JP3668716B2 - Cancel device - Google Patents

Description

この例では、４月２８日から５月６日、７月２１日から８月２０日、１２月２８日から１月６日の３期間は回数券が使用できないことを示している。プログラム作成の都合上、年末年始を分割して、記憶している。指定席券を発券する装置にこのテーブルを記憶させ、乗車日がこの期間に入っていれば、回数券使用不可能、この期間に入っていなければ使用可能、と判断する。また、表２のように１年間の日付と、その日が回数券使用可能か不可能かを示すフラグを設けても良い。
【００２７】
【表２】

この例では、フラグ０は使用可能、フラグ１は使用不可能を示している。指定席券を発券する装置は、このテーブルを参照し、乗車日のフラグを見てその日が、回数券使用可能か不可能を判断する。
【００２８】
本実施例に近い他の例として、定期券の自動改札機がある。定期券に記憶させた使用開始日、使用終了日を自動改札機で現在の日と比較している。この他の例は、１期間だけの比較であり、「現在の日が使用開始日より後（開始日を含む）」、「現在の日が使用終了日より前（終了日を含む）」の２つだけを比較すればよく、単純な方法で実現できる。
【００２９】
これに対して、本発明は、回数券の有効期限と現在の日を比較するところは、他の例と同じであるが、回数券の使用不可能期間は１年間に複数期間存在し、乗車日がすべての期間内に入っているか否かを調査しなければならず、図４に示したように複雑な処理が必要になる。また、定期券の自動改札機の場合は、定期券発行時に設定した使用開始日、使用終了日は変更されることはないが、本発明では回数券の使用不可能期間を変更可能とする。さらに、自動改札機は、定期券その物の有効・無効を判断することを目的としているが、本発明の本実施例では、回数券その物の有効・無効を判断することが目的ではなく、従来駅員が判断していた「乗車日によって回数券が利用可能であるか否か」を装置に判断させることを目的としている。
【００３０】
図４に表１を用いて、回数券使用可能か不可能かを判断する方法を述べる。以下、各ステップの説明を行う。なお、乗車日をｆｍ月ｆｄ日とする。
ステップ４０１：制御変数ｉを初期化する。
ステップ４０２：制御変数ｉをインクリメントする。
ステップ４０３：使用不可能期間は４期間なので、すべてチェックしたかどうか確かめる。ｉ＝４以下ならステップ４０４へ、ｉ＝５になれば乗車日はすべての回数券使用不可能期間に入らなかったので、使用可能である、と判断する。
ステップ４０４：ｆｍ月がｓｍ（ｉ）よりも小さいか否か比較する。小さければこの期間（制御変数＝ｉの時）には入らないので、次の期間の調査をするためステップ４０２へ進み、ｆｍ≧ｓｍ（ｉ）ならばステップ４０５へ進み、この期間内に入っているかどうか調べる。
ステップ４０５：ｆｍ＝ｓｍ（ｉ）ならば、その期間内の可能性があるのでステップ４０７以降で詳細に調べる。ｆｍ＞ｓｍ（ｉ）ならばｅｍ（ｉ）との大小関係を調べるため、ステップ４０６へ進む。
ステップ４０６：ｆｍ≦ｅｍ（ｉ）ならば、ステップ４０８以降でさらに調べる。ｆｍ＞ｅｍ（ｉ）ならば、この期間より後なので、ステップ４０２へ進む。
ステップ４０７：ｆｄ＜ｓｄ（ｉ）ならば、この期間より前なので、ステップ４０２へ進む。ｆｄ≧ｓｄ（ｉ）ならば、この期間に入っている可能性が有るので、ステップ４０９へ進む。
ステップ４０８：ｆｍ＜ｅｍ（ｉ）ならば、この期間に入っているので、使用不可と判断する。ｆｍ≧ｅｍ（ｉ）ならばステップ４１０で、日付けを調べる。
ステップ４０９：ｆｍ＞ｅｍ（ｉ）ならば、この期間より後なので、ステップ４０２へ進む。ｆｍ≦ｅｍ（ｉ）ならば、ステップ４１１でさらに詳細に調べる。
ステップ４１０：ｆｄ≦ｅｄ（ｉ）ならば、この期間に入っているので、使用不可と判断する。ｆｄ＞ｅｄ（ｉ）ならば、この期間より後なので、ステップ４０２へ進む。
ステップ４１１：ｆｍ＜ｅｍ（ｉ）ならば、この期間内に入っているので、使用不可と判断する。ｆｍ＝ｅｍ（ｉ）ならば、ステップ４１２へ進み、日付けを調べる。
ステップ４１２：ｆｄ≦ｅｄ（ｉ）ならば、この期間内に入っているので、使用不可と判断する。そうでなければ、この期間より後なので、ステップ４０２へ進む。
【００３１】
表１、表２のテーブルは該装置でなく、該装置が接続されているホストコンピュータに記憶させても良い。
【００３２】
回数券の使用不可能期間（使用禁止期間とも言う）は、その年のカレンダーによって変更することもできる。例えば、表１では、「１月１日から１月６日」と記したが、１月７日が日曜日の場合には、その期間を「１月１日から１月７日」と変更できるようにする。その実現方式は、表１、表２のテーブルに変更があった場合は、該装置に該テーブルを記憶している場合は、ホストコンピュータで新しいテーブルを作成し、装置からのダウンロード要求を契機にしてダウンロードしたり、装置に電源が入れられたら、ホストコンピュータから強制的に該テーブルをダウンロードすればよい。該テーブルがホストコンピュータに存在する場合は、該装置からアクセスを禁止した時間に、該テーブルをアップデートすれば良い。
【００３３】
自動改札機を用いて、定期券の有効期限を読み取る例では、１度発行した定期券の有効期限を変更できないので、有効期限を変更するためには、また別の定期券を発行しなければならない。これに対して本実施例では、自由に使用不可能期間を変更できるという効果がある。
【００３４】
第４の実施例では、座席予約をキャンセルした後、他の乗客が予約をできるようにする方法を述べる。
【００３５】
図５に列車ファイル、図６（ａ）、（ｂ）に座席管理ファイルの一例を示す。
【００３６】
図５はある列車の１６号車の例である。座席番号１Ａから２０Ｅまでの各座席の予約状況を、それぞれｐｘｘというポインタで図６（ａ）、（ｂ）の座席管理ファイルとリンクさせる。図６（ａ）、（ｂ）は、ある座席の管理ファイルの一例である。博多から東京までどの区間が空席かを示している。図中、ａからｊまでは、駅である。図中○の区間は空席、×の区間は予約済み、であることを示している。−は始発駅（博多）を示す。この例では、キャンセル前は、新大阪から名古屋までが予約されていた。この乗客がキャンセルすると、図３で述べた指定席券を発券する装置は、切符を読み列車番号、座席番号を知り、図５の列車ファイルにアクセスする。そこでポインタから図６（ａ）、（ｂ）の座席管理ファイルにアクセスし、乗車区間（新大阪−名古屋）を×から〇に変更する。これで、この座席は博多から東京まで、予約を受け付けることが可能となる。
【００３７】
第５の実施例では、指定席券を２度販売する方法を述べる。指定席券を持っている乗客が、予定より早い列車に乗車した場合、それを検知して、該指定席券を他の乗客に販売する。図７にそれを実現するためのハードウェア構成図を示す。ホストコンピュータ７０と車両７００内に設置した車上コンピュータ７２が通信できるように接続する。その手段は、架線や架線に平行して張った専用回線７０１で駅サーバー７１と車上コンピュータ７２を接続し、ホストコンピュータ７０と駅サーバー７１は従来の通り接続する。車上コンピュータ７２の中には通信制御部７３、ＣＰＵ７４、主メモリ７５から構成する。車上コンピュータ７２に接続する機器は、キーボード７６、切符リーダ７７、ディスプレイ７８がある。これらは、すべて乗務員室に設置しても良いし、キーボード７６、切符リーダ７７、ディスプレイ７８は一体化して、通信部（図示せず）を設けて、車掌用の端末として車内で持ち運び可能で且つ車上コンピュータ７２に接続できるものとしても良い。切符リーダ７７で乗車券や指定席券を読み取り、切符の正当性を自動的に検証する。また、財団法人鉄道総合技術研究所の報告などによると、車内の座席で切符を読み取り検札を省略できる例があるので、上記で述べた車掌用端末の代わりに、これを用いても良い。
【００３８】
図８に、指定された列車よりも早い時刻の列車に乗った乗客を検知し、その乗客が指定を受けていた座席を他の乗客に販売する処理方法を示す。ここでの指定席券に関する規則は下記のようであると仮定する。
（１）指定された日の指定された列車の指定された座席に座れる。
（２）指定された日なら、指定を受けていない列車に乗れるが、自由席にしか乗車できない（全席指定席の列車なら座れない）。
（３）指定された日以外は、乗車できない。
【００３９】
以下、各ステップの説明を行う。
ステップ８０１：車掌用端末または座席備付けの切符リーダによって指定席券を読み、日付が本日の日付と一致しているかを調べる。一致していれば、ステップ８０３へ、一致していなければステップ８０２へ進む。
ステップ８０２：「この切符では乗車できません」というメッセージ１を座席のディスプレイに示して乗客に知らせたり、車掌室のディスプレイ７８に表示して、車掌に、違法乗車を教える。
ステップ８０３：指定された列車名種別、列車番号（列車名＋番号、ひかり１００号など）とその列車の列車名種別、列車番号が一致しているかどうか調べる。一致していればステップ８０４へ、一致していなければステップ８０６へ進む。
ステップ８０４：切符に記憶してある座席番号（車両番号も含む）と、その乗客が着席している座席番号が一致しているかどうか調べる。一致していれば、正常な乗車とみなし、処理は終了する。一致していなければ、ステップ８０５へ進む。
ステップ８０５：「座席が違います」というメッセージ２を乗客や車掌室のディスプレイ７８表示して、処理は終了する。
ステップ８０６：指定された列車の乗車駅の発車時刻より、現在乗車している列車の該乗車駅の発車時刻が早い（以下、前乗りという）かどうか調べる。前乗りならば、ステップ８０７へ進み、そうでなければステップ８０８へ進む。
ステップ８０７：乗客が指定を受けていた座席をキャンセルする。詳細は図５、図６を用いて、説明をしたので、ここでは省略する。
ステップ８０８：乗り遅れた乗客であるので、その座席が指定席であれば、「指定席には座れません。自由席に移って下さい」や「所定の座席指定料金が必要です」というメッセージ３を座席や車掌室のディスプレイに表示する。
【００４０】
座席毎に上記のチェックを行うので、車掌室では、車両毎全座席を１画面に表示し、正常な乗車、上記メッセージ１、２、３をそれぞれに対応した色で表示し、一目で違法な乗車を検知することが可能となる。車掌の人員が少ない時は、緊急を要する違法乗車（例えばメッセージ１や自由席切符で指定席に着席している乗客）から対応し、その座席へ行って追加料金を徴収する、等の効率的な運営が可能となる。
【００４１】
また、自動販売機や顧客操作型の端末で用いられている接近センサを座席に設置すると、車掌室では、乗客が座っているのに切符がリーダに挿入されていない、という状況を知ることができる。従って、切符を持たずに乗車している乗客を、効率よく検知することが可能となる。
【００４２】
切符リーダに挿入された指定席券は、一度読み取れば、乗客がポケット等にしまっても、その指定区間の間は記憶しておく。例えば、「東京から名古屋まで」の指定席券を切符リーダに一旦挿入すると、その座席に座っている乗客は、名古屋までの指定席券を有していることを車上コンピュータ７２に記憶させておく。名古屋に到着すると、該情報をリセットし、新たな乗客の切符の挿入を待つ。名古屋以西までの切符を有している乗客の座席に対しては、名古屋ではリセットしない。列車が発車すれば、全座席、または名古屋で乗車した可能性のある座席に対して、図８の処理を行う。
【００４３】
図９に指定席券のフォーマットを示す。列車名種別と列車番号を合わせて、列車番号として管理しても良い。また、ここでは、座席番号の中に、車両番号と座席番号の両方を含んで記憶させる事にする。
【００４４】
前乗りかどうかを判断する方法を述べる。表３に時刻表データベースを示す。
【００４５】
【表３】

指定された列車の乗車駅の発車時刻より、現在乗車している列車の該乗車駅の発車時刻が早ければ、前乗りである。例えば、ひかり１０号の博多から新大阪までの座席指定を受けた乗客が、ひかり０１号に乗車した場合、（乗車日は指定日通り）ひかり１０号の博多発車時刻６時２０分より、ひかり０１号の博多発車時刻（６時００分）は早いので、前乗りと判断する。比較する両者の時刻は、その列車の始発駅の発車時刻ではない。例えば、こだま０１号の岡山から新大阪までの座席指定を受けた乗客が、岡山からひかり０１号に乗車した場合、こだま０１号の始発駅広島の発車時刻はひかり０１号よりこだま０１号の方が早いが、岡山駅の発車時刻は、ひかり０１号の方が早い。この場合、乗車駅（岡山）の発車時刻を比較して、前乗りと判断する。
【００４６】
この実施例では、鉄道会社は同一の座席から２回指定席料を徴収できる。また、座席指定を受けたい、という乗客の要望が実現する可能性が、今よりも高くなる。
【００４７】
第６の実施例では、座席の空席情報を知る方法を述べる。図１０にディスプレイの表示例を示す。キーボード等の入力手段から乗車年月日、列車名種別、列車番号、乗車区間、号車番号を入力すると、各座席の情報を表示する。図中、〇は空席、×は空席でない、を意味する。これを実現する端末を駅構内や旅行会社に設置する場合は、予約を管理するホストコンピュータ７０と直接接続したり、駅サーバー７１と接続すれば良い。また、この端末を車中に設置することもできる。図７の説明で述べたように、車上コンピュータ７２の通信制御部７３から専用回線７０１、駅サーバー７１を介して、ホストコンピュータ７０にアクセスする。ホストコンピュータ７０は、図５の列車ファイルから、各座席の座席管理ファイルへのポインタを知り、図６の座席管理ファイルで、該当区間がすべて〇なら空席、１つでも×なら空席でない、と判断する。該当列車の特定された号車のすべての座席を調べたらその結果を、図１０のように表示する。この実施例では、乗客が好きな座席を選ぶことが出来るので、サービス向上になる。また、車内で最新の予約状況を知ることができるので、車内で指定席券を購入することが可能となる。その時は、ホストコンピュータ７０に報告するので、他の乗客にその座席を販売することがない。本実施例は鉄道だけでなく、飛行機の座席指定にも可能である。
【００４８】
なお、本発明は種々の形で実施できるが、以下その例を示す。
（１）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符をキャンセルする場合、発券済みの切符を読み取り、キャンセル可能な切符であるか否かを判断し、キャンセル可能な切符であれば、キャンセルをして、別の切符または回数券を発行する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（２）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符をキャンセルする場合、発券済みの切符を読み取り、キャンセル可能な切符であるか否かを判断し、キャンセル可能な切符であれば、キャンセルをして、手数料を引いて、返金する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（３）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の回数券を用いて発券した切符をキャンセルする場合、発券済みの切符を読み取り、キャンセル可能な切符であるか否かを判断し、キャンセル可能な切符であれば、キャンセルをして、再び予約可能な回数券を発券する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（４）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符をキャンセルする場合、発券済みの切符を読み取り、キャンセル可能な切符であるか否かを判断し、キャンセル可能な切符であれば、キャンセルをして、該切符が回数券によって発券した指定席券か、現金によって購入した指定席券であるかを判別し、前者の場合は指定席券を購入することができる回数券を発券し、後者の場合は返金か別の予約をするかが選択可能である予約またはキャンセル方法。
（５）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符をキャンセルする場合、発券済みの切符を読み取り、キャンセル可能な切符であるか否かを判断し、キャンセル可能な切符であれば、キャンセルをして、該切符が回数券によって発券した指定席券か、現金またはクレジットカードによって購入した指定席券であるかを判別し、前者の場合は指定席券を購入することができる回数券を発券し、後者の内、現金で購入の場合は、返金か別の予約をするかを選択でき、クレジットカードで購入の場合は、後日カード保有者の口座へ返金するか別の予約をするかが選択可能である予約またはキャンセル方法。
（６）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符を回数券を入力して発券する時、乗客が希望する乗車日が回数券の使用可能期間であるか否かを判別し、使用可能であれば予約を試み、使用不可能であれば、該乗車日には回数券が使えないことを表示手段に示す予約またはキャンセル方法。
（７）前記（６）において、使用可能期間であるか否かを判別する方法は、発券装置に使用可能期間または使用不可能期間を示すデータを記憶させ、乗車日がこの期間の中に含まれるか否かを該装置内で判断する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（８）前記（６）において、使用可能期間であるか否かを判別する方法は、発券装置と接続したコンピュータに使用可能期間または使用不可能期間を示すデータを記憶させ、乗車日がこの期間の中に含まれるか否かを該コンピュータ内で判断する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（９）前記（７）において、該装置に記憶させた使用可能期間または使用不可能期間を示すデータに変更があった場合、該装置と接続したコンピュータから書き替える予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１０）前記（６）において、使用可能期間であるか否かを判別する方法は、該装置に１年間の日付とその日が使用可能であるか否かを示すデータを記憶させ、乗客が希望する乗車日が、使用可能であるか否かを該装置内で判断する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１１）前記（６）において、使用可能期間であるか否かを判別する方法は、該装置と接続したコンピュータに、１年間の日付とその日が使用可能であるか否かを示すデータを記憶させ、乗客が希望する乗車日が、使用可能であるか否かを該コンピュータ内で判断する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１２）前記（１０）において、該装置に記憶させた１年間の日付とその日が使用可能であるか否かを示すデータに変更があった場合、該装置と接続したコンピュータから書き替える予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１３）予約をキャンセルした後は、予約を管理しているファイルにアクセスし、予約状況をキャンセルして、他の乗客が予約できるようにする前記（１）、（２）、（３）、（４）、（５）、（６）のいずれかにおける、予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１４）列車の座席指定席券を有する乗客に対して、乗客が所有する座席指定席券を車内検札または下車時に座席指定席券を読み取る手段で読み取り、所定の列車よりも早い時刻の列車に乗車した場合それを検知し、該乗客が予約していた列車の座席をキャンセルし、他の乗客が予約できるようにする予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１５）列車の座席で、乗客の乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取る方法において、座席にセンサを設けて乗客が着席しているか否かを検知し、乗車券、指定席券の機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取っていないのに、着席している乗客を見つける予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１６）列車の座席で、乗客の乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取る方法において、座席にセンサを設けて乗客が着席しているか否かを検知し、乗車券、指定席券の機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取っていないのに、着席している乗客を検知し、乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取る手段に入力を要請するメッセージを、座席に設置した表示装置に表示する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１７）列車の座席で、乗客の乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取る方法において、所定の列車に乗っているか、所定の座席に着席しているかを調べ、所定の乗車と異なる乗車をしている乗客を検知し、異なる乗車の種類（乗車日が違う、列車が違う、座席が違う等）が分かるように、座席で乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取る手段と接続した管理用端末の表示装置に表示する予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１８）列車の座席で、乗客の乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取る方法において、読み取った情報は第１の停車駅に到着するまで記憶しておき、第１の停車駅までで有効性がなくなる乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取った座席に対しては、該情報をリセットし、そうでない座席に対しては、記憶し続け、第１の停車駅を出発後、その駅から乗車した可能性がある座席、または全座席に対して、乗客の乗車券、指定席券、左記機能を果たす媒体、の少なくとも１つを読み取り、以下第２の停車駅から終着駅まで、前記処理を繰り返す予約またはキャンセル方法。
（１９）回数券、現金、カード（クレジットカード、プリペイドカード等の各種カード）の中の少なくとも２つ以上が使用可能で、指定席券を発券する予約またはキャンセル装置。
（２０）回数券、現金、カード（クレジットカード、プリペイドカード等の各種カード）の中の少なくとも２つ以上が使用可能で、指定席券を発券することができ、発券した切符に対しては、キャンセルすることもできる予約またはキャンセル装置。
（２１）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符を発券する装置において、発券済みの切符を該装置に入力してキャンセル可能な切符であるか否かを判断し、キャンセル可能な切符であれば、別の切符または回数券を発行する予約またはキャンセル装置。
（２２）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符を発券する装置において、発券済みの切符を該装置で読み取り、キャンセル可能な切符であるか否かを判断し、キャンセル可能な切符であれば、キャンセルをし、手数料を引いて、返金する予約またはキャンセル装置。
（２３）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の回数券を入力して、予約を受付、発券する装置において、該切符を入力してキャンセルをし、再び予約可能な回数券を発券する予約またはキャンセル装置。
（２４）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符を発券する装置において、発券済みの切符を該装置に入力してキャンセルする時に、該切符が回数券によって発券した指定席券か、現金によって購入した指定席券であるかを判別し、前者の場合は指定席券を購入することができる回数券を発券し、後者の場合は返金か別の予約をするかを装置の操作者に選択させる予約またはキャンセル装置。
（２５）鉄道、飛行機等の交通機関の切符を発券する装置において、発券済みの切符を該装置に入力してキャンセルする時に、該切符が回数券によって発券した指定席券か、現金またはクレジットカードによって購入した指定席券であるかを判別し、前者の場合は指定席券を購入することができる回数券を発券し、後者の内、現金で購入の場合は、返金か別の予約をするかを装置の操作者に選択させ、クレジットカードで購入の場合は、後日カード保有者の口座へ返金するか別の予約をするかを装置の操作者に選択させる予約またはキャンセル装置。
（２６）所定の列車を特定する情報、乗車駅、下車駅を入力すれば、１画面に複数座席を表示し、該座席ごとに空席か否かを示す予約またはキャンセル装置。
【００４９】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、乗客側から見れば、座席の予約またはキャンセルを乗客の操作で可能となるので、窓口に並ぶ必要がない、という効果がある。また、交通機関側から見れば、窓口の数を減らしたり、窓口を開けておく時間を短縮することが可能となり、人件費を抑制できるという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】指定席付回数券で座席指定を受けた切符をキャンセルする時の処理フローの例。
【図２】指定席付回数券で座席指定を受けた切符と、現金、クレジットカードで購入した切符を、キャンセルする時の処理フローの例。
【図３】指定席付回数券を用いて、座席を予約またはキャンセルし、現金、クレジットカードを用いて、切符を販売、キャンセルすることもできる装置の機能ブロック図。
【図４】回数券使用可能、不可能を判定する処理フローの例。
【図５】各座席の座席管理ファイルへのポインタを表す列車ファイルの例。
【図６】乗車区間ごとに座席が空席か否かを示す座席管理ファイルの例で（ａ）はキャンセル前、（ｂ）はキャンセル後の状態の例。
【図７】車上コンピュータとホストコンピュータのシステム構成の例。
【図８】前乗りか否かを示す処理フローの例。
【図９】指定席券の記憶フォーマットの例。
【図１０】空席表示画面の例。
【符号の説明】
７０・・・ホストコンピュータ、７１・・・駅サーバー、７２・・・車上コンピュータ、７３・・・通信制御部、７４・・・ＣＰＵ、７５・・・主メモリ、７６・・・キーボード、７７・・・切符リーダ、７８・・・ディスプレイ、７００・・・車両、７０１・・・専用回線。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seat cancellation apparatus for transportation or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An example of a reserved seat ticket issuing device using a reserved seat ticket in which a train to be boarded is not predetermined and only a boarding section and a class (green vehicle or ordinary vehicle) are determined is described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-37469. ing. In this known example, only ticketing is described, and cancellation is not described. I had to go to the counter to change the train I wanted to receive a cancellation or seat assignment.
[0003]
In addition, even if there is a period during which the reserved seat coupon cannot be used, the device cannot detect it, and the passenger's boarding date is the date on which the reserved seat coupon can be used. I had to judge whether there was.
[0004]
In addition, if you get on a train that is earlier than the designated train for which you have been assigned a seat, the conductor can detect it with an in-vehicle ticket checker, etc., but the computer that manages the reservation status receives that designation. The seats on the designated train could not be cancelled, leaving the seats empty. For this reason, there were passengers who had to purchase a reserved seat ticket for a slow train or get on a free seat even if they wanted to get a seat on the train. There was also a loss of opportunity that railroad companies could not sell reserved seat tickets that could be sold.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
With the aim of eliminating the need for customers to cancel at the counter, the reserved seat ticket issued using the reserved seat ticket can be canceled with the device that issued the ticket, and after the cancellation, the reserved seat ticket can be purchased again. Issue a reserved seat coupon.
[0006]
In addition, for the purpose of reducing the burden on the staff, the device can store the coupon ticket unusable period according to the boarding date so that the device can determine whether the boarding date desired by the passenger is within that period. To.
[0007]
In addition, for the purpose of effectively selling reserved seat tickets, if you read the reserved seat tickets owned by passengers in the car and boarding at a time earlier than the specified train, cancel the seat of the specified train, It makes it possible to accept seat designations from other passengers.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A means for inputting a willingness that the passenger wants to cancel, a means for inputting the designated seat ticket issued, a means for reading the designated seat ticket, Means for comparing the time and departure time of a specified train of the designated seat ticket, communication means for reporting to the computer connected to the device that there has been a cancellation, and for the passenger to purchase the designated seat ticket again And a means for storing coupons and a means for issuing them.
[0009]
Further, in the apparatus, means for storing a coupon ticket unusable period, means for determining whether or not a boarding date desired by the passenger is within this period, and if the coupon is within this period, A display means for notifying the operator of the device that the period cannot be used and a means for returning the coupon ticket are provided.
[0010]
Also, in the car, if the passenger gets on a seat earlier than the predetermined train, the means for reading the reserved seat ticket, the means for determining whether the passenger is on the specified predetermined train, Install communication means to cancel the reservation.
[0011]
When canceling with the reserved seat ticketing device using the coupon ticket, the passenger inputs the item “cancel” from the input means, and inputs the reserved seat ticket previously issued. The device reads the memory portion of the reserved seat ticket and confirms that the train departs after the current time. If the train is later than the current time, the cancellation is accepted, reported to the computer to which the device is connected, the file managing the seat is accessed, and reservations from other passengers are accepted. When the cancellation is completed, a new coupon ticket stored inside the apparatus is issued to the passenger.
[0012]
In addition, when a ticket is issued by inputting a coupon ticket with the device, the boarding date desired by the passenger is within this period compared with the coupon ticket unavailable period stored in the device. If it can be used, it will try to make a reservation. If it cannot be used, the coupon will be displayed by a display means that informs the operator of the device that it cannot be used for this period. Tickets are not issued and return tickets are returned by return means.
[0013]
In addition, the in-car ticket checker reads the memory portion of the passenger's reserved seat ticket, detects passengers on the train earlier than the predetermined train, and communicates with the computer managing the seat reservation from within the car To cancel the passenger's predetermined seat. The computer cancels based on the report from the inside of the vehicle and makes the seat ready for reservations from other passengers.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows a procedure of a method for canceling a reserved seat ticket issued by a coupon ticket using an apparatus capable of handling coupon tickets. Hereinafter, each step will be described.
Step 101: The device waits for an operator (ticket seller or passenger) to input a command.
Step 102: It is determined whether or not the input command is cancellation. If cancelled, the process proceeds to step 104; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 103. In this case, if it is not cancelled, only consider issuing a ticket.
Step 103: Normal ticketing processing (designated seat ticket, boarding ticket, etc.) is performed.
Step 104: Insert a reserved seat ticket to be canceled into the device.
Step 105: The device reads the magnetic part of the reserved seat ticket and compares the boarding date and departure time with the current date and time. If it is a reserved seat ticket of a train whose departure time is later than the current time after the current date or even at the current date, it is determined that cancellation is possible, and the routine proceeds to step 106. Otherwise, the fact that it cannot be canceled is displayed on the display unit of the apparatus, the inputted reserved seat ticket is returned, and the process proceeds to step 101.
Step 106: Report the cancellation to the host computer and update the file on the host computer managing the seat reservation so that other passengers can reserve the seat.
Step 107: The device issues a coupon ticket so that the canceled passenger can make a reservation again. A fee may be charged if necessary.
Step 108: If another process is still accepted, go to Step 101. If the process is terminated and the apparatus no longer accepts input, the process flow is terminated.
[0015]
Here, the device that can handle the coupon ticket is a device provided with a cancel function in a device operated by a station staff or a travel center staff or a device operated by a passenger described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-37469. The coupon issued at step 107 is preferably a new coupon different from the designated ticket to be canceled. Alternatively, the reserved seat ticket input to the apparatus may be returned in a state where it can be reserved again.
[0016]
The first embodiment described a method for canceling a reserved seat ticket purchased with a coupon ticket. In the second embodiment, a method for canceling a reserved seat ticket purchased with a coupon ticket, cash, or various credit cards will be described. FIG. 2 shows the processing flow, and each step (step 201 and subsequent steps) will be described below. Steps 101 to 105 in the figure are the same as those in FIG.
Step 201: It is determined whether the inserted reserved seat ticket is a ticket purchased with a coupon ticket. If it is a ticket purchased with a coupon ticket, the process proceeds to step 105 in FIG.
Step 202: It is determined whether it is a change of a designated train or a seat (this is called a boarding change). If it is a boarding change, it will progress to 103 of FIG. 1, and processing of reservation and ticketing will be performed. If it is not a boarding change, it will progress to step 203 and a cancellation process will be performed.
Step 203: It is determined whether the inserted ticket is a ticket purchased with cash or a ticket purchased with a credit card. If it is a ticket purchased with cash, the process proceeds to step 204, and if it is a ticket purchased with a credit card, the process proceeds to step 205.
Step 204: A predetermined fee is deducted and refunded.
Step 205: Since the purchase is made with a credit card, cash is not refunded, the fee is subtracted, the refund is reported to the host computer, and the money is transferred to the passenger account at a later date.
Step 206: If another process is still accepted, the process proceeds to step 101 in FIG. If the process is terminated and the apparatus no longer accepts input, the process flow is terminated.
[0017]
To summarize the above, when canceling a reserved seat ticket purchased with a coupon ticket, a new coupon ticket (or an equivalent with the ability to purchase a reserved seat ticket again) is issued and purchased in cash. If so, deduct the fee and refund it in cash, and if it was purchased with a credit card, deduct the fee and transfer the refund to the passenger's account at a later date.
[0018]
In the present embodiment, the cancellation of the reserved seat ticket is described as an example, but it goes without saying that it can also be used for a non-reserved seat ticket, an air ticket or other transportation ticket, or an admission ticket with a limited capacity. In the case of a non-reserved seat ticket, if the capacity can be ignored, the cancellation process in step 106 in FIG. 1 can be omitted.
[0019]
In addition, all cancellation processes can be automated, reducing the burden on the staff at the counter. In addition, if this is achieved with a customer-operated terminal operated by passengers, passengers who cancel or change passengers do not need to line up with manned counters, and even if the counter is closed, they can cancel or change boarding. Since the number of people lined up decreases, the waiting time for passengers other than cancellations and boarding changes is reduced.
[0020]
FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of an apparatus that can purchase and cancel a reserved seat ticket. The display unit 319 displays an instruction to purchase or cancel the reserved seat ticket, and an operator (station staff, travel agency staff, passenger, etc.) of the device selects using the touch panel 320. . The CPU 300 analyzes which instruction has been selected.
[0021]
In the case of purchase, which of the credit card (hereinafter referred to as a card), coupon ticket, or cash is used for the display unit 319? The operator inputs a purchase method from the touch panel 320. When purchasing with a card, the card is input from the card input unit 302, and the card reading unit 303 reads the ID number of the card. The card owner (passenger in many cases) inputs a personal identification number from the touch panel 320, and the communication control unit 301 makes an inquiry to the host computer to confirm the identity. After the identity verification is completed or a ticket is issued, the card is returned from the card output unit 304. If the operator of this device is not a passenger, he / she may have the voucher signed instead of entering the password.
[0022]
When purchasing with a coupon ticket, the coupon ticket is inserted from the coupon ticket input unit 307, and the type / authenticity discrimination unit 306 determines the boarding zone, equipment (ordinary, green), expiration date of the coupon ticket, etc. read. If it is a valid coupon, the boarding date, train name, etc. are input using the touch panel 320, the host computer is accessed via the communication control unit 301, and seat designation is received. If the seat is determined, the designated seat ticket accumulated in the designated seat ticket stacker 314 is printed by the printing unit 313 and output from the ticket output unit 310. On the other hand, the inserted coupon ticket is collected by the coupon collection unit 309. In addition to this method, a method of printing directly on the inserted coupon and outputting it may be used.
[0023]
When purchasing with cash, instead of entering the card, cash is inserted from the depositing unit 315 before issuing a ticket, and the denomination / authenticity determining unit 316 determines whether the denomination is genuine. If there is a change, refund will be made from the withdrawal unit 318. The cash management unit 317 manages the total sales amount, the amount of cash prepared for the first change, the input amount, and the withdrawal amount. In the magnetic part of the ticket, in addition to the boarding date, boarding section, train number, seat number, etc., the ticketing date, the ticketing terminal ID, and what (card, coupon ticket, cash) are stored.
[0024]
In the case of cancellation, a ticket is inserted from the ticket input unit 305, the type / authenticity determination unit 306 reads the magnetic part of the ticket, and the CPU 300 determines whether the ticket can be canceled. This was described in step 105. If it is a cancelable ticket, the processing from step 104 onward is executed. When the cancellation process is completed, the inserted ticket is collected in the ticket collection unit 308. In the case of a ticket purchased with a coupon ticket, a new coupon ticket stored in the coupon ticket stacker 312 is issued from the coupon ticket output unit 311 to the ticket output unit 310 instead of the collected coupon ticket. The memory 321 is used to store information for reservation (boarding date, train name, number of sheets, etc.) when communicating with the host computer.
[0025]
In the case of receiving a seat reservation using a reserved seat coupon, even if there is a restriction that the coupon ticket cannot be used during busy periods, the number of times the passenger rides on the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the boarding date) It was not possible to determine whether it was time to use the ticket. In the third embodiment, an implementation method will be described in which a ticket issuing device makes the above determination when issuing a reserved seat ticket. Table 1 shows the coupon ticket unusable period table.
[0026]
[Table 1]

This example shows that coupons cannot be used for three periods from April 28 to May 6, July 21 to August 20, and December 28 to January 6. For the convenience of program creation, the year-end and New Year holidays are divided and stored. This table is stored in a device that issues a reserved seat ticket. If the boarding date is within this period, it is determined that the coupon ticket is not usable, and if it is not within this period, it is determined that the ticket can be used. Further, as shown in Table 2, a date indicating a year and a flag indicating whether or not the coupon can be used on that day may be provided.
[0027]
[Table 2]

In this example, flag 0 indicates that it can be used, and flag 1 indicates that it cannot be used. A device that issues a reserved seat ticket refers to this table and looks at the boarding date flag to determine whether or not the coupon ticket can be used on that day.
[0028]
Another example close to the present embodiment is an automatic ticket gate for commuter passes. The use start date and use end date stored in the commuter pass are compared with the current date by an automatic ticket gate. Another example is a comparison of only one period, where “the current day is after the use start date (including the start date)” and “the current day is before the use end date (including the end date)”. It is only necessary to compare the two, and this can be realized by a simple method.
[0029]
In contrast, in the present invention, the expiration date of the coupon ticket is compared with the current date in the same way as the other examples. However, the coupon ticket cannot be used for a plurality of periods in one year. It is necessary to investigate whether or not the day falls within all periods, and complicated processing is required as shown in FIG. In the case of an automatic ticket gate for commuter passes, the use start date and use end date set when the commuter pass is issued are not changed, but in the present invention, the unusable period of the coupon ticket can be changed. Furthermore, the automatic ticket gate is intended to determine the validity / invalidity of the commuter pass itself, but in this embodiment of the present invention, it is not intended to determine the validity / invalidity of the coupon ticket itself, The purpose is to make the apparatus determine whether or not a coupon ticket can be used depending on the boarding date, which has been conventionally determined by station staff.
[0030]
A method for determining whether or not a coupon ticket can be used will be described using Table 1 in FIG. Hereinafter, each step will be described. The boarding date is fm month fd day.
Step 401: A control variable i is initialized.
Step 402: Increment the control variable i.
Step 403: Since the unusable period is four periods, it is confirmed whether or not all the periods have been checked. If i = 4 or less, the process proceeds to step 404. If i = 5, the boarding date has not entered all the coupon ticket unusable periods, so it is determined that the board can be used.
Step 404: Compare whether fm month is smaller than sm (i). If it is smaller, this period (when the control variable = i) is not entered, so the process proceeds to step 402 to investigate the next period. If fm ≧ sm (i), the process proceeds to step 405, and this period is entered. Find out if it is.
Step 405: If fm = sm (i), there is a possibility that it is within that period. If fm> sm (i), the process proceeds to step 406 in order to examine the magnitude relationship with em (i).
Step 406: If fm ≦ em (i), further check is made after step 408. If fm> em (i), it is after this period, so the routine proceeds to step 402.
Step 407: If fd <sd (i), since this period is before, the routine proceeds to step 402. If fd ≧ sd (i), there is a possibility of entering this period.
Step 408: If fm <em (i), since this period has been entered, it is determined that it cannot be used. If fm ≧ em (i), the date is checked in step 410.
Step 409: If fm> em (i), it is after this period, so proceed to Step 402. If fm ≦ em (i), it is examined in more detail at step 411.
Step 410: If fd ≦ ed (i), since this period is entered, it is determined that it cannot be used. If fd> ed (i), it is after this period, so the routine proceeds to step 402.
Step 411: If fm <em (i), since it is within this period, it is determined that it cannot be used. If fm = em (i), go to step 412 to check the date.
Step 412: If fd ≦ ed (i), since it is within this period, it is determined that it cannot be used. Otherwise, after this period, go to step 402.
[0031]
The tables in Tables 1 and 2 may be stored in the host computer to which the device is connected instead of the device.
[0032]
The non-useable period (also referred to as a use-prohibited period) of the coupon ticket can be changed according to the calendar of the year. For example, in Table 1, “January 1 to January 6” is described, but when January 7 is a Sunday, the period can be changed from “January 1 to January 7”. Like that. The implementation method is that when the table in Table 1 or 2 is changed, if the table is stored in the device, a new table is created on the host computer and triggered by a download request from the device. Download the table or forcibly download the table from the host computer. If the table exists in the host computer, the table may be updated at a time when access from the apparatus is prohibited.
[0033]
In the example of reading the expiry date of a commuter pass using an automatic ticket gate, the expiry date of a commuter pass issued once cannot be changed. To change the expiry date, another commuter pass must be issued. Don't be. On the other hand, in this embodiment, there is an effect that the unusable period can be freely changed.
[0034]
The fourth embodiment describes a method for allowing other passengers to make a reservation after canceling the seat reservation.
[0035]
FIG. 5 shows an example of a train file, and FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of a seat management file.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is an example of a train No. 16 of a train. The reservation status of each seat from seat numbers 1A to 20E is linked to the seat management file shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B with a pointer “pxx”. FIGS. 6A and 6B are examples of a management file for a certain seat. It shows which section is empty from Hakata to Tokyo. In the figure, a to j are stations. In the figure, a circled section indicates vacant seats, and a crossed section indicates reserved. -Indicates the first station (Hakata). In this example, Shin-Osaka to Nagoya were reserved before cancellation. When this passenger cancels, the device for issuing the designated seat ticket described in FIG. 3 reads the ticket, knows the train number and seat number, and accesses the train file of FIG. Therefore, the seat management file shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is accessed from the pointer, and the boarding section (Shin-Osaka-Nagoya) is changed from x to ◯. This seat can now accept reservations from Hakata to Tokyo.
[0037]
In the fifth embodiment, a method for selling a reserved seat ticket twice will be described. When a passenger having a reserved seat ticket gets on a train earlier than planned, it is detected and the reserved seat ticket is sold to other passengers. FIG. 7 shows a hardware configuration diagram for realizing it. The host computer 70 and the on-board computer 72 installed in the vehicle 700 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The means is that the station server 71 and the on-board computer 72 are connected by an overhead line or a dedicated line 701 extending in parallel with the overhead line, and the host computer 70 and the station server 71 are connected as before. The on-board computer 72 includes a communication control unit 73, a CPU 74, and a main memory 75. Devices connected to the on-vehicle computer 72 include a keyboard 76, a ticket reader 77, and a display 78. All of these may be installed in the crew room, or the keyboard 76, the ticket reader 77, and the display 78 are integrated, and a communication unit (not shown) is provided so that it can be carried in the vehicle as a terminal for a conductor. It may be connected to the on-board computer 72. The ticket reader 77 reads the boarding ticket and the reserved seat ticket and automatically verifies the validity of the ticket. In addition, according to a report of the Railway Technical Research Institute, there is an example in which a ticket can be read at a seat in the vehicle and the ticket check can be omitted, so this may be used instead of the conductor terminal described above.
[0038]
FIG. 8 shows a processing method for detecting a passenger on a train earlier than the designated train and selling the seat that the passenger has been designated to other passengers. Here, it is assumed that the rules regarding reserved seat tickets are as follows.
(1) Sit on a specified seat on a specified train on a specified day.
(2) On a designated day, you can get on a train that has not been designated, but you can only take a non-reserved seat (you cannot sit on a train with all seats reserved).
(3) You can not ride on any other day.
[0039]
Hereinafter, each step will be described.
Step 801: A reserved seat ticket is read by a conductor terminal or a seat reader, and it is checked whether or not the date matches today's date. If they match, the process proceeds to step 803, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step 802.
Step 802: The message 1 “You cannot ride with this ticket” is displayed on the seat display to inform the passengers, or displayed on the display 78 in the conductor compartment to teach the conductor about illegal boarding.
Step 803: Check whether the designated train name type and train number (train name + number, Hikari 100, etc.) and the train name type and train number of the train match. If they match, the process proceeds to step 804, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step 806.
Step 804: Check whether the seat number (including the vehicle number) stored in the ticket matches the seat number where the passenger is seated. If they match, it is regarded as a normal ride and the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step 805.
Step 805: The message 2 “The seat is wrong” is displayed on the display 78 of the passenger or the conductor's compartment, and the processing is terminated.
Step 806: It is checked whether the departure time of the boarding station of the currently boarding train is earlier than the departure time of the designated train boarding station (hereinafter referred to as a front ride). If it is a front ride, the process proceeds to step 807; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 808.
Step 807: Cancel the seat that the passenger has been designated. Since details have been described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, they are omitted here.
Step 808: Since the passenger is late, if the seat is a reserved seat, the message 3 “You cannot sit in the reserved seat. Please move to a free seat” or “The specified seat reservation fee is required” is displayed. Display on the seat or conductor's display.
[0040]
Since the above check is performed for each seat, in the conductor's compartment, all seats for each vehicle are displayed on one screen, normal rides, and the messages 1, 2, and 3 are displayed in colors corresponding to each, and it is illegal at a glance. It becomes possible to detect boarding. When the number of conductors is small, it is efficient to respond from an urgent illegal ride (for example, a passenger seated in a reserved seat with Message 1 or a non-reserved seat) and go to that seat to collect additional charges. Management becomes possible.
[0041]
In addition, when the proximity sensor used in a vending machine or customer-operated terminal is installed in the seat, the passenger can know the situation that the passenger is sitting but the ticket is not inserted into the leader in the conductor's passenger compartment. it can. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently detect passengers who are riding without having a ticket.
[0042]
Once the designated seat ticket inserted into the ticket reader is read, it is stored for the designated section even if the passenger puts it in a pocket or the like. For example, once the designated seat ticket “from Tokyo to Nagoya” is inserted into the ticket reader, the passenger sitting in that seat has the on-board computer 72 memorize that it has the designated seat ticket to Nagoya. deep. When arriving in Nagoya, the information is reset and a new passenger ticket is awaited. Passenger seats with tickets from west of Nagoya will not be reset in Nagoya. When the train departs, the processing of FIG. 8 is performed for all seats or seats that may have been boarded in Nagoya.
[0043]
FIG. 9 shows the format of the reserved seat ticket. The train name type and the train number may be combined and managed as a train number. Here, both the vehicle number and the seat number are stored in the seat number.
[0044]
Describes how to determine whether it is a front ride. Table 3 shows the timetable database.
[0045]
[Table 3]

If the departure time of the boarding station of the currently boarding train is earlier than the departure time of the designated train boarding station, it is a front ride. For example, if a passenger who has been assigned seats from Hakata to Shin-Osaka on Hikari 10 gets on Hikari 01, the boarding date will be the same as the designated date. Since the departure time of Hakata No. 01 (6:00) is early, it is determined that it is a front ride. Both times to be compared are not the departure time of the first station of the train. For example, if a passenger who has been assigned a seat from Okayama to Shin-Osaka in Kodama 01 gets on Hikari 01 from Okayama, the departure time of the first station in Hiroshima from Kodama 01 is Kodama 01 than Hikari 01 However, the departure time at Okayama Station is earlier for Hikari 01. In this case, the departure time of the boarding station (Okayama) is compared, and it is determined that the vehicle is on the front.
[0046]
In this embodiment, the railway company can collect the reserved seat fee twice from the same seat. In addition, there is a higher possibility that a passenger's desire to receive a seat designation will be realized.
[0047]
In the sixth embodiment, a method for knowing seat availability information will be described. FIG. 10 shows a display example of the display. When the boarding date, train name type, train number, boarding section, and car number are entered from an input means such as a keyboard, information on each seat is displayed. In the figure, ○ means vacant seats, and X means not vacant seats. When a terminal that realizes this is installed in a station premises or a travel agency, it may be connected directly to the host computer 70 that manages reservations or to the station server 71. This terminal can also be installed in the vehicle. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the host computer 70 is accessed from the communication control unit 73 of the on-board computer 72 via the dedicated line 701 and the station server 71. The host computer 70 knows the pointers to the seat management file for each seat from the train file in FIG. 5, and determines that the seat management file in FIG. To do. When all seats of the specified car of the corresponding train are checked, the result is displayed as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the passenger can select a favorite seat, which improves the service. Further, since the latest reservation status can be known in the vehicle, it is possible to purchase a reserved seat ticket in the vehicle. At that time, since it is reported to the host computer 70, the seat is not sold to other passengers. This embodiment can be used not only for railways but also for plane seat designation.
[0048]
In addition, although this invention can be implemented with a various form, the example is shown below.
(1) When canceling a ticket for transportation such as a railway or airplane, read the ticket issued and determine whether it is a cancelable ticket. If it is a cancelable ticket, cancel it. Reservation or cancellation method to issue another ticket or coupon.
(2) When canceling a ticket for transportation such as a railway or airplane, read the ticket issued, determine whether it is a cancelable ticket, and cancel if it is a cancelable ticket, Reservation or cancellation method that deducts fees and refunds.
(3) When canceling a ticket issued using a coupon ticket for transportation such as railways or airplanes, the ticket issued is read, it is determined whether it is a cancelable ticket, and the ticket can be canceled. For example, a reservation or cancellation method for canceling and issuing a ticket that can be reserved again.
(4) When canceling a ticket for transportation such as a railway or airplane, read the ticket issued and determine whether it is a cancelable ticket. If it is a cancelable ticket, cancel it, It is determined whether the ticket is a reserved seat ticket issued with a coupon ticket or a reserved seat ticket purchased with cash. In the former case, a ticket that can be used to purchase a reserved seat ticket is issued. Reservation or cancellation method with a choice of refund or another reservation.
(5) When canceling a ticket for transportation such as a railway or airplane, read the ticket issued and determine whether it is a cancelable ticket. If it is a cancelable ticket, cancel it, It is determined whether the ticket is a reserved seat ticket issued with a coupon ticket or a reserved seat ticket purchased with cash or a credit card. In the former case, a ticket that can be used to purchase a reserved seat ticket is issued, and the latter If you purchase with cash, you can choose to refund or make another reservation.If you purchase with a credit card, you can choose to refund to the cardholder's account or make another reservation at a later date. There is a reservation or cancellation method.
(6) When issuing tickets for transportation such as railways and airplanes by entering coupon tickets, it is determined whether or not the boarding date desired by the passenger is the coupon ticket availability period. A reservation or cancellation method for indicating on a display means that a coupon is not usable on the boarding date if a reservation is attempted and the ticket cannot be used.
(7) In the above (6), the method for determining whether or not it is a usable period is to store data indicating the usable period or the unusable period in the ticket issuing device, and the boarding date is included in this period A reservation or cancellation method for determining whether or not to be performed in the apparatus.
(8) In the above (6), the method for determining whether or not it is a usable period is to store data indicating the usable period or the unusable period in a computer connected to the ticket issuing device, and the boarding date is this period. A reservation or cancellation method for determining in the computer whether or not it is included.
(9) A reservation or cancellation method for rewriting from a computer connected to the apparatus when there is a change in the data indicating the usable period or the unusable period stored in the apparatus in (7).
(10) In the method of (6), the method for determining whether or not it is in the usable period is such that the device stores data indicating the date of one year and whether or not the day is usable, and the passenger desires A reservation or cancellation method for determining in the apparatus whether or not the boarding date to be used is usable.
(11) In the method (6), the method for determining whether or not the period is usable is that a computer connected to the apparatus stores a date of one year and data indicating whether or not the day is usable. A reservation or cancellation method for determining in the computer whether or not the boarding date desired by the passenger is usable.
(12) In the above (10), when there is a change in the date of one year stored in the device and the data indicating whether or not the date is usable, the reservation or rewriting from the computer connected to the device How to cancel.
(13) After canceling the reservation, access the file managing the reservation, cancel the reservation status, and allow other passengers to make reservations (1), (2), (3), The reservation or cancellation method according to any one of (4), (5), and (6).
(14) For a passenger having a seat reserved seat ticket of a train, the seat reserved seat ticket owned by the passenger is read by means of reading the seat reserved seat ticket when checking in the car or when getting off, so that the train at a time earlier than a predetermined train A reservation or cancellation method that detects when a passenger has boarded, cancels a seat of a train reserved by the passenger, and allows other passengers to make a reservation.
(15) In a method of reading at least one of a passenger's ticket, a designated seat ticket, and a medium that performs the function described on the left in a train seat, a sensor is provided in the seat to detect whether the passenger is seated, A reservation or cancellation method for finding a seated passenger who has not read at least one of a ticket and a medium that functions as a reserved seat ticket.
(16) In a method of reading at least one of a passenger's ticket, a designated seat ticket, and a medium that performs the function described on the left in a train seat, a sensor is provided in the seat to detect whether the passenger is seated, Although at least one of the ticket and the medium that functions as the reserved seat ticket is not read, the seated passenger is detected, and at least one of the ticket, the reserved seat ticket, and the medium that performs the function described above is used. A reservation or cancellation method for displaying a message requesting input to a reading means on a display device installed in a seat.
(17) In a method of reading at least one of a passenger's ticket, a designated seat ticket, and a medium that performs the function described on the train seat, it is checked whether the passenger is on a predetermined train or is seated on a predetermined seat. Detecting passengers who are riding differently from the predetermined boarding, so that the different types of boarding (such as different boarding dates, different trains, different seats, etc.) can be detected, the boarding ticket, reserved seating ticket, left A reservation or cancellation method for displaying on a display device of a management terminal connected to means for reading at least one of media having a function.
(18) In a method of reading at least one of a passenger's ticket, a designated seat ticket, and a medium that performs the function described on the left in a train seat, the read information is stored until it arrives at the first stop station, For seats that have read at least one of a ticket, a reserved seat ticket, or a medium that performs the function described on the left until the first stop, the information is reset. For seats that do not At least one of the seats that may have been taken from the station after leaving the first stop station, or the seats for passengers, the reserved seat tickets, and the medium that performs the above functions for all seats. A reservation or cancellation method in which the above process is repeated from the second stop station to the end station.
(19) A reservation or cancellation device for issuing a reserved seat ticket in which at least two or more of coupon tickets, cash, and cards (various cards such as credit cards and prepaid cards) can be used.
(20) At least two or more of coupon tickets, cash, and cards (various cards such as credit cards and prepaid cards) can be used, and reserved seat tickets can be issued. For tickets issued, Reservation or cancellation device that can also be canceled.
(21) In a device for issuing tickets for transportation such as railways and airplanes, it is determined whether a ticket that has been issued is input to the device and is a cancelable ticket. A reservation or cancellation device that issues another ticket or coupon.
(22) In a device for issuing tickets for transportation such as railways and airplanes, the ticket issued is read by the device, whether or not it is a cancelable ticket, and if it is a cancelable ticket, the ticket is cancelled. A reservation or cancellation device that will then deduct the fee and refund.
(23) A reservation or cancellation device for inputting a ticket for transportation such as a railway or an airplane, accepting and issuing a reservation, inputting the ticket and canceling it, and issuing a ticket that can be reserved again .
(24) In a device that issues tickets for transportation such as railways and airplanes, when a ticket that has already been issued is entered into the device and canceled, the ticket was purchased with a reserved seat ticket issued by a coupon ticket or cash. Reservation to determine whether it is a reserved seat ticket, in the case of the former, issue a coupon ticket that can be used to purchase a reserved seat ticket, and in the latter case, a reservation that allows the operator of the device to select whether to make a refund or another reservation Or cancellation device.
(25) In a device for issuing tickets for transportation such as railways and airplanes, when a ticket that has already been issued is input to the device and canceled, the ticket is a reserved seat ticket issued by a coupon ticket, cash or credit card In the case of the former, a ticket that can be used to purchase the reserved seat ticket is issued. In the latter case, if the ticket is purchased in cash, a refund or another reservation is made. A reservation or cancellation device that allows the operator of the device to select whether to refund to the cardholder's account or make another reservation at a later date when purchasing with a credit card.
(26) A reservation or cancellation device that displays a plurality of seats on one screen when information for specifying a predetermined train, a boarding station, and a getting-off station are input, and indicates whether each seat is vacant.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when viewed from the passenger side, seat reservation or cancellation can be performed by the passenger's operation, and there is an effect that it is not necessary to line up at the window. Also, from the viewpoint of transportation, it is possible to reduce the number of counters and shorten the time for opening counters, thereby reducing labor costs.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an example of a processing flow for canceling a ticket that has been designated as a seat with a reserved seat coupon.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a processing flow when canceling a ticket that has been designated as a seat ticket with a reserved seat and a ticket purchased with cash or a credit card.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus capable of reserving or canceling a seat using a ticket with a reserved seat and selling and canceling a ticket using cash and a credit card.
FIG. 4 is an example of a processing flow for determining whether or not a coupon ticket can be used.
FIG. 5 is an example of a train file representing a pointer to a seat management file for each seat.
FIG. 6 is an example of a seat management file indicating whether a seat is vacant for each boarding section, in which (a) is an example before cancellation, and (b) is an example of a state after cancellation.
FIG. 7 shows an example of the system configuration of a vehicle computer and a host computer.
FIG. 8 is an example of a processing flow indicating whether or not the vehicle is a front ride.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a storage format for a reserved seat ticket.
FIG. 10 shows an example of a vacant seat display screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
70 ... Host computer, 71 ... Station server, 72 ... On-board computer, 73 ... Communication control unit, 74 ... CPU, 75 ... Main memory, 76 ... Keyboard, 77 ... Ticket reader, 78 ... Display, 700 ... Vehicle, 701 ... Dedicated line.

Claims (1)

In a cancellation device that cancels reservations for reserved seat tickets that have already been issued,
Insertion means for inserting a reserved seat ticket to be canceled;
Input means for inputting a cancellation instruction for the reserved seat ticket inserted into the insertion means;
A coupon ticket output means for outputting a coupon ticket that is different from the reserved seat ticket inserted into the insertion means and can reserve a reserved seat;
Processing means for canceling the designated seat ticket inserted into the insertion means when a cancel instruction for the designated seat ticket is input to the input means;
Determining means for determining whether the designated seat ticket was purchased with a coupon ticket by reading information indicating whether the designated seat ticket was purchased with a coupon ticket from the magnetic part of the designated seat ticket inserted into the insertion means;
When it is determined that the designated seat ticket inserted into the inserting means is purchased by a coupon ticket and the processing means cancels the coupon ticket by causing the coupon ticket output means to output the coupon ticket. And a ticket issuing means for issuing a ticket.

Images