JP2012097501A - Locker device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a locker device to continue its movability even if roll paper of a printer runs out and to keep a code number for unlocking confidential, in the locker device which issues a receipt on which the code number for unlocking a locker box is printed when starting the use of a locker.SOLUTION: Two printers, a first printer PRT1 and a second printer PRT2, are provided on a receipt issue part 3 in a centralized control device 1. When starting the use of a locker, a code number for unlocking a locker box 2 is generated and one printer issues a receipt on which the code number is printed. If paper runs out during the issuance, a new code number is generated and the other printer issues a receipt on which the new code number is printed. Alternatively, if paper runs out, an issued receipt is held inside of a receipt exhaust port 3a while the other printer issues a receipt.

Description

  The present invention relates to a locker device that is installed in, for example, a station and can use a locker box for a plurality of users.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, rental lockers placed in station premises and the like are widely used that can be used with input of usage fees or electronic money such as an IC card. When the usage fee is charged, a personal identification number unique to the locker box to be used is generated, and a receipt printed with the personal identification number is issued. When the package is taken out, the locker box is unlocked by inputting the personal identification number printed on the receipt.

  In order to issue such a receipt, a printer is used. However, if the printer roll paper runs out, at least the operation based on the personal identification number cannot be performed, so the administrator needs to replenish the roll paper as needed. The administrator manages the collection of input charges, etc., but if the remaining roll paper is low at this time, a new roll is often used to save time and effort even though the roll paper remains. Replace with paper. However, in this case, the management effort can be saved, but roll paper is wasted.

  On the other hand, Japanese Patent No. 3158618 (Patent Document 1) includes two printing apparatuses (printers), and detects that the roll paper of one of the printing apparatuses is lost, that is, when the roll paper is out of paper. A slip processing machine that performs printing with the other printing apparatus is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 3158618

  In the locker device, as in Patent Document 1, each of the two printers has roll paper, and when one printer detects that the roll paper is out of paper, it prints and issues a receipt with the other printer. By doing so, the use of lockers will not be interrupted. However, since the PIN is printed on the receipt when the locker is used, the locker box will be unlocked if the roll paper runs out during printing and the receipt with all or part of the PIN is printed carelessly. There is a problem from the viewpoint of concealing the password for locking.

  The present invention relates to a locker device in which a plurality of locker boxes can be used by paying a usage fee, and a receipt printed with a personal identification number for unlocking the locker box by payment of the usage fee is printed on the receipt. It is an object of the present invention to prevent the start of use of the locker from being interrupted as much as possible due to running out of roll paper, and to conceal the security code for unlocking the locker box.

  The locker device according to claim 1 includes a plurality of locker boxes, makes the locker box usable by paying a usage fee, and issues a receipt printed with a code number for unlocking the locker box at the start of use. A first printer that issues the receipt with the attached original roll paper, and a second printer that issues the receipt with the attached original roll paper, A password for unlocking the locker box is generated at the start of use, and the generated password is printed on roll paper by one printer, and a receipt issuance process is performed on the one printer. If out of paper is detected in one of the printers in the meantime, a new password number different from the generated password number is generated, At square printers, characterized in that to perform the process of issuing a receipt to print the new security code on the roll paper.

  The locker device according to claim 2 includes a plurality of locker boxes, makes the locker box usable by paying a usage fee, and issues a receipt printed with a password for unlocking the locker box at the start of use. A locker device for discharging the receipt and allowing the receipt to be taken out from the outside; and a first printer capable of issuing the receipt with the original roll paper mounted. A second printer capable of issuing the receipt with its own roll paper, and generating a password for unlocking the locker box at the start of use, and generating the password for one printer Is printed on roll paper to perform receipt issuance processing, and the one printer is printed during receipt issuance processing of the one printer. If a paper out is detected in the printer, the receipt issued by the receipt issuing process of the one printer is held inside the receipt discharge port, and the PIN code is printed on the roll paper by the other printer, thereby issuing the receipt. It is characterized by having performed.

  The locker device according to claim 3 is provided with a plurality of locker boxes, makes it possible to use the locker box by paying a usage fee, and issues a receipt printed with a password for unlocking the locker box at the start of use. A locker device for discharging the receipt and allowing the receipt to be taken out from the outside; and a first printer capable of issuing the receipt with the original roll paper mounted. A second printer capable of issuing the receipt with its own roll paper, and generating a password for unlocking the locker box at the start of use, and generating the password for one printer Is printed on roll paper to perform receipt issuance processing, and the one printer is printed during receipt issuance processing of the one printer. If a paper out is detected in the printer, the receipt issued by the receipt issuing process of the one printer is held inside the receipt discharge port, and a new password is generated, which is different from the generated password. The new password is printed on the roll paper and a receipt issuance process is performed.

  The rocker device according to claim 4 is the rocker device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the printer can detect a small amount state in which the remaining amount of roll paper is a predetermined small amount, The receipt issuing process is performed by one printer, and the receipt issuing process is performed by the other printer when the small quantity state is detected by the one printer during the receipt issuing process of the one printer. It is characterized by that.

  According to the locker device of the first aspect, when the second printer is provided and one of the printers is out of roll paper while issuing a receipt printed with a password for unlocking the locker box, the password Since a new PIN number different from the number is generated and a receipt printed with the new PIN number is issued by the other printer, it is possible to prevent the locker box from being interrupted due to running out of paper and the locker box The secret code for unlocking can be concealed.

  According to the locker device of the second aspect, when the roll paper runs out during the issuance of the receipt on which the second printer is provided and the one printer is printed with the code for unlocking the locker box, The receipt issued by the printer is held inside from the receipt discharge port, and the receipt is printed by printing the personal identification number by the other printer. The secret code for unlocking the locker box can be kept secret.

  According to the locker device of the third aspect, the same effect as in the first and second aspects can be obtained, and when the paper runs out, the receipt printed with the personal identification number is not discharged, and a new personal identification number is assigned. Since the receipt is generated and the new printer prints the new password, the confidentiality of the password is further increased.

  According to the locker device of claim 4, the same effect as in claims 1 to 3 can be obtained, and when a receipt is issued by one printer and a small amount of roll paper is detected, the next time, Since the receipt is issued by the other printer, both printers can operate alternately until both sheets of roll paper are used until the end of the sheet is detected. That is, it is the same as using two roll papers continuously until the first out of paper occurs, and the time until the first out of paper can be extended.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the rocker apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance front view of the locker device of an embodiment. It is the front view and side sectional view which show the inside of the centralized control apparatus of the rocker apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the principal part schematic structure of the 1st printer and 2nd printer in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the screen of the standby state in embodiment. It is a flowchart of the starting check process in embodiment. It is a flowchart of the deposit processing in an embodiment.

  Next, an embodiment of a rocker device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a block diagram of a rocker device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external front view of the rocker device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing the inside of the central control device 1 of the rocker device according to the embodiment (FIG. 3). (A)) and side sectional view (FIG. 3 (B)). This locker device is an electronic money compatible machine that can use a locker with cash (banknotes or coins) or an IC card, and has a centralized control device 1 with a built-in control unit 10 composed of a computer or the like.

  A plurality of locker boxes 2 are arranged on both sides and the lower side of the central control device 1, and each locker box 2 has a lock device 21 that locks and unlocks the locker door 2 a based on a control signal from the control unit 10. I have. In the centralized control device 1, a receipt issuing unit 3 that issues a receipt to a user, a bill detector 4 that detects a bill, a checker 5 that detects a coin, and a card reader that reads and writes data from and to an IC card / A writer 6 and an LCD display 7 for displaying information to the user and the like are provided. On the front surface of the central control device 1, a receipt discharge port 3a for discharging a receipt by the receipt issuing unit 3, a bill insertion port 4a for inserting a bill, a coin insertion port 5a for inserting a coin, an IC card, A card operation unit 6a of a card reader / writer 6 that transmits and receives radio waves between them, an operation display screen 7a including a touch panel of an LCD display 7, and the like are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the receipt issuing unit 3 includes a first printer PRT1 and a second printer PRT2. The first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 each include a roll paper R. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of main parts of the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2. The first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT include a paper out detector a, a print head b, an auto cutter c, a discharge roller d, a discharge path e, a paper feed roller f, a near-end detector g, and a sampling detector h. ing.

  The roll paper R is set on the print head b and the auto cutter c through the paper supply roller f. When the printing operation is performed, the roll paper R is pulled out by the paper feed roller f, and the usage fee, the locker number, the personal identification number, and the like are sequentially printed on the drawing portion of the roll paper R by the print head b. The leading end of the drawer reaches the discharge roller d and is slightly fed by the discharge roller d, and the rotation of the discharge roller d is stopped with the leading end of the drawer sandwiched between the discharge rollers d. During this time, the printing operation is performed, and the drawer portion pulled out by the paper feed roller f bends between the discharge roller d and the auto cutter c, as indicated by a one-dot chain line in the drawing.

  When printing is completed, the rear part of the drawer is cut by the auto cutter c, and the drawer that becomes the cut piece becomes a receipt. Here, when the roll paper R is not out of paper or has no printing error, the receipt advances through the discharge path e by the discharge roller d, and the discharge roller d with a part exposed from the receipt discharge port 3a. Stops. Thereby, the user can draw out a partially exposed receipt. Note that when the first printer PRT1 or the second printer PRT2 is operated, the LED 3b disposed above the receipt discharge port 3a shown in FIG. 2 is turned on. On the other hand, when the roll paper R runs out of paper or an error occurs, the receipt is not discharged. The receipt roller d may be reversely rotated to collect the receipt at a predetermined position in the central control device 1.

  The out-of-paper detector a, the near-end detector g, and the extraction detector h are, for example, optical sensors, and the out-of-paper detector a detects out-of-paper when there is no more paper passing immediately before the print head b. The near-end detector g detects when the roll diameter of the roll paper R has decreased to a predetermined amount, that is, a near-end state (small amount state) in which the remaining amount of roll paper has become a predetermined small amount. Further, when the receipt detector h runs out of the receipt at the entrance of the discharge path e, the withdrawal detector h detects the withdrawal of the receipt by the user. When the receipt is discharged, the user is notified by an alarm such as a buzzer sound or a message, and when the receipt is removed, the alarm is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lock unit 21 of each locker box 2 and the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 of the receipt issuing unit 3 are connected to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 is connected to a bill detector 4, a checker 5, a card reader / writer 6, an LCD display 7, and a data communication unit 61. The control unit 10 outputs display data to the LCD display 7 and detects the operation state of the touch panel of the LCD display 7. Moreover, the detection of the banknote with the banknote detector 4, the detection of the coin with the checker 5, etc. are performed, and the locking / unlocking of the lock device 21 is controlled. The card reader / writer 6 is connected to a data communication unit 61, and the data communication unit 61 exchanges data with a management center or the like via a wireless telephone line.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the standby screen of the operation display screen 7a in the locker device. On this standby screen, screen buttons B1, B2, B3, and B4 labeled “deposit”, “removal”, “balance inquiry”, and “use guidance” are displayed. Then, the user operates the “deposit” screen button B1 when depositing the baggage (at the start of use), and operates the “takeout” screen button B2 when unloading the package. The “Balance inquiry” screen button B3 is operated when referring to the balance of the IC card, and the “Usage guidance” screen button B4 is operated when referring to an operation method or the like.

  In addition, on this standby screen, a status display D1 indicating the status of the first printer PR1 and a status display D2 indicating the status of the second printer PR2 are displayed. In the status displays D1 and D2, the operating status, the near-end detection status, the out-of-paper status, and the abnormal status are displayed for the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2, respectively.

  Next, the control operation of the control unit 10 in the rocker device will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7. The control unit 10 sets various flag areas for control in a memory (not shown). In the following processing, a PRT1 operation flag indicating whether the first printer PRT1 is in an operating state or a non-operating state, (2) A PRT2 operation flag indicating whether the printer PRT2 is to be activated or not is used. In this locker device, for example, the setting of the “near end detection mode” for detecting and processing the near end state in the manager mode operated by the manager can be switched.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the activation check process at the initial activation. First, in step S1, a state check is performed to determine whether or not the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 are normal. Next, in step S2, it is determined whether the first printer PRT1 is normal. If it is not normal, it is determined in step S3 whether the second printer PRT2 is normal. If the second printer PRT2 is not normal, the process proceeds to the “receipt issuance disabled state”. In this “receipt issuance disabled state”, processing limited to use only with an IC card is performed. At this time, for example, on the operation display screen 7a, a display indicating that cash cannot be used but only using an IC card and a receipt is not issued are displayed. At the same time, on the standby screen, the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 are both abnormal, and the abnormal states are displayed in the state displays D1 and D2.

  If the first printer PRT1 is not normal and the second printer PRT2 is normal, the PRT2 operation flag is set to “ON” in step S4. Thus, the “second printer PRT2 operating state” is set. If the first printer PRT1 is normal, it is determined in step S5 whether the second printer PRT2 is normal. If the second printer PRT2 is not normal, the PRT1 operation flag is set to “ON” in step S6. Thus, the “first printer PRT1 operating state” is set.

  If both the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 are normal, a “double operation enabled state” is set, and it is determined in step S7 whether the PRT1 operation flag is “ON”. If the PRT1 operation flag is “ON”, the PRT1 operation flag is set to “ON” for confirmation in step S8. Thus, the “first printer PRT1 operating state” is set. If the PRT1 operation flag is not “ON” in step S7, it is determined in step S9 whether the PRT2 operation flag is “ON”. If the PRT2 operation flag is “ON”, the PRT2 operation flag is set to “ON” in step S10. Thus, the “second printer PRT2 operating state” is set. If the PRT2 operation flag is not “ON” in step S9, the PRT1 operation flag is set to “ON” in step S8. Thus, the “first printer PRT1 operating state” is set.

  As a result of the above processing, when the locker device is first activated, the PRT1 operation flag and the PRT2 operation flag are both “OFF”, but the process proceeds from step S7 to S9 to S8, resulting in the “first printer PRT1 operation state”. . Thereafter, when the locker device is restarted, the first printer PRT1 or the second printer PRT2 becomes valid depending on the state of the PRT1 operation flag and the PRT2 operation flag. Further, when one of the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 has an abnormality, the other is valid, and when both have an abnormality, a “receipt issuance disabled state” is entered.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the depositing process at the start of use of the locker. First, in step S11, a package depositing operation process is performed. At the start of use, the user puts luggage in the locker box 2, closes the locker door 2a, and operates a predetermined locking switch. Then, the “deposit” screen button B1 on the operation display screen 7a of the central control apparatus 1 is operated. Processing corresponding to these operations is performed in step S11.

  Next, in step S12, it is determined whether or not the cash is used for inserting banknotes and coins. If the cash is not used, the IC card is used, and the process proceeds to step S14. If it is cash use, in step S13, the lock number for unlocking the locker box 2 is generated corresponding to the locker box 2 to be used, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined which of the PRT1 operation flag and the PRT2 operation flag is “ON”. If the PRT1 operation flag is “ON”, receipt issue processing by the first printer PRT1 is performed in step S15 and subsequent steps. If the PRT2 operation flag is “ON”, receipt issue processing by the second printer PRT2 is performed in step S23 and subsequent steps. I do.

  In step S15, a printing process is performed by the first printer PRT1, and in step S16, it is determined whether or not a sheet has run out during the printing process in the first printer PRT1. If no paper out has occurred, it is determined in step S17 whether a print error has occurred in the first printer PRT1. If no printing error has occurred, the receipt is cut in step S18, and the receipt is discharged in step S19. In step S20, it is determined whether the near end state is detected. If the near end state is not detected, the process is terminated. If the near-end state is detected in step S20, it is determined in step S21 whether the locker device is set to the near-end detection mode. If the near-end detection mode has not been set, the process ends. If the near-end detection mode has been set, the PRT operation flag is switched in step S22 and the process ends. This switching of the PRT operation flag is a process of setting the PRT1 operation flag to “OFF” and the PRT2 operation flag to “ON”.

  If the PRT2 operation flag is “ON” in step S14, the printing process by the second printer PRT2 is performed in step S23, and it is determined in step S24 whether the paper has run out during the printing process in the second printer PRT2. judge. If no paper out has occurred, it is determined in step S25 whether a printing error has occurred in the second printer PRT2. If no printing error has occurred, the receipt is cut in step S26, and the receipt is discharged in step S27. In step S28, it is determined whether a near-end state is detected. If a near-end state is not detected, the process ends. If the near-end state is detected in step S28, it is determined in step S29 whether the locker device is set to the near-end detection mode. If the near-end detection mode has not been set, the process ends. If the near-end detection mode has been set, the PRT operation flag is switched in step S30 and the process ends. This switching of the PRT operation flag is a process of setting the PRT2 operation flag to “OFF” and the PRT1 operation flag to “ON”. In FIG. 7, near-end detection is performed before completion of receipt issuance, but near-end detection may be performed in a standby state after receipt issuance is completed, and the PRT operation flag may be switched.

  The normal receipt issuing operation by the first printer PRT1 is performed by the processing of the above steps S15 to S22, and the normal receipt issuing operation by the second printer PRT2 is performed by the processing of steps S23 to S30. In the case of cash use, the information printed on the receipt is printed with information such as the password generated in step S13, the usage fee, the locker number, and the location of the locker device. In the case of use with an IC card, the password is not printed.

  In step S16 and step S17 related to the first printer PRT1, if a paper out has occurred or if a printing error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S31. Similarly, in step 25 and step S26 related to the second printer PRT2, if a paper out has occurred or if a printing error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, it is determined whether the other printer PRT is out of paper or in an error state. When the other printer PRT is out of paper or in an error state, that is, when both the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 cannot operate, the process proceeds to the “receipt issuance disabled state” in FIG. If the other printer PRT is not out of paper or in an error state, the PRT operation flag is switched in step S32, and the process returns to step S12 to perform the same processing. The switching of the PRT operation flag in step S32 is performed when the first printer PRT1 is out of paper or in an error state and shifts to step S31. The PRT1 operation flag is set to “OFF” and the PRT2 operation flag is set to “ON”. " On the other hand, if the second printer PRT2 is out of paper or has an error state and the process proceeds to step S31, the PRT2 operation flag is set to “OFF” and the PRT1 operation flag is set to “ON”. When the PRT operation flag is switched in step S32, a new password is generated in step S13. That is, when the PRT operation flag is switched due to out of paper or the like, the security code generated immediately before becomes invalid and a new security code is printed on the receipt.

  When the near-end detection mode is not set by the above processing, the switching operation between the first printer PRT1 and the second printer PRT2 is as follows. In the initial state, it is assumed that the first printer PRT1 is in the operating state (PRT1 operating flag is “ON”) and no printing error occurs. First, when the use of the locker is repeated, receipts are sequentially issued by the first printer PRT1, and the remaining amount of the roll paper R decreases. When the first printer PRT1 runs out of paper, the second printer PRT2 is activated, a new password is generated, and a receipt printed with the new password is issued by the second printer PRT2. Thereafter, a receipt is issued by the second printer PRT2 every time the locker is used. In this way, even when the first printer PRT1 runs out of paper, the second printer PRT2 can issue a receipt, and at least until the second printer PRT2 runs out of paper, the roll paper Management will be easier because there will be room in the time to replenish.

  On the other hand, the operation when the near-end detection mode is set is as follows. First, a receipt is issued by the first printer PRT1, and the remaining amount of the roll paper R decreases. When the first printer PRT1 is in a near-end state, the second printer PRT2 is in an operating state, and a receipt is issued by the second printer PRT2 by using a locker. When the second printer PRT2 is in a near-end state, the first printer PRT1 is in an operating state, and both printers are operated alternately by using a locker and a receipt is issued. When the printer runs out of paper, the other printer is again activated, a new password is generated, and a receipt printed with the new password is issued by the other printer. Thereafter, receipts are issued until the other printer runs out of paper. Thus, when the near-end detection mode is set, it is the same as using two rolls of paper continuously until the first out of paper occurs, and the time until the first out of paper occurs. Can be lengthened.

  That is, in the near-end detection mode, when the near end is detected by one printer, the printer is switched to the other printer, and the subsequent receipt is issued by the other printer. When the near end is detected by the other printer, both printers operate alternately to issue a receipt, and both roll papers are used to the end. Therefore, it is possible to delay the paper out as much as possible and to delay the regeneration of the password. That is, it is possible to delay the time taken to issue a receipt as much as possible by processing at the time of detection of out of paper and processing for regenerating the personal identification number, and it is possible to prevent the user from being worried about equipment failure. Although some printers detect near end, normally, near-end detected printers are not controlled to use the printer again unless the roll paper is replaced.

  In the above embodiment, the receipt is not discharged when the paper runs out. However, even if the receipt when the paper runs out is ejected, the security code of the receipt becomes invalid and is newly generated. Since the receipt printed with the personal identification number is issued, the personal identification number for unlocking the locker box can be concealed.

  As described above, if the receipt is not discharged when the paper runs out, the PIN code printed on the receipt by the switched printer PRT is generated even if a new password is not generated. It may be the password of the time. That is, since the receipt in which the paper has run out is collected in the apparatus, the secret code for unlocking the locker box can be concealed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central control apparatus 2 Rocker box 3 Receipt issuing part 3a Receipt discharge port PRT1 1st printer PRT2 2nd printer

Claims (4)

A locker device comprising a plurality of locker boxes, enabling use of the locker box by payment of a usage fee, and issuing a receipt printed with a code number for unlocking the locker box at the start of use,
A first printer that issues the receipt with the attached original roll paper;
A second printer for issuing the receipt with the attached original roll paper,
A password for unlocking the locker box is generated at the start of use, and the generated password is printed on roll paper by one printer, and a receipt issuance process is performed on the one printer. If out of paper is detected by one of the printers in the meantime, a new code number different from the generated code number is generated, and the new code number is printed on roll paper by the other printer and a receipt is issued. A locker device characterized in that processing is performed. A locker device comprising a plurality of locker boxes, enabling use of the locker box by payment of a usage fee, and issuing a receipt printed with a code number for unlocking the locker box at the start of use,
A receipt discharge port for discharging the receipt and allowing the receipt to be taken out from the outside;
A first printer capable of issuing the receipt with the attached original roll paper;
A second printer capable of issuing the receipt with the attached original roll paper,
A password for unlocking the locker box is generated at the start of use, and the generated password is printed on roll paper by one printer, and a receipt issuance process is performed on the one printer. If out of paper is detected by one of the printers in the meantime, the receipt issued by the receipt issuing process of the one printer is held inside the receipt discharge port, and the password is printed on the roll paper by the other printer. The locker device is characterized in that a receipt issuance process is performed. A locker device comprising a plurality of locker boxes, enabling use of the locker box by payment of a usage fee, and issuing a receipt printed with a code number for unlocking the locker box at the start of use,
A receipt discharge port for discharging the receipt and allowing the receipt to be taken out from the outside;
A first printer capable of issuing the receipt with the attached original roll paper;
A second printer capable of issuing the receipt with the attached original roll paper,
A password for unlocking the locker box is generated at the start of use, and the generated password is printed on roll paper by one printer, and a receipt issuance process is performed on the one printer. In the meantime, when the one printer detects that the paper has run out, the receipt issued by the receipt issuing process of the one printer is held inside the receipt discharge port, and a new password number different from the generated password number is set. A locker device that is generated and printed on the roll paper by the other printer to issue a receipt. The locker device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The printer can detect a small amount of roll paper remaining in a predetermined small amount, the printer issues the receipt issuing process, and the one printer performs the receipt issuing process of the one printer. When the small amount state is detected, a receipt issuing process is performed by the other printer.

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