JP2015153251A - Automatic ticket checker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic ticket checker capable of reliably detecting a person approaching it.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automatic ticket checker includes a proximity sensor, control means, and ticket check processing means. The proximity sensor is used for detecting a person approaching a pathway to ticket gate and is installed in such a way that the focus direction of the sensor is directed upward relative to a floor surface of the pathway. The control means performs transition processing in which the operation mode of the automatic ticket checker transitions from a power saving mode for reducing power consumption to an operational mode for performing a ticket checking process. The ticket check processing means performs the ticket checking process on a person passing through the ticket gate in the operational mode.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic ticket gate.

  Some automatic ticket gates that perform ticket gate processing in transportation such as railroads or buses include a proximity sensor that detects a person approaching the ticket gate. As a function using the proximity sensor, there is a function of reducing power consumption. For example, an automatic ticket gate is intended to reduce power consumption by turning on a guidance display for performing various guidance displays only when a user is present. The automatic ticket checker needs to stabilize the detection performance of the user by the proximity sensor in order to realize a function of reducing power consumption and the like with a smooth ticket check process.

JP 2000-113239 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ticket gate capable of reliably detecting an approaching person.

  According to the embodiment, the automatic ticket gate includes a proximity sensor, a control unit, and a ticket gate processing unit. The proximity sensor detects a person approaching the ticket gate, and is installed with the focal direction facing upward with respect to the floor of the channel. When the proximity sensor detects a person, the control means performs a transition process for shifting the operation mode from the power saving mode for reducing power consumption to the operation mode for performing the ticket gate process. The ticket gate processing means performs a ticket gate process for a person passing through the passage in the operation mode.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an external configuration of an automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. Drawing 3 is a figure for explaining a proximity sensor installed in an automatic ticket gate concerning an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the focus direction and the detection range of the proximity sensor installed in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an installed state of the proximity sensor in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the focus direction and the detection range of the proximity sensor installed in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an installed state of the proximity sensor in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the detection range by the proximity sensor installed in the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the automatic ticket gate according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an external configuration of an automatic ticket gate 1 according to the embodiment.
An automatic ticket gate 1 as shown in FIG. 1 is installed, for example, at a ticket gate of a railway-related station, and performs traffic control (ticket gate processing) such as entrance work and exit work for a user. The automatic ticket gate 1 forms, for example, one ticket gate passage by one set of two. The automatic ticket gate 1 may be used as an entry-only or entry-only device that can pass through the ticket gate only in one direction, or as a dual-purpose device that can pass through the ticket gate in both directions. is there. The automatic ticket gate 1 is set in advance as either a dedicated machine for entry, a dedicated machine for entry, or a dual-purpose machine.

  The automatic ticket checker 1 has a function of performing wireless data communication with a non-contact type IC card (hereinafter also simply referred to as an IC card) as a wireless communication device. In the present embodiment, the automatic ticket gate 1 processes a magnetic ticket on which magnetic information is recorded or a non-contact IC card as a boarding ticket as a recording medium possessed by the user as a boarding ticket.

  The IC card as a boarding ticket possessed by a user is used as a commuter pass, a stored fare (SF) card with a prepaid method for fare settlement, or a postpaid card for a fare settlement. For example, in the normal operation mode (operation mode), the automatic ticket gate 1 captures an IC card as a ticket (communication with the IC card), reads and reads the ticket information stored in the IC card. Ticket gate processing is performed based on the ticket information.

  Moreover, the magnetic ticket as a boarding ticket which a user possesses is utilized as a commuter pass or a normal boarding ticket. For example, in the normal operation mode (operation mode), the automatic ticket gate 1 opens the magnetic ticket slot, takes the ticket inserted into the slot, reads the magnetic record information as the ticket information, and reads it. Ticket gate processing is performed based on the ticket information.

  The automatic ticket gate 1 has a housing 2 that forms a passage for entry or exit. The upper surface and the side surface of the housing 2 of the automatic ticket checker 1 have a cover 3 that can be opened and closed for maintenance work or the like by a staff member inside the housing. The cover 3 is locked by a locking mechanism (not shown) in a normal operation mode (operation mode), and the lock by the locking mechanism is released in an operation mode (maintenance mode) for receiving maintenance work by a staff member.

  Further, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, a card reader / writer 4 that performs wireless communication with an IC card used as a boarding ticket is provided at one end of the upper surface of the casing that forms the automatic ticket gate 1. The card reader / writer 4 includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves, a transmission / reception circuit, and the like, and one end portion of the upper surface of the housing is within a communication range.

  For example, when a user who wants to pass the ticket gate presents an IC card in a predetermined communication area, the automatic ticket checker 1 captures the IC card presented by the user and is recorded on the IC card. Read information. The automatic ticket gate 1 determines whether or not the user can pass based on the information read from the IC card, and controls the user's passage based on the determination result, and also displays information as a result of the ticket gate processing. Write to the IC card.

  Further, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, an insertion slot 5 into which a magnetic ticket used as a boarding ticket is inserted is provided at one end of the upper surface of the housing forming the automatic ticket gate 1. The slot 5 is designed so that a user can easily insert a magnetic ticket. For example, the insertion slot 5 is installed at a height that makes it easy for an average person among the depressed persons to be users to insert a magnetic ticket.

  A magnetic ticket is a magnetic ticket (such as a commuter pass or a regular ticket) that is composed of a magnetic recording medium that stores magnetic information and in which ticket information such as a valid period and a use section is magnetically encoded. The automatic ticket gate 1 has a magnetic ticket processing unit (described later) for processing a magnetic ticket. The magnetic ticket processing unit includes a transport mechanism that transports a magnetic ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5 and a processing mechanism that reads and writes magnetic information on the magnetic ticket transported by the transport mechanism. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the automatic ticket gate 1 is provided with an insertion port 5 into which a magnetic ticket is inserted at one end of the upper surface (end on the entrance side of the passage) and the other end of the upper surface (of the passage). An outlet 6 for discharging the magnetic ticket processed by the magnetic ticket processing unit inside the apparatus is provided in front of the guidance display unit 8 on the exit side end).

  In addition, a shutter 5 a is provided at the insertion port 5. The shutter 5 a prevents the magnetic ticket from being inserted into the insertion slot 5. When the automatic ticket checker 1 is in a state where it cannot accept magnetic tickets, the shutter 5a is closed, and when the magnetic ticket is acceptable, the shutter 5a is opened. Further, the magnetic ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5 is taken into the casing of the automatic ticket gate 1, and information is read and written by the magnetic ticket processing section (magnetic reading section and magnetic writing section) in the casing. The

  For example, if the automatic ticket gate 1 is in an operation mode in which the ticket gate processing can be executed, the shutter 5a is opened. When the user inserts a magnetic ticket into the predetermined slot 5, the automatic ticket gate 1 takes in the magnetic ticket inserted into the slot 5 by the user and reads the information recorded in the imported magnetic ticket. The automatic ticket checker 1 determines whether or not the user can pass based on information read from the magnetic ticket, and controls the user's passage based on the determination result. In this case, the magnetic ticket is written with information indicating the processing result of the ticket gate process and is returned from the take-out port 6 or collected.

  Doors 7 and 7 that can be opened and closed are provided at both ends of the side face on the passage side of the casing forming the automatic ticket checker 1 so as to permit or disallow the passage of passers-by. In the normal operation state, the door 7 is controlled to open and close based on the determination result for the IC card possessed by the user or the detection result of the human detection sensor S or the proximity sensor N.

  At the other end of the upper surface of the casing forming the automatic ticket gate 1, a guidance display unit 8 is provided for guiding a user or a staff member. The guidance display unit 8 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The guidance display unit 8 displays a guidance screen for guiding the result of the ticket gate processing for the user who passes through the passage. For example, when the IC card having a stored fare (SF) card function is processed, the remaining SF amount in the IC card after the ticket gate process is displayed on the guidance display unit 8. The guidance display unit 8 may be provided at a position where the user can confirm the display content. For example, the guidance display unit 8 may be provided adjacent to the card reader 4 at the center of the upper surface of the housing or the upper surface of the housing.

  On the upper surface of the casing forming the automatic ticket checker 1, a state display unit 9 for notifying the state or processing status of the automatic ticket checker 1 is provided. For example, when the child's IC card is presented or when a child ticket as a magnetic ticket is inserted, the status display unit 9 displays that it is a ticket gate process for the child. In addition, when an IC card or a magnetic ticket that is an invalid boarding ticket is presented, the state display unit 9 displays that the boarding ticket presented by the user is an invalid ticket.

  A plurality of human detection sensors S are provided in the sensor cover on the upper surface of the casing forming the automatic ticket gate 1 and on the side surfaces of the casing. The human detection sensor S includes a reflection type detection sensor or a transmission type detection sensor. The output signal from the human detection sensor S is either “bright” or “dark”. The human detection sensor S detects whether a person is present at a predetermined detection position. The automatic ticket gate 1 detects the presence / absence of a person at various points in the passage by using a plurality of human detection sensors S. Thereby, the automatic ticket gate 1 determines the position of the user who is passing the passage based on the detection results of the plurality of human detection sensors S.

  Further, the automatic ticket gate 1 has a traffic guidance display unit 10 and a proximity sensor N on the side facing the passage entrance direction on the side where the card reader / writer 4 and the insertion slot 5 are provided (the entrance side of the passage). Is provided. For example, on the side facing the entrance direction of the automatic ticket gate 1, there is a guide for usable tickets (for example, a guide for exclusive use of an IC card or a magnetic ticket) or a magnetic ticket to the slot 5 immediately below the slot 5. An insertion guidance or the like is posted, a traffic guidance display unit 10 is provided below the posting, and a proximity sensor N is installed below the traffic guidance display unit 10.

  The traffic guidance display unit 10 displays whether or not an entry to the passage to the automatic ticket gate is possible. For example, the traffic information display unit 10 may not allow entry into the passage when entry from the reverse direction of the passage is permitted, when an equipment abnormality has occurred, or when an error ticket is detected. When an entry to the passage is permitted (when the ticket gate process is possible), guidance such as an arrow indicating entry permission to the passage is displayed.

  The proximity sensor N is a sensor for detecting a person approaching the automatic ticket gate 1. The proximity sensor N is installed further below the traffic guidance display unit 10 provided below the insertion slot 5 provided at a height at which an average person can easily insert a ticket. The proximity sensor N installed below the automatic ticket gate 1 is installed upward so that a person approaching the passage of the automatic ticket gate 1 can be detected with high accuracy.

  The proximity sensor N detects a person approaching the passage and enables the person to smoothly receive the ticket gate process. For example, in the case of an operation mode in which the passage passes in both directions, the automatic ticket gate controls the passage direction (ticket gate direction) according to the detection result of the proximity sensor N.

  Further, the automatic ticket gate performs switching control between a power saving mode for reducing power consumption by turning off the display unit or the like according to a detection result of the proximity sensor N and a normal operation mode (an operation mode for executing a ticket gate process). . For example, the automatic ticket gate switches the operation mode to the power saving mode when the proximity sensor N and the human detection sensor S do not detect a person for a predetermined time or more. Further, the automatic ticket gate in the power saving mode shifts to the normal operation mode when the proximity sensor N detects a person.

  The proximity sensor N only needs to be able to detect a person approaching the passage, and is configured by a sensor such as an infrared sensor or an optical sensor. For example, an infrared sensor is used as the proximity sensor N. A pyroelectric infrared sensor is applicable as the infrared sensor. The pyroelectric infrared sensor is inexpensive and has a wide detection range as a sensor for detecting the approach of a user. The pyroelectric infrared sensor is not a sensor that emits light such as an LED, but is a sensor that detects the amount of change in infrared rays that occurs when an object (person) having a temperature difference from the surroundings operates. For this reason, when detecting a person, the pyroelectric infrared sensor can detect a person with high accuracy by detecting a part of the face with high exposure and a large temperature change with the surroundings.

  In the automatic ticket gate 1 used as a dedicated machine for entry or entry, the direction in which the user passes is determined, and the door on the side where the user enters the passage is opened in the direction. It is in a state, and the door on the side exiting the passage is controlled according to the determination result of whether or not it is allowed to pass. On the other hand, in the automatic ticket gate 1 used as a dual-purpose machine, the direction in which the user passes is not predetermined. Therefore, the automatic ticket gate 1 used as a dual-purpose machine detects a user approaching the automatic ticket gate based on the detection result of the proximity sensor N, and executes a ticket gate process from the side on which the user has approached. You can do it.

  That is, in the automatic ticket gate 1 used as a dual-purpose machine, the passage direction of the passage is determined according to the direction in which the user has approached, and functions as an automatic ticket gate for entry or as an automatic ticket gate for entry. You can switch. Such an automatic ticket gate 1 opens the door 7 on the side where the user enters the passage and passes the door 7 on the exit side in the direction of passage of the passage according to the direction in which the user approaches. Control is performed according to the determination result. Further, in the automatic ticket gate 1 used as a dual-purpose machine, the direction of traffic is determined according to the approach of the user. Therefore, when the user is not in the vicinity of the automatic ticket gate 1, the doors 7 on both sides are opened. It is supposed to wait at.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the control system of the automatic ticket gate 1 configured as described above.
As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic ticket gate 1 is entirely controlled by a control unit 21. The control unit 21 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a data memory 24, a transmission control circuit 25, a display control circuit 26, a door opening / closing mechanism 27, a card reader / writer 4, A shutter opening / closing mechanism 28, a magnetic processing unit 29, a display control circuit 30, a human detection sensor S, a proximity sensor N, and the like are connected.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and implements various processing functions by executing programs stored in a memory such as the ROM 22. For example, the control unit 21 has a function of controlling switching of operation modes by the CPU executing a program, a function of processing an IC card by the card reader / writer 4, a function of processing a magnetic ticket by the magnetic processing unit 29, an IC Realize entrance / exit determination processing based on information read from a card or information read from a magnetic ticket, and pass control processing for controlling entry / exit of a user based on a traffic determination result .

  Further, the control unit 21 has a function of switching the operation mode of the automatic ticket checker 1 and switching the setting of the operation mode. For example, the automatic ticket gate 1 includes an operation mode for performing ticket gate processing, a power saving (low consumption) mode for suppressing power consumption, a maintenance mode for performing maintenance work, and the like as operation modes. For example, the control unit 21 shifts the operation mode to the power saving mode when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied (for example, when a person is not detected for a predetermined period), or when a person is detected during the power saving mode. Or move to operational mode. The operation mode can be set to prohibit switching the operation mode to the power saving mode or to fix the operation mode to the operation mode.

  The ROM 22 is configured by a nonvolatile memory in which data is stored in advance. For example, the ROM 22 stores a control program executed by the control unit 21 and control data. The RAM 23 is composed of a volatile memory that temporarily stores data. For example, the RAM 23 functions as a buffer memory such as a control program executed by the control unit 21.

  The data memory 24 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The data memory 24 stores, for example, fare information and data downloaded from a host computer (not shown) as a host device.

  The transmission control circuit 25 is an interface for performing data communication with the monitoring panel 31 for the station staff to monitor the operation status of the automatic ticket gate 1. The transmission control circuit 25 receives a control instruction (for example, a control instruction for designating an operation mode) from the monitoring panel 31 to the automatic ticket gate 1 or information indicating an operation status of the automatic ticket gate 1 (for example, A sensor failure or the like) is transmitted to the monitoring panel 31. Further, the transmission control circuit 25 may perform data communication with a host computer or the like as a host device that performs data aggregation.

  The display control circuit 26 performs display control of the guidance display unit 8. For example, the display control circuit 26 displays information indicating the result of the traffic determination on the guidance display unit 8 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 21. The door opening / closing mechanism 27 is a mechanism that opens and closes the door 7. The door opening / closing mechanism 27 is configured to open and close the door 7 based on control by the control unit 21.

  Further, the card reader / writer 4 transmits / receives data to / from an IC card used as a boarding ticket based on an operation instruction from the control unit 21. The card reader / writer 4 supplies a command to the IC card and receives a response to the supplied command from the IC card. For example, the card reader / writer 4 functions as a writing means for writing information (for example, ticket gate information) to the IC card by transmitting a write command to the IC card. The card reader / writer 4 functions as a reading unit that reads information (for example, boarding ticket information) from the IC card by transmitting a read command to the IC card.

The shutter opening / closing mechanism 28 is a mechanism for opening / closing a shutter 5 a provided at the insertion port 5. For example, when the shutter opening / closing mechanism 28 is in a state in which a magnetic ticket as a boarding ticket can be processed (an operation mode in which a magnetic ticket can be processed), the shutter opening / closing mechanism 28 opens the shutter 5a under the control of the control unit 21. Accepts the insertion of a magnetic ticket to 5.
The magnetic processing unit 29 processes a magnetic ticket used as a boarding ticket inserted into the insertion slot 5. For example, the magnetic processing unit 29 reads information from the magnetic ticket based on an operation instruction from the control unit 21 or records ticket gate information on the magnetic ticket. The display control circuit 30 performs display control of the traffic guidance display unit 10. For example, the display control circuit 30 displays a guide or the like indicating whether or not a passage is permitted in response to an instruction from the control unit 21.

Next, an infrared sensor as an example of the proximity sensor N will be described.
As the proximity sensor N, an infrared sensor such as a pyroelectric infrared sensor that detects a change amount of infrared rays that occurs when an object (person) having a temperature difference from the surroundings operates can be applied. Since the infrared sensor detects a temperature difference, when the infrared sensor is used as the proximity sensor N, the detection accuracy is improved by focusing on the exposed portion of the entire person. Usually, it is assumed that a person using an automatic ticket gate has a high probability of being exposed at a face portion. Therefore, when the infrared sensor is used as the proximity sensor N, the proximity sensor N can be installed so as to focus on the exposed portion, for example, the face, so that the detection accuracy can be improved (in this embodiment, the proximity sensor N is detected). The portion to be detected may be an exposed portion that can be detected, and may be, for example, a neck or an arm).

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an infrared sensor as the proximity sensor N.
As shown in FIG. 3, the infrared sensor for detecting a person has an area extending in the X direction and the Y direction centering on the Z-axis direction as a person detection range, assuming that the front direction (focal direction) is the Z direction. And However, the pyroelectric infrared sensor has a characteristic that it is difficult to detect a person moving only in the Z direction. Therefore, when a pyroelectric infrared sensor is used as the proximity sensor N, the proximity sensor N is installed so that the movement of a person approaching the passage of the automatic ticket gate can be detected as a movement in the Y direction or the X direction.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to be described later, if an infrared sensor is installed as the proximity sensor N, the proximity sensor N can detect a person (mainly a person's face) moving along the center line of the passage. Thus, not only the Z direction (focal direction) but also the face of a person who moves in the Y direction and the X direction can be set as a detection target. As a result, the infrared sensor used as the proximity sensor N can detect a person approaching the passage with high accuracy.

Next, installation of the proximity sensor N in the automatic ticket gate 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
4 and 6 are diagrams showing examples of setting of the detection range of the proximity sensor N, and FIGS. 5 and 7 are diagrams showing examples of installation of the proximity sensor N in the automatic ticket gate 1.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the automatic ticket checker 1 and the detection position of the person by the proximity sensor N. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the distance between the person to be detected by the proximity sensor N and the automatic ticket gate 1.

  The proximity sensor N is installed so that a person approaching the passage of the automatic ticket gate 1 can be detected. The proximity sensor N is provided on the entrance side of the passage of the automatic ticket gate 1. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, it is installed below the traffic guidance display unit 10 on the side surface of the automatic ticket gate 1 with respect to the direction of entry into the passage. The proximity sensor N is used for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode. For this reason, the proximity sensor N detects a person in a detection range in which a processing time sufficient to return from the power saving mode to the normal mode can be obtained.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the proximity sensor N is assumed to detect a person at a position A (m) from the passage entrance I of the automatic ticket gate 1 on the extension line of the center line C of the passage. In this case, the proximity sensor N is installed in the automatic ticket gate 1 so that the position of the passage entrance I to A (m) on the extension of the center line C of the passage is focused on the detection position.

  For example, when the travel speed of the passerby is 1500 mm / s, if the distance A from the detection position to the passage entrance is set to 2000 mm, the automatic ticket checker after the user is detected by the proximity sensor N at the detection position The time required to enter 1 passage is about 1.3 seconds. Many electrical components (including the guidance display unit 8) mounted on the automatic ticket gate 1 have a time of 500 ms or less from when the power is turned on until they can be controlled. Further, according to a certain experimental result, it has been confirmed that the electrical component having the longest time from power-on to return is the door opening / closing mechanism (door motor), and the return time is about 600 ms. Therefore, for example, if A = 2000 mm, the return from the power saving mode to the normal mode can be performed smoothly without any problem.

  The casing of the automatic ticket gate is not on the center line C of the passage. For this reason, when the proximity sensor N is focused on the center line C of the passage, the direction of the center line and the focus direction of the proximity sensor have an angle. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, by installing the proximity sensor N so that the detection position on the center line C of the passage is in focus, the proximity sensor N has a specific direction with respect to the center line C of the passage. It is installed to make (β).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the installation state of the proximity sensor N when the automatic ticket gate is viewed from above, and shows the installation direction of the proximity sensor N with respect to the direction of the center line.
That is, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the proximity sensor N is installed such that the direction of the center line C of the passage and the focal direction of the proximity sensor N have an angle (β). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the proximity sensor N is assumed to be composed of a sensor body Na and a sensor cover Nb. The sensor cover Nb is installed in accordance with the side face of the automatic ticket gate 1 on the side of the passage entrance, and the sensor body Na is installed so as to detect the detection target via the sensor cover Nb. The sensor body Na is installed with the focal direction inclined through the sensor cover Nb so as to form an angle β with the direction of the center line C of the passage.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the person at the detection position and the proximity sensor N installed in the automatic ticket gate 1. FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the installation position of the proximity sensor N and the height of the face of the person to be detected.
In the example shown in FIG. 6, the proximity sensor N is installed so as to focus on the face of a person (a person assumed as a detection target) existing at a detection position on an extension of the center line C of the passage. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the proximity sensor N is installed further below the traffic guidance display unit 10 installed below the insertion port 5 on the side surface on the passage entrance side of the automatic ticket gate. For example, the proximity sensor N is installed at a position where the height (installation position in the vertical direction) h is 500 to 550 mm from the bottom surface (ground).

  That is, the proximity sensor N is installed at a position lower than at least the face of a passing person who is a detection target. Therefore, when focusing on the face of a person existing at the detection position, the proximity sensor N is installed upward so that the focal direction and the floor (ground) through which the user passes form a specific angle (α). The For example, as in the example shown in FIG. 6, the distance from the passage entrance (position where the proximity sensor is installed) to the detection position in the direction of travel of the passage is A, and the height of the face of the person to be detected at the detection position ( For example, if B is an average face height of a person assumed to be a user and h is the height of the installation position of the proximity sensor N, the angle α formed by the focus direction of the proximity sensor and the floor surface is It can be calculated.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the proximity sensor N is installed as viewed from the side of the automatic ticket gate, and shows the installation direction of the proximity sensor N with respect to the floor of the passage.
FIG. 7 shows a state in which the proximity sensor N is installed such that the floor surface of the passage and the focal direction of the proximity sensor N are at an angle (α). In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the proximity sensor N includes a sensor body Na and a sensor cover Nb. The sensor cover Nb is installed in accordance with the surface of the casing of the automatic ticket gate (side surface on the entrance side), and the sensor body Na is installed so as to detect the object through the sensor cover Nb. The sensor body Na is installed so as to be inclined so that the focal direction forms an angle α with the floor surface of the passage through the sensor cover Nb.

  According to the setting example described above, in consideration of the installation states of FIGS. 5 and 7, the proximity sensor body Na has an angle α with respect to the floor surface of the passage and the center line C direction of the passage. Installed at an angle β. Thereby, the proximity sensor N can be installed in the automatic ticket gate 1 so that the face of the person at the detection position on the center line of the passage becomes the focal position.

  When an infrared sensor is used as the proximity sensor N, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the proximity sensor N is in the Z direction with respect to a person (mainly a human face) moving along the center line of the passage. It is possible to detect not only the (focus direction) but also the face of a person who moves in the Y direction and the X direction. As a result, the infrared sensor used as the proximity sensor N can detect a person approaching the passage (a person moving in the Y direction and the X direction) with high accuracy.

  A plurality of proximity sensors N may be installed. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a plurality of proximity sensors N1, N2, and N3 are installed. According to the configuration example shown in FIG. 8, the second and third proximity sensors N2 and N3 having detection ranges R2 and R3 that complement the detection range R1 of the first proximity sensor N1 are installed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the second proximity sensor N2 complements the detection range R1 of the first proximity sensor N1 by the detection range R2, and the third proximity sensor N3 detects the detection range of the first proximity sensor N1 by the detection range R3. It is configured to complement R1.

  By configuring so that the approach of a person is detected by a plurality of sensors, even if the sensor has a narrow detection range, the approaching person can be reliably detected. In addition, by complementing the detection range with a plurality of sensors, it is possible to reliably detect an approaching person even if any sensor fails.

Next, an operation example of the automatic ticket gate 1 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the automatic ticket gate 1 according to the present embodiment.
The control unit 21 of the automatic ticket gate 1 whose operation mode is the operation mode determines whether or not a condition for shifting to the power saving mode is satisfied in the standby state (step S11). For example, as a condition for shifting to the power saving mode, the state where the proximity sensor N and the human detection sensor S do not detect a person continues for a predetermined time or when the ticket gate processing by the automatic ticket gate 1 is a predetermined time or longer. It is assumed that no person is approaching and there is no person approaching.

  When it is determined that the condition for shifting to the power saving mode is satisfied (step S11, YES), the control unit 21 performs a shifting process for shifting the operation mode of the automatic ticket checker 1 from the operation mode to the power saving mode ( Step S13). After shifting the operation mode to the power saving mode, the control unit 21 of the automatic ticket gate 1 monitors the detection state of the person by the proximity sensor N and the human detection sensor S. When the operation mode is already the power saving mode, the control unit 21 continues the person detection by the proximity sensor N and the human detection sensor S while maintaining the power saving mode.

  When the proximity sensor N detects a person approaching the automatic ticket gate 1 (YES in step S14), the control unit 21 is in the power saving mode (step S15, YES). YES), a transition process (return process) for shifting (returning) the operation mode from the power saving mode to the operation mode is performed (step S16). Further, after the operation mode is shifted to the operation mode or when it is determined that the operation mode is not the power saving mode (when it is determined that the operation mode is already the operation mode) (step S15, NO), the control unit 21 Then, it is monitored whether or not a person in the passage is detected by the human detection sensor S (step S17).

  When the human detection sensor S detects a person who has entered the passage of the automatic ticket gate 1 (step S17, YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation mode of the automatic ticket gate 1 is the power saving mode. Confirm (step S18). If the operation mode is the operation mode (step S18, NO), the control unit 21 executes a ticket gate process for the person in the passage detected by the human detection sensor S (step 20).

  When the proximity sensor N is not operating normally or when a person enters the passage from outside the detection range of the proximity sensor N, the human detection sensor S can detect the person without detection by the proximity sensor N. There is sex. In such a case, the human detection sensor S may detect a person during the power saving mode. When the human detection sensor S detects a person during the power saving mode (step 18, YES), the control unit 21 performs a transition process for switching the operation mode to the operation mode (step S19), and the human detection sensor S detects it. A ticket gate process for the person in the passage is executed (step S20).

  As described above, when the automatic ticket gate according to the present embodiment is in the power saving mode, if the proximity sensor detects a person approaching the passage, it returns to the operation mode and executes the ticket gate process. The proximity sensor is installed upward so that the height of the face of a person approaching the passage becomes the focal position. Thereby, according to the automatic ticket gate according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the person by the proximity sensor, and as a result, it is possible to realize switching of the operation mode with high reliability, and to accurately set the power saving mode and the like. Can be used.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic ticket gate, S ... Human detection sensor, N, N1, N2, N3 ... Proximity sensor, 8 ... Guidance display part, 10 ... Traffic guidance display part, 21 ... Control part, 26 ... Display control circuit.

Claims (7)

In an automatic ticket gate that handles ticket gates for people passing through the ticket gate,
A proximity sensor for detecting a person approaching the passage;
When the proximity sensor detects a person, a control means for performing a transition process for shifting the operation mode from the power saving mode to reduce the power consumption to the operation mode;
Ticket gate processing means for performing ticket gate processing for a person passing through the passage in the state of the operation mode,
The proximity sensor is installed with the focal direction facing upward with respect to the floor surface of the passage.
Automatic ticket gate. The proximity sensor is an infrared sensor.
The automatic ticket gate according to claim 1. The proximity sensor is installed at a position lower than the height of the face of the person to be detected, and is placed so that the position of the person's face at the detection position for detecting the person approaching the passage is in focus. To
The automatic ticket gate according to claim 1 or 2. The proximity sensor is installed with a focus direction having an angle with respect to a center line direction of the passage.
The automatic ticket gate according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The proximity sensor is installed so that the detection position on the center line direction of the passage is in focus.
The automatic ticket gate according to claim 4. The proximity sensor includes a first sensor installed so as to be focused on a detection position detected as a person approaching the passage, and a second sensor having a detection range that complements the detection range of the first sensor. Including
The automatic ticket gate according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Having a display for displaying the guidance,
In the power saving mode, the guidance display on the display unit is turned off.
The automatic ticket gate according to any one of claims 1 to 6.