Step S300 in step 5).

  When the “return” button 73 is touched on the seat reservation impossible screen 40p, the screen returns to the preferred seat selection screen 40o shown in FIG. 23 (step S305 in FIG. 5).

  The designated seats desired by a plurality of people of the desired train selected on the preferred seat selection screen 40o are reserved by other customers at a slight timing, and the designated seats of all the members are adjacent to each other. There are times when it becomes no longer. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 25, a screen 40q for securing the number of persons is displayed on the favorite seat selection screen 40o.

  In FIG. 25, 92 is a message, 93 a is a “next door for smoking vehicles” selection field, 93 b is a “no smoking vehicle away” selection field, 93 c is a “green car window side” selection field, and 93 d is “next train” "Select from" selection field 94 is an "OK" button, and parts corresponding to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals.

  On this non-reservable screen 40q, a message 92 indicating that the designated seats for the selected number of people cannot be secured next to each other is displayed, and selection legs (selection conditions) for other designated seats are displayed. To make reservations for other seats. Such selection legs include “next to each other with smoking vehicle” selection field 93a, “separate with non-smoking vehicle” selection field 93b, “next to each other with green car” selection field 93c, “selection from next train” selection field 93d, etc. Then, by selecting (touching) a necessary condition from these and touching the decision button 94, a designated seat that matches these decided conditions is retrieved, and a diagram corresponding to the retrieval result is displayed. The display returns to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 (step S300 in FIG. 5).

  When the “return” button 73 is touched on the screen for securing the number of persons 40q, the preferred seat selection screen 40o shown in FIG. 23 is displayed (step S305 in FIG. 5).

  In this way, even if the selected designated seat cannot be secured in a short period of time, it will be guided so that the desired seat can be secured for other vehicles or designated seats, and the designated designated seat will be replaced. It becomes possible to easily make reservations. Next, when the customer wants to change the getting-off station and boarding station by looking at the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12, if the "change" button 59c for the boarding section field 58e is touch-operated, the name of the getting-off station shown in FIG. 15 is input. The screen 40h (step S308 in FIG. 5) or the boarding station name input screen 40i (step S309 in FIG. 5) shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, and the desired getting-off station or boarding station is selected as described above. can do.

  When the desired getting-off station or boarding station is selected, the screen returns to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 (step S300 in FIG. 5), and the selected getting-off station or boarding station is displayed in the boarding section field 58e. It will be.

  Next, when the one-way display (one-way arrow) is made in the boarding section field 58e of the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. When the “make a round trip” button 60 in the boarding section field 58e is touch-operated, a return train selection screen 40r shown in FIG. 26 is displayed (step S310 in FIG. 5).

  This return train selection screen 40r is used to select a return train, and has the same format as the train selection field 40l shown in FIG. 20, and therefore, the train selection shown in FIG. Portions corresponding to the screen 40l are assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted. Reference numeral 95 denotes a staying time.

  However, in the return train selection screen 40r, the “today” selection column 76 is selected as a default. The stay time 95 at the destination is set to 3 hours, and the trains that can be selected from the arrival time on the outward route and the stay time 95, and also from the situation of vacant seats are displayed. Here, it is assumed that the limited express train that can be selected on the return route is only the final train X 114, and only the return train column 74a displays the boarding time and get-off time of the express train X 114, and the train name. For A station, which is a boarding station), seat status display fields 44a and 44b for normal reserved seats and green seats are displayed.

  Here, since the seat status display field 44a for the normally reserved seat is marked with an “X” mark, only the green seat can be selected for this train. Accordingly, when the seat status display field 44b for the green seat is touched, the green seat is selected on the express train X 114, and the display returns to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 (in FIG. 5). Step S300). On this confirmation / change screen 40e, a round trip display (both directions arrow display) is made in the boarding section field 58e. At the same time, in the train field 58b, the vehicle field 58c, and the seat field 58d, the information content regarding the round trip train is displayed. In addition, a round-trip amount is displayed in the purchase amount column 58g.

  In addition, in the display state of the return train selection screen 40r shown in FIG. 26, when the “next day and later” selection column 77 is touched as a train on the return route tomorrow or later is desired, the return schedule change screen shown in FIG. 40s is displayed (step S311 in FIG. 5).

  The return schedule change screen 40s is for determining the return date, and has the same format as the schedule change screen 40m shown in FIG. 21, and therefore, a portion corresponding to the schedule change screen 40m. Are given the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  When a desired date (for example, 25th) is selected by touching the return schedule change screen 40s, a return train selection screen 40t shown in FIG. 28 is displayed (step S312 in FIG. 5).

  This return train selection screen 40t is for determining the return train on the date selected on the return schedule change screen 40s (here, 25th), and has the same format as the train selection screen 40n shown in FIG. For this reason, portions corresponding to the train selection screen 40n are assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted.

  However, on the return train selection screen 40t, the trains on the return route on the 25th selected in the train columns 74a, 74b, 74c are displayed, and for each of the A stations that are the exit stations (boarding stations on the outward route). The seat status display fields 44a and 44b for the normal reserved seat and the green seat are displayed.

  When the selectable seat status display field 44a or 44b of any express train displayed in the train fields 74a, 74b, 74c is touch-operated, the return express train is selected, as shown in FIG. The display returns to the confirmation / change screen 40e (step S300 in FIG. 5). On this confirmation / change screen 40e, a round trip display (both directions arrow display) is made in the boarding section field 58e, but at the same time, a round trip display is also made in the boarding date field 58a, train field 58b, vehicle field 58c, and seat field 58d. The information content about the train is displayed, and the round trip amount is displayed in the purchase amount column 58g.

  Next, when the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, as described above, when the amount of cash displayed in the purchase amount column 58g is inserted, or displayed in the boarding section column 58e. When the ticket of the section that matches the boarding section to be used is used, a ticket issuing screen 40g shown in FIG. 14 is displayed (step S400 in FIG. 6), and a ticket such as a designated seat ticket is issued. However, when a coupon ticket in a section that does not match the boarding section is used, a shortage amount generation screen 40u shown in FIG. 29 or a balance conversion impossible screen 40v shown in FIG. 31 is displayed.

  First, at least one of the outbound boarding station A and the getting-off station C in the boarding section field 58e of the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 is deviated from the boarding section of the coupon ticket used for payment of the purchase price. When the amount is insufficient, the insufficient amount generation screen 40u shown in FIG. 29 is displayed (step S401 in FIG. 6).

  In FIG. 29, 96 is a message, 97 is a payment status column, 97a is a boarding station point, 97b is an exit station point, 97c is a payment zone, 97d is a shortage zone, 97e is a coupon ticket zone, and 98 is a shortage amount display column. Therefore, parts corresponding to those in FIG.

  The shortage amount generation screen 40u requests a shortage of the purchase amount, and the message 96 requesting the insertion of the shortage amount is displayed on the upper portion of the purchase amount section because the selected section is off the boarding section of the coupon ticket. The purchase amount column 58g and the operation guide column 58h of the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 are displayed on the lower right side, while the payment status column 97 is displayed on the left side.

  In this payment status column 97, a boarding station point 97a at the A station of the selected boarding station and a boarding station point 97b at the C boarding station of the selected boarding station are shown, and between the boarding station point 97a and the boarding station point 97b. The paying section 97c to be paid by the coupon ticket in the boarding section is indicated by a thin frame, and the insufficient section 97d that cannot be paid by the coupon ticket is indicated by a broken line. A coupon ticket section 97e is also shown. Here, the coupon ticket section is from station A to station B, and station B is a station on the way between station A and station C. Accordingly, the payment section 97c includes the A station which is the boarding station, but ends in the middle from the A station to the C station (B station), and from the B station to the C station is indicated by a broken line as a deficient section 97d. It is.

  In this way, the cause of the lack of the amount inserted by the coupon is clearly shown to the customer.

  The operation guidance column 58h is provided with a deficient amount display column 98, which displays the deficient amount and guides the introduction of the deficient amount.

  Accordingly, when the shortage amount is inserted from the insertion slot 32 (FIG. 2) in accordance with the instruction in the operation guide field 58h, a ticket issuing screen 40g shown in FIG. 14 is displayed, whereby a desired designated seat ticket or the like is issued. (Step S400 in FIG. 6).

  FIG. 30 is a diagram showing another specific example of insufficient payment displayed in the payment status column 97 of FIG.

  FIG. 30A is the same as the state displayed in the payment state column 97 of FIG. FIG. 30B shows a case where station B of the selected boarding station is in the middle of the coupon ticket section of A station-C station, and station D of the selected disembarking station is ahead of station C of the coupon ticket section. There is insufficient payment from the C station of the coupon ticket to the selected D station. FIG. 30 (c) shows a case where A station of the selected boarding station is in front of B station in the coupon ticket section of B station-D station, and the selected getting-off station coincides with D station of the coupon ticket section. Payment from station A to station B is insufficient. FIG. 30 (d) shows a case where station A of the selected boarding station is in front of station B of the coupon ticket section from station B to station D, and station C of the selected getting-off station is in the middle of the coupon ticket section. Payment from A station to B station will be insufficient. In FIG. 30 (e), A station of the selected boarding station is in front of B station of the coupon ticket section of B station-D station, and C station of the selected getting-off station is ahead of C station of the coupon ticket section. In some cases, the payment from station A to station B and from station C to station D is insufficient.

  Next, in the state where the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, when the payment is made using the coupon ticket, if the payment becomes excessive, the balance conversion impossible screen 40v shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. (Step S402 in FIG. 6).

  First, the section of the coupon used for payment of the purchase price shown in the purchase price field 58g of the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 is the outbound ride shown in the boarding section field 58e of the confirmation / change screen 40e. When the boarding section from the station A to the disembarking station C is exceeded, the remaining amount non-refundable screen 40v shown in FIG. 31 is displayed (step S402 in FIG. 6).

  In FIG. 31, 99 is a message, 100 is a payment status column, 100a is a boarding station point, 100b is an exit station point, 100c is a payment section, 100d is a coupon ticket section, and 101 is a "purchase" button. Parts corresponding to 12 are given the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted.

  This remaining amount non-refundable screen 40v is used to confirm to the customer that the remaining amount will not be refunded if the purchase amount is overpaid for the purchase amount in the purchase amount field 58g by using the coupon ticket. Then, a message 99 is displayed to notify that the upper portion has been overpaid, but the difference will not be repaid. On the lower right side, a purchase amount column 58g on the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. And an operation guidance column 58h are displayed, and a payment status column 100 is displayed on the left side.

  In the payment status column 100, the boarding station point 100a of the selected boarding station A and the boarding station point 100b of the selected boarding station C are shown, and the coupon ticket from the station A to the station D is shown. A section 100d is also shown. A payment section 100c paid by a coupon ticket is indicated by a thin frame for the boarding section between the boarding station point 100a and the getting-off station point 100b. Here, it is assumed that the C station is in the coupon ticket section. Therefore, the payment section 100c includes the boarding section from the A station to the C station, and further exceeds this. The payment amount to station D is overpaid.

  In this way, the payment status column 100 clearly indicates to the customer that the purchase price has been paid too much by the coupon ticket.

  When the customer does not need to refund the difference, the customer has accepted this by touching the “Purchase” button 101, and the ticketing screen 40g shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. The reserved seat ticket to be issued is issued (step S400 in FIG. 6).

  When another payment method such as cash or credit card is selected, a “return” button 73 is touched to return to the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 (step S300 in FIG. 5). Other payment methods can be taken.

  In this way, when a customer pays with a coupon ticket, the customer can also know whether there is an excess or deficiency in the amount of money paid by the coupon ticket, and can quickly and accurately take measures accordingly. .

  FIG. 32 is a diagram showing another specific example in the case of overpayment displayed in the payment status column 100 of FIG.

  FIG. 32A is the same as the state displayed in the payment status column 100 of FIG. FIG. 32B shows a case where station B of the selected boarding station is in the middle of station A-D station of the coupon ticket section, and station D of the selected getting-off station is station D of the coupon ticket section. From the A station of the ticket to the selected B station is overpaid. FIG. 32 (c) shows a case where both the A station of the selected boarding station and the C station of the disembarking station are between the A station and the D station of the coupon ticket section. In this case, the A station and the B station Overpayments between station C and station D are overpaid. In any of these cases, the balance non-refundable screen 40v shown in FIG. 31 is displayed.

  Next, in the state where the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, the credit card is inserted from / into the automatic ticketing terminal 15 through the exit 30 (FIG. 2B) and the purchase price is charged. If payment is to be made, a password input screen 40w shown in FIG. 33 is displayed (step S403 in FIG. 6).

  33, reference numeral 102 denotes a message, and reference numeral 103 denotes a personal identification number input field. Parts corresponding to those in FIG.

  The password input screen 40w prompts the user to input a password when using a credit card. A message 102 for requesting the input of the password of the credit card is displayed on the upper side, and a lower right side of the message 102 is displayed. 12 shows a purchase amount field 58g and an operation guidance field 58h on the confirmation / change screen 40e shown in FIG. 12, and a password input field 103 is displayed on the left side.

  When the customer inputs a personal identification number by operating the numeric keypad 29 (FIG. 2B) of the automatic ticketing terminal 15 in accordance with the request of the message 102, the control unit 19 (FIG. 2) is entered in the automatic ticketing terminal 15. (A)) reads the input code number from the input unit 22 (FIG. 2 (a)), and also reads the code number from the credit card inserted in the card unit 23 (FIG. 2 (a)). If the numbers are matched and they match, it is determined that the input code number is correct, and the ticket issuing screen 40g shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display screen 16 (FIG. 2B), and the selected designated seat ticket is displayed. Issue a ticket.

  If the input password and the password read from the credit card do not match, a message to that effect is displayed on the password input screen 40w shown in FIG. 33 to prompt the user to input the correct password.

  In this way, a reserved seat ticket or the like can be purchased using a credit card.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic ticketing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific example of the automatic ticketing terminal 15 in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the sequence of the automatic ticketing system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a part of one Embodiment of the transition of the operation screen for reservation of the reserved seat ticket in the automatic ticketing terminal shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of the operation screen following FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition of the operation screen following FIG. It is a figure which shows one specific example of the initial screen displayed with the automatic ticketing terminal in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an initial screen displayed when a “list selection” button is touched on the initial screen illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an intermediate station display screen displayed when a “middle station” selection button is touch-operated on the initial screen illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of a free seat display screen displayed when a “free seat” button is touched on the initial screen shown in FIG. 8. It is a figure which shows one specific example of each station stop station display screen displayed when the "each station stop" button is touch-operated on the initial screen shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of a confirmation / change screen displayed when the seat status display field is touch-operated on the screens shown in FIGS. 7 to 11. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an attendant response screen displayed when a “listen to staff” button is touched on the confirmation / change screen illustrated in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a ticketing screen displayed when a purchase amount is inserted when the confirmation / change screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an exit station name input screen displayed when the “other destination” button in FIGS. 7 to 11 is touch-operated. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state when the “Akasana” keyboard in FIG. 15 is touch-operated. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a boarding station name input screen displayed when the “change boarding station” button in FIG. 15 is touch-operated. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a train selection screen displayed when an exit station is input on the exit station name input screen illustrated in FIG. 15 and an exit station is input on the train station name input screen illustrated in FIG. 17. It is a figure which shows one specific example of the train reservation impossibility screen displayed when reservation (purchase) of the reserved seat ticket of the selected train is impossible. It is a figure which shows one specific example of the train selection screen displayed when the "change" button with respect to the train in FIG. 12 is touch-operated. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a specific example of a schedule change screen displayed when a “next day and later” selection field in FIG. 20 is touch-operated. It is a figure which shows one specific example of the train selection screen displayed when the date selection column in FIG. 21 is touch-operated. It is a figure which shows an example of a favorite seat selection screen displayed when the "change" button with respect to the seat in FIG. 12 is touch-operated. It is a figure which shows an example of a seat reservation impossible screen when the designated seat selected on the favorite seat selection screen shown in FIG. 23 cannot be reserved. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen for securing the number of persons when the designated seats for a plurality of persons selected on the favorite seat selection screen shown in FIG. 23 cannot be reserved. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a return train selection screen displayed when the “Make a round trip” button in FIG. 12 is touched. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a specific example of a return schedule change screen displayed when the “next day and later” selection field in FIG. 26 is touched. It is a figure which shows an example of the return train selection screen displayed when the date selection button is touch-operated in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a shortage amount generation screen displayed when there is a shortage amount in payment with a coupon ticket according to the instruction on the confirmation / change screen shown in FIG. 12. It is a figure which shows the other example of the shortage state of the payment amount displayed on the shortage amount generation | occurrence | production screen shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a remaining amount non-refundable screen that is displayed when the amount paid by the coupon ticket according to the instruction on the confirmation / change screen shown in FIG. 12 is excessive. It is a figure which shows the other example of the payment amount excessive state displayed on the remaining amount nonrefundable screen shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows one specific example of the PIN code input screen for the payment with a credit card by the instruction | indication of the confirmation and change screen shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host / server 2 Control part 3 Seat management part 4 Inventory data part 5 Fare charge calculation part 6 Fare data part 7 Vacant seat guidance search part 8 Vacant seat data part 9 Terminal definition data part 10 Terminal management server 11 Control part 12 Terminal management part 13 Terminal management data part 14 Network 15 Automatic ticketing terminal 16 Display screen 17 Ticketing screen 18 Vacant seat indicator 19 Control unit 20 Customer service display 21 Touch panel 22 Input unit 23 Card unit 24 Cash unit 25 Ticketing unit 26 Storage device 27 Journal printer 28 Projection 28a Shelf surface 29 Numeric keypad 30 Card insertion / discharge slot and change outlet 31 Reserved seat outlet 32 Cash slot 40, 40a Initial screen 40b Intermediate station display screen 40c Unreserved seat display screen 40d Station stop station display screen 40e Confirmation / change screen 40f Staffing screen 40g Ticketing screen 40h Alighting station name input screen 40i Boarding station name input screen 40j Train selection screen 40k Train reservation impossible screen 40l Train selection screen 40m Schedule change screen 40n Train selection screen 40o Favorite seat selection screen 40p Seat reservation impossible screen 40q the number of people ensure unavailable screen 40r homeward train selection screen 40s backward schedule change screen 40t homeward train selection screen 40u lack amount of money generated screen 40v balance refundable screen 41a~41c route / train type column 42a~42c, 42a ₁ ~42a ₄ train name column 43a-43d Stop station field 44a, 44b Seat status display field 45a-45c List selection button 46 "Listen to staff" button 47 "Each station stop" button 48 "Free seat" button 49 "Other destination" buttons 50a-50d "Intermediate Station selection button 51 "Back" button 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d Stop station field 53a, 53c "Previous" button 53b, 53d "Next" button 54 "Return to original display" button 55 Free seat display field 56 "Reserved seat" button 57 “Express train” button 58a Date of boarding 58b Train field 58c Vehicle field 58d Seat field 58e Boarding area field 58f Number of people field 58g Purchase price field 58h Operation guidance field 59a-59c “Change” button 60 “Make round trip” button 61a, 61b Increase / decrease button 62 "Cancel" button 63 "Listen to clerk" button 64 Video screen of clerk 65a-65d Alighting station selection button 65a'-65d 'Boarding station selection button 66 "Akasana" keyboard 66a "Ka line character" selection button 66b ""Linecharacter" selection button 67 Selected station name display area 68 "Modify" button 69 “Confirm” button 70 “Cancel” button 71 “Listen to staff” button 72 “Change boarding station” button 72 ′ “Change boarding station” button 73 “Return” buttons 74a-74d Train column 75 Waiting time 76 “ “Today” selection column 77 “After next day” selection column 77a to 77d Date selection column 78 Selected state 79a Message 79b to 79d Change selection column 80 Train image 81, 81a Vehicle 82 Cursor 83 Detailed view of vehicle 84 Seat 85 Passage 86 Selection seat Mark 87a “Window side” selection button 87b “Aisle side” selection button 87c “With outlet” selection button 87d “Near washroom” selection button 87e “Avoid group” selection button 89 Message 90a “Next to smoking vehicle” selection column 90b "Separate by non-smoking vehicle" selection field 90c 90d "Selection from the next train" selection field 92 Message 93a "Small car on the window side" selection field 93b "Non-smoking vehicle on the window side" selection field 93c "Green car on the window side" selection field 93d "From the next train" “Selection” selection column 95 Stay period 96 Message 97 Payment status column 97a Boarding station point 97b Alighting station point 97c Payment zone 97d Shortage zone 97e Passage ticket zone 98 Shortage amount display column 99 Message 100 Payment status column 100a Boarding station point 100b Disembarkation station point 100c Payment section 100d Coupon section 101 “Purchase” button 102 Message 103 Password input field

Claims (5)

It has a host / server that manages the availability of reserved seats for each train, and an automatic ticketing terminal for reserving and purchasing reserved seat tickets for trains.
When there is a change in the seat availability, the host / server creates seat status update data for the train in which the seat availability change has occurred, and transmits it to the automatic ticketing terminal.
The automatic ticketing terminal holds the seat status data of each train, displays the vacant seat status according to the seat status data of the train, and corresponds according to the seat status update data from the host / server An automatic ticketing system characterized by updating seat status data of the train. In claim 1,
The host / server is
Each train comprises a database of terminal definition data that indicates the automatic ticketing terminal associated with the train,
An automatic ticketing system, wherein the automatic ticketing terminal serving as a transmission destination of the train seat status update data is determined based on the terminal definition information in the database. In claim 1,
The host / server is
When the reserved seat of the train is reserved (purchased), train seat status data of the train indicating reservation (purchase) of the specified seat is generated,
The presence / absence of a change in the seat status indicating the vacant seat status of the train is detected from the train seat status data, and when there is a change in the seat status, information indicating the change in the seat status is used as the seat status update data The automatic ticketing system, wherein the automatic ticketing system transmits to the automatic ticketing terminal. In claim 1, 2 or 3,
The automatic ticketing terminal is
Based on the seat status data of each train, display information of each train having a reserved seat,
The automatic ticketing system is characterized in that the seat status data is updated based on the seat status update data from the host / server, so that the train in which the designated seat is full is excluded from display. . In any one of Claims 1-4,
It has seat status data for the reserved seats of each train, and has a vacant seat indicator that displays the vacant seat status according to the seat status data of the train,
The vacant seat display device is also supplied with the seat status update data from the host / server, and the seat status data of the corresponding train is updated, so that the designated seats are not displayed. An automatic ticketing system characterized by that.

Images